@Hydrant said:
Yes, and Mrs. Hydrant has relatives up around Paradise and Chico. They are gold miners. They have lived there since the gold rush of 1849. NOBODY has seen anything like this before. At least not in family lore. This is different. It's horrible.
I have never seen a fire move so fast. It truly was hell on earth. The whole town is gone.
Thank you to all for the prayers.
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Here is a rough overlay of a Google Earth base image (2018) of Paradise, CA and vicinity, and a NASA image of the Camp Fire from Nov 8. Ground reports indicate that about 99% of all structures in Paradise were destroyed.
@crazyhounddog said:
just got word we lost our home. Both of my kids lost their home too along with our school.
Not good news.
😪
I'm so sorry for you and your family. I saw the pictures of Paradise and my soul was troubled. We keep 4 cattle troughs full of water around our house and we have gasoline powered pumps. ALWAYS. I don't think it would have done any good under the circumstances today. Just get out and pray. The wind, the heat.....just get out. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's California. Nothing good is happening here. Maybe it's a sign.
By the way. In 1965 our family ranch house burned to the ground. Because of a wildfire. In Riverside County, California.
Grandma NEVER recovered from the loss. Grandma and Grandpa, and I, spent the last year's of their lives living in a 20'x20' cowboy line shack. It wasn't pleasant but we had each other. Life isn't easy. But somehow we get through. Everybody....be thankfull. Everyday. For the blessings we have. Life is short. Enjoy it.
Today, 53 years later, the little Hydrants love to play around the ruins of the old house. I sit and watch them. My emotions are mixed. I remember the pain of the loss. I appreciate the joy of today. Life's a mixed bag.
Forest management does not seem to exist anymore. Don't know if it's because of tree huggers or lack of money or just lack of interest. Years ago logging was a big business in CA. Trees are a renewable resource and if you ever saw what logging looked like (from the air) you would understand how logging prevented many, many fires. The plots logged were designed also as fire breaks.
This is no longer done. The pine bark beetles killed and are still killing billions of trees that just become standing matchsticks. Decades ago the Forest Service and just plain old folks like you and me, would go out into the forest and harvest dead standing trees. We cut them down and used them as fuel for the home. That of course is a no no today and I understand why. But, they can still be harvested for lumber and wood chipped for landscaping. They should not be left to fuel the fires of today. Total mismanagement is my opinion.
When I lived in Colorado it was required to cut all fuels back from every home in our community. Kind of like they do in Lake Tahoe. Keeps the fire from actually touching you home. We were required to have roof material that could not burn.
People just don't understand that brush can be as deadly as trees. An acre of scrub oak (California Oak, et) will burn with the energy of an atomic bomb. Deadly stuff.
Somehow I hope that Paradise can rebuilt and be better off for all. I know it won't be easy or cheap but it can be done. Be strong all you Californians......stand together and rebuild!
bob
Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
@hammer1 said:
The one home standing in the Laguna Beach fire was the only one with a clay tile roof.
That and much more. I live in California and while I've been lucky to have avoided fires so far, I've been thinking of how to survive them more. People I know that aren't tied down have started to move, one up to Seattle.
Here's some info on the Laguna Beach house. The builder and owner was motivated by surviving an apartment fire when he was 8.
It seemed like a miracle—to everyone except the man who owned the house, To Bui, 42, a Vietnamese-born civil engineer. “I always knew my house would be safe,” he says. “I believed in it because I built it with my own hands. I wanted to make it fireproof, earthquake-proof and landslide-proof.”
His caution was grounded in experience. He grew up in Vietnam and has vivid memories of his family fleeing their burning apartment complex when he was 8. After living 19 years in Germany, Bui came to the U.S. in 1989 with his German wife, Doris Bender, 44, and their four children. For two years, using 8350,000 in materials, he built the four-bedroom fortress, complete with thick walls, double-paned windows, sealed eaves, a concrete-tile roof and so much insulation that “everybody thought I was crazy,” says Bui.
