ORANGE, Calif. — Shawn Marie Feller and her son had nowhere to turn to as they packed up their bags and got into their cars to flee the Bond fire, which ignited late Wednesday night in Silverado.

“He came back saying there was a fire and woke us up. I do not know what it was from, but I did not believe it. I just couldn’t believe it,” said Shawn Marie Feller, a Silverado resident.

Feller and her adult son, Ryan, are among those that arrived to a temporary evacuation point put on by the American Red Cross at Santiago Canyon Community College.

“I’d say it was like waking up to the end of times,” Feller said.

Feller took with her the things that were important to her including a birthday present she was planning to give her daughter, but has not been able to give to her.

“I’d rather just leave with whatever important little bit and go. My boyfriend, he wants to stay and try to save his house. My life is more important,” Feller said.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way Red Cross volunteers are helping people. Residents are asked to stay in their vehicles as volunteers arrange lodging and meal options.

In the same parking lot, nursing students Hannah Ontoy and her roommate are studying for an exam while they wait to find out where they will spend the night.

“If this doesn’t work out, we’re both going to head back home. I’m from San Diego so I’m going to make that hour and thirty minute drive back home. She’s from San Francisco,” Ontoy said.

This is the second time in two months Ontoy and her roommate have had to evacuate their Foothill Ranch apartment. Once for the Silverado Fire and now the Bond fire.

“Before we left, we could definitely smell the smoke and the fire. I have asthma so I started coughing right away. The sky was pretty black,” said Ontoy.

While the roommates wait to find out where they are heading, the Red Cross is sending Shawn Marie Feller and her son to a hotel nearby. She said this year has been a whirlwind of difficult events and to wrap up the year with a wildfire is scary, but she is thankful to have a place to stay for the night and to be alive. 

Evacuees are advised that no congregate sheltering will be offered due to COVID. Evacuees are encouraged to seek safety with family or friends or in a local hotel.

Those needing assistance evacuating due to a medical, mobility or other reason, can contact Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at: 714-647-7000.

Residents under voluntary evacuation and have a medical or mobility issue, please consider leaving early to allow yourself adequate time.

Please remember any medications, documents, warm clothing, cellphone, charger and comfort items for yourself, your children or your pets.