Fallbrook Fire and Gemmary Status

We had to evacuate our house in Fallbrook at noon on Monday due to the Rice Fire coming down Reche Road from I15 towards us. Faye & I and the two birds are staying with Vince & Cathy at their house in Murietta, 20 miles north of Fallbrook. We finally got confirmation this morning that all of the houses on our street survived - our next door neighbor sneaked back into Fallbrook last night and we talked to him at his home. Two houses at the top of our street were damaged and their groves were partially burned; at least one house opposite us on the street just north of us was destroyed, so it was a very close call. The Rice Fire has burned over 7500 acres in Fallbrook and destroyed over 200 homes at this time; the fire is still burning north of town, but is currently not a threat to us (however, it is reported to be only 15% contained, with full containment not expected until Sunday). The hot dry Santa Ana high wind conditions should subside today and be replaced with higher humidity cooler air flow from the ocean. If all goes well, we should be able to return to our house Thursday, or Friday at the latest, and try to get The Gemmary back in business.

Faye & I want to thank all of our friends around the world who have emailed their concern for our safety. It looks like we dodged the bullet this time and we look forward to returning to our house. I will post again when we get home.