Those people are freaking Heroes!
I live in the hills near Lake Berryessa (Napa) and have not had power since Saturday. We have a generator it is keeping our refrigerators going, Internet, Phone, TV and some lights. Cooking on a camp 2 burner. (cant use my BBQ propane grill when we have Red Flag conditions) No Hot Water! But thanks to my small company ISP, we do have internet, so I can work from home. My work is being very understanding. (I care for my mother who can not run the generator or refill the gas on her own, so they are letting me work from home so I can address this)
I've been watching the fires, the threats of more windy conditions, and it is scary. They are evacuating parts of Northern Napa. My mom has packed her car with all of her treasures (family photos, her own paintings, important papers, and her oils, medication, and bathroom sundries. I tried not to roll my eyes with her freeze-dried food. But she is ready). It might seem overkill, but 2 years ago we were evacuated, and it was a literal miracle that our house didn't burn down. There was a 100 foot wall of flame over the hill we are on, and the wind changed (it was 70mph!).
Our plan if we have to evacuate is I will get the animals and whatever I can grab of my stuff. Important papers (Insurance), some clothes, my laptops.
So as much of a pain having the power is off, when it is that windy I'm all for it. Not sure if I would feel the same way if we didn't have a generator. Just down the road a short distance from us a tree did fall on a power line. Had the power been on.... don't even want to think about it.
PG&E is wearing us down. Making us feel grateful for having a little power. In the mean time, my PG&E bill ranges from 250/mo to 600 (that is winter when we use the heater, we try not to use it and use the fireplace, but you can't use the fireplace when it is a Red Flag). Temps dropped to 37 last night. I was fine under the blankets but was missing my electric blanket. The generators can't handle anything more that includes heat (microwave, electric blankets, etc).
Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble, back to your point, I worship our local fire fighters, and all those who come from other counties. If it weren't for them, I know my house would have burned down 2 years ago.
What is scary now is that the Kincaid fire has called all available folk are fighting that fire. Should we have a repeat of 2 years ago it will be thin pickings.
Stay safe everyone, and blessed be the First Respondents!
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