When I went outside this morning to run to the store, everything is covered in ash. There are patches of blue sky interspersed with huge patches of brown and grey. It's eerie outside. It smells of smoke. We've been advised to stay inside as much as possible. Schools are closed. Offices are closed. Right now they're worried about fires merging, creating an even bigger blaze.
Several people I know saved their Poway homes with garden hoses. Someone told me people were leaving the area on horseback, luggage in one hand, horse reins in the other.
I looked on our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) today, and one home was reported as "withdrawn--home burned down in the Scripps Ranch fire." It had been listed at over $1 million. Looking at the map, I'm horrified. I know at least three families who live within a couple of streets of that home. One friend, as I've mentioned, I know lost his home. It makes me so sad I could cry.
On a brighter note, several friends who were evacuated yesterday from the Escondido and Poway areas are being allowed to return to their homes. That's a good sign.
My business partner's husband had to chase off LOOTERS this morning! He cornered several of them until the police arrived on the scene. They were not youngsters; rather, they looked to be in their 20s. Unbelievable how people can be so cruel as to take advantage of someone else's misery.
Will keep you posted as events unfold.
