California News

Examiner.com - 51 mins ago
Examiner.com - 1 hr 27 mins ago
CBS2-KCAL - 1 hr 42 mins ago

Marylanders heading West to aid San Diego fire victims

Oct 25, 2007 12:00 AM (309 days ago) by Laura Duffy, The Examiner
This story ranks Not ranked
Related Topics: BALTIMORE

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - As thousands of Californians flee homes destroyed by wildfires, 10 Maryland volunteers headed west this week to help those who have lost nearly everything.“People helped us during Hurricane Isabelle,” said Linnea Anderson of the Baltimore City Red Cross. “We’re just returning the favor.”

A series of devastating wildfires fueled by steady gale winds continue to push about 500,000 San Diego residents farther from their neighborhoods. More than 1,500 houses have been consumed during a four-day period by leaping flames.

Six Red Cross volunteers will arrive today after flying nearly 3,000 miles to provide relief and shelter for hundreds of homeless Californians, officials said. Four members of Maryland’s Air National Guard boarded a C-130J about 2:30 p.m. Thursday from the Warfield Air Base in Middle River to transport tents and generators to wildfire rescuers, Lt. Col. Charles Kohler said.

More troops are “standing by” if called to help, he said.

This story continues below
Advertisement

“There is talk there may be some additional requests for personnel, but those things are being worked out, really, at the highest level,” Kohler said.

Frederick Red Cross member Judy Peterson said she wants to send more volunteers after they have been fully prepared with general fire training. Mobile charity groups such as the American Red Cross specifically train their volunteers to provide mass care during disaster situations.

Doug Lent, of Baltimore, boarded a California-bound plane Wednesday and plans to sleep in the shelters with the distraught people he assists.

“They aren’t sure what comes next for them,” Lent said. “Their homes have either been completely destroyed or aren’t fit for living in.”

Lent and the Baltimore team will work alongside California Red Cross chapters in shelters, providing emotional support for those who lost their homes. Although his return ticket is scheduled for November, Lent is unsure of his team’s homecoming.

The severity of the San Diego fires did not require the immediate attention of outside fire departments. Baltimore City Fire Chief William J. Goodwin Jr. said he had not received a request to send crews for fire support.

Examiner Staff Writer Jaime Malarkey contributed to this report.

lduffy@baltimoreexaminer.com

Add a Comment


Name: (required)
Comments:
characters left
Comments are regulated by the Terms of Use.

Comments from Examiner Readers

5:37 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 6, 2008 re: "Ore. copter down in Calif. fire _ 9 feared dead"

Mark Winshel said:
Was any of this related in any way to certain lunatics who call themselves environmentalists and pretend to be environmentalists (and as opposed to real environmentalists) who rather than being for intelligent management of trees and vegetation, instead think there should be no cutting of trees whatsoever, and even when: one, the trees are too close together; and/or two, there is not a sufficient amount of defensible space between the trees on the propery and the house and other buildings?

3 agree | 3 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

6:01 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 11, 2008 re: "Lighter winds than forecast help firefighters"

Examiner Reader said:
Logging these areas will reduce fuel for wildfires!

9 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:12 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 7, 2008 re: "Firefighters hold their own in Calif. wildfires"

JOHN ADAMS WEAVER said:
EVERY FREEMASON IS A KING, AND FREEMASONRY IS A ROYAL ART, ARNOLD, since when are we required to hand over our "TAX MONEY" to the "VERY KINGS WHO ARE ORDAINED BY THE BRITISH MONARCHY", for "officially there are no Kings in the USA", so who has "appointed these kings" except the british thugs, who are now "called princes philip, charles, and Harry and William", and if these princes "guard their opium crops" they do it in order to "put the american public to sleep", about the simple fact that "opium production" has "actually increased" under the "capable supervision and protection" of Harry of the House of Windsor, and as a result, there is enough "OPIUM" in the world, to "put the whole world under the evil sleep of hell", from which they will be awakened at the last trump latestly, but right now, the God of Heaven is "pulling us out of narcolepsy, with the shout of fire in california, flooding in the midwest, and heatwaves in the east, those who fail to see God's hand, offend him!

