Oct. 12 “State of Fire” book tour, Tahoe Literary Festival 5:30 p.m. Granlibakken, Tahoe City Book sales & signing to follow. As the sun sets over the ridge of the mountain, streaks of carnelian, ruby and deep amethyst thread through the billowing dark slate-gray clouds rising from behind the peaks. The outer-worldly red-orange ball we call the sun looks as if it belongs in a galaxy far, far away, shrouded by a swelling smoke cloud. Ash rains down and the scent of burning wood signifies a fire nearby.