Another update

Normally I'm not the type of person who panics.
Last night, however, faced with shifting winds, I felt it necessary to 'man the information lines', as it were.
I stayed up all night listening to radio reports to see if two fires were heading in our direction.
It was touch and go at a couple points, and my heart was pounding.

I can't express the jumble of fear when helicopters are circling, and police sirens are heard in the distance.
I insisted we pack our cars and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
We grabbed a few essentials and just waited for news.

Luckily, the wind shifted to the south, and our little pocket here has been spared.
Hopefully my job will understand that I was utterly sleep deprived, and my concern was to make sure my mom was safe.
I needed to be sure this area was not going to face evacuation.
It looks to be safe now, though with blowing embers it's hard to tell.

The fires are expected to be contained by November 4, but the county has never seen this kind of devastation.

At the same time, however, there are continual reports of amazing efforts by the fire departments, and incredible coordination with evacuations and safe areas set up where people can sleep, etc.
Overall, people have really stepped up to help their neighbors, and it is a heart-warming scene.
The National Guard has been aiding the efforts, and we have seemingly learned lessons from the last series of fires, because red tape has been eased and there are fewer frustrations.

Tragedy certainly has a way of making people re-examine their priorities.
Again, thank you to all of you who expressed concern.