There is a remarkable photographer in our area, named John Slot, who has gone into the fire zone every day since the conflagration began. He has made a photographic documentation of what he has seen, and reported it every day on Facebook. His news, both good and bad, has been such a relief to people who are evacuated and wondering if their home survived the fire. The photo above is awesome, isn't it? To find beauty amidst such devastation is incredible. Check out his Facebook page to see some more of his work.
Today John reported that he visited a site where the house had burned down, yet the cars were untouched by fire, and the family cat was wandering around starving and scared. He tried to rescue the cat, but you know how they can be, and was unsuccessful. He did leave food and water for the cat and took a photo of the gate to the property so the owners would be informed of the status. The damage assessment crews are doing their best to report things but there is so much.
The estimate as I write this is that 166 homes were destroyed and 116 outbuildings (barns, businesses etc). The addition of bulldozers (we went from 8 on Thursday to 117 today, has been a huge help. They are useful for creating fire breaks to stop the fire's progress. Would you believe there are now almost 4700 firefighters fighting the blaze? We had just over 300 when the fire began. What an amazing outpouring of help from other communities. I tell you, those firemen have an impressive brotherhood.
We are pretty much out of danger I think. There are other areas where things are still dicey, but the main drama is over for us in my neighborhood. I am going back to work tomorrow. The shop was closed for three days due to the fire evacuations. My colleague at the shop told me that business was practically non-existent today when she worked. She had to return phone messages from people who evidently live under rocks who had called wondering what kind of business we were not to answer our phone during business hours. Seriously? Guess we should have changed the message on the answering machine, but it isn't what you are thinking to do when the sheriff is saying you need to leave now.
Believe me, there are a lot of very sad people you see in town. My heart is so sore for those who have lost their homes, livestock, pets and businesses. Hopefully many of them will be able to rebuild. Part of the area really badly affected by this fire was very remote and out of the way of regular civilization. A lot of people who, for various reasons, did not do well in or want to live in a normal populated society have been displaced. Many of these people are disadvantaged mentally or physically (and certainly financially) and now that they have been displaced, I wonder what the future holds for them? It isn't like they can call State Farm and file a claim. So many ramifications to this fire, and new ones crop up every day.
Here's a doozy for you. When my daughter volunteered at the fairgrounds Base Camp this week, she heard some tales that would curl your hair. The fairgrounds is where the large animals and livestock who were lucky enough to be transported out of danger are being housed until they can go back home. Crooks are turning up trying to claim horses that are not their own. Can you believe it? I had to admit I was wondering how they would sort out all those animals and get them back to the right people. Can you imagine? I guess if you own a horse you could pick it out of a crowd, but those sheep and cattle all look alike to me. It turns out, when they take in an animal they spray a code number on each one to identify it. I think they use some sort of dye that stays on for some time at least. So good records are being kept and bad guys can't turn up and say "that brown horse over there is mine".
I've been going a bit stir crazy this week, so I will share something quilty with you tomorrow.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, good wishes and comments. This has been some summer, hasn't it? Time for FALL! Eva thinks so too, but wants to express her appreciation.
51 responses to “Things Are Getting Back to Normal For Some of Us”
So glad that you’re out of imminent danger … but my heart breaks for those who aren’t and for those who’ve suffered loss. I’m glad they’ve got a system and good recordkeeping for the animals … I’m like you, some of those animals all look alike.
So glad that you’re out of imminent danger … but my heart breaks for those who aren’t and for those who’ve suffered loss. I’m glad they’ve got a system and good recordkeeping for the animals … I’m like you, some of those animals all look alike.
So glad that you’re out of imminent danger … but my heart breaks for those who aren’t and for those who’ve suffered loss. I’m glad they’ve got a system and good recordkeeping for the animals … I’m like you, some of those animals all look alike.
My daughter too, took supplies and toiletries and animal food to the the firefighters and animals at the rescue centers. She was able to return home and is much relieved. Not over but headed in the right direction. Good news. Thanks to so many who fought the fires and/or helped with animals etc. Happy you can go back to somewhat normal…….Blessings G
My daughter too, took supplies and toiletries and animal food to the the firefighters and animals at the rescue centers. She was able to return home and is much relieved. Not over but headed in the right direction. Good news. Thanks to so many who fought the fires and/or helped with animals etc. Happy you can go back to somewhat normal…….Blessings G
My daughter too, took supplies and toiletries and animal food to the the firefighters and animals at the rescue centers. She was able to return home and is much relieved. Not over but headed in the right direction. Good news. Thanks to so many who fought the fires and/or helped with animals etc. Happy you can go back to somewhat normal…….Blessings G
this is the first time I have read from people who lived there, the devastation is so hard to realize if you are not there, I hope you are all safe,
this is the first time I have read from people who lived there, the devastation is so hard to realize if you are not there, I hope you are all safe,
this is the first time I have read from people who lived there, the devastation is so hard to realize if you are not there, I hope you are all safe,
Most happy to hear positive news coming from your area. My heart aches for those who have suffered.
