The map of the Santa Barbara fire in today’s San Mateo County Times really struck me because some old Burlingame friends are now living down there.  Locals will remember John and Ellen Hunter as a seriously funny and involved couple who well understood the values of Burlingame.  The Hunters took a 2 year expedition to New Zealand and moved back to Santa Barbara just a few months ago.

I have heard through friends that their house is OK, but that the fire got very close.  Way too close for comfort.  That got me thinking about California fires.  I’m guessing the Hunters were not thinking about fire dangers when they chose their house.  I know I didn’t give it even the slightest thought when I chose my house in Burlingame.  The Oakland fires happened after I moved in and I’ve chosen not to think about it since.  Bur this is the second serious fire in Santa Barbara in five months.  Earthquakes, I think about…fire, not recently.

But the same informative friend who updated me on the Hunters’ safety also noted how there are several similar fire avenues in the Burlingame hills.  Do you feel safe from fire where you are?