Just back after being evacuated from the San Diego Fires

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LS5099

Guest
Just returned this afternoon to a still standing house. Lynn and I (cat and dog) were evacuated at 1:15 AM early last Monday morning (Oct.22, 2007) because of the Ramona fire here in San Diego. The fire came within two miles of the house. We spent the rest of the night trying to sleep in the parking lot behind my work. Checked in to work Monday morning then proceeded to look for a place to stay. Found that the Sheraton Suites Hotel in downtown San Diego took small animals, so I booked it in a hurry. The quoted rate was $189/night + tax but later Sheraton reduced the rates for all evacuees to $129. They provided doggy cookies, pet food and a pet bed if you needed them.

Lynn camped out in the hotel room for seven days while I went to work. As an employee of the County, I was called upon to work overtime coordinating the relief efforts. We wanted to return to the house earlier, but the water district could not supply drinkable water. As a matter of fact, until today, they advised everyone not to even bathe in the stuff. We decided to stay put until we could at least shower. We still have to drink bottled water, but that’s a small price to pay to be back in the house.

Soot and ash everywhere. It will take a couple of days to clean the house up. Then there’s the matter of cleaning the pool. We’re just glad to even have a house knowing over 1500 homes were destroyed by the fire.

P.S. Amazing how your whole life can be packed in the back of a car!
 
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audrey

Guest
I am so happy to hear that you are back home and your house is still standing. I am in southern calif and the fire was all around us but we did not have to leave. I did get things ready and now know if we were ever asked to leave I would be take things that I did not have ready that I know we could not replace. I was only taking bills and papers we could have replaced instead of pictures colectables that were not replace able.
 
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GloBug

Guest
You were lucky to return to your intact home. I'm glad you were. It's a blessing. I have a friend whose home burned down totally, and she had had her photo albums right by the door. She grabbed them on the way out, and that's all she took. She is thankful she did.
 
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conniecat

Guest
Wow, I can't imagine having to do that. Glad you are well and still have your home.
 
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Corky

Guest
Glad you all are safe. This is a learning experience for all of us. I'm sitting here thinking about putting my photo albums alongside my firebox...no better time than now while I am thinking about it.
 
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BostonsJ

Guest
Wow it really is scary how quickly your life can change when in these fire areas. I'm glad you are safe and back at home.
 
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reggae

Guest
Great news that you are home and everything is safe. It had to be very rough for you all week.

So sorry for all those that lost their homes. Hope the re-building gets going soon, and this never happens again!
 
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Mgram

Guest
Truly good news indeed. This has been such an ordeal for so many. I am so happy for both of you.
 
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Donna - dsw

Guest
So glad to see you posting and checking in. Glad things are working out for you - as you said - you are one of the lucky ones. Good luck cleaning up the house and area - - would love for you to share some photos with us!
 
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Cruise cutie

Guest
Glad you are safe and sound, and your home too.. lucky for sure.. thanks for updating, and good luck with the cleanup..:)..Joanne
 
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ShipMaven

Guest
Thank God you are safe, and your home is intact. How fortunate you were compared to others. My heart goes out to all of you who had to cope - one way or another - with this ordeal.

Thanks for checking in with us.
 
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r8derfan

Guest
Wonderful news that you, wife and furbabies are safe. And your home is still there. That soot is so sticky. Our home, cars, pool, trees. plants were all covered. I sure hope the fires are over.
 
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