We're having Santa Ana winds here in San Diego. They come when a high-pressure system causes extremely dry air to whip west from the high desert to the coast, heating up as it descends over the mountains. It was over 90F yesterday, and so, so dry. When a wildfire starts in these conditions, it is near impossible to fight before the wind blows it across whatever fire break, freeway, or anything else that might be in its way to try and stop it. We've had almost no rain, and every bush, tree, and blade of grass in San Diego is beyond crispy and ready to go up in flames.
We got a reverse-911 call this morning at around 6:30 telling us that there was a fire headed in our general direction and to be forewarned that we may be evacuated later in the day.
This was the view up my street when the sun came up. Needless to say, no color correction has been done to this photograph. The sky was brown and the sun was red. Ash was falling all around like snowflakes.
click for bigger
We've been through fires here before. In 2003, much of the east/northeast county burned in the Cedar Fire. It burned for weeks on end, and wasn't under control until the winds died down. Ash rained down on our house then as now, but this fire is much closer, and the wind is blowing it pretty much straight toward us. We've packed up all of our pictures, videos, some clothes, and each boy has gone through choosing what things they absolutely must bring from their rooms. J (4) doesn't understand much about what's going on, only that we might be going to Grandma and Grandpa's, which he's excited about. C (7) is scared. He knows that we'll be safe, but he's a pretty sentimental kid and the thought of the things we leave behind burning is hard for him to handle. He wants to take everything.
So for now we're glued to the news and ready to go. My parents live about an hour north of us so we'll head up there if need be. I'll write back when there's something to report. Stay safe, everyone.
Comments (11)
you guys stay safe too. y'all and my friends that live out there are all in my thoughts.
Posted by amy | October 22, 2007 1:13 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 13:13
Thinking of you guys, hoping there is no need for evacuation!
Posted by Nessa | October 22, 2007 1:16 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 13:16
Janelle,
I've got my fingers crossed that the fire will stay away from your house and that your family will be safe. After living many years on the Gulf of Mexico and having to evacuate for hurricanes, I know how hard it is to have to decide what to take and what to leave. Hope you are safe and that all turns out well.
Posted by Jeanie | October 22, 2007 1:22 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 13:22
Hard to get north these days, or so it seems. Further south we're just taking the patients from Pomorado when they evacuated. And we still have blue skies. But we'll be keeping an eye out . . . keep us posted.
Posted by Theresa | October 22, 2007 3:38 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 15:38
Stay safe Janelle! Keep us posted when you can.
Posted by lisa | October 22, 2007 4:00 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 16:00
I hope you and your family stays safe!
Posted by tiennie | October 22, 2007 5:30 PM
Posted on October 22, 2007 17:30
I'll be thinking of you and your family ... stay safe!!!
Posted by Ruth | October 23, 2007 9:25 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 09:25
Thinking of you and your family. I'll look forward to updates. Stay safe, and take care!
Posted by earthchick | October 23, 2007 10:44 AM
Posted on October 23, 2007 10:44
Hugs! My family was evacuated 16 years ago during the Oakland Hills fire, 5 houses away from the burn area. My heart goes out to the entire county -- I've been riveted to the news stations. Best wishes to you and your family....
Posted by Teresa | October 23, 2007 4:29 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 16:29
Sending good safe thoughts your way!
Posted by Stacey | October 23, 2007 6:16 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 18:16
Oh my goodness. I'm thinking of you and I hope you're ok.
Posted by Emilee | October 23, 2007 7:27 PM
Posted on October 23, 2007 19:27