The Golden Pencil: The Freelance Writer’s Resource

San Diego Fires - 4

by Anne Wayman on October 24th, 2007

I turned on the radio about 5:10 this morning – up earlier than usual to take a friend to the airport. Although the weather is changing and the humidity is up a bit, we’re not out of the woods yet. In fact, as the weather shifts, things can and are getting worse in some areas.

An attempt to control a new fire on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton with a backfire literally backfired because of wind shifts and, as a result, Interstate 5 is closed. That’s the major artery along the coast between San Diego and points north. Amtrak is shut down. We can still move north via I15, but that’s dodgy because of fires along the way and into Riverside County.

More evacuations are being called for along our north coast in the Carlsbad area. Julian, our charming mountain community that was saved in the 2003 Cedar Fire has been evacuated.

In some areas, people are being allowed to return home.

This Google Map is one of the better one’s out there. It’s amazing what folks are doing with Google maps.

NASA has a video clip of the fires from space.

What’s obvious to me as I listen is that people are tired. Radio broadcasters are stumbling over words; KPBS, our public radio station lost its transmitter and was off the air much of yesterday. Somehow, they are broadcasting again – apparently through another station. Their website has constant updates and they also have a twitter that’s updated often.

Authorities are admitting that we are fighting something we can’t stop, not on our own. Firefighters can help. They can protect some properties, save many lives and make a positive difference, but until we get a real break in the weather, the county will continue to burn.

I don’t really know what I think or feel. I’m safe; my family is safe and we have reason to believe we will stay safe. But I am surrounded by tragedy and fear; it’s palpable. And, of course, it’s not just San Diego County, but much of Southern California. Almost one million people have been evacuated… it’s hard to comprehend. It will end; these things always do, but we will be forever changed.

Write well and often,

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POSTED IN: The Kitchen Sink