With the worst of the wildfires dying down, many Southern Californians lucky enough to find their homes still standing could nevertheless face hardships for weeks to come, including polluted air, no electricity and no drinking water.

Power lines are down in many burned-over areas, and the smoke and ash could irritate people's lungs for as long as the blazes keep burning.

Randy and Aimee Powers returned to this mountain community in San Diego County on Friday to find their home without electricity or water, after fire trucks drained the town's reservoir.

"It's better to be at home. We're going to stick it out and do whatever we have to do up here to survive. We'll make it through," said Randy Powers, who joined a half-mile-long car caravan on Ramona's Aqua Lane.

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Filed under: * Culture-Watch

1. libraryjim wrote: This may seem bizarre, but the last time the fires roared through this area, one tv news station interviewed the owner of a house spared the fire, and his comment was, “yeah, now my neighbors are building new houses bigger and better than the ones before. I almost wish mine had burned as well!” October 27, 10:00 am | [comment link]

2. Pageantmaster [Free Archbishop Cranmer] wrote: These poor families - Prayers for their support and relief. October 27, 10:17 am | [comment link]

3. Harvey wrote: #1 Let’s hope your neighbor is careful for what he asks for.  Things like this sometimes will bite you right in the a**. October 27, 10:24 am | [comment link]

4. okifan18 wrote: It has been hard to watch the TV coverage this week of this disaster. October 27, 11:53 am | [comment link]

5. drjoan wrote: Has the National Church given any indication of providing help?  I know the AAC has. October 27, 12:37 pm | [comment link]

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