Most happy to hear positive news coming from your area. My heart aches for those who have suffered.
Most happy to hear positive news coming from your area. My heart aches for those who have suffered.
So happy to hear the worst has passed and yes, my heart goes out to those not as fortunate as others. A very crazy year for many of us and also looking to the fall and hopefully some fall weather. Eva looking so grown up….;)))
So happy to hear the worst has passed and yes, my heart goes out to those not as fortunate as others. A very crazy year for many of us and also looking to the fall and hopefully some fall weather. Eva looking so grown up….;)))
So happy to hear the worst has passed and yes, my heart goes out to those not as fortunate as others. A very crazy year for many of us and also looking to the fall and hopefully some fall weather. Eva looking so grown up….;)))
This sounds better for you which is very good news. The stories are just so sad Nicole.
Mary
This sounds better for you which is very good news. The stories are just so sad Nicole.
Mary
This sounds better for you which is very good news. The stories are just so sad Nicole.
Mary
Thanks for passing on the any good news. So sad for people who have lost everything, prayers continuing.
Thanks for passing on the any good news. So sad for people who have lost everything, prayers continuing.
Thanks for passing on the any good news. So sad for people who have lost everything, prayers continuing.
What happy news for you and those in your area as the fires have passed or are held back by the fire breaks.
The losses many have suffered as well as the scorched earth and burned trees are a heartbreak and the firemen, firewomen, and other emergency workers are just wonderful. Eva’s homemade sign with her little handprints on it says it all!
John Slot’s photos are incredible.
Prayers continue.
Hugs!
What happy news for you and those in your area as the fires have passed or are held back by the fire breaks.
The losses many have suffered as well as the scorched earth and burned trees are a heartbreak and the firemen, firewomen, and other emergency workers are just wonderful. Eva’s homemade sign with her little handprints on it says it all!
John Slot’s photos are incredible.
Prayers continue.
Hugs!
What happy news for you and those in your area as the fires have passed or are held back by the fire breaks.
The losses many have suffered as well as the scorched earth and burned trees are a heartbreak and the firemen, firewomen, and other emergency workers are just wonderful. Eva’s homemade sign with her little handprints on it says it all!
John Slot’s photos are incredible.
Prayers continue.
Hugs!
I have never figured out people who try and rob or steal something that is not theirs. We had an EF4 tornado devastate our town in June. That very night with the rain pouring down on these poor people homes that were destroyed, a man and woman were arrested for looting…Prayers continuing for your area.
I have never figured out people who try and rob or steal something that is not theirs. We had an EF4 tornado devastate our town in June. That very night with the rain pouring down on these poor people homes that were destroyed, a man and woman were arrested for looting…Prayers continuing for your area.
I have never figured out people who try and rob or steal something that is not theirs. We had an EF4 tornado devastate our town in June. That very night with the rain pouring down on these poor people homes that were destroyed, a man and woman were arrested for looting…Prayers continuing for your area.
That photo should be called Where Heaven Meets Hell, heh? 4700 firefighters is simply unimaginable and as for those people without integrity, how do they wake up each morning and not be ashamed with how they are living their lives? Its beyond me? Thanks for this update. Have you seen the Dateline special called the Great California Fire? It was stunning and terrifying to watch. We live on the prairies where there is next to no chance of this happening to us, so it was really interesting to watch and to see how powerful a wildfire is.
That photo should be called Where Heaven Meets Hell, heh? 4700 firefighters is simply unimaginable and as for those people without integrity, how do they wake up each morning and not be ashamed with how they are living their lives? Its beyond me? Thanks for this update. Have you seen the Dateline special called the Great California Fire? It was stunning and terrifying to watch. We live on the prairies where there is next to no chance of this happening to us, so it was really interesting to watch and to see how powerful a wildfire is.
That photo should be called Where Heaven Meets Hell, heh? 4700 firefighters is simply unimaginable and as for those people without integrity, how do they wake up each morning and not be ashamed with how they are living their lives? Its beyond me? Thanks for this update. Have you seen the Dateline special called the Great California Fire? It was stunning and terrifying to watch. We live on the prairies where there is next to no chance of this happening to us, so it was really interesting to watch and to see how powerful a wildfire is.
I should clarify that “those people” are the crooks, not the firefighters!! That didn’t read well in my last comment. Sorry.
I should clarify that “those people” are the crooks, not the firefighters!! That didn’t read well in my last comment. Sorry.
I should clarify that “those people” are the crooks, not the firefighters!! That didn’t read well in my last comment. Sorry.
I’m so relieved to read that the fires are not a threat to your area at this time. How kind of John Slot to leave food & water for the terrified cat. The owners will be so grateful to find their beloved pet! Thank you for writing something everyday. You have so many ‘friends’ out here who are keeping you in our thoughts. Love the photo of Eva with her sign! It’s perfect!
I’m so relieved to read that the fires are not a threat to your area at this time. How kind of John Slot to leave food & water for the terrified cat. The owners will be so grateful to find their beloved pet! Thank you for writing something everyday. You have so many ‘friends’ out here who are keeping you in our thoughts. Love the photo of Eva with her sign! It’s perfect!
