Ruth–Watching Homes Burn

“Sandy called me from the lookout.  She was on duty.” Peggy Phillips recalled how she first heard of the fire that forced her and her husband from their home. “I noticed the smoke coming over our house and I went up the mountain to see around.” She called her friend again and was concerned for her because Sandy said, “It’s crossed the river and it looks like it is going by my house.”  But by the time Peggy manged return to her own home, the mountain behind her house was ablaze.  “The wind was howling.  The hillside was on fire.”  She ran inside to save a few things and grab her medicine.  “I knew I needed my insulin.  I couldn’t think.  I grabbed my computer.  I didn’t grab my clothes or food or drink or anything.”

“My husband is a gun collector.  He put all his guns and our dogs in the RV.”  In between, she said, “He was trying to put out little fires all around.  He told me to leave.”  She headed down the road in one vehicle.  “As I was coming down the road, I could see people were losing their homes.”  One of the neighbors, she said, was remodeling his place.  He had a fifth wheel and another trailer.  Those caught on fire. “Lots of structures–barns and garages…three homes..weekend homes but homes were lost.  A newlywed couple lost their double wide trailer across the river.”

Peggy and her husband, Joe, didn’t lose their house but they lost almost everything else.  “Five years worth of oak firewood went up in flames…so did the chainsaw…the splitter lost its wheels but it was there.”  Joe, Peggy said, “…lost a building that he had just built…all his tools that he kept just so…the mill…The chicken house is gone.  The chickens are running around loose.  I’m afraid they’re going to die.”

Our whole road is just trashed.  One of our trees…we called it the Bee Tree because [Joe] climbed that tree after a swarm of wild bees trying to capture the queen.  I looked at it last night…all the limbs are gone except right at the top.”

“I’m thankful, very, very thankful for my home,” she said. “But, I keep thinking about the things we lost….It’s too hard to start over when you are 65/66 years old.”

———————–

The latest information from the Ruth Fire as per Dottie Simmons (who blogs near Dinsmore) and her Facebook updates:

There was a meeting to update the residents at 8 pm on last night.  Dottie [and Peggy both] went. Here’s Dottie’s status update after the meeting.

“1500 acres. 10% contained. Road 23 also closed as fire jumped it (see map…). 450 crew on fire. 5 Helicopters, at least 4 air tankers. Fire command center at the Flying AA. Trinity Deputies in restricted area to keep unauthorized people from coming in, and to secure properties until owners can return. Road at Ruth still closed at this time. Animal Control available to help with livestock. Contact Trinity Sheriff’s office if pets need feeding or other needs. Contact S.T. Clinic if need medications, oxygen. Will be setting up filtered air ‘clean air’ rooms at clinic & in Ruth for those with breathing problems. Red Cross continuing to maintain center for those who need food, shelter, etc.
Access to homes in restricted area no sooner than Tuesday 9/27. Hope to get it safe enough to open road in 48 hours. Power out, many damaged/down wires, poles. Falling trees.”

For a little more information than Dottie’s excellent report go to the incident page here.

UPDATE:  Just a reminder there is a meeting today (Sept 25) at 3 at the Ruth Fire Hall to update those effected on the situation.

UPDATE 10:55am 9/25:  The fire is now 25% contained with full containment not expected for a week. Minimal fire spread expected due to morning rain.

________________

Photo from Peggy Phillip’s Facebook page used with her permission.

Map of the Ruth Fire from the wonderful Ruth Lake, Ca Facebook page. This is a useful page.  Very informative.  Social media at its best!

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25 Comments
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Reefer Baby
Guest
12 years ago

Husband here:

I got no trouble with biblical Wrath of Gord type shite when it comes to you people.

As long as the child you stole from me isn’t harmed… y’all got comeuppins aplenty headed your way.

Ayup.

(Stink Eye)

It will get worse before it get’s much worse… that’s what I told you when you stole her.

I was right about the suicide rate among your teenagers.

I’m right about this.
Choke on it.

Sorry, honey – don’t wanna mess your friends and I’m not trying to sacrifice any relationship you’ve developed with Kym. Delete the comment if you don’t want the community to know that there are good people in the world who smoke the hell out of some legitimate medicinal cannabis AND feel that feel your lives should be a hell before they end miserably in prison. Each and every one of you who chose to contribute your children to a drug war with the assurance that it’s all gonna change. Each and every one of you who absolutely depend upon the depravity of your distribution network has a mighty score to settle with whatever you believe in.

But only because you stole my child.

Not because you are the depraved drug dealers the Federal Government thinks you are.

Staff
Member
12 years ago
Reply to  Reefer Baby

Just to put this into perspective. None of the people who lost homes even know your child. They live a hundred miles away. The trouble with gloating over God’s wrath damaging folk is that I doubt very much this has anything to do with God’s wrath and a lot to do with your pain. And the pain isn’t these people’s fault.

