A suspected arsonist has been busy at The Holler.
Multiple fires have recently broken out in our extremely fire prone region that have been effectively fought and extinguished by our incredible fire fighters. We live in Southern California in a climate-change worsened rural fire zone under constant threat of fire.
A highly unusual hurricane is forecasted to bring significant rain to the region this weekend which will be a blessing if it arrives.
We flew from The Holler fires to West Maui two weeks ago with the whole family in tow including the four year old twins who are in love with the ocean. (Click to enlarge).
The fires came with hurricane winds on the second day.
Power, all forms of communication, and food quickly perished and were not replaceable. We were informed by our condo hosts that water may be turned off.
Information was word of mouth. We knew there were three fires on Maui and one on Hawaii. We knew they were very serious. We knew they were close. We saw and smelled the smoke, but we didn’t yet know the extent of the carnage and the heartbreak. It was an extremely confusing time. No clarity about where to go or what to do. There was no access to the internet/iphone or information to make decisions.
We were in condos for three days during the fires that were supplied with no flashlights, candles or emergency supplies. We stood, with hundreds of other souls (mostly tourists), in line for food much of which was packaged and distributed by volunteer organizations, including, but not limited to, a church group in Tennessee. Thank you Volunteer Organizations! You make an incredible difference.
Thousands of tourists clogged the airport trying to follow the governor’s edict to leave Maui. Many were evacuated to a convention center in Oahu.
We left West Maui on the fourth day of the fires which required us to drive by the historic and beautiful town of Lahaina. I took no photos. Lahaina is a mass fatality zone. Photos would have been invasive and disrespectful.
We relocated to another part of the island until flying home yesterday. I include here some photos of beautiful Kihei Maui which escaped the flames, but not the pain.
(Click to enlarge). Maui is strong but she needs our help. It truly does make a significant difference. We experienced this first hand when we received desperately needed food and flashlights. If you are able, here are some organizations that need help, or chose an organization that you know and trust:
https://www.mauinuistrong.info/support
Love and solidarity to the suffering people of Maui~
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This always happened there. Keep safe all of you. Enjoy the vacations as well. Cheers.
Thank you. We are home now. The Maui fire is the deadliest fire in the USA in almost a century დ
Sad reality, hope all gets normal soon. But damages can’t be replaced for sure. My prayers with the people.
Growing up in California, we watched the fire danger level signs and saw firsthand the danger and devastation. We had water stashed, knew how to evacuate quickly. (Grab pets, family photos, and laptop. Leave… everything else.) But we’ve never seen it on a scale like Maui. My heart bleeds for those who have lost so much.
Thank you for sharing your wrenching experience.
It sounds so familiar Barb. It is a stressful way to live. I am going to reassess my emergency preparedness based on the heartbreaking lessons learned in Maui დ
Your witness accounts of the fires are heart-rending. Your are so resourceful and courageous.There is still so much yet to be revealed, it seems. The people who deliberately start fires are nothing less than evil. It is difficult to imagine let alone empathise with their mentality. Thank God you and your loved ones are safe. Be strong.
In reply to Dave Marks: Thank you very much Dave. Your thoughtfulness and concern is sincerely appreciated. Take good care my friend დ
So glad you are all safe, but heartbreaking to see the reports of the devastation.
Reply to Candia. Thank you my friend. It is a devastating tragedy and so incredibly sad დ
What happened on Maui is terrible. There are fires in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia but without loss of human lives as yet. Yellowknife is being evacuated. Arson at a time like this is a major crime and should be treated accordingly. Good to hear you’re home safely.
Oh, I know Yellowknife. So totally heartbreaking Audrey. You live amongst the most gorgeous natural areas. I would have thought they would be the last to burn. It used to seem like it was only California that was always burning to the ground. But it no longer is. We are supposed to go to The Laurentides in late September for the fall colors. I need to catch up on the status of that horrific endless fire. Maui has been in a serious drought for many years. It no longer looks like Maui. It looks like Southern California. I have a special grievance against arsonists. They are such total cowards. I am beyond sorry this is happening in Canada too დ
We are glad you got out okay, and as a Red Cross veteran of a number of hurricane disasters, I particularly appreciate that you respected the people in Maui and did not take pictures.
