We Are Thankful for Little Change

These are 11 a.m. pictures. It may seem boring to keep looking at these same views, especially when there's no change like this time. But Merrie and I are relieved and far from bored at no change. We are very grateful.

Officials estimate 1000 homes have been destroyed--but that's a guess. There isn't time to collect accurate data.

It's good news that calmer winds have allowed fixed-wing aircraft to begin dumping water and retardant, and that effort is expected to grow today. There are many helicopters in the air. We hope the winds stay calmer.

A few years ago, the Eastlake area of south San Diego county was one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. Thousands of homes have been built there in the last ten years. This area is threatened and is under a voluntary evacuation.

At this hour firefighters are succeeding at keeping the fire away from the easternmost homes in that area.

For almost two days, San Diegans have been cycling between low-level dread and relief, with doses of fear sprinkled on top. Most people are waiting and watching--either at home, at work, or at an evacuation center.