San Diego, Escondido, San Marcos Fires

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks for the well wishes Jamie and Maranda. We are all safe and calling it a night.
None of us have been able to sleep much so we're exhausted.

We were glad we were in a position to volunteer and try to help. Truckloads of donations with food and blankets showed up at the church. People are so generous at times like this.

Seems like most of the fires have slowed down some, the wind has mellowed a lot and the air quality isn't quite as bad as it's been.

[Nicole Fortunaso]

Linda, we are relieved to hear that you and your family are safe and together in your own home, and that the fires have settled down. Was just on Google news and saw that a massive amount of homes and business were destroyed by the fire and that there are allot of people displaced right now.

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > North County -- Witch Creek fire's toll so far: 750 homes destroyed or damaged
Our thoughts and well wishes are with you during this time. Take care.

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks Nicole!

Most fires right in this area are better and so is the air. You can still smell smoke and it still gives you a headache and sore throat, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. There are a couple new fires that are near the big power transformers for the area so they are worried about power and warning that we need to conserve. But other than that it looks like things are getting under control. There are still tons of people homeless in shelters and it's just so sad.

I feel so blessed that everyone in our family is OK. As far as I know, no one lost their home, but we can't be sure until some of them are let back into areas that still have mandatory evacuation orders.

So unless something new develops or I have to go help family, I'm back at work today.
Thanks so much Larry for taking care of everything while I was gone.

[JAmieF]

It is great to hear the fires are slowing down. Are they predicting rain in the coming week?

[Larwee]

Welcome back Linda.

I was glad to be able to help while you were dealing with more important issues.

Here is one of the more unusual events associated with the fires. A San Diego television reporter by the name of Larry Himmel is on the scene watching and covering his own house being destroyed by fire.

Here he walks through the house after it had been destroyed.

[Linda Buquet]

Hi Jamie,

Last I heard there was a chance of rain this weekend, but when I checked just now the 10 day forcast does not show any rain. Rain would sure help though.

Shoot, the wind is picking up again and there are big chunks of ash blowing in from somewhere.

Here is the HUGE powerplant that powers most of San Diego that's in jeopardy now and some lines have been knocked out.

Here is a pic of the San Onofre power plant.
You'll see why 'some' call it the twin sisters.
http://www.aaenvironment.com/Pictures/IndianPoint1.jpg

FYI they are saying based on devastation and damage estimates
this disaster is worse than Katrina and the biggest fire in the history of the US.

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks for posting those videos Larry. That was amazing to watch as it was happening.
Felt so bad for him.

I may try to post some other videos later too but right now
I'm just buried playing catch up here at work.
If anyone else finds anything of interest feel free to post.

[Edwin]

I hope everything is going well for you Linda?
I saw the picture you posted and it looks like you're smack in the middle of it all?

Awful developments going down there.

Be safe!

[TheCuteKidDave]

I was watching the fires on T.V. and thinking to myself, I have survived a bunch of hurricanes and believe me they are very scary. But I don’t think I want to go through fire, its just seems you have no chance. And the way the fire will burn one house and not the one next door. I could not imagine watching everything I worked so hard for go up in flames.

[maranda]

That video of Larry Himmel was just heartbreaking. Sure does take a lot of strength to keep doing your job in the midst of your own personal loss.