Area of Fire in Southern California

[La_Serpiente]

I found this map helpful for those of you who are concerned about our friends in San Diego and Los Angeles.

[neomonkey]

1. Coast to Coast

There is some guy from that trusty source of info, WorldNet Daily, on with George Noory right now saying that these fires are suspicious and possibly the work of al-Qaida.

:tinfoilhat:

[La_Serpiente]

2. I'm not saying anything

until I see some evidence. That is a pretty serious charge to make.

[Tom Kitten]

3. More likely Freepers...

but, since they think about themselves above anyone else, they didn't realize their acts would destroy mainly Republican areas...

[xxqqqzme]

4. really!?? it being so close 2 Halloween

'n all - I guess any ole boogey man will di.

[FDRrocks]

6. yes another terrorist attack...

that would be so convenient. You know what is really to blame? GLOBAL WARMING!

[leesa]

11. I would suspect Republicans before Muslims, if a group needs to be

blamed. Aftre all, who stands to gain from a major diversiom right now, and who made it a political issue immediately before the fires were even out, blaming both Gray Davis and blaming whacko environmentalists for not clearing trees that don't didn't exist. Republicans are sick people even the rich, educated ones.

[Melsky]

5. Close to my old house

I used to live in the east county of San Diego. It's sad to watch the flames get closer. Now I'm way out in the desert. It's the area with nothing there on the map under the map key.

On edit - they are now saying the main san diego fire was started by a hunter lighting a signal fire after he got lost. He's in custody.

[slackmaster]

12. More on the man who apparently started the Cedar Fire

Not just lost, he says he was disoriented and dehydrated after being alone without food or water for 11 hours.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/tue/news/news_7n28start.html

I know how easily that can happen in the backcountry. A lot of people go out there unprepared for the conditions. I have personally rescued people who were suffering from dehydration.

My ex-wife witnessed the first few hours of the fire. I've asked her for permission to pass on her essay about the experience here.

[LunaC]

7. Conflagration

I was one of thousands who had to quickly evacuate...entire communities of urban refugees scattering everywhere! Frantic exchanging of phone numbers to keep in touch with neighbors. Flurries of phone calls reassuring family and friends that we were okay. Glued to the TV for the latest fire reports, not sure if our homes would still be there when all was said and done. High emotions and anxiety.

We haven't seen the sun in days - thick smoke lingers everywhere. Visibility is - maybe - half a mile. All of San Diego is at a standstill - no school or work. Many freeways had been shut down, isolating pockets of population. Even though it was a high stress situation, people were calm and helpful to one another. I'm proud of my city and the way we responded to the crisis.

A cluster of ten homes about 4 blocks away from me got totalled. Waaaaaaaay too close for comfort. Cat walked into the house and took a huge dump - he was ready to explode after 30 hrs. cowering under a motel room bed, ignoring the provisions I made for him. (Poor guy!) The dog travelled like a trooper - she wasn't bothered by passing voices outside our room but went NUTS, howling like a banshee when someone knocked on the door. Just got home a few hours ago. I'm still stressed and unbelievably exhausted. So are the critters. Will be writing a check for the fire victims tomorrow but for now I'm going to bed and am damn grateful it's still there!

[pippin]

8. totally sympathetic

went through the same thing three days ago. take care of your self and the pets.

[silverweb]

10. Luna and pippin...

I'm glad you're both safe and home again. I'm much closer to the coast, but even here the smell of smoke just will not dissipate and there's ash all over everything. Take care of yourselves!

[MrPrax]

9. Here are some satelitte photos

from Scoop
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0310/S00230.htm
a couple of them...

[spinbaby]

13. A bad day if Al is right

Al What's-his-name in the Today Show this morning said the winds are expected to pick up again today. Hope he's wrong.

[Palacsinta]

14. The airports are open, right?

I'm wondering if my niece, in San Diego on vacation, will be able to fly out this evening? It's so hard to figure out what's happening. I'm encouraged that the wind has shifted to off the ocean..........the air quality should be better as she has asthma, but with roads blocked and the city virtually shut down, how are people getting to the airports and/or getting out of the area if they have to?

Thanks for the map and any other info.

[silverweb]

15. Here you go...

You can get just about any information you need about San Diego's airport and specific flights at this site:

http://www.san.org/

[Palacsinta]

17. Thanks so much!!!

I'll check it out right now and then call her mom.

[slackmaster]

16. Yes, flights are arriving and departing from San Diego

Lindbergh Field is open.

We have some road closures in effect but for most people today is supposed to be a normal business day.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/fires/031027fire_blog.html

[Palacsinta]

18. Great!

Thanks!