“It was pretty intense but I’m glad we’re together now.” That’s how one mother described to the San Diego Union Tribune what happened when the fire near the Sam Diego State campus forced the evacuation of her daughter’s elementary school.
Residents whose homes were evacuated had just minutes to gather up a a few things before they left everything else behind as they desperately hoped the flames burning in canyons and up hillsides would not reach their homes.
And it all happened as kids were getting ready for trick or treating that was either postponed or scrubbed completely.
And it was a reminder for everyone in those threatened neighborhoods and for everyone else in San Diego who saw the huge plumes of smoke in the sky, and many did, why it is so important to know what to do and be ready to do it. Not only in October when we often have vegetation fires, but year round.
Those who have lived in San Diego for a long time what remember what happened in 1985 when a small fire along the 8 freeway became a huge fire rapidly burning up the hillside into Normal Heights destroying 1976 homes.
Firefighting techniques are better now and what fire fighters were able to do Thursday on the ground and in the air saved a lot of homes.
It was a Halloween many will certainly remember and will always be grateful that these first responders did what they did.
(Photo KOGO News)