Friday, September 8, 2017

An Ode to Firefighters

Hello my friends.. I want to thank you all for your concern and good wishes and prayers to keep us safe here.  Yesterday the wind turned and blew the fire activity back the other way from us and things got better.  They are keeping the evacuation in place as the wind is set to turn again and things could go bad again, but for today, we're breathing easier.  I found all the images below on the internet, none are mine.  Here is a shot of the firefighters who's around the clock dedication saved the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge from burning.  I love them!


What a great bunch of guys!


I am so grateful for their work to save our beloved lodge.


The Historic Columbia River Highway is still closed - there is a lot of debris on the roadway.


When the plants and bushes burn, the rocks lose their anchor and fall across the road.  The landscape will be unstable for some time to come.


These men and women who are fight fires in forests are a special breed and face horrible dangers.



Here is an after shot of the newly restored Oneonta Tunnel.. all charred and fallen.


I found this image to be poignant.


Men at work.  They are "back burning" - burning the underbrush back towards the fire to decrease the burn and control it.


This is what the Angel's Rest trail looks like now.  :-(



Here is a timelapse of the fire I thought I'd share with you.


One thing I want to share with you is there is hope.  The fire did burn a lot of our gorge but it will grow again.  I have not driven down the freeway through it as it's still closed due to fire danger, but the officials who have assured us the gorge is not lost and is still green with lots of trees.  Wish us luck on continued safety from the fires that still burn.  You all are the best.  ((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

27 comments:

  1. Oh what a relief to know you are all safe, the fire service did such a great job. I hope things continue to improve and you possibly will even get some rain and that you all stay safe. Fiona x

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  2. I've been wondering how things were going. I'm glad the fires aren't currently headed your way, and I hope they'll be under control before too long. Firefighters are indeed wonderful people. There have been some amazing pieces about them here lately after the terrible tower fire in London. Heroes indeed. You have my continued well wishes Teresa, stay safe my friend. CJ xx

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  3. Oh Teresa I have just read this post and your previous one, that is truly heartbreaking, I am so so glad that you and your family are safe and that your home is also safe, but how scary that must have been, and still is, to a degree. You are in my thoughts and prayers my friend
    Jillxxx

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  4. Oh Theresa, I could cry with all the devastation those young men caused....and as you say, the fire fighters are certainly very brave. I wish with all my heart that it doesn't turn back and come your way again. I have never commented here before, but always enjoy reading your blog....best wishes are sent your way from a wet Cornwall in the U.K x

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  5. First, I'm so glad you're safe and that the wind changed direction. When I read your post last night, I was devastated by this disaster. Being from Washington, I know the beautiful area you live in. Stay safe dear Teresa. Hugs, Pat

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  6. Thanks for the update, Teresa. I am glad to know that you have not had to evacuate , and that the firefighters are being successful in saving the lodge and protecting most homes so far. I am grateful for their hard work, too!
    My kids are noticing more traffic on Hwy 26 since I-84 is closed. They got some rain and Mary reports that the smoke has cleared around our neighborhood today. They are thanking God and praying that the fire is extinguished soon! You and yours are you in my thoughts
    with love :)

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  7. I am so pleased to hear this news Teresa. I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Anne Xxx

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  8. Firefighters of every nation are so brave, risking their lives to save people, their homes, livestock. I do hope they find the boys responsible for this devastation and punish them, though it's hard to think of a punishment to fit this crime.

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  9. I can't even begin to fathom what our firefighters are going through here in the Northwest. I have gone through an entire boxes of Kleenex just today because of the smoke. How can they stand it? Also knowing how needless the fire near you was to begin with being caused by a careless kid. Lightening strikes are bad enough. I'm glad you're all safe so far and will continue to pray for you and your.s
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  10. I love firefighters. For obvious reasons and because I believe they are a rare breed. I get very upset when POLITICIANS play with their pensions. I wonder how many of them would go INTO The fire? Not many. I am so glad your beautiful lodge and home are still standing and safe. MOre prayers your way Teresa!