Everybody except the firefighters—and Bui’s wife. Even with blazing houses on either side, firemen saw that the Bui house had a chance. “Mr. Bui made it defensible,” says Battalion Chief Ron Blaul of the Orange County Fire Department, “and we defended Doris believes it all boils down to her husband’s unflagging perfectionism. “He is a person who must do everything right, better than 100 percent,” she says.
A U and A G. Everything you say is correct. But today common sense is lacking. The government code enforcement agencies PREVENT home owners from taking measures to protect their rural property in California. The native plant growth is more important than the lives and property of the land owners. Californians are by law not allowed to clear their property from flammable brush in many cases. It's crazy. It's California.
@AUandAG said:
Forest management does not seem to exist anymore. Don't know if it's because of tree huggers or lack of money or just lack of interest. Years ago logging was a big business in CA. Trees are a renewable resource and if you ever saw what logging looked like (from the air) you would understand how logging prevented many, many fires. The plots logged were designed also as fire breaks.
This is no longer done. The pine bark beetles killed and are still killing billions of trees that just become standing matchsticks. Decades ago the Forest Service and just plain old folks like you and me, would go out into the forest and harvest dead standing trees. We cut them down and used them as fuel for the home. That of course is a no no today and I understand why. But, they can still be harvested for lumber and wood chipped for landscaping. They should not be left to fuel the fires of today. Total mismanagement is my opinion.
When I lived in Colorado it was required to cut all fuels back from every home in our community. Kind of like they do in Lake Tahoe. Keeps the fire from actually touching you home. We were required to have roof material that could not burn.
People just don't understand that brush can be as deadly as trees. An acre of scrub oak (California Oak, et) will burn with the energy of an atomic bomb. Deadly stuff.
Somehow I hope that Paradise can rebuilt and be better off for all. I know it won't be easy or cheap but it can be done. Be strong all you Californians......stand together and rebuild!
bob
We have a similar problem with the streams in our area. Flash flooding is happening quite often but the permits to allow debris to be removed from the streams and allow some channeling are extremely hard to obtain. In the mean time people clean up and begin again, only to have it reoccur less than a decade later. Still the permits are withheld except for the most extreme cases like bridge and road repair.
"May the silver waves that bear you heavenward be filled with love’s whisperings"
"A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
Damn Joe, so sorry for your family and glad you are safe. Did you head north or south. I am 90 miles south and it is nasty here with smoke, I cant imagine your drive out. I had seem some footage and stories from the hospitals and it is all so scary.
Even good fire management can't stop a fire like that.
You can't stop a fire that's driven by a strong wind, or one that is burning uphill.
It will just burn anything in its path, be that trees, grass, houses, etc. and send the embers over any firebreaks.
@blu62vette said:
Damn Joe, so sorry for your family and glad you are safe. Did you head north or south. I am 90 miles south and it is nasty here with smoke, I cant imagine your drive out. I had seem some footage and stories from the hospitals and it is all so scary.
We are in Roseville the closest place we could find to our home. The air here is terrible with smoke.
It was hell on earth. It’s not like I like using the word, Hell, but that’s the only word I can come up with the discribe the fire and the fear leaving. We lost communication quickly. Last I talked to my son I told him just to grab the most important things that he can and get outta town. Then as I was putting everything I could grab into our vehicles to power went out and it was black as night in broad daylight. Then I had to find my flashlight by brail. The next thing I knew is the cell phones went out. As I was loading up some stuff in my car I could hear explosions. Those were propane tanks exploding and some sounded like BIG bombs going off and the explosions were getting closer and closer. That’s when I told my son in law and daughter to go. For some stupid reason I locked the house. As I turned around I could see fire jumping from one pine tree to another at jet speed. From that point it was terrifying as everyone was leaving all at once it seemed. The pics I posted was in the middle of the most panicked people I’ve ever seen making a mass exodus with fire all around me. I could feel the heat of the fire coming through my windows that were up with hot ashes flying from every direction blowing over my car.
