PRAYERS NEEDED FOR OUR BELOVED CAMP
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 6:55PM This was posted to our Facebook page today "Armenian Church Summer Camp"
PRAYERS NEEDED FOR OUR BELOVED CAMP
This is Gina Khorigian, Camp Administrator for the Diocese.
On July 31st a timber fire started in the Sequoia National forest due to a lightening strike (aka "Rough" fire). Gary and I have been keeping a close watch on the conditions. Unfortunately, yesterday the fire jumped the Kings River north east of our camp. The Rough fire has engulfed over 97,844 acres and is 31% contained.
During Hye Camp Gary and I met with US Forest Service Batallion Chief Shelby Charley and representatives regarding housing and feeding the firefighters once Hye Camp was over. Although they have not required our facilty, this relationship has been very helpful in getting information as the fire progressed. Gary has been attending community meetings and communicating with local sheriff and Forest Service members.
Our road (Mill Road) off of Highway 180 has been closed to traffic with the exception of residents. Our neighbors north/east of us were evacuated yesterday. Gary is prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.
We will keep you posted. Meanwhile...
WE PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS, RESIDENTS AND ANIMALS AFFECTED BY THE ROUGH FIRE.
GOD BLESS OUR CAMP AND BRING US RAIN.
Camp Admin
CONTINUED PRAYERS ARE NEEDED
ROUGH FIRE UPDATE by Gina Khorigian
The fire continues to grow and has consumed 103,244 acres and still only 31% contained. This is the largest fire in California and has crews from out of state, CalFire, Local Fire Departments and Forest Service fighting the Rough Fire.
Gary was contacted by crew leaders today to contract for our camp to be a base camp. By noon, there were 3 fire trucks and some crews. There are currently 8 fire trucks parked on the field and approximately 50 firefighters cutting fire lines on our property. They are primarily CalFire and Forest Service members. The crews have been very considerate asking Gary if it’s okay to remove or trim foliage. Gary keeps telling them to do whatever they feel is best to keep the property safe.
Gary took some crew leaders on a tour of camp so they can map the buildings on the property. Gary also instructed them how to use the draft water tank so they can fill their trucks.
A team leader told Gary they will let him know when to evacuate and that everyone knows who Gary is and that he’s on the property. Gary ran into the Sheriff the other day and he said "hi Gary". Gary had never met the Sheriff before. Gary has been doing a great job representing our camp and building positive relationships with the authorities.
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR PRECIOUS CAMP.
Gina
Camp Admin
EVACUATION
by Gina Khorigian
Gary has been given the word to evacuate and will be evacuating camp by 12:30 this afternoon. He will be staying in Fresno with a friend. We will try to stay in touch with the authorities who have been so communicative with Gary in hope to continue to bring you updates directly from camp.
This morning more ash has been falling on camp and visibility very poor. This is the largest active fire in California according to U.S. Forest Service. The fire has grown to 110,134 acres and containment reduced to 29%.
Fire crews will remain at our camp cutting fire lines and will be working tomorrow on a back fire at a nearby ridge.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary, the fire crews and all who are affected by the Rough Fire.
LORD HEAR OUR PRAYERS.
