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Uncontrolled fires ravaged Southern California in mid-October, claiming lives and disrupting communities. Santa Ana winds and a drier season than any in the past 95 years contributed to the rage of the fires, which began by arson. Relatives of several affected Potter's School students agreed to share their story with The Cracked Pot.

Saturday, October 20

9:42 p.m. The first fire breaks out in the Angeles National Forest in northeast Los Angeles County. Santa Ana winds, clocked at 50 mph, quickly spread the blaze over 500 acres.

 

Sunday

5:55 a.m. Fires break out in Orange County. Inspectors later confirm that the fires along the Route 241 toll road started by arson. Four firefighters are lost.

9:23 a.m. A fire breaks out in eastern San Diego County, injuring four firefighters and ten civilians and claiming one life.

 

Monday

Authorities in San Diego County place 346,000 reverse 911 calls, warning endangered homeowners to evacuate.

The Alberts, a family at the school, learn that their home, situated in a mountain community of San Diego, has been spared. “We saw the message on an internet forum that our street's hydrants were dry and knew only God could save our home, " says Christi Albert. "The area surrounding had become an inferno and the firefighters were in great danger.” As Mr. Albert, himself a firefighter, drives up the road to their home, he passes several homes that had been burned to charred heaps. Fellow firefighters lingering beside the intact structure of the Alberts' residence welcome him home.

Tuesday

 

3:13 a.m. The Poomacha fire begins in San Diego County near Highway 76, threatening the home of Jeremy Samsel, the brother of Potter's School student and Cracked Pot reporter Linnea Peckham.

Wednesday

 

Firefighters contain fires in Los Angeles County. Santa Ana winds decrease to between 21 to 36 miles per hour, allowing aircraft to assist in the remaining firefighting.

Jeremy Samsel evacuates his residence with a truckload of personal papers and belongings.

 

Thursday

 

Winds continue to lessen and air temperatures drop.

 

Mr. Samsel discovers that Wednesday's flames burnt the top half of his home. He lost tools and clothes but remained safe and uninjured. He stays with a friend while he searches for a new permanent residence.

Friday

 

Mandatory evacuation orders are lifted for most residences in San Diego.

 

Saturday, October 27

 

Cooler temperatures and occasional light rain in some areas continue to help firefighters.

 

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