Bernardo Fire: Road Closures, Evacuations

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Bernardo Fire: Road Closures, Evacuations - A Night I'll Never Forget

Wow, where do I even begin? The Bernardo fire… man, that was something else. I'll never forget the night it all went down. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie, except this was real life, and it was terrifying. Seriously, the whole thing was a rollercoaster of emotions – pure panic, followed by a strange sense of calm, then back to total anxiety.

I live pretty close to the Bernardo Mountain area, which, ironically, is usually so peaceful. We’re talking breathtaking views, amazing hikes… the whole shebang. So, when the alerts started blasting on my phone – “Mandatory Evacuation, Bernardo Fire” – my heart sank. I was so unprepared. I grabbed my cat, Mittens (she’s a drama queen, by the way), some important papers, and a few changes of clothes. I pretty much left everything else behind. Lesson learned: have an evacuation plan! Seriously, don’t be like me.

<h3>The Chaos of Evacuation</h3>

Getting out of there was pure chaos. Traffic was insane, people were freaking out, and the smoke… oh my god, the smoke was thick. Visibility was awful; I could barely see the car in front of me. I’m talking zero visibility in some spots, complete with thick smoke and embers falling on my car. That was terrifying. It felt like driving through a scene from a disaster movie. You definitely don't want to be caught unprepared.

I ended up taking a completely different route than usual – I mean, all the main roads, like Highway 67 and Bernardo Heights Road, were totally blocked off. It's crazy how quickly things can change. I had to use my phone’s GPS, and even then, it was challenging to navigate around the road closures. So many roads were shut down, including those near Lake Hodges. Pro tip: Download offline maps before a fire – your phone’s service might go out.

<h3>Staying Informed During the Bernardo Fire</h3>

Thankfully, I was able to find a safe place to stay with my sister. But let me tell you, constantly checking news updates on my phone was agonizing. Every notification felt like a punch to the gut. You constantly find yourself checking news websites like NBC 7 San Diego and FOX 5 San Diego for live updates. Even social media was a mixed bag – some people were spreading useful information, while others were sharing unreliable rumors.

I learned a few things that night, and I want to share them with you. First, always have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. That means signing up for emergency text alerts from your county and having a weather radio. Second, have a go-bag packed and ready to go. Seriously, this isn't a joke. Include essentials, like medications, important documents, and enough water and snacks to last for a couple of days.

<h3>The Aftermath and Recovery</h3>

The days following the fire were filled with uncertainty. Seeing the pictures and videos of the devastation, well, it just broke my heart. So many homes and lives affected. I was lucky. My home was spared, but I know so many people weren't as fortunate. This is why I really emphasized having an evacuation plan. This is a serious problem, and it can happen to anyone.

I'm still processing everything. But through this terrifying ordeal, one thing’s for sure, community really shone through. Neighbors helping neighbors, complete strangers offering support… it restored my faith in humanity. There's hope that the fire situation improved, but be sure to stay aware of any risks and be prepared.

Remember: Preparation is key. Have a plan, stay informed, and support your community. This experience was a wake-up call for me, and I hope it serves as a reminder for you too. Stay safe out there, everyone.