I would also note that donations to the Red Cross designated for the Maui victims will not be used for any other purpose. https://www.redcross.org/donate/hawaiiwildfires
First of all, thank you so sincerely for your service. You make such a difference. In the chaos we were in, I so remember the food, how thoughtfully/intelligently it was selected to be what we needed. I know a variety of organizations provided the food. I have no idea which ones, except for the peanut butter and the church in Tennessee. I know The Red Cross was there. The Red Cross is always there. As a retired life long clincial social worker, it was pretty eye-opening to be in the amazing situation of being helped by others for no reason except them wanting to help. Thank you for what you do დ
We are no longer volunteers [old age and infirmities have caught up with us] but it was very rewarding and we would encourage others to do the same time. In the meantime, recognizing that no organization is perfect, we continue to support the Red Cross. As you say, they are there, often before anyone else.
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I’m glad you and your family made it home safely. Scary! I can’t even imagine the pain and deep sorrow those poor families who lost loved ones in such a horrific way are going through. May God grant everyone strength and a road to peace. So awful.
I share your sorrow and prayers Robyn. Terrible for those facing such painful grief დ
A sad and glad post, Cindy. Sad for all those injured in such an appalling event, glad you got out safely.
Thank you Polly. I learned a lot from the experience, but I wish I didn’t have to. It is so incredibly tragic and sad დ
Oh, my goodness. What a terrifying time for tourists and locals. Relieved to read you and your family are safe. My heart breaks for the lives lost and the devastation. A beautiful place that I hold in my prayers and special memories. Thank you for showing respect and not sharing photos. 🙏🏻 Thanks too, for the link.
Your sensitivity is so very appreciated Michele. Thank you sincerely & take good care დ
Oh Cindy. I am so sorry to hear of an arsonist in The Holler, and Maui is a tragedy. It’s heartbreaking. We have fires everywhere here in Canada as well, and now much of the Northwest Territories (where I’ve worked for the last six years) are being evacuated.
In my opinion anyone deliberately starting fires is a danger to society and should be locked up. I’m shocked at that. But I’m glad to hear that you and your family are safe. 💛
I have been reading about Yellowknife and the massive evacuation with sorrow and heartbreak. Bloggers are telling me of fires all over that I didn’t know about. Very sad and very scary დ
First of I am glad you and your family came out safe. Arsonists are sick people. I always hope they get caught and punished, but unfortunately it seems they rarely do.
Thank you Michael. An arsonist was caught a few years ago in California for starting fires in national parks. He was a criminology professor at a nearby university დ
I am stunned!
One has to wonder. A doctoral student in a similar program killed fellow students in Idaho. Those who start these fires are eco terrorists and should be treated as such.
Yes, he was also studying criminology.
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Really terrible! I’m glad you made it home safely!
So appreciated. Thank you დ
Fire! … a tragedy we know too well in Australia … the heartbreak affects all the communities involved … good to know you are safe now, and your situation gets that needed relief soon, Cindy
Thank you Ivor. I was there for a fire near Melbourne after a long drought. Australia reminds me of home. But, more interesting. I remember people feeding koala bears water from their water bottles and I remember their burned feet დ
We prone to Nature’s fury in the dry season Cindy
Yes. We are too. And it is now the dry season here. But there is an unusual hurricane on it’s way. There will be wind and heat before the rain. All is quiet now.
Wishing you a safe outcome Cindy 🤗🌏
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Heartbreaking! I am sorry you and your family had to experience this. Thank you for posting and providing the link. They will need our help for a long time to come. 💔🙏
Yes. They will. Thank you very much დ
I am very glad you are safe.
