More than 100 residents staying at Palomar College in San Marcos are nervous about what they will find when they are allowed to return to the homes.
Jack Griffiths, 88, of Bonsall was among those forced to evacuate because of the raging Lilac Fire.
"I thought the fire would bypass us," he explained. He said police knocked on the door and told them to leave immediately. They left with only what they were wearing.
The Air Force veteran's wife has Alzheimer's. His main concern was not losing their home, but making sure his wife, Esme, was comfortable.
"If we lost it, I’m not worried because we’ll recover if we live long enough," he added.
The veteran said American Red Cross volunteers made them feel very welcome and comfortable. Volunteers said they had received more donations at Palomar College than they even needed.
