Southern California Fires Update
In hills and canyons from Santa Barbara to San Diego, about 8,000 firefighters struggle against more than a dozen wildfires that have scorched at least 645 square miles, an area twice the size of New York City, in the past five days. Seven people have died and 2,327 structures have been destroyed or damaged as of late yesterday. Damages may top $1 billion and have forced almost a million people from their homes, the biggest evacuation in California’s history. There are 22,000 people in shelters across the region, thousands of them in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. About 2,000 people are at an evacuation center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The four major fires that have burned the most homes are far from being controlled, according to the state’s Web site. In San Diego County, there is only 10 percent containment at the Harris Fire, which has burned 73,000 acres and 200 homes, and the Witch Fire that burned 196,420 acres and 645 homes. The Rice fire, which burned 7,500 acres and destroyed 206 homes, is 15 percent contained. Link
My good friend Arnold Christensen took these images night before last from his back yard in Mission Viejo. The fire was three or four miles from his home!
Doug
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Holy crap!! The fire looks like it's about to consume his house!! 3-4 miles? I hope he and his family are all right!!
He most likely used a telephoto lens of some kind.
Correct on the telephoto. I never felt that our home was in danger although you never really know for sure. However, the flames came to within about 500 feet of the home of my x-daughter-in-law. Her home was spared, thankfully, but it was pretty dicey for a while.
Nonetheless, Arnold, you must have had some concern. I know I would have, for the very reason you stated: you never know.
Thankfully, you and yours were spared. I understand the winds have subsided somewhat. It that holds, perhaps the firefighters will get a leg up on things. We'll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Yes, the winds have definitely died down for now, and I hope this will be to the benefit of the firefighters. Unfortunately for us however, the smoke and ashes are just lingering now. It has been recommended for all Orange County residents to remain indoors. My work is roughly halfway between Arnold's (my dad's) house and the fires. Most of our employees went home because our shop was filled with smoke and very hard to breathe.
Thanks Eric. You and your dad be safe. And keep me posted on things down there, okay?
Doug
Just missed our campus, which we evacuated on Monday.
Back to it today with no damage at all, praise be. Family of staff lost houses and livestock, but no human injuries.
Great (and scary) photos from your friend. We're praying for calm winds!
Man, I would sure hate to be staring at that coming my way! Some of the residents had just a couple minutes warning and had to leave with nothing. When they returned, there was nothing left! Can you even imagine?
I just made my donation at your link page (Thank you!) and I urge everyone else to help too. We are Americans. We help the world. Some of our neighbors need our help now. We help because we care. And because we can.
Amazing shots from 3-4 miles out! Those of us who have never been around fires like this can't begin to imagine the sheer terror that consumes an area like this. Homes and every possession, gone in an instant. How do you recover?
Hi Doug,
Michelle Asay (Arnold's daughter)I hope things are going good for you and your family.
As Eric (my brother) has mentioned it is recommended to stay indoors in our area. I have been pretty good about it especially with 2 little girls under the age of 3. My oldest is going stir crazy as I am too. When the fires were in Foothill Ranch it was really scary for me. The fires got to about 1 mile or so from my home and I was in a panic being an at home mom. I had a few things packed ready to go just in case. Fortunately I live next to a retired Firefighter and he calmed me down and told me that I didn't have anything to worry about until the fire trucks end up on our street (they didn't). The word got a round to a few other neighbors as to how frightened I was. They all said that they would help me out if it ever came down to it which is really nice to know.
Thanks for the comments, Michelle. I'm glad you're all safe.
Let's hope the weather helps our firefighters get the upper hand on all the fires and that those displaced and suffering losses are able to heal and rebuild. This is a terrible disaster.
I feel like I know you and Eric just hearing about you through your dad. I hope you'll keep me posted on events in your lives. Give my best to your mom and dad; they're very special people and good friends we don't see nearly enough.
~Doug
Hi Doug,
you are very welcome. Yes, I do hope the weather cooperates so that those that are suffering can heal and rebuild.
I feel like I know you very well too. My dad talks very highly of you. I will most defiantly keep you posted as to my life activities and anything else that is going on down here. I will give your best to my parents. You are right they are both very special people. I know that you are a very special person in their lives too and they both miss seeing you. They wish as well as I that we can all see each other really soon as it has been many years.
Feel free to contact me via e-mail at chelleiasay@cox.net in hopes that we can keep in touch more often.
Michelle
Good photos and a good update. Thanks!