Our thoughts have been with those effected by the fires in California over the past few weeks. At least 42 people's lives have been claimed by the fires and more than a dozen are still missing. Our hearts go out to their families and friends. 8,900 structures have been destroyed and it will take a lot of support and time to rebuild all that's been lost. Burned out properties are being surveyed for hazardous waste by federal officials. This process was started this week as some of the first steps towards recovery. As Santa Rosa's mayor, Chris Coursey said, "It’s going to be a really long haul."
According to Cal Fire Officials, the Atlas Fire, which is one of the region's four major fires, has fortunately been contained as of Friday night. The other three major fires are 97% contained as of Saturday afternoon. Isolated hot spots are still an issue but the worst is over.
A ceremony honoring the victims was held on Saturday on a Santa Rosa football field. A fire bell was rung 43 times. 42 for those lost and once again for those still missing. “This was an important opportunity for the community to get together and not be talking just about how I get the ash off my property,” Coursey said. “It was a time to pause collectively and just kind of take a breath.” Governor Jerry Brown of Sacramento has proclaimed flags to be flown at half staff over the state capital.
"As of Saturday, more than 150,000 acres had burned across Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties: 51,624 acres in the Atlas fire, 56,556 acres in the Nuns fire, 36,807 acres in the Tubbs Fire, and 17,357 acres in the Pocket Fire." - The Mercury News
Please join us in helping those impacted by donating to the fire victims! You can donate here through the American Red Cross. Thank you!
