Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Scripps Ranch (SAN DIEGO IS ON FIRE!)

NBC San Diego ^ | October 26, 2003

[South40]

With four fires burning across the county, this is big. It is currently 10:00 am but it's almost dark outside, an effect of the smoke in the air. Though dry ashes are fallin on my house, it is in no danger. But I have several friends who have had to evacuate in Ramona and the Mira Mesa area.

With several fires burning across the state most all resources are elsewhere, leaving San Diego vulnearable. There are reported fatalities and many lost structures. With the hot, dry Santa Ana winds fanning the flames, there is no end in sight. One local fire chief has said it is the worst fires he has seen in the last 42 years.

[cgk]

BUMP!!!!!!!!

[cgk]

Did anyone else catch the headline on Fox News last night that read "Southern California is Burning"???

[onyx]

One of husband's branch offices is in the fire's path. Here at home (Mission Hills) it is dark inside the house, we have to have the lights on to see.

The sky to the north is gray, brown and orange and to the south it's meshing with what little is left of blue sky.

Air is thick, even the wild, stray kitty I feed has taken refuge inside the house in my sun room.

Like you, we are in NO danger, but this is a sight to behold.

[South40]

Glad you are safe onxy. But isn't this weird? It's almost dark outside and it's raining ash. Very surreal.

[alisasny]

Check in friend!

[katya8]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us, which is what our government's number one obligation is supposed to be.

Instead, they're using OUR money to protect the people of Iraq.

[onyx]

Ex daughter-in-law works with Shamu and she said Seaworld had told her not to report for work this morning --- that they're closing down the Dine with Shamu and (presumably) the entire park today.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Serious stuff, ash and smoke up here by the beach in Far northwest Orange County as well!

Stay safe down south!

[onyx]

If you have a digital camera, please take photos.

Surreal is the perfect word.

You're closer to the fire ---- no visible ash is falling here, but the air is thick. I went outside for a minute and started coughing right away.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Really?

[Hildy]

It's so eerie out here in East County.

[onyx]

God, Ernie it's wonderful to see you. You are sorely missed. How are you doing? We were all saddened by your wife's death. I hope you were able to read all of our prayers and thoughts we posted to you.

[onyx]

Hildy, I've never seen anything like this before. I am stunned. Are you safe?

[Hildy]

For now, I guess. My husband and I are taking turns going to our business today so we can keep an eye on our home. All around us there are fires. I don't remember being so freaked out.

[McGavin999]

May God protect all of you. Why haven't they been able to make any progress on the fire?

[John H K]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us, which is what our government's number one obligation is supposed to be.

Has more to do with people wanting to live in a scrub-chaparral environment and unfortunate weather conditions than the absence of some sort of "National Fire-Fighting Force."

And (donning flame-resistant suit) why should people that don't live in such fire-prone environments pay for such a force, any more than people that don't live on barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic should pay for sea walls/jetties/beach replacement/replacing homes of those that do?

[berkeleybeej]

Why haven't they been able to make any progress on the fire?

Because most of their resources were sent up to help with the LA fires....oops.

[LenS]

It's sad. This never would have happened under the Clintons. Why when Billary was President, not a single home burned down anywhere in the US. </sarcasm>

[Senormechanico]

"And (donning flame-resistant suit) why should people that don't live in such fire-prone environments pay for such a force, any more than people that don't live on barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic should pay for sea walls/jetties/beach replacement/replacing homes of those that do?"
-------
No flaming here; you're spot on.
We live on an island, and it's amazing how many people here complain that the state run ferry system subsidies are being cut. They complain that they pay more of the percentage of the REAL COST of a ride than other ferry runs. The nerve!
It should cost what it costs to run the ferry.

If you need a special fire fighting force, we shouldn't have to pay for it.

That being said, we're all praying for So. Cal. in more ways than one.