Miracle saves Paradise; no miracle for Swall

On Friday, February 6 at 2:07 p.m., fire broke out on a ranch on Lower Rock Creek Road, south of Paradise. The fire grew within the span of hours to devastating proportions, claiming 40 residences and outbuildings in the communities of Paradise and Swall Meadows.

The fire grew to 100 acres within the first hour. With sustained winds of 50 miles per hour, and gusts up to 75, even 100 miles per hour, the fire grew to 500 acres by the afternoon.

Three hours later, it had grown from 500 to 5,000. Over the night of Feb. 6, into the morning of Feb. 7, the Round Fire burned from 5,000-7,000 acres. With it went 40 residences and outbuildings, 39 in Swall Meadows and 1 in Paradise.

CalFire, Paradise, Wheeler Crest, Bishop, Long Valley and Kern County Fire Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management all responded to the fire.

Remarkably, no residents reported injuries.

“I’m not sure if any of us that stayed later saved our houses, I think it was just where the wind blew,” said resident Janet Hatfield. “My neighbor Dennis [Oakeshott] did everything he could; he stayed as long as we did, if not longer. But the brush was so dry, and the wind was so powerful, I don’t think there’s a lot anyone could have done.” The Oakeshotts’house didn’t survive the fire.

Paradise and Swall Meadows residents saw a tremendous outpouring of support from Mono and Inyo County agencies and individuals. A Gofundme Round Fire relief campaign started by local Amy King raised more than $60,000.

King said simply, “The community is amazing. We’re really lucky to live here.”

 

/from The Sheet Feb. 12/