Dixie fire destroys large swath of Greenville: ‘It sounds like a war zone’ [Los Angeles Times]
Powerful winds and dry conditions caused fires in Northern California to explode Wednesday, with the massive Dixie fire sweeping into the town of Greenville and destroying swaths of the downtown area. Another day of winds is on tap for the region Thursday, with the National Weather Service issuing a red flag warning for the mountain areas of northeast California. Crews are still assessing the damage, but it’s believed three out of four of the town’s structures were consumed by the blaze, fire spokeswoman Serena Baker said Thursday morning. Fire officials said they were battling the blaze inside the town for hours, and people fled as the fire approached throughout the day. “It sounds like a war zone out there,” resident Rhonda Reames told KXTV-TV in Sacramento, saying she watched as fire swept through trees and caused propane tanks to explode. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) shared photos of buildings burning on Main Street. “These pictures crush my heart,” he said.
$2 million helicopters and vintage fire trucks: How frustrated Napa residents are taking wildfire protection into their own hands [San Francisco Chronicle]
Rather than rely solely on Cal Fire helicopters, which must be shared throughout the state, some county residents want to purchase aircraft to fight fires only in Napa, cost be damned. One winemaker offered to arrange for two firefighting airplanes for Napa County for the upcoming season; another resident has proposed bringing in Black Hawk helicopters at his own expense, a cost of $2 million. One winemaker offered to arrange for two firefighting airplanes for Napa County for the upcoming season; another resident has proposed bringing in Black Hawk helicopters at his own expense, a cost of $2 million. But county residents taking matters into their own hands is proving difficult. The county Board of Supervisors has rejected one of the aircraft offers and hasn’t made a decision on the other. That has enraged some locals, who say that the county is not acting urgently in the face of crisis.
River Fire: Homes leveled, thousands evacuated near Colfax as crews brace for wind [Sacramento Bee]
The River Fire that swept through a neighborhood near Colfax appeared to be largely out early Thursday, as Cal Fire teams worked to stamp out flareups from several of the homes that were destroyed in the blaze. Officials were concerned about forecasts for winds picking up around 9 a.m., but there was no sign of the huge smoke plume that exploded over the area Wednesday afternoon and forced the evacuation of most of the city of Colfax. Still, a red flag warning remains in place through 9 p.m. — the National Weather Service warns gusts could reach 35 mph.The wildfire grew at a furious pace in the hours after it sparked Wednesday afternoon, north of Applegate in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It has consumed 2,400 acres and destroyed at least 50 structures, including homes, Cal Fire said Thursday morning. It is still 0% contained.
https://www.sacbee.com/article253278688.html
Severe drought is forcing one of Sonoma’s best Syrah vineyards to make no wine [San Francisco Chronicle]
Because of drought, one of Sonoma County’s best Syrah vineyards will bear no fruit this year. The grapevines at Griffin’s Lair Vineyard in Petaluma are parched, said owner John Flynn. Unlike the typical lush, full, green canopies that you’d expect to see this time of year, as harvest approaches, the vines look haggard and weak. Some leaves are already turning brown. With no water available to give them, Flynn made the decision this week to drop the entire crop, which in a good year would supply Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes to eight wineries including Pax and Spottswoode. It’s the best way to ensure the crop’s survival, he said.
California Drought: Cotati Farm Rescuing Livestock Abandoned Due to Water Shortages [KPIX-CBS 5 Bay Area]
The drought is affecting every part of Bay Area life in ways residents never could have imagined. But in rural Sonoma County, it’s having a devastating impact on the region’s farm animals. The water shortage is leaving the animals’ owners with a heart-breaking choice. This is shaping up to be the driest August in Sonoma County history. The grass in the pastures is long gone. It may be farm country, but for many it has become a test of survival. With no grass for grazing, people are turning in their animals, which can be tough enough when it has become a family pet. At least once a day, Erica Gregory is sent to collect an animal that has been put in someone else’s pasture or even set free to wander in the street.
Santa Cruz’s Common Roots Farm blooms [Santa Cruz Sentinel]
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Highway 9, just yards away from Pogonip, is the vibrant Common Roots Farm. There, farmers water ruby strawberries, hearty kale and mesmerizing dahlias. Twenty different food crops and 30 flower varieties are tended to by volunteers and farm staff. Many of those community members who work the farm are people who live with intellectual/developmental disability. Some also live with physical disability. The farm offers weekly shares of vegetables, produce, eggs and flowers through a community-supported agriculture program, or CSA.
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2021/08/04/santa-cruzs-common-roots-farm-blooms/
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