10 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:05 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 7, 2008 re: "Firefighters hold their own in Calif. wildfires"

JOHN ADAMS WEAVER said:
DAVID CAMERON, judges individuals, who are "fat and lazy", I now dare to "judge governments" that are "fat and lazy", and rich because they "robbed their riches" from those who were "willing to work" but "prohibited from doing so", because "evil governments" are too busy "spending their time with evil harlots", especially the "EVIL HARLOT BABYLON"! Elliot Spitzer is "just the tip of the Iceberg", there is "so much corruption going on in government" it is "quite literally unbelievable"! Those evil kings, who "commit fornication" with the harlot babylon should know by now, that they are not "welcome" to the treasures of planet earth, and when they "take of the abundance of this planet" and fail to pay their fair portion to support the poor, which are "only poor", because evil fat burocrats, sit on their fat asses in Sacramento, California, and in Washington, DC, and in New YORK CITY, and then they dare to pass judgment against individuals, when they fail to show the proper exampl

11 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:59 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 7, 2008 re: "Firefighters hold their own in Calif. wildfires"

JOHN ADAMS WEAVER said:
There is no water for those who "help themselves, and then help themselves some more to other people's money", and those who are "THUG GOVERNMENTS" must realize that the words of "President Ronald Reagan, who also was a member of the "FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS", must also be "used to clean out evil government", when it has run its course, and is now "BEING JUDGED BY THE SUPREME JUDGE OF ALL"! There is such a thing as "TOUGH LOVE" handed out by the "SUPREME RULER OF THE UNIVERSE" for those who make "TOUGH CHOICES" in life, like the tough choice to "SELL THEIR ETERNITY" for a moment of pleasure, or for "fame and fortune"! Or for power over the flesh! Clearly Arnold, if the "FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS ARE NOT A CHURCH BUILT UP TO GET GAIN OR POWER OVER THE FLESH", I really don't know for what other purpose it was "instituted among men"! To claim it does not bring upon them the "judgment of God", after they have committed both genocide and treason in the world, denies God's justice!

10 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:49 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 7, 2008 re: "Firefighters hold their own in Calif. wildfires"

JOHN ADAMS WEAVER said:
I have clearly given Arnold Schwarzenegger literary references, I have shown him where this secret society has "indicted itself" in its own literature, and I have clearly demonstrated the "importance of acting in harmony with universally accepted principles of justice" when it comes to "abolishing an evil pirate oath"! I do not need to "explain all my actions on this board", all I need to do is to "hold public officials responsible" for their action or inaction! Arnold Schwarzenegger, I now publicly challenge you to "DO THE RIGHT THING", regardless of how the world may perceive it, the world is an evil pirate haven, and unfortunately the United States, has "voted publicly for piracy" in the form of Andrew Jackson, this does not make it right and when "wrong actions are taken by a majority", then sometimes "GOD INTERVENES" and "PUNISHES A NATION SEVERELY" for "making majority decisions" that are "contrary to universal justice" and "contrary to universal law"! There is no water

11 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:41 PM MST on Mon., Jul. 7, 2008 re: "Firefighters hold their own in Calif. wildfires"

JOHN ADAMS WEAVER said:
I informed Arnold Schwarzenegger of a "secret society" in his state, that is "THE ACTUAL CAUSE" of the drought and the wild fires, I asked him to "disestablish", this secret society in order to save his state from total burnup, and so far he has not responded! To fail to do the things, that bring about more favorable weather, is a sure way to get more of the same! To expect the weather to improve while continuing to tolerate "secret murder and secret treason" in the United States is a "nightmare" come true, in other words, you are experiencing the "flaming inferno", Arnold, that I predicted, and I am now "informing the public", you have not "yet acted" to "remove the actual cause" of the drought, and until you do, you shall continue to experience "drought and fires"! To expect a "blessing" without keeping the law, that is appointed for that blessing and the conditions thereof, is "nonsense" and never works, in a roundabout way, murder and treason deserve drought and fires!

10 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:45 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 18, 2008 re: "Power knocked out in Paradise"

Examiner Reader said:
What some of you don't know...the area below the heavily burned area in Paradise was filled with annual grasses and scattered oaks. Most of those that lost houses were not liberal "eco-freak Californians", but simple country folk with very little money, about as conservative as can be, with highly flammable sheds and debris throughout their yards. One man who lost his home recently beamed to me about 2 fence sections his grandson had scavenged for him. "yep, thats gonna save me a lot of money". I don't know what has happened to him, but I can say he lost his home, likely his pigs, and maybe his dogs as well as years and years of memories. At his age, he can't just go out and rebuild a new life. Nor can the 70 year old women who lived with her mother and an elderly boarder- their house is also gone. During all your complaining about the democrats and republicans what have you done to make the situation better for anyone?

