Most RTMM forum members who have been around for a while are most likely familiar with J.J. Yolton, a.k.a. "jsapair." I helped him with several computer and RTMM problems in the past, we've struck up a long distance friendship outside of RTMM, correspond back and forth upon occasion, and have even had phone conversations. J.J. lives in the mountains of Northern California near an old mining town, not too far where the infamous Oroville Dam, which was in danger of collapsing last year, is located. This is the same area that is currently being ravaged by the Camp Fire-Paradise wildfire. I got this email from him late last night that he wanted me to share with the RTMM community.
"It got us. First indication we had that a wind-driven fire was even coming was when a propane tank in the area exploded, followed by huge billows of smoke. I thought a plane crashed. Then saw flames across the street. Time to go. Thankfully my kid was here visiting. We got my travel trailer hooked up, managed to grab my guns, laptop, and a tote bag of clothes, and hauled ass. When we left, the house directly across the street was in flames.
The escape route was a joke, total gridlock, and both my vehicles were low on fuel. Had to leave them along the way and ride with my kid, who was towing my trailer. I think my vehicles are out of the fire perimeter but I'm %99 sure my house is gone, as indicated by an attached picture of my neighbor's house. The town of Paradise is virtually wiped off the map...stores, banks, businesses...a disaster of epic proportions, and they're just scratching the surface.
We're safe, my trailer parked at my kid's place some 70 miles away. Long term, don't know what I'm going to do. Certainly can't return to a devastated war zone with no water or power. Tried to post to RTMM but they wouldn't take my .jpeg attachment so I wrote you instead. I just wanted to encourage people to donate to the Red Cross i.e, Camp Fire. I, personally, don't need anything, but thousands of people fled with nothing and will need every bit of help they can get. So maybe you could post that request for me? I'd appreciate it pal. I seem to be a little pre-occupied. Just got internet service here today so have a lot of catch-up to do.
JJ"
Please keep J.J and all of those who have been affected by the out of control California fires in your thoughts and prayers as they attempt to restore their lives. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose everything in a natural disaster and have to start over from scratch; sadly many people go through total loss on a regular basis, and even lose their lives when disaster strikes. If you'd like to post and share your thoughts and/or condolences to J.J., I'll pass them along to him.
Thanks,
Steve