The Sand Fire ravaged my local community of Santa Clarita, CA over the past several days, and it continues to burn. The good news is that the firefighters are gaining on the fire and beating it down as I write. It has burned 55 square miles and due to incredible drought conditions, it has behaved unlike most fires. One firefighter said, “when we thought it would zig, it would zag.”
Sand Fire burning in Sand Canyon. Photo by Sandra Harley.
The view from our front yard on Sunday evening.
What it was like during the Sand Fire
Experiencing a fire of this magnitude is like living through my own personal disaster movie. I challenge Hollywood to create more stunning visuals of an event like this. I’m not sure they could conjure something as terrifying. It was like living in Mordor for a time. I won’t be hanging out with any hobbits anytime soon, that’s for sure. You can have your dang ring.
In fact, on Sunday evening, a camera crew was shooting stock footage in the street in front of my house to be sold to the movie studios in the future. Reporters, photographers and documentarians were out there capturing footage to tell the story.
See this time-lapse video by Mo Sabawi from his back yard in Canyon Country, CA. I also live in Canyon Country. I live much closer to the fire zone than from where Mo was shooting.
https://www.facebook.com/msabawi/videos/vb.567925615/10154889812245616/?type=2&theater
Mixed Emotions
Clearly, the experience has been incredibly stressful.
Inside Sand Canyon. Photo by Sandra Harley
I’ve had such mixed emotions related to this fire. Sadness at the loss of life and property. Pride and awe for the firefighters and first responders who have done the most amazing job in fighting this fire. Admiration and respect for how our community has come together to help each other out — even strangers. Fear when the flames got too close for comfort. Anguish to learn some friends are now homeless. Disappointment and anger to hear about looters and opportunists. Love for my husband when I saw how thoughtfully well-prepared he was with getting us ready to evacuate. Fresh worries each time a new evacuation order came in. Gratefulness (and its ugly step-sister, guilt) that our home has been spared.
The view from our neighborhood Monday at noon. The air quality is poor.
But one of the most overwhelming feelings of all was pride. The firefighters have been nothing less than magnificent. While I wish it wasn’t necessary to have done so, watching them at their finest was incredible. Aerial attacks like the one shared on Firemen’s Facebook page showed their enormous ability. That jet is flying only a few hundred feet from the rooftops nestled along a mountain ridge. Their skill is incredible!
https://www.facebook.com/141780336256/videos/10154264356191257/?pnref=story
Community
Our community came together in ways I have not experienced since 9/11. It did not matter who you are, who you plan to vote for, what your race or background is, your socio-economic status, or any other thing that might have caused discord or division among groups of people. If you needed help, someone was there to lend a hand.
The ash floating in the air collects in a spider web on the ivy on our fence.
A terrible drought with triple digit temperatures contributed to the Sand Fire’s ability to spread so rapidly. You can see ash from the fire settling between the dry blades of grass.
Generosity overwhelmed us. We had multiple offers of shelter from friends farther abreast of the fire. Offers of shelter for our dogs came in as well. Many people checked in on us each day, several times a day, from near and far. Help was offered from all over. Prayers and positive thoughts were sent up across the world for my family and the others in my community. The Red Cross shelters, fire stations and sheriff’s stations and camps were overloaded with donated supplies to ease the comfort of the firefighters, first responders and evacuees to the point where physical donations had to be turned away.
We live in an equestrian community with lots of ranches. Naturally, not only did we need to evacuate a lot of people, but there was also a need to move a lot of horses, live stock, animal rescues, and even exotic animals living on preserves. It seemed like anyone with a trailer and a truck was moving horse-flesh. There are news images of people riding horses out of a burning canyon that look like something out of the Walking Dead. If you knew how to ride a horse or drive a trailer, you may have been out there moving horses and other animals to safety.
Social Media
Social media played a big role in building this sense of community. While it was chaotic, everyone wanted to help. Twitter and Facebook were filled with people coordinating relief efforts. Whether it was someone coordinating donations for those who have lost their homes, transport for evacuated animals, private citizens with tanker trucks who could go where their truck could help refill an engine, or simply keeping the community up to date in real-time, it was all happening via social media. There were so many google forms for donations that I have no doubt that the people in need are receiving what they need and much more.
See this video on Facebook by Sandy Pinzon. Our community relied upon updates from members of the community to keep us informed in real-time. The fire department’s resources were overwhelmed and rightfully directing their efforts on the fire. This video was shot about a mile from my home. The residents of Sand Canyon were evacuating during this video on Saturday. This video captures how the fire overwhelms the senses – sight, smell, sound, and touch and taste from the ash and soot in the air.
By Wednesday, the air was beginning to clear a bit from the Sand Fire.
On Facebook, groups have formed to start rebuilding. While the fire still burns in some areas, there are quite a few homes that were destroyed. It’s time to look toward re-populating the area, cleaning it up, and making it livable again. Volunteers are already starting to plan for assisting people with damaged or destroyed homes. I’m starting to receive invitations to benefits for the victims as well as for the fire stations.
