Guest Post by Nicklethrower
I live in the beating heart of liberal S. California. That said, I never listen to the local news because anyone listening to the local news would believe that Trump, his Cabinet and anyone that voted for him were just seconds away from being led to the guillotine, jail or a reeducation camp. It must be depressing to dust off your Pussy Hat each and every day in preparation for the victory parade that never comes but I digress. Having not paid attention to the local news, I was unaware that a small brush fire, something quite common here was growing into an inferno. My first clue was that the full moon, visible from my balcony, had turned blood red and was barely visible. Within a few short minutes it began raining soot and ash and the way that the Santa Anna winds pushed it around, gave it the the appearance of an ash blizzard. Then the lights went off.
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I have a pretty good view of Tourist Town from where I live and watching an entire city lose power is nothing like they show you in the movies. One second everything is lit up and the next second, without any fanfare, everything goes dark. Everything. What I noticed next came from the ridge line that frames our town. From behind it, I could see an eerie red glow that stretched out as far as I could see. Time for a prepper to spring into action, right?
Now, I should mention that I am a prepper but not an insane prepper. I tend to lean towards the financial collapse school of doom porn and have prepared accordingly for the day the dollar reflects its true value. Of course, I am prepared for power outages so out came the LED lights, battery powered police scanner and radio. With my Command Center up and running, it didn’t take long to figure out what was happening and what was happening was not good – an out of control fire being pushed my direction by hurricane force winds. It was then that Matherson’s book, One Second After, popped into my head. Am I prepared for this?
I live near the beach and the authorities set up their evacuation center at the fairgrounds about a 5 minute walk from my home. The fairgrounds have a lot of open space and sand is difficult to burn so I knew I could grab my 3 day bag that also houses important documents and make a run for it but going out into the howling toxic wind was the last thing on my mind. I know quite a few people that slept in their cars at the fairgrounds as that became the only option available. More on that in a minute.
You can see the glow of a fire from a long ways away but eventually the fire crested the ridge line and I could see trees, homes and apartment buildings go up in flames. As of this writing, more than 150 structures burned down within walking distance of my home. Once the buildings caught fire, going outside became next to impossible. The air outside was absolutely toxic and the burning in my eyes and throat, pushed by 70mph winds, drove me back inside my home. Of course, there was no where to go as the lack of working stop lights and people fleeing presented a nightmare scenario for those trying to get away in their cars. Now what?
I decided to stay put but the smoke entirely obscured my view of what was going on and the location of the fire. All I could see now was one giant orange glowing toxic cloud. I knew by listening to the radio that the mandatory evacuation border was now only two blocks North of me but visibility was such that it was no longer possible to see even that far. It was then, around 3am, that the Santa Anna winds just stopped and when the winds died down it stopped pushing the fire. Had it not, I’m convinced the fire would have pushed its way all the way to the ocean as it has now done between here and Santa Barbara.
I thought I was prepared for all kinds of things but I was not at all prepared for this. A burning city is an absolute nightmare and to walk around in it you need to be dressed as a fireman and since I was not dressed as a fireman, I had no choice but to bug out in place and wait for the moment that would force me out into the streets. Yes, I have camping gear but good luck setting that up in these winds. Yes, I have a truck but the best thing I could do would be to leave the road free for the emergency vehicles trying to get people evacuated. It was very frustrating.
As of this writing, visibility is still less than 2 blocks as we’ve been shrouded in smoke now for two solid days. Even though my home didn’t burn, the smoke has pretty much ruined all of my belongings. I’m thankful that we have power again as my solar panels do not work all that well when even the sun is shrouded by smoke, ash and soot. What I’ve learned is that what I thought to be useful was not useful at all and how I thought things like this unfolded is not at all how it worked out. Finally, I apologize for any grammatical errors or ramblings but I thought it might be interesting for the community to read for themselves about my front row experience as it is happening.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that wont work.”
Thomas Edison
“It must be depressing to dust off your Pussy Hat each and every day in preparation for the victory parade that never comes but I digress.”