(And for the record, unlike this God that you seem to think throws firebolts willynilly at innocent folk just because they happen to live in the county next to the one you blame for your daughter’s absence, I don’t blame people for another’s actions and I won’t even stay mad at you.)

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I think I’m beginning to see why the mother might not want the kid to see her father.

Reefer Baby
Guest
12 years ago

Husband here:

I got no trouble with biblical Wrath of Gord type shite when it comes to you people.

As long as the child you stole from me isn’t harmed… y’all got comeuppins aplenty headed your way.

Ayup.

(Stink Eye)

It will get worse before it get’s much worse… that’s what I told you when you stole her.

I was right about the suicide rate among your teenagers.

I’m right about this.
Choke on it.

Sorry, honey – don’t wanna mess your friends and I’m not trying to sacrifice any relationship you’ve developed with Kym. Delete the comment if you don’t want the community to know that there are good people in the world who smoke the hell out of some legitimate medicinal cannabis AND feel that feel your lives should be a hell before they end miserably in prison. Each and every one of you who chose to contribute your children to a drug war with the assurance that it’s all gonna change. Each and every one of you who absolutely depend upon the depravity of your distribution network has a mighty score to settle with whatever you believe in.

But only because you stole my child.

Not because you are the depraved drug dealers the Federal Government thinks you are.

Staff
Member
12 years ago
Reply to  Reefer Baby

Just to put this into perspective. None of the people who lost homes even know your child. They live a hundred miles away. The trouble with gloating over God’s wrath damaging folk is that I doubt very much this has anything to do with God’s wrath and a lot to do with your pain. And the pain isn’t these people’s fault.

(And for the record, unlike this God that you seem to think throws firebolts willynilly at innocent folk just because they happen to live in the county next to the one you blame for your daughter’s absence, I don’t blame people for another’s actions and I won’t even stay mad at you.)

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago
Reply to  Staff

I think I’m beginning to see why the mother might not want the kid to see her father.

Staff
Member
12 years ago

I’m hearing that some power has been restored. But I don’t no details. I’ll update as I find information. The rain should help.

Staff
Member
12 years ago

I’m hearing that some power has been restored. But I don’t no details. I’ll update as I find information. The rain should help.

Sue Radcliffe
Guest
12 years ago

welll thats quite a letter. it seems ironic that a person living in Las Vegas –which is either Hell or the surface of the sun, I’m not sure–would talk about Gods wrath to anybody.

Sue Radcliffe
Guest
12 years ago

welll thats quite a letter. it seems ironic that a person living in Las Vegas –which is either Hell or the surface of the sun, I’m not sure–would talk about Gods wrath to anybody.

anon
Guest
anon
12 years ago

I’m hearing that some power has been restored. But I don’t “no” details.
know

i love your blog. keep up the good work.

Staff
Member
12 years ago
Reply to  anon

Yikes, five hours sleep shows up in the little details…I thought about fixing it after I read your comment but then I thought I’d leave it to remind myself that I’m doing no one any good if I don’t make some time for more shut-eye!

Tj
Guest
Tj
12 years ago

I am so pleased you left that first comment and your reply was respectful. My heart goes out in prayer for those with hurting hearts over their losses. The comment about the bee tree brought back memories to me of losing some special trees in our fire.

Tj
Guest
Tj
12 years ago

I am so pleased you left that first comment and your reply was respectful. My heart goes out in prayer for those with hurting hearts over their losses. The comment about the bee tree brought back memories to me of losing some special trees in our fire.

bobbi
Guest
bobbi
12 years ago

One of my biggest fears..fire.. it takes everything. My heart breaks for those who are facing this destruction. Sending prayers and good will their way.

@Kym.. see, you finally admit it, you stay up (almost) all night!
Thank you so much for bringing us the news. xx

bobbi
Guest
bobbi
12 years ago

One of my biggest fears..fire.. it takes everything. My heart breaks for those who are facing this destruction. Sending prayers and good will their way.

@Kym.. see, you finally admit it, you stay up (almost) all night!
Thank you so much for bringing us the news. xx

stan
Guest
stan
12 years ago

what a terrible thing to say to those who lost so much. as if god has a vendeta.
this fire was not a god thing it was a stupid human thinking that he can have a fire in the dryest time and lost control. do you know how the fire got started? it sure was not god. this person sounds as if he started the fire and will continue to start more fires. i would definatly look into who rote that horrible comment. i dont prey but my thoughts are with the people who helped and are still helping put out these fires.

stan
Guest
stan
12 years ago

what a terrible thing to say to those who lost so much. as if god has a vendeta.
this fire was not a god thing it was a stupid human thinking that he can have a fire in the dryest time and lost control. do you know how the fire got started? it sure was not god. this person sounds as if he started the fire and will continue to start more fires. i would definatly look into who rote that horrible comment. i dont prey but my thoughts are with the people who helped and are still helping put out these fires.

