Massive Southern California Wildfires Force Residents to Seek Refuge at Qualcomm Stadium
Having just moved to the Los Angeles area this year, it’s been a jaring experience to watch these wildfires fueled by the Santa Ana winds rip through the nearby communities of Malibu and Irvine.
But to the south is where the real damage is being done. As of early Tuesday morning, over a quarter million residents have been forced to evacuate various areas in San Diego county.
Among those evacuated are 40 members of the San Diego Chargers, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, and Marlon McCree. The Chargers canceled their Monday practice and will move to the Arizona Cardinals facility in Tempe for the rest of the week. There’s a chance that Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans could also be held in Arizona, depending on what happens to these wildfires.
Meanwhile, the team’s home, Qualcomm Stadium is being utilized as a massive evacuation center. As the New York Times reports, it is currently serving as an “oasis of order” amidst the nearby chaos. Always good to see people coming together and helping each other out in a time of crisis.
For those of you directly affected by these fires, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. A special be safe message to Al over at our 451Press network site San Diego, CA, and to everyone over at Glorify the Past. Take care of yourselves.
(Photo Credit: Anonymous reader via the L.A. Times)
San Diego, wildfires, Qualcomm Stadium, football really is just a game
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Thank you for your prayers. I am currently back from having a mandatory evacuation and my house still stands unlike many others. Can’t wait for these fires to leave Southern California.
On a lighter note, Go Chargers!
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Good to hear you and your home are safe & sound, Al!
Best of luck to the Chargers for the rest of the season (well, unless they play the Patriots again…