[BP2]

A Freeper seems to have found info about a fire in Harlow in Mariposa County, July 10-15, 1961, east of Santa Cruz:

http://www.mariposaresearch.net/HARLOWFIRE.html
http://www.sierrastar.com/111/story/45834.html

But after further checking, that’s about 150 miles away. But, the timeframe is close ...

[Fred Nerks]

The Harlow Fire burned 20,000 acres in two hours, destroying 105 structures and claiming two lives. This is one of the fastest spreading wildfires ever recorded.

sounds as if it was extinguished rather quickly...where was she when she saw the smoke?

[Fred Nerks]

I went back to your original comment:

Susan says she was on vacation in Santa Cruz, about 30 miles south of SFO, in summer 1961 and left when the fires started.

I see my problem. I'm an Aussie. Don't know where SFO is...LOL! Better stay out of it.