Debbie Russell , Lynch
Guest
Debbie Russell , Lynch
12 years ago

i am just so very thankful that Jo and Peggy are alright.. 🙂 and i pray for eveyone to be able to heel from all this .. it is a terrible thing. alot of my friends lost everything… and i think that should be the main focus.. is re building and helping all who is in need of help… god bless everyone in my home town of Ruth CA…
I was born and raised there and damn proud of it….
and i would also luv to thank all the men and woman fighting the fire.. i no its not an easy task.. again GOD BLESS YOU ALL… my luv and prayers are with you all…

Debbie Russell , Lynch
Guest
Debbie Russell , Lynch
12 years ago

i am just so very thankful that Jo and Peggy are alright.. 🙂 and i pray for eveyone to be able to heel from all this .. it is a terrible thing. alot of my friends lost everything… and i think that should be the main focus.. is re building and helping all who is in need of help… god bless everyone in my home town of Ruth CA…
I was born and raised there and damn proud of it….
and i would also luv to thank all the men and woman fighting the fire.. i no its not an easy task.. again GOD BLESS YOU ALL… my luv and prayers are with you all…

Tiffany
Guest
Tiffany
12 years ago

I have NO idea what the kid,parents have to do with the fire in ruth lake,ca!!!!! People are losing their homes,property including my family and my dad (who passed awai in Ruth In Nov) and my dads close friends. My Husband is also a firefighter and is there now!!!!! Lets not be ignorant,selfish and PRAY for everyone in Ruth Lake…Thank you!!!! Everyone is in my thoughts,prayers…

Tiffany
Guest
Tiffany
12 years ago

I have NO idea what the kid,parents have to do with the fire in ruth lake,ca!!!!! People are losing their homes,property including my family and my dad (who passed awai in Ruth In Nov) and my dads close friends. My Husband is also a firefighter and is there now!!!!! Lets not be ignorant,selfish and PRAY for everyone in Ruth Lake…Thank you!!!! Everyone is in my thoughts,prayers…

Soni Widener Bigler
Guest
Soni Widener Bigler
12 years ago

One of the homes that burned was my Dad’s cabin. It was the A-frame next to the white cabin with red trim. He had that place for over 37 years. and it was more than a cabin. It was a second home filled with antiques and knickknacks from my childhood. The jeep that burned he bought over 50 years ago when my mom was pregnant with me. The boat belonged to my grandpa and is the boat we all learned to ski behind in the 60s. It is a fluke that his, along with his two neighbors, cabins were lost yet others did not burn. That is the way it goes I guess. My dad and his wife are 75 and they will not rebuild. In fact they likely will sell the property.

This is an area that I have been coming to my whole life, and it one instant is gone forever to me. I can’t grasp that this has happened, and it breaks my heart to know that the one place left from my childhood is gone. At least the white cabin is still there. My grandparents bought it when I was 1 years old so I have basically been going to that area my whole life. I am so relieved the owners of it will not have to rebuild anything except the garage that my grandpa built many, many years ago.

I am so very sorry for all the people affected by this, and I hope that it won’t be long before everyone is able to return to a normal life. I am also grateful that we didn’t witness this as it happened as it would have been too much to bear.

Soni Widener Bigler
Guest
Soni Widener Bigler
12 years ago

One of the homes that burned was my Dad’s cabin. It was the A-frame next to the white cabin with red trim. He had that place for over 37 years. and it was more than a cabin. It was a second home filled with antiques and knickknacks from my childhood. The jeep that burned he bought over 50 years ago when my mom was pregnant with me. The boat belonged to my grandpa and is the boat we all learned to ski behind in the 60s. It is a fluke that his, along with his two neighbors, cabins were lost yet others did not burn. That is the way it goes I guess. My dad and his wife are 75 and they will not rebuild. In fact they likely will sell the property.

This is an area that I have been coming to my whole life, and it one instant is gone forever to me. I can’t grasp that this has happened, and it breaks my heart to know that the one place left from my childhood is gone. At least the white cabin is still there. My grandparents bought it when I was 1 years old so I have basically been going to that area my whole life. I am so relieved the owners of it will not have to rebuild anything except the garage that my grandpa built many, many years ago.

I am so very sorry for all the people affected by this, and I hope that it won’t be long before everyone is able to return to a normal life. I am also grateful that we didn’t witness this as it happened as it would have been too much to bear.