Wildfires: ‘Feeling heartbroken in Grants Pass, Oregon

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.orgPlease 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.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Trump Admin Trying to Deport Witnesses Who Contradicted ICE Claims About Fatal Shooting

The Trump administration is trying to deport three witnesses to the ICE killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.

NY Mayor Mamdani Gives Stirring Address Marking America’s 250 Years

"The work of fulfilling the values first enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, that work endures and it belongs to us all," said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a stunning address to New Yorkers on the 250 years since the Declaration was signed.

Cuba’s Education in Crisis: Closures at the University of Havana

Young Cubans could lose the promise of a free, universal education, and consequences of the Cuban blockade stretch to communities around the world that have long depended on Cuban-trained doctors and teachers.

When Your Car Isn’t the Only Thing Being Tracked

A new generation of surveillance technology promises to do far more than read a license plate. II can detect and correlate the electronic signals constantly emitted by devices traveling with your vehicle.

Voting Rights Movement Rises; Join August March on Washington

With the gutting of the Voting Rights Act, everyone's right to vote is under attack. The movement to defend the vote is gathering steam. A march on Washington to defend the vote is planned for Aug. 28, 2026.

More from the People's Tribune