My second great laugh today in less than 60 seconds! That’s some funny shit right there!
Pretty frightening situation, not sure if I would have waited until the fire was at my door before hitting the street but I wasn’t in your shoes.
Glad it all worked out for you.
Card I was going to jump on that exact line, it’s hilarious. Wow! Nickel, I’m so glad you’re okay and your house didn’t burn down. Holy f****** s***, that’s scary stuff. Things to own in Southern California, a swimming pool and some scuba tanks. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Thanks for the step by step update. Well done.
Maggie, read The Rift by Walter J Williams a novel about the New Madrid fault.
Thanks for the concise but dramatic account of your current trials. It’s a great reminder that no matter how prepped we are, circumstances will probably not unfold the way we expect. Stay safe!
Thank you for this – REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE trumps WELL-INTENTIONED THEORIZING every time.
Should the grid go down and not return, many preppers will be unhappily enlightened.
(1) Do you have a couple of BACKUPS or a couple of ALTERNATIVES?
A couple of backups = two flashlights and four sets of batteries
A couple of alternatives = two flashlights + rechargeable batteries + a solar-panel recharger + a portable generator
(2) Do you have defenses or defensive systems?
defenses = a S&W .45 cal handgun, four boxes of ammo and a cleaning kit
defensive system = all that plus reloading equipment and several pounds of supplies for them
(3) Do you have food or food systems?
food = a closet full of 35-year dehydrated meals
food system = that plus land with water, seeds, tools, fencing, etc.
Think in terms of ALTERNATIVES and SYSTEMS if you truly want to be prepared.
Edit to (1): plus CANDLES
Gee, I guess a gas mask could be helpful.
At least if you want to breathe.
SCBA. No oxygen in a firestorm. And a deep hole to hide in.
Robert (QSLV)
That’s a good list, but a lot to carry on your back when the fire is two blocks away.
Four boxes of ammo? Hell, I could find that in the couch cushions.
I buy in bulk.
I’m first thankful you are okay and though set back with some damage, you will be able to recover from this hardship. Also many thanks that you have been able to offer a treasure trove of helpful information to consider as some of us are also trying to prepare for a less than glorious future.
I take from your experience that one should never be so confident that one stops thinking about different scenarios that might occur and second, no matter how much one prepares for, the fog of chaos will always reign.
Probably the hardest thing to prepare for is the mental ability to think on the fly, with your mini command post set up, you were able to at least have some information with which to make decisions; good on ya!
Fire is a real hazard in Oz. It killed a great many people just a few years ago. A raging bushfire is damn near unstoppable. The last big one melted cars, etc. Even with the best of prep, it may not be possible to escape.
I was watching the fires live on KABC7 until about an hour ago when that local station informed me they had to ‘resume regular programming’. Why? The only reason I can think of is the non stop local news coverage was negatively impacting the networks ad revenue due to losing the LA market to local news coverage and network advertisers were, if not complaining, expecting a refund for the reduced audience.
Fortunately the winds had died down and only a few homes in Bel Air were still on fire…at this time! Still, city officials were appearing and requesting people not attempt to use surface streets to get around the closed freeways as they were blocking access for fire fighting vehicles. Important information I would think . A lot more important than the network talk show featuring some women sharing recipes that I was forced to watch.
The FCC needs to fine the crap out of ABC if my suspicions are correct and they pulled rank on the local affiliate to preserve their ad revenue over the public service the local affiliate was providing not just to local people but the whole US!
This is one scenario where walking with a backpack may be the only escape. That’s why we all need to try to get in shape. I’m trying. I walk the dog every night, but it’s hard when time is limited.
Best thing I did for myself last year was a full body cleanse and a walking/meditation/prayer routine that stripped 60 lbs of excess weight from my frame and firmed me up in a few strategic places.
Eating right. It changes ones life.
And that helps So Cal how?
Stop being so fucking self-centered, Coyote. Maggie is letting us know how much weight she lost. Again.
Now, shut up, and quit being a dick.
