Unbelievable

Terrible... I was in SoCal last year during the fires... the air is so hard to breath. It stings in your lungs, and nose...

The LA Times has some good coverage of this too: http://www.latimes.com/ but no photo galleries like this. Amazing and scary.

Second post!

Frightening yet great pictures

My heart goes to those who have either lost loved ones, sustained injuries, or lost belongings.

This is so sad.

Great pictures. They are a great attempt to provide a clear idea of how messy the situation is.

Incredible! Once again, TBP manages to get much feeling into pictures. Bravo!

hmm, everybody has a that big house, a swimming pool and 3 cars there? this is a retaliation for the unfair wealth... I can't feel sorry for them.
if you think that I'm not right, just check this set:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/06/ethiopia_in_food_crisis_once_m.html

anyway: nice pictures as usual.

And of course everyone will rebuild in the same spot. And then watch as their houses are burned down again. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The beauty in disaster, horrible and amazing.

Amazing photographs, as usual. I especially like #4.

I feel so sad..We never have a break anymore! Firefighter are the true heroes !!!!!
Sad for the wildlife and for people, who lost their homes!

#25 is just stunning.

#4 is actually just a screenshot of Fallout 3..

Photo #5- The caption was very confusing to me until I realized that the whole background is ONE house and the green-lit building is a gate-house.

I live in Ventura County, between LA and Santa Barbara—both featured here. Yesterday afternoon, the winds shifted and brought smoke from the south to cover most of the southwestern sky; as the sun set, it turned deep red. Before the sun went below the horizon it disappeared behind the smoke. Smoke's still in the air this morning.

I don't have a tv, and I didn't realize how bad it was until I saw these images.

Amazing.

my poor home

to andy i hope you are ok and everyone here is ok everyone is in my prayers here. from pam

Is this something that people that live in these areas prepare for. Do they accept that every now and then there home will be burnt down and have to be rebuilt and plans in place for getting out of the area with cherished belongings and stuff.

Or does it come as a surprise catching people out and potential ruining lives?

@minime: That's right, don't feel sympathy/empathy or even an ounce of pity for anyone that has more than you.

Tragic to see, so much loss for so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost, and those who fight the fires. Thanks again for the moving photos.

great houses pwned!...

i hope the Hollywood community steps up and helps!

Every Year they have fires, and every year the dunbasses go back for more, what idiots. only americans can be so stupid

minime wrote :
hmm, everybody has a that big house, a swimming pool and 3 cars there? this is a retaliation for the unfair wealth... I can't feel sorry for them.
if you think that I'm not right, just check this set:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/06/ethiopia_in_food_crisis_once_m.html
anyway: nice pictures as usual.

Yes, I was talking with the wind the other day, and it was like, 'we are gonna git those smug californians. I've seen their bank accounts.' Also, it wasn't all large houses with swimming pools, trailer parks were hit, everyone from the rich to the poor are feeling this. I hope you are helping out all those in crisis and not just sitting bravely behind your keyboard in a diuretic fashion. Have you really been that numbed by society? People used to live in that ash, a semblance of home, no matter the materials, it was home. I hope that you don't have to go through such turmoil, so you can keep up with your hotlinks and your holier-than-thou attitude.

be careful, brave firefighters!

minime - I have to agree with you buddy

To minime - uh, NO, we are not all rich. I live with my seven other family members in two bedrooms and we are barely making ends meet. So shut up about things you have absolutely no idea about!

Amazing how everything can be destroyed so quickly. there are just those things in nature that cannot be controlled. My prayers are with all.

All the best to the fire-fighters doing their utmost to save people's homes.

I agree with post #10, there is something especially mesmerising about picture #4, almost apocalyptic, right time right place for the photographer I suppose...

Our hearts to go out to all of those life that have been touched by this disaster.

#27 and #35 - just wow, amazing.

@John: "Every Year they have fires, and every year the dunbasses go back for more, what idiots. only americans can be so stupid."
---
Yeah, because natural disasters ONLY happen in America.
:::rolls his eyes at John's ignorance:::

Why do people feel the need to be so sanctimonious?

Who ever said that they can't feel sorry for these people because they all have big homes, swimming pools & three cars obviously missed picture #4 of the mobile home park with only ashes as remains.

Don't be so ignorant and stupid. Some people work really hard for what they have and you shouldn't be so quick to judge people. Tradegy is tradegy at any level. Have a heart, these people have family and pets, as well as feelings too.

sorry for this disaster , admirable effort of fire-fighters , and extra amazing pictures!

It's such a shame that these beautiful pictures come with such a heavy price; be safe brave firefighters.

All of this can be replaced. Lives cannot.

Please stop censoring my comments. Is it really that offensive to you that I am saying this?

Had trouble seeing the pictures with the tears in my eyes.

The people who are affected didn't have this coming to them. There are many things we can control, mother nature is not one of them.

Would a newpaper ever print: Florida hit by a hurricane, (yet again) The MidWest Hit by Tornadoes (yet again) Dorchester Hit By Murder (yet again)

WISH I COULD BRING ALL THOSE PEOPLE TO NEW MEXICO, FOR SHELTER,,,
HAVE BOTH MY SON'S INVOLVED WITH FIRE FIGHTING AND THEY HAVE SEEN SOME BAD STUFF, MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THESE PEOPLE, WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO TO HELP THEM....

I live in the San Fernando Valley - just south of the Sylmar fire and not too far north of the Orange County fires. This is the worst I've seen in the few years I've lived here. It seems that we have wild fires here every year - "Fire season" is as common to native Southern Californians as snow is to New Englanders in the winter.

I am one of those smug Californians and I wanted to remind the cynics in the crowd that there are natural disasters everywhere in the world, there are man made disasters everywhere in the world and there are disasters that are combinations of both. Out here, west of the west, we recognize that stuff happens. We also like to think that if one has to have a disaster, this is a better place than most to have one.

Great photos!!

I live 6 miles from the Brea/Yorba Linda fire and the firefighters did an AMAZING job of keeping the fire away from hundreds of additional homes. Their efforts stopped the flames just short (sometimes only a block away) from so many homes. Thank you to all the firefighters!! I'd rather smell smoke in my apartment and see ash on the ground any day than see my apartment as a pile of ash on the ground!

minime: grow up. The majority of homes lost over the last few days were in trailer parks. These people are devastated.

hax (36): absolutely. Stuff can be replaced.

I lost my house in the Painted Cave fire here in Santa Barbara in 1990. 500+ homes were lost. Largest single fire loss until the Oakland fires later that year.

Amazing pictures........

Incredible,
I do not understand because not to exist prevention programs therefore it always happens.
The people must charge the government instead of sponsoring wars more than

In my opinion, there is a great deal of frustration with people who tempt fate by living in areas where natural disasters occur frequently. Where is the common sense or zoning ordinances that would help minimize the destruction. Don't want your house to burn, don't live on a hillside that is filled with dry brush for fuel. Don't want your house destroyed by a flood, live more than 50 feet from the gulf coastline.

It's not necessarily the owners fault, cities should set proper zoning and development standards. But, if they did that, the house prices would be greater or developers would move to the next town that didn't care about appropriate safety standards. Chase the money!

Great photos,
I live in Garden Grove California, just a couple of miles to some of the fires. On early Saturday afternoon, it looked like it was late at night with the sun covered by all the smoke. That night, the moon was an eerie blood red due to the reflection of the fires. Even though our house was buttoned up, its still smelled like smoke inside by evening time. On Sunday the wind shifted in my area and it looked like it never happened. My prayers to those affected by the fires plus to all the fire fighters.

Thank you for making this horrific disaster real to me in a way that the front page of my physical copy of the Globe did not. The courage it takes not to run away, to instead walk towards flames higher than one's head and fight them back to protect people and people's livelihood is truly commendable. I salute the firefighters, and all the quiet heroes who are helping those who have lost homes and/or loved ones.

#20 (the 'fire whirl') and #27 (the 'ember'storm) especially make me think that such fires are like combinations of several different natural disasters, a 'flood,' a tornado, and a storm of fire all rolled into one. Hard to grasp the scale and power of it all.

What does Ethiopia have to do with homes burning in So Cal? Yeah that is what I thought. I am sure you are doing a lot to help out in either of those tragedies. Like sitting behind your keyboard.

If you really feel that way about California, just know that when 9/11 happened we felt horrible for the people in the affected areas (NY, DC, PA) and people even tried to help out in any way they can. We certainly weren't laughing about it or felt like it was some retribution for wealth. We also had quite a bit of refugees from Hurrican Katrina being helped out in our state.

People do not constantly have their homes burned down and rebuilt. First of all, So Cal is a very large area with lots of hilly terrain that has lots of dry brush. There are homes that have been there for 30-50 years that are burned down. For example, the town I live in had homes destroyed a few years ago but those homes were over 40 years old. I'm not sure why but this seems to be becoming a worse problem every year.

In San Diego last year, complete subdivision were lost. It is not like these homes were out in the sticks. They were suburban areas where the fire spread so fast thre was nothing the fire dept could do. They couldn't respond fast enough. That is what happened this year.

Now Minime, get your ass to Ethiopia and start feeding those people.

I feel so sorry for all people who lost their lives, families, loved ones, and their belongs. Once again, Boston. com has provided us with realistic photos that will make us think of our firefighter heros. I just want to thank anyone who reads my comment that is a firefighter. Thank you.

I'm a Boston transplant living in Orange County. Last years fires here burned more acreage and spewed more smoke but the ones this past weekend hit densely populated areas. we dodged a major bullet because the winds died Saturday night if they had kept up it would have been as bad or worse than the Oakland hills fires.

Wow, just amazing scenes.

These people need Prayers and emergency shelter awhile after this. This is the flames of hell roaring at hurricane speed. Note that only metal is left in the ruins. There's no talk about how much global warming is being produced by all and any of these wild fires. It's more *per hour* then all the cars on the road in the world in a year. AND there's no mention of the *Toxic fumes* that are being released into the atmosphere, since all these houses are covered with vinyl siding. All the internal walls and floors have rugs and possessions in them which release toxic gases as they are totally consumed and burned in the high wind of the inferno flames. Burnable external building materials should not be allowed in a wildfire territory.

I live in California and have seen lots of fire pictures over the years but these are some of the best I"ve ever seen. Great job.

Thanks for the photos. Always top-notch!

I wouldn't have imagine such fires are so close to home. I miss covering this kind of thing when I was a hard news shooter, but I'm certainly sorry to see it happen to anyone.

Jeez, I feel like my screen is going to melt looking at at some of these.

Great pictures. It really shows the force of fires. As sad as it is when fire trikes, mostly by some dumb human cause, it is beyond my comprehensions that the people and the law does not require to cut the grass and underbrush in every area where their are houses, and dry conditions exist much of the year.
But of course the rich insure their homes and hope to esacape the fire with their lifes, while firefighters risk theirs, and the public foots the rest of the bill.

7,8, and 25 are the closest I've ever imagined to what Hell itself might look like.

Dear "Minime" ,

I bet you were a bully in high school. Your comment parallels a lyrical sucker punch. Perhaps the same will happen to you one day and hopefully you will regret what you've posted here. The truth is, you're just jealous..

As someone who was in all of the above fires, I know a few things that might be helpful here.

First, it may seem obvious to some but not all the fire victims are “smug” owners of a “big house, a swimming pool and 3 cars”.

The people of the nearly 500 homes in the Oakridge mobile home park (seen in #4, #6, #11, #31, and #33) that went up in flames the other night are not rich.

Many, if not most, of them are senior citizens living on modest incomes. At least one is 96 and wheelchair-bound. Many seniors lost absolutely everything when 70-mile-per-hour winds blew the fire though the park in the dark of night giving little time for many to save anything but their lives.

One firefighter said that he knew that they had done all they could when his tires exploded as he was leaving. It amazes many that no bodies have been found in the ruins.

The fact is that the dream of owning even a two-bedroom house with no garage is only a dream for many otherwise middle-class, single income wage earners here. Housing is far more affordable across most of the rest of the nation. That’s why some people live in mobile home parks.

I should also point of that the massive firestorms that are becoming more common are not the norm. Many factors are at play – generations of complete fire-suppression in chaparral habitat which is ecologically reliant upon a cycle of fire and re-growth has created unnaturally thick vegetation that fuels more intense wildfires; an expanding population has to live somewhere; and of course there are also some who do have the money to buy flammable view homes on a lots that should have remained wilderness – but more importantly, we have been in a drought that, except for one winter, has been desiccating the native brush for some nine years now.

Wildfires no longer burn just a few homes built ridiculously close to 20-foot-tall chaparral brush with no defensible space but now hop across entire neighborhoods and burn houses blocks away.

Also, it is worth noting that many of those rich people do have oversized homes and “McMansions” also own many of our culture’s irreplaceable pieces of art and artifacts so the losses are not limited to those people alone.

As for image #5, the word “house” is a typo and should have read “houses”. It’s actually a regular housing development near the homes in images #8 and #18, and #20.

I can also tell you that image #4, the sunrise behind the smoldering ruins, was not altered. That’s the way it looked in the camera and that’s they way it was in real life. What it doesn’t show is the irritating smell of the toxic smoke of burning paints, plastics and various chemicals in the building materials, the blast of heat radiating from the ruins, and the eye-stabbing particles of wind-blown ash and dirt.

I can’t think of any place that is safe from fires, tornados, ice storms, hurricanes, terror attacks, tsunamis, or meteors. In fact, most of the nation outside of California does not even have any real earthquake construction codes even though possibly the biggest quake in our nation’s history was in the Midwest and changed the course of the Mississippi River.

I think we should be more compassionate toward people living through all disasters and not be (dare I use the word) “smug” about where we each live.

Maybe I'm just ignorant, but wtf. Why is the forest so close to the god damn house if you live in a high probability area. I just can't feel pity, cause this seems so damn stupid;). You ever heard of a god damn fire trap?

That is so scary. We complain about all the wet weather we have in England, but I would rather have wet than hot any day! So sorry for the people who have lost their homes, and all the poor wildlife and trees and the world in general!

these homes should have fire sprinklers on the roof and surrounding areas of the house, you could use a gasoline pump to get the water from swimming pools and send it in galvanized pipe and brass rain bird heads,

Wow, these were great pics. This showed how horrific this was and how brave the firemen were and I'm very glad that I haven't heard about anybody dying from this...I was especially concerned about the elderly in the mobile home park because of disabilities, arthritis and such that would make it harder for anyone to escape.

Okay, I know CA has had some doozies of fires and yes, these things make us more prone to fires such as draught, not clearing brush, insect/fungus infestation which weakens/kills the vegetation and having plants like eucaliptus, but has anyone heard about: AGENDA 21 (the plan to move most people into concentrated areas of the US and leave most of the US without humans and that this is connected to the UNITED NATIONS ? Or Weather Manipulation with the Tesla-based technology of HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program)? ...Like I said, I know we get some doozies, but "Hurricane-strength" wind I don't think normally occurrs even with the Santa Ana strong winds. I'm also suspicous of the summer 08 CA fire that triggered off over 2500 fires burning simultaneously through CA.

I know this AGENDA 21 and the UN and Weather Wars/Manipulation/HAARP sound crazy, but just hit the internet and check it out.

Just because the "Falsimedia" isn't talking about this, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Oh, I forgot to add that yes, I am aware of other causes of fires as well such as careless cigarette smokers, arsonists and human stupidity as well. How many times do we see blackened areas near the freeway because someone tossed their cigarette out or flicked their ashes out the window? I used to live in San Clemente and somebody decided to do some welding near tinder-dry grass and set the whole ridge on fire. It was a doozy. Also, about 25 years or so ago, in the Santa Cruz mountains around July, some kids decided to play with fireworks and scorched a huge area up to Summit Road. That area took a long time to recover and this happened just because of some stupid kids and their fireworks.

.

What eye4 says is true. Also, our long drought and global warming have extended our July-to-October fire season to year-round. And when you get wind gusts of up to 70 mph, guess what, burning embers are going to set houses on fire up to a mile from that dry hillside. And the burning embers from THOSE homes can travel another mile away in several directions due to the erratic winds. And so on and so on. And that is how so many cities caught on fire in just a few hours from one fire that started miles away in Corona. Maybe some of you judgmental posters should learn the facts and try a little compassion for all those people without homes now.

First off, thank you boston.com for helping convey the emotions that are going on in southern california right now. While beautiful, these photos still show just how tragic this has become.

Secondly, I live in southern california. In fact, I live in Diamond Bar, which is one of the cities mentioned in one of the photo captions. And I am pretty offended by others who think that we "deserve" this, or have no sympathy for the lives that have been shattered by this tragedy.

To those such as minime and others, where do you live? Is it in the northwest, where they have blizzards? or the south, where they have hurricanes? how about the midwest, where there are tornadoes? or is it the northeast, who get both hurricanes and blizzards?

Fact is, natural disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Trust me, if there were an area in the world with no natural disasters, I'm sure people would be flooding in. But there isn't, so we live where we can.

I'm appalled that some of you have no sympathy. I truly hope that nothing should ever happen to you guys, and if heaven forbid something did, then I'd also hope that there was someone who cared enough to help.

Are we all rich and wealthy? Obviously not. I live in Diamond Bar, a city with million dollar homes, and i live in crappy apartment trying to make ends meet. Are we all stubborn because we're just going to rebuild? I hope not. I think its called starting over. If my apartment had burned down, I wouldn't be able to do that. I doubt many of the displaced in the mobile home complex will be able to either.

Sorry if this got long, but I think we deserve more than your apathy.

And to the firefighters who saved my home over the weekend, no words can express my gratefulness for all you've done and accomplished. I hope someday I'll be able to repay you all.

mimime you are a very sick individual. I do hope someday you are forced out of your home and it is destroyed before your very eyes. I happen to know people from the trailer park and all i've met I'm sure are all have a better soul than you could ever have. You simply have warped mind.

Thank you for this views

The windshield of the car in pic # 12.

Wow. Great photos of a terrible situation, my sympathies to all that have lost homes and praise God no fatalities at this stage!

I live in NSW, Australia and the area I live in also experiences fires like this every few years so I know the feeling of these people well.

D!

Also, #20, 28 and 35 are AWESOME photos in the truest meaning of the word.

D!

We need to stop praising the photographs and think about the people who have lost thier homes and belongings. Its a serious situation. We need to pray to Almighty God and ask for forgiveness of all the sins that we all have done (including me). And we need to commit to god that those sins will not be repeated. We should try to help those people in whatever way we can. Let the govt. do whatever they want, and i agree that the hollywood community should step up and come forward in this noble cause. This will be an example of true America and the democracy. Like there is no greater relationship that of a fellow american.

viva usa . usa is in my heart . usa i love you viva

My heart goes out to anyone one who has lost their home. I have read through many of these posts and don't understand how people can brush this off and make fun of others' misfortune. This tragedy is not karma for all of the unfair wealth in the world either. No matter how rich or poor anyone is, no one deserves to have all of their mementos and things that they hold near to them go up in smoke. A house can be rebuilt...but what about the only picture of a baby's first foot steps or a video of their first words. I encourage people to really think about what they write on here. No matter how rich of an area this could happen in, it is still a tradegy and is no doubt heart breaking for anyone that it effects.

Suport firerefugees.com

NICE SHOTS

I am not american so maybe I don't understand the way you feel, but there's no need to blame Minime, even if I think he should have said it in another way.
What I want to say is that when your path crosses such disasters as your country does these days, never forget what happens everyday out of your country and why it is happening... I guess no one needs three cars or a swimming pool, that's only disgusting me.
Anyway, I'm sorry for people who lost friends or family, but I don't care about f*cking 4x4.
Beautiful pictures, as always.

minime is an ass. Recognize overpopulation.

why they continue to biuld up in the mountain ? and get insurance coverage ?
Are all the rest people paying for it to their living high ?
What is the difference people continue to build along the hurricane prone coast line and force government to insure them ? many times over the same disastrous outcome ?

Pic #4 : Fallout 3
Pic #15 : Terminator 2
Pic #19 : Transformers
Pic #22 : Backdraft

Much respect to all the fire crews out there.

Absolutely professional photos...

Is not that ironic... the government spend millions of bucks to develop machines that have the ability to burn thousands of homes, but they are not able to protect them from a slightly bigger fire...

Picture #31 Mesmerizing, satanic, but magnificent photo. And it's impossible to comprehend the magnitude of the terrible devastation. The terror is incomprehensible too, unless one has actually been a victim of fire. I hope everyone has someone to care for them - as a senior, I can share what must now be their dreadful fear of the future.

Everyone lay off minime - can't you see he is relishing in the attention? He has so little in his life. Sitting behind his little computer with his little mind and his little.......well, you know what I mean. If he had a job, he might make enough money to one day have a house & pool & one car. But for now, he must sit in anonymity & inflate his ego with emissives that only purport his ignorance and class level. If his little one room apartment went up in flames, alas, what would he lose? His collection of Star Wars figurines, his Knight Rider lunchbox & pershaps a few old Playboy Magazines - hardly enough for us to wish him badly.

The Boston Globe photographers take some of the best photos that I have ever seen of wildfires- and I have been fighting wildland fires for over 30 years.
With regard to the socio-economic class of those who own these burning homes-mother nature is not very descriminating when it comes to homes- fuel is fuel-
wildfire doesn't care about anyone's annual income.
What's strange is to see that year after year-nothing changes. Human behavior stays the same-even when the environment is shouting at us to adapt or die.

That might be so. But to listen to someone who's views differ for the rest can be, at times, refreshing if not enlightening. There are little tragedies which preserve their status uppon comparison with other misfortunate circumstances.
Despite the fact that these pictures have their beauty in them, they simply reflect a manifestation of nature. But to go as far as considering this a tragedy? (Like most of the comments) Or not at all, (Like a minority present)
Well, no lives have been lost, only land and material goods so one has the right to argue that this is somewhat of a frivolous matter.

Wouldn't I be somewhat right here to say that the tragedy here is the fact that people see the loss of material goods as a real tragedy? Those who define themselves by what they own.

As I sit here looking at these incredible images, I take the comfort of my coal fire for granted, fogetting the destruction and heart ache that fire is capable off.
I really feel for those people who have lost everything.

#83: "If he had a job, he might make enough money to one day have a house & pool & one car.".

How true. I just want to add that, the girl on the ethiopian pictures, should do the same. Have a job. And she could buy a swimming pool, cars etc. She shouldn't just cry because her child died. She did not work hard enough as the good Californians do.

I lost my home in the Big Sur fires in July. These photos affected me emotionally, much more than they would have a year ago.

Awesome work by the firefighting community as usual. It is sad, however, to what had happened to people who have lost their possessions and shelter. Fortunately, we are naturally resilient and will just grow on and hope to have learned a few things or two from the experience.

I live in Chino Hills and we were four miles from where it started and almost came within a mile from my home. The control burn conducted by the brave firemen helped saved many homes in our community. With challenges you see good hearts from everyone around as captured by the local tv coverage of two teenagers delivering refreshments to the fire crew.

WOW!

it's all so surreal.
the molten rim (#15) was just too strong an image for me.

nice pictures.....................................................

Incredible images. These really put me into the local reality of these fires. It's a shame to read some of these comments and see how ignorant some of these posters are. It is NOT these families faults that their homes and belongings went up in flames. Whether these were started by neglect or a freak of nature, it's still devastating. Being closer to the beach, except for the air quality and images on the news, you feel very disconnected to the events happening just a few miles north. My thoughts are with those families and those helping the families who have lost their homes.

#2 with how selective and by chance each home was destroyed.
#4 the physical account of the amount of destruction
#6 these brave individuals who exhausted their efforts
#20 to imagine seeing this coming my way
#21 how close the train is just fleeting by the fires

Amazing

I always feel bad to say that your´s are great pictures when they cope with serious topics, what they obviously are, but i dont want to miscredit the content and its background. Thanks for posting these pictures and showing us, what goes on in the world.

Chan from TheJunction

#35 says is all for me, except....
Will Californial now have to pay a carbon tax for adding so much CO2 to the atmosphere? Feel sorry for those who lost everything.

I think that if someone has the ability of buying a multimillion dollar home is great and comendable and not easy at all, we all work for what we dream of and there is nothing wrong with that, some people are just jelous because they cannot amount to anything.

Awesome work by the firefighting community as usual. It is sad, however, to what had happened to people who have lost their possessions and shelter. Fortunately, we are naturally resilient and will just grow on and hope to have learned a few things or two from the experience.

I live in Chino Hills and we were four miles from where it started and almost came within a mile from my home. The control burn conducted by the brave firemen helped saved many homes in our community. With challenges you see good hearts from everyone around as captured by the local tv coverage of two teenagers delivering refreshments to the fire crew.

YOU are some realy sick sons the bitches for wrighting all the bad stuff about these poor people we can only hope it happens to you and not your nieboors

I think that those people who chided the Montecito home owners for having expensive homes are not only heartless but also don't have a clue. We live in a country that allows us to work hard and succeed. That is the basis of our beautiful country. We have religious organizations and charities to help the less fortunate. We are not obligated to give away our hard earned money to those who do not work for it. That is socialist, and this country was not founded on socialist principles. My heart goes out to ALL who lost their possessions and homes in this terrible fire. Living in So. CA, I was surrounded on all sides, except for the West, by the fires and saw the sun obliterated by smoke. Our home and cars were covered by ash....my prayers and thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragedy.

Great photos!! I know Montecito well... trust me... they can well recover... you live there because it is a beautiful sliver of land between ocean and mountain peaks and most everyone has very good land clearances.. but if flames break out in 70mph winds (and yes 70mph winds are not unusual in Santa Anas... although in Santa Barbara we call them Sundowners, there is not much you can do but grab the family, the animals and flee Montecito will be easily rebuilt and I'm sure the residents pay a very hefty fire insurance policy. Remember Oprah's house cost $48million. Don't begrudge her, minime, think how many people she employs!) These people pay a lot because Montecito is so nice, it is my idea of what heaven looks like (or should). That does not mean we shouldn't have compassion for them. them Montecito residents had an in-place exit plan and the citizens were universily praised by the firefighters and police on how they evacuated. One overlooked ed story was all the heroic people getting their horses and animals moved from harm's way. Montecito people did well.
As to the trailer park, I happen to be returning from downtown L.A from a play and traveled right by the doomed trailer park on the I-5 freeway about an hour after it started and I will always remember the sight! HUGE flames and the wind was howling as hard as I've seen it and I'm 4th generation So. California. Those poor people people couldn't save anything, where not tucked into a canyon or anywhere particularily dangerous. But if there is a spark, and you have the Santa
Annas, you don't have much chance. But remember people... no one lost their lives in the fire! (a 96 evacuee did pass, though). As to a danger area; ALL of California is an earthquake zone... but earthquakes don't kill anyone... falling buildings do and we build to incredible earthquake standards.
As to minime, I pray that you achieve enlightenment one day but using your comments as a signpost... i think youhave a long journey ahead of you. Bon chance, bon voyage.

Awesome photos in a sea of disaster. I hope everyone got out safe.

GOD BLESS the firemen.
Thank you!!!!

#12 & #31
#12 is a great shot.. look at the front windshield of the truck.. how the vinyl is melting inside the glass...

# 31 is just an amazing blend of light and shadows..

Amazing photos from such an awful event. Sad to put this in .. but still "great work on the photos"

All of those commenting MINIME please continue as he is the MINI... the BIG picture are the fires and the devastation, human and wildlife death.. hearts broken... as for the out of country folks talking about a poor little girl not having anything...this is the fault of the government of that country, not the US, not the citizens of California or the firefighters... and if you dont like the way Americans live... leave us be... we can make it all happen with out you. .. the Quiet Man...

As someone who lost a home in a wildfire in another state, all I can say is the idea that losing your home is somehow divine retribution for sin or some other misdeed is reprehensible. A lot of really great people in my neighborhood lost everything. It was a terrible tragedy that forever changed the lives of many of them.

After my experience, I can no longer look at disasters as curiosities in the news that happen to faceless people. I now know firsthand that real people, not pictures or statistics, are devastated during disasters. It takes years to recover, and everyone affected will be all alone to do so long after all the news crews and disaster organizations have packed up and left.

My heart goes out to all the people who suffered losses from this tragedy. If it is any comfort, please know that tomorrow will bring another day, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit will allow you to face it, no matter how much it may seem like you can't. You will find caring, compassion and help in the most unlikely of places, and you may be shocked to find that many of the people you thought you could count on will abandon you. Nevertheless, you will survive and you will be stronger and wiser as a result.

Sometimes gifts manifest in the strangest way. Have faith, be strong, and know that people all over understand your plight, empathize with it, and are pulling for you. God bless.

From an American's point of view. We live in a nation that allows for us to live where and how we choose to live. You want to live in the UK? Great Keep the Limee(sic) comments and attiudes on your side. We have kept you morons from speaking so many different languages and pulled you out of more problems and wars than we care to remember. The US people of California make those decisions to live in the urban interface areas. They make those decisions, because it's America and we have the right. We have the greatest country in the world and if you don't like it, too bad.

And for the other moron MINIME: Hey the UK is looking for more tree hugging, tea sipping, live for the queen sissies... Why don't you go feed the sick and hungry from there. If you live in America, you're not American. We feed, bathe, provide, aid, finance and keep more countries from going under than any other country in the world.

Maybe we ought to send a few fire fighters from CAli to go over and spend a few minutes with you...

a tree hugging

As homes burned one by one so did the hope and dreams of many homeowners, some wealthy, some not so wealthy, some old, tired and others that are young with young familes. They all worked very hard to build a dream that was deserving but by fake was taken away this week. I am deeply sadden by their loss. Our prays are with all those homeowners and families now without a home today.

My heart goes out to all those who lost their homes. Thank God folks were able to evacuate without great loss of life, but it has to be crushing to lose all of your belongings. Probably the saddest loss, as long as everybody is OK, is the family photos and records being destroyed.

My prayers are with you all.

pro tip- concrete house.

Rich or poor, young or old.............Loss is loss. If you lose everything you own including the place you call home, you are devastated. Yes, many things have sentimental attachments and can be replaced, but they are a part of your life and have meaning to you. It's never the same. Tragedy strikes ALL of us at one time or another, and it's the compassion for each other that connects us as human beings. As these pictures attest, what a frightening ordeal. The many firefighters who put their lives on the line, and the pilots who fly these planes and helicopters are true heroes. God bless them for their service. We don't pay them nearly enough. My prayers go out to those who are now homeless due to these fires.

