Newsletter
October 2007 - Fire diary
Friday & Saturday, October 26–27, 2007
Previous Diary notes – Sunday/Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday
Finally out of danger
Our area is being “repopulated” and most home owners who were evacuated are allowed to return home. There are some exceptions – the heartbreaking homeless whose homes are a smouldering pile of ash, and those in areas without power or safe water. We have dismantled our fence that blew down and Don took most of it to the recyling center already.
New evacuation center – Del Mar Fairgrounds
The largest evacuation relief center had been Qualcomm stadium. Earlier in the week, the officials planned to move the Charger’s football game to another state, and refund all the tickets sold. Now those plans have been scrapped, and the Chargers WILL PLAY at Qualcomm stadium as originally planned (read full story).
However, yesterday there was a massive move of all the remaining evacuees to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Some of those folks were interviewed – their homes are gone, and they are in remarkably calm humor. The fact that there are so many people, and many of them are getting acquainted, and most have said they’ve made life-long friends throughout the ordeal.
Saturday: SD EVACUATION UPDATE
12:45 p.m. - According to San Diego County spokesperson Nicole Ossola, 640,000 residents were displaced by the wildfires. As of now, 19,000 remain under evacuation orders.Del Mar / Dressage notes – horses & people evacuated to Del Mar Racetrack
Resident's photos online
Fires still burning
The fires are NOT yet out – they have moved along, following the unburned fuel. The locations are now out of our area – threatening our neighbors in nearby communities. The fire that affected Poway was the Witch Creek fire (named after the area where the fire originated). Many photos have been taken of the homes in the fire's path. Fire Map.
From CalFire's website Southern California Fires at a Glance...
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San Diego County
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Witch Fire – 197,990 acres – 60% contained
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Harris Fire – 85,800 acres – 50% contained
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Poomacha Fire – 43,000 acres – 45% contained
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Rice Fire – 9,000 acres – 80% contained
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Horno/Ammo Fire – 21,084 acres – 90% contained
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Wilcox Fire – 100 acres – 100% contained
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Cajon Fire – 250 acres – 100% contained
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McCoy Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
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Coronado Hills Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
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- Channel 8 News – online news reports
- Official list of losses to the fire to date
- Wild Animal Park fire report
- Wildfire Assistance
Health Issues after the fires
From news channel 8:
Everyone in Southern California is a victim of the wildfires. We're breathing soot, ash and chemicals, which all pose a health risk. But there are ways to minimize the risks. One way is by using an air purifier, which removes contaminants from the air. They have limits, but they work.
The air we're breathing is literally a toxic cocktail, with debris from wood, plastic, metal, rubber, soot and carbon monoxide. (read the full article)
Frustration
Many of the residents of smaller communities are evacuated, and hear little or no news of their home town or area. Others are finally home, yet told they can’t use the water or power. Still others are frustrated at being forced to evacuate to Qualcomm or elsewhere, and then moved from one site to another.
Rebuilding lives
The task of the present and future is already in motion as fire storm victims go to “one stop relief centers” – the FEMA, city & county representatives are joined by several of the larger insurance companies all in one spot. Several relief centers are strategically stationed throughout the region to help those in need.
Exactly four years ago, San Diego suffered great loss to another firestorm, known as the Cedar fire. Victims of that fire are sharing their expertise and advice to current fire victims, helping them know what to do next. (read the story)
Firefighters from Reno
Don & I went to dinner last night, and in the large parking lot we saw a group of fire trucks from Reno, Nevada. Our son Dan lives in nearby Carson City, and had mentioned he had seen a convoy of firefighters heading south from Reno earlier this week. These firefighters were enjoying some well-deserved time off for a good meal and some relaxation!
My final fire message
My daily fire journal is drawing to a close — unless there are other urgent circumstances in the near future . Thank you to all for your prayers, kind letters of concern, and support of the Red Cross for all disasters!
Our area has come through the worst disaster we faced in a very long time with a great deal of loss – but also a tremendous amount of help, support and effective service. San Diegans will not be defeated! We stand proud of our community, and many thousands are stepping up to help those in need. Thank you for your support – and your prayers.
I am signing off for now. Have a great month of November!
When you celebrate Thanksgiving in a few weeks, remember to give thanks for all of your personal blessings!
Previous Diary notes – Sunday/Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday
