We are safe Manuel, so far all of my family is safe. I have one niece who lives not too far from Dee Dee's new home that was on standby to be evacuated. The fire was almost to their backyard. I agree with everything that Karen said, but, I will add, living as I do in a Federal National Forest, that the State of CA does prohibit the clearing of the underbrush and the removal of dead trees. At least that's what the Forest Rangers have told me on more than one occasion. We have a stream in our front yard. In years past, the Southern CA Edison co (My power co) would pay to have the stream cleared of debris so it flowed downriver freely. In the last 25 years or so, the State won't allow it's clearance which causes it to run over the main street during rain, so the State closes the street. Which is a main drive for those in the Antelope Valley to the Santa Clarita Valley and on to Los Angeles. We don't mine the closure, but, it drives the community crazy. Earlier this year the Oaks Lodge which is directly across that street from us burned down. It won't be allowed to be rebuilt even tho it was a Historic Building, it was almost 100 years old. My cabin, as most in our tract was built in the early 20s.. I'm positive that if it burned down, we wouldn't be allowed to re-build.