So much more could and should be done to drastically reduce the losses of both life and property. Radical environmentalists do not want roads in forested areas, and do not want to cut down any trees, or clear any brush. But ask them how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by these fires! We need fire breaks on either side of a network of roads in critical areas. We need fire breaks and roads to protect residential and business areas. What we really need is common sense.

My baby lives in LA...I'm bringing her back to SC

My wife and I finished cleaning up around our home in Fullerton this afternoon. We are a block and a half south of Brea and about five miles south of Tonner Canyon.We swept up half a trash can of ashes and much more was blown away after sweeping.
Between the state legislature and the fires it's a toss up as to which causes the greatest damage.
Pete Lewis

My prayers go out to every family effected by this, but mostly to the firefighters that are risking their lives to save other people's homes and lives. I hope that they all return safely home including many of my friends who are fighting the fires.

Could be a connection between global warming and California wild fires. If yes what those people did, do or will do for that???? Second question is for every one.

post#39... this isn't a newspaper.

eye4 AMEN!!!! You said what I felt like saying, but did a much better job than I ever could.
Heavy D the firefighter ~ You ROCK!!! I wish I could give you a big hug!! Thank you!!
MINIME ~ You have serious issues!! Kiss my tush!

I was there, these pictures are real. It was like a war zone. You did an amazing job. Thank you!!

Gr8 Work done by firefighters and photographer too...

IT IS NO WHERE NEAR US BUT I CAN FEEL THE DEVASTATION. THE FIRE FIGHTERS LAY THEIR LFE ON THE LINE.

I am so sorry for all of you who have lost your homes...such a tragedy. My prayes are with you. God Bless

Beautiful pictures but it's really difficult to pretend that the loss of materials bothers me. Damage and loss are inevitable parts of life and there's little point in dwelling over circumstances that might have been. Some "irreplaceable" items may have been lost but it doesn't take away from the experiences that happened nor the memories that continue to exist. If it is the case, as someone stated above, that there has been no loss of life then this is just an exercise in coexistence with nature. Devastation is a state of mind and those who lose "everything" are only in as much pain as they choose. It is not a necessary fact of life that you must accumulate and maintain material wealth in order to be happy or even content and it would be hypocritical of me to say that this weighs on me when so many other similar “disasters” have happened and continue to happen with and without my knowledge.

The people I really feel for are those who allow themselves to be emotionally devastated by this circumstance. The more one obsesses and grieves over what is lost, the less one is able to see what one has. Those affected by this will either move or stay and they will either rebuild or not. All you can really do is be grateful for what is left (even if your body is all that’s left), learn what you can learn from it, and keep living your life. This, I believe, holds true for all of life.

Found the location of picture 2 in Google Maps.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4600+Dorinda+Rd+Yorba+Linda,+CA&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ll=33.895315,-117.762357&spn=0.001492,0.002843&t=h&z=19

Dear mini: seek help you inbittered small brain piece of trash. You will be the first in line for your government bail out money. Why don't you try a new approach: get off your lazy ass go to work and earn your own way, then maybe you'll understand what a tragedy it is for all those who have suffered such a lose.

The only thing worse than the fire itself is the ignorance I've just read. Do you really think these people deserve to have their lives completely destroyed by an uncontrollable event. I have 40 years in the fire service and serve as a fire chief in Eastern Washington, this could happen here just as well and the medium income is $35,000. There are million dollar houses here as well and they worked hard to earn them.

courage aux pompiers en espérant qu'il ni ait pas de victimes.

nice. destruction can look so pretty. sad though.

My heart is with all affected in this tragedy!

Bravo! Fire fighters are amazing! Your brave actions are most appreciated.

I live in Pennsylvania and my heart goes out to everyones' loss. God Bless the wonderful Firefighters. They risk their lives over and over again to help. Southern California is an awesome beautiful area. Such a tragedy. My prayers to you.

So sorry to see all those who lost everything....no words can help to diminish the lost. Devastating to see.

OKay so I get an e-mail from a person that I work with and I look through the pics and then in the comment I see people more focused on this mini me person than they are on that ACTUAL event. Now I just wanted to make a few points. FIrst off this is basically what see seems to have set everyone off:

"hmm, everybody has a that big house, a swimming pool and 3 cars there? this is a retaliation for the unfair wealth... I can't feel sorry for them. "
~minime

Okay so minime probably doesn't come from a family of weath. So it's understandable that they feel this way and before I continue I'm NOT minime and if oyu want ot harassme like you are mini me after reading this be my geust I won't be coming back to this site as your opinions really don't matter. Anyway as I was saying. Minime probably doesn't come from a wealthy family, and people will aways see what they want to see. They censor what they really care about and what they don't, so yeah maybe minime missed a trailor park but ya know it is their choice if they don't want to feel sorry. I come from a family with several cars an da pool and I know I would be devestaed for these people, i AM devastaed for these people. However, you all have decided that you are going to focus on minime rather than the event. Now you all think he is bad. THis reply chain could be used to actually come up with some ideas about what people could do to help these families. Hell you may be the person with the idea that just needs others to get thinking like you. However, i only see a few people saying, "I wish I could do something ot help" most of you are too busy bullying someone who stated an opinion. Frankly minime isn't a bully you guys are. YOu are picking on them and telling them tha they are wrong when they have JUST as much right to state that they can't feel sorry for these families. Like I said it IS understandable if they aren't from a back ground like that.

Anyway I guess the point of this is first to send my condolences to these families. Yes most of them will get insurance money back but that doesn't replace pictures, baby bibs nd meories. Secondly this is to tell you all to Grow up, seriously. Harassme if you want but it will fall on deaf eas., you all have proven your worth. Calling one person a bully for stating an opinion and not letting it drop. Like me after minime posted they probably didn't come back and frankly I don't blame them. So meh some of you may read this others may just attack. As many have pointed out (as a way to try and bully minime) america is a free country. If you want to attack me be my geust but honestly ou don't knowme form adam who I am or what i do. Infact I think it would surprise some of you. Anyway Grow up, do what you want. and stop being hypocrites when it comes to bullying someone, you are all just as "bad" as minime.

~lamia

Is this the result of arson? Because there are so few new starts in the housing market, could construction companies generate work by rebuilding the burned homes?

I hope ~lamia does stay on to read what people think. You are 100% accurate. We have something called the first amendment. Don't waste effort on hammering someone for what they think. Step into action and try to help these people for there by the grace of God go you (my first amendment right).

My strike team was working to save the house in picture #8. Thanks for that amazing picture. All of us had just finished working in Mendocito and came Code 3 to Orange County and immediately jumped into the fight. We ended up having 6 hours of broken sleep in 80 straight hours. None of the homes in this picture were destroyed thanks to a timely "back fire" initiated by us. I am truly sorry for all of those we were not successful in saving. It hurts us to the core each and every time we lose one...

WOW!!!!!!!!!

God Bless the men and women that fight these natural climates. How small we really are!!!

My son is a Forestry Fighter and he was fighting to save as many homes as possible with his crew. I'm proud of him.
I feel sorry for the animals that are caught in the path of the fire. People know what is happening and how to get to safety, but the animals are confused and scared not knowing where to run to escape danger.

These are fantastic photos. I live in Southern California, fortunatly these fires didn't affect me, but I have been evacuated (Old Fire 2003). I live in the mountains of Southern California. The Tea fire was started by college kids who didn't put out a bon fire that they had started the day before. The Yorba Linda/Corono/Chino Hills Triplex fire started by a car on the freeway they believe.. These fires are tough and every year we get them, and every year our heart breaks for those who have lost their homes.

Perhaps IF the powers that be in California wouldn't allow the "environmentalists" to dictate to them that Controlled Burns are unexceptable, then perhaps the fires would be easier to contain!
Controlled burning of lands is a very old / ancient practice that prevents these things from happening. It's good for the land as well!
Write to your congressmen and women, California; or better yet.. charge the environmentalist groups and the State Government for your losses . as they are the ones ultimately responsible.

I wanted to share one of the pictures I took the day picture 21 was snapped.

It can be found at
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=1KOU0004000007&po=7

It depicts a sense of loss felt by the fire department at ground zero of the fire that took an apartment complex.

to all the fire fighters here in cal and around the world may GOD BLESS YOU
i've been through it and so has some of my family. this where we choose to live as a american we have that right just like you have the right to live with your head up your butt. we all need to thank god for police and fire fighters

WOW that breaks my heart to see all that gone in the fires. It is either fires, tornados, hurricanes, flooding or something all over the world. Ok I understand that tornadoes, hurricanes just show up but fires are just started by stupid people who think they can outsmart them by starting them - whats the point, "make everyone homeless, idiots". Since Cali has fires every year they should start early by watering and putting retardants down in all that brush if they know it can happen. All those firefighters put there lives out there for what, some stupid idiot who started it. That's wrong! They do a great job but I feel sorry for them because of some stupid person who either wants to be noticed or its arson or they are playing around with fire when they know it is dry season. For all the people who lost their homes I hope they get a big compensation from the state to help them move on. They have kids and animals in need. Where do they go? They should be put somewhere and be compensated until they rebuild back or not. They shouldn't be punished for loosing their home. People wake up! I wish I could house them all. You can't replace the things you had but at least you are alive. I am so angry over this! I live about 6 miles and the fires were intense. It is devastating and awful. For the ones that start these fires they should get it back on them!

Didziule uzuojauta tiem kurie nukentejo,ir visiem kitiem, tai ivyko didziule katastrofa i nuotraukas negaliu net ziurevi kaip ugnis viska sluoja kas po kojok, zmones varge state namus ir per sekunde nebera. Baisu

Terrible is not strong enough, this is so sad that in 2008 we are still exposed to so much loss and risks for the firefighters; I am in fire protection and hope we will come up one day with exterior sprinklers systems that will be able to stop those runaway brush fires

I live in a fire danger area. Everyone does. Not just in California, everywhere. Fires can burn everywhere. People live in the hills in California because California is mostly hills. There are hills along the coast and hills along the eastern border. There are major fault lines which have caused very large mountain ranges. You live on a mountain or hill, near a mountain or hill, in a valley between mountains or hills, or in the desert. Those are your choices.

I live in the mountains. My house is fairly remote. I knew there was a danger of fires when I moved here. It doesn't mean that I don't care if my house burns down. When I was evacuated last year I loved the people telling me that I shouldn't live where "natural disasters can occur." Where CAN'T natural disasters occur? Where are there no hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires, etc? Tell me this perfectly safe place where mother nature has no effect. Did you say these things a few years ago when most of Montana burned? Do you say this to people whose house was destroyed in the midwest by a tornado? Do you say this to people whose house was destroyed in any of the hurricanes that his every year? Is this what you say to people living below sea level in Louisiana?

Please, someone tell me where I should live where natural disasters never happen?

LAMIA HAS EVERY RIGHT TO SHARE HER VIEWS, BUT THE HORRENDOUS GRAMMAR AND BASIC SPELLING MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TAKE HER SERIOUSLY. FRIGHTENING!
I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WEALTHY HOMEOWNERS WEREN'T BORN INTO THAT WEALTH; THEY PURCHASED THEIR HOME DUE TO YEARS OF EDUCATION, HARD WORK, AND PERSEVERENCE.
MY SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO ALL AFFECTED BY THIS DISASTER.

God Bless all the victims who have lost loved ones and/or their homes!

My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost and continue to lose due to these fires. My thoughts and prayers also go out to those who do not have enough consideration to feel for those in need and for those who have lost family, shelter, and belongings due to these fires.
We are all capable of working hard and showing for how hard we have worked. Whether we chose to or not, that's always our decision. Even though many of these homes may be fairly expensive, those in the mobile home park were less expensive and they lots their homes also. It shouldn't matter how much the homes were worth, all that should matter is that many families are losing their homes and their lives are falling apart because of these natural disasters. California came together when tragedy struck NY 9/11, and when hurricane Katrina hit, so can't the rest of the United States come together when these tragedies are striking California...
Imagine how you would feel if you just lost your home, and everything you owned to a fire and people were saying that you deserve it because you were wealthy? How would you feel if you were only wealthy because you have worked your entire life away to get all those belongings you just lost, when there's people out there that don't work a minute in their life but live off of all of our tax payers money.... and people were saying that you deserve this?
Look into your hearts people. Put yourself in anothers shoes.. and imagine how you would feel.

A FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER
-Anon
When I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age,
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and
Protect his property
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your
protecting hand
My children and my wife.

Spare a thought for crews that battle the beast......

A majority of the homes burned were mobile homes and apartments. A vast majority. Not to say that wealthy people should lose their homes, but this is ridiculous. Many of the homes in the canyons of Corona and some of the Diamond Bar homes, like my aunt's, were purchased decades ago when the houses were not as overpriced as they are now. These are middle class people as well. So, most of the homeowners were not wealthy.

You will see an arial view of my aunt's house with four cars because my aunt and uncle each work full time very hard to afford their cars, home and children's college, and two of my three cousins drive themselves to college and back while working and helping pay for college. No one should be judging anyone based on some pictures.

I do wonder if these cities have defensible space rules like we do in the San Bernardino mountains. If I don't clear brush around my house I should first get a warning and then the forestry department does it and charges me (happened to a neighbor of mine). As for one of the above comments, there are controlled burns in California and all environmentalists know how important that, defensible space, and tree and brush thinning projects are for our wildlife areas. The logistics of controlled burns in some canyons are very complicated and difficult. Thinning and defensible space are much better options.

From a tree hugger.

My prayers are with all of the victims/owners/families displaced by this tragedy.

I have been up close and personal with fire, more than once, to where the air has been sucked out of my lungs which forced me to run away from the flames so I could breath again. (Rice fire - Fallbrook, CA) These pictures bring it all back to me. California is burning up and I keep asking myself is it time to leave?

For the record, many of the houses burned in the Tea fire are in the City of Santa Barbara, not the "celebrity enclave of Montecito." In fact, photo #3 is of Conejo Rd., which is within the city limits of Santa Barbara.

Look at all the swimming pools. All that water could have been put to good use if a pump and gen were installed pryor to the fire. Kinda cheap insurance, wouldnt you say. Its a precaution that I would take if I lived in a fire area

I lived in Southern California for 30 years until I retired and moved to Florida, I have never viewed such scary pictures of what could happen anywhere in the country. Those firefighters are awesome, they put their lives on the line for all of us, you all should be thankful. Believe me, they don't make enough money or own a home big enough to be worth their lives. They are making a hard living and protecting us...Thank to all, and God Bless the people who have to rebuild and pickup the pieces.

firefighters putting their lives on the line to save people that live in a place that burns on a regular basis. does anyone else find this strange?

Great photos. #4 is good.

I just want to say that all those you don't have sympathy for those who lost their homes. I live in Yorba Linda, however, I am at college in Ohio right now. I was scared for all those back home all Saturday because I had to rely on others to make sure they were safe. Most of my friends were evacuated and some lost their houses. The fire got within half a mile of my house and I'm am grateful that it didn't get closer.
To those that think that the people who lost their houses are only concern about material things. I'll have you know that a good family friend lost their house (it was actually the first to burn and they barely made it out safe) when my mom asked what she could do for them. All our friend asked was for pictures of from when us kids were younger in Girl Scouts since she lost every picture she had. So don't go saying that all they care about is cars, televisions, etc. They lost everything that means anything to them.
So before you go off saying that this in what they deserve think about those who lost everything and have no way of getting any of it back. Those who lost everything deserve to have your respect.

My heart goes out to all who lost everything in this disaster. Things are replaceable but lives are not. That is not much consolation when it happens to you but try to be thankful you have your life and you can replace the things you lost.

I fight wildland fire here in SoCal. I grew up in the midwest and have lived all over the U.S. in my 25 year career. Take a guess at where the most devastating wildfires have occurred...

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0778688.html

I am tired of folks bashing us for living in the path of fire. Many folks here have pointed out that tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and all sorts of other natural disasters occur almost anywhere you decide to live. I live in a beautiful mountain community that has been evacuated due to wildland fire, I have insurance and I do what I can to minimize the risk. I could move to the roof farms down the hill and be in a flood plain, or a liquifaction zone, or I could get wiped out by a tornado.

Did you know that the Inland Empire gets tornadoes?

WHOA!

First and foremost, I think that firefighters are truly the most altruistic and heroic
of all professions. I did read that one person whose house survived the Tea fire in Montecito and a previous fire had evacuated leaving his sprinklers on, whilst
others whose homes did not make it had not. Something to think about. With the holidays approaching, we need to be so thankful for the firefighters who risk their lives for our "stuff", and to give even $5.00 to the Red Cross or some other
charity. If everyone did just that....

hmmmm......... California didn't start burning until 1956..........stranger still

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0778688.html

perhaps just a matter of perspective.
my personal "worst disaster" a big wind that took some shingles and a couple of pieces of siding. Go figure. Ohio is a dangerous place.

Or if you are in a giving mood...

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation steps in to help families of firefighters that perished in the line of duty and firefighters that have been injured. They almost went broke when 9 firefighters died in the helicopter crash this year.

http://www.wffoundation.org/

Minime, making everyone poor is not an answer. We should be an example for other countries to follow, to bring wealth to their people. Free markets work... socialism leads to poverty. We can't help is we are poor. The free market allows for people to excell and prosper. Even though there may be some with wealth who do not share, MANY DO share, become missionaries, or give to missions. Socialist governments destroy the ability for the common citizen to do that. "Spreading the wealth around" is a gov't scam to steal our wealth so officials can put it in their own pockets. Control is in who holds the wealth. Think about it.

Amazing pictures. While I was on the mop-up crew at Montecito, it was tragic to see the homes lost. However I heard one gentleman of 82 years old state on the news "hey it happens, we're alive and now we move on" what an incredible attitude to have. It was hard for me to see the homes burned up. the first one our engine drove by, choked me up a little bit. As you drove through the devestation, you got used to it. It soon came back to us doing our job. This was the first opportunity I have had to go on a strike team, and it truly makes me even more grateful for each day we have and the society we live in. We truly have a blessed life. For those of you who may hae lost your home or belongingsm, as we said to those we saw while mopping up, I am truly sorry for your loss and feel for you! I wish you the best in recovery and rebuilding! It will happen, stay positive, and remember that you left with your life, and life is the most precious gift of all!

I do feel sad about this, but no-one forced them to live in that area.

Our tax dollars at work... great....

Same type of morons that live in hurricane country and have to rebuild every 10 yrs - forcing up insurance for all the normal people.

So reminiscent of last year's Rancho Bernardo fires and bad memories of losing our home to this ongoing hazard. All 1000 homes and the families who lived in them will need support from around the country and world. Our prayers are with them all.

It is quite a study in human nature to read the comments posted here. After viewing the photos of these terrible fires, it is hard to see how anyone could fail to empathize with the people who lived through this nightmare and ended up loosing everything. I am pleased that so many expressed their sympathy for the survivors and sent them good wishes and blessings. It seems to me that this is just the type of tragedy which brings out the best in people - AND the worst!
It reveals us to ourselves - are we scornfull, sarcastic and cold-hearted when faced with these stories and pictures? Or do we feel compassion and the desire to help our fellow humans?

To all the fire fighters and THEIR families, Thank you for your hard work and the abilities you have to keep the rest of us safe !!!

Rich or poor, evil or good, the home owners, fire fighters and
all others working to stop the fire..all deserve a medal for
their efforts..Notice both the trailer dwellers and those who
live in opulence suffered equally. Consider all their personal
possessions ..family memories, pictures, a favorite sweater..
Nature can reduce all our efforts in a few days.
Someone is going to find a better way to stop fires some day and
we will all realize the value of the scientist, inventor in our midst. Jan

STILL LOVE CA - good pictures
Jean M. 11/20/08

Regarding #170. I agree. These are not just empty model homes burning, these ARE homes. Rich, poor or in between, we all have those photos, videos and irreplaceable items that are destroyed by these fires. I'm sure the insurance will replace the house, but the stuffed teddy bear from childhood and prom photos are gone forever. A little compassion is warranted, although, don't let it ruin your day.

Not everyone that lives in Santa Barbara is rich. My brother is a hard working, self-employed carpenter living job to job. He lost everything! He has no insurance....he has no savings to fall back on. He lost all of his tools, and all he wants to do is work. Who do you think supports the lifestyle of those that have money, working in the service industries? That's right, hard working everyday people. Keep your hateful comments to yourself. No one deserves this, no matter what their financial status.

As a volunteer firefighter in Newburgh, NY, I know how crazy fire can get, almost as if it's alive and breathing. But talking about the wildfires in California, I can't even begin to describe what the firefighters over there are going through. I pray for all my firefighting brothers and sisters out in California and for all who have lost their homes in this tragedy.

I live in Brea, CA and just went through the most terrifying weekend of my life. The fire came within 1 block of our home and, thankfully, we are OK. For all of you wondering why people would build homes in this area, 99% of the time, the hills of southern California are a beautiful place to be. The fires that recently happened were caused by humans, not nature. A bon fire created by some drunken college kids started the fire in LA, causing hundreds of homes to burn. The cause of the Yorba Linda fire is still under investigation, but so far they've determined it was caused by a car's hot catalytic converter on the freeway. Watching the news coverage, you would think that all of southern California is built in the hills by wealthy people. That is so not true. I live in an upper class neighborhood that was built in the 70s. There was a mobile home park in LA that burned down. I work with people who live in modest, middle-class neighborhoods who were evacuated from their homes. We are all focused on getting back to normal now. Would I want to build a home in those hills? No, but there are developers suing for the right to do just that. It is greed on the part of cities and developers that creates unsafe housing locations. If the homes are there, people will buy them.

I will pray for all the folks who lost their homes. Some folks think because you are rich its ok to loose everything, rich and poor alike have feelings.

Who is this minime dipstick? Probably an Obama "athletic" supporter if you get my meaning. Tragedy is tragedy and for these people who "earned" the right to have beautiful homes and swimming pools it is a big loss. Just as serious as those who lost their mobile homes. Only in America can someone make such dumb comments, be so stupid and have a following, as there are others out there who believe the same thing.
God help us all.

I read several comments about who had this and that or who lost valuables. I was taken back by the ignorance of some people, and how they could make such cold remarks about things that do not concern them or have anything to do with their walk of life.
This disaster has caused so much heartache and sorrow for so many, that people do not or should not have time to put down their fellow human beings in time of need. Take a good look at yourself and see what a total ASSHOLE you really are for making the comments that have!! If you can put your head on the pillow tonight knowing that this is the person you want to be, you missed the flight.

My heart goes out to those who are now homeless and have lost everything.
Whether they were rich and lost a big home or they had a more modest living
and lost their trailer. People are people and sentimental value holds the same
meaning. Some of you had commented they deserve to lose their homes because they are wealthy. That comment is mind boggling. I am not rich but
tend to have a more modest income. Check your heart before condemning
others. A loss is a loss. Being homeless is being homeless. Where is your love?

I also feel sad that the insurance rates go up because people live in areas like the hurricane belt. Although I do not agree with Ken Din that these people are morons, I do have a solution for him to avoid the high costs of insurance rates. Anyone who lives in a high risk area would be charged a higher premium and those living in the low risk area the lower rate. Underground would seem to be the cheapest place to buy your insurance!!

The pictures of this great devastation are great! It brings more understanding of what these fires are actually like - better than news on TV. I live in Canada, so the pictures really made me aware of just what the Santa Anna winds can do. Mother Nature is a force humans cannot beat, but we can try to help to control her.
Our hearts are with everyone who is involved - BLESS EVERYONE - You are in my prayers.

This is really unbelievable. The news looks bad but these pictures look like a war zone. My prayers are with the people who are going through this tragedy now and to the wonderful firefighters and volunteers that are risking their lives to save homes. I just went through hurricane "Ike" so can feel their devasation. Again, or hearts amd prayers with with you all.

As with all natural disaster's we can look back with 20-20 vision known as retrospect. There are many reasons people build in the hills and valleys of Southern California. The first reason I am quite sure is the beauty of the area and the temperate climate. It is actually nice there almost all year. Now with that being said to build in the path of an unstoppable freight train would be irresponsible. So what can be done, As a college professor who teaches building construction related to the fire service, I can say there are ways we can build homes that will help the building resist fire. When I first started studying this concept many years ago I looked at a home left standing after the pebble Beach fire.
This home was built in the standard Spanish style, tile roof, stucco exterior. But this home had one major difference, there was no eves (roof overhang), during a wildfire the superheated air is trapped along with burning embers under the roof eves and then these embers make it inside the (wooden attic) through ventilation blocks located ever 6 feet along the underside of the roof eves.
here's a crazy idea lets change the way we build homes and make them fire (safer)
I say safer because some wildfires are so large nothing will stop them. Along with the zero overhang on roofs a simple metal shutter system to cover the windows when the owners evacuate will help keep the glazing intact when the super heated blast travels through the subdivision. the next part of the equation is to provide what we call defensible space. This means no highly flammable landscaping or brush within 100 feet of the structure or building. many types of landscaping materials have been identified to not only help, but actually slow the spread of fire due to there inherent high water content. So let us not throw the baby out with the bath water, but instead lets look at scientific ways to stop the communication (spread) of wild land fires so people can chose to live where they want in this free united states we call home.

Photo #28: Some of you probably saw the movie "Backdraft." There's the real thing! See those firefighters coming close to fleeing for their lives. This photographer was tempting the fates when taking that pic. Let it be a reminder how dangerous a job fighting fires is.

May God bless you all for the wonderful work you do. Be safe and thank you for being you and helping so many.

Why do they live in an area prone to fires? Because no one buys a home thinking how it will survive a fire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane or other natural disaster. People become emotionally attached to the neighborhood they have lived in for years. They are not going to just walk away defeated. Courage and determination are admirable qualities. I hope that if I were ever in their situation, I too would persevere.

People, look at pictures #25 and #26. Those are fire embers being pushed by 70 plus mile per hour winds. These are what caused the fire to jump from house to house, even with no direct flame contact from the fires. Fire does't choose when and where to strike. It does not choose to burn the 30 million dollar home over the 10 foot square shed. I have been a firefighter for 23 years now. I have been to the Malibu Fires. I have been to the San Diego Fires. I have been at some of the Southern California Fires, and they are all the same. People will rebuild, and the fires will continue to burn each year.

Just my three cents worth........

If the potential is yearly that your home is at risk///

Why continue to rebuild ?????

Move!!!!!!

Mr. Castro, Ask that same question of the people that lose there homes to tornados or hurricanes or earthquakes. I bet you get the same answer. They love living were they do.

I salute the brave firefighters. They work so hard and feel each loss personally. Bless them all. Good luck and blessings to all of the people who lost property. Thank goodness there were no fatalities. Excellent evacuation.

This picutres are awesome. I too have lost my childhood home to fire in a different state and town. this remind me so much of the Los Alamos fire, that it almost makes me want to cry, yet again.
I am a firefighter, and with that, I fully understand how fire can get out of control fast. Recently had a grass fire in our fire district. We were lucky, as the other communitys around us, all pichted in and helped out. We did not lose any house because of this, nor were any animals hurt.

My Mom lives in Yorba Linda and it is devastating to see how bad this fire really was. She was evacuated, but thankfully, her home was spared. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who were effected by these wildfires and to all the firefighters I thank you! God Bless You All!

I live in Diamond Bar, Thank You so much to all the Firefighters and First Responders for all their help and guidance...we are safe and didn't loose our home; my Heart goes out to all those who lost their homes...

I live in an area that has been evacuated many times over the years. Not once has my town lost a single home. I live in the mountains. Why? It's beautiful. My daughter hasn't had breathing problems since we moved up here. My son hasn't been threatened by kids since we moved up here. We can leave our door unlocked if someone is coming up and we aren't going to be home. We have few neighbors, but we know them well and we watch each others homes, families and even pets. We shovel our elderly neighbor's drive and they make us fresh bread and hot chocolate. My kids can walk to school without having to cross a busy street or people hanging out on the corner. There are not stop lights and very few stop signs. People supply everything for neighbors when they lose. We feed and clothe each other and we all know each other. We have festivals and community picnics for our children. My son won a pie eating contest last July 4th. People are rarely murdered. Traffic accidents are also rare. There are no gangs. my daughter dressed up like a colonial girl and sold and bought handmade items in a town they set up to learn about colonial villages. I could go on and on (even more).

Why do I live here? Twice in the past decade I have had to leave my home for our own safety. One of those, the city below also burned (around 300 houses NOT in or adjacent the forest). All in all, this is a much safer place to live than most places. Volunteer your time to help others.

BTW, my insurance IS higher since we moved up here. It's worth it.

Every single ecosystem in the American West is fire dependent. In the case of chapparal, the plants become senescent after a dozen years or so and they accumulate oil to speed the process. Many plants can only regenerate under the influence of regular burning and the fires themselves look like oil fires, with thick black lung-chocking smoke, because they are. Make no mistake, no one stops them, you just get out of the way and help others get out of the way.
The pattern of desert winds drawn downslope and out towards the ocean is a recurring one on an almost yearly basis and a few sparks are all that's needed to start the process of stand re-generation for the chapparal, and higher up the oaks and pines.
California has few land use restrictions so homes, big and small, are built right up into these dangerous wildlands. The result is the devastation that is periodically visited on these areas. By contrast just south of the border in Mexico, there is less money to fight them so the fires burn more frequently and the ecosystems are, not suprisingly, in somewhat better shape with less of the older chapparal and more of a mosaic with plants of all ages.
The amount of money that's spent to fight the fires comes directly from all taxpayers though the benefits go to a much smaller group of development interests in the West. This has only been exacerbated by laws that were passed to turn wildland firefighters away from resource protection to into a rural fire department.
It's long past time for the cycle to be broken. Forest Service budgets, for wildlife management, recreation, silviculture, timber sales and research, to name a few areas, have been completely trashed by the skyrocketing costs - now approaching $1.5 billion a year. I am very sympathetic to the home owner's who've lost their possessions. But we need a dialog, at the national and certainly the state level, about whether and where to rebuild. There isn't enough money in the world to continue this lunacy.

The fires were bad, I am however especially incensed by the most evil of predators. People who's home were only partially damaged yet uninhabitable have now been looted!!! To burgle a person who is clearly down, is just the lowest of lows. I do believe Karma and Divine intercession and there is a special place in hell for these people. "Minime" should not be getting so much attention but here I go: Maybe these opportunist parasites that kick folks while they are down are friends of yours.
My heart and Prayers go out to ALLl who lost in this devastating event.
God Bless all the hard working Firefighters!

I feel for the folks who lost their homes. At the same time I see issues that they never seem to address. I am betting not one of the homes lost had a truly defensible space around it. I live in a very rural area, surrounded by beautiful pines and mountain grasses. I keep them at a distance. if I couldn't afford to I wouldn't live there. They have the money, if they can afford to live there. So why the tax dollars getting poured down a toilet when people don't plan ahead. People don't plan to fail, these folks just failed to plan. I think the firefighers and law enforcement folks are to be commended for doing the great job they have protecting the public.

