June 12 Excitement in Benicia
Howard tried to use our microwave yesterday and it would not work. So we got up early for us (9:00) this morning. We "abluted" and left the house before 11 and headed for early lunch
We then went to Target and returned our microwave which was totally uneventful. We went to Costco and bought another microwave and headed home at about 2:30. We drove up to our house to find a fire truck parked in front. That ended uneventful.
Howard parked the car in the middle of the street and got out of the car. I made him repark.
I, walking with my walker over our new concrete path, realized my house was not burning but the fire hose was running through my yard and down the embankment into the acres of open space behind our yard.
I could smell charred grass and my eyes were burning. Not one fireman was anywhere to be seen. I called out several times. Then I used my cell phone to call 911 and was put on hold. Howard came out of the car and ventured further into the yard and a neighbor came out. She said the fire had been burning for hours. He saw the charred land.
I am really glad we were out. I am not sure our hearts could have handled the trauma while it was burning. Our neighbors were evacuated.
According to another neighbor who is a former firefighter, the blaze never came near our house but it burned 22 acres and fences on the other side of the open space as well as one roof.
Finally, a fireman came out of the open space and assured me that the fire was out. After about another hour, 4:30 or so, six more firemen appeared all black with soot. Howard stepped out and called to them and said thanks for being firemen. They smiled through the soot. After they left Howard parked the car in the garage and we took deep breaths indoors.
I guess if one lives long enough the world comes close and intrudes even in sleepy little Benicia. Last week the wayward whales, this week we have a near-miss/kiss of fire.
The fire was started by 2 neighbor children ages 10 and 12. School is out !