EDITORIAL: City lucky in many ways

Laguna Beach dodged a bullet — knock on wood — this week, as fires spread throughout Southern California but spared the city. This firestorm was unprecedented, and damages could go into the multiple billions of dollars before it’s all over.

It will take California years to recover from the losses. Some neighborhoods were destroyed. We all feel the loss of lives and property and the grief of our neighbors.

Laguna was lucky this time — but preparation and vigilance had a big role to play. Throughout the week, volunteers and public safety personnel were out 24 hours a day watching the hillsides and canyons for any sign of smoke. Several alarms were called in and firefighters responded, but thankfully they were proven to be false reports.

The winds have shifted and the fires have become more manageable, but the city is blanketed with smoke and residents are advised to stay indoors and not undertake strenuous activities.

Free face masks are available at South Coast Medical Center for those who need them. To find out more, call (949) 499-7263.

Because the city was untouched, Laguna was able to help with the firefighting efforts in other counties. The city’s Office of Emergency Services fire engine unit — the light-green one — is still in San Diego with a full crew, after starting out in Malibu on Sunday. Two other units were also sent to fight the Santiago fire in Orange County, and one has returned.

While more than a dozen firefighters were deployed elsewhere, the firefighters that remained in Laguna were working double and triple shifts to keep the city safe.

Laguna also has been playing host to many evacuees, who thronged here in search of respite. Downtown was abuzz all week with talk of the fires, but many of the visitors just seemed glad to be in a safe place where they could enjoy a good meal and a tranquil sunset over the ocean. Many of the hotels made special accommodations for the stricken, such as allowing pets in the rooms and providing special rates.

This is a good time to give generously to relief agencies such as the Red Cross. Blood is also needed. It seems California will be subject to these firestorms at the whim of the Santa Ana winds and arsonists who may take advantage of them to “play with fire.”

Laguna is so fortunate to have a well-organized cadre of volunteers to act as fire-spotters during fire-friendly weather.

We thank the fire-watchers as well as the firefighters for their lifesaving efforts.