San Diego Wildfires

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I reside in San Diego. The last couple of days here have been a thing of

both natural and manmade wonder. So. Cal has always had wildfires. It's

nature's way of clearing the brush. But now there are many people residing in

this arid region, and this natural clearing is very dangerous.

Four years ago, we had a major wild fire. Several lives were lost. People

were not evacuated efficiently. There were approximately 50,000 evacuees

involved.

This time, it has been a completely different story - very well

orchestrated endeavor. This terrible situation has been amazingly massive in

its impact.

It has been quite a feat to pull this off so smoothly, as seven (eight?)

fires were burning simultaneously and the wind is never a reliable friend when

predicting burn paths and areas. It is obvious they learned from past

mistakes. 500,000 people have been evacuated from their homes this time. Ten

fold

more than before.

A reverse 911 system is used. I am aware of only one death. From what I

have seen, people were calmly evacuated one community at a time with ample

advanced notice. Shelters for those who needed them were in several locations.

Many citizens and businesses of San Diego pitched in to get food, water and

supplies to these people ASAP. At the shelters, they had to register their

names, contact info, etc. so loved ones would know where to find them.

I evacuated twice. Once to a nephews, and then one more time from a

nephews. My home is fine and I will be going home tomorrow. My heart goes out

to

those who lost their homes - know how that feels. But it could have been so

much worse for so many more.

From what I have witnessed, the San Diego Emergency Response System,

Firefighters and auxiliary agencies have been a model in disaster preparedness.

These people deserve real kudos for saving so many lives under extreme

pressure.

Sharon

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