What happens when Brea's Olinda Ranch Burns?

November 18, 2008

On Saturday November 15, 2008 our very own Olinda Ranch fell victim to one of the all too familiar November wild fires. As we spent Saturday helping friends and families gather their most praised possessions and evacuate their homes, I could not help but think about the irony that was playing out right before my eyes. I had the opportunity to help many of these individuals purchase these very homes that we were now helping them evacuate. There was a very real possibility that we would return to the neighborhood that we have loved and worked in for so many years to find nothing left, and that was terrifying.

I will post a blog in the future that details how this event progressed from my perspective once I have a chance to sit and try to wrap my mind around everything. But as for this post, I would like to just share a few of the many pictures and incidents that I witnessed over the 48 hours that Brea's Olinda Ranch Burns.

Top 10: What happens when Brea's Olinda Ranch Burns?

1. Community is formed as neighbors seek comfort from one another.
2. We are forced to realize what items mean the most to us, as we stuff them in boxes.
3. You stand amazed at the sight of Fire Fighters doing what they are trained to do... Protect
4. Forget all about a bad economy, new President, poor housing prices etc.
5. Hope that those methane gas release valves are not leaking.
6. Wonder what happens when an oil rig is engulfed by a brush fire.
7. Find yourself watering down your tile roof giving thanks to the builders that did not choose to use wood shake.
8. Walk in and out of our community more times in 2 days than you have in 4 years.
9. Realize just how many cars we have in Olinda Ranch when you see them parked down Lambert.
10. Thank God that not even 1 home is lost in the fire, and we will be even better prepared next time.

Cheers,

Aaron Mills www.OlindaRanch.com