9/7/2024- Davis Creek Campground on the day the Davis Fire started
What seemed like a normal camping trip turned into our worst nightmare.
My family and I were hanging out, some taking a nap and some went out to do a store run.
When 20 minutes later, we heard a lady yelling and honking “FIRE. GET OUT!”
We hurried into our cars and drove towards the exit. It was then that we had all realized how bad this really was.
It seemed unreal. Flames and black smoke covering the entrance, the wind making it grow.
The feeling of being trapped dawned on us. This was the only way out. The only choice was to drive through with our sight completely blocked , flames hitting our cars and it felt extremely hot. The kids were frantic and terrified. We had no idea of how much had been on fire or if we would’ve even been able to come out of that. The thoughts creeped in that we may not make it out.
Finally blue skies and a fire truck. We got out of our cars and waited. My brother, brother in law and friends plus their kids were still trapped inside.
I called my brother and started feeling the panic seeping in. They were still in there. Thinking the unimaginable, we felt if we barely made it out how were they going to?
The rest of the fam had rushed back from the store seeing this huge fire continue to break out and knowing their family was trapped in there. I can’t even imagine what went through their minds. After what felt like an eternity, all three cars finally came out safe.
This was the most traumatizing experience but we are so lucky. You never think things will happen to you until they do.
Things got bad quickly but they could’ve been so much worse. This is a lesson to always be aware, know your exits. To not take for granted the small moments, a roof over your head, health, safety, family.
I am really proud of anyone who came out of that fire. That was so brave. Anyone who has lost something due to this fire, or feared that you would; I am so sorry you experienced that panic and/or loss. I’m praying for all involved and grateful for the firefighters continuing to get this under control.