Well, about 30 years have passed since the last big fire in Crest. Most residents of this small community had been holding their breath for a couple of years. Our time was up. The weather conditions were right; no rain to speak of in almost a year, and unusually warm weather for late October. Santa Ana winds began gusting. I looked out my window to the East but all looked normal. A couple of puffy white clouds and glorious sunshine. My son was on his way to L.A. and called to ask if I'd heard anything about a fire. No...everything looked fine here. Then I walked out my front door. To the West, the sky was ominously black. Then came the pungent odor of smoke in the air.
Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2003, ashes began raining down on us. We had not been told to evacuate yet, but I didn't feel too good about all the ash and smoke in the air, so the kids and I decided to get the animals packed up and head out.
I called my friend, Becky, and she said to "come on over!" So we headed for Santee. Santee was on fire, too. We didn't know if we would all be evacuated from there or not, but at least we would all be together and with friends.
Little did we know that just a couple of hours after we left Crest, the fire was there.
Not far from John and Becky's house, the hills were ablaze.
We watched as the flames crested the hill to the west and started moving toward the homes.
Visit the-lynns.com for more incredible fire pictures.
The links below are pictures taken after the fire and the progress, eventually (I hope), of our new home being built.
Assessing
the Damage
Sifting Through the Ashes
Starting Over
The Groundbreaking
The Foundation Prep
Day Before Slab
The Slab is Poured!
We've been Framed!
The Roof is On!
Windows!
Insulation
Drywall
Siding
We're Painted!
The Cabinets
Almost There!
Just Day Away! NEW!
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