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California Fire Active Rain Roll Call

It's fire season here in California. We currently have 7 fires burning in SoCal. The causes are anything from downed power lines to arson. The battle is intensified by the high winds of 30-50 mph and gusts of 60-90 mph. With so many fires in the area, the resources are limited. Water drops are impossible in some areas due to high winds.

I've been checking in via telephone on many of our Active Rain Community today. I thought this might be a good place to post updates on people that I was able to talk with personally.

SAFE LIST:

Jeff Dowler - Carlsbad received a reverse 911 call at 6 a.m. (10/22) They have bags packed, but have not been asked to evacuate. UPDATE from Jeff 4:48 P.M. Thanks for your offers of assistance. The fire in San Marcos is now pretty well under control so no danger HERE, but many problems elsewhere. Folks are being asked to leave primaily because of teh air quality. Just talked to Bill Roberts in Mission valley. He is fine and safe now and has not had to evacuate. Qualcomm Stadium is filling up!!

William Johnson - Also received a reverse 911 call this morning.(10/22) So far in an area that has not been oficially evacuated but fires are burning around his area. Tuesday 8:49 a.m. update - Just spoke with William. His home is okay. Just not able to return home today due to road closures. He plans to get back home tomorrow.

Roberta Murphy - Received a reverse 911 call this morning.(10/22) Smoke is very thick around her home. They have not been asked to evacuate yet. Tues. 8:04 A.M. PST - Talked with Roberta's husband Mike. They didn't evacuate. Everything fine. No signs of smoke this morning.

Brian Brady - Laurie Manny was posting her article at the same time I was writing this. She had just spoken with Brian Brady and they are safe. Read Laurie's post WEDNESDAY 10 A.M. PST - THE BRADY FAMILY IS MOVING BACK INTO THEIR HOME.

Jeff Turner Santa Clarita - Jeff and family are safe. Thanks Lisa Heindel for letting us know that Jeff had posted an update and some incredible photos. Read Jeff's Post 8:52 P.M.PST Update from Jeff - "I believe our household is completely out of the woods on this one. Something dramatic would have to change for the fire to double back on itself at this point. Thank you so much for your concern. My thoughts and prayers are now toward those in San Diego and Lake Arrowhead. The scenes are horrific."

Kathy McGraw Banning/White Water has checked in to note that besides herself, there are 5-6 other Active Rainers in her area that are safe and well. Kathy has been reporting on the fires since yesterday. Read Kathy's post

Corina McGraw and her 5 little ones are safe. Tehy've been evacuated to Camp Pendleton.

Ricardo Bueno - Kathy McGraw assures us he's safe. Jeff Dowler TM'd Ricardo and ll is well.

Irina Netchaev - Jeff Dowler TM's & she's ok. She will have an interesting story to tell, she flew over this mess yesterday,

Vicki Lloyd - Lake Forest Jeff Dowler reports Tuesday afternoon : just heard from Vicki. She is fine, as are her daughters here in San Diego. Sounds like she was never SERIOUSLY threatened as the fire was 5 miles away and things have improved. Obviously things can change at any time with the weather.

Tom Plant - Murrieta Active Rainer just called to check in that he's afe and sound. Thanks to Kathy Mc Graw for suggesting Tom call to check in here. 4:17 p.m. PST Wednesday.

Michael Tarabotto, His photos of the fire line from his neighborhood are amazing! http://activerain.com/blogsview/247316/We-Almost-Lost-It and http://activerain.com/blogsview/245546/UPDATE-2-Southern-California

Click on Michaels two blogs to see even more amazing photos. I was worried for him when I hadn't heard from him in a 24 hour period. Thanks to Todd Clark of Beaverton Oregon for this update.

RED CROSS REGISTRY The Red Cross has a national registry where you can call to report that you are safe. 800 RED-CROSS ...800 733-2767

Thank you friends - Please stop by here with an update as you are able to connect with more of our Active Rain Friends who may be affected by the current fires.

Marlene! (comment from Lynda Eisenmann) - I just read a post from Brian Hess in S.D., here's his post on helping out those in the path of a fire, he has a long trailer and is willing to help anyone needing to move anything. I told him we also have two trucks between the two of us and they are available at a moment notice, for anyone needing them. My cell # is 714 595-1494.

