Woodland Waters Subdivision Came Close to Burning Last Night
My husband and I learned a hard lesson yesterday. As we were having lunch in our lanai, we smelled smoke and then sa little embers flying. We went out to the front and saw to the southeast of our home a huge plume of fire. There was defintely a fire burning, not too far from our home. This was about 1:30 p.m. Soon after there were many fire engines, sheriff's and emergency rescue.
Evidently someone decided to burn their garbage. They not only burned their garbage, but about 90 acres and put homes in the Woodland Waters subdivision in jeopardy. We were told that we had to evacuate initially. Having never thought of having to evacuate on a moment's notice, what do you grab? We grabbed personal papers, personal items, tolietries, some clothes, and most importantly, my pets' and their stuff. We have several vehicles and a boat, which do we leave. We decided to hook the boat to the truck and I would take a car. I felt pretty numb like I was going through a fire drill at school. After another two hours, they told us we should be prepared to leave but it was still voluntary. We felt we had a better chance of staying until we were told it was mandatory, and luckily, the firemen got in under control and we stayed.
Residents that were not home, were not allowed into the subdivision. My friend told them her dog was in there and they told her she could not go in. This is a terrible feeling and lucky for us nothing happened. My hearts go out to the many people who have faced these trajedies recently. However, this is one that did not have to happen, but some ignorant person decided to burn garbage and not only burn down our beautiful forest, but put peoples' lives and homes at risk.
How prepared are you should something natural or unnatural occur near you? Give it some consideration and have a plan.
ELSIE KEMPSEY
Team Tropic Hernando/Tropic Shores Realty
352-428-5232 or Julie at 352-442-9386