Living Through the Terror of Wildfires Near Home

I don’t have personal experience with wildfires, but in North Carolina, dealing with them is a yearly occurrence. The smoke from these wildfires is incredibly distinct and can be nauseating after a day or two. Even after the fire is contained, a musty, smoky smell lingers. The ash from the fires coats everything, and if a house is close enough, the ash can still be hot and ignite the house. People put sprinklers on their roofs to water down the ash, which only adds to the already hot weather.

The Unbearable Heat and Smoke

Living near the ocean, traffic can be significantly affected during wildfires. There is often no alternate route, and all traffic uses a single path. We avoid the area completely if possible. We watch for wind direction and rain forecasts feverishly. Despite the risks, we trust the forest fire crews completely. They are precise in their attack, using bulldozers, chainsaws, flame retardant aircraft drops, and well-organized evacuations.

The Scary Experience of the 2003 Wildfires in California

Back in 2003, the Southern California wildfires were among the most terrifying I have ever encountered. The month of October saw 14 massive wildfires raging across Southern California. San Diego faced the Cedar Fire, the second-largest in California’s history, which burned 273,000 acres and destroyed over 2,200 homes, killing 15 people. The nose of the Cedar Fire came within 3/4 mile from my parents' home, where I grew up, but fortunately, it turned and moved away.

At the same time, the Otay Mine and Paradise fires were burning 150,000 acres. Diamond Bar, near Riverside California, was in a perilous position, with fires both in front of us and coming from behind, less than 2 miles away. We were put on evacuation notice and packed our cars with clothes, pictures, and documents. The rate at which the fires were moving made us think we were going to lose everything.

That night, a late October storm brought heavy rain, and the fires were knocked down after six hours. The fire fighters were able to gain control of the threatening sections of the fires. It was an unforgettable experience for my family, and the 2003 wildfire season became known for its devastation.

The Devastating Impact of Wildfires

By the time the 14 major fires were extinguished, 24 lives had been lost, 3,710 homes destroyed, and 750,443 acres were blackened. Countless miles of power lines were damaged, communication systems were destroyed, and watersheds were reduced to bare scorched soils. Thousands of people were forced into evacuation centers, unsure if they would have homes to return to, and many did not. The 2003 California wildfires had a profound and lasting impact on the region.

Forest Fire Prevention

Before you discard a cigarette butt or walk away from a campfire, remember the significant risks and costs associated with wildfires. They can take months to put out and cost millions of dollars to extinguish. Ensuring that fires are properly controlled and that people use caution and responsible behavior can prevent these devastating occurrences. Please do everything you can to prevent fires and protect your community.

Thank you for reading my story. It's essential to be aware of the dangers and impacts of wildfires and to take steps to prevent them.