 A PG&E pole is suspended above the roadway after its base was burned out during the LNU Lightning Complex Fire that raged through rural Vacaville. (Photo courtesy of Solano County Sheriff's Office)
Wildfire Recovery Underway But A Long Road Ahead
As much we were prepared, nothing could have stopped the Hennessy Fire from erupting into Solano County two weeks ago, forcing scores of people to flee from their homes in the middle of the night. As far as Solano County blazes are concerned, everything else that came before it pales in comparison as we now make up one of five counties impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex Fire.
This fire is much different and much more devastating than anything we’ve witnessed in the past. The loss of life, loss of property and loss of animals concentrated in a small area of Solano County is extraordinary. As of this writing, 223 known structures have been destroyed (that number could rise), two individuals have died and hundreds of PG&E power poles have been destroyed. This fire has burned more than 375,000-acres and is currently the third largest wildfire in state history. My heart breaks for the families who lost a loved one, lost their home and now must figure out how to put the pieces back together.
While the damages are still being assessed, if there is anything we can take solace in is the resilience of our residents and the strong desire of those to help. At the height of the blaze and with firefighting resources stretched thin, neighbors came to each other’s aid, risking their own health and safety to knock down flames. If someone had a tractor, they disced a firebreak around adjoining properties if they could. If someone had a truck and trailer, it was offered up to evacuate livestock to safety. Those with fenced pasture were willing to take in these animals without question. A hardware store in Vacaville opened its parking lot for RVs and campers to settle in. Of course, we owe a debt to our volunteer and paid first responders, both local and from outside jurisdictions as well. The aforementioned is a short list of examples of people coming to each other’s aid at a critical time.
 (Photo courtesy of Solano County Sheriff's Office)
Solano County has launched a standalone website (www.solanocountyreceovers.org) dedicated to the wildfire response. Please look there for information about how to safely return to your home after an evacuation, how to deal with downed trees, how to start the rebuilding process and much more. Working with FEMA and CalOES, Solano County has already stood up a Local Assistance Center in Vacaville that is a central location for residents to receive assistance from local, state and federal agencies.
The scale of destruction the 4th District endured is difficult to fathom and one I have not seen in my lifetime. It’s easy to feel helpless in the moment but the response to this fire from its community speaks for itself. No one should feel alone and we will get through this together. As a community we cannot do enough to support all of those affected in their time of need.
For those looking for ways to help or are in need of volunteers, please route those requests though Solano County’s volunteer coordinator at www.solano.cvnl.org. There are also myriad ways to donate money to those who have been personally impacted. Travis Credit Union Foundation is accepting donations to aid those impacted by the fire. Donations will provide funding for those in need of shelter, food, clothing and cash for necessities. The TCU Foundation will support both immediate disaster relief as well as recovery efforts for the remainder of the wildfire season. The Vacaville Firefighters Association has also started a fire relief fund through Venmo.
It will take time to recover from this fire and, for some, the trauma from this event will leave scars that may never heal. While the work has already begun, one thing I want you to know is that I stand beside you, ready to help.
Contact me at 707-784-6129, or e-mail JMVasquez@SolanoCounty.com if you need assistance. You may also contact District Representative Jennifer Hamilton at 707-784-3032, or e-mail JLHamilton@SolanoCounty.com, or Ryan Chalk at 707-784-6128, or e-mail RLChalk@SolanoCounty.com.
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Since 2003, Supervisor John M. Vasquez has had the privilege to represent the 4th Supervisorial District covering Northern Solano County. The district includes portions of Vacaville and Dixon. |
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