October 26, 2003

Closing In

My dad was evacuated from his home earlier. He and his bird are with my sister, brother-in-law, and my daughter. Safe. For now.

The ex and his mom have been told to be prepared to evacuate if the fires get closer. Considering that they live less than a mile from my sister's - it's looking like everyone's on alert.

The hills less than 5 miles from us are burning. I never thought they'd get this close to us. Heading out for gas earlier, there was ash all over the car.

Health officials have declared the air to be unhealthful. Smoke advisories are in effect.

Road closures are increasing. I can't even get to work.

People think that night is the time when fires die down. Quite the contrary. A host of factors contribute to worsening nighttime conditions. Winds pick up and fuel the flames. Water and fire retardant drops from aircraft can't be done at night. Terrain becomes more difficult to navigate on foot in the dark. Most of the areas that are burning are brush.

Rescue workers are in greater danger at night. We have friends who've been on the fire lines since just after midnight.

All we can do is pray that everyone is safe.

It's going to be a long night.

Posted by DaGoddess at October 26, 2003 06:41 PM
Comments

You and your family are in my thoughts.

Stay safe hon.

Posted by: Angie at October 26, 2003 07:00 PM

You're all in my thoughts. Keep us posted to let us know you're ok. *hugs*

Posted by: D at October 26, 2003 07:01 PM

keeping you all in our thoughts.
keep safe.

Posted by: munin at October 26, 2003 07:16 PM

Joanie -- my thoughts are with you and your family. Take care and keep us posted.

Posted by: Susan at October 26, 2003 07:17 PM

Damn! Just when you are trying to recover from pneumonia, of all things! You should really consider evacuating to someplace for awhile just to get away from the smoke, not the fires. May be a good time to check out Texas.

Posted by: David Kilpatrick at October 26, 2003 07:58 PM

I hope everyone stays safe

Posted by: bogie at October 26, 2003 08:09 PM

We woke up to stifling smoke and raining ash. Didn't know what it was until we heard about Scripps Ranch. Got a bit too close for our comfort when Clairemont was threatened.

Posted by: Cyberangel at October 26, 2003 08:17 PM

Stay safe Joanie, you and your family are in my thoughts.

Posted by: Moxie at October 26, 2003 08:31 PM

It sounds like a nightmare. It would be nice if you could wake up and realize it was just that. I'm terrified of fire. Can you go somewhere where the air is clean? It can't be good for you (or anyone).

You and your family are in my thoughts too.

Posted by: suzi at October 26, 2003 09:43 PM

Stay safe..You are in my prayers

Posted by: karen at October 26, 2003 09:57 PM

How horrible! Stay well and safe.

Posted by: Jim at October 26, 2003 10:25 PM

I had no idea you guys were this close to the fire. Your dad, sis, and all must be frightened out of their wits. I'll be thinking of you all and do not hesitate to get the hell out fast if you need to.

Posted by: shirley at October 27, 2003 12:47 AM

Coming from a country that lives with this every summer we know what you are going through and our thoughts are with you. Hoping you and your family stay safe,

Tony

Posted by: Tony at October 27, 2003 02:04 AM

Stay safe and blog later. If you drop off the blogosphere, "I" will assume it's because you headed for safe ground and didn't melt down with the keyboard. Besides, you're skills will probably be needed.

Posted by: Wichi Dude at October 27, 2003 02:46 AM

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers... Please keep posting so we know you're okay!

Posted by: pam at October 27, 2003 04:49 AM

Like others, my offering is a prayer for your safety, your family, and all in danger. I hope the thoughts expressed by your fellow bloggers can help give you strength to do whatever may be required.

Posted by: Beth at October 27, 2003 06:50 AM

But most importantly, and I know you understand this... is the IKEA safe? :)
We are possibly playing host to some friends who live nearer to the Otay Lakes fire later today. Before the GM1 went in to work today we did a dry run on the "what to take to the car fastest" drill.
But you... you all be mucha careful and keep each other safest, okay?
Your pictures turned out way better than mine.

Posted by: LeeAnn at October 27, 2003 08:58 AM

If you need a place to stay, I got room. It should be far enough away that the fires won't get you.

Posted by: Ravenwood at October 27, 2003 10:00 AM