bearisgray

Is anyone on this board affected/afflicted by these fires?

dunster

Some smoke in the air from the Canyon 2 fire, but I'm very grateful that's been the only problem. I thought my house would be safe from all fires, since it's separated by other houses and manicured slopes from the canyons all around. But after watching the fire in Anaheim Hills on TV, I now realize that those burning embers can travel for miles on the high winds that we have several times a year. And once they get into the eaves of a home they can smolder for hours undetected, until the entire roof catches fire and comes crashing down. It was scary to watch the live news coverage of the nearby fires, and so sad that so many people lost their homes. There was footage on TV of deer running along a freeway, trying to get away from the fire. The whole ecosystem is changed in those areas. And the fact that the two Anaheim fires apparently started in the same area (but went in different directions because of the wind and the available combustible material) makes me wonder whether an arsonist is to blame. The investigators haven't named the cause yet, but if these were intentional fires I hope the person responsible is found quickly.

Sewnoma

I live in Santa Rosa - I'm outside of the mandatory evacuation zones so far, but packed and ready to go.

So far everybody I know is safe, though many of them lost their homes or are unsure if their home is still standing.

I'm pretty sure that I'm safe, but keeping a nervous eye on the news and the car packed and the dogs in their harnesses anyway.

I never, ever imagined I'd be seeing a wildfire come through the neighborhoods in this city. I'm still in a state of shock. It happened so fast.

Major kudos to the many fire departments fighting these fires, though. There is a truly frightening number of fires going on in this state and they're doing an amazing job at getting people to safety, sometimes while their own home burns. These men and women are real heroes.

grannie cheechee

I'm in FL., but I say prayers for everybody out there.

cashs_mom

Lots of prayers for everyone. I grew up in So Cal and remember well the fires during the Santa Ana winds. It was always scary. The fires spread so fast, it's unbelievable. My dad and brother used to take turns sitting on top of the house watering down the old wood shake shingles and watching the fires in case they started coming our way. Scary stuff.

Tartan

I hope everyone stays safe and are ready to evacuate if needed.

Jingle

So sad seems those fires happen about every year, in one place or another. Thanks to the firefighters for trying to put out the fires.

Chasing Hawk

We had smoke and haze from the fires up here in Central Oregon.

Nechama117

Prayers for everyone in this area. How frightening to think of leaving on a minutes notice for safety. I am in Florida and Irma was scary, but fire much more so. Stay safe.

mamagrande

I live in Central CA, and there was a fire about 30 miles from where I live. It was started when high winds knock down a power pole and the lines started the fire. Several homes where destroyed and there was much smoke. We have had many fires all around a few months ago a big one near Yosemite with many people displaced.

What is so sad are the lives that have been lost in Sonoma County...property can be replaced but not lives. Prayer for the victims families.