No Evacuation for One Manorville Resident

Frank Martinez, who lives on Weeks Avenue in Manorville, could see the flames shooting up behind his house, as high as the trees, when fire broke out

But when evacuation orders were issued, Martinez decided to wait it out awhile. "I have three cats here," he said. "When you've had them long enough, they become family."

Martinez, whose wife, Evelyn, is in Florida caring for their daughter after her recent surgery, said he didn't think he had enough cat carriers to get his feline companions evacuated; two of the cats have never even been outdoors.

"I was putting blankets in the car, just in case," he said. "But I told myself, 'I'm going to stay as long as I can."

Martinez, who was a firefighter himself years ago, said the companies that responded to the scene did a great job. During the Pine Barrens wildfires in 1995, he witnessed the fire crossing Sunrise Highway. "People don't think fire can go across a road, but it can," he said. Since the fire broke out on Tuesday, Martinez said his phone has been ringing with offers of help, but residents were still not allowed to drive down Weeks Avenue.

His wife, Martinez said, has missed both Tuesday's fire and last week's two day brush fire event. "This is the worst year we've had," Martinez said.

But despite the fact that she has called him, worried, he remains unflustered. "I don't get too excited anymore," he said.

Despite the high fire index, Martinez has not even packed a bag. "You don't let it bother you," he said.

Should he be forced to evacuate at some point, Martinez said he'd most likely go to his son's house -- but not without the cats.

"I wouldn't leave without them," he said.

Evacuation orders are still in affect for the area; residents have not yet been allowed to return home.