Updated:

Wildfires: ‘Feeling heartbroken in Grants Pass, Oregon

By
1803
0

Latest

Wildfire smoke can be especially harmful to the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic heart and lung diseases. People wear face masks in an attempt to protect themselves.
PHOTOS/DONATED

LOS ANGELES, CA — The impacts of climate change are taking devastating tolls, and as the Southern Oregon wildfires claim more land amidst record-breaking heat waves, once again this fight hits close to home. The 49-square mile Garner Complex Fire literally surrounds the small towns of both my mom and best friend, who at this point are pretty much confined to their homes due to the suffocating smoke.
Remembering when I was a kid, how I would gaze peacefully at mountains and treetops as far as they eye could see, cooling off in the creek, watching the deer as they would come visit our apple tree.
Now I wake up in the morning, scan the local news, check the fire first response map, and call the emergency information center . . . hoping none of my loved ones get the dreaded evacuation notice, and have to leave everything behind, like more than 1,000 households in the area already have.

Wildfire smoke can be especially harmful to the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic heart and lung diseases. People wear face masks in an attempt to protect themselves.
PHOTOS/DONATED

My heart goes out to the victims and families of the Carr Fire in Redding, the hundreds who lost their lives in Greece, and everyone who’s been affected by these terrifying fires.
I’m grateful for the more than 2,600 fire personnel working the Garner Complex. Their bravery and leadership in these moments of crises are critical.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Indira Treon-Mutuma -

A Somali Perspective on Life in Minnesota

The words “Nobody wants you here,” may have been directed at one Somali family, but they do not define Minnesota’s Somali community. By listening to the voices of Somalis themselves, a different story emerges, one of belonging, resilience, and a community.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

ICE Killings Are Increasing, But So is the Resistance

If we allow ICE, as a servant of the powerful, to kill or deport our working class sisters and brothers then we are not only immoral, we’re setting ourselves up to be next in line for the detention centers.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

Message to Congressional Black Caucus On Endorsement of AIPAC Funded Candidate

The Black vote is key to winning Democratic Party elections. Today, in MI and nationwide, African Americans are expressing abandonment by a Party that funds candidates who do not represent their interests, as seen in Michigan’s Senate race.
Stephen Prager, Common Dreams -

Grotesque Billionaire Bonanza: 41 Energy Tycoons’ Fortunes Grow by $23.5 Billion Since Trump Launched Iran War

While energy industry billionaires in G7 countries collectively increased their wealth by $23.5 billion since Trump lanunched the Iran war; families skip meals and govt's slashs life-saving aid.
Brian Dolinar, Truthout -

Community Activism Forced Federal Gov’t to Abandon Plans for ICE Warehouses

The Trump administration’s plans to detain tens of thousands of immigrants in Amazon-style warehouses have been massively scaled back as a result of community organizing.

More from the People's Tribune