I wrote a short piece detailing my week learning about wildfires from experts across Southern California with 14 other journalists. This was a somber experience amid so much loss. firehasnoseason.substack.com/p/ijnr-eyes-...

This is already coming in handy

I would break no fewer than four bones if I tried to ride one of those scooters. No thanks.

Also, yes, I know I don't post here much. I have an awful habit of neglecting platforms outside of X/Twitter/whatever it is now. I will try to do better.

I have a new blog coming out since I lost my previous site in a hosting snafu. Working on the first post now. This entry may have something to do with my trip with @ijnr.bsky.social earlier this month. Also, did you know giant tour buses can go off road?

Word choice

[Actually Grok AI is pretty useful in fact checking.] - FB comment As the kids say, we are so cooked.

Now that DOGE has entered FEMA, I’d like to say something about the importance of alerts and warnings. FEMA has a group called IPAWS, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, which is responsible for making sure you get warnings though all sorts of devices, basically for free. 1/

Hopefully February brings us more storms like the one expected next week. Otherwise, we will really need a March Miracle. But not too much at once, OK? Burn scars need to rest and heal.

SEJ has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation to strengthen climate journalism across North America! This grant is part of MacArthur’s $6 million investment in independent newsrooms and organizations dedicated to environmental reporting. www.macfound.org/press/press-...

What’s with playing some Trump statement at halftime of the CFP title game? So weird.

AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

General mood youtu.be/gGljJfnI7KU?...

"New fires in wind-prone areas may be uncontrollable this afternoon through Tuesday morning. High winds will likely reduce or eliminate aircraft capability. Long range spotting will render retardant and control lines ineffective ..." — South Ops

Useful as things pick up today: South Ops weather snooper (filtered, red flag and near-red flag stations): www.weather.gov/lox/fwmV3?ga...

State media. Sad times.

As PR stunts go, I suppose that one was effective for some people.

San Diego also has PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) warnings as of 1/19/2025. https://www.sdge.com/psps-dashboard #wildfires #cawx #psps #poweroutages #FireWx

To those claiming "This is normal for SoCal! It's always like this! There are always offshore winds in January! Vegetation dryness is irrelevant!", please reconsider your misinformation. This is intel intended directly for wildland fire personnel. #CAfire #CAwx #LAfires

It exists in all of our hearts and our minds, reading to open its yawning maw to all who believe and accept the portal as their master.

"Monday and Tuesday continue to look VERY concerning for the Santa Ana wind corridor of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties." — NWS Los Angeles area forecast discussion forecast.weather.gov/product.php?...

LAPTOP: battery is critically low ME: same

Hey @ai6yr.m.ai6yr.org.ap.brid.gy @barkflight.bsky.social @norcalstormchasing.bsky.social Jimmy Kimmel showing his appreciation for Watch Duty.

🚨 Red Flag Warning issued January 12 at 3:38PM PST until January 15 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA 🚨 Additional Details Here.(1/2)

The PDS Red Flag Warnings will return to various areas of Los Angeles Tuesday-Wednesday, though peak winds will be weaker. Still quite dangerous.

You’re telling me this life crisis is mid?

As more and more people turn to WatchDuty for up-to-date fire and evacuation info, please keep in mind they are a non-profit started for the public good, they are amazing in terms of being fast to report and offering a ton of maps and features and you should support them.

Please donate to Watch Duty if u can! app.watchduty.org/support_us/

Writing tip: After you finish, go back & cut all the adverbs. Then all the adjectives. Then all the other words. Eat the paper. Now you're free.

This article is making me feel better about things. What we can accomplish, and how not everyone in tech is a nihilistic bro... www.sfgate.com/tech/article...

A new fire has been named the #Kenneth fire.

Watch Duty is covering the new fire in the West Hills area: share.watchduty.org/i/40508?ts=1...

“This is NOT the time for conspiracy theories. Facts are facts. It is also NOT the time for political bickering. Let’s hold folks in our hearts instead.” 🙌🏻

From NWS Los Angeles re: a potential strong Santa Ana event next week: "Residents are urged to stay tuned to latest information and remain vigilant in steps to protect your life and property." forecast.weather.gov/product.php?...

For SoCal friends, Here is a list of resources for shelter, animal boarding, free items, and distribution hubs. These places can also use donations (e.g., food, water, masks, and blankets). Please consider donating if you can. For more info, visit Instagram: mutualaidla

It's different when it's you weighing where to go — when the evacuation order zone is literally across the freeway. Hearing the copters flying over my apartment while watching them on the app for which I report was surreal. You're listening to the scanner and watching reports in Slack.

From Daniel Miller/LAT on X:

#Uglydogs Anyone in California or know someone who is? ❤️

8 a.m., Hollywood

Apparently the Palisades Fire overran the fire camp, all personnel accounted for and no injuries, only some damage to paramedic quarters. #palisadesfire #pacificpalisades

Evacuations are coming in rapidly for the #EatonFire. Now includes some areas in Glendale. Command has ordered 10 Type 1 strike teams (50 engines) for the incident.

Just a reminder that if you’re anywhere near the fires but haven’t received an evacuation order yet, it might be a good idea to charge your devices, pack a go bag — important paperwork, medication, hygiene items, cash, changes of clothes — and come up with a plan for where to go, just in case.

There are filters and other useful tools within Watch Duty. It helps.

Watch Duty is continuing coverage of the #PalisadesFire and also tracking the #EatonFire in the Altadena area. Dangerous conditions right now. Palisades: share.watchduty.org/i/40335?ts=1... Eaton: share.watchduty.org/i/40388?ts=1...

The wind here is easily the strongest I’ve felt in a very long time. Power is also out. Please be safe.

Ah, look, it's the California state bird. #photography #wildfires

A bit busy with the Palisades Fire but you can follow the incident on Watch Duty here: app.watchduty.org/i/40335