Community trying to bounce back after Detwiler Fire
MARIPOSA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Whether you start your morning with a cup of coffee or a trip to the gym before work, you count on that sense of routine to get your day started. But last week thousands of evacuees were wondering if and when they would even be able to return to their homes.
Sparing the town of Mariposa the Detwiler Fire continues to burn in the county, but the community devastated by the flames still manages to show their resilience.
"They're just trying to, you know, hope for the best. You know-- see the light at the end of the tunnel kind of thing," said Heather Stovall of the Sugar Pine Cafe.
In the heart of town you can find Stovall serving comfort food at the Sugar Pine Cafe. Even though she, her daughter, and pet dog were forced to leave their homes as the flames inched closer to town. She calls herself one of the lucky ones.
"I came home to find out that I still had a home. That was a great feeling-- I wasn't sure if I was going to. The fire got within half a mile of my home."
The four days Stovall spent out of her home also meant four days out of work.
"It's going to be tough to pay bills next month, but well bounce back."
Local state and federal agencies have representatives in town helping people get back on their feet. The services range from monetary assistance to counseling.
"They seem in very good spirits and I'll tell you, folks come here to bring whatever they have in their homes to help," said Arthur Hopkins, Connecticut.
Hopkins came from Connecticut to donate his time and talents.
"I'm very happy that I have my health and the time to volunteer."
Hopkins is one of 140 volunteers responding from throughout the nation to this disaster.
"I hope that my children and grandchildren follow in my footsteps."
The shelter manager of one of two Red Cross locations still open said he is inspired by the sense of community.
Red Cross shelters do not have a set closure date as they plan to be open as long as there is a need.
