Update from Potter Valley

Subject: Potter Valley Fire Update 6/25/08

As of last night at 3:30am, the fire had not touched the little cabin or the big cabin on Josh's land. Much of their land has been burned but many of the older trees are still standing. Nature is having its say. We worked on fire lines and clearing more space and debris from the homes. Thanks to Denise from Hydro Pacific and Lupe for organizing a delivery of spray-on fire retardant. Both homes have been coated.
The fire is by no means contained but fire lines are holding as of early this morning.
Things change rapidly from day to day. In the 3 days I have been working up there the fire has progressed considerably and creeps in more and more. There is not a lot of immediate danger to people at this point -which is GREAT. Calfire has not been available to us for 2 and a half days. We have been falsely asked to evacuate every day only to return wishing we hadn't left.
Everyone has been working with the force of sheer power and will behind them. Where CDF has not been there, our community has and that is what has saved these homes and their land. I am soooo proud of everyone who has come to help.
Sadly, after we evacuated last night around 11pm due to a scare of the road closing 20 minutes away from where we were, the unthinkable happened. We got down the road where the fire was creeping in and found it contained. We decided to go back to the property and continue to work the fire. In the driveway we passed a black suburban coming from the land. It was the same vehicle that carried some guys who were up on the property before we left. When we arrived we found the house and storage container BROKEN INTO AND ROBBED. Belongings were littering the floor. There was nothing of value to take in the house. Everything worth anything had been removed the day before. Isn't that terrible!!
The two guys (who hung out with us and acted like they were concerned but didn't lift a finger) had the following description. One was in his mid to late 40s about 5'9'' with reddish blond hair. He has a medium build, fair skin, and an overbite. He was wearing city clothes and was very familiar with the property and its surroundings. The other looked like a younger version of him, slightly shorter about 20 or so.
The fire fight continues. Please send your prayers and hope up there, it is a breathtaking sight.
Again, if anyone who is willing and able would like to go up there they could use it. They are asking that people do not leave other fires for them. Only serious inquiries please. Text message Josh if you can help.