All I can say is we are all blessed to have made it out with our life’s and my family is all safe. We have lost everything. Our my son lost his home, my daughter list her home and my wife and I lost our home of 28 years. We lost our business where my intire family worked.
We are a strong clan and will overcome this hell we’ve been through and rebuild.
I have no word that can express the thanks I have to this forum and all of my friends that have stepped up to lend a hand and the well wishes and prays. All I can say is thank you to all from the bottom of my heart.
I love you all and that’s from the heart.
God bless you all.
Joseph Best and family
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
I'm very sorry to hear all this but thankful that you and your family made it out safely. Not sure what to say other than wish you, your family, and the Paradise community the best going forward. Be safe.
I'm so very sorry for you, CHD. I hope that you are back on your feet sooner than expected. In the meanwhile, we keep plugging away with the donations and keep you in our thoughts. May God Bless you and your family
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Been out of town for a few days but I’ve been following this thread a bit. I’m so sorry CHD. Of course, I’m thankful your family is safe. That’s the most important.
I’m sure it’s nothing but pain now, but lots of good will eventually come of it too. Tragedy has a way of bringing loved ones closer together and reminding us of what’s truly important. When I was a boy my entire town was destroyed by a dam that failed. It was rebuilt, of course, and now it’s one of the nicest places imaginable. Rebirth after fires takes a while, but it’s pretty neat to watch. I’m sure you’ll have lost treasured photos and other irreplaceable items. Nothing will fix that. My heart goes out to you. Be safe and best of luck adjusting to the new normal.
This is so very sad to hear, Joe. I'm so glad you all got out and no one was injured. Folks here in SoCal are dealing with terrible fires as well, but nothing compared to what your town has just been through. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I’ve been markedly sickened and just plain grossed out by the images and news of so many people’s homes on fire and wiped out. The horrors of lives lost. I can’t get interested in coins right now and spending money on them feels kinda soulless and stupid. How to find joy knowing so many are suffering and try to imagine what it would feel like if it were my family. Just been sitting and hanging with my kids trying to give them my full attention.
Sorry about your house and possessions. Likewise for your children. At least you have each other.
I'm gonna copy/paste a post from Reddit below with advice on how to approach a fire like this in terms of filing a claim with insurance. I found it exceptionally informative on the process you are going into, and I hope it helps you.
EDIT: Oops sorry about the language, I think I got them all.
"Hey OP... I used to be the guy who worked for insurance companies, and determined the value of every little thing in your house. The guy who would go head-to-head with those fire-truck-chasing professional loss adjusters. I may be able to help you not get screwed when filing your claim.
Our goal was to use the information you provided, and give the lowest value we can possibly justify for your item.
For instance, if all you say was "toaster" -- we would come up with a $4.88 toaster from Walmart, meant to toast one side of one piece of bread at a time. And we would do that for every thing you have ever owned. We had private master lists of the most commonly used descriptions, and what the cheapest viable replacements were. We also had wholesale pricing on almost everything out there, so really scored cheap prices to quote. To further that example:
If you said "toaster - $25" , we would have to be within -20% of that... so, we would find something that's pretty much dead-on $20.01.
If you said "toaster- $200" , we'd kick it back and say NEED MORE INFO, because that's a ridiculous price for a toaster (with no other information given.)
If you said "toaster, from Walmart" , you're getting that $4.88 one.
If you said "toaster, from Macys" , you'd be more likely to get a $25-35 one.
If you said "toaster", and all your other kitchen appliances were Jenn Air / Kitchenaid / etc., you would probably get a matching one.
If you said "Proctor Silex 42888 2-Slice Toaster from Wamart, $9", you just got yourself $9.
If you said "High-end Toaster, Stainless Steel, Blue glowing power button" ... you might get $35-50 instead. We had to match all features that were listed.
I'm not telling you to lie on your claim. Not at all. That would be illegal, and could cause much bigger issues (i.e., invalidating the entire claim). But on the flip side, it's not always advantageous to tell the whole truth every time. Pay attention to those last two examples.
