Thousands of Californians fled the three wildfires ravaging their state this week in the most harrowing of ways: driving through flames, breathing through blankets, watching as cars in front of them on clogged roads caught on fire.

Some lost their homes and are now cobbling together a new life with relatives, in Airbnbs or in recreational vehicles. Others don’t even know yet if their homes were damaged.

We reached out to our readers in California affected by the fires, asking how they escaped , what they took with them and what was left behind. We heard from dozens who fled, many with their families in tow; most said they did not have time to save more than pets, important documents and essential clothing — and sometimes, just the clothes on their backs. Their responses have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.