#98 "YOU are some realy sick sons the bitches for wrighting all the bad stuff about these poor people we can only hope it happens to you and not your nieboors"

First off, you need to check your grammar and spelling. Second you heart is in the right place, but do not need to curse. My best wishes to those who lost their homes and thank you very much to the people who worked to stop this fire.

Minimee, first, you weren't there so you have no clue what it was like. Second, it isn't about wealth, it's about human tragedy. The VAST majority of the people who lost their homes had just the basics to start with. It is obvious from where I sit in Corona, CA (we escaped the fires thankfully) that YOUR end of the gene pool needs a lot more chlorine. You are a despicable excuse for a human being, and one can only wish that you are left totally abandon when the tragedy that will deservedly come your way arrives.

I`d rather live here in North Carolina here we only have to worry about
huricaines

when i look at these pictures i am overwhelmed with sorrow for the people and animals that had the unfortunate experiences. it is bad enough to see your house destroyed for a freeway or something but to see it burned up, twisted and destroyed and all the mementos and possibly work that went into their home destroyed must be doubly devastating. my heart goes out to them all. Godblessthem .dont let this destroy you, i am an english war bride in Canada who went through the Blitz in London and my heart goes out to you all. as we say in England :keep your pecker up: dont let it get you down, live and love again.

My grandfather lives in Montecito and he is near the fire. I was sad to see so much destruction in such a beautiful place. But we are all glad that our grand-father is safe and sound. Thank you and god bless those brave fire fighters. Hope every body is safe and sound as well.

How come when theres a wildfire in utah thers nothing on the news but when californa has a fire the news is all over it?

I live in Yorba Linda. Our house was saved but many of our neighbors weren't so lucky. The nearest destroyed house is only a couple hundred yards away. I have photos just like these...Crazy.

Unbelievable! I guess we made the right decision cancelling our trip to California this past summer. Truly scary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that have suffered through these fires. God bless all of them.

I used to live down there, in So. Cal., and I have family that live there. Two of them live right down the street from where this is happening. I can only send my prayers and that GOD will keep them safe for me. Mother Nature can be so Majestic, but can also be so Devastating. I Thank the Firefighters and pray for them too. And one last prayer, GOD, Please help the ones that have lost their homes, and guide them to their new homes, wherever that may lead. There are no words to desribe the heartfelt pain I feel for these families. I just feel for them so badly. I wish I could help.

On 9/11/08 George Will who writes for the Washington Post Writers Group wrote an article saying that firemen make too much money and that their pensions were bankrupting the town of Vallejo, CA. He complained that they had too much overtime.

I imagine that Californians are real glad that their firemen are willing to not only work all that overtime, but risk their lives. If you'd like to tell George Will he's a jerk you can email him at: gerogewill@washpost.com.

I

My heart goes out to everyone involved with the fires in Southern California. I live in the mountains just north of Southern California. I raised my children in the Orange County area, not far from Diamond Bar. When I lived there, I would never have believed this type of devastation was possible. We are third generation Californians and this is our home. I am a senior citizen, familiar with the areas of the fires and live in a Manufactured home in a park of 115 homes. One of the saddest situations the residents of the park will face is the fact that the insurance they were able to acquire for their homes is generally for the amount to replace a home of the same year as the one they owned and had moved into the park when they purchased it. Unfortunately, finding one of the same value and moving it to that location can be almost impossible and extremely cost prohibitive and that is only if the park's rules and regulations will allow them to to move a home of that age back into the park, A lot of them will not accept an older home. Yes, my heart goes out to all of them but especially to the residents of the park. They have not only lost their home and possessions, but may well not be able to return to the area they call 'home'

WHY DON'T YOU HATEFUL AND UNSYMPATHETIC PEOPLE SPEND YOUR TIME LASHING OUT AT PEOPLE WHO DESERVE IT, LIKE MURDERERS, RAPISTS AND CHILD MOLESTERS?!?!? THESE PEOPLE LOST EVERYTHING AND THE FIREFIGHTERS WENT IN BATTLING THESE FIRES NOT KNOWING IF THEY WOULD COME OUT ALIVE!! THE ACCOUNTING MGR AT MY COMPANY LOST HIS HOME AND EVERYTHING IN IT. HE SAID THAT HIM, HIS WIFE AND 2 YR OLD GIRL BARELY HAD TIME TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. THEY LEFT WITH NOTHING AND LOST EVERYTHING. HE SAID THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVING DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW. SO INSTEAD OF LOOKING LIKE A TOTAL DUMBA** ON HERE SAYING SUCH HURTFUL THINGS, TRY HELPING SOMEBODY OUT BY DONATING CLOTHES, SHEETS, TOOTHBRUSHES, TOYS FOR KIDS WHO JUST WANT TO "GO HOME". WOULD IT KILL YOU TO DO ONE NICE THING FOR SOMEBODY??? YOU NEVER APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL IT'S GONE, AND WHEN YOU LOSE EVERYTHING, IT TAKES EVERYTHING YOU HAVE INSIDE TO KEEP GOING FOR YOUR FAMILY. HE HAS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, AND KNOWS THAT EVEN THOUGH IT'S BEEN THE HARDEST TIME IN HIS LIFE, THEY ARE ALIVE AND HIS FAMILY IS SAFE. I PRAY FOR EVERYBODY THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THESE FIRES, AND I SEND OUT GOOD VIBES TO ALL, EVEN THE HATERS BECAUSE IT'S OBVIOUS YOU NEED LOVE FROM SOMEBODY.

I'm so sad for the pain and hurt for all the people that are suffering. I will keep them in my prayers. And pray that the fires stop. May God keep them all in the palm of His hand.

thoughts of armageddon come to mind

Unbelievable ! Thank GOD for our FIREFIGHTERS & their bravery , they put their lives on the line for us.

I am a cop that fought the Tea Fire well into Thursday night and Friday morning. I cried when I was releaved 15 hours later. Myself and my rookie partner wanted to do more but the fire just beat us down. I am saddened by the loss, we wish we could have done more.

I could not stand to watch the fire eating up all the houses, and people affected . Please God, comfort all those who are affected by this tragedy.
And to our firefighters, God bless you all for all your effort and devotion to your job well done!
To our government: If we can send hundreds of fighter jets to war in Iraq and Afganistan, why can't we can't we have a thousand or more airplanes to fight these fires? A dozen of planes and a handful of helicopters is barely enough to put out this magnitude of fire. Please spend some billion of dollars to buy more airplanes for the firefighters.

I don't know how much firefighters are paid, but it's DEFINITELY NOT ENOUGH!!!

If anyone wants to contribute to wildland firefighters. Google "wild land firefighter foundation" and become a member of the "52" club. "52 weeks we remember".

RIGHT ON OSCAR AND CAPTAIN RICHARD...!!
THE CEO'S OF FORD, GENERAL MOTORS, AND OTHER GREEDY CORPRATE CEO INDIVDUALS..SHOULD TRANSFER THEIR MILLIONS IN SALARY TO OUR FIREFIGHTERS...THEY EARN THIER SALARY 10O TIMES OVER!
WE WOULD NOT SURVIVE WITHOUT THEM..THEY ARE ANGELS!!!!!!
THANK YOU AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU!!!!!!!

Year after year these brave firemen fight these horrible fires, it amazes me the strength they show fighting the fires, but the comfort they try to give to these people, it has got to be the kindest display of caring and support one human is showing to another human, After giving this support, they turnaround and head right back into these enormous fire walls and begin the fighting agains. God Bless each and everyone one of them.
everyone must pray for them every hour of every day they are fightting, I know I will be

OMG I seriously cannot believe what I just read in some of these e-mails how sad that are such miserable people,in this world,that has nothing nice to say to people that have lost everything,be it rich or poor,what is the difference,my thoughts and prayers go out to all the people involved in this terrible tradegy,I couldn't be more proud of our firefighters.....thank you for fighting the fight ....

My friend sent me the link by email, she knows that just half a year ago I experienced 5.12 earthquake in Sichuan, China. The pics are shocking here. maybe no one else can have such painful feeling as me when seeing wild fire sweeping the houses hopelessly, helplessly, despairedly......

My father was a firefighter for L.A.C.F.D., He died at 93 years of age about 5 years ago. He was a great father, a great husband, a precious friend of God, who watched out for him his entire life. I am sure that all of the people who lost every possession from this fire are surely saddened by this fire, but with the great work that this will cause it may even be a good break for the people who need the houses to be rebuilt. Remember that everything can be gone as quick as that, but there is some other reason why we are living. It is to help your brother and sister!

Every where a person lives comes with a price. After living in the L.A. area for 15 years I am reminiscent of tjhe problems. I still visit on a regular basis and know of people that are constantly affected. It saddens me to see the devastation and the suffering of those who lose so much, but continue to rebuild.

I am sure the firefighters in L.A. County don't get paid as much as the U.A.W. union workers (at least $40/hr) and that's not counting union benefits. Don't you think its time for less for the unions and more salary to the L.A. firefifgters? We could slap $5,000 tariff on all imported cars (mainly Japan) and while cutting the UAW benefits this would start to increase U.S. manufactured automobiles. I believe this would be a better solution rather than handing them over $25 billion which is only temporary. What's your opinion on this?

Something like this make you thank the Lord for all that we have and pray for those who have to go through this...

I was sent the pictures from my son's neighbour (I live in England) I looked at the pictures through tears. I saw the devestation from the last fire when I visited my son last November. My heartfelt thanks go to the Fire Fighters, and all who have done their best to save lives and property. My prayers are for all in the effected area, God Bless you all and keep you safe.

as a Brit it is hard to imagine the devastation these fires can bring. Seeing these images really brings it home. I can only imagine the feelings brought about by sight of seeing your home burning and being helpless to stop it. How does one rebuild ones life after such an event. May God give you strentgh to cope.

Such a terrible sad sight to see all these pictures of views of hell. My heart goes out to all these people that have lost their homes.

We in Canada are going through a very cold snowy time right now and it is hard to relate to seeing al this devastation. My prayers are with you all.

I commend the firefighters for their bravery, courage and efforts in fighting the California fires! Also, my heart goes out to those who have suffered loses due to the fires.
Having lived in southern California for ten years, I have a special fondness for the area. It will always be my second home. Now back in beautiful Pennsylvania I always follow the Ca news.
Chuck Kevicki , Level Green, Pa.

This is truly sad, I cannot imagine that type of loss. Those folks must just feel lost. I was displaced by the hurricanes in 2004 living in Florida and lost a great deal. It is truly more than material items missed. You feel like the rug just ripped out from under you, lost, saddened that your memories are gone forever, like you can't breathe. It truly is a helpless feeling. God bless them all and comfort them in their time if need.
And as for Minime, you apparently have never suffered a loss and I pray you never do, I would never wish this on anyone. You really need to do some soul searching.

God bless all the Fire Fighters, and my sypathies to all who have suffured devastation and loss.

" United We Will Stand ".......My solidarity for the people affected by this fires. Recognition and two thumb up for the firefighters brevery !

god dam those pictures were breath taking im very glad no one was killed our brave men and woman pulled through to save many many lives that day.

I guess we don"t know how much we have to be thankful for. We should all stop and count our blessings. My heart goes out to all the familys who lost so much. This only goes to show no matter how rich or poor we all need each other sometime in our lives. I say Thank you to the firefighters and the men and woman who voluntary did a great job.

It is so sad looking at what the fire has done to so many, what ever happen to this foam you put on your home and makes your house fire proof. There was so much said about it a few years ago, the inventor show how great it was and never another word?? If it works why isn't there truck loads of it out there??

Hey Mom and Dad~ this is crazy! Be thank ful you live in Nor cal

Awesome pictures about a series of awful events. And many GOOD comments about fire fighters. Every time I happen to see a firefighter from my community in Yorktown, VA I make it a point to thank them for being involved in helping protect me and my fellow citizens. I don't care how much they earn (unless it is too little). They do what they do for us at the risk of their own lives.
John 15:13 -- Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

In 2007 the wildland fires burned through the area where I lived in the mountains east of San Diego. This fire consumed 93,000 acres. In our tiny community of approximately 40 homes, 11 where completely distroyed. With a strike team from Riverside California my home and four across the road were saved. The fires burned everything around our homes, including my nexr door neighbor's home. It sure changes ones respect for wildland fires and the firefighters who put their lives on the line to do their job.

I just want to say thanks to all the firefighters that were fighting this fire for days. Even though I was not directly affected by these fires, I truly respect them for what they do.

Even though homes were destroyed and my heart truly goes out to those who lost their homes, if it werent't for the firefighters working as hard as they did, this could have been a lot worst.

Thank you so much for putting your lives in danger to save the rest of us.

Outstanding images of a real bad nightmare

Our hearts go out to the families whom were effected by the fires, our children have watched and are gathering things of their own together in order to give their things to other children whom lost theirs. I grew up in walnut just a few miles from where the fires were buring in Diamond Bar, we had close friends which also had to evacuate their homes as well. so this holiday season don't think of what you don't have think of what you do have cause their are a lot of people out their who don't have anything. May god bless all of you and keep you safe and warm

I watched as the flames crawled over the hills looking into our valley and wondered what damage would befall us. Fortunately the Santa Ana winds
pushed back the flames helping the fire fighters contain the advancing blaze.
I pray for those those who must start over and rebuild and my heart goes out to those families who lost love ones.

GOD BLESS our firefighters!! They literally saved thousands MORE homes from being destroyed! It was a VERY fearfull experience that I, for one, never want to go through again! Our hearts go out to ALL those who have been so devastated by this tragic event. We pray for ANSWERS to vexing questions and for solutions to infrastructural weaknesses so that we may NEVER go through this again. In the meantime, I know what my family and I are THANKFUL for this Thanksgiving....The INCREDIBLE BRAVERY AND SKILL of our finest citizens calling themselves "firefighter" whom we now know as "HERO"!!

Our friend from New Mexico sent us the pictures by mail. We love travelling through your beautiful country and we are very attached by these awful wildfires. Even in our TV their are huge reports and we hope, that the wildfires can be stopped pretty soon. Good luck and best wishes from Germany

Hope,

You are a moron trying to sound smart. I lived in California for 5 years, and although I won't say that gives me some sort of wisdom in the matter, I can tell you that your biting comments are that of idiocy. I did experience the ash falling like snow for days, and, last year, volunteered all over San Diego county for fire relief.

My point is not that I've experienced it, but rather that, historically, in Southern California, the local natives would raze the ground every four or five years. They would start massive forest fires to rejuvenate the soil. After we took over, the government, in it's infinite wisdom, called an end for the practice, and people started developing the fire zones. The reason California is so prone to NATURAL DISASTERS, like fires, is because, without the controlled burning, the fire-prone areas get so dry (regardless of the redirection and mis-allocation of the Colorado River) that they become a ticking fire-bomb. Those areas will continue to catch on fire, usually every four years, but now, it's started to happen, with such disastrous scope, annually.

Yes, in your cute, little, smart-assy way, you're right. There is no place that people are 100% safe from nature, as we can't ever fully remove ourselves from nature. However, Southern California is at a much higher risk, especially certain areas like Camp Pendleton, Malibu, and Northern San Diego County, because of the reasons I've already mentioned.

So, thanks for being one of those uninformed wieners just aching to sound smart. I love disproving poseurs.

Deepest sypathy to all those who lost homes or worse in the fire. The people who took the pictures are braver than what we would be. You have our RESPECT!! The firefighters are doing a good job, too.

My prayers are with you all. an extra blessing for the firefighters and those that assisted them.

These are awful. I'm sorry to hear of this and see these pics. Where does everyone live now?
And God Bless them all as well as the firefighters, What a job they have. More power to you. I couldn't do it. My heart goes out to you all. God Bless AMERICA, and each and everyone of us. Love to you all.

ummm well i dont really care.! The news and the internet tell me that fires that burn houses down somehow affects my life? and as far as people saying that grammer and spelling is a factor in here well i dont know much about that? Im not very educated and i am very poor right now...very poor and i dont own a house for it to burn. Its sad but its just stuff, stuff comes and goes. I dont care if there million dollar homes or trailers...there both places for faimlys to live. the news makes it seem more important that the homes are expensive, does that really matter. its just a good thing not more people are geting hurt including the people who fight the fire..

Thanks for posting these pictures. Having grown up in the San Bernardino mountains, and knowing of the ever-present danger of forest and wildfires, mad me very appreciative of the firemen and emergency responders who train and keep their equipment ready for battle at a moments' notice. It takes a lot of bravery and money to fight fires. Be very thankful that you have some of the best out there doing this dirty job. I was fire fighter for awhile, and my dad was a Fire Chief on the mountain, and I know they are underpaid and under-appreciated.
Natural disasters can and do happen just about anywhere. Scenes like those above just reinforce the need to try to prevent it from happening again, be prepared for emergencies, and making sure we keep our insurance paid up.
May God bless those who lost their homes.

I cannot understand the hateful comments and lack of concern some people have over the terrible loss that others have experienced. The overwhelming majority of people who lost everything are regular working people or retired individuals. Over 500 homes were lost in a mobile home park. Others lost their home and all their belongings even though they rented an apartment near the 91 freeway. The winds blew the embers miles away. This event was not one that could be planned or prepared for. Most of these people didn't live in the fire-prone areas of the hills where they could 'clear the brush around their home". Regardless of all the above, we need to support and care care for those that lost so much and for the firefighters who gave so much.

god bless yall

My heart goes out to the families that have lost their homes. It is a god's send ther=ir was no fatalities. I have a niece that lives i San Bernadino, CA and she sent me some pictures she took also. As for the homes, you can always get another, but you can't get another life. Just remember, the lord works in mysterious ways.

without them the world would be a bad place so i thank them

WOW!! YOU TOOK SOME REALLY GOOD PICTURES IF THOSE WILDFIRES. DO LIVE I THAT PART OF TOWN OR WERE YOU JUST VISIRING SOME RELATIVES?

Truely sad, It really doesn't matter if it's a mobile home or a multi million dollar home.... it's someone home and all they have.

Blame? If I were to place some sort of blame on some one, it would be the enviromental wackos and government agencys that think that these heavily wooded, over grown hill sides should be protected. In the past they have bumped off cattle and sheep ranchers.... it is very possible and I believe that if these areas were being grazed by sheep or cows that maybe these fires would have never happend. if they did happen, the results would not be as terrible as what we are seeing today.

Can anyone tell me if these hills are/were protected by state or gov agencies? and if so, sad, Yes, it's nice to protect the earth and it's beauty, but look at results. You tree hugging enviromentalist should be ashamed of yourselves. Protecting these hill sides and not allowing them to be ranched is costing how many trees? look at all the trees it's going to take to rebuild.

-- comment removed --

WORDS CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHAT DAMAGE IT DID TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA. IT WAS A GREAT DISASTER. MY PRAYS GO THE FAMILIES WHO LOST THEIR. HOMES. MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL.

wow

I have never seen the fires this close and so intense. My heart goes out to the brave men and women who try so hard to save things for others. My Children are public employees also so I know the need. God Bless them and the ones they save.

FIRE FIGHTERS ARE WAY OVERRATED! I'm so sick of hearing them called "altruistic" and "angels." It's a JOB to them. They don't wake up every day with big, benevolent smiles, aching to protect your house and your car. They love what they do because it's FUN. They are boys who get paid very well to spend almost all their time to working out, playing cards, and cooking chili. They love to play with all the expensive toys that the government (we taxpayers) give them. Half of them would be arsonists if they didn't have an acceptable way to play with fire. They are not heroes. But they sure don't shy away from all the glory or girls bestowed upon them by you sentimental dummies. Hardly any of them die or get hurt.

Hope's and pray's to all involved and god bless our fire men and all who serve our great country

My prayers are with ALL the victims of these fires, as many lost things that cannot be replaced, like pictures, mementos of beautiful family or achievement moments in our lives. I also pray that God will help the beautiful trees and landscapes grow back as fast as possible, for that is also a tremendous loss that takes YEARS to replace. To Californians who continue to rebuild, I don't blame you; home is where the heart is. You're welcome to come to Arizona, where we only have heat, dust storms and an occasional weak tornado. If you come, please leave any bad attitudes behind; we already have enough people here with intolerance and hate.

I took the time to read all the very sypathetic notes by so many good people. Most of us' heart goes out to the victims of such a horific circumstance. May the God above hold them close while they deal with their losses. ON THE OTHER HAND, it is so disheartening to read the small 5% of the negative thoughts and complete disrespectfull comments by several. It is hard figure how some can look themselves in the mirror and sleep at night. #166 and other jerks that follow, may God have mercy on your miserable souls. JJ

TO YOU ALL WHO HAVE SUFFERED GREAT LOSS FROM THIS FIRE. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you. As the ashes fell all over the Lakewood, Ca area all I could think was "My God this is somebodys everything, their home, pictures, their clothes, BUT Thanks to God and the WONDERFUL FIRE FIEGHTERS, POLICE, PILOTS, NO LIVES WERE LOST. I CAN'T IMANGINE WHAT YOU ALL ARE GOING THROUGH. But accept my deepest and sincerest sympathy and know I have you all in my prayers. God Bless You all .........

To the idiot Ken Din Who wrote his stupid comment about his stupid tax dollars! The fires went the way they did is becuase the city of Yorba Linda shut off water presure to the fire hydrants. Which made the fire fighter's have to fill up water from the fire trucks which caused a delay this is why 600 homes burnt. This was the citys fault not the homeowners or becuase where the homeowners choose to live! Come on we live in 2008 educate yourself before you speak!!

God bless all the firefighters and we pray for all who lost their their homes. It's the price we pay for living in CA.

Prepare for the next fire and have BARRICADE GEL on hand. It's a flame retardant that works. Your house will not burn it will be saved if sprayed on with a regular hose. It lasts for 12 hours once sprayed on.

Where you want to live is your decision. If it is in a potential danger zone you simply hope that that does not happen. I can't imagine loosing your home and everything in it!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have had to endure these hard times, and special prayers to the firefighters, police, and all those people who have helped the familys that had to evacuate. The pictures hurts my heart but seeing The Brotherhood in action warms my heart. Thank You to all the Public Service Workers, for your pure kindness.

This comment is for "Ken Din" listen here they were not stupid for living there, your stupid for only being concerned about your taxes raising. Those people lost there homes and valuable items. You would prob know nothing of that. There location was not a "fire fed" location. It's the same as majority of the homes in California. There house got hit from embers hitting there bushes or trees. Do you not have a single tree or bush in your back or front yard? Looking from the type of class you have, prob not. So instead of being concerned about your taxes you should take into consideration all the suffering those people are going through and all the people that are losing hours of sleep to fix all the ruined areas. So you know what? Its people like you that im glad we take taxes from. Asshole!

Hey #166 - What is your problem? Nobody buys a home knowing it's going to be destroyed in some way. Complaining your tax dollars are at work? Is that all you can think of? How about saying that to all the little kids that live near me in Yorba Linda who's homes were burned to the ground. Are you proud of your attitude at a time like this? Shame on you. If you look closely at the homes that burned, you can see that most of those people are the ones who pay most of the taxes anyway. Does that make you feel better? I hope so. Jerk.

I would like to know where the cruel people who posted such heartless and selfish comments live !!! I can't help but wonder what blissful Nirvana they live where they have absolutely no disasters or accidents whatsoever, natural and otherwise !!!

Shame on you !!!

I sincerely pray not a one of you ever lose your life, limbs, loved ones or lifetime of hard worked for home and security and have to remember the horrid comments you made about fellow human suffering !!!

I used to live very close to Yorba Linda and my heart goes out to the people who
lost their homes.It was very sad to see so much destruction.
Even though I live in Brazil now it really made me very, very sad.
Thank God all of my friends are O.K.

While being fortunate (lucky) enough to never have lost property to a California wild fire I can only imagine what lies ahead for those that did this year (and it's not over yet). I can also only imagine what sheltered lives have been led by those that claim we're morons for living in a wild fire prone area or as I recall his comment in the Hurricane belt... Where is it 100% free of potential disaster? Tornados... spring floods, summer heat and droughts... freezing temperatures and downed poer lines for a few days from freezing rain... AND for those that claim we drive up everyone elses insurance rates... my Dad on Cape Cod pays over 10 times what I do for home owners insurance because he's less than ONE mile from the ocean. The bottom line is no matter where we all choose to live, Thank whatever or whoever you personally choose to that there are FIRE and LAW ENFORCEMENT and EMS people out there to leave their personal lives behind and take care of us "morons" when we truely need them because we can't do it ourselves.

I used to live very close to Yorba Linda and my heart goes out to the people who
lost their homes.It was very sad to see so much destruction.
Even though I live in Brazil now it really made me very, very sad.
Thank God all of my friends are O.K.

I find it ironic that fire captain Jon Sherrei was contacted by senator obama and told to protect the Winfrey Estate at all cost...a hint of things to come.

To MINIME - Really? All the homes that were burned were those of "RICH" people? Just because you have a swimming pool and three cars doesn't make you rich. If those people have those things it is because they educated themselves and worked hard to live the way they do... which I am guessing you have FAILED to do in your life, otherwise you would know that.

What about the apartments in Anaheim Hills that burnt down or the mobile homes in the Oakridge fire? Those were not "rich" people. Regardless of how much is in their bank account, all of those people lost EVERYTHING and the things that matter the most are the things that can not be replaced; the photos, the heirlooms, the precious momentos of the past. How would you feel if that happened to you? REALLY, how would it feel?

It pains me that you are so hateful, ugly and most of all ignorant.

Nobody should have to live through the devastation these people have. My son and daughter in law went through similar fires in N. Calif. recently. Luckily they were spared. Thank God for the wonderful people (firefighters, emergency workers, etc.) and all the good people who pray and help and show compassion for folks in need. These idiots that are saying but negative things about these people and their choices to live there and their loss', just take their PC's, or I-pod or cell phone, blackberry , or whatever gadget they feel they can't be without for a day and toss it in the incinerator. Now you multiply that by millions and you might know how these poor people feel.have an

Wow. I don't live in the California area at all, but I really feel bad for everyone that lost their homes, precious items, and loved ones. It's a trajic moment, and golly, that's the truth. God bless everyone that had to go through all of that.

My heart felt sympathy goes out to all the community of LA county. If the individual didn't sustain a loss he/she probably knows someone who did. LA is my adopted city where I graduated from Cal State LA.

I don't care where you live.. Nature is ruff ..... ever heard of the great Chicago fire ? ..it was bad .. No winds like the san anna's . The snow storms of the north country { bad } .. where ever ... or what ever.. May the Lord be with you and help you though it ...

People will rebuild. They may rebuild with better technology, because fire science is evolving, and shake roofs, attic vents, roof overhangs and timber decks are gradually being eliminated. They may begin to appreciate that California has some specialized vegetation that is well suited to wildfire, and start building water supplies and hydrant systems that can serve during a conflagration instead of just a single house in a neighborhood. It costs a lot more to be safe, and with the housing glut, it will be a long time before the over-supply of wildfire-vulnerable houses is sold off and new safe houses are the rule. Plenty more disasters to come.

First, to #255:WHAT KIND OF TWISTED INDIVIDUAL ARE YOU???? Next, to #259, it is obvious you have no idea of what is involved in becoming and doing the job of a firefighter-or maybe in your microscopic world it doesn't matter! THANK GOD for the firefighters of the world, who are willing to put their lives on the line for the rest of us! And to the people of CA who have endoured this horror, our prayers are with you.

I am more saddened by the level of ignorance that is displayed above than for the loss of property....

I have a friend whose son lost everything but his laptop in the Montecito fire. He is a Christian and believes that "things can be replaced, people can not"! He is overcome by the generosity of the community of Santa Barbara. I would like to say that the young adults who were involved in starting the original fire at the Tea House should be held accountable for this fire! Incareration is not the answer as it was not intentional, but hours upon hours of community service as penanace for this horrible disaster should be a consideration. How can anyone just walk away without accountablity or shame in such distruction? God Bless Our Firefighters who work tirelessly to save lives and homes!!! My daughter-in-law is one of them and I am PROUD!!!!! Roxann Winterberg November 21, 8:15 PM

Dear Dave B. #259- You, sir are a royal jacka__! How dare you say those things about firefighters anywhere, not just the brave souls in California. You obviously don't have the brains or the balls to be one yourself! They are not paid for what they do, but what they are prepared to do- rescue your sorry ass if you get yourself caught in a fire at home, work or in the forest- no matter if it is a tent or a mansion.
With your opinion of them I hope you never have to rely on them to save your life or your family. They all have families also, to leave behind to save you. They will never be paid enough.

Why do people live in 'area's prone to fires' and earthquakes? for the same reason they live in places prone to floods, hurricanes, tornado's and blizzards.. because we need a place to live!

god bless the fire men and helping crew, my sorrows go out to the ones who lost every thing

#255 Mom.....you're a total ass and may be one of the fire bugs....they love to say "burn baby burn." You need to be investigated as a dangerous jerk.

#259 Dave.......you're a coward! Why don't you stop in one of your local fire stations and tell that to those guys......they may show you other skills and kick your funky ass! As a former law enforcement officer (someone else to hate) I can say the firemen/women I have worked with are the cream of the citizens that care about their fellow man.......You would do well to take a few lessons from them.

Mike Medows and Dan Steinberg great photos as always. These photographers are both members of a Fire Photo group called EPN
Emergencyphotographersnetwork.com

See more of there work and other great fire Photographers

To all those who lost there homes may they be bless with future of abondate love form god and others, i am very sorry for your loss!!!!! I will be praying!!!!

#259.. YOU DARE SAY THAT THESE FIRE FIGHTER'S ARE*OVER RATED*...YOU ARE EITHER JUST STUPID OR PURE EVIL. MY SON IS A PARAMEDIC/FIREMAN AND HE SPENDS NO TIME PLAYING CARDS AND OR JUST SITTING AROUND AT WORK OR AT HOME..I KNOW FOR MY SCANNER IS ON 24/7 AND STAYS BUSY. I COMMEND AND THANK GOD FOR EACH & EVERYONE THAT HAS HELPED WITH THESE FIRES. ALSO MY PRAYER'S ARE WITH EACH AND ALL THE ONE'S THAT HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES. I ALSO AGREE THAT OUR FIREMEN & POLICE MEN ARE NOT PAID NEAR ENOUGH,NOR OUR MILITARY TROOPS. MAY GOD BLESS & BE WITH AND KEEP EACH SAFE.

