Hitchcock filmed "The Birds" about an hour from here in Bodega. We have photos of the church they used and the hotel both, but no birds in any of our shots.
I've not yet been evacuated so haven't had to pack the car frantically, but I appreciate what you experienced because I've heard the story a couple different times.
I don't know if stopping the fires is a reality, but building from things other than lumber and shingles may be a pretty valuable decision. The roof part is tricky because earthquakes tend to flatten everything else. Maybe the trick is to have less attachment to stuff and like the native Americans from years ago, be somewhat mobile.
Thanks for the comment. :)
RE: California Fires - 13 original images, Nov 8 2018