San Diego Burns

A sense of duty drives me to write about the feelings I have as the firestorms wipe out everything in their paths. San Diego is on fire. This is different. I was here in 2003 for the last firestorm. This is so much bigger, so dark, so powerful, so surreal. The skies are dark even in the daylight hours. Fires spred in multiple directions as opposing winds fight each other for directional control. Embers the size of quarters are thrust forward with the gusts of an angry mythological god's breath. What's all the huffing and puffing about? Fires burn in every corner of the county of San Diego, from Mexico at the south, into Riverside County at the north. It is a very vulnerable feeling to be between the fires that approach the Pacific Ocean. This makes earthquakes look like cake walks. Fire. Who among us does not respect the force, the potential, the gift and curse of fire?
Now small squeekings are asking how the fires started, why they are so out of hand, when will it end, what will be the damages? Some speculate arson. I pray that is not the source of such mass destruction. The firefighters have been working non-stop for more than four days and nights now. Many have been injured; there have been deaths. If it turns out to be arson, pity the poor sucker when found. Help has arrived. It shows in the way people are more relaxed tonight. The end is in sight. The end is eally the beginning where folks who have lost everything, will start over again. The strength of spirit in San Diego is apparent as a few return to the smoldering ruins, the places of their homes. A new fresh start.