GREAT IDEA, LYNDA! Anyone needing a pick up truck call/text Lynda 714 595-1494 or call/text Marlene 714 745-2592

Click here for an awesome NASA photo of the fires photographed from space this morning.

Read up to the minute coverage and view videos from the Orange County Register newspaper click here

Posted by Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos| Laguna Real Estate|Marlene Bridges on 10/22/2007 04:58 PM

Comments (79)

california fires

This post has been included in California Information

79 Comments on California Fire Active Rain Roll Call

OCT

2007

Nice to know we are keeping watch over our friendsr..

You are all in our prayers. Latest news report is that 250,000 have been evacuated. Stay safe.

Kaye - Good talking with you today my friend.

Kathy - Thank youf for your prayers.

Terrifying situation. I'm praying for the safety of all our AR friends in the SoCal area, their homes and families.

Brian - Thank you for your caring prayers. Be praying for those on the fire line, too. These brave ment and women work tirelessly without sleep in such preczrious situations that can turn deadly in an instant. Thanks.

Jeff Turner has posted an update on his blog - he and his family are back at home.

Hi Marlene,

Great idea, your roll call! It's pretty scary out there right now. I had to finally get away from the TV for a while and come to the office. BTW, I also just read JT's post about them returning home at this point.

Marlene we appreciate your roll call. I have 3 owners in California whom i manage properties for here. My son lives there also. When fires of this nature hit, there is no stopping them and evacuation is needed. I also am prayerful.

Lisa - Thanks so much for your update on Jeff. He, Laurie Manny and I were all posting within minutes of each other. So glad he's okay. One of the most genuinely kind men I've ever met.

Lynda - I have the news on in the background. It's hard not to watch. I'm just so grateful for the incredibel firefighters who are willing to risk their lives to save others.

Diane - Thanks for checking in. I hope your clients and sons are safe. Please let me know if you need help in checking on them.

Marlene!

I just read a post from Brian Hess in S.D., here's his post on helping out those in the path of a fire, he has a long trailer and is willing to help anyone needing to move anything. I told him we also have two trucks between the two of us and they are available at a moment notice, for anyone needing them. My cell # is 714 595-1494.

Also, I added your roll call post link to him, by now maybe you've heard from him. I'll call you.

*I'll head out now to gas up the truck just in case.

Lynda - Fabulous idea! I pasted it into my post so the info will be in two places.

Marlene, I can't even imagine having a fire heading towards my home. All of these folks and every one in the line of fire are certainly in our prayers. They must feel so helpless. Thanks for the update.

Thanks for your offers of assistance. The fire in San Marcos is not pretty well under control so no danger HERE, but many problems elsewhere. FOlks are being asked to leave primaily because of teh air quaklity.

Just talked to Bill Roberts in Mission valley. He is fine adn safe now and has not had to evacuate. Qualcomm Stadium is filling up!!

Jeff

Thank you for this!! It's almost like we need an AR phone tree. Geesh, that would take WEEKS to get through, wouldn't it?

Broker Bryant - Thank you so much for your prayers. It sure makes everything else pale by comparison. Keep praying---it's working!

JD - So glad to hear that Sn Marcos is pretty well under control. We'll keep praying for complete containment.

Sarah - We have formed some solid friendships here. It's so good to know that there are so many here who rally to support one another.

I've been keeping up with you all since I opened my email to William's message. He called me this am...what a sweet guy.

Marlene: You, Lynda and all the rest have showed just how strong this AR bond is. I was so amazed how much the caring ones reached out to reach their buddies during times of need to show just how much they cared. That is a very profound and amazing thing.

Thank you for your support and the update you have given as well.

Sally - When I spoke with William, he mentioned your call. It sure meant a lot to him. William is one of the dearest men God ever created. And, yes, it sure is evidence of how much we have grown to know and care for one another through this network. I know you've experienced that kind of caring with your recent hurricane near-miss.

Hugs, my friend.

Marlene: I tried to call...recorded message. There must be so many Hawaii residents trying to contact relatives there. Yes I did.

All of our AR folks are in my thoughts - it seems that we all know someone in on of these areas - We sent firefighters today - and equipment - If anyone wants out and way out - they are welcome at our house. About a 12 to 16 hour drive

Sally - Thanks so much for trying to call. I sincerely appreciate your friendship.

