By: Chad Castor, Hume SoCal Site Director
The Line Fire broke out in Highland on September 5th, initially seeming far from Hume SoCal. Most of us were confident the fire would be contained before it posed any threat. However, by Friday, as we hosted activities for a guest group, we noticed smoke on the horizon, and ash began to fall around us. The guest group left early Saturday morning, and by that afternoon, the situation took a sudden and alarming turn as the fire threatened nearby towns, fueled by unusually high temperatures and strong winds.
When Cal Fire issued the evacuation order, we had no choice but to leave. This evacuation lasted from September 7th until the 16th, a duration that felt like a lifetime. During this uncertain time, we prayed for the safety of our camp, staff, and surrounding communities. Thankfully, cooler weather and the tireless efforts of the firefighting teams allowed us to return. The best news was that our camp remained untouched, and the nearby towns experienced little to no damage.
Since our return, we’ve been busy welcoming back guest groups, and this week, students and leaders from the Joshua Wilderness Institute volunteered to help us clean up and prepare for the winter season. Their enthusiasm and dedication reminded us of the strength of our community. We are incredibly grateful for the prayers and kindness shown by everyone, especially those who offered homes to our team during that frightening time. Your support truly meant the world to us!
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