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.
So we go to the window on the opposite side of the house and we just see that plume of smoke,” Leithart said.
Just minutes later, Leithart said they were told to evacuate.
I was shaking honestly. You know we’re putting stuff in bags and I’m a little short of breath and my hands are a little shaky,” said Leithart.
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.
Looking at what she has, thinking is she not going to have this stuffed animal anymore, as inconsequential as that might be. That was sort of racing through my head the entire time,” Leithart said.
Driving out of the neighborhood, Leithart could see the dark plumes of smoke creeping closer.
I was just looking back at the smoke just wondering if it was getting closer to our house,” said Leithart.
His wife, trying to calm everyone down, with her voice.
She was singing psalms the whole time we were getting packed. She was singing Psalm 23 over and over again, the Lord is my shepherd,” said Leithart.
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.
We got out with the people and that’s what matters and at this point we can’t do anything about it if it’s going to take a turn for the worst,” Leithart said.
But it didn’t take a turn and Thursday morning, they got the green light to return.
Slowly coming around to acknowledging, yes, we are going to be fine. Our house is going to be fine, we can go back home,” said Leithart.