I’m so relieved to read that the fires are not a threat to your area at this time. How kind of John Slot to leave food & water for the terrified cat. The owners will be so grateful to find their beloved pet! Thank you for writing something everyday. You have so many ‘friends’ out here who are keeping you in our thoughts. Love the photo of Eva with her sign! It’s perfect!
Nicole, I have been reading your posts and can’t image what you are going through. I can’t image having no home and being homeless. What a tragedy and this on top of the 4 year drought that has been hitting California. A tragedy can certainly change a persons life. It’s so sad that others take advantage of other people misery. Happy to hear that you are safe and sound and things are getting back to normal and normal can be for some. Prayers for your area and those that are displaced and suffering.
Nicole, I have been reading your posts and can’t image what you are going through. I can’t image having no home and being homeless. What a tragedy and this on top of the 4 year drought that has been hitting California. A tragedy can certainly change a persons life. It’s so sad that others take advantage of other people misery. Happy to hear that you are safe and sound and things are getting back to normal and normal can be for some. Prayers for your area and those that are displaced and suffering.
Nicole, I have been reading your posts and can’t image what you are going through. I can’t image having no home and being homeless. What a tragedy and this on top of the 4 year drought that has been hitting California. A tragedy can certainly change a persons life. It’s so sad that others take advantage of other people misery. Happy to hear that you are safe and sound and things are getting back to normal and normal can be for some. Prayers for your area and those that are displaced and suffering.
I’m happy to hear that your neighbourhood is out of danger now. Such tragedy for so many families. My, Eva is growing up! Love her sign.
I’m happy to hear that your neighbourhood is out of danger now. Such tragedy for so many families. My, Eva is growing up! Love her sign.
I’m happy to hear that your neighbourhood is out of danger now. Such tragedy for so many families. My, Eva is growing up! Love her sign.
I’ve never really grasped how devasting these fires are for those who live there. We never have anything like that here in Germany and it’s just unimagineable for me to think about 4700 firefighters. And all the people who lost their homes, or pets or the worst of all loved ones. But there’re always stories about the good peolpe do like your John and that what gives one hope.
We have this big, big fugitive problem here right now with literally tousands upon tousands of people arriveing here in Germany especially here in Munich. One day there were 14000 people mostly from Syria arriving at one day at central station, can you imagine that?
I don’t know what’s wrong with the world right now but it’s pretty insane.
Hope you and your loved ones are safe!
I’ve never really grasped how devasting these fires are for those who live there. We never have anything like that here in Germany and it’s just unimagineable for me to think about 4700 firefighters. And all the people who lost their homes, or pets or the worst of all loved ones. But there’re always stories about the good peolpe do like your John and that what gives one hope.
We have this big, big fugitive problem here right now with literally tousands upon tousands of people arriveing here in Germany especially here in Munich. One day there were 14000 people mostly from Syria arriving at one day at central station, can you imagine that?
I don’t know what’s wrong with the world right now but it’s pretty insane.
Hope you and your loved ones are safe!
I’ve never really grasped how devasting these fires are for those who live there. We never have anything like that here in Germany and it’s just unimagineable for me to think about 4700 firefighters. And all the people who lost their homes, or pets or the worst of all loved ones. But there’re always stories about the good peolpe do like your John and that what gives one hope.
We have this big, big fugitive problem here right now with literally tousands upon tousands of people arriveing here in Germany especially here in Munich. One day there were 14000 people mostly from Syria arriving at one day at central station, can you imagine that?
I don’t know what’s wrong with the world right now but it’s pretty insane.
Hope you and your loved ones are safe!
We’ve been watching the news here in NC. The fires are just unbelievable to see and the amazing stories from loss to some spared. I’m so glad you are safe!! OMG…can’t even imagine the heart ache and scared feelings you all are enduring. I’d been meaning to email you before now just to check on you….glad I took the time today to read your blog first.
We’ve been watching the news here in NC. The fires are just unbelievable to see and the amazing stories from loss to some spared. I’m so glad you are safe!! OMG…can’t even imagine the heart ache and scared feelings you all are enduring. I’d been meaning to email you before now just to check on you….glad I took the time today to read your blog first.
We’ve been watching the news here in NC. The fires are just unbelievable to see and the amazing stories from loss to some spared. I’m so glad you are safe!! OMG…can’t even imagine the heart ache and scared feelings you all are enduring. I’d been meaning to email you before now just to check on you….glad I took the time today to read your blog first.
I’m grateful you’ve been spared the worst, and share your prayers for those who have lost homes and things treasured. I feel deep gratitude for those who are helping in many ways during this devastation.
I’m grateful you’ve been spared the worst, and share your prayers for those who have lost homes and things treasured. I feel deep gratitude for those who are helping in many ways during this devastation.
I’m grateful you’ve been spared the worst, and share your prayers for those who have lost homes and things treasured. I feel deep gratitude for those who are helping in many ways during this devastation.