This is where I live too. The risk of getting in the way of a California wildfire a constant threat when it is dry or conditions are prime for one careless or troubled soul.
Five years ago while driving home one evening from Pasadena it looked as though our house was on fire. As we drove into the community, we saw neighbors packing up and fire marshals banging on doors ordering families to get in their cars and leave the area. Walking into my house I looked around. What should I take? What couldn't I replace? What couldn't I live without? I gave each boy a small suitcase and told them to quickly pack some things. Tom backed the truck up as close as he could to the front door and I grabbed whatever I could and threw it in. Photos, laptops, art and the cat. I drove the truck and the boys to the safe haven of grandma's house and didn't look back.
Tom (it turned out) never left the house. In between hosing the roof he documented all he could witness with a video camera in one hand, his cell phone in the other (constantly telling me he was fine) and a wet towel on his head.
The next day the fire was contained. Our neighborhood had been protected but others close by weren't as fortunate. I opened the boy's suitcases when we returned home and who they were came pouring out. The 13 year old had packed only two things; his retainer and a pair of athletic shorts. The 8 year old had neatly organized three sets of clothes. When I asked him why three of everything, he simply said, "I thought it would take that long to get my laundry done."
Blessings go out to all those fighting the flames and displaced by this tragedy.
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