12 agree | 9 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:42 PM MST on Mon., Nov. 26, 2007 re: "Malibu residents return to communities after fire burns 53 homes"

Examiner Reader said:
I hear that the Santa Anita (Santa Ana) Winds go on until January and/or February. Not good for those who live in the fire zone.

100 agree | 96 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
9:32 AM MST on Sat., Nov. 24, 2007 re: "Wildfire Engulfs Homes Above Malibu"

Examiner Reader said:
Building in the fire prone canyons of southern California is just as stupid as building below sea level in New Orleans. Both get what they deserve.

106 agree | 102 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:34 PM MST on Wed., Nov. 14, 2007 re: "No Charges for 10-Year-Old Fire Starter"

Examiner Reader said:
I understand that it was a hard decison, but he just gets to "walk"? He hasn't even apologized. Yeah I know, sorry just doesn't cut it, but there needs to be some kind of accountablility. I would even feel better if I at least saw him crying or something.

116 agree | 108 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
10:17 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 31, 2007 re: "Officials: Boy With Matches Started Fire"

Examiner Reader said:
How can anybody evaluate this case without knowing the AGE of the child???? Don't you think that may be relevant?? For example, in MD, a child under the age of 7 has no criminal liability for anything as it is believed that a person so young of age cannot form the mens rea required for a criminal act. Therefore, it would be important to know if the child was over or under 7 years old. On the other hand, if the child is 17 or 16, then would he be expected to be playing with matches and not know any better? Come on guys, if you pose a question, at least give us a context in which to analyze the answer.

175 agree | 135 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:28 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 26, 2007 re: "Stadium Closing As Fire Evacuation Site"

Examiner Reader said:
Great Job California. With the smooth operation and cooperation of the citizens to work together and not sit around like the Naw Leans people (D) did, you put a huge kink in the left wing attack machine. You got them so ticked our own Lt. Governor chose politics over showing the world a United Front. Even Babs showed up. You got a good Governor don’t lose him.

163 agree | 146 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:17 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 26, 2007 re: "Fire Evacuees Seek Return to Normal"

BostonRay said:
This just in: Just like I reported earlier on the democrats sacred enviro-dolt movements obstruction to federal funding to Forestry Dept. efforts towards dead wood thinning and it being a massive cause of home loss now comes an article in the LA Times proving it. At areas where thinning had been performed (Big Bear) not a single home was lost. Not one. As always, when democrats scream that George Bush is the fault (B-babs Boxer D-Bimboville) best look into the mouth of the screamer to find the source of the problem. The truth lies there. It's the democrats, stupid!

145 agree | 136 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:23 AM MST on Fri., Oct. 26, 2007 re: "Fire Evacuees Seek Return to Normal"

BostonRay said:
Democrats obstruct and delay funding to retrofit National Guard aircraft to firefighting capability then say it's George Bush's fault?! Stay tuned and don't miss the democrats demand for "massive funding" relief so they can steal the money. Coming soon to your theatre. Most of what you see on TV will be covered by private insurance companies and the individual tax relief will be used to build bigger houses to burn again in the next guaranteed fire. By the way, it's the begining of mudslide season.

123 agree | 137 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:36 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 25, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfires Are Still Not Contained"

Examiner Reader said:
but the president WONT FORGET these people in Calif because he " Said so" right

170 agree | 150 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:07 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 25, 2007 re: "Dems slam Bush for planned visit to fire-ravaged California"

FrankTheTank said:
I just love it when the Socialist Democrats open their big yaps and dig themselves even deeper into the stupid hole. You'd think they'd want to appear helpful in a time of catastrophy, but instead, they can't help but politicize any and every event. Their hatred of America as we know it, and for George Bush is simply out of control. So, keep it up, Dumb-o-crats, we're watching you!

200 agree | 191 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:16 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 25, 2007 re: "Dems slam Bush for planned visit to fire-ravaged California"

Examiner Reader said:
Some democrats continue to be absolutely sick with Bush Hatred. The Lt. Gov. would be delighted if Hillary visited the fire areas. And of course he has no idea what people who blame such fires on enviromental extremists,who have prevente the removal of the debris which acts as kindling, are talking about. His outburst is a classic example of real air pollution.

170 agree | 191 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
12:10 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 25, 2007 re: "Dems slam Bush for planned visit to fire-ravaged California"

chiefpayne said:
Adam in Marblehead beat me to it. So if he didn't go, what would the Dems have said? No matter what President Bush does, the Dems find something wrong with it. Which is probably why he stopped listening to what they had to say...because all they did was complain without giving any suggestions how to do things the "right" way.