So very appreciated Jim დ
Oh Cindy, to see such a terrible thing truly moves a heart to tears. And being so up close and personal really drives home just how incredible the event is, the response of those charities and the difference they can truly make. There should be an individual state emergency supply of the basics of food, water, light & some form of sleeping, be it a tent and or sleeping bags available for things like this. Plenty of money for so many other things not an emergency, but so slow when its needed. Much love and light to you and family kind lady, and all those grieving for their incredible losses in Maui ❤️🙏
Thank you very much Mark. Everything you are saying is so very true and so seriously needed. Thank you sincerely for your kindness and concern დ
Quelle tristesse, des images qui seront certainement difficiles à oublier…
Merci beaucoup mon Ami Marion დ
Out of the frying pan and into the fire 🔥 Glad you’re safe and well.
Yes. So true. Thank you very much Sheree დ
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Terrible news, Cindy
It is terrible. And it is happening all over დ
We see far too much of the devastation of the fire that swept through Lahaina on television – milking the drama and tragedy for all it is worth. Far more useful would be to add a list of organisations one could donate to in order to relieve some of the difficulties those communities are facing. Good on you, Cindy!
I agree completely. Thank you very much Anne დ
So sad to hear of the devastation this is causing. Australia has faced this many times, it’s never easy. So glad you are home and thank you for offering the links to support them 💕🙏🏻
I was in Melbourne for one such fire. Terrible and scary. I will never foget the images of koalas with burnt feet and hands being rescued from trees by people and given water from their personal water bottles დ
Yes that one in Melb was devastating! It would have been very scary! Unfortunately you seem to be around when the fires break out! 🔥 🤫
Yes. I have been evacuated in a fire in my previous home where 1200 or so homes burnt to the ground. I do not like fire. Unlike Frost, I would rather end in ice.
These fires are getting worse every year, Hawaii, Greece, Tenerife, Northern Canada-its never ending and scary. So sorry to hear there are fires at the Holler. Glad you and your family were able to leave Maui safely. xo
Yes. They are getting much worse, more serious, prevalent and widespread. We can try and ignore climate change, but it won’t ignore us. Very scary დ
This devastation is truly terrible, and I’m sorry that you too have been caught up in it. I don’t know if any arson is suspected here – that hasn’t been mentioned here in Britain, but too often, that’s how these fires start. Unimaginable. My own go-to charity for most human-centred catastrophes is World Central Kitchens (https://wck.org/), who provide nourishing food for survivors and key workers in the immediate aftermath.
Thank you for the link. What a wonderful organization! Arson is often the culprit here, or power lines and wind, as was the case in Maui დ
How can arsonists think this is fun? Wind and power lines bring quite enough devastation without them deciding to join in.
Serial adult arsonists tend to be compulsive, sadistic and sociopathic. They find pleasure in destruction and pain.
Just what the world needs right now.
Yes, as if we don’t already have way too many problems…..
Quite …
Gosh, Cindy, what a narrow escape. I’m so pleased you are all OK. That you took no photographs showed your appropriate sensitivity.
Thank you Derrick for sharing this sensitivity დ
Heart-breaking, Cindy.
Yes. Very დ
Escaping an arsonist who should be locked up or sent to every disaster area to find yourself at the mercy of the fires in Maui is so awful but you are now home safely. The images you did take are lovely, Cindy but I admire your sensitively and respect not to take images in Maui…These fires that are raging around the world seem to be increasing it enough we have climate change to condend with without the work of an arsonist as is often the case…Stay safe x
I share your frustrations, your feelings, and your sensitivity Carol. Thank you for all of this დ
You are most welcome, Cindy but above all you and your family are safe 😉 Enjoy your weekend 🙂
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Great photos.. Keep giving dear 🌹
I will & thank you დ
And to ALL THOSE ACROSS THE WORLD SUFFERING FREOM SIMILAR DISASTERS. WELL DONE ON NOT TAKING PICTURES CINDY, I DOUBT MANY FOLLOWED THAT LINE, THOUGH WE MISS YOUR PICS OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS OF COURSE. I’M SORRY THE HOLLER AND IT’S WILDLIFE ARE SUFFERING AND HOPE THE RAINS COME FOR YOU. HUGE HUGS
So very appreciated David. I feel your concern and am grateful for it. Thank you my friend and be well დ
Earth is big, big and wild. We forget sometimes. Yours is a good heart for sharing your experience exactly as you did. Don’t like but don’t mind so much when wildness takes a bite, but when humans make it more – don’t like thinking we include that insanity within ourselves. This was meant to be paradise.
