Reader Comments and News as of Wed morning

My husband and I were awakened at 2:00 a.m. by a reverse 911 call. The old abandoned nursery between East Mission and Gum Tree was on fire 100 yards away, and the flames were heading directly downwind toward us. We were out of the house within five minutes with our two dogs and two cats in two cars. Our Fallbrook Fire crew made short work of that spot fire, so that we were able to return to our home around 6:00 a.m., and pack up a few more surroundings. But the Rice Canyon fire was moving by then and was only two miles from us at the 15 freeway and Mission Road. When we saw the buses arrive to evacuate Frazier Elementary School, we took our leave, too. Better safe than sorry. We got up the 15 freeway just before they closed it, and through the El Cajon Pass in the middle of the flames of the Devore fire. We actually drove through that fire on the freeway as both sides of the road were burning, and we could feel the heat through the car windows. We successfully boarded our cats in Hesperia, and drove on to Mammoth Lakes. Anyone who can get out of the toxic air and dismal conditions in the area, we suggest the Sierra Lodge up here in Mammoth. The town is devoid of tourists so the hotels give great rates. We are paying $70 for a very clean room for us and our two dogs. I bet they would go lower for evacuees as they are hungry for business this time of year. So, between checking the news and trying to determine if our house is still standing, we are hiking with our dogs and breathing clean, mountain air. The distance gives us peace of mind as well as perspective. Good luck to all who are staying around, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kimberly Moore

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I just want to pass on my admiration and thanks for the dedication you all have shown to the community of Fallbrook. You have all done a great job pulling the scarce bits and pieces of information that are available for Fallbrook into one cohesive piece of information on your web site.

Dave Stewart

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My family and I evacuated the fires through Pendleton. Instead of going north, we went straight through to Oceanside and south to Westfield shopping center via El Camino Real. There is a shelter with food and supplies for all and lots of accommodation. There is RV set up, sewer service, fresh water with no charge for your RV, hot meals, cold meals, medical services and animal supplies. The mall has a kid’s playground inside and there is a park by the lagoon with a playground and hiking trails. Locals have stopped by repeatedly to ask to help. I'm not sure why our residence in Fallbrook was routed out of San Diego when the resources were here. Our route to Oceanside through Pendleton was quicker due to less traffic and set up before dusk. Traffic on the 5 North was at a standstill. 5 South was a breeze. We are grateful for the assistance of Westfield and local Carlsbad residents.

Scott Denton

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We have friends still in Fallbrook, and we live near Morro and McDonald. As of 4:28 p.m. from Stage Coach Lane to town the houses are fine. The smoke is thick, but the animals that are at our house are still alive, so it is still breathable.

Sandi

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We evacuated our home on Monday afternoon. As far as we know the house is still standing. We believe my in-laws John and Jacque Torrez lost their home to the fire (Valley Oaks Trailer Park). We have been fortunate enough to find a condo to rent in the Oceanside Harbor.

Denise Maiorano Torrez

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I have a house in Fallbrook and am currently residing in Japan (military) and want to thank you for your constant updates on the Village News website. Your updates have helped me and my family, and we appreciate what just one person can do to help so many others.

Jerry Tullos

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We were told by a FPUD employee that residents should boil their water as the chlorine tank at Red Mountain reservoir was destroyed. We don't know if this affects all Fallbrook residents.

Jon

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At 1:57 p.m. I had a panorama view of Gird valley. Fallbrook Golf Course was untouched by the fire as well as the Oak Cliff area and Laketree area. The road at the split of Laketree and approximately Via Oeste Drive that goes to Wilt had some damage on the east and southeast side. Homes on Via Oeste Drive are okay. Homes on Via del Cielo are okay, and homes above the golf course are okay. Palo Vista, Valerie, Via del Robles, Via Arroyo, Via Rancheros, and Gird Road from Bluebell south to 76 are okay. Canonita had some north slope brush and a possible structure, but I could not tell. Wilt and Canonita for sure had damage. One home on Via Chaparral and Canonita area where the big tree used to be on Gracey Lane are all okay. Brook and Palomino are okay and the surrounding areas. A lot of areas have not been touched by the fire; from what I could tell the area west of 395, south of Reche, Pala Mesa and Wilt area. But the Wilt and Reche area, as we have heard, and Mission by the 15, Yucca, and Ranger Road all had some fire in those areas.

Anonymous

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My husband made it to the top of Camino Alisos, and only one home was gone on the right side of Camino Alisos after the wooden sign post. Homes appear intact on most of the middle leg of Los Alisos from Live Oak Park Road to top of hill.

Mary Clemens

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Thanks so much for the great fire coverage. I have been forwarding the link to your site to friends all around the country. We have watched the network news and Fox and CNN to hear any news about Fallbrook but have heard no specific mention of our beloved town. Your newspaper is a lifeline for fire information. The destruction there is so widespread – so much suffering. Thanks again for all you do to keep people informed. Sending along love and prayers to everyone there,

Linda Stevens