Azusa, CA Fire

This is the view driving into the mountains where the fire was set. My apologies that the pictures and video aren’t very clear. This was a last minute trip and I only had my phone.

This is the upper area of the valley. The fire is on the other side of the mountains. The road was closed at this point due to the fire.

You can see helicopters flying through the valley bringing water to the fire.

There was a steady flow of helicopters and planes attempting to drop water on the fire.

I was lucky enough to get a great view of one of the choppers picking up water at the reservoir.

Here are the helicopters circling the reservoir waiting to pick up more water.

The Holy Fire, Lake Elsinore, California

Many western states suffer through massive wildfires during the summer months.  The Holy Fire, which has been raging near Lake Elsinore, CA for weeks is one of the smaller fires in CA.  Fires in the northern portion of California have set records for size and destruction.  Many of last year’s fires were ferocious in their speed and destruction.  People around the world who saw this video will never forget the feeling of doom associated with the drivers on the freeway just trying to get to work safely. 

Planes bring much needed water to douse the flames from above.  

Thankfully, the 2018 fires in southern California have been nowhere near as devastating as the 2017 version.  (Northern California has not been as lucky.)  Lake Elsinore is in southern California just east of Orange County and north of San Diego County.  Here is some information about the history of Lake Elsinore.

http://www.lake-elsinore.org/visitors/history/city-timeline 

Here is the city website updating the status of the fire.

http://www.lake-elsinore.org/Home/Components/News/News/3535/26

I took these pictures and video on Saturday, 8/11/18.  The Holy Fire is much more contained at this time.  Residents who evacuated are being encouraged to return.  Hopefully the winds will stay calm so that the firefighters can finish the job. 

These pictures were taken from Route 15 in Temescal Valley.  Helicopters were picking up water from small lakes near the highway to try to get the fire under control.  Notice the real estate sign.  Location, location, location!

Have you visited Lake Elsinore?  What was your experience like?  Please post your thoughts, comments and questions below.