Two cats and 6-foot snake ready for evacuation
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Chula Vista:
Bernard Gonzales, a spokesman for the Chula Vista Police Department, said evacuations for East Lake Woods, Bella Lago, some of the San Miguel Ranch, and some areas of the Rolling Hills Ranch were voluntary, but most people were leaving. He said in the last few hours, ‘The fire jumped the 94 and got into an area where Chula Vista is much more susceptible.’
He said two military helicopters from the Navy had been dropping water on the fringes of the fire to try and stop the spread. ‘Those copters make a huge difference in a big hurry,’ he said. He also said firefighters were stationed in strategic spots on the eastern edge of Chula Vista and they were ready to fight the fire if it continued this way. ‘Right now it’s not imminent, but we’d like to be prepared,’ Gonzales said.
About 100 residents are strung along Proctor Valley Road in Chula Vista watching the flames, sharing stories and discussing whether or not to evacuate.
The horse trails to the east where the pavement ends have been blocked off, and people are near the edge, looking out toward the forest.
Victor Lemos, 32, was standing with friend Randy Webb, 30, atop a 100-foot hill off Proctor Valley Road. They were wearing face masks to protect against the falling smoke and ash.
‘We’re just waiting until they give us the word to evacuate,’ Lemos said. He said he already had everything together, including birth certificates, photos and deeds to the house. ‘I’m not really too worried about TV and things like that. That all can be replaced.’
Lemos works as a detention deputy for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Webb did not have much to say, but had his two cats and 6-foot northern pine snake in hand. He ran out to Petco to make sure he had all the crates needed for his animals and was prepared to evacuate himself, his wife and two children.
Melo Garcia, 43, has lived in Rolling Hills Ranch for four years.
‘It’s coming; it’s coming and I’m worried,’ Garcia said. She had already packed passports, birth certificates, and medicine. She said she was most worried about her anxious 88-year-old mother-in-law, who lives with her.
But Garcia does not believe the fire will burn down her house.
‘I don’t think it’s going to happen,’ she said. ‘I have faith.’
-- Ari Bloomekatz