Updated:

Wildfires: ‘Feeling heartbroken in Grants Pass, Oregon

By
1841
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

From the Editors, People's Tribune -

Black Pregnant Congresswoman Could Face Prison for Challenging ICE

As a result of a chaotic scene that occurred when federal agents attempted to keep the official delegation from entering the Delaney Detention Center to inspect it, Congresswoman McIver, who is pregnant, faces 17 years in prison if convicted of the assault charges the U.S. government has issued against her.
Matt Alley - Blue CollarWriter Labor Media -

Dolly Parton: More Than a Legend

Dolly Parton never had to stop being Appalachian to become an international icon, or pretend poverty didn't shape her, or that the mountains were something she had escaped. She simply took what she learned there and carried it farther.
Fern Shen -

In Memory of Tenant Leader Annie Chambers, Longtime Advocate For Baltimore’s Poor

Reverend Annie Chambers leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of grassroots activism and unconditional love for her people, her family, her community and all those that struggle to survive.
Bob Lee, People's Tribune -

Pearson’s TN Win Rebukes Corporate Dems & Attack on Voting Rights

The decisive victory of Justin Pearson in the Tennessee Democratic congressional primary marked a rebuke of both the corporate Democrats and the attack on the Voting Rights Act.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

Citizens United Takes a Hit in Michigan Primary

In electing Abdul El-Sayed, voters rejected money in politics, defeating the pro-Israel and corporate funded campaign of his opponent in the amount of $70 million, making it among the most ever spent in a Democratic Party primary!

More from the People's Tribune