Rising from the ashes
While the fire destroyed so much, it restored my faith in humanity. There is so much nastiness out there, particularly surrounding our election cycle. To see a group of people who might have been at each other’s throats over politics last week reaching toward each other filled with compassion this week gives me great hope for our future. We can do this. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we can rebuild to be something better than we were yesterday.
Photo Credits
Thank you to the talented photographers featured in this article. Sandra Harley, Mo Sabawi and Sandy Pinzon. Photos without a specific credit were taken by myself.
Lorii Abela says
Oh no! Definitely some mixed emotions. I think, for me, the best lessons I learned from your story are love and gratitude. Surviving the tragedy is something to be forever grateful for. You are also a living witness to unconditional love from your family, friends and strangers but nevertheless cares. That is powerful.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thank you Lorii. It is certainly something I will never forget!
Alene A Geed says
Jennifer. I can only imagine what this experience was like for you. The photos and videos look like you were in the middle of a volcano. I was pleased to hear that this experience was handled expertly by the firefighters.. and that the community came together in a positive way to cope with it
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Alene. It was rather like being in a Volcano. Some of the stories I could tell that I elected not to discuss publicly because they are simply too upsetting are unreal.
Sonya says
Goodness that’s awful! In the UK we don’t get anything like this.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
I know right! I used to live in the UK and the worst I saw whilst there was heavy rain and snow.
Candess M. Campbell says
This was a touching post. In Spokane where I live in November we had a storm that ended up with most of the city without power. A couple neighborhoods were without power for over a week. Fire is a different story because there is a fear element that rocks people’s lives. In your case social media clearly helped people communicate. I am happy you are safe.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Candess. We’ve been without power here for blackouts and earthquakes before too, and that’s no laughing matter either. Not quite so scary as this though… I’m glad you all were okay as well.
Robin says
Wow! Your writing made the story come to life. I could feel your emotions as I read, and I appreciate you bringing in so many sides of the story. From the home owners, the first responders, the family members, the animals, and more; you found a way to show how the fire touches so many. The images are amazing; just a great post!
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Robin! I’m so glad you found it touching. It was truly one of those life events that we’ll talk about for decades.
Dan & Laurie Neumann says
Jennifer,
How terrifying! Glad you and family are ok. I can understand why you would have mixed emotions. It does seem that in times of disaster, communities come together and reach out and help each other. I’m sorry you have had to experience, but it will be something you never forget.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Dan and Laurie! We appreciate the well wishes so much!
Marie Leslie says
what memories this brings back. I spent most of my life in Southern California and we had numerous close calls over the years, including one that came right through the neighborhood causing many friends to lose their homes. It is so hard to watch your community threatened and so damaged–but reassuring to see how everyone comes together. I am glad your home was spared.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Marie. It’s really scary. We’ve had fires in our area several times previously, but this is the first time it’s gotten up close and personal to our home. We had another scare yesterday because a second fire started, but it seems like that one hasn’t gotten away from the firefighters like the Sand Fire did.
Kayla says
Sending so many hugs- thanks for sharing this honest post!
Robin says
Wow, thanks for sharing this experience in a way that gives us a glimpse into the reality of the situation. We hear about the fires, but to hear about all the ways the fire touches the community is overwhelming. Love that you share how the experience impacts first responders, families from afar, animals, and more. Will remember all the lives touched as I hear of the fires and will pray for safety for all.
Brenda Niemeyer says
Beautifully written, Jennifer. One of the last years we lived in CO the whole front range seemed to be on fire. Truly terrifying. I love how you have seen people coming together and the honor you have given to the firefighters talent, skill, and courage. Glad you are safe. Thanks for sharing your story!
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Brenda! I’m sorry to hear you’ve experienced something similar. It’s such a scary thing. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Apolline Adiju says
I have never experienced anything like this before. I can only imagine how it unfolded especially with the mixed emotions and the positive impact social media had with the relief effort. I am happy you were safe
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Apolline. I hope you never have to experience it. 🙂
Jill Musser says
A well done story and photos , it must have been terrifying to be so close to the fire! Hoping that the recovery and re-building are going well!
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thank you Jill. It was certainly terrifying. We’ve spent the weekend cleaning up around our home. There’s a lot more to do, but it’s definitely better than it was.
Kristen Wilson says
As a BORN and RAISED Cali girl.. I know of the fires of So Cali.. and how often… but never something we could plan for… or deal with easily. I have been following you and I am soooo sorry for the struggles of you, your neighbors and the like… and I am continuously thinking of you and the neighborhood. hugs diva.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Kristen. I’ve appreciated the support so much! It means a lot. This has been one of those things that I hope to never do again, as I’m sure you understand well.
Carol Rundle says
This is overwhelming, Jennifer. I’m so sorry that you and your neighbors have endured this, yet so thankful to hear about how your community came together. It’s often the tragedies that cause us to unite and rise up to overcome. God bless you all!
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Carol. It was certainly an ordeal. I’m actually meeting up with some friends later today to help sort some donations for those who lost their homes. It’s a process that will last some time.
Rick Hagar says
Thoughts and prayers going out to all affected! I do really love seeing people come together to assist those in need. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Rick! It’s certainly been inspiring to see everyone come together.