Thesa - How sweet of you to offer your home. We sure appreciate your Oregon firefighters. They will give great relief to the poor tired firefighters on the front lines.

Marlene, Laurie and Sally have also done a Post, so has diane Rice.....I also wrote one yesterday about all the fires around us, and the Winds...it is Sunday Morning....My Old House Burned Down......have been giving updates.........we have 6 or more AR members right here in my area and we are all safe.......

Kathy - Thanks so much for checking in. I added your post to my blog as another great resource for updates. Laurie Manny and I posted within a few minutes of one another. We must have both been clicking away on the keys at the same time. I have already included a link to Laurie's post in the account on Brian Brady.

I'm so sorry to read about your old house. It sounds like it was slated to be raized soon, but it's such a shame that it had to go so prematurely.

Marlene..the updates are really appreciated!

Joan - Glad the updates are helpful. Looking forward to the final message that the fires are contained and everyone is safe.

Marlene, I just got a call from a client in Laguna area...he said he can see flames....is it close to YOU? Also, I know my daughter Corina McGraw (AR member) evacuated to Camp Pendelton area with her 5 little kids...they are all safe. Thanks for the link......the phone number on there for the Arson Hotline is imortant for the Irvine Fire.

Oh, and Ricardo Bueno is fine.....he's in LA

It is so disturbing to hear that one of the fires is arson based. I think they believe more may be as well but those may be stories. Big concern continue around downed power lines that can cause fires themselves.

Jeff

Kathy - Thanks for your concern. I can't see any fire in Laguna Beach from my home. I'm in Laguna Niguel. There is a canyon between me and Laguna Beach. I just looked out my back window and can see that ghastly orange glow and smoke rising from the Portola Hills fire.

Thanks for the update on Ricardo, too. I believe he's in the Pasadena area. I'm glad to hear your daughter Corina McGraw and her 5 little ones are safe.

Marlene... I believe our household is completely out of the woods on this one. Something dramatic would have to change for the fire to double back on itself at this point. Thank you so much for your concern. My thoughts and prayers are now toward those in San Diego and Lake Arrowhead. The scenes are horrific.

Marlene,

Thanks so much, once again for this post. It's so good to hear from others like JT to know they are safe. I noticed that Thesa all the way up in OR offered her home...we both have room to do the same here in the OC, right? Besides, your guest room is one of the nicest I've ever experienced. So it sounds like I'm volunteering both of us to our rainer friends, you're right. And knowing you my friend, thats just fine with you too!

After hearing the latest weather report, it looks like tomorrow could really be a tough day. Hard to believe for some it could be worse.

BTW, I've tried reaching Cari and family tonight, (after we saw them last night) no word, just yet. Knowing them, they are hold up safely just fine somewhere, she's the type of person who always lands on her feet, kids and all. After all, it's not easy being a processor, right?

Thank you again for the post and including other links, it helped me (and I'm sure others) catch up with what's going on.

My prayers are for them all, including the fire-fighters, volunteers and all who are serving.

Lynda - You're so right. I hesitated to offer my guest room earlier just in case we were needed to help with our trucks. But it looks like the best way we can help now may be with a place to stay. I'm in Laguna Niguel and Lynda is in Brea.

Glad to hear Jeff's family is out of danger for now, and hopefully the winds don't change......I am counting my blessings every hour that our area isn't burning.....as I said we had such a horrible fire last year. the wind here in the Pass Area was whipping all night and this morning it was horrible, but right now not as bad.....I am still without phone and Internet (thank god for my sprint card).

Hi Marlene, just flew back in to Pasadena last night. Can't believe this is happening. I'll be tracking your and the other posts you mentioned. Thank you for the updates.

Kathy - We'll keep praying for your safety. Hope your power will be restored soon.

Irina - What a horrible mess to come home to. Oh my, can't imagine how difficult it must have been to fly in this wind...and to have a view from the sky of those awful orange flames. Take care my friend.

OCT

2007

Marlene - Thanks for the update. It was horrible to watch all this mess unfold on the news today. I am gald to hear that everyone so far seems to be ok.

