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Once the fires became established, the smoke plumes (A, B, C) were even visible by satellite. "A" (the "Simi Valley Fire" was closest to us in Santa Barbara, but still over 50 miles away. 

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A couple of days later, there seemed to be less smoke, but the plume from the "A" fire was blowing directly over Santa Barbara. It was one of those brown-hazy days, where the sun looked like blood. Hard to breathe!

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From a patio (not ours!), a view not to like.

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No comment needed.

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The fire creates its own wind, and blows embers everywhere. This, together with the tinder-dry underbrush accumulation causes a rapidly moving fire front.

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These guys deserve all the credit we can give.

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These houses were saved, believe it or not.

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But, this Federal Aviation Administration navigational radio aid (a VHF Omnirange Station in the hills above Los Angeles), was a casualty. A remarkably complete destruction of a facility that contains a LOT of metal!