Willits, and many other cities covering four counties. Many homes are in flame, also wineries, the Silverado Country Club and other businesses, hillsides, and agricultural lands. The Kaiser hospital in Napa has also been evacuated. People are holding up in Churches, The Napa State College and the Napa Fairgrounds. Many roads are clogged with fleeing victims or are compromised by fire.
I live in southern Napa County. We are fine, though it is hard to breathe because of the smoke. I opted to work from home today because there were ashes in the air at 6:00 am. No more ash, but is still very smoky. My eyes are burning. Many roads are closed. It is a nightmare.
My Nephew and his little family live there and he owns a business there. They are evacuating now, evidently where he is , there is only only way out. My ex brother in law has a home up there and his neighbors house has already burned down but he also has a home in Manhatten Beach and he's there now.
Our little area in No. Santa Barbara County, Lompoc/ near Vandenberg Air Force Base has escaped all the fires. Got a lot of smoke at times. We were awakened by loud deep sounds and a lot of shaking when the rocket went off at 5 a.m.!
Redwood Valley--my sis had to evacuate at 3:30 am yesterday. They are at a friend's home. Sis, hubby, their tenant and three dogs are sharing one bedroom. Yesterday people were walking around dazed and in shock. Today people are crying. Houses near their home burned, but theirs is still okay, or was this afternoon. Everyone has propane tanks and it was like being bombed when the tanks started blowing up.
People in Mendocino County are upset that the news has pretty much ignored them. On the other hand, the outpouring of food, clothing, and other donated items has been tremendous. They thought they'd be out of their house a couple of hours, so didn't bother to even take clean underwear, which they regret now. They are safe and can communicate with family.
The vineyards are damaged--who knows what the loss will be. Cannabis growers are fighting to save their crops but it is hard. Cannabis is one of the biggest cash crops in Mendocino County.
My brother and his wife had to evacuate, and they are staying here at my house. The police came banging on their door, and told them they HAD to leave. They took their photographs and important papers, and some valuable paintings, and their silver and jewelry, and drove both cars out. The trip took a very long time, because of the traffic. They think their house will be all right, though.
The smoke where I live is causing everyone's eyes and throats to burn. I think those in the thick of it must be using masks and some must have oxygen.
It's sad to think of that beautiful country in devastation. I've spent so many happy hours there with friends and family enjoying the beauty and tranquility and I hate to think of it as blackened and ruined for many years to come.
The wineries, inns, restaurants and tourist destinations are gone for now. It will take many years to rebuild and to bring the grapes back to where they were.
The saddest part is the families who have lost their homes and sometimes their loved ones.
I feel selfish complaining when I remember their horrific losses.
My best to those whose loved ones were evacuated or hurt.
Perhaps we'll hear from WCG.
Of course those in temporary housing likely can't communicate since phones, computers, and power are mostly down. The area is huge including many many large cities, all affected. I won't even start to list them.
Our hearts and warm wishes go to all who are suffering.
Yes. My nephew is a fire Warden and he has been fighting the fire face to face ever since they started. I'm worried for him, his family, his brothers and sisters. He says it's alot worse than the news is reporting. It's horrific. And people are not prepared for evacuation.
What a grueling and heartbreaking job. Yes, I can sense that the news is underplaying much about this disaster. The human toll is more than I can absorb.
Good luck to everyone in the area and to their concerned loved ones and all of those who are still lost and hurting.
People where I live are suffering from the smoke and ash. I see them with masks if I have to go out for anything. My grandsons and all of the kids in Bay Area counties are home from school until some of the smoke clears.