I remember one specific customer... he had some old, piece of crap projector (from mid-late 90s) that could stream a equally piece of crap consumer camcorder. Worth like $5 at a scrap yard. It had some oddball resolution it could record at, though -- and the guy strongly insisted that we replace with "Like Kind And Quality" (trigger words). Ended up being a $65k replacement, because the only camera on the market that could record that resolution happened to be a high-end professional video camera (as in, for shooting actual movies). $65-thousand-dollars because he knew that loophole, and researched his stuff.
Remember to list everything, even the most mundane crap you can think of. For example, if I was writing up the shower in my bathroom:
Designer Shower Curtain - $35
Matching Shower Curtain Liner for Designer Shower Curtain - $15
Shower Curtain Rings x20 - $15
Stainless Steel Soap Dispenser for Shower - $35
Natural Sponge Loofah - from Whole Foods - $15
Natural Sponge Loofah for Back - from Whole Foods - $19
Holder for Loofahs - $20
Bars of soap - from Lush - $12 each (qty: 4)
Bath bomb - from Lush - $12
High end shampoo - from salon - $40
High end conditioner - from salon - $40
Refining pore mask - from salon - $55
I could probably keep thinking, and bring it up to about $400 for the contents of my shower. Nothing there is "unreasonable" , nothing there is clearly out of place, nothing seems obviously fake. The prices are a little on the high-end, but the reality is, some people have expensive stuff -- it won't actually get questioned. No claims adjuster is going to bother nitpicking over the cost of Lush bath bombs, when there is a 20,000 item file to go through. The adjuster has other **** to do, too.
Most people writing claims for a total loss wouldn't even bother with the shower (it's just some used soap and sponges..) -- and those people would be losing out on $400.
Some things require documentation & ages. If you say "tv - $2,000" -- you're getting a 32" LCD, unless you can provide it was from the last year or two w/ receipts. Hopefully you have a good paper trail from credit/debit card expenditure / product registrations / etc.
If you're missing paper trails for things that were legitimately expensive -- go through every photo you can find that was taken in your house. Any parties you may have thrown, and guests put pics up on Facebook. Maybe an Imgur photo of your cat, hiding under a coffee table you think you purchased from Restoration Hardware. Like... seriously... come up with any evidence you possibly can, for anything that could possibly be deemed expensive.
The fire-truck chasing loss adjusters are evil SOBs, but, they actually do provide some value. You will definitely get more money, even if they take a cut. But all they're really doing, is just nitpicking the ever-living-crap out of everything you possibly owned, and writing them all up "creatively" for the insurance company to process.
Sometimes people would come back to us with "updated" claims. They tried it on their own, and listed stuff like "toaster", "microwave", "tv" .. and weren't happy with what they got back. So they hired a fire-truck chaser, and re-submitted with "more information." I have absolutely seen claims go from under $7k calculated, to over $100k calculated. (It's amazing what can happen when people suddenly "remember" their entire wardrobe came from Nordstrom.)"
This is great advice. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I’m having a hard time saying thank you to you all. But that’s all I have these days.
Much love, Joe
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
@crazyhounddog I'm glad to see you posting. How are you doing today? I still can't believe what happened there! I see it on the news and my heart is heavy for all those affected!
@asheland said: @crazyhounddog I'm glad to see you posting. How are you doing today? I still can't believe what happened there! I see it on the news and my heart is heavy for all those affected!
Everyday the reality sets in deeper. We are holding on.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Joe
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Dumb question. Did your safe make it through, or was it toast too? Silly curiosity for me, but I'm really interested. Or, if it did survive, did the material on the inside survive, or did it melt? Have you been able to go back yet to see if you can salvage anything? I know these are the LAST things on your mind, but if you notice, it would be an interesting bit to know.
@Paradisefound -- I hope it stays open through next weekend, since I'm doing a show and dropping in 10% of my profits. I didn't think these things have an expiration date? If it closes before then, please let me know, and I'll just do an estimation.
