Those of you battling fires in SoCal

[DisneyDotty]

First--let me say my thoughts are with all of you who are battling the fires, displaced by the fires, or have lost much because of the fires. I hope you will soon have some relief from this devastation.
We're planning a trip to San Diego (and DL) for Thanksgiving week. I know you cannot predict what the SD area will be like three weeks from now, but I'd appreciate some thoughts about whether we should reconsider visiting that area. Basically, we don't want to be in the way of people trying to reclaim their lives.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Here are some web sites that might help you decide. The current prediction is that they won't have the large one contained until next week!.

http://www.cbs8.com/
http://www.kpbs.org/
http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/

Good Luck!

 

[DisneyDotty]

Thanks for the links. I will check them as needed.

 

[ScooterL]

You won't be in the way - things will be back to normal for most people by this weekend. And the areas that are affected by the fires are generally off the beaten path as far as most tourists go (the Wild Animal Park being an exception, but even that is supposed to reopen tomorrow). The air should be cleared out by then - current estimate is back to normal in 1-2 weeks, though in the downtown/coastal areas it probably won't be noticeable within the next week. At my house the air is pretty clear already - you can still see smoke in the sky, but you can't smell it.

Come to San Diego...we need your tourist $$$!

 

[DisneyDotty]

That's encouraging, Scooter! We'll happily give you our $$$--glad to hear things are starting to look up!
This being my first trip to San Diego, I'm so looking forward to visit what I hear is a most beautiful city. Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

[ScooterL]

I'm biased, of course, but yes, it is a truly beautiful city.

Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[dwelty]

I live in Temecula, just a few miles from 2 different fires. Thanksgiving is almost a month away. This will not be an issue by then. The big story here was the evacuation, the largest in CA history. This was state officials playing it safe. When all is said and done, they expect about 1,800 homes lost in all of Southern California, (in the 2003 fires, almost 3,000 homes were lost). This in an area of 3,000,000. (san Diego County). Like to previous poster said, unless you go to the wild animal park, and drive down the 15 freeway, you will not even see any damage.

Not trying to minimize the loss here, just ponting out that this was not a hurricane or earthquake, the damage is localized to East County, and other than the people who lost their homes, life will be back to normal for the rest of us come Monday. Fires are a part of life in Southern California this time of year.

 

[MomBoyd]

To all of you who are battling the fires, displaced by the fires, or have lost much because of the fires -

 

[eeyoresnr]

I live in Florida now... but spent most of my life in OC and I just want to say to all the firefighters near and far that have gone to California to help battle the fires...THANK YOU

 

[eeyoresnr]

I just found this pic on the orange county register's web page
these guys are amazing... I had to laugh a little though...my husband can sleep on anything in any position and it has always amazed me...his answer has always been "I'm a fireman, I sleep when I can" seeing this makes me understand what he means...

again THANKS to all you firefighters saving California

 

[eeyoresnr]

 

[kimberh]

I am praying for all the fireman and residents. My brother is a fireman. So sorry you are having to go through this loss.

 

[eeyoresnr]

bump

 

[GreenGirl8]

As someone who was evacuated for five days and just returned home to no water...etc, I have to say, come and visit! San Diego is beautiful and I agree that it will be back to normal for most by the time you get here. The Wild Animal Park had minimal damage and is a great park to visit if you have the time.

 

[nemofans]

It must have been so scary having so many fires happening at once! We have a trip planned for SD the week after Thanksgiving. I understand things will be back to normal by then, but I wonder if the hotels will be filled w/residents who have lost their homes. What do you think?

 

[Pinkjj]

Just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with those of you who have lost so much.