194 agree | 194 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:09 AM MST on Thu., Oct. 25, 2007 re: "Dems slam Bush for planned visit to wildfire-ravaged California"

Adam in Marblehead said:
What would Dems say if he didn't go?

191 agree | 193 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
9:20 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calming Winds Help Crews Vs Calif. Fires"

Examiner Reader said:
What about a MAP of where the fires and evacuation areas are? Anybody got a good link? It's crazy that the Examiner doesn't think this essential to their coverage.

149 agree | 150 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:22 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calming Winds Help Crews Vs Calif. Fires"

BostonRay said:
By the way, any comment putting 'blame' on the firefighters is not appreciated. THEY had to deal one on one with this disaster caused by 'ecologists'. They had to concentrate ALL their resources on saving the lives of kalifornia dingbats who refused to evacuate. THIS took them away from the fire. THEY also tried like hell to save your homes against, in reality, impossible circumstances. THEY put their lives on the line every second of every minute of every hour of this disaster. It's the 'ecologists' stupid. I am not a firefighter but I sure as hell have enormous respect for their efforts here. WHERE is AL GORE and HILLARY? God bless those Firefighters!

162 agree | 146 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:07 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calming Winds Help Crews Vs Calif. Fires"

BostonRay said:
By the way, where IS pope Al Gore? Nowhere to be seen or heard. We know where Hillary Clinton was, as your homes, treasures, memories, and all you own, went up in smoke and ash. She was just north of the fire at a party thrown by meathead of All in the Family. Are they the new Nero? You bet! Both Al (nobel prize) Gore and Hillary, who are heavily financed by the 'ecology' dingbats, have quickly placed their heads in the sand. They caused this disaster, without question. George Bush (R) arrives tomorrow to help you.

142 agree | 152 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
4:58 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfire Losses Top $1 Billion"

Examiner Reader said:
Could'nt have put it better, Mark. Pieces of garbage like Reid, Pelosi, Boxer and the rest of the Democrat party are shameless and will use any event to try to spin their lies to fit their Socialist agenda. The only thing sadder is the number of dolts who belive them.

143 agree | 144 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:02 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Mark said:
I don't think we are turning this into a 'political platform'. People like barbara boxer with comments about needing cal nat guard to come home from iraq to help. we have 6% of our nat guard in iraq and I think she knows it. the funny thing about these people is that they are still running against bush and he's not running for anything. harry reid blaming the fires on "global warming" is just stupid. he knows it but has an agenda which makes him say anything. we deserve better people in government, it's sad. we need leaders that don't whine.

165 agree | 136 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:42 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfire Losses Top $1 Billion"

Examiner Reader said:
Heads should roll for what has happenned. It's amazing how things can improve when these people have their jobs on the line. Folks who could and should make a difference must stop blaming this catastrophe on the weather, the winds, blah, blah, blah, but be prepared! Firefighters, you have failed us.

201 agree | 152 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
1:35 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfire Losses Top $1 Billion"

BostonRay said:
Those that have half a brain are safe because they left in time. Those that did not now require the assistance of fire fighters that are now diverted from fighting the very consuming fire that now jepordizes them. All they had to do was listen. To stand alone in surrounding roaring flames with a garden hose as a defense must be a liberal form of macho out there. Here we call it stupid and insane. Why pray for those seeking self-immolation - very Buddhist. These are not victims. Those that left and lost their homes should not be allowed to build back in the area. It will just burn again. Ecotrash comes from California - I doubt they will learn anything from their error. You want sympathy buy a dog or put an end to these eco-freaks that cause these problems. It's quite simple, really.

150 agree | 114 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
12:27 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Examiner Reader said:
all of you who are turning this into a political platform via these comments are not better than those your criticize. You should be praying for victims, not throwing blame. Do that later, when people are safe and acounted for.

137 agree | 150 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
12:20 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Examiner Reader said:
Social liberals advocate a greater degree of government influence to protect individual rights (in a broad sense), often in the form of anti-discrimination laws. Social liberals support universal education, and many also support the provision of welfare, including benefits for the unemployed, housing for the homeless, and medical care for the sick, all supported by progressive taxation. Hillary would have saved the POLARS and GONE GREEN to prevent the fires.

188 agree | 126 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:28 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Mark said:
Thank You to all the sane people from outside this area (so cal) that see what is really going on. The liberal socialist democrat party in this country is doing so much damage and yet their given the tag of being the ones that care about others. It's a brilliant scam that should not be allowed to work. DO NOT ELECT HILLARY CLINTON TO ANYTHING!

