Don and Maureen:Thank you for the kind sentiments. I am to be counted among the very
fortunate who did not reside in harm's way, though the Witch Fire was barreling down
in our general direction at one point. I can tell you that at the beginning of the week,
hardly a soul in the entire county felt all that safe. If the Santa Ana winds had not
calmed down considerably as the week wore on, towns and cities extending clear to the
coast could have been affected, making the tragedy exponentially greater.
As it were, the fire fighting agencies involved, with timely assistance from units
arriving from out of state, along with the military auxiliaries involved, did a superb job
in battling the conflagrations. The same could be said for the police, power &
electric, and state forestry departments involved -- and even the local news media. These
diverse agencies put aside their traditional "turf" differences and worked hand
in hand on this one to the betterment of all.Beyond that, the massive civilian evacuations
were quite orderly, looting has been very minimal (and the little there was was dealt with
promptly), and the loss of life has been kept to an absolute minimum. Little consolation
for the 1800 and counting who've lost their homes and possessions of course, but you
take the good news where you can find it during disasters like these. When those southerly
Santa Ana's kick in like they did starting last Sunday, they truly live up to their
nickname "los vientos del diablo" -- the devil winds. Once that heat begins to
smell of smoke, you know you have trouble on your hands.My thanks again. I will pass your
prayers and thoughts on to those who need them most.JbOn Saturday 10/27/07, Don Tharp
<detict(a)cox.net> wrote: > What a terrible ordeal for those affected. I've
seen a series of pictures> of the fires and the homes they have destroyed. Also, one of
the alumni> of my high school who lives nearby has been keeping us informed of the>
effort to control the fire and the consequences some have suffered. > > We've
all been thinking about you and praying for the best. >> Thanks for the kind words,
most of the credit is due to the efforts of > other who have been generous in sharing
their work. > > DonTOn Sunday 10/28/07, Maureen Brook <mbrook(a)extremezone.com>
wrote: > JB,> > Know we are thinking of you and pray you are getting through the
worst> of it. I have been hoping there will not be further loss of life.> So sorry
there has been loss of property. >> The best to you and yours, Maureen Brook
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