Friars Fire Contained: 15 Acres Burned, Safe

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Friars Fire Contained: 15 Acres Burned, Safe

Whew! What a rollercoaster the past few days have been. I'm still kinda shaken up, honestly. You know how sometimes you just know something's not quite right? That's how I felt when I first heard the sirens wailing, way louder than usual. Then, the smoke… that thick, acrid smell, it just hung heavy in the air. The Friars Fire, they called it. Man, that was intense.

The Start of the Fire and Initial Panic

It all started so innocently, or so it seemed. A small brush fire, they said on the news. Something about a carelessly discarded cigarette. Seriously?! People, be careful! Anyway, I live pretty close to the Friars Canyon area, and by the time I got my act together – you know, grabbing my emergency kit, my cat Mittens (she’s a drama queen!), and some water – the whole sky was choked with smoke. It was terrifying, truly. The flames were leaping, you could practically feel the heat from my house.

I’d like to think I’m prepared for anything, having done some wilderness survival training years ago, but nothing really prepares you for that kind of visceral fear. Seeing those flames spread so fast...it was surreal. I'm talking fast. One minute it’s a small fire; the next, it’s a raging inferno, jumping across the dry brush like wildfire (pun intended!).

Evacuation Orders & Lessons Learned

The evacuation orders came quickly. Honestly, I was a little slow on the uptake initially. I'm such a klutz sometimes. I even hesitated, thinking, "Oh, it'll probably be fine." That was foolish, I now know. Listen to the authorities, people! Get outta there when they tell you to.

We weren’t too far from the fire, but the smoke made it impossible to see clearly. Driving with the smoke in my eyes was terrifying. You just couldn't see anything in front of you. Thank goodness, no one was hurt.

There's a lot to learn here, you know? I had read about wildfire preparedness, but it's different experiencing it. Now my go bag isn't just some dusty old thing in the closet; it’s readily accessible. I've even upgraded it. I added a portable air purifier – a total lifesaver during the smoke.

Practical Tips for Wildfire Preparedness

• Create a Go Bag: Seriously, do it. Include essentials: water, non-perishable food, first-aid kit, medications, important documents (copies!), flashlight, phone charger, etc.
• Know Your Evacuation Routes: This is key! Don't wait until the last minute to figure out how to get out. Practice your escape route with your family.
• Check the Weather: High winds and dry conditions are wildfire accelerators. Pay attention to fire weather forecasts.
• Maintain defensible space around your home: Clear dry brush, leaves, and flammable materials at least 30 feet away from your house. This actually makes a big difference, and is worth the effort.

The Aftermath and Recovery

Fifteen acres burned. That’s a significant amount. But, thankfully, no homes were lost, and no one was seriously injured. I feel immense relief knowing I’m safe, and grateful that the firefighters were able to contain the fire. Those brave folks are heroes.

The smell of smoke still lingers, a constant reminder of how quickly things can change. But, there's also a sense of community that emerged from this experience. Neighbors helping neighbors, sharing resources, and offering comfort. It's been heartening to witness that.

I think we can all take a huge lesson from this experience. Wildfires are a real and present danger, and preparedness is critical. My experience with the Friars Fire has taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to be even more proactive in future safety planning. I hope this helps you. Stay safe out there, everyone.