Los Angeles
Thursday January 9th. Last night was close to being one of my worst ever nights. Some of you may recall that my daughter Lindsay lives in the mountains above LA, which as you will all know is being ravaged by the unprecedented and raging wildfires.
My sons and I have been in touch with Lindsay via WhatsApp throughout the night. Lindsay and Stacey have been without power, and relying on their back up generator, for nearly 24 hours now. Their pack of important documents and essential personal items, as prescribed by state authorities, is assembled and sits on the kitchen table with the keys to their car, ready to make that race to safety. As California night time falls they go to bed with apps activated and phones by their side.
They haven’t yet received an evacuation order, but some of those who have been evacuated live just a few short miles away. One of the fires, the Lidia Fire, passed within 3 miles of Lindsay’s house, then mercifully blew southwards away from their village.
It’s morning in the UK now, midnight in LA, so Lindsay and Stacey are taking to their bed, in fear of what tomorrow may bring.
Me, I have never known a worry or fear like this in all of my life. I haven’t slept much. Please let them be safe.
35 Comments
Jenny Woolf
Sending you all best wishes!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Jenny
restlessjo
Dear God, Phil, I feel for you! There’s nothing worse in life than fear for your kids and fire is an absolute nightmare. I think we all have the prayer mat out.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Jo. I’ve honestly never experienced a feeling like this before.
Lynette d'Arty-Cross
Oh my, Phil! I didn’t realise that she’s so close! That’s absolutely the worst. My heart goes out to you, your daughter and her partner. One small comfort is that California is (unfortunately) very experienced and really knows how to handle these fire emergencies. Please update us.
Phil & Michaela
Yes, she’s always impressed by the amazing response to fires by the authorities. But as you know, these are of unprecedented size and speed and impossible to bring under control. I feel very nervous (to say the least) now I know they are sleeping.
Lynette d'Arty-Cross
I totally understand and would be feeling the same way. Québec and British Columbia have sent fire crews to help out and I believe more from other provinces are on the way. I hope that’s the tipping they need but of course the wind is a different matter. Fingers crossed the conditions turn around soon.
Phil & Michaela
Yes we’re following every scrap of news as closely as we can. I feel so helpless. All I can do is hope..
ehacarr
I’m writing from south of Sydney, Australia where, a few years back, we were under virtual evacuation order for nearly six months whilst ‘the bush’ around us burned. But our winds were never quite as high and we did not run out of water as is happening in LA. Will be thinking of yours and you, praying that at least for them the end story will work out alright. Amen.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you so much. This is tough.
Travels Through My Lens
Oh Phil, I can’t imagine how terrifying this must be. We watched the coverage last night in utter disbelief at the magnitude of the fires. Like Lynette pointed out, California, as well as other western states are well prepared for wildfires. Please keep us updated.
Phil & Michaela
They are indeed, but the size and speed of these is new territory…
Andrew Petcher
A nightmare I am sure.
Phil & Michaela
It is.
Toonsarah
I can just imagine how worried you are, and being too far away to help must make the anxiety worse. I’ve been following the news, it’s so dreadful to see so many homes devastated. I do hope Lindsay and Stacey are among the fortunate ones to escape the fires. I’ll be thinking of you all until you know they are safe.
Phil & Michaela
It’s a terrible feeling knowing a loved one is in danger and there’s nothing you can do. They’re just waking. Thankfully no new fires in their immediate area.
Toonsarah
Which of the fires is the one threatening their home? I’ll keep my eye on the news.
Phil & Michaela
It was Lidia, which is now partially under control
Toonsarah
That’s something at least
Phil & Michaela
It is. Her village – Acton – is actually mentioned in one of the write ups on the BBC News website
Heyjude
When I saw the coverage on TV I thought about your daughter. I hope she continues to be safe. It’s a dreadful situation.
Phil & Michaela
Terrible isn’t it. Utter devastation. You of all people Jude would understand what it feels like to know your “child” is in danger and there’s nothing you can do. It feels like I’ve gone hollow.
The Flask Half Full
Thinking of you and your daughter. We never stop worrying about our children. This is a tense time of uncertainty, for sure. My husband grew up near LA, and has family there, as well. We are glued to the news coverage.
Monkey's Tale
Thinking of you guys and sending hugs. I’ve been watching the news, and will continue to, but keep us posted. I hope yiur daughter and wife are safe and that the fire is under control soon. Maggie
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Maggie. The new day is dawning there now and there’s thankfully no new fires in the immediate vicinity, which is great but of course it’s not over yet.
Phil & Michaela
Terrible isn’t it, such an awful feeling. I hope they come through safely too.
Helen Devries
Terrifying for them and for you
Phil & Michaela
Just clinging on to the hope that it all misses them, Helen. Desperate.
Lulu Yang
It is devastating, and we’re all hoping that the winds don’t pick up again. If in the event your daughter and partner find themselves in need of shelter, our doors are open here in Laguna Beach. Please feel free to reach out to me if the need arises.
Phil & Michaela
That’s so lovely of you, Lulu. I’ll pass that on to her now. Thank you ❤️
grandmisadventures
Sending all thoughts and prayers to Lindsay and Stacey for their safety during this scary time
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Meg, it’s so terrible sitting here feeling so afraid for them
Terrie
So terrifying. We are following along. We’ve friends or families of friends who are evacuated. Keeping you in mind. You can imagine the area as you both were there.
Phil & Michaela
Yes we can, Terrie. It’s awful feeling so afraid for them yet so helpless.
Suzanne@PictureRetirement
Phil, I am so sorry this is happening to your family. I know you must feel helpless and afraid for your daughter. I pray for their safety and others in the fire’s path. My California girlfriend posted on FB yesterday that 2 of her friends (although safe) have lost their homes. Residents appear to be heeding the warning to evacuate, but these things are so unpredictable. Hugs to you and Michaela.