Flame evasion proceeds apace

The words "involuntary evacuations have begun" bear a unique strangeness. They're not scary per se, since you could evacuate any day for any reason. But they announce a concrete danger, and force you into a mode of readiness even as you deny the urgency.

We heard those words last night as the Canyon Country fire trekked eerily down the super dry hills just to our north. The winds were, and remain, very gusty, and they carry aloft all manner of burning debris, releasing it as far as two miles away to ignite the next hot spot.

My wife and I looked at each other, realizing that we MUST start packing and be prepared to load the girls into the van for evac.

Prioritizing from among all the stuff in your house makes you see what's gold and what's glitter.

Here is why we feel surrounded by a ring of fire.