Joe - It just seems so surreal. Yes, it's good to know our friends are safe. Praying for all who will have a restless night wondering if their homes will survive. /And prayers for all those who work so tirelessly to protect our lives and property,

Marlene - I TM'd Ricardo and he is fine. Same with Irina.

Jeff

Jeff - Thank you so much for checking in. Any word from Roberta, William or Brian?

No. I TM'd William but will try a call. LEft a message for Brian. No word from Roberta. Will TM her as well.

Jeff

Jeff - Talked with Roberta's husband at 8 a.m.- they're fine - didn't evacuate - no fire, no smoke this a.m.

Marlene.. Thanks for all the updates.. If you need another driver you know where to find me.. I can get to you or Lynda fairly quickly.. Might be time to try and set up something for food, bedding and clothing for those who have lost everything.. Let me know what you think..

Kaye - Thanks so much. Depending on the road closures, sounds like people will be going back to their homes tomorrow.

Marlene - just heard from Vicki. She is fine, as are her daughters here in San Diego. Sounds like she was never SERIOUSLY threatened as the fire was 5 miles away and things have improved. Obviously things can change at any time with the weather.

Jeff

Great idea with this post Marlene!

It great to have A/R to keep in touch........ I'll be praying for everyone's safety.... Take care...

Marlene - Just talked to Bob Stewart from Ar, calling to wish everyone well and saftey down here. Such a thoughtful gesture on the part of Ar and much appreciated. I have passed along his well wishes on my post too.

Jeff

Jeff - Thanks so much for the update on Vicki and her daughters.

Ana - There are some other excellent blogs to check as well. Check Laurie Manny, Jeff Dowler and Jeff Turner as well.

Donna - AR is sure a lot more than real estate. It's great, caring people.

Jeff - That was so nice of Bob to call to check on you and wish you well.

Just learned that wonderful new buyers I have been working with (was out with them again on Satuday) had their home in Rancho Bernardo destoryed. I have no words.

Jeff

Jeff - What tragic news. Sounds like they were nice people. Let's pray for some great ways that you can be supportive of them in the months ahead.

Jeff, this is absolutely horrific. My heart just goes out to all of you.

Marlene...

I have been reading all of these posts and keeping up the best I can.

All of this makes me feel so helpless. Prayers just don't seem like enough.

I wish there was something more I could do.

TLW...ROAR!

TLW - The very best thing any of us can do right now is pray. Even being here, close to everything that is happening we feel helpless. I had thought I'd load up my truck with some supplies to take to the emergency shelters today. The Red Cross is saying, stay away, just send money. The best thing we can do right now is pray and stay in touch as best we can with our friends and family members who are in the fire-affected areas. There will be much healing needed after many are allowed to return to their homes or what is left of their homes. Be praying that we could find opportunities to help in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Love and prayers,

Marlene

Marlene another Active Rainer that got way to close was Michael Tarabotto, His photos of the fire line from his neighborhood are amazing! http://activerain.com/blogsview/247316/We-Almost-Lost-It and http://activerain.com/blogsview/245546/UPDATE-2-Southern-California

Click on Michaels two blogs to see even more amazing photos. I was worried for him when I hadn't heard from him in a 24 hour period.

Todd - Thanks so much for providing these links. I know there are probably others who will be interested in updates on Michael.

Marlene,

Thanks so much for helping to keep us informed as we go along.

And Jeff, I can't begin to imagine the feeling.

Lynda - It's the only thing I've been able to do that keeps me from feeling completely helpless. Be praying for Brian & Jennifer. They are the brother and sister in law of one of my clients. They had to evacuate their home in Silverado Canyon. It would be a miracle if it's still there. Time to pray for healing.

Thanks for centralizing this Marlene. There are a couple of KW offices here in Las Vegas already working on relief efforts. Your post will be a great reference for us.

OCT

2007

John - God bless you and the KW family for your concern and support. As horrific as the past few days have been, the coming days will be even more difficult for those who have lost so much. It has been a terrible time and yet it's been a wonderful time to see how people have bonded together to do whatever they can. Thank you for caring.

Marlene, Sally just informed me that Brian Bradys home burned down....any confirmation?

Marlene,

You ought to be on CNN, girl!

Mike in Tucson

Kathy - I've had a couple of phone calls from people asking the same question. Jeff Dowler who lives in San Diego says he was not aware of any homes that had burned in Brian's area - Solano Beach. I will keep trying to find out.

