Aftermath

I know it has been a while since I updated my blog.  I would like to start with where I left off.

     When I woke up Monday morning, after only sleeping a couple of hours, I was still very concerned about my house.  I was hearing that the worst of the fire was over and that we may be able to get a police escort to go out to our house and grab a few things.  I went down to Herriman City Hall and requested a police escort out to the house.  We were then able to go, under escort, to our house.
     Can I tell you what a relief it was to see our house was still there.  From the outside our house looked good.  You could not see any damage.  But when we walked into our house the smell was absolutely overwhelming.  You could also see ash near doors and windows.  I knew it was going to take some serious clean up to fix the house.  I was also worried about taking Jace back into a smoke/ ash filled house with his asthma.
     After we grabbed a few things we were escorted back out of our neighborhood and the evacuated area.  We went back to my moms house and called our home insurance company.  We told them of the damage.  They were really great.  They lined up a hotel for us and the clean up crews for the house.  By Monday night they lifted the evacuation and allowed people back into their homes. We went and met the clean up crew at the house.  They were wiping the walls down and you could see the black that was on our walls (this was shown on the local news).  They told us the clean up would take about a week.
     I was very surprised at how many things went into the cleaning up of a house near a fire.  They had to remove everything permeable from the house.  They took every piece of clothing (ties, belts, shoes)  towels, bedding, shower curtains, rugs, etc. etc. out and sent them for cleaning.  I was amazed at how gutted my house was.  They then had clean up crews come in.  They cleaned the house, air ducts/ ac/ furnace,  floors, etc.
     During the clean up there were still a lot of firefighters, police, etc. in our neighborhood.  The fire was still burning on the back side of the mountain and there was a potential that it would circle around again and cause us to be re evacuated.  We all prayed a lot.  Luckily the fire did not come back again and they had it completely out by Friday (the fire started on Sunday).

I must also include in this post my experiences with the Army during this time.  On Tuesday the army took full responsibility for starting the fire and said that they were going to take care of the expenses incurred by the fire.  They set up a claims number for people with damage to call.  I called on Tuesday and reported my house.  They sent military officers out to my house on Wednesday.  These officers were really compassionate they told me how sorry they were for the fire and the stress it has caused everyone.  They also took note of the damage done to my house.  Since this time I have been to the claims office a couple of times.  Every single person has been great to work with.  The military did pay for all of the damage done to my house.  I am thankful that they took responsibility for their actions.

     After most of the cleanup was completed we returned home.  This was on Saturday night (almost a week after the crazy fire had started).  Then there was all of the stuff being delivered back from the cleaners.  Holly Molly this took forever to put everything back.  It seriously was like we were moving again.  Finally we got settled back into our house.
     I know I will never ever forget this fire and all of the experiences that went along with it.  As a family we learned a lot.  I have gained a new appreciation for what really is important.  Things can be replaced....even though it would be very tough emotionally.  Family is everything.  We are so grateful for everyone who helped save our house, neighborhood, and community.