The Fallout in Venice

Ashes Bring Not so Fond Memories

Venice, CA—Today's California fires took many Southern Californians by surprise. During the Santa Ana winds, most people expect an occasional flare-up, but 5 different spots with hundreds of homes lost and thousands of acres burnt?

I stood on the observation deck of the Santa Monica airport and watched the plumes of smoke rise from behind the Santa Monica Mountains. Even though our area was untouched, I stood stunned as the fresh smoke billowed from a clear part of the mountain. From my perspective, far away, it was hard to imagine what it would be like to have a police officer or fire fighter knock on my door and tell me I had to leave. It is hard to imagine what it would be like flee my home with only my most precious belongings.

I watched the smoke continue to travel west toward the beach. A faint smell of smoke began to hang in the air. I was at a child's birthday party and the celebration continued as if nothing was going on—as if no one was on the brink of death, their most important documents, pictures and possessions in danger.

The Santa Ana winds are known for mostly hot dry air that blows from East to West and contributes to the potential for fire. One news report said that the alley in which the winds travel, the 91 freeway west, carried embers and along with it a deadly blaze that put hundreds of homes in jeopardy and forced residents to evacuate without warning.

As we returned home, my husband, daughter and I knew that this was a day to close the windows and stay inside. The ash outside thickened and by 4 o'clock p.m., the sun was filtering through an amber shield. At sunset, the sky was a dark red and had an odd unearthly tint to it.

At dusk, as we pulled out of our driveway, I saw a hint of ash on the cars parked on the side of the road as we drove down our street. A light flurry of ash fell and a dirty film of smoke veiled the sun as it fell over the horizon.