Hallowell Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 As I write this I'm looking out my window watching six of my neighbors home in flames. Our favorite restaurant and townpeople hangout for music and fine food is also burning. We were about 100 miles away on a drive on a beautiful day when we got a call saying Slates restaurant and the apartments above was in total flames and that we should get home because our house is only about 50 feet away from this building. The ride home was terrifying and full of tears until I got home and saw our house was unharmed. I went in and instantly started crying. With a valium in me I went to see how the neighbors were doing and lots of tears were shed. I have never been so terrified in my life. We lost a amazing town landmark and friendly gathering place and 6 homes. I heard a wrecking ball was coming later to take down part of the building so I am going to a reataurant with friends for memories and tears. I can not watch this building come down. I'm heartbroken for all and the town. I'll post pictures in my gallery later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvdhs04 Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 That is absolutely horrible! I will keep your community in my prayers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Oh no Greg, so horrible!!!! My heart goes out to you and the family that are involved in some way. So happy to hear that you are safe though! Take care now!!!! Lots of hugs!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eveningstargazer Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Oh, Greg, I am so sorry. We will keep you and your community in our prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueUni47 Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Greg sorry to hear about your loss and the community loss. I will keep your community in my prayers! I glad you did not lose your home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachie Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Greg will keep you and the community in my thoughts and prayers...I'm glad you and your home are safe..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovecats Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Greg, I'm sorry to hear about this. I hope noone was hurt and i'm glad that your house was spared and that you guys were not injured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrellandmelissa Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 I feel for your loss. It is so sad to see a landmark gone. Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJEP Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Oh, Greg, I'm so sorry!! I'm glad your house was spared, but how horrible and terrifying. I hope everyone is uninjured. I will keep you and your friends and community in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms. Mini Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Oh greg i'm so sorry thats terrible. im sending prayers your way and to your town. please keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyJudi Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Greg, what an awful thing to happen. I am glad that you and your home are safe, and my heart goes out to all the people who were not so fortunate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shy Spirit Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Such a horrible day for you and your townsfolk. My thoughts are with you and the people who are now homeless. Thank goodness your home was untouched - how awful for the six families, though. You must be in shock even now. Please tell us that no-one was injured! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalygirl Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Greg, I'm so sorry to hear your horrible news! I hope that nobody (including furpeople) was hurt, and I'm glad you and Russ and Sapphi are ok and didn't lose your home. You and your friends and neighbors will definitely be in my thoughts, and to you all, I wish I could do more for the rest of us, here's a link to the short version from a local news station: http://www.wlbz2.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=53478 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Greg - So, so, so sorry for this terrible loss for you, your neighbors and your community. You and your town are in my thoughts in prayers. Write in when you can... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anya Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Oh I am so relieved you and your family are ok. Hopefully no one was hurt. I am so sorry to hear that this has happened, you are in my thoughts. Big Hug Anya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallowell Posted February 26, 2007 Author Share Posted February 26, 2007 I'm absolutely exhausted, we just went to have something to eat with friends, and walking back home we saw that the fire started up again, it's been burning for about seven hours now. Slates restaurant was more like a family member than a building to this town and the people who owned the restaurant and employees are neighbors and friends. There were over 100 people having Sunday brunch when the fire broke out in the apartment above the restaurant. Everyone in the building got out safely, but one little kitty did not make it. The fire depts are doing a wonderful job keeping my home safe and a large elderly apartment complex safe. It's hard to fight the tears as we watch this piece of our lives burn. Thank you al so much for your kind words, you are all so incredible. I'll keep you posted. I see a long sleepless night ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Greg, this calls to mind the night we spent in the orange grove, watching a wildfire roar down the mountain toward our house in Ojai, CA. My heart goes out to all in your town. I'm sure there will be little sleep tonight. Blessings on you and all your neighbors and the emergency personnel who are keeping you safe ... you are all in our prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uppitycats Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 What a terrible thing to happen to your small town... but I'm so glad no one was hurt (except for the kitty!). I love old buildings...but unfortunately, once a fire gets started in them, it finds all kinds of places to hide out, and what is happening here is what happens all-too-often -- the fire seems to be out, and then it starts up again... I hope your house continues to be safe, and any of the other buildings around it. Take care! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachpeach Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 what a horrific thing! thank God no one was hurt. my prayers are with you and your township tonite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms. Mini Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 poor kitty it reminds be of our october wild fires 2 years ago. that was the scariest thing. my mom almost lost her house and i cant count at least 10 people that were either family or friends that lost homes. its a terrible thing. I hope your feeling a little better and that you get some rest. *HUGS* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwoods Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 So sorry to hear your bad news. I'm glad that you, your partner, lovely kitty and beautiful home are safe and well. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you have to face the loss of your town's landmark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Greg, here are lots of {{hugs}} for you & Russ and Sapphi and lots {{{{more}}}} for your friends and neighbors who lost their homes and landmark. Houses and restaurants can be rebuilt and memories live on as long as those who have them, but it's a blessing no one was even hurt. Your fire department people should get a lot of well-deserved recognition for trying so hard to fight that fire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess11 Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 I'm so sorry. That is truly a terrible day. I too rememeber the several days that our beloved Southern California burned and it felt like it was all going to burn to the ground. It's a devastating loss and nothing will make you feel better for a while. As bad as it is, at least no people were killed. Buildings and things can be replaced- people cannot. But that probably doesn't help your feelings of loss right now. Hang in there- we all feel for you. Sending big hugs your way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa R. Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 My thoughts are with you. Lisa R. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Greg, I am so sorry to hear about the loss!! That has to be a scary thing to go through. I am so sorry about the loss of the buildings & cat!! That is so sad! Keep in touch and count your blessings dear! On the good side of the coin, look at All of the people that made it out safe with there lives. Keeping you & yours in my thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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