Wildfire exhibit on display at Rancho Bernardo museum until Nov. 14

An exhibit on the 2007 wildfires that destroyed more than 450 homes in the area can be viewed at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum through Nov. 14.

The exhibit, which opened Friday, includes newspapers and photos of the Witch Creek and Guejito fires, a list of the 365 Rancho Bernardo homes lost plus more that were damaged, and photos taken by locals at the Qualcomm Stadium evacuation site.

There are also items representing the aftermath and recovery, including an American flag from and photo of the Healing Field created in Rancho Bernardo Community Park days after the fire. Each flag represented a home lost in the region. There are also quilts featuring panels made by locals depicting the blaze or recovery, donated by RB United.

It also includes photos and newspaper clippings from two other blazes that hit the region, an October 1967 fire that hit Poway and a June 1981 blaze that caused Westwood residents to evacuate after it traveled to RB from Black Mountain.

“We just want to remember (the 10th anniversary) because it was a big part of Rancho Bernardo’s recent history,” said Peggy Rossi, the museum’s collections manager. “Every October we think about it and I imagine every 10 years we will bring things out to remember the strength people had when they rebuilt their lives after all of that.”

The museum is part of the Rancho Bernardo Historical Society and located in Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte. The winery was among areas on the fire’s front during the early morning hours of Oct. 22, 2007.

The exhibit, along with other items showcasing the area’s history, can be viewed for free from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays (except this Saturday, when hours are 2 to 4 p.m.) and 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is staffed by volunteers.

Rossi said the museum staff would also like to speak with those who experienced the fires to expand the historical record.

“We want photographs and memories,” she said, explaining few first-hand accounts were recorded by museum staff at the time because everyone was “too raw” emotionally.

Those interested in having their photos scanned or sharing their memories can contact the museum at 858-775-5788 to make arrangements.

“This (collection) will always be a work in progress,” Rossi said. “Certainly on this, such a significant event in our community that affected everyone one way or another. We want to add to our collection materials.”

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com