Thanks to the unfailing bravery of the firefighters that battled these horrendous fires that raced across southern California. I did 8 years as a hotshot firefighter in Northern Arizona and Oregon. These pictures are just incredible and really bring it home for the folks who view these pictures.Quite a few things have changed in how fires are now fought but one thing remains and will remain constant: The absolute courage that firefighters must have to perservere, endure and ultimately defeat these fires. I am now 55 and would still be out there if I was not "orthpedically challeneged." Thanks for your dedication and service!

All you can do is thank GOD for the service of the Firefighters. Oh, that is right, those citizens don't believe it God for the most part. Oh well, they can thank OBAMA! hahaha

It's possible that some people say cruel, stupid, hurtful things just to get attention, since they probably have very little else going on in their lives. If they get down on their knees and confess their sins and pray to God for forgiveness, He will hear their prayers and heal them so that they may begin to lead productive lives. Thank God for all of the brave firefighters who fought these terrible fires. God bless and strengthen those who lost their homes and possessions. God bless America.

Its a very strange and standing in a deep of my hart becouse my friends are living there
i have not words what is haapend there but we wish to that people to srvive and have

> Something like this make you thank the Lord for all that we have and pray for
> those who have to go through this...

It was the Lord's will to burn down their houses. No need to pray for the sinners. God does not punish it's own.

I used to work for Cal-Coast Locksmith there in SB. All I can say is there going to be very busy the next year or two. (:

OMG, ALL I CAN SAY, WE ARE SO LUCKY TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY LIKE THE US!
I DONT KNOW OF ANY OTHER PLACE ON GODS GREEN EARTH WHERE THE FIRE FIGHTERS PUT THEIR LIFES ON THE LINE WITH EVERY FIRE THEY FIGHT AND CARE SO DEEPLY FOR HOMES AND ANYTHING LIVING!.
"GOD BLESS THEM"

why dont they turn some cows out in the spring and let them eat the grass so it doesnt turn into a blazing inferno in the fall????

goodness, me oh my

Hey this is Hannnah Cockerham from North Carolina.
My great Aunt and Uncle live in Murrieta, California.
All of you that have lost family or have lost your house because o these terribel fires just remember that im thinking dearly of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers
thank you,
hannah cockerham
age 11

God Bless you and may Our Lord carry you through this difficult time in your lives. My our heavenly father bless our brave fire fighters and protect them. We ask God to help you and guide you in Jesus name Amen.

Albuquerque, NM

I live right below the Riviera in S.B. and I can tell you if it hadn't been for the brave/crazy Chopper pilots making Night drops in the steep canyons of the Santa Barbara foothills/Riviera I'd have lost my home and the fire surely would have burned into the city. I watched them all night and it was just amazing...

I am overwhelmed with sadness about all the devastation these fires have caused. I live here in Southern California, but not near any of the fire zones. I see, smell, and feel the smoke. I can't even imagine how horrifying it is to be in the middle of it, for both the residents and the firefighters.

Many thanks to all the heros, both firefighters and residents, that stood in the front line and saved lives and homes.

God bless all you brave and selfless firefighters. May He keep you safe.

It is a good thing we have "Ah-Nald" up in Sacramento that is "throwing" everything we have at these devastating fires. What a joke! The State of California laid off their Cal Fire Employees a month early, thus reducing the amount of fire fighters we have at the peak of fire season! Way to go Arnold!

Build all houses in fire prone areas of cement like some of the houses in NW Florida They are very stylish-And use fire resistant roofs--and make it mandatory to clear brush fron near buildings . Check history of fire fighters --Some of them have been known to be arsonists!!! Death to arsonists!! Reduce freeway traffic with Elevated trains to keep smokers from throwing lighted cigarettes from car windows. Keep fire fighting planes here{they sent the big mars seaplane away.!! Buy some surplus passenger jets for fire fighting.

The cow idea is not a bad idea, but how about sheep? They do it it downtown LA! How about let's bring some nature back.

angels sending to you all , may the peoples heart be lifted with Jesus in prayers .

How can something so beautiful be soo distructive.
There are no words to discribe the bravery of these men and women.

Dave B. - Hardly any of them die, huh? You would not want to come to the mountains where I live and stand on a corner and shout that. Eight USFS firefighters burned to death when their engine was suddenly over-run by the horrific Esperanza fire in October, 2006. That fire, which was deliberately set by an arsonist who gets his or her jollies seeing things burne, killed 8 people, destroyed more than 20 homes and turned thousands of acres of chaparral into cinders. We hold our firefighters from all three agencies that serve our communities in very high regard and respect - not as angels, but as strong men and women dedicated to helping keep us safe.

God Bless all the firefighters who so bravely jumped in to the fires to help. You are all a blessing to us ,we are so proud and extremely lucky to have you to help when it is needed. I so appreciate you.....You are in my thoughts and prayers..
To people like Dave shame on you!!!....you are an embarrassment to the human race

In rebuttal to the "blithering idiot" who posted comment 259 and the "psychopathic coward" who commented in 255, it is people like you that Firefighters and Cops have to deal with everyday. Obviously, Dave B. is a loser who could not be a pimple on a firefighters's ass. Dave B is a shameful coward just like the guy in 255, who goes by MOM. Dave B. should go walk through the devastation in Yorba Linda, he should go the funeral of children that Firefighter's have tried to save, he should give CPR to a dying man with the man's family looking on, he should see the cruel, hatred of sociopaths like the idiot in MOM, 255. God Bless Firefighters &

Who are we that are tested and get the attention of the most high?
I wonder___is there any reason why you have select us to go through this?
If we cannot control the events; are we left only with the power to choose how we reat to it?
What's the proper way to react to something so overwhelmingly bad?
If there is any good behind all this____what is it?

Having fought thru the Ojai fire of years back, I can tell you that these firefighters are a special breed. They are worthy of our highest praise. God Bless"em

My daughter is a firefighter paramedic and only gets paid $10.50 an hour!!! She is "on call" 24/7, but only gets paid the few days a month she gets a full shift, or when responding to an actual emergency. When on shift, the firefighters are checking out and testing equipment, restocking ambulances, washing the engines, cleaning the firehouse, etc. Only in big cities do the fire stations have kitchens. In small towns they are lucky to have a bathroom, and some sleep in the garage when on a 24 hour shift. Only a few of the "full-time" firefighters get regular salaries. Most work two or three jobs, as does my daughter. Last year they had to fight a 45,000 acre wildfire that threatened a world famous ski area and many multi-million dollar homes

God Bless those who fight for to keep us safe , those who give their lives so we can live. those who see us all the same ! one land one people under God .

THANK YOU TO ALL !

These fire fighters are the bravest men and women .. I can only imagine what they went through for days to do what they can to fight the raging fires. Hats off to all the FDs involved, you are the true HEROES.
For a change, its refreshing to see these fire fighters risk it all without any hesitation for the people they don't even know.
The greedy politicians and high flying CEOs can learn a lot from them. God Bless!

Does global warming include dryer climate in Southern California/ Is that why such huge fire seems to occur every year?

iCI CAN'T BELIEVE THE IDIOT WHO WROTE HIS DISGUSTING COMMENTS ABOUT THE FIRE. WHERE ARE YOU NOW? CONDEMING EVERYONE? GOD BLESS THE FIREMEN AND GOD HELP THOSE WHO LOST THEIR HOMES WETHER THEY ARE RICH OR POOR. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF. I AM MORE AFRAID OF YOU THAN THE FIRE. YL RESIDENT

I agree with those who say "God Bless the Fireman" I admire them, for their courage.

After California,Victoria {Australia},is the most vulnerable state for bushfires as we
call them, in the world.When there is a sudden change of wind,firefighters often get
trapped.A few years ago,a crew of seven died.When this wall of flames approaches,victims are dead before the flames can burn their skin.The intense
heat dries them out in seconds.So why don't you volunteer one day Dave B. ???
Because in this country most firefighters are volunteers.Posted by Lothar Kischkel
Victoria Australia.

having been evacuated 2x in a month, I can tell you first hand, THE FIREFIGHTERS, PILOTS AND POLICE DID AN AMAZING JOB. The firefighters put themselves between the fire and our homes, the pilots flew their planes in hurricane force winds and at night and the police got EVERYONE out of our homes ( no fatalities). These pictures are tremendous but do not and cannot translate what it felt like to be in the middle of the fire and ember storm. THANK GOD for everyone who helped friends and strangers in such a time of need. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

I lived in Southern California for many years and thu many fires but I was never efffected physically. To loose everything you have worked all your life for is jus so hard to comprehand. I have a Grandson who lives in Moreno Valley, CA who has gone through all the requirements to become a firefighter and now is taking classes on paramedics. I am so proud of him.
God Bless all the victims and I am thinking of donating all the money I would spend on my children and grand children for Christmas to these victimims who now have nothing.....they never thanked me anyway.
God Bless all the victims

southern Cal

# 259. Is either stupid or doesn't know what he/she is talking about! What an unappreciative slob.

This is really frightening but it's heartening to know that no-one yet has been lost,may it remain this way. I believe we might not be so fortunate if a similar event happened in parts of England where I live, the roads are so conjested here we'd never be able to evacuate quickly enough.

OMG!!!!! PPL BETTA GET OUTTA CALI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LUCKILY JB LIVES IN LA THEY R SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In Response to msg# 259.. Aparently Dave B has never had a fire bigger than the head if a match to deal with, and has never needed the services of our firefighters, Police, or Rescue personel.. How dare he sit and downtrod them and their efforts in such a manner. You have NO IDEA what they face just in NORMAL everyday situations much less something as monstrous as the Califorina wildfires.
These PUBLIC SERVANTS deserve our untmost gratitude, support, and even praise for their tireless work to fight such tragedies. They Rank up there with our Military personel, who also deserve any and all thanks we can show them. Maybe someday Dave you will come to understand the selfless time and effort these People give for all of us every day.. and then , maybe you will show real gratitude.

during my 15 yrs as a police officer i would watch fire fighters go into a burning bldg. and i would think...you got to be crazy to do that...but thank God for the men who do, and my prayers are with you all...

LA County firefighters are paid VERY well, and they are in a union.

I am so Thankful for my home, and that God protected it from the fire. I feel so sorry for all the people that lost there home. Thank You Lord!!

I can't for the like of me even think of what this must be like to see such a thing as these fires. My prayers are with them all who have been affected by this firestorm.

Our hopes and prayers go out to the people of So.Cal. We lived there over 16 years and I've seen a lot of destruction from fires over those 16 years.
May God bless the people that have lost so much,and the fire fighters that put their lives on the line daily. God speed !!!!

We have had SO MANY devistating fires as of late. I
remember not too long ago some Muslim types say they
are going to burn the USA down. Living in N. Cal. there
were thousands of fires -- all seem to happen at the same time.
In my 80 years I Have NEVER seen or heard of that
happening. Yet -- the "govt" said they were
started by "lightening". I can imagine SOME being started by lightening but not thousands.

God Bless all the victims y protection for all family.Sorry!!!

This is to Dave B......it's a shame that you are probably so lonely and pathetic that you felt the need to bash fireman...the people who put their lives on the line for morons like you!! It's obvious that your dreams of being a fireman failed and you probably can't get a "real" job! Shame on you. I don't know how people like you sleep at night. THANKS to all of the FIREFIGHTERS who risked their lives and saved so many people's homes...you are the BEST!!!

What a horrible thing so many people are enduring, especially during these hard economic times. #259 sounds like a very bitter, miserable soul who probably TRIED to become a firefighter and didn't get hired because it is so hard of a job to get! It's not unusual that at times when people are suffering so greatly, you have such ignorance, and how firefighters actually have to work (like regular jobs) 8-5 (on the clock) and then when everyone else goes to sleep, yes, they are still working when that alarm sounds. I just hope that these ignorant & obviously jealous people (and their loved ones) never need to call 911 for any reason. Imagine the people who would show up if we paid them $8/hr. Sad, really sad people.

I GIVE THANKS TO THE FIRE FITERS AND ASK GOD TO BLESS THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR THE HARD WORK THEY DO AND RISKING THEIR LIFE FOR OTHERS, THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOUS. MARIO

God bless out firefighters and God bless the people that lost their home.I am so so sorry.

As I live in Brea, next to Yorba Linda & the fires almost burned down my son's high school in BREA AND CAME WITHIN SEVERAL YARDS FROM MY HOME to the commentor who wrote "burn, baby burn--my message to that tioughtless scum is may YOU bun in hell. Mary

God bless All of the Firefighters and their families. Also the People who are involved in these fires. May God be with you all!!!

I FEEL SO SORRY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES AND THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS...MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL! ESPECIALLY BEING A NATIVE OF CALIFORNIA.THE PHOTOGRAPHER WAS THE MOST BRAVEST PERSON EVER!!! THE PHOTOS WERE OUTSTANDING! THANK YOU LAURA SILVA.

dave b really needs a reality check!! have fun sitting at your office desk!!

To all you morons who dont know right from wrong, good from bad,or how to be a decent human being when tradegy strikes ''' MAY YOU ALL HAVE A MISERABLE ,AND DISHEARTEN HOLIDAY SEASON AND MAY YOU ALSO LOOSE SOM ETHING OF VALUE AS WELL. YOU ALL KNOW WHAT NUMBER YOU LOGGED ON AS AND SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE. REMEMBER TO WATCH OUT EVERY TIME YOU ARE NEAR A LIT CANDLE , OR A FIREPLACE OR A CIGARETTE, OR EVEN A STOVE DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BECAUSE '''KARMA IS REAL AND IT HAS YOUR NUMBER'' YOU PEOPLE ARE THE SCUM OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY

I am glad that so many see the actions of the firefighters are heroic, as for those of you that dont and think that it is just a job we do because we like to play with toys and sit around getting paid too much for doing nothing.......think about this..... it is a job that has a lot about it that is fun, it is also a job that every morning when I leave to go to work I kiss my wife and kids knowing that I may never see them again, because I will die doing my "fun" job. And yet I continue to go to work, knowing it could be my last day, because I can and not everyone can do this job.

I can only add my "amen" to those who honor the firefighters and emergency personnel...SoCal will be a long time recovering from these fires. Thank God no lives were lost!

I live in NorCal...with the mega fires we had here this Summer, it is devastating not only to the homeowners, but the wildlife and the land, not to mention the ecomony. The Winter will be more trecherous due to the mudslides. My heart goes out to the SoCal fire victims for their loss. I know it's just "stuff", but it's your life. I feel more sorry for the ones that make such bad comments.... maybe they should be out there fighting the fires WITH the radical environmentalists. Sure don't see them out there "saving" the land they protest over. God's judgement IS coming.....then you'll really see fire!!

minime, dave and "mom" need to pull their heads from places where the sun does not shine and get a life. If it were THEIR house burning...would the tune change? Maybe not, they're such ingrates.

#259 is just trying to get a rise out of everyone.

May God see all of you through this .

Sadly there were a lot of people affected in L.A. , Orange County and surrounding areas. My heart goes out to the families who lost so much. My prayers are with you. I also feel for the firefighters, volunteers and everyone involved being that they have to leave their loved ones and work hours and hours to save our land.
As for the ignorance displayed above.....they don't even deserve for people to comment on their horrendous thoughts....they are just looking for attention and you fed their fires. They are not worthy of mentioning.
The firefighters are heroes to us all in many ways!

Sitting here all the way back in Germany, this looks like a Hollywood movie to us. Then again, things like this are unlikly to happen here as we have a totally different building stucture, using stone but wood when building homes. The survival factor is much greater.

However, my heart is with all of them who got "caught" by the fire. God bless you.

What is laughable are you people that criticize the heartless writers, yet your response to them is just as tasteless, if not more vicious then what was written! Firefighters are not heroes! They are simply professionals who go about their duty and work, as I do in law enforcement. The ulitmate hero is the person who gives up his / her life for the life of another. That is the highest sacrifice...

Hannnah Cockerham and all the others whom posted prayers and praise make the last 33 years of sleepless nights, and now watching my son enter fire academy, all worth it. I only hope the future is filled with Hannahs and not doomed with Dave Bs aka worthless, pieces of nothing. Just hope Dave B's house never catches fire or is in need of a paramedic. And our hearts all go out to the fire victims, and I don't need to tell our guys "good job" cuz they already know we love em and they ARE the best!

HEY DAVE B ASSH*LE!! if you have never removed a dead burning body from a fire site you obviously know NOTHING about saving lives or heroes!! You want proof??? Just check the the dead and dying from 9/11 You Are An Assh*le to even think this is "just a job" you cannot even fathom doing it for just one day much less for a lifetime. Consider this..... what will YOU do when something you own burns? Your views and opinions are what make this "job" such a challenge....putting up with your kind of crap just strengthens my faith in the Lord.
Hey, here's an idea....,Why don't you volunteer to ride along with us for just one call, BIG MAN???? See one of your friends get trapped in a burning building and Die DDDIE

It is so sad the fires destroyed a lot of homes. I am so sorry to all of you who lost your homes, but I am Thankful you are still alive. God Bless you!!!
To the firefighters....you are amazing, and very brave souls. Thank You.
Also...to everyone else who helped in every way....Thank you!
It is great to see us joining together...UNITED WE STAND!!!!!!

THE BROTHERHOOD MAKES ALL MEN ONE,
ONLY THE FIREFIGHTER UNDERSTANDS THIS MYSTIC BOND.
MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL..

I am devasted at the sight of these pictures - What a horrible thing to go through
I live in southwestern Onatrio Canada and we have areas that are dangerous too but not on the scale of what my eyes just saw
They say good things always come out of bad - this proves that statement as absolute nonsense
My heart goes out to everyone affected -
- Lucan, Ontario, Canada.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have suffered losses in the California wildfires no matter the loss. It is truly sad to see these pictures. I know first hand what devestation can happen in Southern Calif due to fires churned up by the Santa Anna winds, I lived down there for almost 20 years and saw first hand many such fires as these. My thoughts also go out to the many many firefighters down there reponding to these fires, theirs is at times a thankless job, thanks in no small part to those on the outside looking in who believe it is their job to critize
the work they do. Try walking a mile in their shoes sometime and you might better come to appreciate what they have to go through. My thanks go out to these men and woman everyday and hopefully,if ever,I face a fire of any magitute,they will be there to do their best to help me.

I read all the comments. Thankyou.

We grieve for all who've lost so much in these devastating fires. However, it doesn't surprise me one bit upon hearing Senator Obama directed firemen to save Oprah's domicile "at all costs"!

Seeing the destruction caused by the fires on tv or pix on the internet...it's different when you see the destruction up close. It doesn't matter what walk of life you live (rich, middle-class, or poor) people who lose their homes are just that people. They breathe the same air as you and me; their hopes and dreams are the same as yours and mine; and their loss may be much greater but still it's a loss. And even tho they can rebuild a house, their home will never be the same...the memories will never be the same, their children will have nightmares, their security will never be the same. I pray for those who don't see that. Just be thankful that

it didn't happen to you. But, let this be a wake up call to be aware that it could and to prepare for that when and if. It could be an earthquake or a fire...be prepared.
Kudos to the firefighters of OC, San Francisco, and elsewhere, for helping.

I pray for all the firefighters and those who lost their homes. I find it very saddening to read some of the insensitive emails that were posted.

my thoughts and prayers go out to all involved specificly the fire rescue workers as a firefighter from the midwest i can only amagine the job in front of them and what they had to have went through to save what they did and i hope all my brothers and sisters got home safe

Directed to Ken Din: before you say anything, why don't you roll up your sleeves and sweat along with the firefighters and the fire victims. I bet you are just full of dollars in your head, and completely ignore the society. Congratulations Ken.

I hear the seeds of conformity everywhere these days. If you don't like the guys opinion, well fine. The attacks smell of the herd mentality. Fighting fires is in fact fun, extremely dangerous, intense, and dramatic, as is helping people. Living in a situation where your home is gone, your memories, you have nothing but hope and anyone not in that situation cannot possibly relate. True Hero's step up and offer a shoulder to lean on in exactly these times. The point I think people are making is the government union system sucks. We are spending alot in taxes, in addition to fees, there is the disgusting cronyism, and retirement/health benefits to the unions the biggest bill. You see, I am in the bucket brigade because it is the right thing to do. I volunteer. I am disgusted by the abusers of the system, the guys retiring at 35, working two days a week, health benefits for life. Bring back volunteer forces. You see it created these jobs that everyone wants. Sometimes thousands of applicants for a dozen positions. We all have them too, cops on details making 150K while sleeping in their car, firefighters out on medical while winning weight lifting competitions, towns being held hostage in contract negotiations having to offer more than can be afforded, which future generations are stuck pay the bill. It is a broken system, and it is exactly where we are headed as a country. Again, I did it for 4 years, and I also never thought I totally could understand what people were going through. It is the job which is heroic, it is an opportunity we rarely get in life. The real hard part is dealing with the tragedy. The loss. The death. The bodies. The point is; when the emotions have come down from this, we as a people, public serpents and public, should reevaluate the system. Raise taxes, renegotiate contracts, add terms and percent of volunteers, public involvement in ranks and oversight, this is the discussion we need.

Thank goodness for the comments thanking the firemen for all of their heroic work. This certainly is not the time to be criticizing them in any way. I can't begin to imagine how the families are going to cope with their losses. Even though they have lost only "stuff" they still were things very personal and close to their hearts and cannot be replaced.

I am a retired Los Angeles Count Firefighter. Part of the problem is the APCD. They have ot allowed people with less than 4 acres to burn brush that is cut down to lighten the fire load, it has to be hauled away. That is quite expensive. I used to cut unwantedd brush and do a controled burn to dispose of the cut brush. I can't do that now, so the brush stays on the hill. It was nessicary for me to cut some but not all brush so that I did not have a problem with slides in the winter. To me this is a perfict example of goverment creating problems as bad or worse than the problems they are trying to solve.

To much government is not a good thing!

Roger of Ojai

I had a teacher in High School who was victim of a fire. She only had the clothes on her back and had to be given clothing to wear by her friends. She said everything she owned was gone. Can you imagine being out there with NOTHING only your personage. How helpless can you get. Even worse are those who become injured or loose someone or a pet that is dear to you. And imagine the firefighters breathing all that smoke, asbestos for hours especially during 911. Many of them lost their lives.

I keep all of the people who have been affected by this in my prayers. My heart goes out to you all!

My son in law is an American firefighter
Like all parents I'm proud to be able to say that
I'm British

Wow! We are so glad that these fires are over.

I'm a licensed real estate agent. One of the reasons that I do NOT contribute to RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) is because they support federally subsidized insurance for wealthy people who build multi-million dollar homes in high risk places such as waterfronts and fire-hazard areas.
Of course, I feel tremendous sympathy for those who have lost their homes and personal belongings. That being said, I DO resent bearing the tax burden for those who can afford the high cost of building these costly homes but want all the rest of us to subsidize their insurance.

#259, you are one sick s.o.b.!!!

Wow, many ideas here, some great some(?). For myself, first, my girlfriend grew up just outside Santa Barbara, her mom still lives there, one canyon over from where the fire went, it didn't get to her home because of the wonderful job all the emergency responders, especially fire crews did. Second, my son, Marine now Oregon National Guard sargent in combat in both war zones is a reserve firefighter here in Pendleton OR and also local tribal dept. Thank God for them all, they deserve our respect in every way. They are a very selfless group and do all they can for us, and when their prep work is done, they deserve rest time. Don't you?

We all live in a world of wonder and danger. When a disaster happens,
we all need to give our hearts to man kind. we are all people and friends.

I want to send my cond to everyone that has had to endure such a fire and i pray that they will soon be over and that the peole that has lost there homes will find peace to go on and be strong in this time of need and that there dreams will some day get back what they have lost.
God bless them all from everyone in the state of Kansas

My heart and prayers go out to those affected by the fires. I can't imagine losing my home and all my possessions. I live in a hurricane prone areaand we were hit by 115 mile winds a few years ago and had some damage to our home, I know how it feels to be at the mercy of nature. I pray that God will comfort all those people that were left homeless.

I can not imagine my home up in flames I am brought to tears watching this
happen and being so helpless. By the way all you people that are putting
these home owners down for living where they do are not very smart, everyone
lives in an area where anything can happen, I live in western Okla. and we have
tornadoes so do you suggest that since we have them I not live in Oklahoma?
And 166 I would like to see you bash the tax thing if your house was consumed
in flames, you would be out there screaming for more water and fire fighters
to save your house, and these people have lost more than a roof over their head
glenda

We just recently went through this in Butte County, northern California. Our firefighters are now down helping with the southern California fires like the southern California firefighters helped with ours. We are so grateful for those who helped with ours. It was devastating here and we know yours is too. We pray for you as you prayed for us in our devastation. This is a terribly dry year everywhere in California. If you haven't cleared your brush do it now. But don't use power tools. Sparks can cause more fires. Please use caution. Lightening caused our fires. It's not always arson.
Sus

My thoughts and prayers are with you all who are caught up in this dreadfull situation, the utter devastion, I just cannot imagine it. My prayers go to the fabulous brave firefighters and all the emergency services who do such a wonderful job. Whether its fire or water nature can be so cruel.. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!

Mis condolencias por las perdidas enlos fuegos pero todo se puede bolver a construir lo que no se puede reparar son las vidas de las perzonas.
carlos orrego san diego..

As the mother of a firefighter/paramedic, for 20 yr, first at LAFD, now in V C, Wa., I believe that I do have a special knowledge of who they are. My firefighter has alwys been a boy scout at heart. He is tender hearted and brave. He never waits for someone else to do what is needed. His dad and I have listened to VERY sad things that he has seen on duty. We have seen him, off duty, protect strangers and modify dangerous situations. He spends many off duty hours reading & thinking about how to do his job better. He makes good $, but not nearly what he is worth. He is a wonderful citizen, dad, husband, brother and son.

I used to live in Yorba Linda. Was born and raised in southern CA. Lived through many wildfires during the time I lived there. Came close to loosing our home a couple of times. The tirelessefforts of the firefighters, both paid and volunteer, law enforcemen, and the military were what saved our community. I now live in PA where my husband and two sons are volunteers for our community fire company. We do not have any paid firefighters. The time that is required to complete the training required to be a firefighter is a great sacrifice that the many men and women make becuase of their dedication to serve the community in which they live in. Only someone who is close to the

Absolutely amazing!!! My husband has been a firefighter for 50 years and thank God he has not been in anything that serious.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to these firefighters and the people who lost everything.

Absolutely amazing!!! My husband has been a firefighter for 50 years and thank God he has not been in anything that serious.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to these firefighters and the people who lost everything.

Our firemen deserve our KUDOS!!!

DAVE 259 I am a retained fire fighter in England, during the day I work for a printing company and in the evenings and week ends I am on call, so can be called out any time day or night. We don't have wlid fires but all firefighters will give it 100% to stop them.

I recently worked all day had 1 hour and 30 mins sleep and then attended a huge fire, got home at 6:30 in the morning and then went to work all because someone commited arson. O and I get taxed at 40% as its a second job. Still think firefighters are over rated.

o

WOW!!! such Great Photo Shots. Thanks for sharing with us.
I sympathize for those who have lost their homes and personal belongings that some can never be replaced.
I feel so bad for those that are now homeless. I can't even imagine losing our home like this. Such a tragic thing. My heart goes out to all that have taken a loss from these fires...God Bless our firefighters and all that helped to save what they could. What would we do without them???

I just thank the Lord that we do not live in or near that area. Our prayers are with those people that did loose their home. May God Bless You!

Thoughts and prayers with all who lost their homes and also with all the firefighters......... God bless!!!!!!!

There is NO WAY at all that these or any firefighter is over paid at all. These are the TRUE AMERICAN HERO'S. Here a ball player gets paid so many millions for playing a game for half a year and these True Hero's put their lives on the line daily. Who ever says they don't deserve to get paid what they do or even more sure needs to have their brain checked.

Words could not describe the footage seen and pain caused by this outrageous fire to your State. God Bless you all involved.

SO SAD
I DONT SEE ONE "FEMA" TRAILER AND I DOUBT THEY WILL BE REQUIRED ! !

Remember the firefighters of 9/11!!! God Bless the heart of a firefighter! I prayed that each would remember his own capacity for fatigue and quit before injury.
What incredible pictures were posted. Thank you each one, for without your efforts at stopping the blaze, many more houses (including mine) would have been next on the list! Thank you also to the loved ones of the men who risk their lives, who stand beside them, pray for them and support them with love. And to all in law enforcement-ditto.
To all who lost property and possessions, my heartfelt sorrow.

All I have to say is WOW! Thank you for these firefighters dedicating their lives to keep us safe! GOD BLESS YOU GUYS and THANK YOU

In 1980 our Brea, CA home suffered a major fire. Thanks to the Brea Fire Dept. they managed to save our family. We now live in Diamond Bar and were just a few blocks from being evacuated. It's amazing what thoughts go through your mind after having lost a home to fire. We didn't have to stop and think what we should take, we had gone over this hundreds of times since 1980. We just knew what to do and to give ourselves plenty of time to get out. My brother-in-law is a Battalion Fire Chief and my late Mother-in-law worked with the Volunteer Fire Dept. With the dedication of people like this, our communities are a safer place. I pray for those who have lost homes and hope they find comfort in their families.

330 How much do you think a life is worth.!!!!! THe fire fighters don't get paid enough .

My heart is saddened by the terrible destruction. I cannot enjoy the beauty of some of these photos when I know that many families have been displaced, lost all of their possessions and treasured memories. May God bring you the peace you need to move on with the holidays right around the corner. I can't imagine the torment you must be feeling at this time. My prayers go with you.

I live on the East coast in the mountains of Garrett County. We live thru the true four seasons. We have no idea what devastation is or how to deal with it. We are truly watched by God and his protectors. I wish to send them to you so you may live in peace. I pray for everyone who was in this path of destruction and for all your losses. Thank the Fire Fighters who have given their lives to protect you. God be with you!! I'm so saddened by all this!! The Lord is trying to tell the world to shape up and it's time to listen.

My its unbelievable,hope this is not a deliberate act , by the way I noted that one picture was from Corona I have a ham friend from that area his call sign is KJ6UB and he is a doctor and his name Nalin he is from Sri Lanka , I wounder how he is ? your friend Shanti KE5CUN/also 4S7WP

Our house, located among the ancient apple orchards near Santa Cruz, CA, burned to the ground just before Thanksgiving in 1943. There was little notice. No TV, of course, or air tankers, etc. But fire fighters many miles away saw the smoke and speed across the mountains. Alas, the fire was too fierce. One fireman rescued Mom's new washing machine. Mom was forever grateful after a life time with cold water and a scrub board. That machine is long forgotten. Brave firemen and burned photographs are remembered forever.

