Rural inferno Rural inferno (September 01, 2004)

Caption with Cathy Whitney photo in print edition: A shortage of water, a remote location, and exploding welding tanks contributed to last week's very bad news for this home in San Gregorio, said Larry Whitney, chief of the La Honda Volunteer Fire Department. The photo was taken shortly after firefighters expended the 5,000 gallons of water they had brought with them to the fire, Chief Whitney said. With La Honda 12 minutes away by road and no local water supply, firefighters called on airborne help in their attempt to douse this fire. The California Department of Fire helicopter joined firefighters from departments in La Honda, Half Moon Bay and Woodside. The fire also ignited a two-acre brush fire, said Chief Whitney.

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