Hundreds line 24th Street for firefighter support rally
The staff from North County Animal Hospital was one of the many supporters showing their appreciation.
Community shows appreciation for Chimney Fire firefighters
–The San Luis Obispo County community turned out in Paso Robles Saturday morning to show appreciation for the firefighters battling the Chimney Fire. Hundreds of supporters lined 24th St. In front of Flamson Middle School, waving signs and cheering as fire trucks drove past. The rally is the brainchild of local photographer Trisha Butcher.
Butcher launched the Firefighter Support Rally Facebook page and put the word out to local news media. “It only takes a notion to make something happen,” said Butcher. “I wanted to pay it forward and give the community a way to express support.”
Photo by Shelley Reeger from Facebook group Firefighter Support Rally Facebook group.
Diane Taylor and Cheryl Qualls, Oak Shores residents, held up signs from their vantage point at the corner of 24th and Spring streets. Taylor, along with her husband and dog were evacuated a week ago. Qualls and her husband were evacuated at the same time. “Our community has been saved,” said Taylor. “All the firefighters worked extremely hard.” Taylor said the fire was right up to the front gate to her home. “Our home was saved. We are getting reports from a handful of neighbors who are active and retired firefighters who stayed behind to help.” Qualls said, “The entire Oak Shores community has pitched in. We left the clubhouse open and stocked the refrigerator for the firefighters before we evacuated. Some of the firefighters have been sleeping in the community center.” Qualls has not yet heard about the condition of her home.
Diane Taylor and Cheryl Qualls, Oak Shore residents who were evacuated from the fire zone.
Jennifer Elliott, whose husband Lee is a firefighter with Cal Fire, said the community support is wonderful. Elliott said, “I don’t think people quite understand how hard it is.” Families can be separated for months when a firefighter is on a fire and “we’ve gone days without talking.”
Craig Doppmann and Brian Steiger, from Cal Fire in Riverside were representing the Chimney Fire Public Information Office at the rally. Steiger said it is rare for firefighters to get a break to visit their families when working a fire. “Usually, if there is a day off, they just want to sleep,” said Doppman. Steiger said some departments rotate firefighters off for a couple of days, “But, it’s a toss up between driving four or more hours home to spend a day with my family or getting badly needed rest. It’s not an easy decision.”
Ten-year-old Zach Marks was at the rally with his parents. “My grandparents have a house close to the fire and the firefighters are trying to save it. I want to be here to thank them.”
Zach Marks thanks the firefighters for saving his grandparents home.
Barbara Bullock from Squaw Valley in Fresno County said she got up at 4 a.m. to make it to the rally. “We had that big King fire a while back and the community never got together to thank the firefighters. I wanted to be here to say thank you,” said Bullock.
Locals offering free haircuts, admission to children’s museum
The community is turning out in support of the firefighters in many ways. The Head To Toe barber shop at 1413 Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles is donating haircuts. Call (805) 239-2158 and ask for Halo or Melissa. The Paso Robles Children’s Museum, 623 13 St offered free admission to those families and firefighters affected by the Chimney Fire through Sunday.
More photos, videos and comments from this morning’s rally can be viewed on the Firefighter Support Rally Facebook page.
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