Evacuees stream into Qualcomm Stadium

By: CRAIG TENBROECK - Staff writer | Monday, October 22, 2007 12:26 PM PDT ∞

A few thousand people had gathered at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium by late Monday morning, where volunteers were comforting evacuees and offering them food, water and other necessities.

Shortly after 11 a.m., several buses full of senior citizens who had been evacuated from facilities in Poway pulled into the stadium parking lot. The seniors stepped off the buses slowly, wearing surgical masks to protect themselves from the smoke.

Most of the those elderly residents, and other evacuees with health problems, were taken to the stadium's second floor club house.

On the lower levels of Qualcomm, many evacuees appeared to be in good spirits, crowding around televisions and caring for pets that they had bought with them.

Rancho Bernardo resident Phil Curry, 61, and his wife Chrys, 62, said they left their home around 6:30 a.m., after the Witch Creek blaze gave them no other choice.

"We walked outside and saw a fireball on the other side of the hill and decided it was time to go," Phil Curry said.

Curry said he and his wife were waiting for word about their home and settling into the stadium because they had no where else to go.

Evacuees weren't the only ones showing up at Qualcomm ---- hundreds of volunteers were lining up at registration tables, looking for a way to help out.

Rhonda Anderson from La Jolla said she watched the disaster unfold on television and felt compelled to head to an evacuation center to see what she could do.

"This is what the world's all about ---- you pull together when it's necessary," Anderson said. "There is a lot of fear here, so just talking with them and holding their hand means a lot."

55 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

Papi wrote on Oct 22, 2007 1:32 PM:this better not screw with the game this weekend!!!!

Mike in LSM wrote on Oct 22, 2007 1:57 PM:Where are your priorities, Papi?

I'm afraid. wrote on Oct 22, 2007 2:17 PM:The game might be gone. Lots of people will be homeless. Let's hope the city can manage better than NO.

Shayna Chabner, Staff writer wrote on Oct 22, 2007 2:28 PM:nctimes.com has set up a place for you to submit your questions for reporters to answer to the best of their knowledge. It can be found here: North County Times reporters answer your questions

not a fan wrote on Oct 22, 2007 2:37 PM:Papi...Get your priorities together... People are losing their homes and you are worrieds about a stupid football game?? Get a life!!!I hope they cancel the stupid game...or how about give all those evacuees the seats for a FREE game day....

Don't Tread On Me wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:45 PM:FYI, when you call someone Papi, it like makes them you're daddy as in "who's your daddy?!?!?!" Looks pretty funny.

Settle Down wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:47 PM:I think Papi was joking.

robert wrote on Oct 22, 2007 3:57 PM:What we need to do is pray for our firefighters who are doing there best to keep the fire contain and no lives are lost. God is at work

Mike wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:33 PM:I lived in Poway many years ago. I hope this passes quickly and that the town and it's people are safe.

The Game wrote on Oct 22, 2007 4:38 PM:The Game? What game??? Why don't you find some firefighters and thank them!

TERRA wrote on Oct 22, 2007 5:32 PM:MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS AND RESIDENTS. HOW SCARY THIS MUST BE FOR ALL OF THEM. IT MAKES YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT HOW EASLIY SOMETHING CAN BE TAKEN AWAY, HOW WE ALL TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED. HOUSES CAN BE REPLACED...LIVES CAN'T. MAY GOD PROTECT THEM ALL.

Kristen wrote on Oct 22, 2007 5:58 PM:Where can I find out what to bring? Can we make food? I have a wheelchair but need it back. Is there a website I can go to?

Stefani Christensen wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:21 PM:Looking for my elderly parents, Roy and Mary Jane Christensen. Home is in Rancho Bernardo...

