Life is getting back to normal here. For many, the fires are already a memory-- for many more, it's an all too present reality as they face the rebuilding of their homes, the mountains of insurance paperwork, and continue to live abroad in shelters and friends' and relatives' homes.
But I am thoroughly impressed by how organized the evacuations were, how calm everything seemed among what could cause mass chaos-- And those fire fighters are amazing. At one home, the firemen pulled belongings out of the garage of a burning home-- picture albums, and other things they felt probably couldn't be replaced. I read a story of one little girl who wrote a colorful thank-you note to fire fighters-- they couldn't keep the top of her family's house from burning, but they saved her toys and her pet goldfish from being burned by the fire. She was very appreciative.
These guys have definitely gone above and beyond, risking their lives to save the homes of many and protect the lives of many. I am definitely impressed. They worked non-stop for hours, 36+ without rest. Amazing guys.
