High Winds Inland Cause Fires to Grow

Merrie and I are safe at home and not in imminent danger. This is the case for most of San Diego. There are now seven fires to the east, northeast and north of central San Diego.

The three pictures above are taken from our home. From top to bottom, they are 8 a.m. views to the northeast, north and northwest.

This morning the San Diego County Sheriff called these the worst fires in county history. We are all very concerned that we are seeing unusually high winds in inland areas, and they are expected to continue through tomorrow.

The winds obviously feed the fires, and they also carry embers to new areas. In addition, a transformer explosion ignited a new fire east of Escondido, near the San Diego Wild Animal Park. That fire has jumped and has now burned a number of homes in eastern Rancho Bernardo--a suburb about 15 miles due north of us.

The mayor has asked people to stay home today, to keep roads clear for evacuation. Thousands of poeple are now at area shelters, including Qualcomm Stadium.

Again, we are safe at home and not in danger. To be cautious and for our own peace of mind, we are making evacuation plans, as are many of our neighbors.