Well, SoCal is pretty much moving into day six of it’s fires. At this juncture all I can emphatically say is, “Can someone please dowse DISCO INFERNO!!” It’s been insane.
I thought Monday was bad when the fires were burning directly behind my place of employment about a mile away (the Santiago Canyon fire when referring to the map picture above). WRONG! Yesterday (Wednesday) the air quality and the general appearance of the sky for numerous miles was bad. Real bad. I kid you not, you could take a knife and cut through the air, given the amount of smoke and soot floating around. The Santa Ana winds had tamed down. And now the air has begun to stagnate. Most of the smoke moved up from the San Diego County limits, some 20-25 miles away. I am blown away at the number of houses now that are being reported as lost to the fire. I believe the news was throwing out estimates at around 1400 – 1500. I can’t begin to imagine what is running through the minds of those that have lost their homes.
In any event, yesterday was the first day at work that I really felt effected by the smoke. Because we work in a complex where we have a warehouse conversion, our ceilings have vented skylights some 20 feet above us. This is done for building fire code purpose. Regretfully though, this allows the air outside to flow in and along with the air comes the flying debris and smoke. So when I arrived at work, I’d estimate that within 10 – 15 minutes I was feeling the start of a headache (I’m highly sensitive to smoke and heavy scents). Within the first hour, I was even feeling the onset of watery eyes and a scratchy throat. Somehow I managed to work until I left at 2:30pm for my doctor’s appointment (unrelated to the fire aftermath).
All this makes me wonder what chaos would be created if our major cities were hit with something far more devastating than Hurricane Katrina and 9-11 combined.
In signing off, I’d like to ask if anyone of you would like to sign on to be my personal “fan” boy to ensure the air is circulating around me. LOL.
October 25, 2007 at 3:42 am
Try duct tape. They said that would protect us from anthrax. Kidding!
Seriously, take care of yourself. I’m surprised your managers even keep the business open in all this. I fervently hope the weather cooperates and the fires are under control very soon.
October 25, 2007 at 6:08 am
Where do I sign up? Are there perks?
And add what Doug said in his second paragraph with exclamation marks!
Think of you! Please take care!
October 25, 2007 at 6:47 am
Hope you stay clear of everything, and hope things begin to improve out there.
So what decision have you come up with concerning you new career destination???
Hope Momma “B” is doing well…
~Y~
October 25, 2007 at 8:29 am
News releases appear to be more optimistic today, thank goodness! But I’m still keeping a close watch on the dry canyon behind my house. If it were to catch fire, there’d be no saving the house.
October 26, 2007 at 5:06 am
Um…where do I sign? I’m sure with my help, we can lick the problem!You know what they say, if you can’t handle the smoke, better not be a flamer! Seriously, be careful and stay safe and healthy, and if you need to evacuate, we have a king size bed…er, I mean a spare bed waiting here for you….
October 26, 2007 at 9:15 am
dear me
sounds hellish.
in a week or so i am supposed to drive to san diego but perhaps not…..
October 26, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I’ve been worried about you and those fires, Tony!
The Big Woods may be a little dreary this time of year, but I CAN say that it never burns….!
Seriously, though, hope things turn up with the fires and smoke damage – I’m thinking of you.
October 26, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I watched the TV news this morning and the reportors said that the fire had started to diminish. Take care of yourself, Tony.
October 27, 2007 at 7:01 pm
I hope things continue to improve out there. If not, I’ll get a ticket and fly out there to be your personal “fan boy”.