So, do I save the Porsche first?
 

The Simi Valley fire in Southern California inches ever-closer to my house.

Here's the view from my balcony at 9:45 a.m. local time:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1067277373.jpg

So, do I save the Porsche first, and leave the rest? Just kidding, but the safety of the car is a concern. I don't want to leave it out, for fear of the alkaline ash harming the paint (as per another post on this board). On the other hand, I want to be able to move it ASAP if this situation gets out of hand. It's gonna be a long day. :( If any local Pelicans have a truck, and want to hang out on "fire watch" today, I'm buying the pizza and drinks!

Cheers!

Scott

That is a really awful picture. I fell really bad for all you socals. You are in my prayers.

Down here in San Diego, we had a hellish day in the Scripps Ranch area. We were ready to evacuate--three cars and two qualified drivers. The Porsche and the house were the odd men out. Fortunately, the winds died down last night and the front slowed. Very smokey and lots of ash today, but I still have my house and family.

Too much drama in Cali lately............

By the way, I did see one white Boxter get torched along with a house. It did put up a galant fight, but was no match considering it probably had a full fuel tank. The funniest (not that there is anything funny about this whole situation) is that the film crew was filming it live and the female newscaster called it a Miata.

Here's the latest...as of 9:45a.m. local time:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1067279208.jpg

Yikes! :eek:

Yeah, I'm watching the flames from my back window creep over the hill, this *****s gonna get ugly =(. Anyway, I went through a similar situation a few years back when the hills behind my house burned (luckily didn't take the house), I just moved the 911 to the bottom of the driveway in case we had to evacuate, but we never did so she went right back in the garage. I'd suggest turning her over and making sure all things are in check and the car can be moved at a moment's notice. Also, you've already probably thought about what you want to take with you (family albums, the kids toys, anything else that holds sentimental value), but I'd say the most important besides those are your expensive smaller items (electronics, jewelry, expensive tapestries/paintings). Anyway, I hope you don't lose your house and I'm praying for you, good luck with everything scott.

Thanks, Amir. If I have to leave, I think I'm going to take pictures, my computer, financial and insurance documents, the dog, the Porsche, my flying gear, and that's about it (in no particular order). Everything else is replaceable. At this point, I'm just watching the smoke and hoping for the best!

Scott

Another tip is to grab your video camera and film the inside of your house, verbally annotating the important items that you cannot take with you. It will help for insurance purposes.

Hopefully, you won't need it.

If you have a pool, throw anything that can withstand water inside it before you leave. This works for anything non-electrical or that otherwise would sustain water damage.

Not that it matters now, but I know several people with pools, who have bought portable water pumpers to combat any pending fire danger.

What's also interesting is water-dropping helicopters have also been sucking up water from local swimming pools to return more quickly to the fire; instead of going out to a lake, etc.

No video camera, but the digital still camera has been busy. Wind is starting to pick up a bit, but there are a lot of aircraft working the flames. Holding my breath...

Scott

Seeing those aircraft/helicopters work is just awesome. The whole operation - from them sweeping down low, then all the fire engines and police cars alerting those on the ground with their sirens that "a drop" is about to happen. Man, it's really something! :eek:

Damn - good luck and don't wait too long to leave.

10:45 a.m. More white smoke. Either they're getting water on it, or we have a new Pope!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1067281876.jpg

OK, I'm officially starting to get nervous. I can see flames on the hillside. :eek:

What kind of external load can you hang on the '47? How about one of those water buckets?

Seriously, keep the blue side up out there.

Maybe a five gallon bucket from Home Depot. :)

Thanks for the kind words, John.

ScottB, you have a PM with my cell, call if you need help.

scottb:

Where do you live in Simi? My brother is at Yosemite St. just about 1 block below the freeway. Are you near there?

Anyway, don't wait too long to get out of there. That fire looks pretty menacing from your photo. The suggestion about the videotaping of things you will be leaving behind is a good one as long as there is enough time to do that and still get out of their safley.

GOD SPEED Scottb.

Mike

Scott,

I'm praying for you and your family, good luck.

Philip

Here's the latest...11:30 a.m.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1067283946.jpg