Well, it’s not getting any better yet.
Because a number of people have been unable to contact me due to the increased load on the cellular system, I will be updating here a couple-few times a day, until I’m out of danger.
In brief, the fires have not gotten really any closer to me—while they’re growing, it’s in the opposite direction. The sort of unspoken strain around here is what happens to the lifeblood and arteries of the city. Freeways and roads can be jammed, businesses shut down because employees cannot get to them, deliveries impossible, and buying and selling severely crimped. That will impact later, when bills cannot be paid because sales were not made. The effects of this will go on and on and on. . .
Here’s how it is at this point:
More than 350,000 homes have been evacuated in San Diego County.
More than 513,000 people have been evacuated to stadiums, churches and schools, stuffing and straining the resources of those areas.
Nearly 1,000,000 people have been evacuated statewide due to the fires in Southern California.
Fires have burned at least 373,000 acres, or 583 square miles—an area larger than New York City. Fully a quarter of the California coast is ablaze.
More than 1,300 buildings have been destroyed.
There are many who are depending upon our prayers.
Thank you for yours.
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I've just gotten caught up with you through your blog. You are in my prayers as well as those suffering from these terrible fires. Our yard and cars are covered in ash and our skies here in El Segundo are murky and darkened from the smoke. We are so looking forward to the refreshing message you have to bring us this weekend. Expectation is high.
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you during your travels. Wow...what an experience! And we will especially be praying for Sarah and the girls. I guess this is what you call a fiery trial.
ReplyDeleteMay God get you there safely and quickly. I may be heading there with the Red Cross in the next day or two...
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