My family would like to express our thanks to all the firefighters and agencies that worked so hard to fight the Whittier Fire and are still working to put it completely out. With a home near Lake Cachuma, we got a first-hand view of the professionalism, skill, and dedication of all involved in containing the fire and limiting its damage.
We were driving to Los Angeles on July 8 to see a Dodger game when I received a call around 1:45 p.m. that a fire had broken out near Lake Cachuma. It spread quickly, Highway 154 was closed, and a mandatory evacuation order was issued. There was nothing we could do, so we halfheartedly watched the game, distracted by incoming calls about the fire status and worry.
Fortunately, our caretaker and family and friends at the property prepared the grounds and structures as best they could. In the early evening, a team of firefighters arrived, and our friends familiarized the crew with the structures and grounds. They finally drove away around 7 p.m., leaving the care of our home in the hands of the professionals.