The evacuation was necessary [RE: 'Furious over

Dear Mr. Conibear,

I agree that having to be away from my home for a whole week was frustrating; however, it was a precaution that was necessary. The firefighters needed to be sure that the fire would not travel further into town and put anyone in harm’s way.

If they let residents return to their homes right away they would just have one more thing to worry about. The fire was also making the air quality horrible to people’s health. That was also a big factor in the length of the evacuation.

You know the saying “Rather be safe than sorry.” I think in your case, they need to add “impatient and stubborn.” Fires can move quickly and the winds can change at the snap of a finger, so taking the right precautions is the smartest and safest thing to do.

Just because you felt that there was no immediate threat or danger doesn’t mean it was safe. You were not here. You were not putting out the fire; you were not risking your life for others.

I’m sorry that you were inconvenienced by the evacuation from the wildfires, but unlike tons of other people, at least you have a house to return home to.

Stefanie Aguilar