Fire! I hate it!
It’s become all too familiar now, the procedure for preparing to evacuate. The sickening feeling of not knowing where to go or when you will feel safe enough to sleep! The worry about your loved ones that are away from you, especially those fighting on the fires! Like so many others, I’ve had it!
With so many fires burning at the same time, it’s difficult to relax even if you are safe because you constantly are waiting for the other shoe to drop! With resources striped to bare bones and limited access to outside help, anxieties are high! The fire personnel are exhausted, and with so many fires burning, all of Californians are sharing these finite amount of resources! For some, it’s simply not enough.
I have to give it to the fire personnel! I truly don’t know how they do what they do without sleep! They stay up and live on adrenaline and caffeine for days, all the while having to make split second decisions, and perform physically demanding jobs! They are really an amazing breed!
The Sulphur Fire, here in Lake County, has eaten up approximately 150 homes, according to a recent report, but the true count won’t be made until the fire is completely contained. This being the third fire season in a row that our small county has had catastrophic fires, it has truly taken a hideous toll on our community and the people in it. We are all trying to be strong, but enough is enough!
These past few days I have tried practicing gratitude more than ever! Unlike the last two big fires, I didn’t have to evacuate this time! I am prepared to but don’t have to, and that is a blessing. I also am grateful my kids are here because phone and internet communications have been down, (until today), and since I’m such a worrier, it is a huge relief to me. Being able to listen for more than 48 hours to the scanner has also helped. Since I haven’t been able to call out or get any TV news, I at least have been able to monitor my husband’s whereabouts, hearing his voice periodically, and getting reports on conditions over the air.
All this devastation has brought on some major philosophical conversations in my household. Just what is happening in our world? Where are we (as people), headed? What does the future hold? Very deep conversations. It’s enough to make your head spin that’s for sure. But no matter what comes, we will do it together. Me, my family, my neighbors, friends, and community, will all do it together.
I am including this short Youtube video clip from the first morning after the Sulphur Fire, that was filmed from the lake. Local guys showing perspective from the water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8FSXV04LwA
I pray tonight for cooperative weather conditions, for strength and guidance for our emergency personnel, and for shelter and peace to those who have been displaced and possibly lost it all! It is a difficult time with much uncertainty. In our neighboring counties that are struggling terribly, I pray relief comes soon for you all as well. Californians are all in need of help and prayers.
- Photos 1. by Kurt Jensen 2. by Bob Minena 3. by Kurt Jensen and video clip Youtube