We're On Fire

The West Coast Is Burning

Northern CA

This summer we witnessed fire up close and personally. While we were visiting relatives in Northern California, a neighbor set their trash on fire and it got out of control. Really out of control. The fire burned more than 50 acres of land. I don't think any structures were lost or people hurt. But it was a very scary afternoon for us all, especially my family whose home was threatened. 

Something I saw, and I hope my children saw it too, is what Mr. Rogers has always been quoted for, the helpers. There were so many helpers. My cousin, my brother, the ranch hands, the homeowners. All were out there helping where they could, even if some were just standing nearby, they were ready to jump in and help with whatever was needed. There were those who were protecting the children, getting ready to leave at a moments notice. And thank goodness for the help of cell phones keeping us in touch with groups splitting up and the constant change that fire brings. The community definitely came together and with the BIG help of the local fire department, the afternoon fire was contained by dinner time and the hot dog feast was ON!

Just a few days later, The Rim Fire began and quickly became the third-largest wildfire in California's history. Camp Tuolumne was devoured by the fire, a place I went to with my family as a child. Having seen, up close, what fire can do and how fast it can move and destroy, made The Rim Fire even more sad and scary to us. 

I'm posting about these events, because the feeling of community, and their fierce desire to protect their homes, has stayed with me. The surreal feelings from our day at the "front lines" were so mild compared to the California wildfire and yet our feelings were "big". It is definitely a day that has left its imprint on in my memories and my children's memories. I definitely see it as a BIG day of learning about people and their will to survive and strength to rebuild. 

Around 1979. Camp Tuolumne, Berkeley Family Camp.