Yikes. Your recount was simultaneously fascinating and terrifying. Be careful and stay safe out there, NickelthroweR.
Something is odd about the phrase ‘bug out in place’….there has got to be a different term
Try cut a chogi or di di mau…….
I’ve always heard – Get the fuck out of Dodge
The official term is “Shelter in Place”, which I learned from our local mayor when telling me about the toxic chemical trains that come through town in the dead of night. The theory advanced by the railroad is that in the event of a wreck people will be safer in their homes rather than outside. Unless of course they are asleep with their windows open….
No. they are just easier to find and collect after the fact with them long-zippered bags
Good point. Then the official body count can be decided upon as necessary.
We are 50 miles from the coal fields and by the time the mile-long trains reach us most of the coal dust has blown off. With two locomotives they can travel upgrade at the town speed limit of 35 mph. Same for the mile-long volatile oil trains from North Dakota heading for the coast, and the chemical trains that move by night. Ain’t life grand.
When I worked for the railroad years ago, we had in our office a book which listed all of the toxic placard codes and the “appropriate procedures” in the event of a leak or spill. We all referred to it as the “”RLH Book” because it more or less told you to Run Like Hell, and gave some basic info on how far and where to run for each placard number.
Our annual hydrazine training reminded us that if you came in contact with the stuff, you would turn into a poached egg. The stuff was said to smell like Hillary’s crotch and if you happened to smell it, you were dead anyway. Our only hope was to run upwind. Yeah, sure, how’d that work out for Nickle?
There is. The approved term in the land of the free is “cower in place”.
Shelter in place (not as the .gov uses).
We have a safe room with a vent tube which can be sealed. We have filters for the dehumidifier/air purifier for all sorts of nasties. It was originally “dead” space under the porch expansion we added to the blueprints. We just had the basement altered to add that room and seal it in. It has a metal lid and my father-in-law’s signature, engraved obit and the final cornerstone of my faith protect it. I was here when the concrete was poured and I placed my Poppa Grooch’s blessing where it belonged.
One day when he told me he wasn’t going to make it to our little farm in the hills, I asked him to demand that whatever angel came to get him… he must stop by the new place in Missouri on his way to Paradise. He laughed and said he was gonna ask if he couldn’t stop by and see the place.
Sometimes, I feel him here with us.
It’s be funny if somebody shit down your vent tube.
Just sayin’.
Santa Ana winds – even when they’re not in the Santa Ana canyon area. Nobody calls them ‘devil winds’ except tv faggots that deserve to be beaten.
Presumably named for the Santa Ana canyon, where these winds are quite strong, and were likely first noted by those awful Catholic priests that stopped the indians from eating each other, made them wear clothes, and taught them how to pretend to be people (with mixed success).
The prevailing winds are from the SW here. When they reverse course, they are called Santa Ana winds because they are coming from the north and headed towards Santa Ana. The air current heats up as it is funneled through the mountain passes. So you’re bound to see San Berdu in the east or Sylmar in the west catch fire easily. We also get wildfires close by in the Palmdale hills and in what is correctly called Canyon country; Acton, Saugus, Newhall and Santa Clarita.
Well ,I know you all are going to say a big Bullshit but here goes .
Nickel ,I couldn’t sleep last night ( Still at home in cardio rehab ) so I got up around 4 am and turned on the weather channel which was showing the flames Destroying parts of the west coast.I ask God to protect a friend from FedEx that lives in that area of California .I would like to think my prayers had something to with God slowing the winds which helped you stay alive .Still haven’t been able to contact my friend . Don’t know what’s happened to him .Anyway glad you’re OK.
So, bb, your God can slow the winds but, can’t stop the fire?
Nice.
Thank you for your prayers, BB!
You live in hilly CA just minutes from the beach. What? We should feel sorry for you?
Just kidding. Glad you’re OK. Duh!
Whatcha gonna do when the Big One hits? Mudslides. Floods. Fires. Earthquakes. Fruits (fags) and nuts (libtards). I’m as mystified as to why people choose to live in CA as those who wonder why I live in that other shitfuk state, NJ.
