“I don’t know that we could have...

“I don’t know that we could have done anything any better given the circumstances and the resources.�

Ventura County Fire Chief George E. Lund.

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“We came, we saw and we conquered. Now it’s time to go home.�

Larry Hadley, a firefighter from Los Gatos.

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“This spring ought to be beautiful. In fact, we’ll begin to see green within a few weeks.�

Rose Rumball-Petre, a natural resource specialist with the National Park Service.

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“I want to be the guy who whispers in their ear and says, ‘Look out over there, it’s coming over that ridge in a few minutes. Be ready for it.’ �

Fire behavior expert Doug Campbell.

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“Now that it’s almost over, I’m realizing that when you’re over 50 you might be too old for this kind of stuff.�

Howard Johnston, 53, of Fire Station 52 in Camarillo.

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“It sounds good so far, but the proof is in the pudding.�

Yerba Buena Road resident Hayden Clark on his prospects for receiving federal emergency aid.

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“It makes the human being seem helpless. And then you wonder about all the beasties, the squirrels and things.�

Robert Murray, a golfer who witnessed the inferno’s start at Los Robles Golf Course.