I can't get too close -- though if I wanted to I'm sure I could use my Union-Tribune ID to bluff my way past the police lines -- but the Paradise Fire here in the Escondido area is still going strong.

The Wild Animal Park has been closed and the California Condor exhibit has been evacuated.

The closest fire area is probably about 2-3 miles away from my condo, but there is apparently little danger right now.

This is the road leading to the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

This picture was taken about 2 p.m. today. The air quality is bad just about everywhere in San Diego County.

This is the intersection of East Valley Parkway and Hidden Trails Rd. About an hour after I passed by the fire really flared up in this area.