I laugh at preppers. Always got a plan. What did Mike Tyson say about that? Something like everybody has a plan until he punches them in the face.
NYC had a total blackout around 1977, I believe. A few of us went to Washington Rock that evening. You can see NYC from there even on an overcast day. Yes, it was soooo erie. Even from 20 miles away you can see the city buildings outlined … against the pitch black darkness. I’ll never forget that sight.
Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.
Much better to keep your eyes and ears open, so you might not get smacked in the manpleaser….
I think Iron Don Trump said that.
good to hear you were okay in your area… I am in the mandatory evac for the Kagel Cyn/Creek Fire. This too came up out of nowhere in the wee hours of the morn. When I woke I saw the smoke to the west but didnt think much of it having skirted the ridge fire to the south several weeks ago. I left that morning to check the news and find that the evac went into effect midday and what I had with me was what I have to go on till this fire clears.
Growing up in the cold of the northern midwest states, pops always had winter kits in the cars and I guess I just took to that as I have a couple L of water, filtration and food as well as at least one change of under garments. It really doesnt take anything to have stuff packed nicely in the trunk, including a gas mask that can run a cpl hundred bucks but as you found can definitely be worth it. I have a couple other items for complete financial collapse as well but when you have need of not only EDC items but a 72 hr bag, you pack stuff entirely differently.
What I get from this story is to include a few gas masks (or respirators). I think a very temporary fire poncho could be made out of a space blanket, so add some of those too. Also night vision goggles.
Greetings,
Then you get my point exactly. When faced with “the emergency”, I found my preps to be lacking as it never occurred to me that I might someday need to be dressed as a fireman. On the bright side, having food and water means that I do not need to go outside as we are still shrouded in smoke and it is still raining ashes down on us and I have no desire to breathe any of that. Plus, we are being told to boil our water. I am very fortunate that my corner of town has power again. I believe this to be partly true because of my location to the evacuation center which is also where the reporters are broadcasting from. This has enabled me to run my air cleaners on full and the hepa and charcoal filters seem to be doing a good job of dealing with the air inside my home. I’m also using this opportunity to recharge anything that runs on a battery.
I heard from my neighbor and he had to drive more than 130 miles before finding a hotel with a vacancy. This is very valuable info as it demonstrates that you can flee but you are gonna have to flee rather far to purchase some shelter.
Thank you for your kind words and those of you that think we somehow deserve this ’cause we like living by the ocean can eat a bag of dicks. Seriously.
Ventura is a nice place, middle class, not like ritzy Santa Monica, people are still normal there. You can go downtown and find a bunch of bikers are in town or you’ll find bums sleeping in the public parks. My wife likes the scenic drive on the 101 up to Santa Barbara. If I had a choice, I’d want to live in Ventura for the fresh air. My wife likes to go to Santa Monica but I prefer to go to Ventura. We were shocked to find the Joe’s Crabshack closed down a couple of years ago. My wife doesn’t like Dead Lobster and Todai buffet in Glendale almost killed us one time. Now our nearest source of lobster is the Morongo buffett.
If you have to get the fuck out of Dodge, the casinos on the 10 near Palm Springs ($100/night) are a good bet. Another option is Las Vegas. Santa Monica has a few hotels but the prices are touristy ~ $300+ per night. Antelope Valley prices are reasonable but the 126 is not a good route to take and I imagine the 101 is super congested.
Interesting about Joe’s Crabshack. The wife and I hadn’t been back to Ventura for a while until a couple of years ago and found Joe’s had replaced The Charthouse (across San Jon Rd from the Pierpont Inn, where we spent our wedding night lo those many years ago). Guess we’ll have to plan another trip after the smoke clears to see what other changes have occurred.
Ventura is a great place to get away to if you live in the Basin. Too bad the cheapskate state closed McGrath State Beach years ago. Loved that for a camping weekend.
All things being equal, I think I would rather not have to suck on a bag of dicks, but I would like to see someone try.
NickelthroweR, what happens if the wind picks up again? Sounds like you may have to evacuate anyway. I can’t do anything to help you, but I’ll pray for you.
