The flames never crossed the road behind where we live, but this is how close the Santiago Fire got to our house. Having never seen the fire ourselves, since we were in Chicago on Sunday and Monday, we have no idea whether this burn area reflects the approaching fire itself or a defensive backfire set by firefighters. The neighbors don't know either, because the smoke was so think, no one could see the hills from over the wall from which I took this picture. However, I know that beyond the narrow band of green avocado trees toward the top of this photo is nothing but scorched Earth from there to the 261 toll road.
Now the fire is miles away, and there isn't much left to burn near our house, so I think we're safe for a couple of fire seasons, at least.
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