Where is Yaqui???

Chivis Martinez

We have received comments asking about BB contributor Yaqui.  I have asked Yaqui for permission to give BB followers a little update.

The truth is, Yaqui, her husband and their gaggle of animals were caught in the throes of the largest fire in California history.

High in the mountains of the Northern California, the so called “Ranch Fire” and “River Fire” united, becoming the Mendocino Complex Fire, which cut across a massive area leaving     hundreds of thousands acres scorched and destroyed in its path.

As of Saturday, California's Mendocino Complex Fire, the largest wildfire recorded in state history at 325,226 acres. It was 67 percent contained Saturday.

Yaqui and her husband, who I refer to as “Superman”, prepared and awaited each day, unsure if they were having to evacuate.  I encouraged her to “go”.  My son fights these massive fires in three states, so I have more knowledge than most people and I was fearful.  My son was fighting the Ferguson Fire at the time, another huge fire, that one in  in Yosemite.  The third big one is the Carr fire.  The Carr fire was the most unpredictable.  Firefighters witness fire behavior  unlike anything experience before.  Such as the “fire tornado” created by the fires falling on itself, whipping winds into a frenzy. 

Yaqui and Superman should be in Mexico this time of year.  But in this “anno horribilis” for them fate had a different plan.  I call Yaqui’s husband “Superman” because he should be 6 feet under.  He was horribly and critically ill just a few months ago.   He was in the hospital with a rare condition.  Ever so slowly he wrestled his way out of danger.  All the while, Yaqui was contributing to BB, and at his side.

Then one day I lost communication with Yaqui. 

Orange areas depict burned areas of Mendocino Complex Fire--Click t enlarge

I naturally “went there” in my mind and texted my son asking if there were any deaths reported. He answered “no” and sent me the latest information not yet made public.  I contacted DD and asked if he had heard from Yaqui.  He said no.  I told him I wanted to report her missing, thinking if she was trapped help could be deployed.  DD suggested I wait another day.  My son would help me if needed to report Yaqui MIA.  As it turns out, understandably, she was just too busy to stop and quell my fears.  

Part of Yaqui's evac team

Then,  I finally saw the much-awaited email with the familiar subject line “Chiiiiiiiiiivis”.  They were safe elsewhere.  But her time and communication ability was compromised, such as no cell service, but they were safe. 

As for my son.  He has fought every “big” fire from San Diego, Santa Barbara, NorCal, Oregon Washington State, and everything in between.  He has been to 3 Yosemite fires.  He is good at what he does.  So, he is deployed to all the big disasters.  His actual hands on firefighting is consigned to his station, when he is now deployed it is as "something else".  But he and the other officers are in the thick of the disaster. 

During these   fires, most intentionally set, California has experienced a record-breaking heat.  There are 14 substantial fires from The Mexican border of San Diego to the Oregon border, burning 700,000 acres and destroying over 2000 structures. Lest Californians forget there are fires burning, there are the reminders of ash and darken skies which are  widespread throughout the state, from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. 

They have arrested a couple of the suspected arsonist.  One in Orange County in So California, displayed bizarre behavior at his arraignment-see video below-.  Another suspect confessed saying he has a vendetta against the government. 

President Trump declared California a disaster area on July 25^th.