October 25th: With forecasts calling for temperatures in the 90's, gusty winds, and thousands of acres of dry, decades old brush, fire danger was at a critical level. Fire crews were already working overtime fighting fires around the county. CDF spokesperson Roxanne Provazncik was quoted as saying "we don't need this right now". All of the ingredients were in place for the most devastating fire in county history. Around midnight; a fire was reported in East County, and by morning residents of Scripps Ranch woke to the smell of smoke; and worse. Oct 26, 11:40 am: Just north of Pomerado Road neighbors gather in a back yard to watch the fast approaching fire, fanned by gusty Santa Ana winds and by winds created by the fire itself. On the street below, residents pack up belongings and begin to evacuate. Some have time to grab photographs, important papers and personal items; others leave with only the clothes on their backs.