Don’t know about ya’ll but I long ago designated the lib-turd “Californicating Coasters” as “reprobate hostiles”/toxic waste.
Yeah, well that’s one asshole’s opinion, Ass-wholy1
EC, that brought back a memory.
YuantosseR,
So well to hear that you are safe. We never stop learning. Irma whipped our butts. We learned a little more. Happy Holidays..
This is a really good piece of writing, the sort that keeps this site alive. So thanks Nickel T and kudos. I think it brings home the fact that bad events can occur very rapidly and it is wise to prepare for the worst contingencies. People who live in or near large population areas should be either ready to immediately bug out or shelter in place and prepare accordingly. I have had a couple of near-death experiences and learned that the human mind can respond to danger in milliseconds, but you also need to be ready for long term disruption in your daily lives. Stucky, you need an escape plan if you do not have one in place, unless you are ready to bid us all sayonara. Same for all you denizens of the ‘burbs. “The times they are a’changin”….
Gotta assess the specific risks for your area. Ten years ago I lived in the northeast. Winter threats and criminal activity (both government and private individuals) were my biggest risks.
Now I live in rural east Texas and tornadoes are my biggest risk.
Assess and prep accordingly.
Cross train in EVERY skill set you can. Skills trump equipment every time.
Stay chilly Nicklethrower…my best!
I’ve been in MN the past couple days for work and hadn’t been following the news. Glad you made it through. Where I live, when there are 70 mph winds they will be accompanied by rain and not fire. I did experience a derecho a few years back in WV that left us without power for a few days. Just wind and no fires.
I need to assess my readiness
We all need to assess our readiness, and this report was a wakeup call to those who are aware. I was in FL, 600 miles away, when the derecho hit home in WV. The winds shook our old house and my wife hunkered down with our cat and dog. We live in a small town and everyone pitched in. Guys fired up their chainsaws and cleared the streets of fallen trees. Neighbors grilled and shared food from their thawing freezers and fridges. The fire department set up a food kitchen offering meals to everyone. The manager at Walmart,15 miles away, a local boy, sent in a refrigerated semi load of ice and volunteers went door to door making deliveries in town and out into the surrounding area. There were reports of people fighting over gas at the only stations with power, but overall the community pulled together.
That was like reading a short thriller! Stay safe and keep us informed.
I choose to live a little too close to the New Madrid fault.
I would prefer California but the people are a bit too looney.
Mary? My family’s century farm* is located about ten kilometers from the fault line. Our farm always flooded when the levies broke along the Diversion Channel at Cape Girardeau. We used to joke that when the faultline finally cracked open, our farm would be split in two pieces
*The University of Missouri has this program where you send them money and they send you a sign designating your farm as being more than one hundred years old as a family farm. It is a stupid idea by another stupid academician.
Stay safe nickel..
Thanks for the eye-opening perspective, Nicklethrower. And I’m glad you’re ok.
I have an old, heavy West coast lumberjack double canvas rain jacket I was thinking of disposing because new synthetic rainwear is so much lighter. You’ve changed my mind. I’m hanging on to it now in case of fire.
Can you update us?
NickelthroweR
It is Dec 8, 11:20AM (EST)
This morning’s news said the fires are raging as strong as ever, and worse in some areas.
Are you and/or the house still OK???
Greetings,
Day 5.
We are still entirely shrouded in smoke. Visibility is about 100 meters. I am in the center of that plume of smoke that can be seen from space. Most of my neighbors have fled – where, I don’t know. Having plenty of food and water means that I do not have to go out in it. Of course, most of the stores are closed. What a mess, what an absolute disaster.
I’m glad you’re still safe. I was worried when you hadn’t posted.
Good grief. What a fucken nightmare.
Thanks for dropping by to let us know you are OK!!
Good to hear you have plenty of food and water. I don’t know what else to say. I wish there was something I could do to help out. Ms Freud and I … and many here … WILL keep you in our thoughts.
Keep us in the loop, as you are able.