Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Fire

For the second night in a row I stare at the television news, watching in horror at the footage of homes being consumed by flame. We doze and watch, waiting for the word to leave. Many friends and some relatives are already evacuated, some multiple times as the first "safe" area becomes dangerous and they must evacuate to a second. It seems a little surreal.

We have our doors and windows closed against the choking smoke that is everywhere. Just to the east of us, evacuation is mandatory. Our van is packed with the fire safe, photos, a few special quilts, my best sewing machine and a few fabrics and thread. We have clothes, drinking water, and a place for the dogs to lie down in back. Dog food, leashes, medication. Cell phones and digital camera. My son has already been all around the house taking picture after picture, a detailed inventory we hope we don't need.

Earlier in the day the fierce Santa Ana Winds ripped and hurled palm fronds everywhere. There is an amazing amount of debris and ash in the driveway and front yard. No flames are visible from our house, but the television news is telling me that they aren't far away. After the huge Cedar fire in 2003, the city and county of San Diego installed a "reverse 911" to automatically notify people during emergencies such as this. We will leave when we get the call or see the flames, whichever comes first.
God willing, neither.

Everything in the county is burning. 300,000 evacuated so far.
My heart goes out to the people who have already lost their homes.
I know its only "stuff", but I can't help hoping we don't join them.
I am grateful that my family is here at home with me and we can all leave together when that becomes necessary.

12 comments:

His Office, My Studio said...

I send my blessing to you, your family and everyone who lives are being touched by the fires.

Angie said...

My heart and prayers go out to all of you. Stay safe.

DebbyMc said...

I've been wondering about you Jen. I'm glad to hear you are safe. I know you must live very nearby me and we are on watch. We're packed and waiting for the call, too. I packed so many photos, some quilts, my featherweight, daughter's artwork, some clothes, important papers, and whatever else fits and we think of as we sit and wait. The pets are nervous, they know something is going on. Take care, Jen.

Debby

Anonymous said...

OMG! I was about to e-mail you to check how you are when I found your blog post. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the unthinkable does not happen. Good that you are prepared with the important things packed up. Keep us informed as well as you can!!!

Barbara C said...

I'm glad you're prepared, and I'm praying that you don't have to leave your home. Be safe and well.

Liz Plummer said...

I'm thinking of you, Jen. Living in the UK it's hard to imagine ... hope all will be well with you.

die-fadenwerkstatt said...

I saw in the news how bad the situation out there is but reading about people concerned is something entirely different. I pray for you and wish you all the best!

Rian said...

Jenny, I have been thinking of you and praying for your safety. Let's hope the winds die down soon. Be safe. If you need a place to go you can come here. I'm 5 hours north of you.

Karoda said...

you posted on tuesday and this is thursday...i'm hoping that you're still in safely in your home.

dee said...

I'm parying for you and your family Jen. I hope there is god news soon. God Bless.

Debra Dixon said...

thinking of you--keep us posted.

Anonymous said...

Boy, did I have a wrong number! All this time I've read your blog I had you living in northern California. How I made that mistake I don't know, but it's troubling to learn you are literally in the line of fire. Sounds as if you are as prepared as possible. Hope the winds are kind to you.

(I had to smile at what you packed: "my best sewing machine and a few fabrics and thread.")