I know everyone's circumstances are different, but if you are sick, can't most people just work from home?
Shirts at the Gap aren't going to fold themselves, but unless you're doing shift work why does it matter if you go into the office or not.
I go into the office when I need to. Otherwise, I just stay home. Same with my co-workers. I prefer it when they don't come in. I get more done.
Fires are not new to SOCAL. I lived in SD when I was younger. I remember driving up to LA one night, and the hills on both sides of I-5 were burning.