Everyone here knows somebody who knows somebody who was affected by the brush fires. Horror stories abound. One guy I worked with at my last job spent the day with his parents trying to save their house - but couldn't; it was burnt to the ground (and he was lucky not to get killed). Even worse, a guy I work with now sent out this: A friend of ours lost her two daughters – 20 & 23 – they were running in to what they thought has a “safe-house” - it blew up as they ran in. Their mother (our friend) was right behind them as she saw it happen. I can't even get my head around that.

That was all on the day from hell (last Saturday). The fires are still going, but fortunately the wind has died somewhat. I could see the smoke on the horizon on my way home today. I think they're getting on top of it, but we have friends that live near the area where it seems to be encroaching on; we're hoping for the best.