Christina wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:22 PM:God bless California!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark Lemmon wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:34 PM:I just want to be able to say that the firefighters are doing the best that they can to fight the blazes and we have to do our part Here at home too. We have to Pray for them to be safe and that the ocupants wil be safe and that thier hosue will be saved if it is God's will.God's Will be done in all things in this World. In God We Trust --should be something we need to go back to getting our Nation doing again. God Bless Us all AMERICA The Beaufiful. God Bless America. Mark a Friend.

floridian wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:35 PM:I live in Florida but use to live in San Diego while hubby was stationed on the Durham. Does anyone know how a person like my self (living so far away) can help. Our prayers are with you all. GOD Bless

Cheri G wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:43 PM:Hope my sister Christina & family are safe. They own a home in Poway. We love them very much. Hope they are safe. We have been estranged for over 30 years ~~ if you read this Christina the Lord Bless you and keep you all safe! Love you lots! Your Sister Cheri

Mrs Wayne wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:45 PM:I was just out in Las Vegas, LA, and San Diego for my honeymoon a month ago. I live in east central IL. My thoughts and prayers are with all the firefighters and the people whose homes are threatened. I pray that no more lives are taken and that this tragedy only brings us closer together. Sending love from the middle of the country.

Ex-SD wrote on Oct 22, 2007 6:52 PM:My prayers are with you. I'm no longer in SD County, but living in another state. San Diego has seen its share of bad fires. I lived in LJ, NP, also in N. County...over 25 years, and still count SD as home. The Salvation Army really helps people. And don't forget the animals.

Cliff wrote on Oct 22, 2007 7:03 PM:i hope everything works out for everyone affected

Wendy wrote on Oct 22, 2007 7:22 PM:As a former Fallbrookian & resident of Rice Canyon my prayers are with all the evacuees. I'm trying to find a fire map that will tell me where the fires are now. Any suggestions? thanks.

PJ wrote on Oct 22, 2007 7:22 PM:I just moved from SD to AZ two weeks ago and I am sad to see fires ravish SD county again. Please be safe and listen to the brave men and women of fire department, police and CHP when they tell you to get out and evacuate. Don't forget the animals. God Bless You San Diego County, you are in my prayers.

brenda / louisiana wrote on Oct 22, 2007 7:41 PM:hi to all my family, pray you are all safe. love you guys

gloria p wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:06 PM:I"m praying that every thing is back to normal soon and that every one is safe back in there homes. God bless you.

Tunny wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:09 PM:Ken Wagner, hope you and yours are all alright. Will pray for your safety.

Casey wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:09 PM:We'll pray for all the firefighters and the people in the fires area. GODBLESS.

Angelito wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:15 PM:I just want to know some updates if Chula Vista is now affected by the blazing fires?I'm so worried of my parents and my sister with her family who are residing there. I can't do anything here in the Phils but to pray fervently for your safety..Almighty God, pls shield the people of Northern California with your mantle of protection.

melvin wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:17 PM:Best website for fire status is: www.sdcountyemergency.com

Mama Fish wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:18 PM:I'm in San Diego now. 250,000 people have had to evacuate and at least 600 homes have been destroyed and the fire is not contained at all. Smoke and ash fills the air and the sense of fear is palatable. Only essential workers are on the road. Schools are closed and all we can do right now is wait and hope. Thank you all for thinking of us!

Dave wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:20 PM:Wendy- Here are some links for maps & info: http://www.fire.ca.gov/ http://inciweb.org/maps/ Good luck.

john wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:22 PM:My parents are in the area and I moved from Oceanside to the East Bay. Does anyone know what areas are affected?

lydia wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:45 PM:In regards to the services available at Qualcomm stadium, People are being treated well and getting necc. services. There are special rooms set of for people withsmall children, the elderly, etc and there has been an outpouring of people volunteering there. The donations of food, water, blankets has been incredible. All venders were open there. They were serving more than coffee and donuts. We are taking care of one another and that's what we do here.

Connie wrote on Oct 22, 2007 8:59 PM:Wendy here is the a great website with a map of the fires as they occur. http://www.calfires.com/

Nancy in VA wrote on Oct 22, 2007 9:44 PM:My thoughts and prayers are with all in San Diego and LA. I moved back east 6 years ago but have many friends in SD. May God bless you and keep all of you safe.

Steve in`Menlo Park wrote on Oct 22, 2007 10:14 PM:Is anyone calling for volunteers to help fight the fires?

Victoria wrote on Oct 22, 2007 11:16 PM:My prayer are with the state of california and this terrible crisses my son lives in lemon grove, ca I wasn't even aware of this crisses may God continue to protect every one and bring peace and comfort to you all and give the firefighter and volunteers divine stratagies against the disater. love Victoria

Brandon wrote on Oct 22, 2007 11:48 PM:My mom, dad, step mom, and grandparents all live in Poway and I'm deployed to Iraq and cant do anything to help them.....it's pissing me off.