147 agree | 143 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:17 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfire Losses Top $1 Billion"

Mark said:
“One reason why we have the fires in California is global warming,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Tuesday, stressing the need to pass the Democrats’ comprehensive energy package. This fool will try to use any means to get what he wants. Why would anyone support people like this. Shameful liar!

182 agree | 167 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
10:33 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "500,000 Flee Raging California Wildfires"

Examiner Reader said:
Good Job California for taking care of your own in this catastrophic event. Sad to see Babs Boxer (D) & Harry Reid (D) trying to blame this on Bush (as usual) but we over here on the east coast see what going on. The liberal media tried twice this morning to get the blame game going but they were slapped down by Arnold ( R ) and the FEMA boss. We are all thinking of you and I know you will come out on top.

145 agree | 142 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
9:26 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "California Hopes for Slowing Winds"

BostonRay said:
In 2003 the Bush Administration got the "Healthy Forest Initiative" passed that funded the clearing of dead trees and the thinning of brush. Since then the sacred kalifornia eco-freaks have been applauded by local liberals in So. kalifornia for filing over 56 lawsuits preventing the laws implementation. Among them the Sierra Club. Now Babs Boxer says it's Bush's fault. This law would have clearly reduced the magnitude of this fire and it was Babs Boxer's (D-dingbat) cherished buddies in the eco movement that stopped it. Now the bimbos are crying for help. They made their bed now let them lie in it. You live in a desert then you know fires are a fact of life. Always have been. You leave a lot of dead wood around as more fuel and put wood shingles on your house - you are s-t-u-p-i-d.

200 agree | 128 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:21 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "500,000 Flee Raging California Wildfires"

Examiner Reader said:
Iraq is not the topic! Get a life.

141 agree | 136 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:26 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "500,000 Flee Raging California Wildfires"

Examiner Reader said:
It is very much pathetic that people lost their home & take shelter at stadium. Its time feel the Iraqi people who lost home by un-ethical war.

151 agree | 125 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:29 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Raging Calif. Wildfires Force 1M to Flee"

Examiner Reader said:
Ask foresters and knowledgeable biologists about the bark beetle and other infestations as well as drought conditions that result in standing forests of dead and dying trees. Ask the forest and national parks folks what has been done to clear out some of this material so our forests are not tinderboxes. They will tell you that they aren't just allowed to chop down trees. Anytime they try, some eco-lawyer slaps them with a lawsuit with some babble about old-growth forests or spotted owls, and some judge passes and injunction. Then the eco-lawyers petition the courts for their legal expenses at the tune of $250 per hour. The goo-goos in the city who never even go near the forests believe these enviromental frauds, and everyone pats themselves on the back for "saving the trees". Process is repeated until the forests burn down, and the same eco-warriors blame it on "global warming". See how the game is played?

165 agree | 156 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:08 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Examiner Reader said:
You would think all these people who continually pee in their pants over CO2 emissions and so-called anthropogenic "global warming" would be demanding that we DO SOMETHING about forest fires that dump more pollution in a few days than all the SUV's do in an entire year. Not a peep. See, it's NOT about the environment - it's about punishing America for not being a failure like Cuba or Zimbabwe, destroying jobs and the economy, and making us dependents of a welfare state that can take away as easily as it can give. You are witnessing the policies of the modern American left in action.

141 agree | 122 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:59 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Raging Calif. Wildfires Force 1M to Flee"

Socalnative said:
Response to anyonymous: VERY little forest land in California is "pristine" - even the forest lands near Yosemite were logged 60-100 years ago. The fires result NOT because fire risks can't be managed, but because our oh-so-PC know-it-alls REFUSE to manage it! The eco-freaks are so anti-capitalist and anti-private property that they seek to PUNISH loggers, ranchers, and rural property owners for not prostrating themselves before their Gaia eco-g_d. Just talk to some of these wacked-out, tattooed, pierced, dreadlock wearing self-styled "earth warriors" some time. They would RATHER see the forests burned and people lose their homes, jobs (and even lives) than see the forest service allow loggers to salvage sick, dead, or fallen trees. These people are the same crowd that shows up at these "economic summits" in black masks vandalizing Starbucks and McDonalds. It's all anarchistic, nihilistic rage against those who won't pursue their vision of economic and societal suicide...

