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Fire in Igo - update
Doni here, noon Thursday. Yay Shasta.com for getting the Internet working. As Darcie said, it’s so smoky here we can’t see much.
As scary as it was a few days ago to see flames in the distance, in some ways that view was more comforting than the one we have now. At least then we knew the fire’s location. We do know there’s a fire near enough that we have blackened ash and leaves around our property. But that’s about it.
Son Josh parked a water truck in our driveway. (When you want a job done, call a Marine.) Josh spent the night here last night and is still here, making periodical trips to the roof to see if he can spot anything.
The wind kicks up every so often, which is not good for firefighters, and it makes us nervous to think about a wind shift that could change everything. Right now the situation seems to be holding steady.
Special thanks to the firefighters; heroes who work so hard in such horrible, hot conditions.
We also thank and appreciate the CHP, Caltrans and Shasta County Sheriff personnel stationed 24 hours a day at the area road closure points, like this one in the photo above, taken at our closest intersection.
We thank neighbors Ron and Helga for the water.
We thank Josh’s friend, Judd Buick, for helping yesterday with the water truck, and we thank Judd’s father, John Buick, for the loan of the water truck from John Buick Construction of Palo Cedro.
We thank friends Darcie and Jim Gore and Kelly Brewer of Pink Hollyhock for posting updates to you when the fire and smoke took out our Internet connection.
Of course, we thank all of you for your concern, but I think Bruce and I are and will be just fine.
We do worry about my other Igo/Ono neighbors, and the status of the fire situation near Rock Creek Road, where our friends have been evacuated from their homes.
I’m going to go now, in case the Internet leaves.
Take care. We’ll write again when we have a chance. (P.S. have I mentioned lately how unimpressed I am with CalFire’s information Web page? I realize that agency is shorthanded right now, but it’s really frustrating to not have consistent, current news about the fires.
Some web pages are unavailable. And one information phone number I called reached a fax machine.
Really frustrating.
I guess those of us in fire country should do the best we can to pass on news to each other.
Be safe, everyone.
Darcie here, 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
I just talked to Doni, she and Bruce are okay and at this point still at home. They have packed valuables in preparation for an evacuation. Doni said she can’t see much around her, the smoke is so thick. They do not have Internet access either. The support team will keep readers updated as things change.
Pink Hollyhock here, 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Doni and Bruce are fine right this minute, but they have no Internet connection and no access to the Web site. Something must have burnt to a crisp in the landscape that makes these things magically happen. They are in their house, keeping watch on the wildfires. They’re packed and ready to go and, as you might imagine, being practical and forward-thinking. Doni can’t believe the darn dance contest is only three days away. Bruce is patiently walking me through posting this. (Weird but true: phone access but no Internet.) They both wish everyone safe passage through this current fire danger, and say they’ll be back in touch as soon as humanly possible. If Doni were writing this, she’d say, “Nighty-night, sleep tight.”
Tuesday night, or technically, Wednesday morning since it’s after midnight. This is what we see from our deck, north and west from our Igo home, without a zoom lens.
We’ve packed up all our family photos, and artwork by my sister and Bruce’s mother and sister.
We haven’t been evacuated, but we’re preparing for that likelihood. We had some warning a few hours ago when I drove home from my twin’s house in town and was stopped by road blocks at Placer/Southfork road and Placer and Platina.
A CHP officer said it was OK for me to return to my house on Gas Point Road. But he said Lower Gas Point was closed and evacuated. He strongly suggested I go home and pack.
The remainder of the drive to my house was surreal. Normally this late at night you hardly pass another car. Tonight, parked cars and pickups lined the road. Their passengers and drivers stood outside and everyone faced the fire. Some took photos. One idiot in a truck smoked a cigarette and flicked glowing red ashes out the window below him as his passenger stood on tiptoe to watch the fire grow in the distance.
It felt like a disaster parade, made even more somber as I passed the Igo Community church and saw the parking lot packed - on a Tuesday night - with cars and people, probably those who’d been evacuated.
At home, Bruce had already loaded his truck with tools, and had sprinklers going outside the house.
I wonder how long those hoses can run before the well runs dry.
I tried calling the CalFire number for information about the Igo/Ono fires and got a fax line. Wonderful.
If evacuated, we’ll turn off the gas to our house and leave; with a suitcase each, and pillow cases filled with framed family pictures, my recipe book, and Bruce’s coffee cups that belonged to his sister (from Sante Fe) and mother (a Hawaiian print).
We’ll unplug this computer and take it with us.
Our hearts go out to the people in Igo and Ono who’ve been evacuated. With pounding hearts we packed and listened to scanner-chatter descriptions of fire on Rainbow Lake Road, and calls for help removing animals.
I’ll sign off now. I need to help Bruce load a few more things in my car and his truck.
We hope we wake up tomorrow by an alarm clock, not a reverse 911 call or a bang at our door.
