Fire in the Pass

[Desert Spyder]

The west is ablaze at the moment and one of the moments most captured was the fire in the Cajon Pass of SouCal. It started on the south side of the freeway, possibly from a cigarette or an off roader, then with high winds it entered the freeway where it torched 20 cars before crossing the freeway and burned up to Baldy Mesa where it torched another 24 vehicles and claiming a dozen buildings. Last Saturday I was bringing my RT back home to Barstow over this same stretch of freeway when there was ANOTHER fire created when a MC and a bus collided and somehow created the flame. I was stuck in the middle of this mess. Traffic was backed up for miles as a steady stream of planes and choppers spread water and retardant on the flames. Fortunately the wind was blowing away from the freeway. The fire burned roughly 25 acres. Its no secret that the Spyder does not like stop and go traffic and high heat. At least the early S's and T's. I don't know about the newer bikes. My bike got hot and I had to seek refuge on the shoulder. I waited a total of 2 hrs total before risking going back out onto the freeway. Fortunately speeds crept up to 15 or so not too long after entering the freeway. Spidey was OK with this. Fortunately I had water with me. I always carry it when I go out of town, no exceptions. Never assume your trip will be a flash. I was wearing long sleeves/levis/ and a cap in the trunk. I wish I had a umbrella. Maybe BRP can make that an option LOL.

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Glad to hear that you weren't any closer... :yikes:

 

[Chupaca]

Bummer..!!

But it is the season and this drought is not helping. There are fires all around with little to no relief in sight. Now crossing finger that they will be controled as we are set to go up to Blue Lake for the 5th SITR. ray: too many have lost everything with so many more waiting to see if they will have a home to go back to..ray:ray:

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

happy to hear you ok.. yall sure could use a "light rain" for about 2 or 3 days. ..

osm

 

[belowme29]

Those are some powerful images - glad to hear that you were able to capture them from a distance and that your Spyder made it through OK. It horrible that CA and the surrounding area is going through a drought - and due to this, the land is crisp and dangerous because fires can come from anything. What a shame that so many people are affected by this.

 

[JayBros]

Glad you made it home safely. Certainly is a horrible situation.

 

[JerryB]

Hi Gene,

Re: as we are set to go up to Blue Lake for the 5th SITR.

I have been thinking the same thing as we get closer; and as the fires get closer.

I hope that they have a backup plan.

Jerry Baumchen

 

[ARtraveler]

The daily fire scenes are very scary. Most of the Western US is a tinderbox just waiting for a spark to happen.

Let us hope and ray: that there will be a change for the better.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Hi Gene,

Re: as we are set to go up to Blue Lake for the 5th SITR.

I have been thinking the same thing as we get closer; and as the fires get closer.

I hope that they have a backup plan.

Jerry Baumchen

I believe that the area directly around Blue Lake is still in that "marine layer" and isn't suffering from the drought. I just looked at their current weather and they have 79% humidity. Now we may have to go through, or around, some of the fires to get there but I think we will be okay there.

 

[Thump]

Wow
Glad you made it out safely
Pictures looked like you could feel the spray from the water drop
Stay safe
Thump

 

[Desert Spyder]

I believe that the area directly around Blue Lake is still in that "marine layer" and isn't suffering from the drought. I just looked at their current weather and they have 79% humidity. Now we may have to go through, or around, some of the fires to get there but I think we will be okay there.

I just noticed on tv that theres a fire near Clear Lake off the 20. Thats my intended rte from either Truckee to Yuba or the 99 to Yuba. We still have some time but so does Mother Nature.