Smoke 'em If You've Got 'em!
Ok, maybe that was a bad pun. For those of you who don't know, Babylon, also known as "Southern California", is ablaze in flame and smoke right now.
The fires are spread out throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Diego County, with San Diego taking the biggest hit. All the fires were started for different reasons, some natural, and some, sadly, by arson.
The fires exploded out of control because the "Santa Ana" Winds have kicked in. For those unfamiliar with So Cal weather, every year about this time, massive winds come through the area. Over the weekend, some winds reached over 100 mph. This is what it did to our pool.
Some of my Seminary Students go to a high school that is currently acting as an evacuee shelter for many of the people affected by these infernos. One of our substitute Seminary Teachers is a full-time firefighter, and we learned this morning that yesterday he and his crew were overtaken by one blast of flames, but they were able to get under their "Fire Tents" in time and no one was hurt.
These are just some pictures that I took from near my home. Where I live is relatively safe, however, no one is escaping the effects of smoke, ash and haze. These pictures were taken about 3 in the afternoon, so you can tell how much sun is being blocked out by the smoke.
The absolute most amazing thing about all of this though, is that all through August and September, our local church leaders on the Stake and Ward levels have been warning us to have 72 Hour Kits prepared and ready to go. I thought it unusual at the emphasis they were placing on preparedness. Now I see why.
I don't know about you, but I am going to send up a few extra prayers for the men and women putting their lives on the line right now to battle these flames. At least we have FEMA! The way they handled Katrina...I think I am going to go do some more praying.
6 comments:
WOW! Those are some crazy pictures! I'm glad your safe. We will be praying for your continued safety as well as those is So Cal. Keep us posted on the happenings.
Love ya!
Uh-oh, lately we have had a lot of emphasis on being prepared, having a food storage, etc.-I wonder what is coming our way? Those pictures were great to look at to get a good idea of what you are viewing, I sure hope it all gets under control soon! It is terrible how many people have lost their homes!
That is crazy. What a huge disaster. It is interesting about the 72 hour kits. Looks like the local leaders were definately inspired.
Hope the smoke and fires clear up soon.
That is crazy. I heard that over one million people had been evacuated and it is the biggest evacuation since the civil war. Scary. I'm glad that you have not had to evacuate.
that's crazy! I hope you stay safe. This is a very important reminder that our church leaders tell us things for a reason, and we need to be prepared to obey.
I have been watching coverage of the firestorm on the news and it is nuts! I am glad to hear that you are out of harms way - but keep that 72 hour kit close by just in case.
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