We hope that by morning the fire is contained; without the loss of life, livestock or homes.
It’s late. We’re going to try to sleep.
We won’t be surprised if we don’t.
345 views
Dear Doni and everyone who is in harm’s way. I pray for you and everyone else in such dire circumstances. I hope when I wake up in the morning you will be home safe and sound along with the rest of the evacuees…
With hope and concern,
Linda and Al Masterson
So glad you were okay at the time of posting. I hate being so far away now from the ones I love. I know your readers have been concerned and even some posters at the ol’ RS were asking if you were okay. Thanks to the men and women firefighters!!
Dearest Doni and Bruce,
It feels like a nightmare that you want to wake up from, it can’t be real. My heart goes out to you. Please stay safe. Diana
Our dear Doni and Bruce,
We are holding our breath and pray that you and everyone in Igo/Ono will be safe from this terrible fire. Our guest room is always open to you and Bruce.
Let us know as soon as possibe that you and Bruce are safe and free of danger.
Deeply concerned,
Henny
This is so frightening! You are always welcome here to stay or store your belongings until this firestorm passes. Be safe.
Thank God you two are ok. Smokey Bear and I have been very concerned about you. What a nightmare for you. We send possitive thoughts.
Bruce & Doni, Robert & I have been thinking a LOT about you lately & hope you’ll have access to this today. Robert has been wanting to call you, but it keeps getting too late to call. I just called him about your updates here on the website, so he’ll try calling you later today to check in to be sure you’re both ok. I know it’s a long drive away from home, but you know you’re both always welcome to stay in OR if you need somewhere to stay, if you need to get far enough away from the fires. We hope to chat with you soon, so take special care! Our thoughts are with everyone in the area.
Bruce and Doni,
I hope the fires are soon under control and that all of you and your neighbors are safe. Yesterday, we watched Calfire helicopters ferry new hotshot fire crews from the Brandy Creek area to the fire lines all morning long. The huge yellow helicopter continued to dip its big bucket in Whiskeytown Lake to haul water where needed. They were still at it when we left the lake a 6:30 p.m. Ash covered the lake and fell all day long. You are all in our thoughts and we are hoping for a safe and happy outcome. Tammy and Dick
Doni & Bruce -
My heart sank when we heard about the evacuations. You’ll stay in our thoughts. If you would like to stay with us until you can return to your own home, we have plenty of room for you.
XX Jan & Mickey
Doni and Bruce, you remain at the forefront of our thoughts, along with the heroes fighting those fires. If there is anything we can do, we’re there in a heartbeat. Love and hugs.
Dearest Doni & Bruce,
OMG!
We are hugely hopeful to read your ‘All Clear’ posting soon…
(In the meantime if you need additional storage, an extra car to haul and a slightly beat-up back to help pack out more of your precious stuff… please, count on me! And Bruce, if you need someone on one of your other hoses there at Camp Greenberg for ember control, I’m on it with you!!)
With our Prayers, Love and Lots of Good Thoughts,
Iliana, River & Alan Phillips
The Bluebell firefighting contingent is ready to roll if you need a hand up there.
Be safe!
Henry, BB and Enzo
Dear Doni
You have been in my thoughts, of course, all this time. What grace you have to write an update for all of us, even while packing for possible evacuation. How typically thoughtful of you!
I know the firefighters will protect your home (BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING home) if you do have to leave, but you describe so well the heart-pounding anxiety………..
Add us to the list of places to stay, or store, and our good thoughts to the long list going your way.
Eleanor Townsend
Doni & Bruce,
Please stay safe. You’re in my thoughts.
Carla
Please help everyone concerned by going to the forum section of this website and posting any fire related updates you may have.
ONO/IGO AREA?
WHISKEYTOWN?
IRON MT. MINE AREA?
SHINGLETOWN?
Doni and Bruce -
My thoughts are with you guys - hope you’re safe and sound.
jim
Oh my goodness, I can’t even imagine how you must feel at this moment. We will pray for your safe return home!
Doni and Bruce…God Bless you two. Be safe and trust those hard working fire fighters to save the day for you and everyone else in Igo-Ono.
You’ll see progress at supression as the day goes by.
Doni & Bruce,
Our thoughts are with you. Add our name to the list of “if you need ANYTHING.” Seriously, anything! We are here for you.
All our love!
Dana, Jim and Maggie
Doni and Bruce,
I was watching this last night and thinking of you. Let us know if you need anything at all.
Tom and Alice
We will hold our breath (indoors) till your update. May the winds be in your favor.
Bruce and Doni:
All of us here have been listening to news updates, watching your website and saying lots of prayers. If you need anything, we’re here. Just say the word.
Blessings,
Ronda (and the Enjoy team)
Bruce & Doni:
We add our thoughts to these many others. Wishing you peace and strength.
Doni & Bruce
My family and I are praying for you and everyone in the Igo/Ono area whose homes are threatened by this fire. Be safe.