We have had several friends go through total home losses in the Dallas area. Fire for some, tornadoes for other. For several of them, they just gave up, and took a total loss. For example, the home was insured for $400.000 with a contents replacement of 60%, outbuildings of 5%. So they got a check for $400,000 for the house, $240K for the contents, $15K for the garden shed and contents.
They worked with their credit card company to pull receipts for the last 4 years or so, and used pictures from the cloud of their house interior. They did not have to detail themselves to death, as they could show the quantity of things purchased and TYPE (Walmart versus Nordstrom ) etc.
Several had riders on their policies, as insurance (in Texas, do not know about California) has limits. For example, coin collections are limited to $500 unless separate insurance is purchased. Guns was $500, jewelry was $1000, etc.
Terms are critical I know this is not California, but this is an example from Texas) :
Most homeowners policies in Texas include the following coverages:
Dwelling pays if your house is damaged or destroyed by a covered loss.
Personal property pays if the items in your house (such as furniture, clothing, and appliances) are damaged, stolen, or destroyed.
Other structures pays to repair or rebuild structures not attached to your house, such as detached garages, storage sheds, and fences.
Loss of use pays your additional living expenses (housing, food, and other essential expenses) if you have to temporarily move because of damage to your house from a covered loss. Your policy will pay either a percentage of the amount of your dwelling coverage (typically 10 to 20 percent) or for a specific period after the loss (such as 24 months).
Personal liability pays to defend you in court against lawsuits and provides coverage if you are found legally responsible for someone else's injury or property damage.
Medical payments pays the medical bills of people hurt on your property. It might also pay for some injuries that happen away from your home, such as your dog biting someone at the park. A basic homeowners policy pays $500 in medical bills, but you may buy up to $5,000 in medical payments coverage.
For contents:
Policies typically provide replacement cost or actual cash value coverage:
Replacement cost is what you would pay to rebuild or repair your home, based on current construction costs. Replacement cost is different from market value and doesn't include the value of your land. Ask your insurance company if you aren't sure how much it would cost to rebuild your house.
Actual cash value is what you would pay to rebuild or replace your property minus depreciation. Depreciation is a decrease in value due to wear and tear or age. If your home is destroyed and you only have actual cash value coverage, the insurance company will not pay enough to completely rebuild your home.
Again, I know it is not California, but the Texas Website make it pretty easy to understand what is and what is not covered:
Dumb question. Did your safe make it through, or was it toast too? Silly curiosity for me, but I'm really interested. Or, if it did survive, did the material on the inside survive, or did it melt? Have you been able to go back yet to see if you can salvage anything? I know these are the LAST things on your mind, but if you notice, it would be an interesting bit to know.
@Paradisefound -- I hope it stays open through next weekend, since I'm doing a show and dropping in 10% of my profits. I didn't think these things have an expiration date? If it closes before then, please let me know, and I'll just do an estimation.
Comments
😪
I have never seen a fire move so fast. It truly was hell on earth. The whole town is gone.
Thank you to all for the prayers.
Sorry for your loss brother
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Here is a rough overlay of a Google Earth base image (2018) of Paradise, CA and vicinity, and a NASA image of the Camp Fire from Nov 8. Ground reports indicate that about 99% of all structures in Paradise were destroyed.
Out of curiosity, is there any information on the 1% that survived?
Here's an aerated concrete house that was the only one standing after the 1993 Laguna Beach wildfire.
http://greenmonsterhouses.com/ac_photos
It looks pretty much the same today:
https://www.redfin.com/CA/Laguna-Beach/1527-Tahiti-Ave-92651/home/4886035
Here's a house that survived Hurricane Michael this year:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6281849/Florida-home-survived-Hurricane-Michael-built-survive-big-one.html
I'm so sorry for you and your family. I saw the pictures of Paradise and my soul was troubled. We keep 4 cattle troughs full of water around our house and we have gasoline powered pumps. ALWAYS. I don't think it would have done any good under the circumstances today. Just get out and pray. The wind, the heat.....just get out. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's California. Nothing good is happening here. Maybe it's a sign.
