Our plans dramatically changed yesterday, July 15th. We were preparing for a backpacking trip up to Tahquitz Fire Look Out Tower to do some maintenance on the structure as well as to be on the alert for possible fires when we heard there was a small 50 acre wildfire in Mountain Center 4 miles away.
We knew our trip would be cancelled when we saw the Lookout tower on top of Tahquitz Peak surrounded by smoke. The wildfire was growing.
The top of this peak is where the Lookout tower is located. Fortunately, the fire has not spread up to the mountain ridge.The smoke is drifting behind it.
We have seen and heard aerial attack on the fire constantly during daylight hours since the fire began.
Our friend, Dave compared it to being in a WWII movie.They are dropping water and retardant on the flames.The latest numbers of personnel include 15 helicopters, 10 fixed wing aircraft including a huge DC-10.There is a total of 2,241 firefighters battling this blaze on the ground and in the air.
Although this looks close, it is far off in the distance.
This DC-10 can carry the largest volume to attack the fire. I was told it can saturate 10 football size areas ten times before reloading.
This view is from Inspiration Point looking east outside of town.
As we watched, hotspots flared up.These photos were taken before the sun totally disappeared. Fortunately, the path of the fire is eastward away from Idyllwild. The mt ridge and winds from the west are helping to protect us from the destructive fire. As you can see from the photos, much devastation is going on beyond this town. Currently, some of the trails in the San Jacinto Wilderness have been closed due to the fire.The latest news (July 17) is that the fire has encompassed 14,200 acres. Idyllwild is not under threat but we are ready to leave if the situation changes.