Viki
Doni and Bruce,
We have two guest rooms and a very large workshop that you could store lots of items. We also have two computers that you could have access to at any time. You can call me at 949-8521.
Our prayers are with you and all the other folks in the fires path.
Special Ones
Here for you ……
Thoughts and caring are endless!
Hey Guys!
After us talking the other day and you meontioning how close the fire was, I was keeping my fingers crossed that the fire wouldn’t get that close to you.
Just want you to know that If you need any help with anything, you can count on me. If you need a place to stay you can stay at my place for however long you need to. The old folks home isn’t so bad!
Alan and I can drive up and help you with your place if you need to get more things out ok. Just want you to know that I am thinking of you and you can count on us ok.
Love your Friend,
Linda
Doni and Bruce we just got the information on your situation. We both are praying for you and if there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. We too have an extra bedroom available if you need a shower and clean bed to sleep in.
George and Rhonda
Doni,
Cheddar’s mommy here! If you guys need a trailor to haul stuff, call me 530-241-3693.
We can be out there very quickly. And of course, we have a spot here in town for you to park stuff, shower or sleep if needed.
Praying for you and your beautiful house!
Lori
Doni and Bruce,
My thoughts are with you. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Stay safe.
Dear Darcie & Pink,
Thank you so very much for the updates!!
(Is there an emergency “Save Camp Greenberg” phone-tree in the making??)
We can add to the growing convoy if needed. AND: I was serious about manning one of your hoses, or, offering experienced help with a last minute, effective backfire… But, I strongly doubt that our good and expert CalFire men and women would let that ever have to happen. Yours is not only a beautiful & unique home & sanctuary… it is also highly defensible!
La buena suerte y yo estamos siempre en su servicio,
(Good Luck and I am always at your service)
Alan Phillips
Thanks, Darcie and Kelly, for the update!!
Tom
Doni — you know we’re here if you need anything. We have the big car trailer and big sons to help. Just call.
Love you guys.
Jan & Tom
Doni,
I’ve been thinking of you and Bruce. If I still lived in Redding I’d definitely lend you a hand.
Hope the firefighters are able to get that fire contained sometime soon! You really have to hand it to them, because they are doing wonderful work in the crappiest of conditions.
We are so overwhelmed by the enormity of the support from so many people. I am truly speechless. Thank you.
Doni and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this great community we call the north state.
Doni,
Been reading your updates on the fires and we’re glad you’re OK. You and Bruce are in our prayers. Also, good luck in the dance show. Should be lots of fun.
Doni and Bruce, Wow! Just the other day we were looking out at your wonderful view and breathing a sigh of relief that the fire seemed far enough away!
Let’s hope the winds die down and the heat backs away, and that those courageous firecrews and air support can do their job to bring that fire to heel.
I’ll be sending a prayer out for you today. I can’t imagine your lovely house you have worked so hard to build being consumed by flames! Let it not be so!
In my thoughts,
Mitsy
Hey, Doni and Bruce!
If you can give us another update, we’d be grateful. Worried about the Moon Fire and can’t get much information. Called your number and got your machine. So we’re keeping all fingers and toes crossed and hoping everything is okay.
I live on Muletown Road, directly across from Kanaka Peak and fire is marching towards us. Lots of wind, helicopters are aweeesome, they are doing their best.
Go to enplan.com - great site for fire perimeters.
Lets pray that the winds die down and it cools off a little - Old Shasta and French Gulch need our prayers also.
…AND … should fire start your way …..
dont’ forget to water UNDER the eves ..
this is assuming that Josh is still there ….
I’ve stared at every fire map I could find! Chic told us you were packing up.
We left a message on your phone as well. I’ll keep watching the RSS feed so throw an update.
Love ya both,
Sitting in Las Vegas feeling helpless.
Greg and Shawn
Oh my gosh! I’ve been in Oregon all week without Internet access, and had no idea you guys could see flames. Our prayers, as with all your friends, are with you and your Igo and Ono neighbors. I’m not surprised to see 41 postings of people who care so much about you both. As you know, you can call on us anytime. With love and prayers, Don and Canda
Kathy on Muletown Rd - Did you end up having to evacuate? Hope you and your home are safe!!
Doni,
So glad to have found your page, I do hope to get more information on what is going on out on Gas Point Rd. My sons live on Gas Point just past Cole Pit any news on whats happening in that area is appreciated.
Celeste
Thank you so much for your prayers. We are currently still under possible evacuations - the fire is still simmering by Kanaka Peak, but has slowed down, due to the wonderful cool weather we have had, what a blessing !!! It is still so smoky, I can’t see the flames, but I know it is there -
Lets hope the weather will help out along 299 west by the lake. THANK YOU ALL FIREFIGHTERS - YOU ARE THE BEST !!!!
Also, a BIG THANK YOU to Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Greece, and all over our USA - your dedication and support is wonderful.