Joe.
I am very sorry that you, your wife and your kids lost your homes and your school. Thankfully you and yours got out without physical injury.
My heart also goes out to everyone in your town.
Stay safe and let's us know of new developments. Hopefully your safe survived the fire and will be there when you return.
Kevin
I am so sorry to hear this and all I can say is that I wish the best for you, your family and all of your friends and neighbors. Bless you all.
By the way. In 1965 our family ranch house burned to the ground. Because of a wildfire. In Riverside County, California.
Grandma NEVER recovered from the loss. Grandma and Grandpa, and I, spent the last year's of their lives living in a 20'x20' cowboy line shack. It wasn't pleasant but we had each other. Life isn't easy. But somehow we get through. Everybody....be thankfull. Everyday. For the blessings we have. Life is short. Enjoy it.
Today, 53 years later, the little Hydrants love to play around the ruins of the old house. I sit and watch them. My emotions are mixed. I remember the pain of the loss. I appreciate the joy of today. Life's a mixed bag.
Forest management does not seem to exist anymore. Don't know if it's because of tree huggers or lack of money or just lack of interest. Years ago logging was a big business in CA. Trees are a renewable resource and if you ever saw what logging looked like (from the air) you would understand how logging prevented many, many fires. The plots logged were designed also as fire breaks.
This is no longer done. The pine bark beetles killed and are still killing billions of trees that just become standing matchsticks. Decades ago the Forest Service and just plain old folks like you and me, would go out into the forest and harvest dead standing trees. We cut them down and used them as fuel for the home. That of course is a no no today and I understand why. But, they can still be harvested for lumber and wood chipped for landscaping. They should not be left to fuel the fires of today. Total mismanagement is my opinion.
When I lived in Colorado it was required to cut all fuels back from every home in our community. Kind of like they do in Lake Tahoe. Keeps the fire from actually touching you home. We were required to have roof material that could not burn.
People just don't understand that brush can be as deadly as trees. An acre of scrub oak (California Oak, et) will burn with the energy of an atomic bomb. Deadly stuff.
Somehow I hope that Paradise can rebuilt and be better off for all. I know it won't be easy or cheap but it can be done. Be strong all you Californians......stand together and rebuild!
bob
The one home standing in the Laguna Beach fire was the only one with a clay tile roof.
That and much more. I live in California and while I've been lucky to have avoided fires so far, I've been thinking of how to survive them more. People I know that aren't tied down have started to move, one up to Seattle.
Here's some info on the Laguna Beach house. The builder and owner was motivated by surviving an apartment fire when he was 8.
https://people.com/archive/taking-the-heat-vol-42-no-21/
A U and A G. Everything you say is correct. But today common sense is lacking. The government code enforcement agencies PREVENT home owners from taking measures to protect their rural property in California. The native plant growth is more important than the lives and property of the land owners. Californians are by law not allowed to clear their property from flammable brush in many cases. It's crazy. It's California.
Don't believe me. One word......MANZANITA!!!!!!
Be safe HoundDog! I didn't know you lived up that way.
siliconvalleycoins.com
We have a similar problem with the streams in our area. Flash flooding is happening quite often but the permits to allow debris to be removed from the streams and allow some channeling are extremely hard to obtain. In the mean time people clean up and begin again, only to have it reoccur less than a decade later. Still the permits are withheld except for the most extreme cases like bridge and road repair.
"A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
Damn Joe, so sorry for your family and glad you are safe. Did you head north or south. I am 90 miles south and it is nasty here with smoke, I cant imagine your drive out. I had seem some footage and stories from the hospitals and it is all so scary.
Even good fire management can't stop a fire like that.
You can't stop a fire that's driven by a strong wind, or one that is burning uphill.
It will just burn anything in its path, be that trees, grass, houses, etc. and send the embers over any firebreaks.
I’m heartbroken reading this. I’m so sorry crazyhounddog.
My YouTube Channel
We are in Roseville the closest place we could find to our home. The air here is terrible with smoke.
