Paradise Fire/Camp Creek Fire 11/08/2018 (Chico: crimes, fence, homeowner)

[JGC97]

Yeah that crap from China is worthless. Doesn't matter what it is ... it's all junk.

[mgforshort]

In the weeks before the big fire we received several messages that power MIGHT be turned off, but did not happen. Plenty of folks complained, so this put pressure on PG&E to keep the power on.
I am not defending it, just stating the facts.

In the Paradise Post they claim the survivor homes could get electricity back by end of December. More than 1,700 homes survived the fire and they could provide shelter with the utilities functioning, for the owners and more. We could accommodate a single man or a couple for a while. It won't happen soon.
Because the gas service could take until the end of March.
Without gas we have no heat and hot water. With night temps in the thirties I can't see anyone willing to move back in.

Maybe the looters, they can always keep warm by setting the carpets and furniture on fire.
We could stay in shelters and motels for another 4 months. When the savings and insurance runs out there will be thousands homeless.

In general, Butte County government is more concerned about identifying the dead than taking care of the living. They put a huge effort in keeping the former residents out.

If someone needs medicine they get 15 minutes with a police escort. We need to apply, and thousands are waiting, so it's like trying to get a ticket for the Super Bowl.

[Reziac]

On one or another of their sites or mailings, Butte County pointed out that the reason they're trying to keep people out, aside from looting control, is that the burned material produced a lot of toxic byproducts, and because of the potential for injury from unstable trees, power lines, and buildings. While those are valid concerns, it's also unworkable due to the sheer number of affected people. I think it would make more sense to let documented residents sign waivers and enter at their own risk, so long as the access to their property is reasonably safe (not draped in fallen wires, etc.) Which may be equally unworkable, but there really aren't any magic perfect solutions here. Liability lawsuits and regulatory overreach have removed a lot of former options.

As to homes now without gas, they could convert to propane, tho that's relatively expensive for heat. (I don't imagine woodstoves would be viewed too fondly, tho there's certainly plenty of fuel from dying trees. But you'd probably get a visit from Smoke SWAT.) I have no idea what sort of water systems are in use, let alone sewage, and whether they rely on electric power. Still, there are ways around that too.

[I lived rough for a long time, so by my lights these deficiencies are inconvenient rather than prohibitory.]

[mgforshort]

Wood burning stoves are very common in Paradise and no one cares if you use it. In our home we have central heat and air, plus natural gas fireplace and a separate gas stove also.

Propane is all over north of us in Magalia. I think hooking up to propane could be feasible at a cost of 8-10 K if one can get a permit.

[Reziac]

You need a permit to convert from natural gas to propane??! There's something that should be specifically expedited; in fact those permits really should be waived entirely, only retaining any required inspections. It's not like anyone will choose to keep propane once natural gas is turned back on (being about 1/10th the cost of propane), so it's really just an emergency measure and should be treated as such.

When I become dictator, I will make it so.

[Reziac]

December 15, 2018
NEWS RELEASE
All Remaining Evacuation Orders Lifted for the Camp Fire Area

On, Saturday 12/15/2018 beginning at 9:00 AM, all remaining evacuation orders for the Town of Paradise (Zones 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) and the unincorporated area of Butte County (Morgan Ridge B Zone) will be lifted for residents only for 24 hours. Residents will need to show identification or proof of residency to access the area. The restrictions for non-residents will be lifted at 9:00 AM on 12/16/2018.

Travel Routes for Re-entry

Residents should use the routes listed below to reduce traffic congestion and to facilitate an orderly re-entry process.

Town of Paradise

Skyway – Residents are to use Skyway for entry to Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 4, Zone 5, and Zone 9.
Clark Road - Residents are to use Clark Road for entry to Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 12, and Zone 13.
Neal Road - Residents are to use Neal Road Zone 10, and Zone 11.


Residential and commercial properties along the Pentz Road corridor in zones 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 may be identified through the Town of Paradise website.

Unincorporated Butte County – Morgan Ridge B Zone

Clark Road - Residents will need to access their properties in the Morgan Ridge B Zone by using Pearson Road from Clark Road.


All residents are encouraged to check the on-line Evacuation Map at www.ButteCountyRecovers.org/evacuationmap to see if their residence falls within the lifted areas and view all evacuation statuses.

Please note that Pentz Road is not a recommended entry point. Pentz Road with remain open for the evacuation zones that are already open, and for access to Magalia.

Health and Safety Precautions

Residents need to be aware that the area being lifted may have very limited services. Prior to returning home, residents are encouraged to take steps to ensure they have food, water, and fuel for their vehicles. Residents are advised not to use generators to power buildings or structures due to potential back feeding of electrical lines.

Utilities personnel and tree crews are still actively working in the area. Please reduce speeds and drive with caution, traffic delays are to be expected.

The Butte County Health Officer has issued a hazard advisory strongly suggesting no habitation of destroyed property until property is declared clear of hazardous waste and structural ash and debris by Butte County Environmental Health. Additionally, there are increased risks for flash flooding, mud flows and debris flow in fire-impacted areas and snow in higher elevations. Residents are advised to review information at the following link, prior to visiting their property:

https://buttecountyrecovers.org/re-entry/

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by mgforshort

Wood burning stoves are very common in Paradise and no one cares if you use it. In our home we have central heat and air, plus natural gas fireplace and a separate gas stove also.

Propane is all over north of us in Magalia. I think hooking up to propane could be feasible at a cost of 8-10 K if one can get a permit.

The bolded is what I was thinking, when you posted earlier, that people had no heat. I bet a few are hanging on with wood heat. Or have authorities evacuated everyone, even those who rode out the fire in their homes, and came out unscathed? I read about a guy who had a non-functional car and a gaggle of pets, who stayed put, because he had no choice. He hosed down his roof, and came through it ok. IDK if he's still there, though.

[mgforshort]

The handful of people who remained behind and didn't burn to death were allowed to stay, unofficially. They had some shelter and PG&E crews and even the police drop off some food and water for them.
These are the rugged, tough, mountain-man types, and able to survive under the worst possible circumstances.
I wouldn't last a day.

By the way the evacuation order was lifted today, Saturday, the 15th of December for all but one zone in Paradise. This is five weeks after the fire. It means we could drive up to check on the ashes, or the survivor homes.
I'm scared of sitting for hours in a traffic jam. Maybe tomorrow, Sunday, we'll give it a try. I will update if we know anything more.

There isn't much to do but throwing out the spoiled food. Water might or might not be available, and even so it isn't fit for drinking.
Electric service was promised by end of December, but the gas would take much longer. That means no heat or hot water; most of the homes use natural gas for heating.

If I won't post again it means the looters have taken over the house and put us under, tied up, in the crawl space. You all have a nice day now, and Thanks for the moral support.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by mgforshort

If I won't post again it means the looters have taken over the house and put us under, tied up, in the crawl space. You all have a nice day now, and Thanks for the moral support.

Awww, we'd miss you, and then we'd have throw the looters out... I read somewhere that you can ask for an escort, but it might take a while to free up personnel for the task. Otherwise, methinks it might be best to go in a group.

[mgforshort]

There will be the nine of us, my wife, the Airedale, myself and six tiny friends. You of all people would understand, heavily *****