All in a Day

While strolling along the Sacramento River Trail, we were unexpectedly asked to leave the area. A nearby house had caught fire, causing the flames to spread to the surrounding vegetation. Despite the concerning situation, the evacuation wasn't too frightening, and we did what we were told and departed just before they started blocking off streets for emergency vehicles. 

It was quite an experience to witness the large helicopters swooping in to gather water to combat the fire.

My church friend sent me this photo of Mary Lake. 

So what do we do? We check our apps - Watch Duty and FlightRadar 24. 

The planes, helicopters, and ground crew aggressively fought the fire. If the fire had spread east just a couple of streets over, it could have been catastrophic. Fortunately, it was in the rural part of the city and was part of the 2018 Carr fire burn scar. 

Everyone around here seems to stop when there's a fire nearby, but there's no panic. The streets are quiet - everyone knows someone who lives near the fire. Most of my church friends live in that area.

My husband called the church to see if anyone needed help evacuating, but no one did. Then he called the VFW to see if anyone needed help, but everyone had it covered.

Most people have been through this before and have a game plan.

The evacuation zones were all at level 2 except for one area which was at level 3 evacuation order -  requiring people to evacuate. Many of the residents had recently moved back into their newly built homes after the Carr Fire, and it was heartbreaking to think about their situation.

A restaurant in Anderson was providing free meals for the evacuees; eventually, other local restaurants in the area started offering this as well. 

It's heartwarming to see how our tight-knit community in Shasta County comes together during difficult times like this. That's one of the reasons why I love living here.

Memories of the 2018 Carr Fire rush back - 

the terrifying night it burst into a devastating inferno.

July 2018

The fire-related winds got up to 143 mph and were like a tornado. 

Yeah, you don't want a fire this close to town. My stepdaughter, Char, lives just a couple of blocks away on the river. 

 When my husband came to evacuate her, they could see flames.

My son works just down the hill from Mercy Hospital. 

On that fateful evening, we watched helplessly as the fire raged out of control, devouring the landscape surrounding Whiskeytown Lake.

The fire's proximity triggered a sense of unease in all of us, even though our location on the eastern outskirts of town provided some reassurance. With the Sacramento River and I-5 acting as barriers, there was a substantial amount of infrastructure and urban development separating us from the encroaching flames. It would require the complete destruction of the city before the fire could reach us.

The fire's intensity was unimaginable - we still had to be ready, just in case. 

The good news:

 the morning update has this "lower fire"  at 110 acres and 35% contained. 

Thank God!

Still, there will be others who lost their homes—my heart goes out to them. In the coming days, the community will have an opportunity to give them whatever they need for comfort. There will be fundraisers and places to drop off food and clothing. To support the local businesses that were generous. Tomorrow after my  "procedure," we plan to have dinner at the restaurant that gives so much to our community. 

And this is why I love my Shasta Home. 

Take Care

Debby