Gilman Fire Update: Two Acres Burned

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Post on Jan 24, 2025

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Gilman Fire Update: Two Acres Burned - A Close Call

Okay, folks, let's talk about the Gilman Fire. Two acres burned, thankfully. It was a scary couple of days, let me tell you. I was glued to my phone, refreshing news sites every five minutes, practically chewing my nails down to the bone. My family's cabin is only a few miles from where it started. This isn't some abstract news story for me; this was my backyard, potentially going up in flames.

The Initial Panic:

I first heard about it through a frantic text from my neighbor, "FIRE! Near Gilman! Check the news!" My heart leaped into my throat. I immediately jumped online, searching frantically for "Gilman Fire" and "Gilman fire evacuation orders". The initial reports were hazy, you know? Just vague mentions of a wildfire near Gilman. No specifics. That's the worst part, that waiting game.

I tried to stay calm, focusing on gathering essentials: important documents, photos, my grandpa's old fishing hat (sentimental value, you understand). It's amazing how quickly you prioritize things in a crisis. This whole experience really highlighted the importance of having a well-defined emergency plan. Something I'd always meant to do, but never got around to. Major fail on my part.

Lessons Learned: Preparing for Wildfires

The Gilman fire really shook me up, and it's forced me to actually do something about wildfire preparedness. Before, it was all theoretical, a vague "I should probably do that someday." Now, it's a priority. Here's what I've learned and am actively doing:

• Create a Go-Bag: I've packed a bag with essential documents, medications, a change of clothes, some non-perishable food, water, and a first-aid kit. It's ready to grab and go at a moment's notice. This isn't something you should wait until the last minute to do.

• Develop an Evacuation Plan: This seems obvious, but really outlining escape routes, meeting places, and communication strategies is crucial. I've mapped out several routes from our cabin, considering potential road closures. I even added secondary meeting places in case our primary location becomes inaccessible.

• Maintain a Clear Zone: I'm clearing brush and vegetation around the cabin. This creates a defensible space, reducing the risk of the fire spreading to our property. This requires some serious work, and it may be expensive, but it's SO worth it.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts! Knowing what to expect makes a huge difference and can save lives. During the Gilman fire, those alerts were literally life savers. I'd also say it's helpful to understand the wildfire risk assessment for your area. Knowing your risk level helps you prepare accordingly.

The Aftermath and Moving Forward:

Thankfully, the Gilman fire was contained relatively quickly, limiting the damage to approximately two acres. I'm incredibly relieved, and I know many others in the community are too. But it’s a stark reminder of how quickly things can change. Wildfire dangers are very real, and proactive planning is essential. Don't wait until a fire starts to prepare; do it now. Your peace of mind—and possibly your home—will thank you for it. We need to be better prepared, and I know I am. This experience has been both terrifying and eye-opening. Let's learn from this and make sure we’re all ready for whatever nature throws at us. Stay safe, everyone.