Being away on vacation definitely got me out of touch with the “real world” for a few days.  Monday, my first day back in the office, a colleague asked, “How about those fires in San Diego?”  I had no idea what he was talking about.  Do I feel out of touch now, or what?

Already, hundreds of homes have burned down in southern California.  This trend appears to be continuing today.  With warm temperatures, high winds, and dry landscape conditions creating the perfect setting for a massive firestorm, the fires are anticipated to spread fast and strong for several days yet to come.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in 7 counties.  President George Bush has called in for support, which will take a few days to arrive.  Here in Arizona we have already sent 12 fire trucks to help out, and we are scrambling to free up more that can be sent. 

Somehow, only 1 person has been reported to be killed by the wildfires.  Though tragic for that person’s family, it’s remarkable that there aren’t more deaths, given the ferocity of the blaze.

With a fire this large, there are many areas in which residents are literally on their own to defend their homes from the fallout of falling embers as the fires burn hot and heavy.  Some residents have been successful soaking their roofs with water to keep the falling embers from catching their home on fire.  It’s a risky thing, but if it were my own home, I would personally take the risk.

This week, the San Diego Chargers are practicing here in Tempe for their upcoming game on Sunday.  It’s possible they will not be able to play their game on Sunday at home, in which case it may happen that they play their game on an emergency basis in Glendale at University of Phoenix stadium. 

My heart reaches out to those in Southern California affected by these fires. 

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