On Tuesday afternoon, our family was on our way out of town to stay overnight at a friend’s cabin when we saw a fire explode on the mountain by our home. It was started in the rodeo grounds by a backhoe hitting a rock which caused sparks which ignited a brush fire. (Many wild fires have been burning out of control here in Utah over the past several weeks due to lack of rain for over 40 days. It is super dry and Utah is desert land. Colorado is also having the same problems.) I took this photo with my iPhone:
I could see the fire was by our dear friends house, Jerry and Judy Pasley. I immediately called to see if they were okay. They had gone to Idaho for the holiday and I was the first one to tell them of the grave news. Of course they were in shock. We immediately turned back around to go to their home to salvage any valuables. Can you imagine being in Judy’s position? She’s several hundred miles away trying to wrap her head around what should be removed from her house. In the end she only cared about photo negatives and pictures that her daughter had hand-drawn of her children.
When we got to the street that led to their home, a police officer told us we could not continue up the street–all of the homes had been evacuated. We stood at the bottom of the street with Pasley’s daughter helplessly looking on for over an hour. The fire raced up the mountain and threaten to take over neighborhoods. Hundreds of police cars, firetrucks, ambulances, helicopters and airplanes throughout the state came to the rescue. It was very touching to watch how much people cared. This was the scene overhead:
Over 500 home were evacuated and several thousand acres were burned. Our beloved mountain, once picturesque and beautiful, is now mass of ugly burned sage brush and branches.
Here are the blessings:
1. Only one barn completely burned down.
2. Only a few houses had damage.
3. All hikers, campers and even a scout troop on the mountain got down safely unscathed.
4. Yesterday the fire was only 5% contained, but after 40-something days of no rain, it miraculously started to pour yesterday thus helping to put the fires out.
We are all relieved the worst of it is over for now. The events of the last few days have reminded me there is always a silver lining behind every cloud.
We had a great 4th of July! It started with a yummy blueberry pancake, eggs and sausage breakfast, then a small-town parade in Filmore, Utah. The afternoon consisted of a pool party and BBQ at the Bearnson home. My cute niece made this yummy dessert and I had to take photo of Roberto with it:
I think he was a little overwhelmed at how big the Americans celebrate the 4th. That night we went to a huge patriotic display of fireworks and sat in row 17 jamming to:
And also this young man (Scotty McCreery):
Now we are off getting ready for our next adventure. Three weeks in Europe! We leave in a little over a week.
Hope your 4th of July was happy and safe!
Lisa
Wow! We watched it from South Jordan climbing higher and higher and could do nothing but pray for those with homes in the fire’s path. Yes, grateful for the rain. (I am reading this through my sister, Lynn Crapo)
Oh, thank God for the rain!!! Hard to believe when it’s right in your back yard (or your mountain)!! Glad everyone escaped with their lives and property intact. So glad only your friend’s barn was burned and not their house!!! Y’all have a great time in Europe!!! I know you’ll take lots of pics so I won’t even say it….lol!!
Thanks so much for posting the pics. I can only imagine the sight of this. Stacy thinks there were angels on that mountain. (besides you and Steve) Hard to believe no homes were lost!!!! You are the best. I can’t thank you enough. Can’t wait to see you in person and give you a huge hug!
WOW…I am SO happy your friends did not loose there home. I have seen all this tragedy on the news. Thank goodness for the rain you guys did end up getting. Take care and be safe of your vacation. Your niece’s dessert looks delish:)
It’s been great reading about your comings and goings! Becky and Tom were evacuated, but all is well, truly a miracle! What a fun summer you are having! I’m in Maryland with our newest grandbaby. Did you find Kade’s gift? Have a WONDERFUL time in Europe!
Wow- not sure what words to use about the fire- thank goodness for all the help and that loss of life and property were minimal. Our 4th was quiet and very Hot!!! Drove by The Hill last night and everything is looking ready for the 75th Anniv. performance this week. Stage and tents are up.
There are too many fires in UT and the west this summer and too close to family and friends. I have family who luckily weren’t too close to the fire in Saratoga Springs. We were on our way to Utah when the Herriman fire broke out. My sister-in-law was on stand-by for evacuation. We were in Yellowstone when we heard about the Alpine Fire. I though of you right a way from following your blog for so long. I am glad that everything turned out fine and the heavens opened up with some much needed rain. Have a great European vacation.
Oh my gosh, those photos looked like the ones from Colorado Springs. So glad your friends home was spared. We lost 346 homes in the Colorado Springs area and one couple died in the fire. The firefighters and all agencies involved, worked around the clock and saved lots of homes etc. The fire danger is more than scary and still a big problem and will be for a long time. God Bless you all. Have a wonderful trip.