SoCal Fires (Update I)

Our incendiary conditions are nationwide news and I need to update you all on our individual circumstances.

The Malibu Canyon fire has traveled the past day and a half to within striking distance of Topanga Canyon. We are, in our particular zone, under a voluntary evacuation order. The street above us (Bowers) is a deadzone with everyone gone and gates left open if the fire department needs to enter. Claire and the three kids moved out to a hotel so as to not have to undergo the transfer in the middle of the night. As of this afternoon, the fire has moved to Las Flores canyon and they may be issuing a mandatory evacuation sometime soon.

We have packed all our valuables, photos, business records and are ready to go if necessary. We feel that our particular geographic position (way down Webb Trail as most of you know) protects us because the fires usually like to climb and if the front reaches this far it just might trip over to the next ridge. We do need to beware of embers and Janek and Robin are planning to man the roofs, on ours and with Brian up the street if need be.

The weather conditions are making it exceedingly difficult to contain this fire--NO humidity, whipping 20-60 mph winds and constantly changing wind directions.

I know that in other places it is even worse although I haven't been following them closely. San Diego is really under siege and I have heard that Christopher and Beth have evacuated from their apartment. I haven't heard anything from Cousin Ann.

All this to say that we are safe, ready and will keep you posted!

Update I
Here is a link to a great Google Map that gives you some perspective on where we are with regard to the fire. Zoom out one notch and pan right--we are in Fernwood up the Topanga Canyon Blvd.