I as well as thousands of others watched in amazement as an accidental fire caused by a local 10 year old playing with matches consumed brush, trees, homes and whatever lay in its path. Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters some of these homes could not escape its wrath. The Buck weed fire raged on through Agua Dulce and wound its way through Bouquet Canyon.
What we did not know as we watched in shock were the stories of sheer terror, heroism, and Miracles going on behind the scenes. As the local networks and local hometown radio KHTS 1220 A.M. gave us play by play we where all unaware of those families, friends, and neighbors who had to flee for their lives some grabbed valuables and material possessions and others thought only of the welfare of others as we are now learning in the fire's aftermath.
Sometimes it takes a tragedy or other event such as this to bring out the best in us. You never know what you are capable of until you are put to the test
One of those stories of thinking of others before themselves is that of Jim Tindell the equestrian manager for Heads-up a therapeutic facility for special needs children. The facility was being overrun with fire as Jim desperately rounded up horses to escape the fire. He was able to save the horses but suffered 2nd a third degree burns as a result. It is truly a "miracle" he was not killed in the fire. He is currently in Grossman Burn center in Sherman Oaks.
Jim's selfless act saved the lives of these horses, but is it more than that. These horses are an intricate part of the lives of the kids who are dependent on them for their therapy. They are the lifeblood of the magic that occurs at this facility. Although I do not know Jim I am certain he did not weigh all of the factors above in deciding to save these beautiful animals. He just did what he instinctively had to do to save their lives! After taking his family out of the immediate danger he returned back to the compound to save the horses.
I watched on television as a herd of horses appeared from nowhere running majestically along the mountainous ridge-line escaping the fire to safer ground. The cameraman zooming in on this brief moment of peace and majesty as these creatures faded from view. This moment we all briefly shared as a global community may have been the very horses set free by Jim Tindell. We may never know the answer however it was an incredible sight to witness and one that will be etched in my mind for years to come..
To Jim Tindell and all of the heroes we may or may not learn about from these fires. I would like to say thank you for your selfless acts. You are beacons of hope, shining examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things putting others before themselves. May your wounds heal and your family be comforted in the weeks ahead.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to people such as yourself. God bless you.
This Thanksgiving holiday take a moment to "give thanks" to the individuals around us both locally and abroad who protect us in times of need. And for the miracles people often attribute to "good luck"
A video of the story can be found on CBS 2 by clicking here heads up therapy ranch
Update: The 10 year old child playing with matches who unwittingly started this fire will not be charged.
I also learned of the "heroes" who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those local families who have loved ones presently in harms way. Click here for blue star moms santa clarita
This is a list of local heroes here in Santa Clarita. This list grows daily so check back often. This of course does not cover every hero in Santa Clarita, some are Mom's, Dad's, teachers, etc.... that I may never meet and will not make this list. These are just the heroes I have encountered in my walk. If you have someone you know that you would like to have included in this list please let me know about them. I would love to include them in this list. Many do small things daily we often overlook, most do things expecting nothing in return. These individuals and what they do MATTER!. I want them all to know there deeds do not go unnoticed.
All views, opinions, observations are strictly my own, unless stated otherwise, and do not reflect the views of Keller Williams VIP Properties.
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