The flames topped the ridge and we got our first glimpse of the fire though the thick smoke. Light shown down from the sun though a small break in the smoke and illuminated the green forest for the last time. You could hear the roar of the flames and occasional explosions. We were not sure if the explosions were propane tanks on the other side of the hill or trees that had heated up so much their sap exploded. All this over the top of several planes flying overhead and helicopter attacking the fire. Sirens of arriving fire trucks and emergency vehicles with loud speakers calling for people to clear the area. It was a surreal day that is now etched in my memory.