What a horrendous sight to see all these fires blazing. I can only imagine how devastating it is to those of you being affected by this. My prayers are with you. And to all the brave firefighters out there fighting these fires, my hat goes off to you.

I thank God for the fearless devotion of those brave men and women fighting to make sure that we have a safe place to return to when calamity strikes...May God watch over you all!
For those of you that are unaffected by these events...may compassion temper your spirit and allow you to feel for those that have lost.

# 259 YOU ARE AN UNAPRECIATED ASS DO YOU THINK THOSE FIRE FIGHTERS IN THE TWIN TOWERS WOULD HAVE LEFT YOU IN THERE. NO THEY ARE SUCH HEROS AND PROFESIONALS THAT THEY WOULD HAVE CARRIED YOU OUT TO.SURE THEY MAKE MONEY AND ITS A JOB BUT THEY GIVE IT 150 % THROUGH THE YEARS OF TRAINING THEY LEARN HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS TO KEEP IT AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE AS DOES ALL OCCUPATIONS. ITS NOT EASY BEING AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILY AT THE FIREHOUSE WHILE YOUR FAMILY IS AT HOME NOR IS IT FUN TO BE CALLED OUT ON HOLLIDAYS TO FIGHT FIRES WHILE THE REST OF THE WORLD IS ON VACATION . TO ALL FIRE FIGHTERS MY HATS OFF TO YOU I LOVE YOU ALL AND THANK YOU DON CHAPMAN

Just like to let you know who's behind all the insulting remarks against the Brave Fire Fighters> Its satins little helpers.

Why are people in flood prone, hurricane prone, fire prone areas allowed to build and rebuild there!!!! It's criminal that others are expected to subsidize building in irrational areas. Now that they've burned, there should be a ban on building or remodeling, no insurance allowed.

Our police and firefighters are our heroes. They save lives every day and night when we are sound asleep and safe in our homes. They put their lives on the line without regard to their own. They have wives and husbands, as well as kids, just like everybody else, and they worry about them, too. My heart goes out to all of them, as well as their families who worry about their safety.

Comment 259 -- JEALOUS!!!!???
you can always pick up an application for the job. Playing cards -- not likey -illegal, great cooks -- maybe and they ARE entitled to eat -- and quite nutritiously I might add - as when the need arises, as in those California fires -- they need energy - SO YES!! work out be in shape, eat healthy and sleep when you CAN -- that is WHEN YOU CAN -- when you are not woken up by some of the less significant calls that they attend to every other hour. SO when the big firs occur -- YES -- they ARE heros -- they rick their lives and health on every shift!!. so go ahead -- apply.

I have never seen a fire so look like Hell must in my 78 living years. I have never lived in California but all my close relatives live there. I don't know how close they live to any of the fires but just being in the state of California is close enough for this old KANSAS gal. All Kansas has are Tornadoes areas.
GOD HELP THEM ALL AND THE FIREMEN SURE EARN MORE THAN THEIR JOBS DURING THOSE.
MY SISTER,BROTHER,AND ALL THE COUSINS ARE STILL THERE THANK GOD!

Most Do it because of the fire that burns inside the heart and would do it for free'
But we all have bills to pay! Politics has snuffed the flame from my heart but when the tone sounds it comes back until the jobs done. DONT LET THEM GET YOU DOWN!!! (THE PEOPLE COUNT ON US AND WE WILL BE THERE.
STAY SAFE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. ) Warren House SFFD CRUSHED BY POLITICS. POLITICS HAS NO PLACE IN THE FIRE SERVICE!

Please God Bless us All and thank You God for our fire fighters!

Living in Montana we have hundreds of thousands of acres burn, but not the large loss of homes as in CA in most cases except for the "California transplants" who are stupid enough to build in the timber without large firebreaks around their property. The reason for most of the fire damage is that the "nut-case environmentalists" continually block reasonable timber and range land management which would allow fire-fighters a chance at controling fires by maintaining "fire-breaks" and thinning heavy brush--sorry to be 'politically incorrect" but someone needs to address the fundamental cause of "wild-fires" getting out of control.

Posted by Dave B. November 21, 08 06:21 PM
LIne 259

This person has lost his marbles.

I say God bless the fire fighters and all the people that support them!!!!!!!!

These pictures are amazing. Thank you for sharing. Our hearts go out to everyone that was affected during this very challenging time.

From someone who has lived in both the pan-handle of Florida and had family members experience hurricanes and then moved to southern california I want you ignorant people to understand that there is tragedy everywhere!!!!! My step-father is a third generation fire-fighter for Los Angeles. On 9-11 he was part of the men who were called to stand and see if they would be sent to help their fellow fire-fighters in NY, he has fought these fires in the hills for 33 years of his life. Every time that there is a fire truck that passes me going on a "run" I say a hail mary as a knee jerk reaction. I understand how the families of these fire-fighters feel everyday that their father/brother/husband/sister/wife/mother leaves the house, we have that thought, will this be the last time? have I heard their footsteps for the last time?
Next time you feel like saying that fire-fighters are undeserving and lazy remember that these are the people that will be protecting you, or your loved ones some day. Would you like them to ignore your efforts in building a home? your efforts in keeping your family safe from harm? These people do no know you but as you run out of your house to safety they are running in to a burning HELL for YOU- you son of a bitch.
I offer my love and prayers to everyone affected by the fires, many of my friends were affected and lost much but they keep going. In this dire time we must remember that it is not the money that is important. It is the heart.

our thoughts and prayers are with all of you that have had a loss. God bless you and the men and women that tried to save your homes and memories.

#334 JW Are you really as ignorant as you sound? There is such a thing as a lightning tracker which gives a visual of where the lightning strikes are. So yes, it can be proven that it was all lightning and flying embers and not the Muslims. Wow, I'm just floored by stupid finger pointers like you. I bet you think Obama is gonna come steal your guns too.

Shane,i hope your aunt stella is ok, let me know bro! OLD John force and family lives right close to there! Hope every bodies ok. These fire fighters are a one of a kind breed! Awesome dudes! Cant say enough about them*

We lived in Montecito in the late 60's. The Coyote fire happened a few years before and caused similar damage as the recent fire. I have been to the tea garden many times in the past & recall there was always dead grass all over the mountain in the Fall; more after wet winters. The main house had a lot of the roof burned in the Coyote Fire less than 50 years ago, & I am told that this time was a total. It is horrific to see the destruction caused by these fires and our heart goes out to all who lost their homes and belongings. We must remember it is not a matter of if ,but when it will burn next unless extreme caution is practiced by all.

Wonderful coverage. This is not like our Florida fires. These are much more trajicthat we experience. These firemen or women are heros to the highest
extent. May our Lord bless each and every one of them. I pray if these fires were
set that the purpetrators will be prosecutedto the maximum of the law.

I wonder if Jesse Jackson will send buses . And blame Bush

This summer we spend again 3 weeks in your beautiful country,in Goleta with my dearest penfrieds the Kistlers.I penpal with Dave for more than 50 years.So I know the area and I feel so sad for all the victims but please be proud on your firefighters they do a great job and are so brave.Do anyone think about that they have families too,that they risk their lives for you all??
In 1953 we lost evreything in the graet flood we live in the netherlands close to the water 3 meters below sealevel.So i can feel to lost of you all.God bless you all.

"I just thank the Lord that we do not live in or near that area."

Yea... that's the spirit, it's not me so I don't care, and then just say a "god Bless" it's so easy, and it is so representative of how many people think.

The photograph did an amazing job, for some one how doesn't see fire every day and as no protection what so ever it take courage to stay and wait for it as the heat rises...
Some pictures are terribly beautifully....

As a retired firefighter, #259 go to HELL

I live in the U.K. and i'm astonished at the devastation caused, i can only sit and whatch a beautifull landscape ruined by the flames.

I would like to send out my deepest wishes to all affected by this and my thoughts are with you all also,

Thanks for our firefighters and thanks for all the lives that were spared. We were all blessed at this Thanksgiving time.

#259 said "Hardly any of them die?"

I believe firefighting is still THE most dangerous job. Period.

The Tea fire in Santa Barbara almost got my house. The firefighters made a stand that saved the neighborhood. I can't sufficiently express my thanks to them.

As for the dimwit that says people shouldn't be allowed to rebuild

As to the dimwit who says people should

All of the national news outlets have said that these horrible fires were caused by a group of college guys having started a bonfire on a hill, and then improperly putting the bonfire out. The news said the embers from the bonfire were carried to surrounding brush by high winds. No lightening strike here, just thoughtless kids who think of no one but themselves and what feels good in the moment. It's a miracle people weren't killed in this fire, and a tribute to the firefighters that they got people out in time to save lives. Kids like these rarely suffer any consequences, as their parents and attorneys always "get them off" with a wrist-slap. Those kids belong in prison for this.

Being a victim of a home burned and losing all my worldly possions I offer my prayers to those who have going though the same. Thank you go out to those who put there life on the line to save the possions of those they may not even known. Though many have lost much...........you have not lost all. God bless.

A group of people were in the street in Anaheim Hills, California, geting ready to evacuate. A van drives up with a young woman and her dad. They asked who had a swimming pool. They pointed to aguy and said, he was thone. They opened the back of their van a removed waht they called a fire cart. It had a hugh gas engine with a pump and 150 feet of hose and a hose you put in your pool. They ran it to his back yard, set it up and started pumping hundreds of gallons of water on the house and the shrubs. The fire was just over his back wall. They left him the unit and said to call when done. What GREAT people!

I cannot believe how brave our firefighters are! And, the personal losses suffered by so many families is just devastating.
My continuous thoughts and prayers are with all of you!

good luck

To all those belittling the firefighters - please indicate where you live so that they may know which house to pass by when protecting a neighborhood. But you know what? They'd work to save your house anyway, cause that's what they do.

#259. YOUR A HORSES ASS!!!!!

As a professional, I’d have to question any person doubting the integrity of a firefighter. There is obviously some deep seeded pain and anger for those individuals with this form of mental illness. I strongly suggest they get some counseling. If, for no other reason, then to heal the ugliness they possess inside. What did they ever do to you?

Apparently these individuals never learned to respect others, especially those who would risk their life to save his/hers, or for those who are at a great loss and suffering as a result of a fire. If we all could be so lucky to have a job we love and can be good at. What an honor it would be to have what it takes to be a firefighter!

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

As the mother of a VOLUNTEER firefighter in a small Midwestern town, I know a little about the risks/life they have. He has taken the time to get his training/ education just as career (paid) firefighters have & continues learning/studying to be a better firefighter. He gets called out at 2 AM for a fire or rescue call and still has to go to his 40 hr. a week Mon. - Fri. paying job. He has risked his life to crawl into a burning vehicle to rescue trapped teenagers, go into a burning building to make sure no one is trapped inside, to answer a rescue call on a fatal accident, etc. - all with NO pay, but for the compassion of his fellow human beings. He carries extra gear (purchased with his own money) with him at all times ready to help whenever needed. If it were not for our volunteer firefighters in small communities we would have no protection at all. May God bless all our firefighters, police, EMT/paramedics, and military personnel for doing their "jobs" no matter how much they are paid!!!! Do any of the above personnel get paid enough - not at ALL!!! They are all putting their lives on the line for each one of us every day.

I live in Yorba Linda, California. I had an especially close-up view of how devastating and fast-moving these fires can be. These really show it:
http://www.cookhaunt.com/fire/
I can only pity those of you such as minime who are so envious of everybody that has more than you.
I live in a nice home near these hills that burned. I worked for 35 years to get it. Why is that so evil ? Because a poor country full of savages can't quit fighting long enough to feed their children. I have no power over that and neither do you.

My husband is a firefighter and I look up to him for the huge responsibility he has. He puts his life on the line for others. I would hate for him to be there fighting those fires, but if that was what he chose to do I would support him all the way. Firefighting is the most dangerous job I know. Our firefighters are amoung the bravest and need more recognition.

May God Bless all of you and give each and every one of ya'll peace.

To those who wrote comments wishing horrible things to befall those people w/ opinions they disagree with: WHY ? You don't like someone's opinions so you want them to die in a fire or lose something or someone ? Tolerating disagreeable people or ideas is part of being an American isn't it? I retired from an FD and yes, we did have those who only saw it as a job; those who loved it ; those who were nut cases and those few, rare, true professionals.Most everyone did their their job and the ones who didn't pull their weight - well- you made sure they stayed where they couldn't hurt you or someone else. We did do "nothing'' for 90% of the time( medic calls for nothing , smoke/gas investigations, inspections,maintenance , TRAINING - lots of that ,fill ins, etc) but just like in the Army the rest of the time was 100 mph wide open.Pulling bodies out; saving lives ; giving a few words of comfort to survivors;suicides;men caught in large machinery;cutting cars with a Hurst tool open to get to victims out ;holding a young man's hand as he dies on the ground in front of you; watching a mother come on the scene to see her baby boy die of smoke inhalation; giving CPR even though you know it's utterly hopeless.. just to make the family feel maybe a little better; seeing a brother firefighter in intensive care dying from head injuries... that's what you learn to live with. There were a lot of ungrateful people but THAT"S THE JOB. In my experience the best thing we ever got was a thank you note from a family. No one said it aloud but I think it made everyone on my platoon realize it was all worthwhile.

THANK GOD FOR SPARING LIVES DURING THIS TERRIBLE FIRE.

I SEND ALL MY PRAYERS FOR THE INJURED AND THE FIREFIGHTERS,MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.

The firefighters are some of God's Angels here on earth
The ignorant ones with only bad things to say are workers of the devil.
When the end comes, God will choose who he wants in Heaven and the devil
will get the rest. All firefighters will be chosen to go to Heaven. There are many people like Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Builders, Farmers, and the list goes on. But I really feel sorry for those that are not on God's list. They will feel the heat of a fire that can never be put out. Thank you God for those such as the firefighters
that help us all.

#259, God forbid your house should burn down...where is your brain. I guess you don't have one...
Thank God for firefighters!!! They are dedicated men and women who work to save peoples homes and businesses and our land!!

May God bless the families that are enduring this horrible situation. My heart goes out to them all and hopefully the are able to escape to safety. THank you to all of the firefighters risking their lives to help put out these fires. May they be safe from harm.

Whoa.....Dave B. One of my best friend's was a firefighter who died trying to save an elderly lady. He ran in the burning home and the ceiling collapsed on him. A young colleague was also killed and it was his first fire. My friend became a firefighter after his two uncles who are both California firefighters. Yes, they have been paid well, but no money in the world can make up for their loss. They are also smart with the money they have been paid and invested well. They are all real heroes. They put their lives at risk every day, they are not flip about it, they are the kind of people that you would want to have around in your life and in your heart and at your side whenever needed. My firefighting friends are very hard working, they don't just sit around and cook chili. I've never, ever seen them relaxing much, they are always busy, cleaning equipment and working. They go out on every major fire, and there have been plenty. They are smart and sweet, and wonderful human beings. It hurts to read insensitive comments...but I realize the person is very very ignorant. I hope this person will never need to see my friends, but if he did, I know they would even put their lives at risk to save even him. They don't judge, they just go...wherever and whenever the call goes out. God Bless All.

At approximately 4:30am Sunday morning, a police cruiser rolled up our street and made the announcement that our street was under mandatory evac. I woke my wife and my mom (who spent the night due to the fact that the fires had shut down ALL of the major arteries between her house and ours), and we proceeded to throw as many "important" things as we could into the backs of our cars. My son, 7 yrs, woke up in the midst of it and stood crying in the middle of the hallway because he had been woken up and could see the flames out of our front window. The girls, 5 yrs and 2 yrs, slept until we hurded them all into our cars. As we were packing, many of our neighbors were in the same state of urgency that we were, some were not hurrying at all, some never came out of their homes.
I tell all of you spectators who see fit to bash the fire departments this because as we and others in our neighborhoods were hurrying to get the hell out of there, the "well-paid" fire-fighters were rolling in, ready to jump into action for people they don't even know. Thanks be to God, our neighborhoods were spared and the firefighters moved on to fight for the lives and homes of other people they don't know.
You bash them now, but you will be on that phone pleading for them to come and save your home if it catches fire. These men and women are HEROS and don't get paid enough and I and my little family are FOREVER grateful for their willingness to stand in harm's way for us....

May God Bless and keep them safe wherever they go!

#259 REALLY BOILS MY BLOOD! HE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE SAYING ANTYING ABOUT WHAT FIREFIGHTERS DONT DO. THEY ARE HEROS AND I AGREE WITH MOST OF THE OTHER COMMENTS. HE IS JUST JEALOUS BECAUSE HE WAS NEVER GOOD ENOUGH TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER BECAUSE HE IS THE LOSER HIMSELF. DONT BASH ON OUR HEROS THAT ARE SAVING LIVES AND HOMES. HARDLEY ANY OF THEM DIE? WELL LETS SEE HOW MANY DIED IN THE SEPT 11 ATTACKS AND RISKED THEIR LIVES TO HELP WITH THAT DISASTER. # 259 NEEDS TO GET A CLUE!

My prayer"s are with you all. May God bless.

I live in Alabama now but was born and lived most of my life in Southern California where most all of my family and friends still live. I know how bad the fires are there but it seems there have never been as many as now. God bless all the people affected by this and our prayers are with you.

Just wanted to send my sympathies to all who lost homes and a great big "Thank You" to the brave firefighters who are there putting their lives on the line while we are sitting here at our computers looking at hauntingly beautiful photos of the devastation!!!!

I want to thank God for sparing my house in Chino Hills and all the Brave firefighters thank you!!!!

I live in Yorba Linda where the fire burned up to my property line. We were under evacuation orders. I watched the fire progress to my house. I had time to pack where many did not. Several have email me the the link to this page. The DC-10 dropped the Phos-chek fire retardant on my house/neighborhood where that and the firefighters efforts save my area! Several of my friends were not as fortunate. They lost everything. They had minutes to grab pets, keys etc and leave!

Now is not the time to be fighting against each other. It is a time for Brotherhood within us all, no matter where you live or what your job title is or is not, we will never know what any of you have or continue to go through, may God bless all those who are or were touched by this tragic event. And, who will continue to feel it's wrath longer after the smoke clears. May the Lord touch each and everyone who has been involved in anyway.And restore you homes and faith in your time of need.

While sad anytime that someone loses their home, at the end of the day, it's just a structure. I'm very thankful that no one lost their lives. Homes can be (and will be rebuilt). That's why we buy insurance. Our home burned when I was 12 and while sad, it wasn't life altering. We moved into temporary housing for about 5 months.

I live in Anaheim Hills so I'm very much accustomed to the annual fire event. I can handle losing my home though. Losing my kids would change my life forever.

While being mindful and compassionate towards who suffered a loss, it's still a good idea to be very, very thankful for what was not lost.

As for commentator #259, you need to reassess your values! I would hope you would never have to go through what these people are dealing with. The physical loss of everything pales by comparison to the emotional effects. How much MORE loss of life and property do you think there would be if we did not have TRAINED specialists (fire fighters) to combat these wildfires? People, such as yourself, are what drag our society into the gutter! It seems to me, as long as YOU are not the one bleeding, there is no problem. Be careful... what goes around, comes around.

These men and women are real heros. And I agree with the comment about Fema trailers--only in a "Chocolate City" would that be necessary!! The Mississippi Gulf Coast didn't have them either--only bums rated them!!! Some are STILL sponging off of "Uncle Sap". Prayers go out for all these people!!!

Thank God that all lives were spared during the last bout of these terrible fires. As a native Californian and former evacuee of the Val Verde Fire I must say the firemen are amazing in their strength, stamina, knowledge and kindness and they will be truely blessed. These photos do show the extreme distruction, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost their homes. Stay focused on your loved ones, family and friend that will help you rebuild your life here on earth, stay strong and know the Lord will carry you through this. God bless you all,

My prayers go out to those who lost their homes. I pray that everyone made it out safe each time I see the newsfootage. Since I have a dear friend that lives in California, it was very nerve wracking watching the news until I found out she was okay.

#259 Dave and others who posted comments about firefighters - you are truly assh*les! I am a volunteer firefighter because I want to help people. I have a full time job and volunteer my time on the side. I respect firefighters whom are career (paid) and volunteer. Do you volunteer any of your time to help anybody or do you just sit back and watch others in life pass you by and then criticize them for what they do. Who cares whether these people are rich or poor. They lost homes and were evacuated disrupting their lives. I wish everyone the best in moving forward with their lives after this disaster.

THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU FOREVER AND YOUR FAMILIES. MY SON IS A FIREMAN ALSO FROM MASS. I AM ALSO PROUD OF EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU AND WISH YOU THE VERY BEST OF LUCK.

#7 minime wrote :
"hmm, everybody has a that big house, a swimming pool and 3 cars there? this is a retaliation for the unfair wealth... I can't feel sorry for them.
if you think that I'm not right, just check this set..."

Unfair wealth? How does anyone earn more money than the next guy? Education, hard work, smart financial practcies. How judgmental and envious of "minime" to make such a comment in our capitalistic country. Go to a communistic nation where every dime YOU earn will be taken away and split equally amoung its citizens. You won't want to work so hard if you knew you couldn't keep it all.

I live across the street from a Hero. He is a firefighter who was burned in the Montecito fire. I live in Moreno Valley California. I think he is stationed in Lancaster. His face was burned, his hands were burned. I cried when I saw him. He said to me that he failed his men and women. OMG.....he told me he failed ! We are protected everyday by men and women of the fire department and police department. Until we need them or even know them, we all have opinions about what they do and how they serve. I could never be a police officer or a fire fighter...but I sure am glad that others can. Selwin, you are my HERO. I am proud to call you my neighbor. I am very proud of the work that you do. In my eyes, you are a man above all men. To risk your life to save others.....if only I could reach such a level in my life. God gives us the gift of life.....how repay him is what we do wiith out lives. Please Father, reach down and protect the lives of those less fortunate. Please protect them as they go into harms way. Let them know your grace, your love. For all the fire fighters and Police Officers who protect what we have and what we know...God Bless you all. Sept 11, 2001...never forget....never forget. Never forget the heros who battled the fires in November 2008 in Monticito, and here in Southern California. When I was a little boy, I did not have a hero....and now that I am a grown man, I do. And never forget Selwin that you are my hero !!

To #259. Yes, it's their job, but it's not just a job to them. They are angels who work to save peoples homes and lives. They wouldn't have gone into this line of work if they hadn't felt they could do something to help us all. You just don't get it.

i think that is sad and cool.

#259 I believe 1- your wife has left you for a firefighter therefore you are bitter and wallow in self pity, or 2- Your an arsonist . I hope that someday you need us, because I'm Sure "Firefighters" will be the first you call upon when your trapped in a wrecked car......yet another self center idiot talking about some he knows nothing about .Don't get killed??? Dont get hurt?,, you are so out of touch , Dumbass Dave.

God Bless ALL FIREMEN! My husband was a volunteer fireman for over 25 years in a small town, serving in many of the offices including Chief...My son was a volunteer for another 5 years. My grandson was and still is a volunteer in a small town 1 mile from us but is also a full time FIREMAN in another city.
I have watched and prayed for over 50 years for these brave men and women who serve to keep us all safe. Until you have one or more in the family, you have no idea what they go through, and the tragedies they see and still dream about.

I as a Canadian and travel in north america have met so many wonderful people in the great U.S.A and my heart goes gout to all the people who were victems of the cCalifornia fires God Bless all.

I was blown away by the photos and could only think about the courage firemen and firewomen have to go into these fires. Everyone else is running OUT, including me if I lived there, to get away and they go IN.....truly amazing. They are not paid enough. Life is priceless, theirs and the ones they save.

God Bless them
B

To #259,
I’m a paid city firefighter. I’ve worked years as a wildland firefighter, paramedic, but I guess it all started at the age of 16 when I was a lifeguard. I don’t know where this aggression comes from but you need to be educated a little on what you are preaching. Yes we do love our jobs and yes it is fun at times, most of the time. Then there are times it is very hard with multiple life threatening risks. There are other times it is very, very sad. You can come to your own conclusions but you name it and it has happened. We do have fun but we do what we do because we love what we do, helping others and possibly making the worst possible moment in someone’s life a little better. The days of sitting at the firehouse and playing cards are long gone. Every day we inspect, clean and maintain our station and equipment so it is in the best possible condition when we need to rely on it. Every day we do some sort of training for all ranks so that we are never rusty or without knowledge on a part of our job. When we go out and things go bad there is no room for error. Error could mean lives lost. We also go out and do fire inspections and check all of the fire hydrants in the city. The men and women who ride around on the big red engines and in the black and whites are exposed to physical danger, disease, and stress every day. So before you go down talking the men and women who look after your best interest because they really do care, you should do your homework. We do have fun, we do love what we do, and we do what we do because we love to help. Prayers go out to all the victims, fire, police, ems personell,and their families.

I have to say that my heart goes out to all the families who had to go through this nightmare.
The Firefighters should be comended for all there hard work.

OMG ..

Sofa King, We Todd did (sound it out)

1. People will always use a public forum to get a reaction (ignore them)
2. The real factors on why the fire was so devastating..
* The city did not "shutdown" anything .. the pumps failed, due to the fire itself
* The reverse-911 service to tell people to evacuate did not trigger correctly
Results, people that were not watching the news and/or looking out their windows (imho, foolishly) were ill-prepared to evacuate timely and got out only with pets/life. It likely mattered very little, as it was a struggle for firefighters anyhow. On our street, the real heros(God love the "invincibility" of teenagers) were the 18-22 year old group that stayed behind, against advice and direction to put out several small fires that would have taken additional homes in our neighborhood.

I am alittle hurt #259, but I forgive you and I know my brothers and sisters do too. Firefighting is a hard job. Its not for pleasure working in the black for days on end with no food or water or even sleep. I dont have much I struggle to make rent in a one bedroom apt. and I workfor the forest service. Try losing whole engine knowing they were2 steps shy of there own life on a wildfire that someone started. Try telling the families that there love ones are not heros. You are a sad person We lost engine 57 in the esperanza fire, and they had families, and one was 18yrs old, God Bless everyone out there I love my job it saves lifes with mine on the line!

To all the heros working long and hard to put out these fires and God Bless the homeowners. God Bless You All and thank you. These our people, along with our military, who deserve much much credit. And shame on you people who talk about wealth and you don't feel sorry for these people. You are cruel

As the wife of a volunteer fire fighter and an EMT myself, these pictures are just awesome! It never ceases to amaze me how devistating, destructive, and frightening fire can be. My heart and prayers go to all those affected by these massive fires. My best frient friend lives in the hills in Anaheim and I pray and am frightened for her and her family every time I hear about the fires out west. Bless all of you. And to those fire fighters who put their lives on the line every day. Bless you, you are true heroes.

#259...You are indeed one sick person -- perhaps scorned by a firefighter? Apparently you don't know that nearly all firefighters get hurt at one time or another -- usually many times over. And, they often die young -- more than most all other professions. All have or will attend a firefighter's funeral who died in the line of duty. We also have friends who lost their homes in Yorba Linda this month, and hundreds of friends who are thankful their homes were saved. I don't know you, but I'm glad that you aren't the one out there protecting me or my loved ones. Signed, An LAPD officer's wife who would worry about our child becoming a firefighter.

Hey #259, I am a Firefighter, and I dont love it because Im paid, I am a volunteer. I dare you to come to my firehouse and say that. Iv been hurt while I was as you say "playing" My wife and kids sit at home right next to the scanner everytime I get a call, that or my wife is right by my side on scene, bringing refreshments to all of us. Its amazing how little you think of us until you need us, we all know your kind, and we do not like your kind. But guess what, when you need us and you call, All the personal stuff gets set aside, we will be there. And please, make sure you thank us because some of us are volunteers, and Thanks is the only pay we get. Keep that in mind before you start blabbing off stupid things again. God Bless

To #259 I'm saddend to hear you speak so very poorly of a firefighter, you dont understand what it is like to be at home wondering if your spouse is ever going to come home to you again, you dont understand the extensive training that is done to become a firefighter, you will never understand what it is like to make a little boy or girl smile because you just saved the family pet, you will never know what it is like to be on an accident scene where you are trying to save a child or loved one for the family member standing next to you crying, the gratification of knowing that you made a differance in someones life by being a help is what it is about . It not about being a hero but the smile you can bring to a complete stranger smile stranger.

We live downwind about 15 miles from where the fire jumped the 91 f'wy and firestormed Anaheim hills and fortunately it stopped there due to firefighter efforts but also as the weather changed to an onshore flow which really helped! If it had't God help Irvine and much of Orange County as that firestorm wind was so fast that nothing can stop it! We have the best firefighting men and equipment in the world but when you see that kind of firestorm you head for the ocean and take nothing with you for it takes no prisoners! I think prayer helps!

Thank God for Firemen!

I am so sad for all those who lost homes in the fires. I feel teririble cause I am sitting here in my warm , cozy living room and those people no longer have thier living rooms. My son was on the Sylmar fire and risked his life to put out the fires.
He does it because he wants to help people and that is his reward. The pay is not great and it is a desire in his heart that drives him not the paycheck. Shame on anyone who dare to talk negative about a firefighter.

FIREMEN AND WOMEN ARE THE TRUE AMERICAN HEROES.

wow...i think 259 lost a few girls to a few firemen!! Firemen rule and always will, I wonder what dave b does sit cowardly behind a desk all day. These guys did an amazing job in yl, if you dont think they are heroes, come see all the homes where the fire burned right up to the houses and they were still saved.

God Bless all the firefighter and everyone who helped save this home's and animals. May all the people get the help they need to start there live's over again.
The firefigher's are Hero's.....

My husband and I lived in Diamond Bar and San Dimas for years. We watched a huge fire 3 yrs. ago coming over the hill near our business location. I sat outside for many hours, watching the firemen dumping the "red stuff" and going to a reservoir near by to load the "water copters". It was amazing. One night I drove to retail business to watch, and I've never felt the emotion I had that night. I took away the reality that a fire is a "living thing".

Geez, I can only hope we have enough money left in the till to help the now homeless that we have been handing out to guys who are flying in private jets and getting mutimillion dollar bonuses.
Something that really goes up in flames as opposed to highly leveraged
gambles on out retiremnet savings.

Thank goodness for Firemen and Firewomen and their wonderful families. JoAnne Chaffeur, Prescott, AZ

God bless all our firefighters....They are heroes and I pray to God to watch over them & keep them safe. My nephew, Christopher is a firefighter in Northern California and I am so proud of him....