205 agree | 155 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:41 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations"

Examiner Reader said:
Loggers are not allowed to clear the Tahoe area. I live in Reno and driving to Tahoe (30 min drive) all you see are fallen trees. Everytime there is an effort to clear them, law suits are filed and nothing is done. These tree huggers who file these suits have probably never been to this forest. The forest would be so much healthier if it could be cleaned up.

158 agree | 140 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:36 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Examiner Reader said:
These people have decided how and where they want to live. They are the suffering the most. If they decide not to move back, there will some one to take their place. Stucco and tile roofs should be required in fire areas. As well as cleared area around the homes. People who own the property should decide what happens with the property, if you don't like it - buy the property.

133 agree | 143 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:07 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

Anonymous said:
Limited loggings and USFS controlled burns may or may not be helpful to this situation, but the ultimate problem is that we are spreading out to what used to be pristine wildland, woods and forests that Mother Nature was the one and only force taking care of their lives, deaths and rebirths. By introducing something that are artificial (subdivisions, mountain enclaves, upscale communities) without regards of consequences, no matter - lawsuits or no lawsuits, something will burn. Downed powerlines, fire bugs, or just plain Mother Nature's lightning, you name it. We as people need to plan out how and where exactly we want to live. There is a balance in all things- if we push too far, something will push back. This is unfortunately how Nature can push back. No political parties, factions, administrations can stop it.

157 agree | 131 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
1:40 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Destroy Hundreds of Homes"

BostonRay said:
Since their own kalifornia sacred enviro-mutts caused this conflagration by filing lawsuit after lawsuit against the Forest Service brush thinning projects, I would expect they would be the first to volunteer to help put out their fires and rebuild the homes. Why do I expect they will not show up? After all, these are the plantphobic people who spent their time in fear of second hand smoke and at war with smokers - rather than worry about their back yards. The same chemicals in tobacco are also present in fire smoke - all carbon products produce them. According to them half the state should be dead by now. They are now exposed to massive doses rather than trace elements and they are not dying. This happened in 2003 and the vacant zero brained state learned nothing. Why should we care now? Because this whole cost will fall to us much smarter folks through our rising insurance rates, not to mention tax money. I guess it pays to be stupid.

180 agree | 143 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
1:34 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Over 250,000 Urged to Flee Calif. Fires"

Cornelis Droog said:
This fire is an picture what will be happen in four years time, Oktober 2011 AD the end of time. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10) The ultimate terror - Judgment Day, there is no escape! Are you ready to meet God?

140 agree | 140 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:34 AM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Burn 1,200 Structures"

Examiner Reader said:
we here in washington state are sending our prayers to all of you

131 agree | 148 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:38 AM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Calif. Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations"

Examiner Reader said:
Read story on Drudge about the conditions at the San Diego stadium, where 250,00 people are sitting out the blazes. Far cry from the conditions during Katrina. Just goes to show you what difference a real administration can do. I couldn't believe the N.O. mayor was reelected. Also - It would seem to me that the tree huggers and environMENTAL wackos would let the Loggers come in and thin out and drag out fallen debris, cut firebreaks, this may not happen. But no, the spotted church mouse banded roach habitat may be endangered. What a crock. This happens every year.

190 agree | 150 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:41 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 22, 2007 re: "Raging Calif. Fires Burn Scores of Homes"

Examiner Reader said:
Instead of all the pictures of flames that could be anywhere, how about a MAP showing where the fire(s) are ?

207 agree | 159 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:31 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 22, 2007 re: "Several fires blaze across sun-scorched Southern California"

Examiner Reader said:
i would like to know more, is san diego( the city its self ) safe if the wind blows towards them how long will it take to get out.. thank you

205 agree | 138 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:34 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 22, 2007 re: "Calif. Fires Force 250,000 to Evacuate"

Examiner Reader said:
we need to know about the fire by ramona we live in lakeside and understand they are talking about evacuateing a certian part of lakeside by lake jennings so please talk more about the fire near lakeside thanks

186 agree | 135 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:03 PM MST on Sat., Jul. 14, 2007 re: "Los Padres National Forest fire troublesome, Inyo blaze contained"

Examiner Reader said:
Funny thing about this fire is that, all firefighters from this forest (Los Padres) are not on the fire. We have local knowledge of how how things work around here. Instead, of fighting a fire in our own back yard, the FS sent us to the Inyo fire (Eastern Sierras). Then they wonder why the cost of fires continues to skyrocket. It has cost this fire $90,000 per day to keep Cal-fire firefighters in Hotel every night. The Forest service folks sleep in tents, at fire camp. Thats politics for ya

167 agree | 174 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree