[ZenGum]

Pack the car NOW. Or at least make a pile of necessities by the door ready to load. Especially with the special needs of your kids, if you need to go, you'll really want it.

The last minute evacuation is just about the most dangerous thing you can do (short of running naked into the flames). Down here the rule is to either (A) go early, or (B) stay inside the structure until the main front has passed, then come out and fight the spot fires. Option B does not work with really big fires, but by the time people realise that, it is too late. They try the last-minute dash. It ends badly.

Take care, Clod, and listen to Bullitt more than me 'cause he knows your local conditions better.