California wildfire evacuee recalls moment family had to desert home, leave belongings – KOMO News
Now 25 Fri 43 Sat 42by GEOFF HARRIS | The National News Desk TOPICS:WASHINGTON (TNND) — As firefighters work to get the Hughes Fire under control, thousands were forced to evacuate as flames, smoke and debris came barreling toward their homes. On Wednesday morning, Smith Leithart and his family were among the evacuees. He watched from his Castaic balcony, as smoke from the Hughes Fire made its way towards his home. Leithart noted ash falling from the sky.Just minutes later, Leithart said they were told to evacuate. Racing around the house doing one last check, Leithart tells us it was hard not to think about what was being left behind, especially his daughter’s belongings.Driving out of the neighborhood, Leithart could see the dark plumes of smoke creeping closer.His wife, trying to calm everyone down, with her voice.For the night, they went to a friend’s home while trying to stay positive, not knowing if their home was going to make it.But it didn’t take a turn and Thursday morning, they got the green light to return.
