Fire Update

Many have been asking about how we are doing with the fires. Our house has not been, nor do I believe we will be, in any immediate danger from the fires. We have two fire systems to worry about, the fires on Camp Pendleton and the fires up off the the 241 toll road (Santiago Canyon).

Monday we woke to a combination of sand and ash in the air. As the Sun rose, debris filtered the rays of lights and the Sun glowed white. I sent the girls to school with surgical masks in hopes that when outside they would wear them, they did! Later that day I headed to San Diego for a business meeting with my friend Todd Lass. On the way down I ran into a smoke plume that ran from Oceanside to Mira Mesa with the thickest smoke in the Del Mar area. After my meeting and lunch I headed home, with all the evacuees. It took almost three hours to get from Kearney Mesa in San Diego to my house in San Clemente, this normally takes 45-50 minutes. I did make one stop at Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad to use the restroom and pick up some of their fine meats and baked goods, oh and some beer for later. On the way home I heard that Scripps Ranch was being evacuated and called my friend Todd to offer him and his family a place to stay, he was home packing up and headed to his in-laws home. My parents were waiting for the evacuation call, but never got it.

Tuesday we woke to fairly clear skies. Later that afternoon we noticed the fire plumes on the marine base. Tuesday night was the most concern for us. I went on our roof about 11:00pm and the fires had crest the hill tops on the marine base. I would estimate that the fires were about 5 miles away from us and the wind was pushing them our way. Nicole and the girls packed bags just in case we got a reverse 911.

Wednesday morning the air was thick. Kids went to school with respirator masks I got from my dad when I was in San Diego. We kept a tab on the news and I went back to work, somewhat! Fires at Camp Pendleton headed away from us during the night, but as I said the air was solid. All of the kids activities were canceled and school was canceled for me. So I was able to watch Game 1 of the World Series! We heard from the Capo USD that all CUSD schools would be closed Thursday due to proximity of the fires and health concerns.

It is Thursday morning. Nicole is home from work. The kids are home from school. The air outside is still very smoky and thick! And the news is full of positive information. Fires are being contained.