#259: Sorry to hear you did not pass the entrance exam for the firefighting job you were trying for.
I have seen far to many firefighters die and some that were very Dear to me.
BTW What were you doing last Christmas at 0427?

Thanks for noticing!

#259 is a troll. He/she made the comment to get everyone all stirred up and, by
the looks of the comments, succeeded. Quit referring to it...you deflate his/her balloon that way.

My prayers are for everyone that Lost their homes in the California fires. I was devastated to hear the news of all the homes that burnt, I live in Georgetown, Texas and happened tp hear the news on the T.V. I left California three years ago and had lived in Santa Clarita, California for seven years. Before that I lived at the Oakridge Mobile Home in Sylmar, California for 10 years. I was hoping to return there. I fell very bad for all the people that lost their homes in the fire. I had lots of friends that lived there. I don't feel comfortable and never had living in Texas. California will always be my home. . Blees you Via Brennan. Georgetown, Tx

I have lived in quite a few states and they all have problems of some sort but I think fire has to be one (if not the) worst. I live in the Santa Clarita Valley and have been pretty close to some of them and they're FRIGHTENINGlllll! I have had two firefighters in close family both retired and one now passed away. The older one was on the second floor of a house when a timber fell on his head and sent him through two floors into the basement. He was never able to work again but by the grace of God was still able to function. He did not die from his injuries. Also friends and in-laws who were firefighters and I think there is not a nobler proffession. I say God bless them over and over. BJS 11/24/08

My daughter lives so close to all the fires. She tells me of all the smoke she drives to work in every day. She is so far from home. I am so proud of all of the time and commitment you all give to people. Your are truley great Americans and we all love you. Thank you for taking care of our country.

Thank you one and all, your efforts were and are not forgotten. We were visiting from Northern CA for a wedding Nov 15 and we prayed for all of you to be safe. Even though we were celebrating a wedding knowing that we were safe from the fires it was sad to know that while we celebrating their were people being told to leave their homes and their treasures. Life goes on all around tragedy, but we all know that could happen to us. The firefighters and police are heros as well as all those who helped the victims of those horrible fires. May God Bless Each Of You!

The evil that these wonderful photos portend. My son-in-law is and has been for some time a fire Captain. Is ALWAYS (when not securing life and safety while risking his own life) training studying new methods. Even I never knew the evils he treks thru. God, he is a nice person. To his wife (my daughter) my heart goes out to you and my grand daughters for the anxiety you deal with on a daily basis. # 259 You are obviously without friends (I wonder why), you suffer from a great deal of envy. Dude, you are one miserable SOB. Sad, damn sad. Captain Don I love you and your Brotherhood.

THANK you for all you do the fierfighters!!! God confert the people who has lost so much. I can't even imagine what your felling and to live through it I don't live in Cal. but it is one thing to hear about it, then to see it. I can imagine the smell and eyes burning God help us all !!!

We rebuild our homes in these fire hazard beautiful areas because we love it. Beats the hell out of the concrete and asphalt jungles that you live in. Not dark at all here and we hope it stays that way......asshole. God bless the firefighting heros for they are truely GODS saving agents on earth.

Comments about #259. No one should be offended by so sick and shallow as this person who is "sick of hearing" sick because some men "boys" get paid to do a job they learn to like or love for a variety of reasons. Men who work out on or off duty to stay in shape, know how to play games, learn to cook, even chili, and take care of themselves and others.
Sick, and apparently stupid to make such a ignorate comment that 50 percent of all firefighters would be arsonists, if not firemen. This person is apparently of very low self esteme, and seems to prefer more firefighters die in the line of duty to build his sick ego. It may be true that some ladies perfer to show interest in a man with sojme self esteme the give any thought to such a whimpish soul.

I quit the fire department because I did not wish to risk my life any longer for the low pay and leave my wife to raise 5r girls by herself. But, I have the greatest respect for them to this day.

#259 has his opinion (allbeit) an ignorant one. I am a career firefighter and was in Santa Barbara fighting this fire. #259, We woke up out of bed at 2:30 in the morning, left our families alone for 5 days, and drove 8 hours without sleep from Northern California to help complete strangers, and would do it again in a heart beat. Your comment about how we have no problem accepting the praise is so far from the truth. If you ever got to know any firefighters, you would know how much they hate the spotlight. They do it because they are truely driven to help people, even people as ignorant as yourself.

Hey #259, What happened? Did you flunk out of the academy? You are way out of line. my nephew worked his fanny off to become a fireman, while raising a family and giving his wife the attention she deserves. He has worked many of the wildfires in California and has been on the direct fireline for as many as 10 straight days, with limited food, water to drink and rest. He is a great father, husband and Christian man. You may be right in one point, the part about being a boy. He became somebody he has wanted to be since he was a little boy. I wonder how many of us, including yourself, can say that. It was a boyhood dream.

#422 OLD MAN, If ignorant people are alowwed to continue there warped and heartless opinions to the good God fearing , and caring people of this world and not be challenged, corrected and verbally ass wooped , then they will continue to piss people off and that will only lead to more disruption in our society. You say that you are an old man well Iam not and I refuse to do the rest of my life living with people that are down right IGNORANT AND THEY NEED TO BE CONFRONTED AND CHALLENGED OR THEY WILL JUST CONTINUE TO BERATE OTHERS THAT DONT DESERVE IT. . Old man dont hide from Ignorance confront it and make a differance before you leave GODS Earth.

Where are the super-scoopers???

those photos are mind boggling.. and very well taken. It's a shame that they had to be taken under the circumstances that they were. I am the Captain of a Volunteer brigade in Australia that deals with wildfires......... they say we could be in for those kind of conditions late January and February. Your guys do an excellent job......... spare a thought for those that do it for nothing.

Wee live in in Encinitas of San Diego County I lived near San Fernando Valley
when Oakridges was built , have seen many fires in 46 years in California but never cried the way I did watching these videos ,my heart goes out to all the people that lost their homes .
God Bless all of them ,and all the courageous fire fighters

After reading over 500 entries of this blog, I have come to realize that we are spending far too much time and energy on comments of the entry from Dave B. He truly needs our prayers. I will especially pray that if his home ever suffers a major fire, he knows how to use a hose.

Posted with a heavy heart.

There have been fires in those hills since before there were human beings living there. Periodic fires are part of nature's way of clearing and rejuvenating the land. If people do choose to build in an intensely fire-prone area, the risk should be theirs, not subsidized by the government (which means us).

It is but by the GRACE of GOD that they go out and come back. Even when people don't pay attention to where they build. live or even drink, then drive. We are all still there and always will be. If you want to do this to get rich, stay home, you are of no use to us. We are the brotherhood that will always take of of you. We all have something to be thankful for this year and for me it is that my brothers returned unscathed, so let us be thankful

I give so much credit, respect and THANK YOU to all the firefighters who risk their lives everyday to save other lives. Thank you, FIREFIGHTERS, stay safe!

If you look in the Dictionary for the definition of BRAVERY, you see the handsome face of a firefighter! I love and appreciate them, as they are true HEROS.

God Bless all that involved in these major disasters, from the firefighters to the people it is affecting, my prayers go out to you, may God step in and take control of this, Mya he give you peace, thankfulness, gratitude. You may not see it now, but if you have you lives, and all you lost is material things. Thank God, That you lost may be gone, but you have your life, God will return back to you all that you have lost, have faith in the one who provides our every need.

In reply to those who wish that the college kids who accidently started this fire be prossecuted to the fullest extent of the law: In order for charges to be pressed against them the prossecution must prove three things, that they did it, that they did it intentionally, and they did it malliciouly, to create harm. They were ten kids sitting around a fire having a good time. When it came time to put the fire out, they thought they had done so, unfortunatley later the next day the embers reignited and stared this horrific blaze that is now know as the Tea Fire. In 2006, there was a bad fire known as The Gap fire. They have a 16 year old boy in custody who is going to be prosecuted for starting this fire because they can prove all above that I have just mentioned. All laws vary from sate to state but for the most part the core parts all stay the same. The kids came forward and said that they believed that they believed that they had stared this fire, that that weakens the prosecutions case of intent. I don't know if they will be able to charge them with arson because that is a very violent crime and a felony on top of that. They have come forward and accepted responsibility, that alone is so much more than most kids would do today. I would think maybe criminal negligence or another lesser charge and a fine, but without intent or malice the prosecution has no case. And in when being charged with a felony you have to be indcted by the grand jury. When the prosecution brings a case before the grand jury the three things they look for to indict a person on any charge is commision of the act, intent, and malice. Without those three things chances are that they will not hand down the indictment. There are a lot of issues that the prosecution and district attorney need to take into consideration as they deside wether or not to prosecute. Also, the reputation of the kids will come into play as well, they were in college, if they have prior records, and if there was alcohol or drugs involved that night. There is just so much to take into consideration.

Where to start? I'm in law enforcement, and by virtue of circumstances I have little. I live in a house without real flooring, we live on the subfloors. My kitchen countertops are made of pressboard until I can afford better. Even in my circumstances I cling to the American dream, and understand that those who ridicule the rich only do so of envy and bitterness toward those who have worked harder, been more creative, wisely chosen careers, or in some cases blindly stumbled into wealth for reasons beyond anyone's understanding. For one to be so calloused as to lack compassion for another who has lost everything, every family treasure, every photo, all that once was their life, is beyond comprehension. Where has the American spirit gone, the spirit of compassion for those in need, the spirit of responsibility to our fellow mankind to aid and assist in moments of calamity? How I long for the day that Americans might first know what the golden rule is, and then actually go about living it rather than finding fault in one another. While we are at it, would it be so difficult to just say thank you to those who risk more than a promotion or a sales bonus, even their very lives, to provide the services in society that protect our families and possessions. Wake up and come back to your roots America, this selfish mentality will undermine us to our very core, and we can best start our change by looking inwardly. a

These photos give me a new appreciation for the work these firefighters are doing..... I pray God will protect each one from harm.

The photos also remind me that in the book of Revelation it says God will destroy the world the second time by fire (the first was by flood). How awful it will be for those who are living at the time which may be sooner than we all think

This kind of disaster would never happen if a little common sense were used about where not to build homes. You know that it is going to happen, but the dummies build there anyway. Duh!

They screwed up, let them pay for it. Sorry, nobody ever bailed me out when I made a stupid decision.

All are in my thoughts and prayers. The devastation is heartbreaking.

comment 259, dave, your an idiot. we don't get hurt because we do a jobs safely, albeit sometimes something happens that we don't have control of and it ends up hurting us, that's part of the job. i read your comments and i won't have a knee jerk reaction, but you're still an idiot. the next time your mangled into a car wreck after being hit from a drunk driver, we'll say to ourselves, "hey, this is dave b, maybe we should let him figure out how to get his body out of the twisted metal". if you were out to rile up the firefighters, congratulations, it worked. you sound jealous, you must be a suit and tie guy, sorry, not my lifestyle. from this retired 20 years service air force firefighter.

The only thing that need to be said it 10 words or less is: The three little pigs..
if you build your house out of wood and combustable materials that will eventually burn, then you need to have your head examined.. especially if you build/own a home where wildfires are known to happen all the time..
Moral of this California wildfire tragedy: build homes out of concrete and steel.. Write a bill, pass a law , just do something to mandate the three little pigs theory!!!
MD1 .N.Y.C.

God Bless all the Brave Men and Women who put their live on the line everyday to fight these fires.. And to the Three little pigs from New York, I live in Texas, and we lost a whole town due to a grass fire, this happens every where, so do you think everyone should build their home out of concrete and steel? and is your home made that way, because wildfires happen in every state...... So God Bless all who fight to keep us safe.......

Three Little Pigs would roast good on a bed of concrete or brick. Makes a beautiful oven!

To all those who think that firefighters are overrated or unneeded, please feel free to NOT call when YOUR home is on fire. These guys put their lives on the line for ungrateful people like you every day. That ALONE would make them heros. The fact that it is a calling to protect the lives and property of those they don't even know by putting their own lives at risk makes it all the more heroic.
I salute them! (and thank them for quickly getting the PV fire behind MY home put out)

And

fotos muito boas.... mas revelam uma realidade,... coisas materiais não são confiaveis,são transitórias e irreais...

Espero que se sofoque pronto. Animo desde España.
good luke, from Spain

I wonder if all of those who house did burn down are out there declaring the "firefighter" are heroes - what a bunch of crap - they got paid double time and a half and going to have a wonderful holiday - on top of that they are asking for ANOTHER pay raise while many of us are unemployed or have seen our pay go down as much as 30% - actually it's insulting and as community servants the firemen ought to be ashamed of themselves - how much more will the taxpayers have to carry - if it's such a bad job how come 5000 applicants show up for the five jobs available - what makes them any more of a hero then the ditch digger or the school teacher - we have our priorties screwed up....

To #259 Until you`ve walked a mile in their shoes, you should probably keep you thoughts to your self. I`ve been there, I`ve done that! It`s more that just a job, it`s a dedication.

All I have to say, from a wife of a firefighter whose husband went and fought these fires and risked his own life so save hearts and homes. Why don't the people who don't like firefighters put some turn outs on and protect your own damn house so my housband can come home! Ungrateful SOB!

OK, so I had to go to the other page to read #259 because there were so many comments about that posting. What a jerk. There are those of us who just give more than they take. They risk their lives to do so. Military, firefighters, law enforcement are all in that group. An then there are those like 259, who just don't get it.
My brother-in-law is a fireman. He has NEVER gone to work for a day when he did not risk his life to help others, mostly becuase of their carelessness. He has little time to eat chili and play cards. That's more for idiots like 259 to do.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of fiorefighters myself but I believe its mostly jealousy on my part. You people need to chill with your firefighter bashing. These guys stick their necks out for everyone, 24 hour shifts are hard especailly when your up all night. And a lot of these guys never get that premium pay you think they all get, a lot of them are wildland guys (the real firefighters) who get payed very little and/ or volunteers. Give em a break, they are heroes as much symbolically as they are literally. Thank you CA firefighters, from a dep.

Here is a great example of how the news media has so brainwashed people with their "class envy" and "class warfare" mantras. Any loss of property or life is horrendous no matter how wealthy or poor you are. The wealthy provide goods and services and jobs, one of which my husband has. It grieved me to see the loss of homes. I hope they can all rebuild and regain their sense of normalicy. As to people who rebuild in the same areas, can anyone tell me the "perfectly safe" place to build? It's not only natural disasters that affect us. Home invasions are just as devastating! God Bless our firefighters!!!

May God be with all who protects us be it police firefighters or all the men overseas ,they are here for us so no matter what we all should be here for them . I pray every night for all of them .They are very special people and may God Bless Each One of them . Just a Caring Grandmother

Dear BOB TRAITZ,
Go reread Old Man's first 3 lines again.He has it right: Like it or not there will ALWAYS be people you don't agree with whether it
is their lifestyle, habits, opinions or whatever. In America that's everyone's RIGHT; to have an unpopular opinion
or whatever else is legal to have that just irritates people. Confronting those you disagree with may very well reduce your standing in
the community and certainly at the family reunion... and it would be a full time lifelong endeavor. This reminds me of an old saying

" Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

Want to make a Firefighter's day? Stop at your local Firehouse and just say "Thanks for being here"

Even though material possessions may be lost, I hope and pray that lives are not, and that God will help everyone affected by these devastating fires by giving them renewed hope and the courage for overcome their hardships. God will help you, but you must have faith. After all, it’s the character that’s the strongest that God gives the most challenges to. Take it from someone who knows.

I would also like to send a response to Dave B (#259) who posted a very derogatory post against firefighters: First of all, you ignorant fool, firefighters are one of the most underrated professions in our socienty. If you want to steer your anger to who is grossly overrated, look no further than the stinking celebrities in this country, most of whom ironically, live in California!—some of the very people (and their properties) the firefighters in California are trying to save. Some people look upon them as heroes. Please! Celebrities are a bunch of doped up, pampered, egotistical, condescending, back stabbing, money grabbing me-whores on the planet. They drench themselves in luxury and scream if something is not done to their satisfaction. They should all go out into the real world and see how the rest of us have to live. They wouldn’t last an afternoon in a firefighter’s uniform, and God knows they could never, ever fill their boots! Although I do not wish them or their properties harm, my prayers are mostly for the firefighters battling the blazes and to the poor people who have lost everything and don’t have the means to rebuild or replenish what they lost.

Firefighters, when devastations like this arise, are away from their families days or weeks at a time, with little or no sleep, putting their own lives in danger to save other people, and even family pets. It’s more than a job to them, it’s a commitment that they make to themselves to preserve life, no matter what the cost. For some people, human life is not important, but to a firefighter, human life is to be protected and preserved, at any cost. One doesn’t have to be a firefighter or be married to one to see how dedicated they are to helping people…people they don’t even know. Their emotionally thick armor has helped them through the toughest of tragedies...tragedies we can only image.

Putting out fires is not the only job of a firefighter. Day in and day out, there are other emergencies that firefighters respond to. They are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to treat injuries or perform other vital functions. They wear many hats, but the most important one of all is the firefighter’s helmet. For without firefighters, cities and towns would not survive, and neither would some of the people they've helped along the way. My heart broke in a million pieces on September 11, 2001 when I saw all those firefighters run into the towers while people were running out. The bravery that they exhibited not just on that day, but every day of their lives, deserves the proper respect and admiration that we could give them.

Firefighters do not get the high salaries you think they do. Even if they did, it’s a small price for what they do every day. They are deserving of so much more, but some have to resort to second jobs just to make ends meet because they don’t bring home the fat paycheck you think they do. David B or #259, you are despicable and judging from your post, I’d say not only do you lack good sense and judgment, you also lack education. Go back to school because you still have a lot to learn. Better yet, go out and get a firefighter’s position, if you can—they are very picky about whom they choose for such a dangerous, yet important job. Work that job, if you get it, for even a month and then come back and see if your views are the same. See if you think that firefighting is, as you put it, “FUN”. I’ll bet that you would swallow that false pride of yours and apologize to every single firefighter for your very irrational words.

May God bless all firefighters who risk their own lives every day for the sake of others. Please know that most of the world knows what you do selflessly every day . We send prayers to you on a daily basis that you are able to go home to your loved ones, healthy and unharmed.

I’m including the Firefighter Code of Ethics here for inspiration to all, and to educate Dave B (aka #259), who obviously needs the lesson…

QueenBee

FIREFIGHTER CODE OF ETHICS

"As a firefighter and member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, my fundamental duty is to serve humanity; to safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster; and maintain a proficiency in the art and science of fire engineering.

I will uphold the standards of my profession, continually search for new and improved methods and share my knowledge and skills with my contemporaries and descendants.

I will never allow personal feelings, nor danger to self, deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter.

I will at all times, respect the property and rights of all men and women, the laws of my community and my country, and the chosen way of life of my fellow citizens.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the fire service. I will constantly strive to achieve the objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession--saving of life, fire prevention and fire suppression.

As a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, I accept this self-imposed and self-enforced obligation as my responsibility."

I dont evan know what to say othen than I wish I could help each and every person that was affected by this. i live in yorba linda and it sadens me to drive by and watch as these people have lost every thing...... There will be a light at the end of every ones tunnel..... God Bless your family and u will all be in our prayers !!!

I love my Fireman, he is my Hero and many of the people in his community thank and love HIM too.Aren't we to help our fellow man? Job well done>!! We appreciate your selflessness. God Bless you!!!

It looks like a war and it is a shadow of future disasters that are coming as the country and the people become more and more evil.
Bible’s prophecy says: “They suffered from severe pain and cursed God, but they did not repent”.

There ought to be a law against ,and i mean a stiff law to the person or persons who commit these violent acts. good heavens who do these kids belong to....are they so busy with there own lives not to notice that their kids are asking for attention from them....oh my what is this world comming to... pray with them...not send them away... if all these parents would daily read the bible to them they would have some fear in them not to committ these terrible acts against others....

May GOD bless all the firemans, for their heroic efforts, it is terribly sad to see
all these homes and families being dis-plac-ed, Our prayers are certainly with them.

Awesome photos.

life will get bettr,,,MINTLFE

I cannot believe that more of these home owners didn't have some fire fighting equipment of their own. God knows they could afford it. A 2 or three inch hose with powerfull pump that runs on diesel to slip into your swimming pool and you are all
set. You'd have had to be in that trailer park not to be able to save your home, although some neighborhoods in Yorba Linda might have been unstoppable but from the pics I've seen most of the Montecito and some other homes could have been saved with a serious home owner or two here and there. A 2" or 3" hose long enough to go to the front of the house and a big pump for the always full pool. If you are going to build in these areas then be prepared. I don't understand this? I guess it is the American way to let everyone else do everything for you. And while there were no firemen in the area those homes burned while neighbors didn't. I'd have had half an army of nephews and bbrothers in-law and neighbors helping me save my place, then we'd have had one hella party. But then, I'm not new to California! Earthquakes might be harder to combat but this is just shear stupidity and lack of preparedness for many of these homeowners here. What were they doing while their home burned up touring in europe? I mean comon, a lot of those pictrures a family could have doused. They give the evac and everyone left nobody to fight the fire. So do you think maybe they were so far in debt that they... But hey, get the pump and hoses if you live somewhere like that guys comon!

Carl, Thought you might want to see these pictures. Mark Benton if you remember him sent these to me and he and Jana live in Fla now.
He was the guy who did your brick work in Yorba Linda.
Love Ya, Jeff

can we get these pics in a higher resolution?

It's interesting how many people are thanking God for sparing lives and homes. If you believe in God you must also believe that he allowed the fires to start and to burn many homes and take many lives. You can't have it both ways.

Instead, I would recommend thanking the firefighters, and also those homeowners wise enough to invest in good fire-safe roofs and landscaping so as to keep their homes from burning (and thus keeping their neighbors' homes safer as well).

#541 You express your concern for what seems to you to be a common sense answer to protect these homes. You obviously haven't been in a wild fire. With winds at 70 mph, humidity below 5% and temperatures above 100 degrees, fire comes at you like a burning locomotive. Firemen train for it and even then still get hurt and occasionally killed. You and your army of nephews and brothers-in-law having a "lets show 'em how to protect my house" party wouldn't stand a chance in that hell and would require valuable fire resources to save your asses. The shear stupidity would be yours. Get smart. Get out!

#259... Keep talking... It makes you look stupid.... I am a VOLUNTEER firefighter. I love the look people give me after i help them. Yes, we love what we do, because it HELPS people. I am not a paid firefighter, but even the NY firefighters aren't that well paid. And no.. firefighters don't just "work out" most of the time. They train, to do their job better, and so they don't get hurt or killed. To be a firefighter a person has to have a strict moral code that they live by. Most firefighters have a girlfriends or wifes, but they don't just hit on every girl they see. How often do you see a person wearing a fire department shirt thats actually on a fire department? My uncle is on a fire department as well, but I have never seen him wear a fire department shirt. He actually doest even talk about the fire department unless you ask, because he doesn't need to brag. He doesn't need the glory. And honestly, when you need the fire department, and you probably will someday, I hope you understand what they really do and who they are. Cause remember, they are there to help you.

Thank you for the pictures to show us what is happening. Blessing to all those who are fighting the fires and doing what they can to help. May Kindness be there for those in need.

#259 gave me a good laugh.... obviously he posted that for a reaction and it seems he got it.

On another note... my husband is a firefighter and I must say that every day he wakes up with a benevolent smile... not to mention his angelic personality, his incredible body from working out 12 hours a day, championship poker playing skills, and chili to die for makes him one hell of a ladies man!!!!

On a SERIOUS note... my thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost their homes in the fire. Firefighters ARE our heroes and they do ONE HELL of a job!!!!!!

I'm embarassed for people like #255, #259, and Minime...they are lucky that we live in a country where we are all unconditionally protected 24/7. They are lucky that we have people who will fight for us without prejudice. They are lucky these people fight for our safety even if we are pointing fingers and throwing rocks at them. WE are lucky that we have strong men and women who understand the greater good and save us from ourselves everyday. My heart goes out to all emergency personel and their families for giving up what they do to protect me and my family. I pray that the unthankful never have to use their services...I don't believe that they would appreciate them even then.

Chief, John does have a point though. I heard of a story of just a few cops who, working in unison, were able to save at least one home, with only garden hoses. Sometimes evacuating isn't always the best answer I reckon.

I am very sad to read #259 comments. My dad ro was a firefighter for over 46 years in Watts, CA - LAFD station 64 and saved many lives. He wasa very humble guy and would not look it at that way. Station 64 is one of the busiest firestations and that never sleeps. No joking the station gets calls all night long to protect lives. These firefighters go into danger didn't you see the pictures #259? What is wrong with you?? Also I recommend to #259 that you next year go to the Fallen Fire Fire Memorial Wall in Colorad Springs, CO which their name is on the wall because these firefighters have died in the line of duy while trying to save others. It is truly amazing!! Look at the website http://www.iaff.org/hs/ffm/about/index.aspx My dad worked both riots in the 60's and the Rodney King Riot. Firefighters wil not care if your rich or poor but what matters to them is saving lives!

I lost my dad last year he had cancer which was worked related. What #259 does not understand is truly they are finding out that a lot of firefighters are getting cancer due the the chemicals they are breathing in when they go fight the fires. I pray #259 that you look at these firefighters different now. When I saw all the fires I said a prayer to keep all the firefighters safe and protected. Firefighters thank you for all your hard work you are a truly special breed!!!

I live in New-Calédonia, South Pacific.

My heart goes to all the firefighters who risk their lives to save other lives.
They are real heros,may God bless them all and keep them safe.
I lost my house in a fire, but I have never seen such devistation.

I went to the University of Washington to study Forest Fire Science. I thought I could make a living doing controlled burns in California around L.A. Controlled burns are the only way to keep the fuel level of the forest down so that when a fire does break out it is manageable.

I learned that my job would be fighting the government instead, jumping through this hoop then another then another......The government does not want controlled burns. So this is the result.

I

All I can say is our heart goes out to all the Fire-Fighters, Fire-Victims, & familes of all that have been affected in anyway by these tragedies. Last year we were threatened by the fires here in Foothill Ranch. I cant even tell you how scared we were. We were lucky thanks to the heroic efforts of all the firefighters! Was everyone as lucky as us...no. Bless you all.
I am currently in the works of putting together a donation drive for the Yorba Linda victims. If anyone knows where I can drop these items off...please let me know. Thanks

to #259. Sounds like you should grow a pair!!! A Little jealous that people show their gratitude to our hard working firefighters who put their lives on the line to "get a pay check". Whether they are here in California fighting 20 foot brush fires or trapped in a 100 story high rise in NYC they ARE heros as is our military fighting for this country. How many of us go to work each day may not go home to our families? NOT too many!!!

My husband & I lost our home of 22 years in the 1991 Berkely/Oakland Fire. We escaped with what we wore + our 2 cats and 1 dog. We lost 5 dear friends in that horrendous disaster and we were the only ones of our immediate neighbors to get our dear pets. I will not read #259 as that comment does not deserve it. We lost all baby pictures, precious family heirlooms and part of ourselves. We never see a new fire break out that our hearts do not stop in a moment of prayer for the heroes and the victims.

I am a Firefighter with 23+ years of service. God willing, I'll add 7 years to that total before I'm done. It warms my heart to read so many positive comments regarding my brother and sister Firefighters. In all my years, I've never considered myself a hero and I bet any Firefighter you talk to would say the same. Hero - no, Lucky -yes, very. We love our jobs and are willing to risk anything (even our lives) to do it right. As for the "haters" out there. Even after reading how you feel - Yes, we'de even risk our lives for you! Bet you couldn't say the same. And I can live with that. If it's heros you want, start here - 1434 - The number of on duty Firefighter fatalities from '98-'07.

I hope and pray for the families of this most recent fire. I am originally from Calif. and remember all the terrible fires in Riverside, San Diego, Orange County, and L.A. counties. Every year Calif. is hit terribly. Good Luck and God Bless .

I am not a fire fighter but my brother was one once and I was always proud of what he did at any fires whether the home could be saved or not was in God's hands and the severity of the blaze. I think they all deserve a BIG thank you for all they do. I remember a few years back when firemen and women were flown from our area to help out there with some of the wild fires and they came back with more knowledge and respect for others who do their jobs as well as they do. My prayers go out to those people who have lost their homes and God Bless them and the fire fighters.. Sickness,plague,or any thing else doesn't know if you are rich or poor it strikes any one at any time and we should always remeber where we came from.

To all of you who bless us with your praise; thank you. May God provide to you all of what you have prayed for for us. Always remember that the strongest among us may never wear crowns, and we can not do our job if it wasn't for the support and affection constantly bestowed upon us from you. May God Bless all you and I wish you a wondeful Thanksgiving

I'm praying for all the victims of this fire in California, especially the people in Sylmar--a lot of them are not well-off at all and won't be able to rebuild their house. It would be hard for them to start all over again. But I always believe that in every sacrifice & suffering that we experience, something good will happen at the end.
And for #259--GO TO HELL STUPID IDIOT!!!!

In 1971 I was on a large fire just east of the Monticito burn. We lost three firemen on that fire. The Los Padres Forest Supervisor immediately changed the entire forest focus from fire fighting to fuels management. He worked with every method he knew to involve the Santa Barbara area communities to support fuel reduction activities in their back yard. The communities would not support these efforts. Some 20-odd years later, after multiple warnings from Forest Service and fire ecologists, Santa Barbara lost hundres of homes from a wildfire just west of the current Montecito burn. Evidently the communities, including Montecito, will still not support fuels management in their back yard. So Robert (#553) I truly hope
that it was not Forest Service foot dragging that causes your frustration. I also
hope that you stick with your endeavor. The ghost of that long ago Forest Supervisor and I will much appreciate it.

A lot of this could have been prevented. Go to www.diamondhlandinnovations.com this company reduces the fire load and forest fuels for wildland interface situations.

And still the USA stalls on reducing GHG emissions. If this were contained to the USA, I wouldn't complain, but the nation with the biggest emissions per capita is taking us all on the road to hell

Great Spirit, For those that have lost their loved ones, homes and so much more - surround them with the Grace of Your Healing Light and protect them as they move forward.
For the Bravest of the Brave. For the Warriors that put their lives on the line everytime they step onto the field of a firey inferno - surround them with the protection of your heavenly Angels and send Archangel Michael and his Sword of Protection to guide them and lead the way for them and all they protect to safety.
Migwetch

Great pictures, depressing comments.

Why do I get the idea that the vast majority of people here are simply repeating the same sentimental, chest-beating jingosism that they learned after 9/11? The whole thing reads like some weird pseudo-religious "militaristic-christianity" love-fest. Check out #445... wtf?