It was hell on earth. It’s not like I like using the word, Hell, but that’s the only word I can come up with the discribe the fire and the fear leaving. We lost communication quickly. Last I talked to my son I told him just to grab the most important things that he can and get outta town. Then as I was putting everything I could grab into our vehicles to power went out and it was black as night in broad daylight. Then I had to find my flashlight by brail. The next thing I knew is the cell phones went out. As I was loading up some stuff in my car I could hear explosions. Those were propane tanks exploding and some sounded like BIG bombs going off and the explosions were getting closer and closer. That’s when I told my son in law and daughter to go. For some stupid reason I locked the house. As I turned around I could see fire jumping from one pine tree to another at jet speed. From that point it was terrifying as everyone was leaving all at once it seemed. The pics I posted was in the middle of the most panicked people I’ve ever seen making a mass exodus with fire all around me. I could feel the heat of the fire coming through my windows that were up with hot ashes flying from every direction blowing over my car.
All I can say is we are all blessed to have made it out with our life’s and my family is all safe. We have lost everything. Our my son lost his home, my daughter list her home and my wife and I lost our home of 28 years. We lost our business where my intire family worked.
We are a strong clan and will overcome this hell we’ve been through and rebuild.
I have no word that can express the thanks I have to this forum and all of my friends that have stepped up to lend a hand and the well wishes and prays. All I can say is thank you to all from the bottom of my heart.
I love you all and that’s from the heart.
God bless you all.
Joseph Best and family
Since you are all of about 12 miles from me, what night you coming over for dinner?
I'm very sorry to hear all this but thankful that you and your family made it out safely. Not sure what to say other than wish you, your family, and the Paradise community the best going forward. Be safe.
I'm so very sorry for you, CHD. I hope that you are back on your feet sooner than expected. In the meanwhile, we keep plugging away with the donations and keep you in our thoughts. May God Bless you and your family
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
OMG!!!
I can not imagine your pain.
Sounds like that home has a beautiful history, and wonderful memories. The school too, almost sinful to hear it burnt down.
The memories will never die I bet.
I wish you all the best.
I am so sorry to hear this
Don't forget the GoFundMe page discussed in the thread at the top of the page.
No gift is too small ..... thoughts and prayers are gifts in itself
Link to the GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/bb3nn-paradise-lost
Been out of town for a few days but I’ve been following this thread a bit. I’m so sorry CHD. Of course, I’m thankful your family is safe. That’s the most important.
I’m sure it’s nothing but pain now, but lots of good will eventually come of it too. Tragedy has a way of bringing loved ones closer together and reminding us of what’s truly important. When I was a boy my entire town was destroyed by a dam that failed. It was rebuilt, of course, and now it’s one of the nicest places imaginable. Rebirth after fires takes a while, but it’s pretty neat to watch. I’m sure you’ll have lost treasured photos and other irreplaceable items. Nothing will fix that. My heart goes out to you. Be safe and best of luck adjusting to the new normal.
This is so very sad to hear, Joe. I'm so glad you all got out and no one was injured. Folks here in SoCal are dealing with terrible fires as well, but nothing compared to what your town has just been through. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
https://thepennylady.com/
Very sorry to hear about this. Seems like every year there are terrible fires out there. Glad all of your immediate family is safe.
"Paradise Lost" on GoFundMe is still open for a few more days ..... a dollar or two would greatly help
Very very sorry for all this Joe. Big prayers headed your way. Hang tight, storms don't last forever.
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
I’ve been markedly sickened and just plain grossed out by the images and news of so many people’s homes on fire and wiped out. The horrors of lives lost. I can’t get interested in coins right now and spending money on them feels kinda soulless and stupid. How to find joy knowing so many are suffering and try to imagine what it would feel like if it were my family. Just been sitting and hanging with my kids trying to give them my full attention.
Joe we are praying and we are glad you are all safe. Sorry to hear about the homes. Prayers for quick rebuild.
Best place to buy !
Bronze Associate member
Thank you sweetheart.
