It has been several weeks since the Rowena Fire. Many of us who live within the perimeter of the fire are still reflecting upon this experience and trying to put our lives and hearts back in order. Words of appreciation go out to the Wasco County Sheriff‘s Department and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, who recently launched the Citizen Alert system. We were able to be notified by phone and email as well as personal contact. Thank you to those who helped facilitate the road blocks and the utility employees who worked to assist the men and women who were trying to save our homes and property. Thank you Home at Last, Mosier Grange and the American Red Cross/Dry Hollow Elementary for setting up evacuee shelters.
We watched from the Home Depot parking lot, our first night of evacuation, the breathtaking sight of the fire as it swept across the ridge consuming acres of land in a heartbeat. We were able to get an affordable room at Motel 6 the second night of evacuation; their kindness included the occupancy for our dog and cat. Words cannot even begin to describe our great admiration and appreciation for the 400 plus men and women who comprised the fire crews and hot shot teams, many of whom left their own community districts to lend aid, that surrounded and assisted in containing a fire that was relentless in the gorge winds. We watched as overhead the helicopters were buffeted about in those winds, trying to drop the needed water to contain the fire; thank you to those pilots.
Thank you to the Oregon Department of Forestry and the many caring community facilities and citizen volunteers who gave freely of their space and time to assist in any way necessary. As we evacuated, we were not sure we would have a home to return to. Because of a caring community and trained responders, our home was untouched. We are truly blessed to have this kind of orderliness in our community. Thank you is truly not sufficient in conveying our gratitude. God bless all of you.
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