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  11. So glad things are looking a bit more hopeful Teresa. Mother nature is a wonderful thing and will recover.
    Hurrah for the hardworking heroes who have worked tirelesly to contain this scary fire.
    Jacquie xxx

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  12. Good - glad you're all ok. The fires regenerate the vegetation in Australia and are part of the natural cycle of life, I'm not sure if it's the same there as different trees and climate....but they will grow back.

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  13. So glad and relieved that you are safe and your post about the fire service is a wonderful tribute. The destruction of such a beautiful landscape is so sad but as you say it will grow back. Will still be thinking of you dear Teresa xox

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  14. Indeed .. good luck Teresa. Let's hope the wind doesn't turn again. I also read that your lovely gorge is still green and was so pleased about that. We had a huge fire here in 2003 which totally destroyed a huge pine forest. It was replanted and the area redeveloped into our amazing National Arboretum. As you say - there is always hope. xox

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  15. Oh no, Teresa. I knew there were fires there but didn't realize they were so close to you. I sure hope they are getting it all under control now. Take care.

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  16. I'm glad your home is safe now and hope the winds don't change directions. What a horrifying ordeal for all of you including the firefighters! Stay safe.

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  17. I am thrilled to hear that you are safe and that the wind has changed. Those firefighters are indeed hero's and are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

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  18. I'm so glad you're safe and hopefully it will stay that way. I've seen that firefighters photo too and really like it. There's one where a fireman looks like he's drinking water from the falls! Sad all this had happen but thankful there's still green. And still the lodge and good memories thru photos. Glad I've got some and you as a friend! Continued prayers for you and family and firefighters etc. working on the gorge disaster. I'm sure its hard on many people. We've had trucks thru town from places I've only heard of that have to reroute to get to destinations. Interesting year for sure. Take care my friend!xx

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  19. Just found your blog through " Bunny Mummy".My jaw dropped open when I saw this post.How utterly heartbreaking for all concerned,have just scrolled down.Must be so frightening for you all,to think your homes are at great risk.Praying that the wind does not change for the worse again.Will be thinking of you.Huge Hugs from me in Cornwall UK xxxxx

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  20. I'm so glad things are settling down. Be well.
    ps..my son is a firefighter in San Diego...my hero!!

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  21. So, so glad your lodge and home are ok. Continued prayers.

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  22. 4 years ago we had our "Rim Fire" and I totally understand your feelings. We had firefighters from Idaho/San Diego/parked in our driveway and I ran cookies/coffee/you name it out to them every chance I had. We wore masks in the house and were on "stand-by" to evacuate for over 2 weeks. They deserve everyone's praise and thanks. NOw we're dealing with the smoke from several fires in Yosemite and other areas that make for orange sun, when we can see it.
    So glad things are looking up for you and yours ! Be strong!!

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  23. Teresa - I am just returning from a camping trip for several days and am catching up on my reading. So I have been on an emotional roller coaster with you through your several posts on this topic. We have significant wildfires in Montana as well, some as close as 30 miles, but at least they were caused by lightning - I would be furious if the devastation was caused by a human - and a nonchalant one at that! We have rain in the forecast for Thursday and Friday next week - I hope your weather conditions will help out the brave firefighters - we have been blessed to have very few firefighters so far that have been harmed by their heroism. Prayers coming your way!

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  24. Those firefighters are so amazing and so brave. No amount of money could compensate them for the dangers they face - but I hope they are really, really well paid!

    Thank God that trees and plants do grow again after fire. I'm so glad to know that you haven't had to evacuate. Praying for you and for all in the western states who are suffering from fire. And for those in the southeast who are getting pummelled by rain and wind.

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  25. It is heartbreaking to see the devastation of the most beautiful place in the world (perhaps I am biased, but I doubt it). It appears that Multnomah Lodge is safe for now (emphasis on FOR NOW), and of course the most important thing is the safety of the people and wildlife living in the fire's path. It's beyond my ability to process...so much devastation caused by a stupid, stupid boy. I hope someday he realizes the cost of his stupidity, and is able to forgive himself.

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  26. Thanks, Teresa, for this tribute to these brave and fearless firefighters. My husband is a retired NJ firefighter, so I know first-hand the dangers they can face. I am glad that your home was OK and hope others will be safe.

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