There I was, Sunday at 2:00pm, watching football when the phone rang. The voice on the other end of the line said: IMMEDIATE EVACUATION.

My God! Where is the fire? How close is it? Then an email came in saying it is west of Gold Hill.

I grabbed my wallet, laptop, and medication. Marjory got some clothes and personal items. She said, “Come on, let’s go.” So, off we went, down the hill accompanied by a long line of cars. A week or so prior, TBB member Paul Douglas, had offered us lodging just in case – and now we needed it.

Paul’s line was busy, but I got through to him about 20 minutes before we arrived. He was glad to see us and provided shelter and food until Thursday afternoon, when we were able to return.

When we got home, the house was just as we left it. Our propane-electric generator powered had kept it powered the whole time. Others were not so fortunate because, without electricity, all their refrigerated food spoiled. On the other hand, Gold Hill residents were lucky not to have lost any homes or other structures to the fire.

It felt so good to take a shower and be back in my own bed. Boy, I’m glad to be a member of TBB!!