got an email this morning from my friend Neil out in Stevenson Ranch --- yes... OUT "THERE"
he and his family (wife, kid, dog) evacuated.... but he took some photos as he was leaving
here you go... CLICK FOR 14 PAGES of PHOTOS by Neil
here was the email explaining stuff.... frightening stuff and i hope his house is still standing:
Hey everyone,Thanks so much for all your support, everything is now fine, although it was EXTREMELY scary. The quick story (especially for those who don't know yet):
There were two fires burning in the Santa Clarita area, although none were particularly threatening. A neighborhood nearby had been evacuated in the AM, so we decided that we'd prep for evacuation if necessary. The day went by without much incident, but Simone noticed a NEW fire about 2pm. The fire was about 1/4 mile directly in back of the house and the wind was blowing about 45 miles per hour in our direction.
Although the fire was new, it spread quickly. Within minutes, we had thirty foot flames on the crest of the hill in back of our house. There was mad dash to pack the cars, pets and ourselves. Through the grace of something divine, the wind blew the flames west and up the crest AND the firefighters were on the ground within ten minutes. There were also 2x supertanker planes and 2x helicopters all dropping water BEFORE we even left (these guys are GOOD). Literally, from the time we noticed the smoke to the time we left (seriously not more than 25 minutes), the fire had swept about a mile up the crest of the hill. Fire is f-ing scary, scary, scary. I was able to get some pictures before we left (once I knew the fire wasn't coming directly at us), but we quickly left to stay with friends for a bit.
http://www.vanharte.net/magicfire/
We were able to come home about three hours later and everything was okay.....for now. Keep an eye on the 'Stevenson Ranch' fire, as that is the concerns us. So far, so good. Might be tough to sleep at night, but there's certainly a sense of relief. The cars are packed with all the important things, ready to bolt if history repeats. Let's hope that's not the case. Especially considering that I have 2x Springsteen shows next week. ;)
Also, thanks so much to those who have offered shelter and protection. Hopefully, we won't have to take you up on it.
Until these fires are out, there's not going to be a really 'safe' feeling.
Crazy, huh?
Not for nothing, with all that's going on out there, I'm jealous that he's got Bruce tix :}
Whatchoosayin'?? (2 yapped)
Sad stuff losing one's home. Thank god for Glenn Beck making great comments like he did in such bad times
[note from GC: Glenn Beck is a douche.]
Posted by furiousBall | October 25, 2007 9:02 AM
The fire department did a heck of a job out there. My sister and a friend live out that way and both had to evacuate, but thankfully both returned without finding damage.
Posted by The Misanthrope | October 24, 2007 12:11 AM