Brush Fire Prompts Rancho Bernardo Evacs

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Brush Fire Prompts Rancho Bernardo Evacs: My Terrifying Tuesday

Okay, so Tuesday. It started pretty normal, you know? Coffee, emails, the usual pre-work chaos. Then, BAM. My phone blew up with alerts about a brush fire near Rancho Bernardo. I'm like, "Oh, another one?" We get these in San Diego, sadly, it's pretty common, especially during fire season. But this felt… different.

The Smoke Got Thicker

The air quality started going downhill fast. First, it was just a hazy smell, like someone was burning leaves down the street. Then, it got serious. Thick, acrid smoke filled the air. It stung my eyes, made my throat scratchy. I checked the news, and things weren't looking good. The fire was spreading rapidly. This wasn't just some small brush fire; this was a major incident.

My Heart Sank

Honestly, panic started to set in. I've lived in San Diego for 20 years and seen my fair share of wildfires. But this one felt close. Too close. My neighbor texted me, saying she'd just received an evacuation order. The Rancho Bernardo area was being hit hard. This wasn't some distant threat anymore; this was real. My gut clenched.

Evacuation Orders & The Mad Dash

The next hour was a blur. Grab the essentials – that's what they always say, right? But what are the essentials? Photos? Important documents? The cat? Seriously, grabbing Mittens was a priority. It felt chaotic. I threw important papers into a box, grabbed my laptop and phone (duh!), and stuffed some clothes into a bag. I left so fast I forgot my toothbrush. I was rushing, my heart was pounding.

Learning from My Mistakes

Looking back, I should have had a "go bag" already packed. A dedicated bag with essential documents, medications, and a few days' worth of clothes. A real emergency kit, complete with water and flashlights. Lesson learned: prepare, prepare, prepare. Don't wait for an emergency to hit before getting yourself organized.

The Aftermath and Recovery

After the evacuation, we spent the night at a friend's place. It was nerve-wracking, constantly refreshing news apps, checking social media for updates on the fire. Sleep was scarce that night. The next day, things started to calm down somewhat. The fire was contained, thank goodness. Many were lucky and were able to return home. But, sadly, many lost their homes and everything in it.

What to do when faced with an evacuation order:

• Stay informed: Monitor official sources like your local news and emergency alerts.
• Pack essentials: Don't forget water, medications, important documents and photos, plus a few changes of clothes and pet supplies.
• Follow instructions: Obey evacuation orders immediately. Don't become a statistic, your life is more valuable than your property.
• Have a plan: Know your evacuation route and have a designated meeting place for your family.
• Prepare your home: Clear flammable debris around your property.

This Rancho Bernardo brush fire was a harsh reminder. It wasn’t just a headline; it was a real-life event that shook me to my core. While the situation was scary, it also highlighted the importance of being prepared and informed. We should never underestimate the power of nature. Stay safe, everyone. And remember, a little preparation goes a long way.