HRL saved from Malibu fire

HRL sits safely above the scorched hill side.Just a month after moving to Southern California, on 10/21/07, Shawn & Katie woke to strong and hot Santa Anna winds blowing outside, and news of a wildfire in Malibu.  As they watched the local areal coverage, the camera showed the fire spreading to Shawn's work, HRL Laboratories, and one of the HRL buildings on fire.  That was the last television image they saw that Sunday morning before going to church.  Though it was difficult to focus, the fellowship of Faith Community Church gave abundant prayer, encouragement and support.  That afternoon, smoke began pouring into their neighborhood from the various fires that had started.  Though the fires never got close to their house, Shawn wasn't able to return to work for four days.  When he returned, he found the HRL property had been kept relatively safe from the wildfires, but the area around had been almost totally scorched.  This wildfire was reportedly the worst in ten years, but Shawn & Katie were affected very minimally.  Just add this to the long list of blessings they have to be thankful for.  They are also very thankful for all of those who fought these fires, and their prayers go out to those affected.  Click here or on the picture to see more photos from the fires.

UPDATE: See what nearly gave Shawn a heart attack that Sunday morning.  Click here to watch streaming video of local news coverage of the Malibu Fire, mostly of HRL (called "Hughes Labs" in video).  Click here to download the movie.

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