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October 28, 2007
Fire: Up Close and Personal
This from Seraphic friend Karen, who has been a faithful reader and commenter for several years. Karen is a firefighter and is now with thousands of other heroic firefighters battling the hellish Southern California blazes.
We thank Karen for her hard work and for taking the time to report on the situation from the front.
Robert,
Finally got some access—just been too busy. Here's how things went this week:
The Rice fire started Oct 22 at 4:10 am in Rice Canyon, (caused by power lines during the Santa Ana wind event) and after jumping the I-15, activated the trigger point to evacuate Fallbrook—the entire town, except for the folks who "knew nothing was going to happen" and refused to leave. Just like the couple who waited on the Witch fire nearby and wound up dying in their garage. For them, they waited too long. Interesting when one talks to individuals who were evacuated and have decided they are going to ignore future evacuations. Personally, as a firefighter, who has seen lots of these fires up close and personal, there is no way anyone could convince me to stay with an approaching fire front. My mama didn't raise a fool.
Anyway, when I can get photos downloaded, I will send you some of a trailer park that burned in the first hours of the fire. 130 homes gone, most belonging to lower income folks who can ill afford to lose everything. Looks like a bomb went off. Very disturbing to walk amongst it all.
Spent Shabbat talking to evacuees and trying to encourage and affirm their decision to leave in the evacuation. It has been very hard for them. Some stories just break your heart. Most people are very grateful for the work that has been done on their behalf.
Well, unfortunately, I just lost my access to this computer. Sorry this is so short.
B'shalom,
Karen
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at October 28, 2007 12:04 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
A group of Iraqi troops contributed money for the fire victims in California. Story here.
Posted by: david foster at October 28, 2007 06:05 AM
It has been a heartbreaking week, hasn't it? My cousin's family had to evacuate in South OC, and my aunt's family was preparing to evacuate from their San Diego county home. Praise G-d their homes were spared.
Thanks to Karen and all the firefighters. They have been in my prayers this week and their heroic efforts are greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Joannah at October 28, 2007 06:14 AM
I blogged about the need to evacuate. Firefighters have spent their careers saving lives, the last thing they want to come upon is a stubborn homeowner thinking they are smarter than a fire. The toll it takes on the human psyche is all to familiar to you Robert. It affects everyone having to deal with the dead. Especially those people sworn to protect lives and alleviate suffering. It is not all in a days work. It causes stress and all of us would do well to talk our family and friends and encourage them to evacuate when you are told. It could be the best way to help out firefighters and first responders.
Posted by: chronicler at October 30, 2007 06:33 AM