AM UPDATE: While I woke to the smell of smoke this am, and saw a lot more smoke this morning than last evening, the thermals are looking good. No new hot spots and it looks under control.

LAST NIGHT: It is hard not to panic, when the word “fire” is mentioned, but please don’t. I’ve looked at the thermals and geos, which Kimball pulled for me (I REALLY do have to get better at this stuff!!), and it appears to be on Ft. Hunter-Leggett, in the FLATS, in a very defensible place with lots of roads and access. It is just south of Nacimiento-Feggusson Rd., almost due east from my location on Plaskett, on the other side of the Santa Lucias.

For several days now, I have heard the pounding of the big guns from over the mountain, knowing it was just a matter of time before the US ARMY started another fire, but this one does not look bad. (Please, goddess, do NOT make me eat my words!)

Kinnick and I were both gone this afternoon, when it started, but we both saw it as we were driving home. Kinnick describes it as not much more than a large campfire. I would guess it is a few acres, or so. Nothing to worry about, but just an early warning. The weather is supposed to heat up this weekend.

Also, I would point out, that at least up here, there is absolutely NO wind, and temperatures were so cool last night, and tonight, that I will be using a blanket, in AUGUST for pete’s sake!! So, we will keep an eye open, and report anything significant, but I suspect it may be under control before I wake in the am. This is one of those times when no further news will be good news.

If you want to view the thermals, click on Coast Communications on my blog roll, and then click on Fire Info. Scroll down to the 3d and 4th maps.

Have a good weekend!