The wildfires that menaced Southern California over the weekend and Monday have also hit close to home for NU students from the area, many of whom have families directly in the fires’ paths.
Authorities have called them “witch fires” – the Southern California wildfires that killed at least one person Monday and injured dozens others. The fires blazed through San Diego County and led to the evacuation of more than a quarter of a million people and the destruction of almost 130 homes.
“My family had to evacuate, and when I found that out, I knew it was kind of a big deal,” said Weinberg sophomore J.P. Lona.
The Carlsbad, Calif. native said emergency workers were fighting fires “a five-minute drive” from his house.
He added that he communicated with family members throughout the day Monday. And as for the safety of his home and possessions, “it’s gonna be what it’s gonna be,” Lona said.
The wildfires have covered about 310 square miles of an area already severely affected by drought.
Although firefighters and police departments enforced a mandatory evacuation, many people have refused to leave their homes in hopes of protecting their possessions.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the seven counties ravaged by wildfires. Aside from the damage brought on by the flames, the fires also damaged a major powerline operated by San Diego Gas & Electric, causing about 50,000 people to lose power Monday.
Weinberg freshman Corinne Bernstein is from Irvine, Calif., which is located between Los Angeles and San Diego. Although her family has not yet been evacuated, their area has been placed on evacuation watch.
“I’m definitely concerned (about the fires) living in Southern California, but the fire warning’s been high all summer,” she said. “It’s been a very dry season – this is the worst it’s been in a long time.”
Staci Gold, a Weinberg freshman and San Diego native, said the nearest blaze is less than a mile from her house – almost “across the street.”
“When I heard, I was freaking out,” Gold said. “Four years ago, there were fires, during my freshman year of high school. It was like the same thing all over again.”
Gold said the news of her family’s evacuation has added to the stresses of a week of midterms.
“I mean, I wish I could be there, but at the same time, there isn’t much that I can do,” Gold said. “My family evacuated to some place in Mission Valley. It’s really stressful.”
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reach Liz Coffin-Karlin [email protected].
