For those who may be affected by the California fires ...

[Akoto]

I just want to wish you the best. A few years ago, I lost my home of 22 years to a hurricane, and I know what a terrible impact it can have upon your life.

On the (kind of) bright side, I'm watching the late, live news coverage and it looks like some progress is being made. Two of the fires in Los Angeles county are 83% and 90% contained. The winds are apparently predicted to calm, too.

[Maat]

1. Thanks for the kind words.

My home is not in danger, although I can see fires burning in the hills nearby (I'm near Temecula, the Cleveland National Forest, and Pechanga).

Our air is thick with smoke; my daughter's school has been cancelled the last few days.

[bliss_eternal]

2. Glad you're safe, Maat.

:hug: Been thinking of you and hoping you were.

[Maat]

8. Thanks, Bliss.

The fires were aware from us, and I mentioned to my husband (as in other cities fairly far away). As soon as I noted that (a few hours later, actually), there was the smoke on the horizon.

I'm bummed - the Great Oak on the Pechanga Indian Reservation is threatened. Many of my daughter's friends live there, but I have not been able to get in touch with them.

The Great Oak is at least a hundred years old, I believe. We were invited to sit and play on it one time; it was beautiful.

[sce56]

5. My sister is in Temecula and she is ready to leave they put the valubles in storage already!

The Great Oak

To the Pechanga people, the land and the Great Oak that stands upon it carry meaning that transcends physical presence. The Great Oak has come to embody the identity and character of the Pechanga Band: strength, wisdom, longevity and determination.
The Great Oak is the largest natural-growing, indigenous coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ) wi'aashal tree in the United States and is estimated to be anywhere from 850 to 1,500 years old, making it one of the oldest oak trees in the world. The tree has been used by countless generations as a gathering place. The Great Oak area, Wi'aasha, is home to numerous culturally sensitive, historical and archaeological sites, including tribal interment sites from time immemorial.

[Maat]

7. The Great Oak is in danger?

They are not telling us where the fires are. So, it is Pechanga.

[sce56]

10. It is on the edge of the evac area!

here is the latest map from the state showing evac areas and actual burned areas

from a link at http://www.ca.gov/

[Maat]

12. Thanks.

We are getting NO information up here.

I was able to get the county special fire website thanks to you.

We are watching it come over the ridge.

I've put in calls to my friends, but still no answer.

Sorry I'm late responding.

It looks like there's a fire near Scott Road, in the western hills, in Menifee, California, out in the country there.

It doesn't look like it's on the media radar yet, however.

[sce56]

13. Well hopefully this is over soon!

My sister has a friend that lives in Rainbow and they were not sure until about noon that her home was still there thank goodness.

[Maat]

14. As it turns out, I went to a meeting tonight - UU (Unitarian-Universalist) ..

and one of our members who lives in Rainbow lost their home. You can bet we will be trying to help those in need - the UU congregations.

Those who have been victims of these fires are in our thoughts and prayers.

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Glad you are safe

I'm on the coast, and the smoke is a little better, but not by much...

Stay safe

[Booster]

3. Thanks for your kind concern. I'm in Pasadena so I'm allright.

I'm sorry you lost your home to a hurricane and hope you've fully recovered. These fires are going to cost billions, but California will bounce back, more beautiful than ever. It's heartbreaking to see how many people (and animals) are affected by this tho.

[Kerrytravelers]

4. Thank you.

I am a far enough distance that I get the light smell, but we are not in danger. We have been warned to keep an eye on the news, but thanks to the hardworking firemen and firewomen, I am lucky this time.

Oh, my heart does go out to those that have lost, though. It is just heartbreaking.

[bliss_eternal]

9. So glad you are safe...!

:hug:

[HCE SuiGeneris]

6. Thank you. 3 co-workers have lost their homes so far.

:cry:

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. I'm sorry

:hug:

[XOKCowboy]

11. I've got a friend who's a SD firefighter who fights wildfires all over the US

I tried to call him but got voicemail (not unusual if he's on duty). He's fought fires all over the west and I'm sure he's working this fire. All I can do is wish him the best and keep positive thoughts going his way. As we all should for all of those brave people.