Dear Jumpseatnews Readers,

The fire is now less than 3 miles from our home. The fire department is standing by on Route 18, but it seems that the fire has crossed the hwy in sections.  If the fire hits the dead trees (from the bark beetle), the entire area will go up.  Winds are blowing to the south, which is the only reason our neighborhood still is standing.  Flames are now crossing to the east, but they can change at a second's notice.  The fd must prevent the flames from reaching those trees!!!

The water drops have started again.  Ash and smoke is everywhere. The light is a dark reddish yellow. No electricity; SCE shut down all power lines still standing. People are getting out with a few minutes notice and grabbing their pets and some clothes. Old Waterman cyn just southwest of us got the worst. They saved Cliffhanger restaurant, but lost the homes across the street.

I found out yesterday that the people in the intl space station can see this fire from space. I believe it. This is so terrible so f--king terrible.

There are heroes everywhere; the 87-year old lady with the shelter for abused animals trying to get the pets out in time.  The ex-Marine who refused to leave his 'post'.  And the fire fighters.  God they are brave.

This is the last update until this is over. The entire mountain is now evacuated.  The standoff is coming in the next several hours, with the Old Fire coming up the canyon trying to meet the FD at the top and the backfire that was started.  Everyone is just standing by now waiting for the flames to reach the 18, and try to prevent them from crossing it at Rimforest, Blue Jay, and Lake Arrowhead.

Christopher