I mean seriously religious nuts, isn't God kindof responsible for this fire in the first place?

Great photos though.

MY HEART AND PRAYERS, GO OUT TO ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS, THE ONES WHO LOST THEIR HOMES. I HAVE 2 GRANDSON WHO IS A FIREFIGHTER, I PRAY FOR THEM AND ALL OTHERS IN ANY KIND OF SERVICE. THANK GOD WE LIVE IN AMERICA,ANYONE WHO DOESNT LIKE THEY CAN MOVE OUT! I ALSO PRAY FOR THE ONES WHO LOST THEIR HOMES. GOD BLESS AND HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING. KEEP SMILING!

I Wish I could heelp those people.I feel aBig hurt in my heart for them, Becase it could be me without a Home,Clothing, Car, and all the picture of there Family Members gone, People Keep the Faith GOd Will See you All Through it All. I will Be Praying for all of you, God Speed.

My heart goes out to all the people who losr their homes. We have all worked hard for what we have. An expensive home or an inexpensive home is all the same to the owners We love our possions our pictures and our memories.I know some people weather rich or modest income will have a hard time rebuilding some bacause of their age and some because no insurance. My heart and prayers goes out to each and every one of you. We have the best fire fighters here in California Weather it be day to day small problems or major fires. You all put your lives on the line for us may the Lord bless each one of you and your families.

I spent 25 years as a Firefighter in SO.Calif.Spent many hours and days fighting fires. In the citys and in the mountains. Yes in our spare time we got to watch T.V. cook chili and enjoy our selves. But no one notices the hours we spent on training, Or the days stuck in some canyon in the mountains trynig to save homes and property. How many of you complainers have a bad back - bad lungs and bad hearing, job related, Now living on a small disability pension $2100. per month. I wouldnt have traded my Fire Dept. time for any other job. So you complainers get a life and dont KNOCK our firefighters.

I was a sector boss on the 1971 fire that comment #562 refers to - the Romero Fire. Four years later, I was a District Ranger on the same forest, the Los Padres National Forest. His comments are accurate, in the context that fuel reduction is the most practical method to reduce these fires. But the political and financial reality is that fuel reduction is difficult to implement, as the general public does not want vegetation manipulation close to their homes. The forest tried numerous methods, including: grazing by goats, prescribed burning, machine clearing and hand clearing. - and herbicide treatments are not accepted.

All I can say after reading the comments and seeing the pictures Is God bless the fire fighters and families in this time of troubles and may we pray for those that judge others. Only God will in the end judge each and everyone of us. Trust in him and pray and believe that he will carry you through

How much of these constant wild fires is due the fact that Bill Clinton at the behest of the nature Nazi's, or other tree hugging freaks, would not allow back burning, undergrowth clearing, and clear cutting areas to make fire breaks to avoid such catastrophes? Even the North American Indians understood hundreds-even thousands of years ago, that the fires would come yearly, and they would be wiped out by them if they did not manage there living area properly.

this is for # 259..you are the most gutless person on this earth..maybe you could'nt make the firefighters course..and MAD..well maybe you will be standing there watching your home or family..go up in flames..and just maybe they will ignore the alarm because they are working out..U R SICK.

#259- You were problably one that could not pass the physical agility test and are still hurt. Maybe it was the psychological test you could not pass. Either way don't hate those that do what you can't.

It saddens me that people like #259 are out there. Regardless of the reasons for becoming a firefighter those that go out there and fight the fires DO put their lives on the line. And YOU and YOUR family may need them some time....Your ignorance shines brighter than So Cal flames.....Grow up...

All the gov was trying to do is get rid of that massive pot farm.OOPPPPs Same thing happened in Berkeley and Santa Cruz I sure wish they were more acurate with the pre-spray,

I think #259 should go work with the "boys" for a month or so. He has no idea what's really involved in being a firefighter. To begin with, anytime a fire occurs there are risks (if not from the blaze itself from other circumstances surrounding it). He's also not taking into account the car wrecks that firefighters have to go to even if all they can do is pull a dead body, perhaps that of an innocent child, out of the wreck. They also have the "joy" of risking their lives to save idiots who ignore water barricades during flooding. The job is so far from what he talks about that it makes me wonder if he really wanted to be a fireman and couldn't pass the test!!!!!

I'm so tired of the self-righteous blaming the environmentalists, or President Bush, or anyone else for what happened here. I live in Yorba Linda. I was evacuated. The fires came withing blocks of my house. My family was very fortunate to have a home to come back to. I drove through the streets in my city, and saw first-hand the devestation this blaze caused. Anyone who is busy placing blame where it doesn't belong wasn't here. You didn't see the fire sweep through these hills, and claim these homes. I did. It wasn't a matter of various departments being ill-prepared. That fire swept through here so quickly, there was little that anyone could do. By the time I voluntarily evacuated (the mandatory orders came later), it looked like Armaggedon. To correct the self-righteous, Yorba Linda hasn't had a fire come through here in over thirty years. We have a very diverse community - yes, we've got multi-million dollar homes, but you've also got families like mine, who are struggling to make ends meet. It's still someone's home that has been destroyed. Have you no empathy for those who have been hit by a natural disaster? Are all the citizens of this community to blame for an arsonist's idea of a good time? Are we to blame for the Santa Ana's that blow through Southern California? This country suffers from tornado's, hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes... News flash - these are called natural disasters for a reason.

My husband has been trying to get in the fire service for six years. We've got several friends who are firefighters. Yes, they're little boys who love to play with fire. They're also the ones who voluntarily risk their lives constantly to run into a burning building, while everyone else is running out. You folks who are so incredibly condemning and judgemental obviously have never had a fire effect your life. You obviously have never walked down to a fire station during a disaster situation to give them food and bottled water. If you had, you would have seen the gratitude on their faces. They work for DAYS on end, with no rest, in heavy, hot gear, protecting YOUR homes, frequently in extreme heat. Our friend was one of the firefighters injured during this blaze. She didn't deserve to be injured, it was the most terrifying moment in her life, and she'd gladly do it again to save some stranger's home. So while you sit there, thinking that all they do is lounge around all day and play with fire, you remember that. THAT's their job. Get off your high horses, and have some appreciation, and some sympathy for the people who's homes were destroyed in this tragedy, to no fault of their own. So while you sit there at your computer, in your warm little home, remember that they now have NOTHING. Are we such a sad society, that we actually feel that justice has been served because someone with a pool in their backyard has had their home burned to nothing but ashes?!

Thank god it is finally over and pray that the people whos houses burned live on.

Dave B. (comment #259), you sir, are a total ignoramous who knows nothing about what it's like to be a firefighter. I have been a volunteer firefighter for several years in the small communities I've lived in here in Kansas and while it's not exactly the same as a full time firefighter, we all do it for the same reason...to help people in their time of need. I don't know how many times I was woke up in the middle of the night to jump up and go try to help save someone's house or to fight a pasture fire that some idiot started by throwing his cigarette out the car window instead of using the ashtray like they should have. This was also after I had worked my regular job all day and knowing that I had to be back there that morning, but still getting up anyways. I didn't do it for the glory and I damn sure never got any girls either, but I DID get a good feeling of satisfaction from helping out my fellow man. All I can say is Thank God for the people who do these kinds of jobs, from the firefighters to the EMT's and police, to all branches of the military, who put their lives on the line for our society's protection and well-being. And Dave, I hope you never have to experience the heartbreak of losing everything you own in a fire, but rest assured that firefighters will show up to help you in your time of need, regardless of your personal disdain for them.

Sincerely,
Scott Kraus

windowi

In response to 259...I wish you had been a Bret Tarver's(Phoenix FD) funeral. He died when the roof of a burning building collapsed. Watching his widow was enough to chill you to the bone, especially when "time to say goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brigtman was played. Bret wasn't playing cards or making chili, he was out trying to protect the property of the taxpayers who pay his salary...Get a life.....or better yet....become a firefighter if you have the b*lls.

I think the firemen did a fantastic job against the strong winds, etc. Fire is so deadly and such a live living thing. We are blessed to have great firemen in California as well in all the other states , I feel thankful this Thanksgiving to have my home in tact and pray that the people that have lost their homes get the financial help they need to rebuild.

I can't describe my feelings for those poor people. I hope they get some shelter and food somewhere and I really hope that they have insuranc those poor poor poor people

I will say this in regards to #259's comments, first I am a firefighter for over 18 years. I work in a large city in Florida. The definition of a hero is "one of ordinary status that does extraordinary things" I do not necessarily buy into the mindset that firefighters are heros, they do what they do because they love it. We enjoy helping others and like the action. We, unfortunately do not "get all the women" nor do we get "paid extremely well". Would you if offered the opportunity, go into harms way for 50K? knowing you may not come out alive.
Firefighters would not be arsonists, they do not workout everyday, they do not eat chile. They do however spend a great deal of time training perfecting their skills, they do have some of the best equipment at taxpayer expense, but then again I am sure you would not want us to use substandard equipment if you were in danger. At budget tiem, the fire department is the first one to take a decrease in funds.
So 259, one must look at the whole picture, and as for the fact that not many get hurt...I have 343 friends that would disagree with you in New York.

Thanks heaven I don't know where this country is!!!

Can never give enough thanks to all the Firemen and all the people who help.
I thank GOD everyday for the people so willing to help.

THANK YOU FIREMEN AND ALL OUR EMERGENCY PERSONAL...WE COULD NOT BE HERE WITHOUT YOU....

Wildfire burning dozens or hundreds of homes in Montecito is nothing new to Californians, but the real tragedy is that most of them could have been easily saved if only the owners had been informed how. Note in the video that houses are burning but not vegetation. Experts have long known that most houses catch fire through flaming embers blown into the attic vents, and simply putting fine screening material over the vents to keep the sparks out will prevent the loss of two thirds or more. The reason for this problem is twofold; CA building codes have long required screening to be 1/4 inch or larger, which will not stop embers adequately, and our politicians and even media have steadfastly refused to acknowledge the problem. See www.youtube.com/gusjoyce for full explanation.

I have tried for months to warn as many people as I can, but I'm only one guy. Our city council members and county supervisors have refused to discuss it and media folks are defensive about it for some reason. Somebody has to inform the public of the situation.

My heart and prayers go out to the thousands that lost their homes and land during these fires. As far as the firefighters go, you are the best and the bravest of all my heros. My hat is off to all you do. Thank you, thank you thank you. needlepoint goddess Windsor

Thank You to All Firemen. #259 dave-you don't deserve a capitolized name- youmust be one of those people who has no skills at anything except to complain and live for yourself. You will find that your life is completely hollow unless you help others. Get a skill, go to school and learn something usefull to our country, or leave. Also, lots of thanks to the California government, builders and contractors, and homeowners who have done nothing to stop the fire dangers created by unrestricted building and endangered all homeowners and people and firefighters. You are responsible for this conflagration and should pay for it. Due to your negligence, hundreds of people are homless and millions lost. I am praying for everyone. God bless.

This comment is to #259 (dave)

I don't know where you get your information from. "hardly any of them die or get hurt" You have GOT to be kidding me. In the last 10 yrs, there is been 372,035 + injuries and 1087+ deaths - and that is just in the USA!!. If you call that HARDLY, you need to give your head a shake. How many people out there that are not firefighters would risk their lives to enter a burning building to save someone? There are some, but not too many. Yes, they love what they do but its not "playing with fire" that they love. They also have extensive training and learning exercises. You definitly do not know what is entailed to be a firefighter. You should be only too happy to pay for the "toys" that they use to protect your home and property. One day, it will be YOUR life that is in jeopardy and will be begging them to help save you or a loved one. It is a JOB to them - but not just any JOB - a job that saves people. Gee what kind of job do you have that saves people? I do believe you are more envious of what they do because perhaps YOU don't have what it takes to be a firefighter. I would love to go on more but you are not worth it!!!!!!! You are a poor excuse for one of the citizens that these people try to protect.

THANK YOU TO ALL YOU FIREFIGHTERS THAT TAKE THE TIME TO SAVE AND PROTECT US AND OUR LOVED ONES WHEN HELP IS NEEDED WHETHER YOU ARE ON DUTY, OFF DUTY OR VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME. THERE ARE ALOT OF US GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND THE TIME YOU TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILIES TO HELP STRANGERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

From A VERY Proud Firefighter's Wife (who worries everytime her husband is out fighting fire)

1as we near thanksgiving lets not forget all the people who lost everything and send our prayers and hope that god will look out for all in needs. and hope the goverment will help also. most of us do not know how bad it really was.

I think the firefighters and their family deserve a lot of thanks....not only do the risk their lives but the family takes a risk each time these men and women go to work not knowing if it will be there last day. Just to let you know some of the Los Angeles Fire Station are very busy they have call after call and do not have time to sit around like some of those suggest. They also have to keep in shape as part of their job can you image working in 90 degree weather and wearing all that extra grea the turnouts are very heavy. The firefighters also are greater risk of cancer because of all the chemicals they are exposed to but most people do not think of that only when a major fire happens, they are also there for the kids, medical rescues. Yes, there are some stations that are no busy but these Los Angeles firemen are and do deserve the thanks they are heros in my book for those of who think they are no you try to work in one of the busiest staions in Los Angeles and get only 2 or 3 hours of sleep when you are on duty and you wll think twice about your comments

Our family is from Yorba Linda. It was such a relaxed and beautiful place. Our home in Tennessee burned shortly after we moved to Tennessee. It is one of the worst things we ever experienced. It is so sad to see homes of friends, my dad and brother, Parks where we took our children to play, the canyons we used to hike when I was a child. Our grocery stores, my childhood neighborhood...It is unbelievable. The people there are self-made and hard working. An event like that is like a death. Residents may never get over it - a part of them will always be gone. All of the people in Northern and Southern California need our prayers and any tangible help we can give.

I was shocked at the comments of 259. Is this person for real? I would like to know what he does for a living. Sure firemen get paid to protect us and our belongings but what about the spouses and the kids of these firefighters?
You need to take a hard look at your comment! By the way the military gets paid also, do you have anything to say about them?

Le tus this Thanksgiving and every day hold in our prayers the people who lost everything, thank God for the firefighters and all those who are there to help.

WOW!!!!!!!!! the 4th picture looks like something out of a vidogame kinda like call of duty

Drew Mustari

Omg...i hope not too many people got hurt... thank-you to all you brave fireman!!! you really did a great job...thanx for doing your best!

It's amazing that today's firemen have such fine gear to fight the heat monsters with. It takes a lot of pure iron will to even want to get close to that conflagration, I've had that experience many, many times, and worked with a lot of very brave men in the process. The volunteers are exceptional, putting everything on the line for strangers, and they just keep on taking the heat and smoke! To the strange "259", all I have to say is that you need to get a life, go volunteer at a Fire Dept. that will put up with you, "do the duty", try out for EMT and Paramedic. After that, you might just qualify to talk to some of us old timers! Meantime, don't embarrass yourself any farther!

Gods and watch over the brave firemen invloved in this disaster.

I am interested in the sentiments of #589. Have anopther look at photos #2 and #17 closely? Some common elements - one house burning, another not. Unburnt fuel around, infering ingnition by embers/firebrands rather than direct flame.

More telling: swimming pools. A great source of water. But the pictures do not show portable pumps with hoses, and capable residents staying with their property to defend it? Even being able to go next door where a house was intact in it became more dangerous.

Or, to come back soon after the fire impact to put out any spot fires?

Without knowing all the circumstances - did mandatory evacuations apply in these particular locations? Would staying in place have made a difference?

Super Scoopers are twin engine sea planes which are in use in San Diego and Los Angeles this fire season. The planes are leased from Canada. The planes can be refilled with water on land, or while landing on water for about 15 seconds. During the 15 seconds, about 1600 gallons of water can be picked and flown to the fire area to be dropped. Super Scoopers work in pairs with a third, spotter aircraft coordinating the drops of the Super Scoopers.

603 To you #259 I am a 40 year retired Fireman. You are right, we do enjoy our jobs but not for the reason you stated. You obviously have no real concept of what we really do. Has it ever been your responsibility to pick up body parts from 144 dismembered victims of a airliner crash? Has it ever been your responsibility to give mouth to mouth to a SIDS baby, or face a fire coming straight at you that is the same as being shot out of a flame thrower? Yes this can be an adrenalin rush, but more importantly we are helping people we have never met and most likly will never see again,, and to not wait for or expect to be thanked.
we

Just so that you know, "NO FIRE FIGHTER" ask to be a hero, that title is given by those who were victims. As for a pay raise, why shouldn't they get one. They do a darn good job and wait many years before they are truly given a pay raise. Guess that many of you are not aware that they not only fight fires, they also respond to vehicle accidents, medical aide, earthquakes, mudslides, etc. Teachers get more pay raises than our men and women in Fire Uniform. I know for I am a wife of a Fire Fighter, who chose this career to protect others and over the 35 years on the job he has had 4 pay raises. Get your facts straight before you criticize our men and woman who protect your home. You may need them one day.
Proud to be a Firefighters wife.

I can't beileve those fire fighters, watchin them on t.v. standing in front of a flames 3 times taller then them, and watchin them fighting those flames . It was amazing. I still can't get over those fire fighters. Thank you sooo much again. My neighbor lost her mobil home, after living there for 23 years in Brea. She was 93 years old.

Hey most of you forget that one important thing.... THAT is we are all family looking out for each other and if not we are nothing. We are built on tradition as a country, if you don't like it leave go someplace else where you think it is better and see how bad it is there!!! You will be back and be humbled to be back home in the great USA. We are very fortunate to be living the lives that we have and to have the things we do whether we live in california, new york, or iowa it dosen't make any difference. We are a nation of ONE people, Americans and we all need to support on another in all phases of life and or jobs. If we don't than we are nothing!!!! Get with the program it is a tragic lose to all the peolpe that lost their homes and all their belongings. How would you feel if someone came and emptyed your home aall your possesions that you valued dearly???? Would you just blow it off??? I doubt it. So give it some serious thought. the fireman that work to save "our" possesions in a time of need are truley appreciated and certainatley not given enuf credit for what they do! Remeber 9/11 think about it!!!! Thank god and the fireman for being there to save us all!

wtf?! i gave many-many hard hours to save ungreatful losers a life!! i worked in hospitals busting my ass giving them my best of me & never heard a small thanks for my efforts! i was'nt paid well neither but thought i was " helping man" ! i sure never got my pic in a paper & would'nt have expected it! so where are the big$$$ for me & the "babes" i hear of!!?? i was a resp. thpst. & damn proud of it! i've even slept in a hosp. room to baby-sit & coddle these bums! just thought you'd like to see another HERO!!

dang! that is wicked!

My heart goes out to the families affected by this natural tragedy. I am thankful for the lives spared. I pray that those who lost all are able to gain once again. I also want to say a special thanks to the firefighters that risk their lives on a daily basis. Also, it is not just the brave men and women of California out there. Men and women from search and rescue squads and fire stations all over the nation are out in Cali right now. Some are even there with their faithful search and rescue dogs. The job you all do is too amazing for words. God bless you all and you are one of the reasons many people will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Much love to all. Mike and Cooper, come home safely!

It's really sad to watch anyone's home burn. My heart goes out to all the people who lost their home. GOD BLESS FIREFIGHTERS!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING. ALL OF YOU ARE HEROS!!!

What is wrong with you people???? I live in Yorba Linda, and NOT in a multi million dollar home, and FIVE of my immediate neighbors homes were destroyed. How easy for you to throw stones until you experience first hand the devastation Mother Nature can inflict!! The winds picked embers from the hillsides and RAVAGED at random. Thank you God for the brave firefighters, police officers and random strangers who pulled together to ensure the safety of everyone in the area!! Shame on those of you passing judgement and sneering at those who have lost everything. May you NEVER have to endure a natural disaster!

Thank God for socialized fire fighting!

Comment number 259, Dave B. You are obviously an overweight idiot that probably couldn't get into the fire service so you know spend your time slagging them off. It may well be a job to firefighters, after all it is in the title. Also, you write, they spend almost all their time working out, playing cards, and cooking chili? So what would YOU want them to be doing in the time between call outs? God forbid they should keep fit in their spare time. You also say they play with the toys you tax payers pay for? By 'toys' do you mean life saving equipment? Sorry if we have to use this every now and then my friend. We also pay tax you know?
You sound like a very sad, jealous little man to me. I notice you never mention what you do for a living, is this because you are ashamed? How many people die in the line of service in your job?

"Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." Just like in Florida, when they almost got thrown out of the state and banned from selling Insurance for unethical practices.

they are real firemen. real HEROS.

I am a 76 year old native Californian. I lived in Southern California most of my life.
Every year we see the burning of the hills and canyons of the brush, homes, commercial properties, wildlife, people and dreams. Why do they still allow hills and canyons to be built on. It makes No sense. If you build there then you will be, sooner or later be burnt out by wind and fire.
I really can feel sorry for these people that have lost everything, but I blame the land developers, the building code and those who allow them to build in those areas that know they will be burnt out. The hills of Southern California WILL BURN! NO DOUGHT ABOUT IT.

We just moved a couple of months ago back to Ohio from Lake Forest, Ca. and we remember all to well the devastating fires of Oct. 2007. I feel very sad and bad for all of the people affected by these fires. I just want tol wish everyone a very special Happy Thanksgiving.

Que Dios bendiga a mis hermanos de CA. reso por ellos y por todas las personas que han perdido sus hogares.
God bless my brothers I pray for them and for the people who have lost their homes.

You would think after all the times fire has swept California that more people would build underground... ecologically sound, heating cost is low or non-existent, and it's quiet, and I'd bet the fire insurance is a fraction of being above ground. Still gets a view for those on hillsides too. Unfortunately this disaster will be met with another one starting in about 4 years and lasting 8 or more years... while the whole west coast sinks into the ocean, to 1200' initially and then another 200' somewhat later. (This will all be previewed in a new radio program due in early 2009 called Hope'n'Harmony on a new Canadian campus radio station.)

To #259, Dave B: You are an idiot! You also sound jealous - eating chili, playing cards and (most revealing) getting the girls! That is laughable! The firefighters I've known all bust their butts doing a job that most people simply don't have the huevos for! And regarding your comment, "Hardly any of them die or get hurt." So unbelievably callous and dumb!
Next time there's a fire, I dare you to run INTO it, you stinking coward!

First; gotta get # 259 out of the way. If he only knew how many times over a 44 yr span of FireFighting and Community service that comments like that will boil the blood and then shake my head in disbelief, that after the Calif FIres And 9-11 there are still half wits like him passing judgement of Firefighters and EMS>, Police and soldiers. I still get a bit angry but Ive mellowed over the years, knowing he is worthless. To his family, community and probably his God.
I joinded a Jr Volun Fire Dept at 15, along with my dad who joind the 'Seniors'. 12 yrs later he died on the scene of a fire, his heart pounding as he searched for a missing little girl.. 13 yrs after that, I had lung cancer surgery and a bad back. I

then had to settle back with doing administrative responsibilities. Exactly 20 more
yrs I again had Lung Surgery and two back surgeries. I tell you this in total response to # 259 and a few others who dare question my forms of entertainment and stress relief, IE; Company meeting night card games, family cookouts with one or more of the 300 person membership, or to exercise fighting off all of the Women who just cant wait to get me in their grips. And who can really forget the constant training on or off duty.. And to all of the youngsters who know at 15 what their lifes calling is,,,GOD BLESS YOU and to those who arrrive a little later in life to this very close Faternity and Sorority, I wish you all of the best in life..

to this

constant training

yrs i agin had lung cancer surgery and 2 back surgies. At this point, I have to just enjoy all the friendships I had made in the Fire Service.

# 259

You are by far the most ignorant human being on this post and you are truly pathetic. I feel sorry for you and hope you can get your self some help.

David Bierly 525....Your ignorance is astonishing, I have been a Fireman for 10 years and let me assure you I have never made double time and a half nor has any other Fire Dept.. Generally we work 3 day shifts 72hrs, then go on overtime at time and a half which after 10 years for me is $22 an hour. For those who's houses did burn down we are all regretful as we take a great deal of pride in our job. The truth is during catastrophic events there just is not enough equipment or Fireman to save every house. I guess its easy to be self righteous from the safety of your home

I appreciate the work that fire fighters, policemen, teachers, mailmen, carpenters, the military and many other professions do. However, all professions are voluntary, i.e. one does a profession by choice, and one is paid for the work one does. Going to work every day doing the job one has volunteered to do and is paid to do does not make one a hero. A hero is someone who does some extraordinary act far beyond the call of duty at great personal risk - that is what makes one a hero. The label "hero" is tossed around much to freely today to the point is has almost lost its meaning. I admire those who do risky work, but they do that work by choice and for a variety of reasons including feeding on the admiration of others.

Unbelieveable that someone can even say that about firemen #259. My fiance is a fireman and I must say that he does the job because he loves it, not for the money. There are 24 and 48 hour shifts that he does not sleep because he is running to every beck and call of the city ,hoping to make somebody's day a little bit better or even better yet, to save a life. Maybe you're thoughts will change some day when you have to look to a fireman to save your house or your life, though I hope that is never the case. My prayers go out to you and your ignorant way of thinking because all firemen are heros.

It breaks my heart to see what people think about fireman. We do a job thats is open to anybody to come and try. I just hope that the young people today educate themselfs before making uneducated comments like were made here. Try and not judge what you don't understand. I will continue my 24hr. shift here at the fire department and hope I make it home to my family, and comment that were made here will never chage the way I feel about my job. Please pray for all of those in CA. Thanks Lt. K

David "B" aka 259
Do you have any concept of what we do as a firefighter, the equipment, engines and trucks are not replaced according to standards. Might you be the first to go to your boss and request equipment replacement!!!!!!!!!!!!. One small point, we just don't fight fires, a lot of times we are the first on the scene for a shooting.
I will post my name:::: Henry Jebe
Retired Capt.
Engine 43 San Francisco FD

YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GO TO CALIFORNIA "NEXT"

I can't belive that. I feel so bad for all the people that lost their homes. Just think if you lost your home. Where would you live

Omg!! that is a horribly terrible thing to see, the statue of the man almost looks real!! ( well the arm acctually does). !!HOLY CRAP!!
I wouldnt let people just stand there and watch that close i would probably tel them go FAR FAR AWAY becuas i know thats what i would do!

May God bless and keep all of you involved in this tragedy safe during this time of sorrow. I'm so very sorry for the loss of homes & possessions that each of you have suffered, but at the same time sincerely thankful that there was no loss of human life. My prayers will be with each of you.
My prayers also go to the ignorant comments made by some. You need prayers as well, rapture is coming soon. As we grow up, we find out which fields we want to work in. Some are professional, requiring a college degree, others are service positions that take years to perfect. I would never bash one occupation over another. My 22 yr old son is an engineer, graduated from UC Davis, and my 17 yr old daughter, currently a senior in high school as well as a lifeguard, will be headed to boot camp in August to become a munitions specialist aka (sharpshooter) enrout to an FBI position, While their single mom (me) sits behind her desk all day doing Human Resource work.
The positions held by firefighters, policemen, EMS, Doctors, Nurses & coroners are those that I hold in the highest esteem, for I myself don’t have the “guts” for their positions.

Thank You, to the firefighter, sheriff, police & volunteers that kept the living still living.

To Dave B-
Where did you get that impression of firefighters? I am a GIRL who is both a seasonal and a volunteer firefighter. I teach EMT and lifesaving classes and I am an ER/Trauma nurse. I am not even close to being overpaid, can't play cards or make chili. I do love my "toys" because they allow me to help people safely and efficiently. I ever pull your dumb ass out of a burning structure, out of an accident or you end up in my ED, I suggest you keep your mouth shut because I will find the biggest IV just for you and I will probably miss the first time or two....

May God Bless all of the victims and the rescue teams. I will be praying for relief to come.

The fireman have done a marvous job. I don't live in Santa Barbara anymore.. but thanks for everything you have done. you guys work so hard. Barbara Hook

We don't live in Santa Barbara anymore but we did live there for over 40 years , these pictureres bring back memories. The one thing the pictures don't tell is the noise connected with a big fire, it is terrifying.

To John E... where the hell is your compassion? Blame the victim! Yeah... I hope you're never the victim of a violent crime or a natual disaster and have some bone-head suggest afterwards that it was your fault, and that by receiving aid you just expect everyone else to pick up the pieces!

I'm waiting for the prize patrol to come to 424 Kilkenny Ct Saint Cloud Mn 56301Mn

God save and help all the poeple they are victims of the wildfire. Jesus protect all the firemans they fight agains't, fire, fear. God bless you.

Dominique- Belgium.

I think it is so funny that so many of you post your comments. So few people, I mean so FEW read them, yet, you post your comments like people are going to actually read them. Why don't you go write a song, or donate your time, or say something nice to a loved one. You guys actually act like any cares what you think. Like your comments are "published". They aren't. And by the way, for the 9 people that actually read THIS, I will never be visiting this site again, and have no desire or care to see what you 9 people write about this comment. I am out making money, living life. Bye bye.

It sucks to think that all those people lost thier homes. I would hate losing my home. All those people have to pay money to get thier homes back. For all those people i want you to know that we will be here for you. God we beg you to be there for all the people who lost friends and family in the wild fires. I know that most of the people hope that you can be safe. Jesus help the fireman be safe. May god bless you all.
Taya Freeman from Tonganoxie

DAWN I'm sure you don't REALLY mean to be a "downer." Do you?

The question that has to be asked is---- why would anyone build (or buy ) a timber house in a fire-risk zone? Ex student / friend of mine, who now lives in OZ , a
country also known for devastating fires, is worth checking out.
See " The Bushfire Architect "

# 259 You are such a heartless no good SOB. Firefighters do their job right. And yes their are alot of them who volenteer their services to keep your house from burning to the ground. Look at all the ones who lost their lifes 9-11 or do you care. You seem like a person who is a very true low life. But GOD BLESS you anyway. Me I am proud to have a fireman in my life and town.

I can only say "THANK GOD" for the fire fighters, pilots and police that put thier life on the line when they get up in the morning. I have dear friends that work for CDF, CAl Fire and I have ween him go thru rehab after his D88 Cat rolled on him whil cutting a fire break to save a housing tract. We sweat bulolits watching the news because out family is in aYorba Linda. I have been a resurve Deputy Sheriff for 30 years on the Marine Patrol in Northern calif and have worked with fire and rescue personel for all of those years and can only say all of us would be in deep do-do without them.

