Too Fucking Close

Posted on October 22, 2007 in Santiago Fire

I am taking a breather. The cats are packed away in their cat carriers, thrashing violently. I’ve got the strong boxes out and have quickly packed my suitcase. Next to get the car, the camera, etc. and hope that we’re spared.

From a report by a neighbor, I gather that the fire is on a ridgeline in Foothill Ranch near the corner of Alton and Portola. The Ralph’s supermarket there is threatened. About a mile of chaparral separates me from the blaze and that mile is rough country should the fire get in there. Only one spot where the firemen can take a stand. There’s water there and a flat spot. News says that there are districts in Orange County without fire protection because they are throwing everything in the county at this blaze. Bet the national news people are down here quick to get pictures now. More than 10,000 acres burned in under 24 hours. And the winds are going this way, then that. No sign of the blaze from here, but it is sneaky country here. Lots of places for a fire to hide.

I may flee to Long Beach to sit it out with my cousin. If so, I’ll let you know what is up.

Those of you with my phone number may call.

For the latest information: click here.

UPDATE: This off the Los Angeles Times:

Firefighters battling an arson blaze that is racing toward thousands of homes in Foothill Ranch were forced this afternoon to abandon a mountain peak where they hoped to make a last-ditch stand.

Forty-foot-tall flames and smoldering embers were bearing down on the Lake Forest neighborhood and residents were evacuating after fire officials’ pleas for water-dropping helicopters went unheeded.

The Santiago Fire was deliberately set in three areas next to the 241 toll road about 6 p.m. Sunday, and it exploded quickly, fueled by dense vegetation and fierce Santa Ana winds, fire investigators said. The blaze has scorched more than 15,000 acres near Santiago Canyon and is now threatening Portola Hills.

If caught, someone ain’t going to get a fair jury in Orange County. Would Bill the Lawyer defend him?