Why This Project Is Important

There are so many people doing such incredible things to help our community after the devastating wildfires, but the reality is that, at least for now, the need is so great there is no such thing as too much. This project is my effort to help in some small way.

I lived in New Orleans during Hurricane Andrew, in New Jersey during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, through one near fatal car accident and one life threatening one, and in Manhattan during 9/11. Even in the face of those horrific events, the recent wildfires that ravaged Wine Country were the most terrifying event I've ever experienced. That's not to diminish in any way the utter devastation that took place during any of these events, particularly the attacks on 9/11.

When I think about why I found the wildfires to be more terrifying, the answer for me is that because as devastating as those prior events were, some of them you knew were coming so could prepare, and each ended relatively quickly. Yes, dealing with the aftermath of those events for many took a very long time, and in the case of 9/11 will always have a lasting impact. For me, living in danger for a week or more and not knowing where the danger could next arise was something altogether different. The community knew that our incredible first responders were doing everything in their power to get the fires under control, and that many had come from far and wide to help save our community, but the reality was that Mother Nature had taken over.

The wildfires themselves are now more than a month behind us, but the aftermath is something the community will struggle with for years to come. The fires burned more than 245,000 acres, taking at least 43 lives and more than 8,500 structures with them. Thousands were made homeless overnight, lost their businesses, their jobs, or their beloved pets. Some lost loved ones.

Despite the fear, destruction and utter devastation, the strength of our community and the kindness of those who make Wine Country their home shown through like a beacon of hope. There are no words to describe the heroism of our first responders who worked tirelessly to save our lives, our homes, our businesses, and our community. Beyond the first responders, the people of our beloved community risked their own lives to save others, their homes and the animals, and engaged in countless acts of human kindness to help each other through this tragic event.

This project is an effort to capture the incredible element of human nature than helped get us through this devastation, and hopefully serve as an inspiration not only for those who are continuing to struggle through the aftermath of the fires, but also for people far and wide to get a glimpse into the strength of human kindness. It is also an effort to help raise money for those who lost everything in the fires and the first responders who risked everything to save our lives and our homes.

I can't do any of this, though, without your help. If you, or anyone you know, did something inspiring during the fires to help our community, please help me collect those stories through this site. If you were not impacted by the wildfires, please consider signing up to be notified when the book is available to help support the victims of the fires and our wonderful first responders through your purchase.

With the deepest gratitude to our first responders, and all who are working so hard to rebuild our community.

Lisa Barnes

Santa Rosa, California

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