Stacy Robertson
Stacy Robertson
August 21, 2018 ·  5 min read

People Who Lost Everything in a Wildfire Are Sending Notes to the Couple Who Started It

Imagine losing everything in a terrible house fire. Not just your home, but your neighbor’s becomes engulfed in flames. In fact, your entire community is decimated by vast uncontrollable wildfire. You’ve been evacuated and are displaced from your home; your possessions are all gone. The area around what used to be your home looks like the aftermath of a bomb.

Perhaps, in an even more devastating turn of events, you lose a family member in that fire.

wildfire

The Carr Wildfire

This has been the frightening reality for residents in Redding, California since the igniting of the Carr wildfire on July 23rd. The intensity of the blaze unleashed a vortex of winds which resulted in a fiery tornado. The “firenado” spread over 229,651 acres destroying upwards of 1,100 homes.[1]

A “firenado,” occurs when a fire’s intense heat heats the air and causes it to swiftly rise. Combine that with forceful winds and you end up with a vortex that pulls fires in different directions.[2]

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the temperatures of the firenado at the edge of Redding, California exceeded 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.[3]

Casualties

The loss of life, for the Carr wildfire alone, is up to six people including firefighters, who perished while battling the blaze.  Jeremy Stoke, the 37-year-old fire inspector who was assisting in evacuating people, and Don Ray Smith, the bulldozer operator were killed while fighting the flames.[4,5,6]

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching is hearing Ed Bledsoe recount the last time he spoke with his family on the phone while the fire entrapped their house. Listening to their pleas to come and get them, Ed was helpless to rescue them. The fire claimed the lives of his wife Melody Bledsoe (70), and two great-grandchildren,  James Roberts (5) Emily (4).[1]

Cause of the Carr Fire

Now envision this: Later you find out the fire originated from a couple on holiday traveling with their trailer. One of the tires went flat and the rim of the tire scraped the pavement and a spark ensued. That spark was the origination of the Carr wildfires.

How do you feel about the couple whose vehicle failure started a fire that California officials are naming as the sixth most destructive fire the state has ever seen?

Conversely, if you are that couple, how do you feel knowing the chain of events set into motion that day by your vehicle caused a wildfire to engulf an area larger than New York City? A fire that claimed six lives and destroyed thousands of homes.

Guilt

A Facebook page, Carr Fire Stories, was set up to support victims of the tragic wildfire. Here is what the administrator of the Facebook page posted:

“We personally know someone who’s mom is a neighbor to the man who’s trailer accident led to #CarrFire. Many have been thinking and praying for this man. We learned that his wife is blaming herself for the #CarrFire, because she asked him to take the trailer in the first place. She has been crying day and night on her couch.”

If you were a victim of that violent, merciless fire, what would you have to say to this couple? Here’s what some people who were personally affected by the fire posted in response:

“ ❤️ PLEASE don’t blame yourselves, this was an accident. It is NOT your fault. This could easily have happened to any one of us. There’s no way you could have known this was going to happen. Loving thoughts & Prayers to you both. God Bless You. ❤️❤️” ~ Debbie Dennis

“I lost my trailer and my parents lost there house. But what happened was no fault of this couple. The weather conditions, the area, the lack of properly clearing underbrush was at fault. I sincerly hope this couple knows that no one blames them. It was an accident that the weather accelerated to a horrific tragedy. Please no one is blaming you. You are in my prayers.

And i only stated my loss for you to understand that none I have talked to, have said anything other than not to blame yourselves. And to know that non blame you. Be at peace. God bless you both.  ”~Shasta Fauks 

Recovering From a Devastating Fire

When dealing with a major loss after a fire, it is normal to feel emotions such as shock, anger, depression, hopelessness, disbelief, grief and even guilt. Here are some strategies to cope while you begin to rebuild your life:[8]

  • Reduce stress with regular exercises, meditation, and deep breathing techniques.
  • Release negative emotions. Allow yourself to cry.
  • Put major life decisions on hold, whenever possible.
  • Don’t isolate yourself. Spending some time with people can aid in recovery.
  • Talk with friends and family about your loss.
  • Take any community support that is offered.
  • Focus on what you still have to be thankful for despite your loss.
  • Avoid alcohol and other drugs as coping mechanisms.
  • Try to get plenty of sleep.
  • Eat healthy food.

Helping Children Cope

Many children will experience anxiety, nightmares and sleep disorders after a major tragedy such as a fire. Children look to adults and emulate their reactions to disasters. Therefore a parent’s reaction will greatly influence how the child will cope.[8]

  • Be open to children sharing their fears and concerns.
  • Encourage them to return to a normal routine, including playtime.
  • Do not vent your fears and worries to your children.
  • Help build resilience.
  1. Faith Karimi and Cheri Mossburg, C. (2018). A flat tire started the deadly Carr Fire and days of devastation in California. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/04/us/carr-fire-week-wrap/index.html accessed August 21, 2018.
  2. Paul P. Murphy, C. (2018). A fire tornado with 143 mph winds hit Redding during Carr Fire. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/02/weather/firenado-redding-carr-fire-trnd/index.html accessed August 21, 2018.
  3. Rojas, N. (2018). Where the Ranch Fire, Carr Fire and others are still burning in California. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/california-wildfires-map-update-mendocino-complex-carr-donnell-holy-1081740 accessed August 21, 2018.
  4. Bowman, E. (2018). Death Toll In Northern California’s Carr Fire Rises To Six. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2018/07/28/633471082/death-toll-in-northern-californias-carr-fire-rises-to-5 accessed August 21, 2018.
  5. Video shows 165-mph, 2,700-degree fire tornado that killed California firefighter. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carr-fire-video-shows-massive-fire-tornado-that-killed-redding-firefighter-jeremy-stoke/ accessed August 21, 2018.
  6. Arthur, D. (2018). Bulldozer operator who died in Carr Fire identified as Pollock Pines resident. Retrieved from https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/07/27/redding-fire-takes-human-toll-deaths-injuries/852651002/ accessed August 21, 2018.
  7. Carr Fire Stories. (2018, August 13). Heavy #carrfirestories [Facebook status update]. Retrieved  from https://www.facebook.com/carrfirestories/posts/1168983223242932 accessed August 21, 2018
  8. Recovering emotionally after a residential fire. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/residential-fire.aspx accessed August 21, 2018.