Miller's survive
Sorry about the delayed response, Chris and Catherine are safe, as is our dog Iris. I am overwhelmed by the tragic fate of our neighbor Sally. If the power hadn't flickered and failed I wouldn't have gotten off the couch and noticed that the window to the south was filled with orange light. The flames poured over the crest from Atlas Peak and there was not time to do anything but grab the keys, the phone and the dog and get out of there. I'm sure Sally and her companion were similarly caught unaware, but too late(have to pause here and praise the battery backup system I installed recently for our automatic gate which saved critical time getting down the hill vs. panicked fumbling with a padlock and the gate arms get out). This thing was moving so fast. Many thanks to those who wrestled the fallen live oak off the road to allow our escape to continue. I'm scratching my head as to why Cal Fire's first vehicle up the road did not contain a chain saw, but now I know to keep one handy for the next frantic flight to safety. Wish I knew the name of the guy with the truck and the tow strap. He really tortured his truck to get some movement with the tree.
We have various reports or rumors regarding our property and house, so we honestly won't pretend to know anything until we can get there and see it for ourselves. I'm yearning for the chance but dreading it at the same time. To all those who have confirmed their loss, you have our complete sympathy. It would seem somewhat miraculous if our house is still standing. If anyone gets any information on the opening of Soda Canyon please share it.
Wishing everyone the best of luck and perseverance in recovering from this stunning experience.
Sorry about the delayed response, Chris and Catherine are safe, as is our dog Iris. I am overwhelmed by the tragic fate of our neighbor Sally. If the power hadn't flickered and failed I wouldn't have gotten off the couch and noticed that the window to the south was filled with orange light. The flames poured over the crest from Atlas Peak and there was not time to do anything but grab the keys, the phone and the dog and get out of there. I'm sure Sally and her companion were similarly caught unaware, but too late(have to pause here and praise the battery backup system I installed recently for our automatic gate which saved critical time getting down the hill vs. panicked fumbling with a padlock and the gate arms get out). This thing was moving so fast. Many thanks to those who wrestled the fallen live oak off the road to allow our escape to continue. I'm scratching my head as to why Cal Fire's first vehicle up the road did not contain a chain saw, but now I know to keep one handy for the next frantic flight to safety. Wish I knew the name of the guy with the truck and the tow strap. He really tortured his truck to get some movement with the tree.
We have various reports or rumors regarding our property and house, so we honestly won't pretend to know anything until we can get there and see it for ourselves. I'm yearning for the chance but dreading it at the same time. To all those who have confirmed their loss, you have our complete sympathy. It would seem somewhat miraculous if our house is still standing. If anyone gets any information on the opening of Soda Canyon please share it.
Wishing everyone the best of luck and perseverance in recovering from this stunning experience.
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