On September 9, 2015, the Butte Fire broke out on a steep wooded hillside. It seemed to be under control. But, the next morning, with changing winds and temperatures upwards of 105 degrees, the fire whipped out of control. With no warning, sirens were blaring, and the local police were telling them to leave NOW. Facing a wall of fire, they escaped with only a few of the animals. They had to leave most of them behind in the flames. And, within a few hours the fire devoured 71,000 acres of wildlands, destroyed more than 500 homes and took the lives of 2 residents. Instantly more than 1000 people were homeless in Calaveras County, California. Living in exile with only a few of her animals, not knowing the fate of her ranch for 8 days is a grueling story. A story every person living in the wilderness should read.
