Investigation continues into cabin fire near Forestville
By Randi Rossmann, The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, Calif. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"His grandfather built that cabin. He's a member of this community his entire life. He has lost every single last thing," said
Fire officials Tuesday were back at the
While they could tell it started in the upstairs livingroom of the split-level residence, what caused it couldn't be determined as any evidence was destroyed, said
Fay suffered burns and smoke inhalation. He was taken to
Christensen said he now is at St. Francis Burn Center in
Fire officials initially said the man was burned after he ran into his burning garage to try and save a vehicle. But Christensen said she understood he was burned while trying to dampen a neighbor's deck, which is right in line with his role in the close-knit community.
"Jim is devastated because of how scared he was at how this very special community could be threatened" by the fire at his house, she said. "Some friends saw him in the burn unit today. He wants to get home and clean it up."
"He does everything for everybody. He lives very simply. He's just a good guy. He's lost everything and we want to try to help him," Christensen said.
They set up an online account called Help Jim Fay, on Go fund me.com, Christensen said. The link to the account is http://www.gofundme.com/dwj7ts.
While the majority of families in
He worked on cars and had some restored cars that were lost in the fire, as well as all the family belongings going back three generations, Christensen said. His friends also believe he didn't have homeowners insurance, she said.
When the fire sparked at about
The residence and garage were a total loss, as were four cars and three motorcycles. Two other cars were damaged and as many as five other structures had minor to moderate damage.
But as the fire occurred in a dry, redwood forest with numerous vacation cabins and homes, during a drought, the potential was far worse, officials said.
At the height of the firefighting effort, one home was ablaze, 12 homes were threatened, several vehicles were burning, a grass fire was heading up the hill and fiery embers were floating into the neighborhood, landing on roofs and vehicles, said
The complex effort included downed power lines which prevented engines from getting close to the burning cabin. Firefighters lobbed water over the downed lines.
Turbeville and Ming, who arrived right behind Turbeville, praised the first round of responders -- firefighters on seven engines -- for dealing with the power lines, narrow, steep roadways and keeping the flames from doing more damage.
"They did a stellar job of keeping others from starting to burn. It was quite a save," said Ming.
Christensen said she was grateful. "I can't believe they saved what they saved. It was amazing it didn't all go."
If the flames had crested the ridge over the community it could have raced downhill to nearby
Because of the potential for further trouble, Turbeville called for five additional Cal Fire engines and fire more water tankers.
Numerous explosions heard during the fire were due to typical household items, Turbeville said. Car tires, gas tanks, anything under pressure were exploding. Plus power lines and service lines to the home were popping and cracking. A propane tank connected to the house didn't explode, he said.
A good hydrant system helped and one air tanker made two strategic drops of retardant, Turbeville said. "They saved two structures right above the home that was burning."
At the height of the effort there were 90 people involved, including 18 fire trucks, which squeezed along the narrow, steep lanes.
With the sound of the community fire siren about 100 people still around at the end of the holiday weekend headed for the beach, as part of their community emergency plan. Several
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