Paradise Fires

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Our City and entire county had two weeks of horrible smoke from the devastating Paradise Fire.  A fire swept through the entire town of Paradise, an area about 3 hours north killing 88 people and essentially destroying the entire town.  Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by the fire.  It was hard to process we live in a time when so many people can die from a fire. I just assumed that with technology and advancements that wouldn't happen.  It is devastating.  So sad to see videos of people trying to flee.  There were minimal roads to evacuate, not enough time and poor communication.  The Chico Stake and church leaders sent a letter reiterating the importance of these natural disasters in areas where we all live and to be prepared.  I can't help but think that these are signs of the times.  Earthquakes, natural disasters, etc.  It is amazing to see communities rally together to help those in need.  This is what our sky looked like for about 2 weeks.  Certain days it was like we couldn't see the sun.  The smoke was so bad.  School was cancelled for Thanksgiving and as bad as the air was here, it was nothing compared to what the people of Paradise went and are going through.  It is unsure if the town will ever rebuild. A lot of people were retired and lived in mobile homes with little industry.  



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