EDITOR:
My name is Lisa and the house that was primarily threatened was mine and my parents. We have lived out at Leviathan Mine for about seven years and have lived in the Douglas County area for about 17. Since the first day we moved into the Leviathan house I have been terrified of lightning and fire. Mainly because of it being a wooded area and we are so far from help. But you guys put all my fear to rest. We have come close a few times in the past few years of having to evacuate but never had to until Saturday.
It was just my mom and I and we were terrified. As I ran around our house getting all of our animals and anything we could really get our hands on, I realized that we had the best fire crews around coming here to save our home. As we loaded our dogs into my mom's truck I looked at three of the firefighters who had come to our house and my mom fell apart. I remember telling her the whole time if anyone could save our home it would be these guys. Within five minutes of realizing there was a fire our world had fallen apart. We were told to evacuate and within that short span of time the fire crews had shown up. We told them to use or take anything in the house that they needed just please try to save our home. They told us not to worry, everything would be fine. My mom and I got into our vehicles and left.
As we drove away from our house we both looked back my mom in tears and I was more concerned about getting the animals and mom to safety. It was the Best Western next to the Topaz Lodge that took us and all our animals in without a single thought. They put us up for the night. It wasn't until we had settled the animals into the hotel room that the thought of my home being gone that things hit me. Throughout the night I called dispatch to see if our home was still there and each time they said our home was safe and we could return in the morning. I was relieved.
We got home unloaded our animals and sat and looked at our house. Never had things looked so beautiful to me. I repeated to mom, "I told you the fire crews would save it; we have the best crews around." Mom said we had to find a way to thank them for everything. So to all you crews, thank you. I never doubted you guys, and feel even safer here now. Especially since I saw you all arrive so quickly. Though I still fear lightning and will always fear having to evacuate, mom and I are more prepared now and know you guys will always be there. We pray for your safety every day, and think of you every time the thunderstorms come. But we will always be thankful for you.
You guys do more than fight fires, you also save lives, homes, and reassure people. You all go up and beyond the call of duty and you never give up, you are always there.
God bless you all and thank you.
Lisa Dye
Spring Valley
