So looking at the satellite images, it appears that an east wind is pushing this monster. Not knowing much about the area, would a west wind push the fire back into itself, starving it of fuel?
Was watching a live stream in YouTube where a couple of former FS firefighters were making a stand with their private rigs defending one of the guys parents house. Cedar shakes roof, RH in the single digits, temps near 90, and a probability of ignition (PIG) of nearly 100%. Not sure if they were successful or not. I’m sure it was a long night as the fire was only 1/2 mile away. They did get pictures of possible looters they confronted taking boxes of stuff including handguns off the mountain. Special place in hell if that’s what was going on.
Godspeed to our guys in OR. The enormity of loss so quickly is unimaginable. I hope Mother Nature gives you a hand in getting this thing under control.
I never understood cedar shake roofs living fire and snow country. All my buildings had metal roofs. Every year had fires come through my area.
Easily available resources. I lived a good number of years in Redwood country. Shingle roofs and shake siding were quite common in the older neighborhoods. Some interesting construction techniques too, like no studs in the wall. Three layers of redwood 1x10, herringboned diagonally, cut holes through the three layers to put in windows and doors. Can't say it didn't work, the one house I lived in in the 90's was built before 1904 and survived a whole lot of earthquakes, including about 7 above 5.0M in the 8 years I was there. Apparently can flex quite nicely.
I'd change out our asphalt shingles in a minute for metal if I had more cash. We don't get many big snowstorms, but it might help in the event of a very close fire. The place has cement siding already and a big firebreak around us, but anything helps. Roofing is still good for maybe 10 more years? When it's time, it'll get metal if we're still here.
The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)
