Mariposa Fires

Well, it is day number 5 without Jon. Sunday afternoon he got the news that Sacramento Metro was sending out a "Strike Team" down to the fires in Mariposa, California near Yosemite. Jon was one of the unlucky ones to take the assignment. The 53-square-mile blaze was sparked Friday by a target shooter and raged out of control quickly. Our beautiful dry state is not even halfway through its fire season, but more acres have burned here this year than in any other. More than 2,000blazes have scorched 1,875 square miles already this year, compared with the nearly 1,720 square miles that burned in 2007. It has destroyed 21 homes, caused hundreds to evacuate, and for days had spit up clouds of ash that obscured the national park's granite peaks. High temperatures, low humidity, steep climbs and dry vegetation have made their efforts seem worthless, but their hard work appeared to be paying off -- fire officials announced Thursday that the number of homes being threatened has been downgraded to 2,000 from 4,000. They also said 16 firefighters have suffered minor injures and the cost to battle the blaze has hit $18.8 million. As of tonight, the fire is 45% contained. For the past week, firefighters have filled motels and packed restaurants in Mariposa. In many cases the crews have replaced tourists who canceled travel plans to the mountains and Yosemite National Park, especially when the news spread nationally and internationally. Base camp for the firefighters has been set up at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds where they sleep on cots and stage ready to battle the fire on any given "3 minute" notice. On the days off they spend their time resting in the nearby hotels. Thanks to all of your prayers, for Jon's assignment was a safe one. His crew provided structure protection for the residents. Jon will explain more about it when he gets back. But, back at base camp the prisoners, who were in good standings, served the firefighters their meals. All were provided - breakfast, lunch and even dinner. I have been able to talk to Jon multiple times this past week and he said the camaraderie was amazing. To see everyone come together to protect such beautiful monuments placed a warmth in their hearts. Jon said that he will be due back tomorrow night, but unfortunately he will be going back to work so we won't see him until Sunday morning. I know all three of us are anxious to kiss and hug him once again. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we will be reunited once again.