On our way home from the grocery store late yesterday afternoon, we were alarmed to see billows of smoke in the distance. As we got closer to home, we realized that the fire was actually burning at the property right next to a five acre parcel we rent out. As we crept past, we were finally able to draw breath when we saw our tenant outside, talking to Sheriffs – he and his family were safe. I didn’t realize, until that very moment, that I had Jeremy’s hand in a death grip.
Somewhat relieved, but still nervous, we made our way home and as I unloaded groceries, Jeremy turned all the irrigation sprinklers on around our property. Not five minutes later, the Sheriff knocked on the door and told us to get out, and get out NOW.
The fire was burning hot and fast in the 25 mile per hour winds that descended on our valley for Labor Day. Acres and acres of dry fields are so common in the country, despite warnings to property owners to cut and disc in preparation for fire season. They all went up in smoke, adding fuel to a hungry and relentless fire.
Jeremy was so glad he had disced the entire field on our five acre piece after bailing the hay there this year. That very act probably saved not only our rental, but the people who live there. The houses behind that property were not so lucky – today, little but ashes remain where some of them once stood.
Taking the Sheriff’s warning, we put the groceries back in the car along with some clothes, back up disks for the computer, the three inside cats, and random stuff I couldn’t stop grabbing. Alison was in a full-on panic, and Blythe was hungry but there was no time to eat the dinner I had started to prepare. We left Jeremy and the dogs with the truck and went down the driveway to go to my parents’ house.
As I turned left toward their house, all I could see was a wall of intense, thick smoke and tall flames across the road. The fire had already made it to us, and was making its way past us, as well. I had to turn the other way, and give up the hope of making it to my parents’ house. Instead, we went south and then east, around the fire’s path, to get to Jeremy’s parents’ house in another town.
Unfortunately, I had been trying to wait until after the holiday weekend to fill up on gas, and was literally running on fumes. The kids were crying and Alison had to go to the bathroom, but we were out in the country with nothing around. My eyes, nose and throat felt like they were on fire from inhaling so much smoke as I loaded the car to make our escape. There was a lot of hopelessness floating around in my body, but we made it safely to our destination.
—- We’re all safe, and our home was spared. But I have to stop there for now. —-
See photos of The Day After here.
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9 replies on “Smoke = Fire”
That must have been so *scary*. I’m glad you are safe, and even better, back home in your house. Are the girls OK? It must have been especially hard for them.
I am so glad you all are safe, what a frightening experience. You said your property was spared, are your animals okay also?
Oh my gosh…that is SO TERRIFYING!!! Fire is seriously my greatest fear. I am SO GLAD that you all are ok, I’m thinking about you guys!
I am so glad you are all OK. That must have been terrifying. Gives me chills
Wow! Talk about drama! I am glad to hear you and the family are safe.
I imagine an experience like this could have a real effect on priorities.
~Sophie: The girls handled things amazingly well, once we got to the in-law’s. Slept through the night, even in a “strange” place.
~Mary: All the animals are fine. Lucy, the pup, was cowering in the corner when we got home from the store, the poor thing. Once Jeremy loaded her (and Cage) into the truck, she was fine! But nary a whisker or hide was singed.
~Heather: As I watched the coverage of Gustav yesterday, I recklessly mentioned how happy I was that all we battled was floods. Um, yeah, forgot about those FIRES! So we battle something year-round. Not looking so good.
~MGT: Terrifying ALMOST does it justice. Especially driving toward a wall of smoke and flames. My heart stopped.
~Christina: You hit the nail right on the head. Coming home wondering if our house was on fire, I realized the house and all that goes with it could go on and burn, as long as my peeps and my animals were safe. That’s what insurance is for, right? But of course I’m SO thankful we have a house to come home to! Even if it has taken me HOURS to put away all the crap I piled into my car!
OHMIGOSH!!! I’m so glad you’re all safe. What a horrible thing to witness, that wall of fire. I can’t even imagine. Again, I’m happy to hear that you and yours are all safe.
How frightening. Thank goodness you’re all safe and your home and property were spared. (You didn’t finish your story but your home WAS spared, right???)
That is so scary. I’m relieved your home and property were spared. I don’t even know what i’d take, as proof of my life, if I had to flee due to a fire.