Wow - well, as you are aware SoCal is burning up! It has been a crazy couple of days! Here is a quick update for those of you who have been trying to call/stay in touch.
The "Witch" fire, which started way out east from us in Ramona/Escondido area is now about 7 miles away in the Rancho Santa Fe area (which backs up to Olivenhein/Encinitas where we live) and the Fallbrook/Rice fire is a good way northeast of us, probably a good 15-20 miles. The Harris Fire is in the very south of SD county, a good 25 miles from us.
We think we are in a pretty safe spot as we are just 4 blocks from the ocean. But you would not believe it by looking at the air/sky here dark grey/brown and tons of ash everywhere. It smells like one big bonfire, just terrible! - we packed up all the photos, jewelry, etc and have our bag of clothes ready just in case, as our area was put on "voluntary evacuation" yesterday evening.
We have several friends & family who have had to evacuate their homes - Gary's family are all safe, they had to evacuate for some time yesterday, but are all back in their homes today. My brother Johnny is safe w/friends in San Marcos (the 15 freeway to get to my parents is completely shut down, but Temecula/Murrieta area is clear right now) Tim & kids & Liz are all at Jen/Steve's. Nadia & her family have evacuated their homes to safe ground. As has Kos & his family. Rachael packed up her things, and her dog & cat yesteday morning and left Escondido just before it really got burning. Mary & Devyn are in OH visiting family thankfully, but we are not sure about what's going on with Jeff and their home in Ramona. There are many others in Escondido/Poway areas that I have not heard from (KimV, JenH, Keely, &many others) and the Chula Vista area (Gina/Maurine) that I am certain have evacuated their homes and I pray that all we have not heard from are safe! (add comment to let us know you are ok!)
There is not a hotel room available anywhere up to Long Beach! And I heard the grocery shelves were emptied yesterday as people grabbed for rations! We don't know anyone who has lost a home in SD, but we know two people who lost homes in the fire up north in Lake Arrowhead. Thankfully, there has been only 1 death and a few injuries, so it seems people are more prepared than the Cedar fire 4 years ago and being proactive to get out before the fire comes too close.
The winds have died down considerably today so we are hoping the firefighters will be able to start gaining some control over the course of today.
Here is the local news website that is keeping good coverage of the fires locally and maps:
http://www.cbs8.com/
Will let you know if we end up having to evacuate! But for now we are just holed up airtight in the house with our bags ready watching the news!
2 comments:
Wow, Kim! This is incredible! I spoke with my sister, Kristi, yesterday,but you gave way more information. Saty safe and we will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Family--Maybe the only good thing that comes from happenings such as this is it brings out the very best in people. Please keep your head up, eyes open, and please, please keep us posted. Much love to you!
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