Updated:

Wildfires: ‘Feeling heartbroken in Grants Pass, Oregon

By
1944
0

More News

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

the Editors, People’s Tribune -

Michigan Senate Race Could Signal Game Changer in Electoral Politics

The world is watching Abdul El-Sayed, candidate for U.S. Senate race in Michigan.
Sarah Hackney -

Let Love Be The Uprising

"There is a particular kind of courage in remaining tender when the world rewards brutality," writes poet Sarah Hackney.
Max Smoot -

A Vision For a City We Can Live In

A mayoral candidate's platform in Oregon symbolizes many campaigns for change nationally, highlighting concrete platforms for change that include local control by the public, housing/homelessness first, food, jobs, health, and more. 
Bob Lee, People's Tribune -

US Terrorizes Migrants and Countries, Witnesses Tell Mexico City Tribunal

A series of International Tribunal of Conscience hearings held over the last eight months in the US and Latin America have gathered testimony on US crimes against migrants and countries. The hearing this month in Mexico City featured around 40 witnesses from more than 16 countries.
Matt Alley - Blue CollarWriter Labor Media -

The Kids Are Alright. Maybe the Rest of Us Need To Remember What Standing up Actually Looks Like

Youth in France and other countries are asking why they should accept a system that keeps telling them there isn't enough to go around while those at the top keep getting richer?

More from the People's Tribune