I'm in the southern part of the San Fernando Valley (Sherman Oaks), about 15-20 miles away from the fires. No bike riding for me this evening - the sky is very smoky with ash dusting the ground, even here. No way my lungs could handle it.

The LA firefighters are amazing and will do everything they can to protect the houses (3 houses burned now, and 5% contained). Alot of the area is mountainous and undeveloped and they'll let the fire burn in those areas, keeping things pretty smoky. The big problem is that it rained so much here last winter that the brush is super thick.

Just another reminder to have your evacuation plans and emergency kits all prepared, wherever you are!