Police begin their drive through the neighborhood ordering immediate evacuations. As residents race to pack a few possessions, sirens whine in the distance as Los Angeles County Fire Department units draw near. Firemen drag hoses from their trucks, calling for residents to evacuate and stand by their engines. Already, it's too late to evacuate by car-flames have blocked the only road out. Blinding smoke fills the air, and trees explode as the heat from the fire boils away water and sap.
Breathing becomes difficult because of the hot, choking smoke.
Parents hold their children close trying to comfort them. In a matter of minutes powerful Santa Ana winds have whipped the distant smoke plume into a raging firestorm. Flames leap more than 200 feet into the air, consuming everything in their path. We are cut off. A firestorm is going to hit us.