Day of Fire

Three major fire events today:

Firstly, we here at pennylane productions were rudely awakened around 4 a.m. by a high-pitched fire alarm. The ear aching alarm accompanied by a flashing strobe light was coming from the hallway. When we arrived outside, twenty or so neighbors were already out in different stages of shock, sleepiness, and surprise. Some lugged pet carrying cases with whiny felines tucked inside. Two extra long fire trucks, two smaller fire ambulances, and one fire car were on the scene within minutes. Fully suited firefighters carrying axes and oxygen tanks ran up the front stairs. We all gazed up and windows were pushed open, with black smoke rushing out. A local news van pulled over, and a cameraman started shooting upwards, scanning left and right. Apparently, all the madness was caused by a burning pan. Someone had left their unit and left the stove fire on low.

Secondly, a huge fire erupted on 101 North near Cow Palace. All of us at work looked out the window to see dark grey smoke shooting into the sky. We were relieved to realise it was only a brush fire. Thankfully it was not burning cars.

Thirdly, yet another huge brush fire has consumed 25,000 acres and have caused 4000 residents to be evacuated from Waikoloa, Hawai'i. Folks at pennylane productions have family in the vicinity, but not in the evacuated area.

A friend told me that on the 27th of this month, Mars will be the closest it's been to the Earth in recorded human history! Hopefully the fires of today are not any kind of foreshadowing of more madness to come?