Thursday, May 02, 2013

Bullet Dodging

I had some ideas for posting my Fave Fives this week.  I'd sort of been thinking through my little moments from the week.  But. Then. It. Happened.  This. Morning.


Unless you have been living under a rock today in the US and possibly other places around the world, you will have been informed by various news stations that there is a wild fire raging in Southern California.  In my backyard.  Literally.

At 8 am, our next door neighbor yelled my husband's name and informed him that there was a fire burning between us and the 101 freeway (that's a distance of less than 1/4 mile).  As she is quite elderly, her daughter had called and insisted that she put her valuables in her car and leave home immediately.  We could see and smell the smoke when we opened our front door.  Since we were on our way out to work, we stopped for an extra five minutes and threw a few papers, photos and files into our cars and left to teach our Thursday classes.


As I drove up the on ramp onto the freeway, I pulled over and snapped this photo at about 8:15am.


I am grateful for so many things this evening.

1.  No homes in our neighborhood burned. The fire came within 300 feet of our house.  Yes, really.  I walked up the hill less than two blocks and photographed the burned areas.



2.  The Professor texted me to tell me that he had been evacuated from the university.  The announcement came as he was teaching his 10 o'clock class.  He didn't realize how close the fire was to the campus until he had left and was driving away.  I am thankful he is safe and the university did not sustain any damage.

3.  So many people called, emailed and texted to offer a place to stay if we were still on evacuation status.  I am so grateful and thankful for thoughtful friends.

4.  One friend texted me updates throughout the morning while I was teaching to let me know the status and direction of the fire.  There was nothing I could do even if my house did burn, but it was a comfort to KNOW.

5.  That comfort.  Knowing that God was still in control of everything.

As The Professor stated, "We really dodged a bullet this time."

Update:  The area where I hiked last week has burned.

17 comments:

nikkipolani said...

I'd been hearing about the fires and wondering how close they were to you -- really really close! Instant five faves that you are safe and had plenty of help offered. Can you breathe with the fire being so close?

susan said...

So glad you & hubby, your home, and neighborhood are okay. Do you guys have any smoke damage?

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Oh my! I didn't realize you live so close to where these fires are burning, Willow! I'm so glad you and your home were safe!

We had more snow yesterday -- another 8 inches--I would be annoyed at May first snowstorm except that I know this area needs all the moisture it can get, any way it comes, as we will have fire conditions in summer. I hope your area gets some rainfall soon that puts the fires out. Stay safe!

Faith said...

PRAISE GOD you are ok and the university, your home, etc OMGOODNESS!!!! Seeing those fires on the tv are awful and now to know I have a blogging buddy who lives so close....we are going to keep you and your neighbors in prayer. I just showed my 14 yr old girl your photos and she couldn't believe how close you were! So sad your hiking area burned :( But thank the Lord you are all ok, He is good!

Tracy said...

Oh, my goodness, Willow... I am so glad you, The Professor & your neighbors are safe! I hope the safety & comfort for you & yours there continues...*PRAYERS*... ((HUGS))

Lovella ♥ said...

I've thought so often of you in the last few days. We have the coverage of the fire up here in Canada too. So thankful you are your home are safe.

ellen b. said...

Oh boy...those photos speak loudly! Glad you all dodged the bullet! On facebook, Connie and Steve Larson were trying to get updates from China on their neighborhood and how close the fire was to it. It's great to have a social network for times like these as they and you got the info almost immediately that you needed...

Jerralea said...

Glad to hear all is well and that God is your comfort!

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Oh, Willow -- I'm so glad to hear you're okay. How scary that must be. Lots to be thankful for today, huh? Take care.

Bethany said...

I guess I'm one of those living under a rock (or 3 classes of work!!!)-- I had no idea and am so glad you are safe! I guess this is the downside to CA living... it seems to be a regular threat there. Stay safe!

Barbara H. said...

I hadn't had the news on, so I had missed this. Wow, that's scary close. So glad everything was safe at home and school and that God gave you peace throughout.

Caroline said...

So frightening! We're supposed to get rain up here on Monday. I hope it's heading your way too.

Barbara said...

Gosh that was close. Glad you are OK and thanks for E-mail update.

Anonymous said...

How strange to have a fire in spring!

I was praying for your safety and home and am glad that God protected you.

~ skye

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Oh how sad.

Claudia Bugh said...

A very very close call, Willow. Such a blessing to have your home spared.... the memories and mementos just aren't replaceable. Let's hope this rain will help mitigate against a bad fire year.

Gattina said...

A rather horrible week ! Fortunately nobody was hurt !