Simi Valley fire: bigger, closer
Compared to yesterday, the Simi Valley fire is much larger, smokier, and for the first time, I could see flames – which means the fire has crested mountains. It is also noticeably closer, and in some areas is now next to the 118 Freeway in Simi.
For those who know the area, I took this photo from the south end of the San Fernando Valley at the Reseda Blvd trailhead to Topanga State Park, a huge area with miles of fire roads and hiking trails. In a highly unusual move, the park itself is closed, with signs on the gates saying “Park Closed, Extreme Fire Danger”.
So, I stayed outside the park on a fire roads, scrambled up a small peak, and took the photo.