Walking the dog till the flames come down

Debbi Chessani, 39, a school cafeteria worker out walking her cocker spaniel, Roxie, said the flames just north of Piru didn't worry her. She and other family members had already packed the SUV and were ready to go if things got worse in her rural neighborhood.

"When I see flames coming down the mountain, that's when it will be time to go,'' Chessani said. She packed treasured photographs, clothes and food for her animals.

Sunday night, as an orange glow from the Ranch fire appeared over a ridge, she was more concerned, Chessani said. But when no flames followed, she went to bed.

Over the years, she's watched flames advance all the way to the town's park. This time, the winds seem to be much wilder, she said.

-- Greg Griggs