All the neighbors were outside just watching as it crept up over the hill and started coming closer to our neighborhood. We got lawn chairs out and just watched it. A few hours went by and our neighborhood was put on voluntary evacuation. Many people were packing up their cars in case we were told we had to leave. I wasn’t too worried at this point since the fire still had a ways to go to get to our house. However, as the wind picked up the fire kept jumping down the hill further and further. Now I was getting worried! Russ and I went through our house and got all of our pictures, computers, a suitcase, and a bag full of clothes. As I went from room to room I couldn't decide what else to take......it ended up being nothing! Weird...I know. Everything else could be replaced. Furniture could be replaced, decorations could be replaced, TV's could be replaced. I stopped and just stood in one of the upstairs bedrooms looking out the window at the blazing fire just thinking what actually is important. Memories! Those can't be replaced. So I went through our house again grabbing every little picture I could find, little things that Russ has given me, my temple dress ( I know I could buy a new one but that is the one I got married in). I just felt overwhelmed that I was going to forget one of these "important things." I still felt confident that the fire wasn't going to get our house, but just the thought that it might just made my heart drop. It was such a weird feeling. Around 11pm our neighborhood was on official evacuation. We packed up everything in our car, locked up our house, said a little prayer, and went to Natalee and Jordy's house. Needless to say it was a long night. I obviously couldn't sleep very well. Below are some pictures we took from our neighborhood. I took them just on my phone so they are not very clear but you can get an idea of how close it came to some houses.
We woke up the next morning and the fire was pretty much out, thankfully! Only 3 homes were actually burned down, I know that is tragic, but it could have been SO much worse. Seriously, the fire came within feet of dozens of homes. They reported close to 400 homes had some sort of damage from smoke or debris. It was seriously a miracle there were not more homes destroyed. I am just so thankful for all of the firemen that worked all night long fighting that darn fire! I can't imagine having my husband, dad, or brother up there fighting those flames. Thank you firemen!!! Our house and neighborhood are fine and we were able to return the next day around noon. Thanks Nat and Jordy for letting us shack up with you for the night and for coming up to our house to help us. Events like this are scary and unfortunate but events like this puts life in perspective and makes you thankful for what is really important. :)
5 comments:
my brother, Steven, was one of the firemen up there fighting those crazy flames. He worked 25 straight hours on the fire without sleep and little to eat. Good thing all the fire fighters love what they do and are GOOD at it too. saved lots of homes that's for sure, what a blessing
we are so glad you and your house are OK!
What a crazy night!! It still feels like a dream watching those huge flames jump down the mountain right behind your house. I can still hear the stress of the person driving their truck racing up the street that was right next to the fire, with its huge trailer attached to get their belongings. Thankfully no dream homes where burned down, including yours! I want to give a huge hug to every firefighter I see! The one positive part of Sunday night was our sleepover. We need to have more of those, just under different circumstances. I also love that you grabbed your temple dress, so sweet and so true about what you said about “Memories”. We love our Boo Boo and Russie and are so happy that you and your home is safe!
Oh Brooke I am so glad you guys are okay! We were wondering how close that was to you! (It was really close!) That would be so scary not knowing if when you came back if your house would still be there! BTW, I totally would have taken my wedding dress too. :)
Super sweet pics, Brooke! So CRAZY! Glad your BEAUTIFUL new home is saved!
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