In Redding, I reported from the lines of at least four 20,000+ acre blazes. From my vantage point both in front of and behind the camera, it was easy for me to process the devastation in a logical way and feel in control. From 3000 miles away, it's much harder.

The fires burning in San Diego County hit a personal note Tuesday when I got a call from a close friend. Her childhood home was one of 1400+ claimed by the flames, left in a pile of ashes for her parents and siblings to shovel through. As trite as it sounds, the situation breaks my heart.

So, from my desk here in Norfolk all I can do is worry about home -- the family and friends who are waiting for the firestorms to pass, waiting for Mother Nature's fury to subside.

My thoughts are also with the firefighters, wishing them the safety and stamina they need to bring a sense of calm back to the Golden State.