This is day 4 since the Palisades Fire began and it has been quite the rollercoaster. Regardless, NOAA 18 decided to fly over with an elevation of 89°. You don't get much better than that. I decided to visit the Santa Monica Pier as it has great exposure to the sky, and is about as close as I can get to the fire zone. One of the top destinations for tourists, there was much activity. A bodyboarder screams as he catches a wave. The rollercoaster operator ask his riders if they want to go for a second spin. A neon sign above a cafe reads, "Salty air, and not a care".

On a small island of homes, my house defied all odds - standing strong. My classroom of 25 years went up in smoke. About 6 1/2 minutes into the satellite pass you can see a thin strip of clouds headed out to the ocean. The winds have died down, but the fire continues. At just 11% containment, it is now threatening Brentwood and Encino. 8 months of no rain and some strong winds. It doesn't take much to change your course.