Mike - Thanks - Just trying to do whatever I can to make some sense out of this senseless time.

I emailed Greg Swann about Brian's house. Greg reports that the house is fine, and Brian was there this morning. Wil have a post up about Las Vegas relief efforts later today.

Great news. that is why this is important so we can quelch any rumors......thank you ......

BRIAN BRADY AND FAMILY ARE MOVING BACK INTO THEIR HOME AS WE SPEAK - 10:00 A.M. PST

John - Thanks so much for your update. I was speaking with BB as you were posting your comment. I don't kinow how this rumor started, but I'm glad it was ended quickly.

Kathy - Glad to report that all is well. It just shows how connected we all are to one another that when one of us fall or if is presumed to fall, all of us feel it.

Absolutely, and our networking here has proven very effective in keeping any and all information up to date...thank you and John for verifying.........I also talked to Jeff, this morning.....Glad this was quelled so quickly :)

Kathy - This sure points out that Active Rain is definitely more than real estate...it's people.

Congrats for your efforts to help these people. Our prayers are with all of those affected.

Thanks for commenting on Respected Economist Says Florida's Housing Market in Recovery

Marlene: Thanks so much for keeping tabs on Rainers affected by the fires. We have been up to our ashes dealing with clients and all the debris from the wind and fires.

Thank you for the update and thanks for caring. I've been thinking about everyone in CA and hoping that the devistation does not touch close to home.

Marlene, you are awesome...I am honored to say I know you.

Dan - Your prayers are so appreciated. The healing process will take some time.

Roberta - So glad you and yours are safe and except for the ash and temporary time of uncertainty and upset, things will be back to a more normal pace soon.

Tracy - There are probably very few people in SoCal who don't know someone who came close or lost something during this firestorm. Please continue to think good thoughts for us in the days ahead.

Bob - You are too sweet. It was my way of feeling less helpless.

OCT

2007

Marlene, I am at work right now and within the past 45 minutes (4:23pm) it appears one of these fires is getting closer to us......you can smell it.......I can't tell which of the 2 is coming this way.......

Kathy - Oh no! I keep you in my prayers.

OCT

2007

Hey Marlene! The ash and smoke is so awful for everyone and trying to find a soothing relief, I purchased some Werther's Original hard candy. It really helps! It helped so much in fact, I stopped at the store and bought 10 bags to take over to our local Red Cross Shelter at El Toro High School last night. They come in regular and sugar free. Perhaps this tip can help our rainers in the weeks ahead.

There are lots of little kids at the shelter and the community's generosity is just wonderful. Olive Garden Restaurant brought dinner for all last night.

Going to head back over (our District office has been there every day) and bring some books to read to the little ones in between appointments today.

Terri - What a lovely thing to do. There was a big fund raiser today at the Rose Bowl, a park in San Bernardino and at the Honda Center sponsored by 790 radio. By 11 a.m. they had raised almost $100,000. I love the idea of hard candy. Werthers is a super idea. I used some chewing gum earlier today. It's the first day I've ventured out of the house. I've pretty much stuck by the TV and computer.

I heard a doctor on TV yesterday to say that if you have a cough that persists for more than a week, to go to the emergency room and have your lungs flushed with oxygen. Particulate in the lungs can cause some very serious infections.

How wonderful that you and your company are doing so much to make life easier for the people at the shelter. I love the idea of taking books to the shelter. I think I'll gather up some games and take them over tomorrow.

Anyone know of a good organization to donate to that will actually get the stuff to "these" victims and not shelve it for something else.....for money or goods. Toni B. aka Sharon and her church has collected things and would like it to go to a good organization, or group that will give it....please post here, and I will send Toni here to look....name and address or phone number please....anything but the Red Cross.

OCT

2007

Hi Marlene,

Hope you are well. Just wanted to thank you for your post. We used it as one of our favorites for our version of this week in review. Thank you for keeping everyone up to date on the status of our AR friends in Calif.

Lisa and Robert - Thank you for naming this post as one of your favorites. It was a way of self-preservation during a terrible time. In order to keep sane, I just kept following up on the wonderful people I've met through Active Rain who were affected by the fires. Thanks for the honor of being picked as a favorite for your week in review.

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