[Common Tator]

Right now there are hundreds of families that have lost their homes to the wildfires. This morning DH and I left the house in the burbs of North Orange County to head out to our ranch in the San Bernardino mountains. From the freeway we could see smoke to the South of us from a fire that had not yet made the news. We had watched the news this morning and seen coverage of the Sylmar and Monticito fires, to the North and North West of Los Angeles.

Once at the ranch, we turned on the TV and saw that Yorba Linda, parts of Anaheim Hills and Brea are burning! Our house in the burbs is in the city of Placentia, which is bordered by all three of the others. I have been trying to reach my 19 year old son to ask him to grab the dog and cat and chickens and come to the ranch, but he isn't answering his phone!

These areas are heavily populated. The 91 Freeway has been shut down where the fire jumped it, and the news footage shows thousands of cars stranded on the freeway.

We are having Santa Ana winds right now. Hot dry winds from the desert that blow from the Northeast to the West. Gusts are very strong, and will pick up embers and carry them for up to 3/4 ths of a mile, starting new fires where they land.

Please pray for the safety of the residents and firefighters, and please pray for the fires to be put out.

 

[Sonshine]

I've been praying.

 

[Common Tator]

I finally reached my son, and he is much calmer about this than I am. He is off having lunch with a friend, watching the smoke and firefighting aircraft. I gave him instructions on what I want him to load into his car in case he needs to evacuate.

At 19 he still thinks he is invincible!

On the news they just said upward of 10,000 have been ordered to evacuate in the Anaheim Hills area.

 

[Common Tator]

The Corona fire, East of Yorba Linda has a section of the 241 freeway, that was shut down due to the fire. They just reported that stranded motorists are abandoning their cars to flee the fire on foot.

 

[Becca65]

Wow, how scary!! Sending prayers they get this under control soon. Or cousin lives in Ahaheim, is that the same as the hills?

 

[Common Tator]

I've been praying.

Thank you Sonshine! We really need it right now!

 

[Common Tator]

Wow, how scary!! Sending prayers they get this under control soon. Or cousin lives in Ahaheim, is that the same as the hills?

Yes, Anaheim hills is part of Anaheim, but Anaheim Hills is farther East.

 

[Common Tator]

The news just reported that the Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Corona fires have burned at least 265 homes and apartment units, so far, with more catching fire all the time. They just reported the fire has pushed into Anaheim.

Fire units are reporting low water pressure as they try to battle flames and stretch their resources.

The Sylmar fire yesterday burned at least 500 mobile homes in a single mobile home park, and they were able to save another 185.

 

[Shepherd]

After seeing the news the first day they reported these fires, my heart and prayers have been going out to you all. Please stay safe. I hope and pray your animals are safe too, as well as your home.

Please continue to keep us informed.

 

[Common Tator]

If anyone here has loved ones in the fire areas and would like to see a map of the burn areas, visit www.cbs2.com. They have fire maps of the various fires.

 

[bowdonkey]

Wish I was there CT. Are these considered the Santa Anna winds? Spent a month out there earlier this year and all I can say is it was a surreal experience. I never dreamed fires could get that big and have such a huge effect over such a large area. And I just gotta say once again, California has some of the best wildland firefighters anywhere. Especially the Peppermint Helicopter rapel team. Some of the toughest guys on the planet. Absolutely some of the finest individuals I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

 

[Common Tator]

Yes Bowdonkey, these are the Santa Ana winds. I have nothing but praise for our wonderful firefighters!

 

[motivated]

I am trying to get in touch with my friend in Chino Hills but no answering machine on maybe no power. My other friend lives in Carbon Canyon. Hopefully the conditions will improve.
Prayers for a nice rainfall said.
We live in the San Bernardino mountains too, in Crestline.
Hope your son doesn't have to evacuate.
Motivated

 

[katlupe]

Sending powerful prayers to these wonderful firefighters right now. Also to the people who's lives and homes are in danger. How awful! My heart goes to the ones who have lost their homes already.

katlupe

 

[Becca65]

I sent an email to my Cousin and she said the fires are about 5 miles from them, they are concerned about the Embers right now.

 

[Common Tator]

The Santa Ana winds have died down now, and that is a real blessing! It gives the firefighters a fighting chance to subdue the fires.

Right now they are showing the fire burning in Anaheim Hills. The fire has spread north to Chino Hills in San Bernardino County, and Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County.

Becca, I am glad to hear your friend is OK!

 

[Becca65]

Thats good the winds have died down! That will give them a chance to get them under control, I seen a picture on a news wesbite that showed firefighters laying on the ground they looked exhausted, what heros they are putting out fires like this, and every day really. We had a firefighter die Friday only 37 yrs old father of 5.. breaks my heart.

 

[Shepherd]

Do keep us posted, CommonTator. Prayers continue for you all, and especially for the firefighters and officers who are on duty.