I'm closest to the fire shown in Orange (the city, not the color, as it's a very common color for fire graphics, but I digress).

It's burning on the other side of Irvine, and there are road closures and voluntary evacuations in effect, but that's the other side of Irvine. And it's actually the part of Irvine that hasn't been paved over yet. Any place that the developers have excavated, erectated, and stucco-plated is reasonably safe as well... at least within the Irvine city limits. Target just put a huge new store just down the road, and they'll be damned if they're going to let their customers catch fire.

Although, they'll be happy to sell some new lawn furniture to replace the stuff that's all sooty and smells funny. I woke up firmly in the plume. Orange County has had orange lighting most of the day. I'm keeping the windows closed to keep out the PM-10 soot.

By the way, the news is also calling this Foothill Ranch, Whiting Ranch, and Lake Forest.

Don't worry about me until they tell you that Newport Beach is threatened.

I did lose power for about ten minutes around 2:00pm PDT, and that may happen again. I may go out to buy beer, water, and ammo, but I'll be fine.

Cheers,
-tom/bender