The Year I'll never forget
I recently shared my thoughts on enjoying winter due to the relief from heat and wildfire risks, but then the Southern California fires broke out, triggering a lot of anxiety for me.
2018 was particularly devastating with several major fires:
**Carr Fire**: From July to August, it forced over 36,000 evacuations in Shasta County, burned 229,651 acres, and resulted in eight fatalities, sparked by a tow chain dragging.
**Hirz Fire**: Ignited in September, this fire burned 46,150 acres in the Shasta National Forest and was caused by PG&E during a wind event, eventually being contained in October.
**Delta Fire**: Starting on September 10, it merged with the Hirz Fire, burning 63,311 acres and destroying 20 structures, with a 58-year-old woman arrested for arson.
All these fires were within 20 miles from us.
**Camp Fire**: In November, it devastated Paradise in Butte County, affecting many in the area.
Life has changed significantly in these parts - and everyone is always on heightened alert for fire threats. I have apps on my phone, and I religiously view the fire cams. We live near, Shasta Lake - California's largest reservoir.
My heart breaks for what is happening in Southern California. Every single one of us, neighbors, friends, church - we all have family and good friends in Southern California. My husband was raised in Long Beach and Olive - he has family in San Pedro, and a good friend lives in Thousand Oaks.
I wish I could say, that 2018 was an isolated year for fires. It wasn't. Every summer, we have fires up here and they get closer. This year, we were under 20 miles. How much longer until it’s us?
These fires are devastating not only to those who have lost their homes and loved ones but also to the community. They have a significant effect.
So, please remember them in your prayers.
Thanks,
Debby
It seems you live entirely too close to these fires!! How safe are you?
ReplyDeleteI don’t live near Los Angeles. I’m safe from all of that down there - Up here, We’re surrounded by 3 major forests - mountains. All I can say is we’re safe until we’re not. Winter is usually a safe season here.
DeleteSo very devastating. I hope and pray they get these fires contained soon for all who live there. Janice
DeleteI do too! It’s sad
DeleteThe ignorance and arrogance of your political leaders when told what the sensible things were to do regarding reservoirs for water management and controlled burns by those who truly care about conserving the environment of California are absolutely unbelievable. Sadly, these fires could all have been prevented had common sense prevailed. I do pray, Debby, for all the victims in LA county, and I'm so saddened by the stubborn attitude from a state government that cannot take the blame for their horrid mistakes. May God keep you safe!
ReplyDeleteTotal mismanagement for decades. However the whole water situation is much more complicated than control burns and turning on a spigots. California from its statehood has had water wars which set the stage for decades of conflict between Northern and Southern California over water resources. Politicians and business interests continue to clash over water allocation today.
DeleteMy county here in Shasta have controlled burns all the time. So I don’t know why they don’t down there in So Cal. Plus we use goats in town in our green belts and we still have fires.
Thank you for the prayers, as you know, we will need them.🙏🏼
ReplyDeleteVirginia
More prayers coming your way. 🙏🏻
DeleteIt's so sad. We're praying for them to be contained and for all those affected.
ReplyDeleteIt’s tragic.
DeleteI was born and raised in Southern California. My daughter and son in law are in the area of where the fires are burning. They have been evacuated. So far, there is no word on whether the house is okay.
ReplyDeleteOh that’s so sad. Please update me on their situation. 🙏🏻
DeleteI have a cousin, her husband and their cats living in the LA area, and are greatly affected. The last update we had, was they were 8 miles from the fires. House damaged, and no power. Wind 100mph. She called it apocalyptic.
ReplyDeleteHorrible. 🙏🏻
DeleteI have been keeping up with the fires via the news channels. This is so sad and heartbreaking to see all of these homes destroyed. My heart goes out to these people. My prayers for the people of this area and especially for those who have loss loved ones. I never realized how strong the winds can be until we visited the coastal area when our grandson was there. Thankful that you all are in the safe season.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on the coastline, so I know! Yes a safe season but when we see this, it’s always a wake up call.
Deletewe are already praying for those in the path of that fire and for those who have lost everything, including jobs and have no homes to live in... scary and very sad
ReplyDeleteWith our “regulations” many will get a rude awakening how hard and expensive to rebuild. Plus most California homeowners insurance won’t cover wildfires.
DeleteThe stories are scary, and heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteOnce the fires are out, the process of rebuilding won’t be easy. Many will have to leave.
DeleteI will continue to pray for all of you in CA, Debby. Please stay safe!
ReplyDeleteI’m safe up here! Prayers and a new Governor would we welcome!
DeleteI am praying Debby, please keep us updated. Love, Carla
ReplyDeleteOh yes - I’m way up here but we’re watching. It won’t be easy with so many regulations and restrictions to rebuild.
DeleteIt's so sad. I wish I knew how to help but I have been saying prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod hears our prayers - they are a wonderful aroma to Him so prayers are the best!
DeleteWe've practically been glued to the television these last few days! I can't help but compare the steel skeletal remains to what remained on 9/11. We're short on solutions, but long on prayers!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of my own town - so many couldn’t afford to rebuild so they left
DeleteThank you for this post, Debby. That's all this mama is thinking about right now, as both Nel and Jess aren't too far from these blazing fires down south. I hear that high winds are expected this weekend, which doesn't help any. These fires are so scary and dangerous and tragic, and it makes me wonder what is happening in the world. Thank you for your prayers of containment. I appreciate that so much. And thank you for being such a dedicated blogger, notifying us of the happenings in the world.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Oh no, I hadn’t heard about more winds. I’ll definitely be praying and hoping for God’s intervention.
DeleteIt is all very sad. Fires are the worst. It seems to be happening more and more. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI’ve noticed that, too
DeleteYes, I have been praying for all.
ReplyDeleteThose fires are so scary.
Awful and that wind!
DeleteI am definitely holding those affected by the fires in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
They surely need them!
DeleteI am so sorry for everyone that lost everything in those fires. I pray they get them contained soon.
ReplyDeleteI do the same. It’s been sickening
Delete