Pastor comforts residents affected by Valley Fire
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. (KGO) -- Cal Fire officials say the devastating Valley Fire remains at nearly 74,000 acres and 35 percent contained. So far it's destroyed 585 homes and state officials say more than 15,000 people are displaced. The death toll has risen to three, with the discovery of two more bodies in the ruins of the devastating fire. One person remains unaccounted for.
DONATIONS: How to help victims of the Valley Fire where you live
On Thursday, three men caught driving through the burn area were arrested as possible looters. Officials say burglary tools were found in their car and one of the men had a concealed weapon.
A mandatory evacuation order was lifted late Thursday for residents only in the Berryessa Estates neighborhood of Napa County. And the Lake County Winegrape Commission says 90 percent of the wineries in the fire area have been able to resume operations.
In the meantime, frustration is growing not only in the evacuation centers, but throughout the fire area.
PHOTOS: Fire crews battle massive Valley Fire
One of the greatest symbols of the American Dream, a white picket fence, was amazingly still standing while the home behind it is in ashes.
"Our faith gives us the strength to get over these tough times," said Pastor Voris Brumfield.
RESOURCES: Valley Fire evacuation centers, school closure information
She has been offering words of wisdom to those who have lost much and prayers of gratitude where some have been spared. That includes Middletown Community United Methodist Church.
"It survived the 1918 fire of Middletown that took out all of downtown and so 97 years later it also survived the 2015 fire," she said.
Firefighters are going home to home to make sure there are no flare-ups. They are also putting out hotspots.
Most are thankful. Though law enforcement escorted out one individual who they said became verbally combative with firefighters in Middletown in part saying more homes should have been saved.
A much different scenario from the largely faith driven community that seems to have to taken this monumental loss in stride.
"Lake County there is, you know, a big Indian background here," said Gail Wright. "And of course urban Hot Springs is here, so it is a spiritually based community.
Gail Wright works at Hardesters Lumber yard, which is also still standing. The supply store is open to the few residents there.
Wright: "All the churches are still intact."
Woodrow: "You think there's something to that?"
Wright: "Could be."
Whatever the reason, people there are pulling together. Once all residents are allowed back into Middletown, recovery and rebuilding will likely continue for some time.
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