Valley and Butte Fires, Northern Calofornia

[MandysMom]

It was pretty shocking tonight to hear on our local news that adjusted totals now bring the losss of houses between the two first to over 1000!!! 508 in the Butte and remainder 580 in Valley. It's going to be a lengthy recovery and now we hear motels in the area are raising the rates and were warned by our Attorney General. So very sad knowing how many people are homeless. And that 5 lost their lives, along with countless businesses gone. All in just barely over a week. Tonight some are starting they never got notified to evacuate and had to figure it out on their own. Neither of those fires are even close to out.
Velda

[avalen]

such a tragedy, my friend Jon picked up a big generator, (the kind thats towed behind the truck) to take
up to his brothers house today so they can get the well going and electric to the house and begin clean up.
Although its still smoldering around there. He said he'd send me some pictures. They get so many varied
reports from news and from the calfire update site, its open, its closed, its open, its closed.
It never ceases to amaze me how hotel/motel owners always jack up prices when an area is devastated
by the loss of homes, whether it be tornado, hurricane, flood or fire. It just seems to happen. Its greed.

[Queen]

So sad that so many are suffering.

And the people that gouge them in their time of need will hopefully pay for their greed. A gas station back home jacked it's prices up to $5 a gallon on Sept. 12, 2001, they were told by all and sundry to stop gouging, they refused and ended up going out of business later that year... because none of us would buy from them. There were lines at the station across the street and theirs was empty.

[Bethers]

I've been thrilled, though, with some the heartwarming stories. There are at least two places I know of taking people in free. Providing shelter and food. So for those who gouge, shame on you.

[snowball]

did you hear of that used to be rv park that is taking as many that have lost their homes as they
can (those with rv's and tents)? no cost
sheila

[MandysMom]

Our Attorney General has already announced he will go after anyone reports to be gouging people. Yes We saw video,of the ranch which has 50 some cabins and said they can take in up to 100 horses for as long as needed. And there is the Moose Lodge which is being used for the third time this season as a home away from home for a large number of people. People are bringing in food and it's being prepared and served, clothing and bedding distributed and other stuff people need while getting through this near the Valley Fire and much the same over at the Butte. Lots of good happening but it's sad so many did not have insurance. And yet, they say they will band together and rebuild .
Velda

[judi]

I recently joined the DOVE BOF (Disaster Operations Volunteer Escapees) organization Birds of a Feather). Check it out. http://www.dovebof.org/