THIS POST IS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE REALLY LOST THEIR SENSE OF HUMAN KINDNESS, AND HAVE BECOME SO EMBITTERED BY THE JEALOUSY AND HEART HARDENING, BECAUSE THEY FEEL INFERRIOR TO ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH MORE THEN THEY HAVE.... TRUE ALOT OF THE HOUSES ARE LARGE, VERY ELABORATE... BUT WHAT YOU ARE MAKING LITE OF IS THAT THE ASHES THAT REMAIN USED TO BE SOMEONES HOUSE!!!!!!!!

To the many of you who made the VERY CRITICAL COMMENTS, such as:

***7.hmm, everybody has a that big house, a swimming pool and 3 cars there? this is a retaliation for the unfair wealth... I can't feel sorry for them.
Posted by minime November 17, 08 01:03 PM

MINIME: WITH COMMENTS SUCH AS YOURS, I TAKE THAT YOU LIVE IN SQUALLER ARE MAL-NOURISHED, AND ACTUALLY HAD SOMEONE WRITE THIS FOR YOU.... FOR WE KNOW THAT YOU DEFINITELY DONT HAVE A COMPUTER TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS WITH. ALSO, THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE YOU ARE REFERING TO DONT HAVE ACCESS TO NEWS LIKE YOU, SO THIS MEANS THAT YOU ARE A GLUTENOUS HEATHEN LIKE YOU ARE BASICALLY ACCUSING OTHERS OF BEING.

***23.Every Year they have fires, and every year the dunbasses go back for more, what idiots. only americans can be so stupid
Posted by John November 17, 08 02:37 PM
JOHN WHO IS THE "DUNBASS" (LEARN TO SPELL) AND DO YOU SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE THEIR ROOF CAVE IN FROM TO MUCH SNOW PACK, FLOODED BY RISING WATERS, DESTROYED BY TORNADOES OR HURRICANES????
I find it hard to understand how Fellow Americans, can be so HARD at HEART towards the hardships, devastation and destruction of other AMERICANS, or for that mater ANY HUMAN BEING!!!! TO YOU FEW THAT THIS COMMENT APPLIES TO AND I SINCERELY MEAN FEW...... SHAME ON YOU AND MAY YOU LIVE A PERFECT LIFE WITH NO TRAGEDY OR DEVASTATION SUCH AS THESE HAVE.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE INSULTING TO ME AND MY MANY FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE THAT IF PUT IN A POSITION WOULD GIVE THE SAME LIFE THREATING EFFORT IF IT WERE YOUR HOUSE, EVEN THOUGH WE KNOW YOU WOULD NOT APPRECIATE THE EFFORT OR EVEN WORSE, HAVE THE SLIGHTEST THOUGHTS OF PUTTING FORTH ANY KIND OF EFFORT TO ASSIST ANYONE BUT YOURSELVES WITH EVEN THE MOST MINUTE TASK WHETHER IT BE OPENING A DOOR FOR SOMEONE, CALLING POLICE IF SOMEONE OTHER THAN YOURSELF WERE IN DISTRESS. YOU BOTH MUST BE LONELY AND MISERABLE!!

I have spent my entire life serving others, I FEEL HONORED TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS AND CAN NOT SEE MYSELF DOING ANYTHING DIFFERENT. I WAS RAISED WITH RESPECT AND LOVE OF GOD, COUNTRY, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY...... EVEN PEOPLE LIKE YOU.

I PROUDLY SERVED my Country and Fellow Americans for 16 Honorable years in The United States Marine Corps, and have been PROUDLY SERVING as a FIREFIGHTER (in Southern California) since then!!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Posted by John November 17, 08 02:37 PM

I am a volunteer firefighter in Pennsylvania and my heart goes out to all of the emergency workers and the families that are going through he!! in California.I thank god that we don't have the conditions that the western firefighters have.Keep up the great work and god bless you all.Lake Ariel Pennsylvania fire fighter.

HAVING BEEN THROUGH THE JUNE-JULY FIRES AND HAVING TO EVACUATE MY HOME IN PARADISE,CA. MY RESPECT AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALL THE FIRE FIGHTERS BE IT CITY, COUNTY, STATE AND OUT OF STATE MEN AND WOMEN, YOU ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.

I live in Ohio so I have no idea of how bad a fire like the ones in CA can be. They are devasting in so many ways. My heart goes out to the people that have suffered this type of situation. I know their loss is heavy on their hearts and minds. They will be in my prayers always. God Bless you and all the firefighters that tried to help everyone. They are truly heros!

Having lived in California, my heart and prayers go out to all of those who lost their homes, had homes damaged or were forced to evacuate, but had a home to come home to. No matter the size of the home, it was home. You will never be able to replace the family pictures, artifacts and other items you so cherised. Those who were evacuated and have a home to go back too will sleep a lot lighter and will have emotional items to deal with. These types of disaster affect those near and far.

To Dave B. 259 I have done my job for 28 years and yes! I have been burned, hurt etc. etc. The things that hurt most are the birthdays, holidays, and events that are missed. Sounds to me that YOU JUST DID NOT MAKE THE CUT pal. GROW UP! What have you done for your community lately?

A Comment to #259 i hope and pray that you never have to use the services of the California fire Dept, and if you do i hope that all your stuff burns, and you loose all your memories..you stupid son of a bitch.....may god have mercy on you when( or if ) you reach heaven.. for the dissrepect that you showed the men and women that sacrificed there lives for people that they don't even know

To #259: I'm not a boy, and I don't spend all day working out, playing cards and cooking chili. I don't even know how to play poker and I don't make the best chili. I think I'd make a terrible arsonist if I weren't a firefighter, and there are actually lots of firefighters who die and get hurt on the job. 343 on September 11th alone.
I'm a girl, I don't want glory, and I think you're jealous. : ) But that's ok, not everyone knows what we do at work. Not all of my job is fun - I hope you never have to see some of what I've seen. You know there are people who expect us to die to save their HOUSES? I hope you aren't one of those. God bless those affected this year and always. If you, #259, are a firefighter, you're making the rest of us look bad.

633 NICE Henry Jebe SFFD

I am very grateful for ALL the fire fighter's that worked near my home in order to keep it safe from the recent Yorba Linda fire. I was eating dinner in Keno's restaurant after the fires and sitting next to us was a table full of fire fighter's. When we were done and walking by their table I made sure to stop and tell them thank you all for being here and doing a great job in fighting the fires and for God to bless them all. Come to find out they were all from the San Diego area. I will always be grateful for their presence in my city and risking their lives for our safety.

To the idiots posting comments out here who don't have jobs and depend on the government for their handouts, you guys should spend your time working instead of playing on the internet all day. My sympathies to the people who lost their homes and memories. Thank GOD the United States of Amreica has liberty and freedom. When you work hard and look for opportunities you get the chance to make money and afford these expensive houses. But you also have the right to make sometimes dumb decisions. I probably would not rebuild in a danger zone. But if the government lets you build there and insurance companies continue to insure houses in those areas then go for it. But mainly besides giving sympathy to those that lost their houses, I just wanted to point out the idiots writing bad commen ts on here should get jobs and get out of their parents' basement and become real men. Don't pick on the firefighters just because you are jealous. Maybe if you didn't live in your mothers basement and didn't drive her car you could get a girl someday. And for the comments about people starving in Etheopia, maybe they should move to where the food is. We should take care of America first, let foreign governments take care of their own people.

In response to #259 - what a jerk!

These are fantastic photos of the horrendous California fires. While the forces of nature blew them out of control, noone can convince me that threy were originally a product of arson. Every year they appear to be geting worse and I don't know if they are properly being investigated. ny person convicted of arson, connected with these fires, sh ould be sentenced to a long prison term'

Joseph F. DeFina

I would like to see comment 259

I don't know if Dave B and David Bierly are the same. Sure seems like it. Also seems like you have some jealousy or anger maybe because you have been wronged somehow or you just couldn't make the cut.
For Dave B, my chief sends us emails of what happened every time a firefighter dies in the US and let me tell you it's often. If you'd like I could send you the same every time I get them. These aren't even counting the fireman who go off the job from cancer, hep c, or physical injury affecting someone for life. Some have unfortunately brought stuff home for there family to get as well. I would say to come by check it out and start testing again. But you probably already gave up a long time ago. If you're unemployed I'm sorry but that's your fault. If I lost my job I'd work at McDonalds if I had too. I guess that's another difference between you and firefighters. They never give up and have more character and integrity than you'll ever have in your pinky with that attitude.
David Bierly, there is no such thing as double time and a half. When I worked as a wildland firefighter I made $10 an hour and as a city firefighter I make $20. Most professionals make a lot more. The only reason some firefighters make bucks is because they put in the time. Yes, like overtime, which is mandatoried sometimes. Have you ever worked 21 days in a row or 100 hours a week for a long time. Didn't think so, probably couldn't hack it huh. Don't worry it's not for everyone. Some people actually enjoy working and don't feel right when they are out of work. Get off the computer and go find some employment rather than whining about it. You'll feel better about yourself. So many apply because they don't know what the job is about and they end up washing out. Of those that get close they understand the unity and family aspect of it and probably have been volunteering there time helping others out in someway. Probably don't do that either huh. It's alright, it's not for everyone. Some people feel so bad about what they have become that they just complain about everything. Good luck with your life and I hope you find happiness someday.

Matt

Holidays are usually spent away from your family helping others who have very bad things happen to them on there holiday.

I live in Georgia, but have family in Yorba Linda, our churches and throughout our community pray constantly for all affected by these horrible fires. I do hope that justice is served for anyone responsible for this

The huge majority of homes in these fires were track homes with tile roofs and very defendable space around them. When you add tremendous low humidity and a wind event, any small grass fire on the side of the freeway can cause this damage. Please don't blame these people for living in any particular area becasue these were just normal communities, not mountain communities. And for all the death updates just visit Firehouse.com or FireEngineering magazine to find out all the deaths and near misses Firefighters experience monthly that most do not ever hear about. Thank you for all that support us.

May all of us be thankful for what we have not lost this holiday season. We need to pray for all of those who lost their homes, regardless of their financial circumstances. May god bless all of the fireman, they are real American Heroes.

I live in VT but I thank God for the work that the firefighters do in CA. I have my son's (that died in the Navy Spec. Forces almost 2 years ago) family that live in Southern CA and when I hear of those terrible fires, I pray for everyone out there. I believe, except for the brave work done by those firefighters, there would be much more destruction. May God be with them.
Judy Blish, Spfld., VT

Thank you firefighter for all that you do each and every day to help other. God Bless all the family that have lost it all . My family has taken time to pray for all others and the freedom that we have .

God bless all firefighters and EMTs. You and your families definitely deserve our thanks for putting your life on the line .
thank you so much,. Unfortunately, there are so many ignorant people out there, we have to pray for them. I am glad all of you are there - look at the firemen in NYC during 9/11 - hurricanes, every disaster, firemen are present.
Bless you and your families.

it is terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rent the movie, "World Trade Center." Your watching "World Trade Center" will help put all of this into perspective. Aside from that, God bless and protect all the sincere firefighters and EMTs and police officers and others like them who fight fires, deal with disaster, protect the people, and risk their lives for the common good. "Blessed are they who die in the LORD. Their joy shall be everlasting."

I pray for all the people that have to go though this. i went though Katernia,and others. my heart hurts for california. stay in prayer.

Nobody knows what it is like to be a fireman besides a fireman and their families. For all of you people that don't get what a fireman does and what they have to give up..... Say you have a brand new baby celebrating its first christmas and the dad is a working fireman...he will have to miss christmas... Say you are at the fire station and you just made a big dinner for you and all of the crew and the bells go off...Guess what!! The dinner is going to be left sitting on the table until you get done with the call and most likely it is cold when you get back....I am pretty sure that any one of you complainers out there would not want to wake up at 3:00 in the morning to help a 72 year old woman with her chest pain...SO STOP DISSING all fireman!!! I know plenty of fireman that were gone for 144 hours fighting these fires...It's their job and what they love doing...protecting people...God Bless all fireman and people who agree :)

To #259...What's the matter Dave...are you upset because the firefighters are trying to put out the fire YOU probably started. I'll bet you and Bin Laden write love letters back and forth. YOUR PATHETIC!!!

God Bless our firefighters.

These photos are spectacular. God Bless All those brave folks who face these fires and all emergencies head on for the protection and betterment of others. What a tremendous sacrifice. Whatever you are paid is not nearly enough for that level of skill and bravery. You are true Heroes and Heroines and I pray for you and your families to be blessed beyond measure. I am sure you don't hear enough, a huge Thank You! Bless each one of you.

Gosh, I love firemen.. they are great.. not arrogant like policemen.. Firemen are genuine.. they really want to help and I saw that in the articles written before..I wish to thank everyone of them in trying to put out that California fire.. I have seen some of the winds in Calif. but at that time did not know about them.. but experienced them on going into the state from another southern route......
I will pray for all who lost houses and for all the injustices that you had to suffer to be resolved for the future residents.. not to have to experience your problems again..

all these fires r scaring me badly! ~Olivia

Deze beelden roepen sterke emoties op. De kracht van de natuur tegenover de mens... Alles wat we bezitten, danken we aan het lot!
Mijn zoon is brandweerman en als geen ander weet ik dat het commentaar van "Anonymous" (November 29) volkomen juist is. Branden bestrijden is maar één van de vele onderdelen van zijn taak. Talloze keren wordt hij geconfronteerd met de machteloosheid van zijn beroep: mensen die niet gered kunnen worden, branden die niet te blussen zijn, enzovoort.
Ik wens alle slachtoffers, nabestaanden, gedupeerden en brandweermensen de kracht en sterkte toe om door te gaan.

...in NorCal the CalFire folks have urged people to clear extraneous brush from within 30' of any structure & over the past couple of years have extended the clearance zone to 50' & 100' where possible...as in any wholistic dynamic, prevention & maintenance aid the organism...certain types of trees & shrubbery adjacent to a structure are, in fire country, counterproductive to safety...that's what fire depts. should be doing during those periods of inactivity rather than polishing equip...seems too many homeowners not informed enough to take preventative action...why?...

I had no idea the amount of destruction the fires inflicted. It doesn't matter
who you are or how much income you have, when something like this happens
it is a tragedy beyond comprehension.
God Bless those brave firefighters and citizens who fought such a gallant fight
against this monster fire storm. You are amazing.

Re; 259. It appears that your vision is being obscured by the inner walls of your rectum

I feel very sorry for all the people who have lost their homes and personal items
that cannot be replaced, and also, I commend all the fire-fighters who were there
helping with all these fires, and helping all the people-GOOD job. This is something that is really serious for all tose people, and we should all pray for them,and hope they can get back to their lives of living as soon as possible
I certainly feel very sorry for all of them. May God Bless all of you.

David B. #259.......You are a sad, pitiful person! Obviously you have no clue what it takes to be a firefighter, or what they see. Granted, everyday is not like the photos we see in this article, but the media does not advertise every single call fire station personnel respond to everyday. Some firefighters are volunteers. Do you understand that concept David B.? VOLUNTEERS DO NOT GET PAID! However, they will still stop cooking the chili, playing cards, working out, or meeting women, so they can respond to your burning home, or loved-one trapped in a vehicle.
Just so you understand, you the taxpayer, like the rest of us who actually pay taxes, contrubitute a small portion of your sales tax and property tax to pay for emergency services......In case you are not aware David B., you have to OWN property to pay property taxes..........do you? Even if you don't own your home, therefore you don't contribute to the property tax base, the firefighter will still respond to the fire that is burning your home! The firefighter will not ask, "Sir, do you own your home, because if you do not, then you are not paying our wages, therefore we are not obligated to contain your fire." In your case, maybe they should!
Thank GOD that "hardly any of them die or get hurt" as you put it, but you are obviously clueless with that information too.
It would be interesting to know how old you are and what you do for work!
I will keep this as professional as possible David B., but you suck!!

#259. Dave, I spent 30 years working for the phone company. I never put out one fire, or saved one life. I did get paid over time if I worked past an 8 hour shift. I even got double time if I worked over 50 hours in a week. I don't believe I've seen anywhere that Firemen get any of that kind of compensation for their 36 to 72 hour normal shifts, let alone their 100 plus hours on a fire line. I guess I was paid more to insure that I maintained phone service for people like you to make ignorant statements on the internet. I will tell you Dave, what I do know. In my 30 years in the phone company, I made many service calls to fire departments through out Orange County. You may find this unbelievable Dave, I never saw one card game being played, or caught one wiff of chile. What I did see were men and women maintaining the exspensive toys, so when they showed up at your home they would work properly. What I did see were men and women taking classes in life saving. What I did see were men and women practicing fire fighting technics. In a country where we have freedom of speech, why do you care if we call these people, HEROS or ANGLES? I'm sure you would agree if we call you "ASSH*LE". Dave, every town, every village, has an idot. I guess Dave, you are ours.

C-you should read comment #259. Anything ring true about it?
M

I am so thankful for all our firefighters and medical personal. THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

Some of these photos are pritty some of them show how unforgiving fires can be. When I first saw the photos I soon felt so bad for the people who lost every thing they had in that fire. Just look at those pictures how would you feel if that was your house. I meen just look at those pictures doesn't it just make you feel wellthy.

WOW!!! #259 I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU THINK LIKE THAT. BOTH MY MOM AND DAD ARE FIREFIGHTERS AND I HAVE TONS OF FRIENDS WHO ARE FIREFIGHTERS. THEY LOVE WHAT THEY DO BECAUSE THEY ARE OUT THERE SAVING LIFES, HELPING OTHERS AND PUTTING OUT FIRES. HOW ARE THEY NOT HEROES? DO YOU GO RUNNING INTO A BURNING BUILDING TO SAVE LIFES WHILE PUTTING YOUR OWN LIFE AT RISK? I KNOW LOTS OF FIRFIGHTERS WHO HAVE DIED, OR BEEN HURT. MORE FIREFIGHTERS LOSS THIER LIFES THEN COPS. OR DO YOU NOT LIKE COPS EITHER? AND YES SOMETIMES THEY JUST SIT AROUND THE STATION BUT THEY ARE AWAY FROM THERE FAMILY WAITING INCASE SOMETHING HAPPENS. THEY PUT THERE LIFE ON THE LINE EVERY DAY. WHAT IF YOU WERE IN A CRASH OR YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE WOULDNT YOU WANT SOMEONE TO COME HELP YOU? i HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY BUT I JUST HOPE YOU CAN SEE HOW AMAZING FIREFIGHTERS REALLY ARE THEY ARE MY HEROES!!!!!!!

Ref Comment 259.....Dave B..... Wow.... your comments....Way off Base...
I'm a VOLUNTEER firefighter....I started at age 54.. smaller force in IN. We train weekly, we run ambulance service at all hours of the day/night....we volunteer because WE CARE it's on the back of the truck....Sure, we have some newer equipment...We have older equipment too....We run ~'74 Dodge P/U truck to put out grass fires ... We run to the station if beeper goes off for false alarms at 4am or 11pm.....I sleep with beeper under pillow so as not to wake family. We cut injured from wrecks to get to hospital.............WE CARE......

dave/ #259.............Couldn't get on with a fire department eh?

525 dave....what department pays "double time and a half" for hoilidays? I'm working for the wrong city, I get straight time for working Christmas eve and Christmas day this year ( as well as all holidays). Yes 48 hours at straight time. Have you never asked for a pay raise?

617, nobody was forced to buy in a high fire danger area! You would have to be living under a rock not to know California burns. If someone chooses to buy a house there it is not the governments responsibility. I too am native to Southern California, am a firefighter. Almost lost my home to a fire in 2003, nobodys fault but my own! If someone chooses to live in a potential disaster area, there are accountabilities that go with it.

I'm Canadian but have been following the news closely. Has anyone ever been able to prove that these fires were set by mother nature and not some terrorist organization?

To #259 Dave... you are a coward.... i hope that you will never be in need of the fire department.. just imagine you are driving down the road and get into an accident, you become traped in your vehicle, you are injured and need to get to an ER ASAP... i bet your ass you will be hoping and preying that firefighters come and cut your silly ass out of the car and provide care to you... JERK OFF !!!!

I know many friends that live in Yorba Linda, Ca. and 2 lost their homes.
I pray for all of them. It was a very wicked fire.
God Bless you all
Debbie Nelson

this is sad

My thoughts of love and prayers go out to all of you who went through these horrible fires. Thank God for the love and dedication of the Firemen and Fire Fighters who risk their lives to help during treacherous times like this. Thank God for the extended families and friends of the victims of these fires. My heart and love is sincerely extended to you all. J. B. Sachse

You know what # 259? You're probabily just saying that nonsense because you're jealous...GET IT?!? Firefighters are saving people from risking their lives and helping the society while maybe..you're just sitting on the couch, getting all drunk and watching T.V. WHY DON'T YOU TELL EVERYONE WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?! I guess you're afraid, next time... don't think about judging firefighters because YOU MIGHT NOT BE MORE USEFUL THAN THEM!! You should be ashamed of yourself, GOSH! God bless America and the firefighters who put all their effort into putting out the fires.

It's sad that there are so many people in the world like Dave B. Assh*les like this are to chicken sh#t to stand up and confront people face on with these comments. He is probably sitting in a dark room wearing his mother's panty hose.

Yeah, No. 259 is an idiot. That's one of the few jobs where EVERY time you go out on a call, you could die. Granted there are a lot of false alarms and low risk events, but they do not know what they are facing until they get there. Heart attacks and stress are common. And if he thinks that they don't die in the line of work, have a look at this site: http://www.firehero.org/ My father-in-law died of brain cancer and my uncle died of skin cancer from exposure to smoke.

I saw this in Australia where they have a lot of wild fires. You must have a small electric generator and water supply for this to work. Along the ridge lines of his house a half inch perforated copper pipe was placed connected to a small water pump. During the fire storm water was sprayed onto the roof and his house was the only one left standing on his road when the fire moved on. The water supply can be mains water as long as the supply will last through the fire storm. A retention pond or underground pump. This system cost a few hundred dollars and should be mandatory in high risk wild fire areas.

I was a wildland firefighter for 4 years! I mostly did it to pay my way through college, but there were times that I risked my life to save peoples property and to other's lives....My college degree was not worth that, but I did it because it was my job! Most of the men and women I worked with fought fires to support there family! There were gone for weeks at a time and their families let them go and risk their lives for others so that they could EAT and pay ther MORTGAGE! For the most part they are not born heros, but they were for one important reason! They love their family so much that they will do anything for them....even risk their lives for others and others properties....

I can't believe posting #259 could possibly feel the way that he does, he should certainly be ashamed of every word that he wrote. You really are very uninformed when it comes to what a REAL firefighter does. And they are grossly UNDER paid for their YES heroic battles. They risk their lives everyday to save many and possibly one day the life of #259. GOD BLESS FIREFIGHTERS! I'm a VERY proud mother of a firefighter!

MY THANKS AND GREAT APPRECIATION FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON LINE TO HELP OTHERS.

In response to #259 -

as one who has worked in a full time fire department for 24 years, I understand what you are saying, although you go a little far in the last half of your comments.
I personally do not like all the talk about being heroes. I get up in the morning and thank God for my job and pray that I would put in an honest days labour and ask no more or seek no more. If it involves medical, fire, or a simple lecture to school children, I pray I do it to the best of my abilities seeking no reward or pat on the back. What ever I accomplish, I deem it my responsibility with an eye toward God only seeking His approval and reward and in an earthly reward sense, my pay check.
It is not fair to say we are overrated anymore than it would be to say doctors, mail carriers, garbage collectors....are overrated. We simply do our jobs and put our lives on the line for "you", if need be. Although I will admit there is a special emphasis put on this kind of work or any type in that one is willing to die if need be. And I guess, that is where the sometimes special attention comes from.
Let’s not forget the many emergency response personnel running into the world trade center while you #259 would have been running out.

Yes its nice to have all the fancy equipment and the nice stove to cook our chili on, but when the call comes in for a World Trade Center or any fire, it is nice to have the equipment with a full stomach to the start of what may be a long night with no sleep while you lay your head on your soft pillow.

Don't paint us all with a wide stroke of what is portrayed through the media to simply say thanks. Unlike times of past, we are actually educated having to go through military style boot camp prior to ever setting our foot on any fire hall floor.

We are not arsonists in hiding. Arson is the crime of intentionally setting fire to another's building or property, or to one's own. We come to this job to do the opposite. Envy is such a wicked thing, not only wanting what others have, but wanting to see there downfall as well, this is the way you come across, instead of intellectually debating your point.

One day you will need this service weather you like it or not, at which when the paramedic is standing over you, or the fire fighter, you will remember your words and think how foolish you were.

#259 - "FIRE FIGHTERS ARE WAY OVERRATED! I'm so sick of hearing them called "altruistic" and "angels." It's a JOB to them. They don't wake up every day with big, benevolent smiles, aching to protect your house and your car. They love what they do because it's FUN. They are boys who get paid very well to spend almost all their time to working out, playing cards, and cooking chili. They love to play with all the expensive toys that the government (we taxpayers) give them. Half of them would be arsonists if they didn't have an acceptable way to play with fire. They are not heroes. But they sure don't shy away from all the glory or girls bestowed upon them by you sentimental dummies. Hardly any of them die or get hurt"

Leider kann ich kein Englisch.
Ich habe die Fotos erhalten und bin sehr geschockt von diesem Feuersturm.
Wie schnell alles Leben, sowie Hab und Gut vernichtet werden kann, macht mich sehr ängstig. Die Traurigkeit steckt in meinen Knochen. Allen beteigigten Helfern in der Not möchte ich meinen ganz grossen Respekt kund tun. Es ist sehr schön liebe helfende Menschen in dieser Situation zu haben. Möge Gott zu allen Toten, leidenen Verletzten und Hinterbleibenen stehen.
In grosser Traurigkeit
Helmut Arndt

im VERRY PROUD OF THE CITY FIRE DEPT MY SONINLSW AN MY TWO GRANDSONS ARE PART OF THIS FIRE DEPT

#259 fire fighters are heros u must not know anything they cant immediately stop a fire its not thier fault they cant save a car who cares its a car life is more precious. Im fifteen and thanks my dad was a fire fighter and hes a hero to me and my family they are one of the most important ppl in the world. and i wanna be a fire fighter when i grow up because i know they help ppl out the best they can a fire takes its course no matter what. they try thier best. and if u say ur a fire fighter u r doin it for all the wrong reasons if u think its fun. and honestly fire fighters do get injured and killed at fires risking their lifes to save anothers.

259 - Seriously? Wow you are truly stupid. Ya I said stupid. First of all, men are not the only ones who fight fires... woman do too ... now that I got that out of the way. You obviously have never had the need for a firefighter .... and thats great and hopefully you never will .. but if you do lets hope none of them read your comment because who knows maybe they would let your house burn down while they play cards and eat chili. No, actually they wouldn't because they are amazing and are heros. They wouldn't be cruel they would save your worthless ass! Grow up

just unbelievable...I will share these photos with others...as a Fullerton resident I was able to see the fires from where I reside but could never capture anything like this. Ty for sharing and thanks to all the hard work the firefighters did. My prayers go out to all the people who have lost homes and personal effects.

THOSE ARE MAGNIFICENT PHOTOS OF THE HORRORABLE FIRES IN CALIFORNIA.

THIS IS VERY, VERY TERRIBLE AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THE FAMILIES THAT WERE AFFECTED BY THIS TRAJEDY. AND BRAVO TO ALL THE TRUE "HEROES" , THE FIREMEN AND POLICEMEN...MOSTLY FIREMEN. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN, AND, REST ASSURED, IT WILL, I JUST PRAY THAT ALL THE PEOPLE GET OUT OF THE DISASTER IN TIME, AND THAT THAT PART OF YOUR STUPID STATE OF CA SINK INTO A VALLEY THAT WOULD BE, AT A MINIMUM, 5,000 FOOT DEEP....THEN, MAYBE THE PEOPLE OF THAT PART OF CA, AND I DO MEAN MAYBE, DECIDE NOT TO RETURN.

I just the comment of # 259. His statements ae so left field that they are beyond foul! My Dad was a New York District Chief, Befroe he retired, his District was where the twin towers were located. I can not tellyou how many times we were called to say Dad was in serious trouble from a fire incident. If one recalls 9/11 firemen and women were going up while others were going down. As for me I spent 25 years in the military as a combat officer and as I read you your nasty comment, I decided you are a class a COWARD and never risked your life for anything or anyone. Desi Arnaiz, COL USAF ret.

To all who post: Just stop commenting on Dave B. #259. As a firemen, We do not hate these kinds of people. We, are not above anyone else, cops, plumbers, carpenters, fitters, etc. We do not ask for anything above what provides us only to do our jobs to the fullest. No man gets into this lifestyle (It's more than just a job, it's a lifestyle) to make money. Trust me on that one. What's sad is that he'll never be able to see that mother's face when we pull her daughter out of her burning house, or successfully revive someone's Grandfather after he has a heart attack after seeing his grandkids for the first time, he'll never be able to witness the brotherhood and loyalty and compassion while attending a fireman's funeral. We do die, on average 100 a year! That's only in the line of duty. That's not guys who die off the job, I'm sorry not "on the clock." It's OK though Dave, one day you'll need us, and guess what, we'll be there, anytime any place, we'll be there. Remember one thing: Courage is not the absence of fear, it's recognizing it's presence and acting anyway. Dave, if fightin' fires was easy, the cops would do it!!! God Bless.

Yes, we know; there is good and bad in all occupations. So lets sift out the bad and get behind our Firefighters as a country. They are doing jobs some of you refuse to do. Maybe we should sift out the bad in the White House first so we can truly give honor to our Firefighters as a Country.

That was scary but yet awesome bye.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who respects this profession. We can all expect there to be those who do not. As many have said before when you need us we will be there. Whether it be for an MVC, MI, or to pull you out...we will be there 24/7. To all my brothers in CA...stay safe and "Everyone goes home!!!".

Why does the government continue to pour money and risk the lives of firefighters in areas like this where it is a certainty that wildfires will eventually do just what they do every year? Homes in these areas should be uninsurable and buyers should be told up front that they are entering at their own peril..and then stick to it. I have little compassion for supposedly intelligent people who behave like idiots. And, by the way, if their children are harmed, they should be held accountable for putting them in jeopardy.

My niece lives in Southern Calif and she emailed photos of the fire to me. After looking at the photos I started reading the comments. I couldn't believe the comments made by John. Dude, get some help! There is something behind those comments and it has nothing to do with firefighters.

#259
I'm pretty sure you're an ass because you tried being a fire-fighter and got rejected for being too slow and clumsy. Their "jobs" involve them risking their lives to save our property and lives. So go back into your mother's basement and play with your Star Trek guys and leave your unintelligible comments to yourself. Thanks.