Thank you to all, Joe
This is great advice. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
I’m having a hard time saying thank you to you all. But that’s all I have these days.
Much love, Joe
@crazyhounddog I'm glad to see you posting. How are you doing today? I still can't believe what happened there! I see it on the news and my heart is heavy for all those affected!
My YouTube Channel
Everyday the reality sets in deeper. We are holding on.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Joe
I wish you nothing but the very best!
My YouTube Channel
Thank you
Joe
Please message me.
Thanks.
Ken
@crazyhounddog
I am glad that you and the family continue to be safe.
Keep your chin up!
The way ahead appears bleak but it will strengthen everyone’s bond with family, friends, and community.
I'm so sorry to hear this.
I hope you can get back to your property soon. I'm glad that your family is safe.
Spellcheck is a disaster. Sorry.
I'll match any contributions today to get us 7K
Hey Joe,
Dumb question. Did your safe make it through, or was it toast too? Silly curiosity for me, but I'm really interested. Or, if it did survive, did the material on the inside survive, or did it melt? Have you been able to go back yet to see if you can salvage anything? I know these are the LAST things on your mind, but if you notice, it would be an interesting bit to know.
@Paradisefound -- I hope it stays open through next weekend, since I'm doing a show and dropping in 10% of my profits. I didn't think these things have an expiration date? If it closes before then, please let me know, and I'll just do an estimation.
Best,
Surf
We have had several friends go through total home losses in the Dallas area. Fire for some, tornadoes for other. For several of them, they just gave up, and took a total loss. For example, the home was insured for $400.000 with a contents replacement of 60%, outbuildings of 5%. So they got a check for $400,000 for the house, $240K for the contents, $15K for the garden shed and contents.
They worked with their credit card company to pull receipts for the last 4 years or so, and used pictures from the cloud of their house interior. They did not have to detail themselves to death, as they could show the quantity of things purchased and TYPE (Walmart versus Nordstrom ) etc.
Several had riders on their policies, as insurance (in Texas, do not know about California) has limits. For example, coin collections are limited to $500 unless separate insurance is purchased. Guns was $500, jewelry was $1000, etc.
Terms are critical I know this is not California, but this is an example from Texas) :
Most homeowners policies in Texas include the following coverages:
Dwelling pays if your house is damaged or destroyed by a covered loss.
Personal property pays if the items in your house (such as furniture, clothing, and appliances) are damaged, stolen, or destroyed.
Other structures pays to repair or rebuild structures not attached to your house, such as detached garages, storage sheds, and fences.
Loss of use pays your additional living expenses (housing, food, and other essential expenses) if you have to temporarily move because of damage to your house from a covered loss. Your policy will pay either a percentage of the amount of your dwelling coverage (typically 10 to 20 percent) or for a specific period after the loss (such as 24 months).
Personal liability pays to defend you in court against lawsuits and provides coverage if you are found legally responsible for someone else's injury or property damage.
Medical payments pays the medical bills of people hurt on your property. It might also pay for some injuries that happen away from your home, such as your dog biting someone at the park. A basic homeowners policy pays $500 in medical bills, but you may buy up to $5,000 in medical payments coverage.
For contents:
Policies typically provide replacement cost or actual cash value coverage:
Replacement cost is what you would pay to rebuild or repair your home, based on current construction costs. Replacement cost is different from market value and doesn't include the value of your land. Ask your insurance company if you aren't sure how much it would cost to rebuild your house.
Actual cash value is what you would pay to rebuild or replace your property minus depreciation. Depreciation is a decrease in value due to wear and tear or age. If your home is destroyed and you only have actual cash value coverage, the insurance company will not pay enough to completely rebuild your home.
Again, I know it is not California, but the Texas Website make it pretty easy to understand what is and what is not covered:
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb025.html
I sure California has their own somewhere.
tagging @jesbroken
to keep the fund open a bit longer?
@SurfinxHI ..... I hope your generosity be returned to you ten folds
GBU my friend!!!!!!