Get the Latest On The California Fires

Fourteen years ago I was on the roof with a garden hose, dousing embers. This year we've been lucky -- we've had no high winds and no fires.

Nonetheless, the skies just outside of Pasadena have an orange cast and reports are that the smoke particles are dangerous to breath. I have an eye on the mountains and a fire evacuation bag at the ready.

California's Burning
If you turned on the TV, you already know that the California fires have been burning for three days with one report saying there are up to 800,000 evacuees.

As happened during the Katrina disaster, the Internet's become a resource for those of us wanting to know more -- of have a desire to help.

Image of California fires from NASA's MODIS Land
Rapid Response Team. More images here.

Here are a handful of spots for you to learn more about the California fires.

• Google Fire Map: This annotated mashup shows you specific fire locations. Unfortunately, the satellite images aren't updated.
• Google Fire Map Two: From KPBS news in San Diego, this Google mashup is extensively annotated with current details of each fire location. It's updated every quarter hour.
• San Diego's NBC TV: created a Firestorm Message Board in case you're trying to reach an evacuee. The station also has an excellent resource site.
• Network for Good: A site that offers ways for you to volunteer or make a donation. You can also look at the Next of Kin Registry, an emergency contact system.

Talkback
Have something to say about the California fires, or have a link to add? You can use Comments below or if you'd prefer, fire an e-mail right into my inbox.

Comments

Next of Kin Registry, this is one fine organization give money to this group till it hurts they are all about protecting you and our families they also support our troops and their families in the USA and overseas.

rockwella

October 24, 2007

5:48 PM PT

San Diego's MindTouch has also created a wildfire wiki page that pulls together all existing resources:
http://wiki.opengarden.org/Community/SoCal_Fire

awcroft

October 25, 2007

9:57 AM PT

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