PSBJ wrote on Oct 23, 2007 12:44 AM:Tom, I hope you are okay. I can't talk to you and it makes me very sad, so please know I am thinking of you. Much Love!!

Joe wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:11 AM:My thoughts and prayers are with the people of california. through this tough times and lose. I will cont to pray that the fires go. and great people such as police, fire department and resc. people too. dont be mad when the police told you to leave your home, i know its tough. +prayers+ Joe from Boston,Ma.

Michael wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:39 AM:Living in the drought stricken mountains in southwest Virginia, you are in our thoughts and prayers!!!

JD wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:04 AM:I used to live there 5 years. went through the last fire. It was very scary. thought we all would have been standing in the ocean as the flames crept down the beach. May God bless everyone. I used to reside in Clairemont above Sea World.

Marie wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:22 AM:My gratitude to all the fire fighters. My prayers are with them and their families, that God give them strength. Hang on to the Lord's hands.

jill porter wrote on Oct 23, 2007 3:44 AM:To Wendy: The best updated maps are available on http://sdcountyemergency.com It took me (cable internet & power in Escondido were intermittently interrupted) a few hours to make a connection, but once made, they have new evacuation & fire maps every few hours. ~jill

Tom wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:08 AM:With a son in SD that was evacuated yesterday, I am of course concerned, now hearing he is safe and well, My prayers are with everyone there, and lets not forget all those who are involved in the safety of others, vols and just good hearted people doing what is right, at the right time.

Linda in Louisiana wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:10 AM:Praying for all in the southern California towns affected...hoping my 89 year old Daddy has found a safe place for refuge...and wish he would carry a cell phone. God bless the firefighters and God bless America!

Susan wrote on Oct 23, 2007 4:47 AM:I have an elderly Aunt and Uncle that live in Rancho Bernardo. I tried their phone but no answer. I do hope and pray that they are safe somewhere and that they and many others have a home to return to.

Jim Smyth, Florida wrote on Oct 23, 2007 6:01 AM:trying to locate my brother and his family (Charles Smyth). We are praying.

Frogger wrote on Oct 23, 2007 7:57 AM:" In regards to the services available at Qualcomm stadium, People are being treated well and getting necc. services. There are special rooms set of for people withsmall children, the elderly, etc and there has been an outpouring of people volunteering there. The donations of food, water, blankets has been incredible. All venders were open there. They were serving more than coffee and donuts. We are taking care of one another and that's what we do here. " Hmm, it's heart-warming to see people actually helping each other instead of partaking in the animalistic behavior observed at the SuperDome in NO a few years back... Take care of each other, you are all in my thoughts.

Marie wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:08 AM:have not heard from sister in law since yesterday. She moved from Escondido to Vista. Anyone know what is happening in Vista along the freeway.

Concerned Friend wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:21 AM:Someone from out of state or country was asking if the fire had reached Hidden Meadows. From a map I just looked at, it appears that Hidden Meadows is above the expected evacuation line so for now they may be safe. Wish I had more info to offer you.

Rich wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:56 AM:My parents live in Del Mar, 1/2 mile from the Fairgrounds, and they were told through the reverse 911 system to go to an Orange County shelter 50+ miles away. Not a very efficient or accurate system at all. Luckily they didn't do it because they're in their 80's the traffic and stress would have done them in.

does anyone know wrote on Oct 23, 2007 8:59 AM:what happened on HEROES last night? Freaking ch 7 was playing the news all day

Bud wrote on Oct 23, 2007 2:35 PM:How can we contact family evacuees, in order to help?

Nan Aki wrote on Oct 24, 2007 6:46 AM:To In-May Smith: I do hope you are safe in Chula Vista and that goes for your husband and father-in-law too and all the friends down there...the Martins, etc....Miss you. Nan

PAULINE wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:56 PM:I HOPE THAT EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT FINE,YOU ARE ALL ON OUR PRAYERS,I HOPE THAT EVERYBODYS'S FAMILY IS O.K. GOD BLESS SANDIEGO AND ALL THOSE FIREFIGHTERS,POLICE,VOLUNTEERS FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! AFTER ALL THIS IS OVER WE SHOUKD HAVE A PARTY FOR EVERYONE THAT HELPED

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