Hello,
It has been a few weeks since the start of the Glass fire. My heart has been heavy as I reflect on the destruction that has plagued the Diamond Mountain Community. I never thought that after working with your fire safe council that we would actually be facing this scenario so soon. Over the last couple weeks I have had the blessing to get to know some of you on a much more personal level. Everyone on Diamond mountain has been affected by this fire either from experiencing a total loss of your home, being evacuated with out power for many days, or having your beautiful trees and landscape ravaged by this inferno.
When I went to Diamond Mountain on Monday Morning when Diamond Mountain was taking a direct hit I found myself on the top of the South Fork with a running crown fire devouring the heavy timber. I knew at that minute that we were going to be experiencing a loss of structures and I was praying we would loose no lives.
The work this Fire Council has done and the preparation for this dreadful day saved lives. When I went back to Diamond Mountain on Tuesday morning my goal was to assess as many homes as I could and try to prevent the loss of more structures. During the first couple days of the Fire we had limited resources.
I am thankful that you have invited me into your community as this gave me intimate knowledge to start getting Dozers and Engines to key locations to start working. I consider all of you friends and hope for a time in the near future when I can see everyone face to face.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lemelin I Volunteer Battalion Chief
Sonoma County Fire District Honesty Respect Integrity 5198 Sharp Road Calistoga Ca. 94515 Cell 707-217-1914 jlemelin@sonomacountyfd.org http://www.sonomacountyfd.org GLASS FIRE DAY 1 TAKEN FROM SILVERADO TRAIL
