Butte Fire Update: 5 days later

Just a very quick update on Butte Fire. It's much better than last Friday!! I opened up today and back to regular hours on Wed. Life starting to resemble normal again.

We're all fine. Murphys and the Hwy 4 corridor are good. Mother Nature took pity on Sat and weather turned and now it's cool, humid and fire getting under control on this southern flank.

Friday night was a no-sleeper....listening for any orders to evacuate our side of Angels Camp. I actually went home Sat. night with son and stressed cats in tow. My husband was home and said it was safe. I questioned his judgement when turning onto hwy 4 and a new bright orange glow was visible from ridge behind Murphys....but he said it was safe to come home. Glad we did. Jordi & Megan's allergies horrible. She had to go to Coast to find fresh air to breath. Once she hit valley floor took her first full breath in days and started feeling better.

I went into embedded reporter mode, sending updates to friends and family from my vantage point. At least I put my endless obsessing over fire maps and news reports to good use. Fortunately my husband was within cell range and sent regular updates and photos. Having Dad's experience awesome. When I worried too much he'd go driving around checking things out for me.

Last night (monday) we had rain and the wind eased - finally no smoke! Then the huge Air Tankers flew over Murphys on and off all day. A very reassuring sound for us all. I went to shop for Maisie Monday and thrilled at turnout! Thank you guys (Cindy, Brig, Rhoda, Georgie & husbands) Just what I needed after the past few days.

Today things are looking good. Fire's pace slowed. Not the rapid, out of control-erratic style of last week. Humidity way up, more rain coming and winds not nearly as bad today.  Aaron's massive miles of fire break building officially done and he's coming home for dinner.

Fire is still going but it's a more controlled situation now. Weather looks good the next few days too. It'll be weeks before it's fully contained which is totally normal. But tide turned and confidence is now rising. I might....might unpack a few things..... but won't rush into it. Don't want to jinx it!

Watch for a proper newsletter this weekend with new classes, Pillow of the Month and more shop news. Thanks everyone who checked in. Glad some found it helpful to hear information.

Here's link to MyMotherLode.com. They have articles, links and articles on donations for those now homeless.