Thanks for all you said. Glad you are safe and home.
Sincerely appreciate your concern and care Neil. Always my friend. Thank you & take good care დ
Hi, I am glad that you aree home again. Everywhere on earth there are climate catastrophes now. I am so very sorry. Thank you for showing your experiences.
I wish you good luck. May we all change our behaviour, if possible.
I share your concerns about our planet and so appreciate your concern. Thank you sincerely and be well დ
Yes we have fires here in our last month and all these house are burned down. There fires all over our world. Take care get home safely. Anita
Yes. We are due in Quebec soon and I know the fires there were terrible too. Take good care Anita დ
My dear I hold you and yours in my prayers. be safe. Love in friendship always.
What a horrendous experience, Cindy. Fires on the Hawaiian islands seem so out-of place. We’ve just endured smoke from nearby fires in North Idaho. Now it’s super windy so red flag warnings are in effect. That same weather system coming from Baja is also predicted to head as far north as we are in Spokane. Keeping our fingers crossed its wet enough not to spark new fires. I’m glad to read you are safe now. My heart goes out to the residents of Maui. My BIL knows many friends there. ❤️
Yikes! Idaho too??? Simply terrible. You’re sadly right, the storm will bring intense heat and wind before the rain raising the risk of fire. All is still and quiet now, before the storm. Stay safe & well Terri დ
Love and gratitude flying back to you China Dream დ
So sorry !
Oh, Cindy, it is all so awful. So glad you are okay but it must have been totally nerve-wracking and harrowung. It was good of you not to take pictures. What a terrible thung!! Looks like this is the new world we are living in. It is ailing in so many ways. What a mess we have made. Mauhi seems like such a special place. May God bless all of us with extra prayers for Mauhi!
We live in strange times. I’m so thankful God kept you safe and I pray for the people of Maui. Thank you for sharing your experience — it makes it so much more real, the fear palpable, the devastation beyond description. God bless the firefighters and volunteers. Rest and recover from the trauma.
WP is messing up comments synch. This is in reply to Lorraine Montgomery. Your prayers and concerns are so very appreciated Lorraine. Thank you my friend. I am most grateful დ
WP is messing up comments synch. This is in reply to stockdalewolfe. You are exactly righ, nerve-wracking and harrowing. Thank you for caring. I share your frustration at the mess we are making of our world დ
Thank you დ
WP is messing up comments. Thank you sincerely in response to Myriade დ
No problem. Thank you. I hope that the fires can be extinguished and that not too much damage is done.
I share your hopes, but I fear the fatalies are going to be catastrophic.
Thanks for not posting photos and good that your family is ok. How awful to come home to a place where there are also fires; hope the arsonist is stopped.
Grateful for you and for your concern Maria. Sincere thank you დ
Beyond thanking you for this post, I’m speechless.
Thank you Frank. Very grateful for you! დ
Thank your bringing more awareness to this climate crisis we are facing, and which you have poignantly experienced first hand.
I am so glad you share my concern Alethea. Thank you & be well დ
I’m glad that you and yours are safe. It goes without saying that our planet is in big trouble.
Yes. Our planet is shouting and we are wearing ear plugs დ
terrifying and heartbreaking. i’m glad you are all okay, and so sad for all who were lost
Thank you very much Beth. It is so heartbreaking დ
Oh no! Thank goodness your family is safe. (P.S. I was messing around with my WordPress account and lost EHN/AWC 🤦🏻♀️. I now have a completely new account under Lysa Shimkus.)
