Walking through fire

By Linda Frost
Reporter

On July 25, 2018, the Cranston Fire struck the Idyllwild area, burning over 13,000 acres, causing thousands of residents to evacuate, destroying homes, livestock, property and changing many residents’ lives forever. The community responded to this event with unbridled generosity and energy, giving all they could and then giving more. Their efforts to help their neighbors continue to this day.

Almost everyone in the community was impacted in some way by this fire, whether by loss of property or income, or by their efforts to help their fellow community members. “It is inspiring to see the community come together to help each other during and after these major crises,” said one resident.

Since wildfires are one of the inescapable factors of living in the mountains, several members of Deerfoot Lane, the street most heavily impacted by the fire, were interviewed, as their hard-won experience may help someone during the next fire or evacuation.

Having a fire plan is good, but not necessarily foolproof. One resident of Deerfoot Lane admitted that though she and her husband made a detailed plan of what to take in the event of an evacuation, and even had bags of necessary supplies and clothing packed and stored under the house, they were forgotten in all the rushing and excitement. Fortunately, they came home after the fire to find their home, bags, and lists intact.

This resident noted, “Evacuating from a fire was a chaotic and scary process, especially as the time factor was short. If bags of necessary items are packed it may be a good idea to keep them in your vehicle during fire season.”

Another community member mentioned, “A list of irreplaceable items could be kept where everyone in the family can access it quickly, and a copy could go to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you are out of town.”

One resident who lost her home and is in process of rebuilding still marvels at all the help and support she received and is still receiving years after the fire. When asked what people could do to best prepare for an evacuation, she suggested several things, including knowing several places where you can go. The shock of an emergency can seriously impede reasoning and decision making.

This resident described what it was like to feel so alone and vulnerable — unable to make decisions due to fear and shock. “There we were, huddled by the side of the road in Banning unsure what to do next. We crouched in a car packed to the gills with our belongings and dog as if we were playing a strange game of Tetris. The fire was closing in on our street and we could not face the idea of sleeping on cots at a Red Cross shelter. We were not sure which hotels allowed pets or which we could afford. We were so overwhelmed that we were unable to think.

“Keep your car gassed up and have several options as far as evacuation spots that will fit your needs,” she suggested. “The closer the better.” She realized later that it may not be a great idea to drive long distances when under this kind of strain. “It is probably not practical to plan to drive 10 hours to mom’s house in a state of shock.”

If you can shelter an evacuee, remember when reaching out to them that clear thinking during a crisis is unlikely. Fire victims may not be capable of taking in information as easily as they normally could and will be in a state of sensitivity and vulnerability. Stress can play tricks with one’s mind and misunderstandings happen easily. (((APPEND)))Let them know their children and pets are welcome. A text they can reread or a message they can listen to is better than a live phone call which may not be remembered or understood in the moment.

News and social media helped people stay informed and connected but were also overwhelming and were not always accurate. During the 2007 Angora Fire in Lake Tahoe, the Bay Area media made it appear that all of Lake Tahoe was lost, causing most visitors to cancel their reservations and plans for the entire summer, not only at the lake but in neighboring counties. Although many residential structures were lost, almost none of the area impacted caused any closures or was visible from around the lake.

When asked what was especially difficult during and after the Cranston Fire one resident said, “The questions. I know people ask questions because they care, but I was completely exhausted physically and emotionally. Being questioned by near strangers after losing my home was almost unbearable.”

“Dealing with insurance companies, making contents inventories and the process of rebuilding a lost home is like taking on another full-time job,” said one Deerfoot resident. “These tasks, along with the emotional and physical impact of a tragedy can cause mental and physical exhaustion and I so appreciate my community members who are mindful of this.”

One Deerfoot resident stated, “The worst part during the evacuation was when people who I did not know very well contacted me with hearsay about how many homes were lost on my street and other nonconfirmed details. I did not want to hear this from them. If my home was indeed lost, I only wanted to hear it from someone close to me who I trusted, such as my best friend, who would drive down my street and would know the truth. Someone who could catch me when I fell.”

One resident mentioned that being repeatedly asked if she was planning to “move off the mountain” gave her a sad feeling of no longer belonging. “One of the most compassionate things said to me after losing my house was that the person did not know what to say. Just speak your truth.”

So, what was the best thing someone did for you?

“The generosity of our community has been so great there are too many things to even list here,” the resident continued. “I could not be rebuilding this home without all their help, but one act stands out in my memory. As I sat on the charred wood of what used to be the top step of my now nonexistent front walkway, the loss of my home washing over me like a giant wave, a neighbor walked over and brought me a sandwich. She did not question me, try to console me or demand any of my nonexistent energy, but just set down a plate. I will never forget her.”

Idyllwild’s love for its fellow community member is legendary. We truly can walk through fire because we have each other. Thanks to everyone who responded to this emergency and who continue to contribute to the survival and healing of the fire victims. Your love and generosity will never be forgotten.