On May 5th, Cinco de Mayo, in 1996 the Hondo Fire broke out in San Cristobal, New Mexico. Conditions had been extremely dry with high winds but a local resident left a burning trash fire to go to the local bar and have a few on the Mexican holiday. Within hours after the Hondo Fire started the neighboring town of Lama was burned through. Some structures remained, but many were destroyed. Families in nearby Red River and portions of the town of Questa were evacuated.
Before this incident was over, about 2,000 individuals were displaced or evacuated from their homes, and portions of some highways were closed to all but local residents and fire traffic.The fire set a ground speed record of 9 miles in 30 minutes without crowning. That record has yet to be beaten. I watched the flames and plumes of smoke in horror as the fire rushed to within a half mile of my house. And for the next 22 days I was immediately awake anytime I smelled smoke or sensed a shift in the wind for fear a smoldering Ponderosa Pine spar would spark and the forest would be again in flames.
I was back again recently to Questa and the scar on the mountain remains. The fire burnt so hot that the earth was scorched three feet down. Reseeding efforts in slurry dumped from the fire fighting planes has not done much. And all because a resident wanted a few beers in honor of the Mexican Revolution.
I will never forget those 22 days on the edge of the smoldering mountain before the Forest service announced the fire was truly out. I watched the smoldering hills, counted the pets over and over, and checked on the pile of items by the door in case we had to evacuate. I was surprised to find the pile grew smaller. And the realization that one of the "precious items" I would not take was my husband. We agreed to divorce that summer and I moved to the "wet side" of the mountain on a piece of land that had no trees. To this day when the wind is high and the forests around me dry I stare into the sky on the lookout for smoke and like a wild animal sniff the wind for that all too familiar smell.
Don't wish me Happy Cinco de Mayo.
an amazing story, especially the surprised ending. hope you are doing well now.
ReplyDeleteA very deeply-felt story and a powerful description.
ReplyDeleteA very nice story.
ReplyDeleteLisa
InspiredbyLisa
Powerful personal story, so easily evoked by this painting.
ReplyDeleteI remember the fire on the mountain in CA,
ReplyDeletesad memories, well delivered.
That is a memory that will never leave you. How sad that the scar on the land remains.
ReplyDeleteAs is usual with your personal stories, I was spellbound reading this powerful piece. The sharpness of some memories never blur.
ReplyDeleteThis Magpie of yours will probably be the only one to truly capture the feeling in the painting...
ReplyDeletewow- what a life story-whew- one never knows what is ahead.
ReplyDeleteHow terrifying! Well told!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing story. In my home province in Canada, forest fires are always a danger, so I understand very well. "Forest fire" was the first thought in my mind when I saw this picture, too.
ReplyDelete— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
May 5th - our wedding anniversary (21 years). We lived in San Antonio and they love this holiday. Tragedy often sparkesa life change and you captured the physical and emotional aspects of yours. I am a follower now and am excited to check out your art work.
ReplyDeleteHaving grown up in So. California I am all too familiar with that smell and the horror of fire. You crafted a very gripping story and brought the whole thing to life for this reader. Excellent writing!
ReplyDeleteYou give us reality here, in its many hues and nuances. Brava! xxJenne'
ReplyDeleteA stark and real story... felt by a few who have known the devastation of fire. I live and work in a valley which was overcome (about 75%) by fire in a matter of minutes just 3 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI was on a leave of absence, taking care of my best friend/coworker/roomate who was at the end of her battle with a very fierce cancer. The fire broke out in the direction of the residential facility we worked at and I attempted to get there but the roads were impassable. When I returned home, a portion of the fire had made its way near the house. The fire circled on the campus of our residents (the 13 homes protected by our local fire department as it burned all around them). We were unable to evacuate the residents until the next morning though they had no power or water. My roomate/best friend passed on moments after we got word that the residents were all safely evacuated. This fire, and its impact, too... shall forever have changed my life.
Needless to say, Reflections, your story struck a cord with me. Fire can be life altering. Whether you home is burned down or you just live in the threat for an hour, or a day or 22 days.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. But that old cliche that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger is definitely true. It certainly enriches the creative energies of artists and writers and poets.
A wonderful tale, so very well told and a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteThank your for sharing the amazing story.
ReplyDeleteYour story reminded me of bush fires in Australia: harrowing. I am glad you were unscorched if not unmarked. Well written and powerful without being maudlin.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for the pain you went through. Very well-written.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
Such a frightening and sad story. You have made it so vivid for the reader. I remember seeing the burnt landscape in San Diego after one of the many CA fires. Very close to my sons home at the time and so frightening.
ReplyDeleteWell-written tale - a very fine read.
ReplyDeleteGood tale-telling, effective.
ReplyDelete