Thank you Lysa. Yikes on the WP! Heading over to your new site now დ
I am appalled people have deliberately set fires in the Holler. What the hell, people? Can you not see the world is burning enough?
As for Maui, I am so happy you and your family are safe. That must have been a hugely scary experience. This is such a devastating situation.
It is appalling and devastating. Many fires in California are set by cowardly arsonists and now Yellowknife is burning too დ
Yes, The mass exodus from Yellowknife is still ongoing. Awful.
How awful! – I visited the Hawaiian Islands in 1998, so I watched breathlessly and full of pain all the TV-News about Maui during the recent week. It nearly broke my heart… I’m with the people of Hawaii… <3
You are kind Martha. And the world needs you დ
My family and I were in Lahaina about a month ago. I cannot imagine the devastation, but also can’t stop thinking about it. Thank you for sharing a way to help.
It is an eerie and devastating feeling. I know how you feel Sarah დ
Cindy, so glad to hear you and your family are safely home. It is so heartwarming to hear stories of the many volunteers that come to the rescue during catastrophes like this. We witnessed it first hand on a much smaller scale when Hurricane Matthew caused damage here one year and Hurricane Irma came through the next year. My heart goes out to the residents of Maui that are affected. Thank you for the link to the organizations providing assistance.
I hear you and understand. It is such contrasting juxtaposition, people who start fires for fun, and people who voluntarily come out to help the ones who are harmed. Thank God there are so many more people in the second group. I am glad you are okay დ
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That’s very scary about the arsonist at the Holler. What is wrong with people??? And thank you for sharing the first hand account from your time in Maui. What heartbreak for everyone there, and putting life back together takes such a long time. I’ve been reading, too, about all the pets and other animals who need medical and other care post-event. Very rough and sad days.
The animals remind me of the fires when we were in Melbourne, where volunteers were rescuing koalas from trees with burnt hands and feet and giving them water from their personal water bottles. Heartbreaking დ
Heartbreaking, indeed.
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Reports of the Maui fires have been very painful to watch. I’m so glad you and your family were able to get out safely.
It is painful and terrible and happening all over the world დ
OMG- so glad you are OK and your family is OK. This fire is devastating in so many ways. Native Hawaiians lost this very historic homeland.
It is beyond terrible. And 20,000 people have just been evacuated from stunning and pristine Yellowknife დ
You can’t get away from the fires. Happy you are safe.
Your’re right. The fires are everywhere and there is no safe place დ
Thank God you and your family are safe, what a terrifying experience for you all to go through. My prayers are with the people of Maui who have suffered such devastation. Wishing you all the best, Cindy.
So very appreciated. Thank you very much Susan & be safe and well my friend დ
We loved Maui and pray for the people there. Good to make a $$$ donation to help them recover. And a pox on the arsonist in your area! I hope they catch the person.
Thank you Noelle for caring and for sharing დ
Cindy, your words in this post are as beautiful as your photos. I was moved at your natural decision to not take photos of Lahaina. Thank you for giving us a birds eye account of this tragedy.
You are such a genuinely kind and thoughtful person Jennie. Thank you sincerely დ
You are very welcome, Cindy. And, thank you for your kind words. They fill my heart. ❤️
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Maui was special for me, it’s small, low key and very welcoming. I remember doing all of our shopping and eating in Lahaina. It looks overwhelming, it’s like they need bulldoze the area and start over.
They still are looking for so many missing. The whole lovely town is just gone დ
There are many to point the finger at. Not turning off the power was a big mistake. I love how the guy in charge the said cutting the power wasn’t an easy thing and that people would be left with out electricity or water. That’s much better than losing an entire much loved town. It’s heart breaking. Now is the time to give to the Red Cross.
I agree with everything you are saying.