Fire Update

Giving Children Hope is determining the best way to help our neighbors. On a personal note, I am happy to report that my parent’s home is standing – as is their street thanks in part to police officers and two brave neighbors who put out small fires in back yards while the firemen battled the large flames.

I went into the neighborhood about 3 PM and counted between 20 to 30 of their neighbor’s homes that were completely destroyed. I talked with their neighbors and every recounts the fear of how quickly the flames crossed the hills and all of a sudden 20 foot flames were at their house and everyone was evacuating at the same time. Embers were literally falling upon them as they escaped into their cars to gridlock. One neighbor on our street left his car in the middle of the street fearing his life and fleeing on foot. Most of my parents street left when their yards were on fire – the flames were so high they didn’t dare to battle them but tried to ensure they could get out with their lives…never expecting to come home to a house still standing.

A short time after most people left, one of our neighbors returned, after the large flames were out. He and another neighbor stayed through the night, putting out the small yard fires and protecting the neighborhood from looters. Had it not been for them, likely houses on the street would not have survived.

It’s not often that such a tragedy strikes so close to home. And while you are thankful it didn’t happen to you, or your family, it’s heart-breaking to see it happen to others. Fire has no mercy. Two houses burn to the ground and the next one stands unscathed, with no rhyme or reason.

If you’d like to help families affected by the fires, please visit our website at http://www.gchope.org/.

Thanks for your prayers for Southern California. The fires continue and resources are limited. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!