Just past Sonora we turn left and go onto the 120 back up into the mountains towards Yosemite. The air still has the smell of smoke that came and went with the wind and the valleys. Still a lot of hot spots remained and firetrucks were frequently driving in convoys. This huge fire was started by a guy with a fire on a windy ridge. At one point roughly 10,000 people were part of the fire-fighting efforts.
Fifty feet would make the difference between containing the fire, or having it destroy powerlines or jump a road. Huge pine trees were cut down along such drawn lines and you can see the effect because the efforts were successful. Another fifty feet away, and the fire just passed by leaving everything intact.
The Hetch Hetchy powerlines survived.
Ash not Snow, mile after mile
Notice the sprouts and saplings still standing but without needles. And the few branches that escaped, to no end.
Bob Ramirez and Michele talk to visitors about the Rim Fire
