VACAVILLE, Calif. – As California continues to be ravaged by hundreds of fires, many families in the northern part of the state have been left without a home after being forced to evacuate.
So far, the LNU Lightning Complex Fire has destroyed more than 900 structures. Tracy Drake is one of the hundreds of people who lost their home in Vacaville, a city about 30 miles southwest of Sacramento.
What You Need To Know
- The LNU Lightning Complex Fire has destroyed more than 900 structures
- Tracy Drake is one of the hundreds of Vacaville residents who lost their home to the fire
- Ashley Tapp started a fundraiser for fire survivors
- Drake said she feels prepared to face whatever challenge comes next
“We had our neighbor come at two in the morning and bang on our front windows to wake all of us,” Drake said.
Drake recalled jumping out of bed and running to the door without any shoes or belongings.
“All we could see were flames, and it sounded like a freight train. It’s a very loud noise and it’s unlike anything you’ve smelled or seen in your entire life,” she said.
It’s been a week since Drake saw her house standing for the last time. “It’s been a blur. It feels like a dream actually. It doesn’t feel real,” she added.
As she grapples with the reality of her home being destroyed, Drake feels a deep sense of gratitude for strangers like Ashley Tapp, who started a fundraiser for fire survivors.
Tapp, with the help of her community, has connected dozens of families to resources. While she did not lose her home, Tapp said she feels heartbroken, and is doing everything in her power to make things better for those affected.
“I can’t be at home. This is my family. Some of these people I don’t even know, but they’re our community, and we need to take care of them,” Tapp said.
Tapp also organized a donation drive for evacuees where fire victims can pick up gift cards, clothes, and other everyday items they left behind in the fire.
“They deserve that, and I would want someone to take care of me that way. If you make it personal, I feel like your choices and what you choose is a lot different,” she added.
Drake said it’s gestures like these that remind her that everything will be ok.
“Everybody has come together. I don’t even feel sad right now because I am super happy I have all my friends and my family. There’s no reason to be upset. I’m alive,” Drake said.
Through her positive perspective and the support of loved ones, Drake said she feels prepared to face whatever challenge comes next.
If you’re interested in helping families affected by the fire, you can contact Ashley Tapp at rise.and.redemption@gmail.com.