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Monday, October 22, 2007

Evacuated and Safe

Okay, now I'm chuckling at that last fire post. I totally thought we were safe because the fire was on the opposite side of the I-15 freeway from us last night. The Chief left for work at 6am this morning and literally 1 minute after he pulled away, a ward member called us to let us know that a mandatory evacuation had been issued for our area. The fire had jumped the freeway and was heading our way. I called The Chief, he came home, and we went to work collecting our important identification papers and photo albums. He even unhooked our computer tower to take with us. We packed up a few changes of clothing, grabbed some diapers and blankets and headed out. We waited 20 minutes in a line to get gas and then got on the 56 freeway heading West to the 5 freeway. That drive normally takes all of five minutes, but since 250,000 people were being evacuated, it took us 1 and 1/2 hours to get to I-5. We then traveled to T and T's house (The Chief's brother and sister-in-law) in Laguna Niguel (Orange County). We left our house at 9am and got there at 12noon. That's a one and a half hour drive normally. Anyway, Trina made us a wonderful breakfast meal since we hadn't eaten yet, and then we continued on to Aunt Sooz's house in Huntington Beach. This is where we're hunkering down until they tell us we can come back. The fire threatening our home is called the Witch Fire and it had jumped the 15 freeway in Rancho Bernardo. Many homes have burned. We are directly south of Rancho Bernardo. We've been glued to the radio and TV. We listen to San Diego's fire news at an online radio station and we watch Orange County's many fires on the TV. I seriously feel like all Hell has broken loose in Southern California. Malibu is also burning. There are 13 fires burning throughout Southern California, eight of those are in San Diego. Maybe some have been contained, but all we're hearing now is 0% contained, 0% contained, 0% contained. They just can't keep ahead of the fires because of the Santa Ana's. We've been feeling okay all day because the winds were driving the Witch Fire in a NW direction, but recently we heard that the winds have shifted to the SW, so we're still praying and still waiting. They're saying it will probably be 24 hours before they can start containing the fire. Anyway, this is probably more than anyone cares to know, but it's so crazy to me. I was telling my family today that as we drove away through our neighborhood we saw little clusters of neighbors talking, pointing, watching. Some were hosing down their property and turning on their sprinklers in a last ditch effort against the raging fire. And everywhere people were packing up their cars and closing up their homes. I felt like I was watching a movie - it was so surreal. I can't believe this is actually happening to us! Well, I'd better rescue Aunt Sooz from the overactive munchkin. :) We're safe...for all who might care to know. :)

9 comments:

Jacqui said...

How crazy! Our prayers are with you guys that all will turn out okay. Keep us posted! Lots of love!

Jacqui said...

How crazy! Our prayers are with you guys that all will turn out okay. Keep us posted! Lots of love!

Kari said...

We're so glad you are out of there and safe! We are praying for your home to be safe and your neighbors. Please keep us posted.

Travis and Ashley said...

Oh my gosh! I can't believe you were evacuated. We have been glued to the tv all day today and they barely even talked about the San Diego fire. Everything that is happening is absolutely insane! Please let us know if there is anything that we can do. We are right nearby! We are definitely praying for you!

Don and Amy Bennion said...

Wow, that is crazy. We'll pray for you too, that you can go back to your home! By the way, I love your new haircut and glasses...very cute!
Amy and Don

Barbara said...

So glad you are safe.
You are so right it must seem like such a surreal experience for you and Dan. Boy it really makes "Family Preparedness" a real thing.
Our prayers are with you.
Fondly, Barbara Harmor

Jarem Frye said...

Wow! Last days!!! Glad you guys are doing the right thing and keeping the Lord in your life. All will be OK. We will be praying for you.

Marilee said...

We have been thinking about you lots as we have heard more about the fire. So glad that you got out safe - we will keep your family in our prayers!!

Angie said...

How scary! We're so glad you and your family are safe. We'll be thinking of you guys!