OC is Burning

   Apparently we're already in the biggest evacuation in the history of California, and as I mentioned yesterday, we're a designated Federal Disaster Zone. The Santiago Fire is about six miles away I think, and I can clearly see the flames from my street. Yesterday morning it was "30% contained," but then in the afternoon it jumped a road they hadn't expected it to be able to cross, so who knows how contained it is now.

   I can understand having volunteers who don't know what they're doing involved could be more of a logistical problem than benefit, but it seems like they could put volunteer brigades to work hacking firebreaks where they're not in the way of the real firemen. I'd be all about it. d=

Evacuate?

I found a good map of the local fire here, which I believe is as-of today. Note that I commute to work from appx Mission Viejo up the 405 to around the 55 and 405 (you may have to scroll left to see that area but you don't need to zoom in) -- basically the fire extends the entire length of my morning commute!! d=

And no word on it being any more than "30% contained." Its getting a bit scary. /=


*** EDIT 13:49 ***
"Why are all the big doors between sections of office closing?"
"Fire alarm"
"We're havign a fire alarm, now??"
"Yes"
"You'd think you'd hear something"
"Yeah, I don't know."
"Is this just a drill?"
"Probably"
"But it might not be? Who has a fire drill NOW??" .......

So I dunno, my building may in fact be on fire.


*** Okay it is further explained to me that "these doors will automatically close if there is a fire anywhere in the building. However, each floor is self contained and we will only be evacuated if there is fire either on the floor directly above or below us." Brilliant.