Hey y'all, I'm in San Diego covering the wildfires for CNN. Don't worry, we are all ok -- thankyou for the words of comfort and offers to come stay with y'all! LA proper is alright now -- that's where Bren is. The real danger and devastation is here in San Diego. As I write, we are parked on a street in a neighborhood where 300 homes have burned to the ground. Burned to the point of charred ironing boards, singed shards of tile and wood, and dust... lots and lots of dust and ashes that fly directly into your eyes. Our lips are chapped, our skin is coated in soot, and it smells like a fireplace. Funny -- one of my favorite smells is the scent of burning wood; I've always found it comforting. Out here, it's anything but. The smell is overwhelming, sharp... It's digging its claws into my nostrils, and my hair and my skin. It's really quite eerie and ominous. I stopped at the Target and the Walgreens near the hotel last night to grab a mask to wear over my mouth -- they were all sold out. I am wishing I'd gotten something so badly.
No big flames where we are, although it's early. There are lots of other areas that are burning violently, which we might visit later today, but for now, it's eerily quiet and calm. There's noone here except for media and emergency vehicles. And it's kinda weird to be walking around the remains of people's homes and intimate memories. I just hope it's over soon.
I'm taking photos, but I forgot to bring the cable, so I'll post them when I get back.
-x-
aarti
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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4 comments:
I have been watching on TV. I can't imagine being there. It is so sad. My prayers are with them.
Be safe Aaru, don't take unnecessary chances.
May God keep you safe under the shadow of His wings.
I feel so sorry for the people who have lost their all. May they know that the Lord is with them and will bring them through.
Mum
I'm glad to know that you are safe ... but feel such pity for those who have lost their homes.
I hope that you get to be a blessing & comfort to some of the victims there. You have such a sweet way about you. I believe that you will be a source of cheer. Pray with people if you have the opportunity. It is a powerful help & consolation & will point them to the only One Who is Himself, hope for hopeless.
Thankfully it moved away from my grandparents neighborhood. They nearly lost it all in the 2003 fire and were evacuated again this time. It's great you are out there covering this and bringing a face to the people who lost so much. Go Aarti!
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