When Threatened By Fire

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of the unusually dry conditions, we in most of Texas are suffering. As a result, there have been vast acreages and numerous homes destroyed by fire.

Years ago, due to a fire near my hometown threatening an explosives manufacturing facility, we were evacuated from our home. That situation developed very rapidly, with no waring, in the middle of the night. There was only time to grab important documents and leave. We didn't really have time to think about how to respond, we just reacted. Fortunately, within a short time, the fire was controlled.

Fast forward to April 26, 2011. This time a grassfire started within a mile of my dad's home, while he was away. I got the call that the fire was moving away from his home, however the winds were gusting to 40 mph and the fire was uncontrollable and unpredictable. When I arrived, I estimated the fire had passed within about 500 yards of his property and 1000 yards of his home. Of course, I continued to monitor the situation and set water sprinklers around the house, wetting the grass, trees and house.

Within about 45 minutes, I went back to where the fire has passed the closest and found it had reignited and was now roaring within a couple hundreds of the fenceline. Now what? Well, I decided it was time to start moving important things out the house. While someone else called my dad to find out about the locations of valuables and important documents, I began loading photographs into pillow cases. That was the only way I could think of to quickly get them out. Once I'd filled all of the pillow cases, I unfolded sheets on the beds and just piled things on them. It made it fairly easy to carry out large amounts of things. Overall and surprisingly, it went pretty smoothly. The important and irreplaceable things were safely in vehicles, in case the fire got too close.

Fortunately, the fire was controlled within about 400 yards of the house and everything was safe. My reason for putting this up is to make all of my ATS friends and acquaintances consider what they would do, in a similar situation. How could you quickly get your important things out of danger? Where are you important things?

From experience, I can tell you it makes a difference if you can keep things together. Of course, photos on the walls and shelves are scattered throughout your home. But, I'd recommend boxes and albums of photos be kept together. The same goes for documents. My dad and I both have safe deposit boxes at our banks, where we store really important and valuable things. But, things like the keys to those boxes and other important papers will, in the future, be kept in one location.

I don't have the answers, but hopefully, you will take some time to consider your situation and make the appropriate adjustments. But, here's to hoping you never have to act on them.

I agree

Forest fire is about the only natural disaster I worry about around my area.
As I lie in the middle of a National Forest it is a very real possibility and it's plenty dry here in Arizona also.

Besides lightening strikes we have a ton of people come up here camping from Phoenix without a lick of sense about campfires. 2 years ago i was working in the forest and came across a campsite where the people built a very large fire (about 6' in diameter and the flames were about 5'-6' high) and then left and went to breakfast at the cafe about 5 miles down the road. Worst thing was we had a camp fire restriction at the time because of the fire danger.

Usually we have decent warning before one gets here but we had one get fairly close back a few years ago called the "Willow Fire" (research it if you wish)

We have a 33' Winnebago parked out front full of gas / water / LP & food.

In case of evacuation about all we have to do is grab the lock box of important papers, BOB's,
a few of my firearms (for monetary & sentimental reasons not that I will need them), hitch up the ATV trailer, the Dog and hit the road.

The house is insured so no worries.

We can get out of the danger zone and live fairly comfortably for an extended time if need be.

nice story five thumps you were lucky if it was true sorry to say that i just hate lies

reply to post by THEwTRUTH


Be assured, it is completely true. Right down to our stock tank (what some call a "pond") being about a foot lower, due to the helicopters using the water to combat the fire. I'm certainly glad the Texas Forest Service has been keeping resources in the area and that our tank had enough water for them to use.

But, more importantly, please take heed of my intent and consider what you need to do to make a potential evacuation a smooth and successful one.