That video explains part of the reason the process takes so long. This fire was so hot and fast, it literally left nothing in it's path. Trying to find remains is a daunting task. They are asking for dna samples from relatives of missing people and bringing in forensics teams. People are frustrated they can't go home--they need/want closure (or back to the town) to check on things and don't realize all that is in involved. Aside from the safety, it's hazardous until they ID and recover all the victims and chemicals and such. Not to mention who wants to stumble cross a site like that, especially children. People literally left their cars running for their lives. It's terrible. I'm not sure if/how they will find them all, honestly. I feel terrible for those who are left waiting. I saw a missing poster for a gentleman I worked with over 30 years ago when I was in college.
On the bright side, my sister just shared this story:
Working day three of the Devastating Camp Fire was a better day. After searching through a Magalia neighborhood, knocking on 50+ doors and looking through several burned down homes, I found an 87 year old, alive and well, in her home. She had no idea what was happening in her town and nearby towns. I asked if she was ok. She asked if she knew me, I said no, introduced myself, then I asked what she was doing still here by herself. She said she yelled for help as people were driving away, but nobody could hear her. She said she was eating the food that was defrosting from her freezer and drinking the small trickle of water from her kitchen sink. I asked what she needed. Her first response was “a hug”. As we hugged each other she said into my ear, “what took you so long to get here?” I apologized and said I’m here now and I won’t leave. I requested an ambulance, which took her to get checked.
Today, was a better day!
If you are not volunteering or working for your community, then you are not part of that community, you just live there.
Tnanks!
