San Diego, Escondido, San Marcos Fires

[Linda Buquet]

I've had Internet connection problems due to all the SoCal fires.

It's horrible. Thousands have been evacuated and huge neighborhoods
have been totally wiped out. I'm surrounded by fires, much of my family
scattered around Escondido and Rancho Berdardo had to be evacuated.
Some have lost their homes already. The sky is dark reddish black.

The fire JUMPED the I 15 freeway, which no one thought was possible
and now it's in San Diego proper too, not just outlaying areas.
They are afraid it will wipe out everything and keep going all the
way to the ocean due to the heavy winds powering the flames.

So I could lose my connection again, I could have to evacuate
or could have to go help my family or someone else in need.
I'll be checking in when I can, if I can. But if I'm gone for
awhile, you'll know why.

Please send your prayers to the people of Southern California.

[Larwee]

Linda, television coverage has indicated that this is a very serious situation. But I know watching it on television is nothing like actually being there and going through this horrible nightmare.

There really are no words anyone can say in situations such as this that would be of any help. However I'm sure all of us are wishing you the very best.

[Linda Buquet]

The wind died down for awhile and I was praying it would go away.
Suddenly it's back with a vengeance.

In addition to the health problems of breathing smoke they say there are some chemicals and toxins in the air that are making people sick. But many of the hospitals had to be evacuated so not sure where people are going.

I've watched the cloud of smoke move toward me and now it's all the way here.
The sky is red. I don't know if that means the fire is coming this way.

FYI my computer crashed due to a power blip. Good chance I'll totally lose power. If anything drastic happens and I can't get online I'll call Larry and let him know so he can keep you updated.

I need to go find out which way the fire is heading.
If I can I'll try to find a map to show you where
all the fires are and where I am.

[Linda Buquet]

Update: 9.51 AM Here's a pic I grabbed off the news of some of the fires. Several new ones just broke out that arent on here. I am the red dot. Lots of power outages. Mine has been cutting out off and on.

[Linda Buquet]

Still really windy but right now the smoke is a little better right here in my area.
I got my daughter and grand daughter to leave their house and come over here.
The smoke and ash is really bad at their house.

I'll check in again in a bit if I can.

[longroad]

I hope things clear up Linda.
We get alot of fires here too during the summer and its scary. Take care of yourself!

[Linda Buquet]

Quick update...

I'm in this blessed tiny little protected pocket. Just one little circle of blue sky and relatively little smoke - but sometimes it's still hard to breathe. My family stayed last night and now my son-in-law's family that just got evacuated from new danger areas are here or on their way.

It's getting pretty crowded here, but I'm so happy I can provide a safe haven. Otherwise they would have to go all the way to QualComm Stadium which already has 10,000 people and that's if they could even get there. I think all the freeways are closed down that way.

The Witch fire, the one closes to us blew west is almost to the coast BUT now is starting to blow back this way and double back on itself. The wind is picking up again and is supposed to remain high all day.

Power transformers are still blowing all over so I could still lose power or Internet. So wanted to give a quick update while I can.

[Linda Buquet]

We're helping to open one of our local churches to turn into evacuation center.
Then I'm going to Costco to buy a bunch of food and supplies to donate to
all the displaced victims, then we are all going over to volunteer.

So I'll be back in touch when I can.

[JAmieF]

Hi Linda

It great to hear that you are safe and helping the community. Our thoughts are with the families and the fire fighters tackling the fire.

Please keep us informed Linda.

[maranda]

Linda, we're happy to hear you're holding up amid all this tragedy. Glad to know your daughter and grand daughter are with you. And your volunteer efforts are to be admired. Hopefully, these fires will be under control soon!

Until then, stay strong!