Orange Skies

What is it about watching fire (at a fairly safe distance)?  It's at once terrifying and mesmerizing.  I darkened the house around 8 pm last night and sat on the patio. I watched as a patch grew larger over time on the south (right) side of the fire retardant. The orange glow lit up the skies above the ridge for miles. I listened to the roar and crackling.

The fire has generally moved to the eastern side of the mountains, heading for Sonoita (pop about 1000).  The wind-driven fire has grown from 7500 acres last night to about 20,000 acres  (31mi2/ 81km2 ) this morning. There are 300 firefighters.  Hotshot crews from around the state are headed here with three helicopters, five air tankers and 20 fire engines to add to the firefighting capabilities.

My town, Green Valley, is not in danger, so don't worry about me.

(PS If you don't know what I'm talking about, check the last two days.) 

History:
Sunday, 11 am: small brush fire
Sunday, 9 pm: 900 acres
Monday, 3 am: 1500 acres
Monday, 9 am: 4500 acres
Monday, 4 pm: 7000 acres
Monday, 9 pm: 7500 acres
Tuesday, 10 am: 20,000 acres
Current conditions:
The fire is still only 7% contained, sustained winds are 25-30 mph (gusts to 45 mph) and the humidity is rising at 15%.  Temperatures will be in the low 80's today down dramatically from Sunday's high of 98°/37°.