October 23, 2007

• Fires

  So many friends and family have called to see how we are doing in the San Diego fires, and I wanted to let everyone know that we are fine and currently not in any significant danger. We are under a voluntary evacuation, but that is due to the air quality here, more than any potential fire threat.

  For those who don't know, we live in Carlsbad, a coastal city in the north part of San Diego county. We do have a lot of smoke and I have to wear a mask to breath when I go outside. There is ash all over as well, and it falls like snow flakes.

  I imagine there is so much on the news that most I would have to share has already been told, but it has been a rough few days. Virtually everything has come to a stand-still. Schools are closed, businesses are closed, every hotel is full of those displaced from their homes. We are trying to stay in our house, since Joe's asthma is very trigged by smoke and most of the evacuation sites are outside. We have power, filtered air, food, water and comfortable beds here. Also, this is much easier on the cats than being stuck in pet carriers in a strange location without proper litter boxes. Oh and the all-important internet connection. Well mostly, we have lost power, cable and internet on and off, but mostly it is on.

  How do explain something like this to someone who has never been through it? It is very surreal, weird colored skies of orange, yellow and even green at times, as the smoke covers the sun. Watching TV for hours and hours on end, so you are ready to go, if need be. Going outside to check the wind, the smoke, look for flames because you can't count on all the information on TV to be as up-to-date as needed. Being woken up while still dark from a reverse 911 call telling us that we are under voluntary evacuation. Having the van packed with things, in case we have to go. Trying to decide what to take in the small room left after clothing and bedding is shoved in the car. Taking photos of everything in the house, just in case.

  At this point, the news says over 1500 homes have been lost and the number will certainly only go up. That number does not include businesses and other buildings. The only burn center in San Diego is full to capacity. At least two major hospitals have had to be evacuated due to fire danger. Over one-half a million people have been given mediatory evacuation orders. Our local high school, as well as our local mall are evacuation centers. Red Cross can't begin to provide for all the people displaced, so on TV they are continually begging for various donations all over the county.

  Living here, with fires this scale, you can't not know someone who is effected and in a danger zone. I just thank God we are as safe as we are.

  The girls are getting cabin fever, not being able to even go outside and play. I hope to do things with them today to keep them occupied: crafts and cupcake baking. Rumor is, schools will likely be closed all week.

  The San Diego Wild Animal Park has had damage, but so far all the animals are safe. And now, as I type this, the school district has called to announce that schools will indeed be closed the rest of this week. Lord give me patience!

  Anyhow, that is where things are in a nutshell. Joe and I are taking turns sleeping, so one of us is always watching the news and keeping up on things, since things can change so fast with fire. I will try to do updates here, if the internet stays stable, to keep family and friends updated.

  • 2:35 pm
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