California Fires
 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

I was born and raised in California, but moved to Indiana. My two brothers are still there; one is smoked-in, the other one is in Oregon looking for another house. He still has his old one, but this is the second time for them. Several years ago they were evacuated. They have had enough and are both retired now.

Be Safe
everyone

My daughter and son-in-law both work for the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. They can see the firey glow at night and smell the smoke, but are far enough away (currently) that they are o.k. As quickly as these fires are moving, they are ready to pick up their two cats and one dog and head out if necessary. Important items are lined up by the front door to be loaded into cars at first sign of evacuation.

I live about 20 miles south of Sewnoma, who posted above. This has been an unbelievable week. Last Sunday my husband and I drove up to Clearlake for the day, right through the areas that burned that night. Hard to believe we saw those sites for the last time. There was a fire just south of us that got all kinds of evacuation rumors going, but it was contained. There is one over the mountain to the east, and our town is on standby, although I don't expect we will have to evacuate.

It is so stressful and devastating for those people just leaves one without words I think there is going to be a rough time in Montana this winter to because of the many acres burned and left wild animals without food, already mountain lions spotted in towns and the FWP will not do anything until they cause damage and I think of all these little kids walking to and from school.If we get lots of snow this winter there will be many starving animals.

My cousin lives in Seal Beach, CA and she has ash on their outside things. A dear friend of hers has one horse but now is fostering at least 40 more to be out of danger. Guess they are putting animals in fair ground buildings.
Heard the cell phone towers are burned down and people have no way to communicate. Bless those who care for the tame animals.

Bless all the people who are helping and especially the firefighters

such a scary, sad situation--my prayers to all that are affected and fighting the fires. So very devastating and way too many lost lives.

I leave in the North Bay, we have lots of smoke and ashes but no fires so far, my heart goes to all those who suffer the loss of a dear one and/or their homes , it's heartbreaking, thank you to the firefighters, they worked and work long hours until they drop from exhaustion, thank you for your help.

Praying for all. We lived in Petaluma in the 60's and loved the beauty of the area. Every weekend we would drive to see all the area we could while we were there. It is so sad that so much beauty is gone. Praying for all who lost love ones and homes.

Had you heard that a repeat offender arsonist was arrested for this?

Jan in VA