Welcome to Pie Guevara’s Friday Free-for-all. I should probably say occasional Friday Free-for-all as I am not sure how often I will come up with enough material to make an interesting blog post once a week or even have the compelling desire and time to do so. We will see if I can make a go of it.
Firstly, I would like to thank Tina and Jack for so graciously inviting me on board. The plan is to make the Friday Free-for-all a bits and pieces potpourri of things that interest me and may interest you.
Because of the tragic and still developing Camp Fire I am cutting this first post short. We are deeply saddened that fatalities have already occurred. Several news outlets have reported that the lower side of the town of Paradise has been engulfed in flames and has been “pretty much destroyed.” We hope and pray these reports are exaggerated and our hearts and prayers go out to the people affected.
As of 20:18 11/8/2018 CalFire reported the Camp Fire had grown to 20,00 acres with 15,00 structures threatened. CalFire Camp Fire Updates
The wind driven fire roared into Paradise Thursday afternoon and while evacuations have been chaotic tens of thousands have fled the fire to safety.
On Twitter conservative commentator and actor James Woods created the hashtag, #CampFireJamesWoods and is using his 1.8 million Twitter followers to try to connect those seeking for information on loved ones. (A tip of the hat to J. Soden.) Actor uses Twitter to get word out about the unaccounted for in Camp Fire
Thanx, Pie.
We’re in Phoenix and watching th Fire’s progress via the ER, Sacto Bee, Cal Fire website and Fox News. We were living in Chico during the last big Paradise fire and heart goes out to the victims.
Houses can be replaced, but lives can’t. Thoughts and prayers to all victims and our brave firefighters and law enforcement! Stay safe!
Thanks Pie, good to have you aboard in any capacity. I’ve enjoyed your recent comments as well.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough so far to be safe in our homes are grateful for all of the help, well wishes and prayers that have come to these smaller communities in a very big state. If only we could be half as gracious generally. We are all in this together…nothing like a deadly fore to make that perfectly clear.
Lots going on in the world, from recounts going on in the infamous Broward County to thoughts on how the House will use the power given them. Glad to hear this morning that RBG has been sent home from the hospital, we wish her well. Freaks are out in DC and NY having fits that the Mueller investigation will somehow be scuttle. Odd since nobody interfered for at least 18 months now when R’s had control of both houses and well, you know, the evil Trump. Heard we may have a new deal with Poland for oil, the first in Europe to decide to buy from us instead of Russia.
What do you think guys…shall we continue to post other stories while we keep our eyes on the fire situation or would you rather we refrained.
Sure would like to hear from Jack….
For at least the next few days I am going to refrain from any posts other that some in the comments section unless I have something in particular to say about the fires. Somehow everything else seems trivial for me now. Other than that, if the tragedy of the fire situation has not taken up all my attention I’ll try to put something together by Friday for the next Free-for-all.
Re :What do you think guys…shall we continue to post other stories while we keep our eyes on the fire situation or would you rather we refrained.
For at least the next few days I am going to refrain from any posts other that some in the comments section unless I have something in particular to say about the fires. Somehow everything else seems trivial for me now. Other than that, if the tragedy of the fire situation has not taken up all my attention I’ll try to put something together by Friday for the next Free-for-all.
Re”Sure would like to hear from Jack…”
Me too. I hope everything is alright with him.
Pie, wonderful article! I am happy to report, I was able to read your fine article in the comfort of my own home! It remains untouched by the conflagration that have claimed so many others. All of my friends are accounted for, save one. He lives in Magalia, but he’s a resourceful man and I suspect he and his wife found their way out to safety.
I have not heard from a dear friend whom I spoke to early the morning of the fire. She was very concerned for her mother who is elderly 89 and lives past Magalia. It doesn’t help that my landline is compromised and my cell gets poor service. It will be good to hear from her, she’s been through a lot even before the fire. She’s very resourceful also…just pray she’s well.
Restraint feels right to me also, guys, thanks.
Tina, I think restraint is a good idea. Everyone is so focused on this fire and rightly so. It is a very evolving situation that changes from minute to minute. We keep a radio on 24/7, even as we watch regular TV.
It’s so tragic and I feel so bad for all those who have lost so much in this fire.
Whatever we can do to help we will. My daughter is a volunteer EMT and I’ve volunteered for shelter duty. Staffing is more than adequate at the moment, but as fatigue sets in you can bet shelters will need more volunteers.
High winds expect to begin tonight again, seems we just can’t catch a break.
APPLAUSE to the Chico ER for their photos of the Camp Fire in Paradise. It’s awful to see the destruction that remains, but am thankful that so many were evacuated and safe!
And even MORE applause to the volunteers, firefighters and law enforcement involved!
Absolutely, J!
Applause also goes to the people themselves who evacuated with amazing speed and grace in very difficult circumstances…says a lot about the character of the communities involved.
Sure wish we knew the whereabouts of those 180 and pray that they are safe.