Wednesday, October 24, 2007

500,000 flee raging California wildfires

Faced with unrelenting winds whipping wildfires into a frenzy across Southern California, firefighters conceded defeat on many fronts Tuesday to an unstoppable force that has chased more than 500,000 people away.
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5 comments:

Greg Bishop said...

Although I live under the clouds of smoke and people walking about with dust masks, I don't presonally know anyone who has been affected by the fires.

My parents live in San Diego, and they can see the flames and smoke, but aren't in any real danger. When the last fire disaster struck in 2003, I was in S.D. working on "Project Beta." I remember looking up at the sun through the smoke and seeing sunspots with my naked eye. My dad and I looked at them with binoculars.

5:58 PM
Anonymous said...

There are now over 1 million people in SoCal who either are or who have been ordered to evacuate.

This is the largest domestic evacuation since World War II.

And the fires are not anywhere near under control. Over half a million acres burned, 3000 homes or businesses burned, Santa Ana winds gusting up to 100 miles an hour. Sure glad I live in NorCal.

Welcome to the dystopic future/now.

7:57 PM
Anonymous said...

Correction:

Largest domestic evacuation since the Civil War. Oh, joy...

10:07 PM
Anonymous said...

The Santa Ana winds are abating--looks like the fire fighters might be able to begin to get a handle on things in the next couple days, thank gopod.

Most disturbing, beyond the individual losses and newly homeless people: some of these fires appear to have been arson.

One person already arrested, another was killed (shot) by the police when he tried to escape in his car, and rammed a police car in his getaway attempt.

10:33 AM
Anonymous said...

Total of 5 suspected arsonists arrested so far. Wonder if any are affiliated with ELF, Al Qaeda, or just firemen with Munchousen (sp?)syndrome? Probably just copycat firebug nuts...

6:52 AM

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