Residents in Camarillo Heights, California, were forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires threatened the area. Christina Noren, 50, and her husband, Paul Boutin, 62, were among those who had to flee their residence.
Noren expressed concern about the smoke in the sky near her home, prompting their quick departure. Police and fire officials went door to door, urging residents to leave immediately. Noren described the urgency of the situation, with officials emphasizing the need to evacuate promptly.
The couple grabbed essentials such as their dog, laptops, clothes, toothbrushes, and Boutin's thyroid medication before leaving. Boutin, a thyroid cancer survivor in remission since August, recently underwent surgery and needed to avoid inhaling smoke.
Despite the proximity of evacuation centers, Noren and Boutin opted to travel over 100 miles to a hotel in Pismo Beach to ensure Boutin's health was not compromised. Noren highlighted the importance of protecting Boutin from smoke exposure during his recovery.
Noren, an artist with a collection spanning over three decades, had to leave behind her large-scale artworks, including sculptures and paintings. She expressed the emotional toll of potentially losing her cherished pieces, emphasizing the significant size of her art collection.
In the face of uncertainty, Noren acknowledged the possibility of losing her artwork and anticipated a mix of emotions, including sadness and frustration. The couple's decision to prioritize Boutin's health underscored the challenges faced by residents forced to evacuate due to the wildfires.
