Other Fire

[whiteraven]

Nobody likes fire. But I used to live a block or so from a place that burned nearly to the ground in one of the biggest fires in US history. Over 150 people died.

They had to close the hospitals because the number of victims being brought in was so high.

The makeshift morgue was just up the street and refrigerated trucks carried bodies from the site all night and the following day. I knew the coroner and deputy coroner - I did volunteer work with them for the city.

Sirens all night long. A secondary explosion that looked like a mushroom cloud.

I had serious problems for years after. Lots of triggers. I'm better, but I still react strongly to certain things.

There was fire in our community this afternoon. I got notified by email at work - but there were no details, just that they were aware there was an "emergency" and that the fire department, air care, and the Red Cross were on site. I totally panicked. I didn't know whether it was my building or not and I don't care about my stuff, but I have 2 cats that are my world.

It wasn't my building and we are fine. But I'm still feeling really scared.

 

[Freida]

Of course you panicked! I would have too if I was living a possible rerun of such a horrible time. I'm not surprised that it hit you so hard. Time for some good self care and grounding practices. And maybe a call to your t?

 

[whiteraven]

Of course you panicked! I would have too if I was living a possible rerun of such a horrible time. I'm...

Thanks, @Freida. It's good to have some validation. This - the fire when I was younger - doesn't seem like it "should" be traumatic, esp. so many years (decades, really) longer. I'm doing better this morning, although still reluctant to leave my cats today.