I woke up the kids and called my husband who was working late to come and get us! We left at 2 a.m Monday and saw the flames advancing over the ridge.

After 5 days with just the clothes on our backs and the 5 of us living pretty much out of our van 100 miles north, we're back in Escondido today and thankful our home was spared.
Many of our neighbors were not so fortunate and it's difficult to see all the charred foundations where houses once stood.
I drove up the mountain to check on some of our kids' schoolmates and after much confusion mixed with some denial, I realized I couldn't find or see their homes because . . . well, the homes were not there anymore! The schools are getting lists together of kids whose homes burned to the ground. It is so sad.

The firefighters who saved our neighborhood commented that we were extremely fortunate since there were walls of flames almost 360 degrees around us. Our kittens are safe but scared and weak. I gave them baths, cleaned out their eyes, ears and noses which were filled with soot.
We have lots of ash and some came into the house through the door jams. We will be cleaning all weekend and for weeks to come.
I lost some of my rare roses (from the wind, 99 degree heat and not being there to water them) Fatalities were Burgundy Iceberg, Julia's Rose, Spellcaster, Ruby Pendant and others.

But I have NOTHING to complain about ... we got out and our kids have a home to come back to .... just a whole lot of cleaning up to do.
Very Thankful,
Denise

Yes, there were a lot of wealthy people who lost their homes, but most worked hard all their lives to get to where they were.
They have a lot less now, because many were underinsured, not insured or their homes will cost too much to rebuild. What do you do with a quarter acre of charred dirt and rubble which is worth 200,000 in itself. Everything is tied up in our homes here.
You can't sell land or homes here right now. The only choice is to rebuild. The home is gone ... all they have is the land. Land is scarce and no place is safe from fires.
Many homes in Rancho Bernardo were not in a known danger zone.
Firestorms are sadly a part of nature and they will happen every time conditions are like they were last weekend. It's frightening. We've lived here 7 years and went through the 2 most extreme fires in California history. 2003 and 2007..Earth Abides

Disasters are horrible regardless of the state.

Who is Lily Lawrence? She and her former estate were on the news, and I am not familiar with her.

Sammy

Carla

This is the best eye-witness story I have read anywhere on-line in regards to this devastating disaster.

I agree 100% with your second post, especially in regards to why people stay on and rebuild. You've summed up the situation in a very concise, and truthful way.

I wish you, and all those Californians who were affected by the fires, strength and courage to start rebuilding your lives.

(((Hugs)))

Betty

so glad to hear you are safe-----and yur home is intact.

It must have been a horrible experience for you----

I think most of the people have been very courageous and very helpful to others

I've only heard good things about the folks in CA.

Good Luck with the clean-up----

Florence

I'm just happy you are fine. I grieve for all the others that lost their homes, pets or loved ones. It is just so darn sad.

Deb