Laguna Fire Survivors Find Much to Be Thankful For : Celebration: Though many lost homes, none were killed or hurt. Now thoughts turn to new beginnings.

Fire and mud may have damaged or destroyed their homes, but many survivors of the recent devastation felt a special joy and appreciation as they prepared Wednesday to spend Thanksgiving Day with family and friends or at community events.

“I think this is probably one of the most powerful Thanksgivings in my life,” said City Councilman Robert F. Gentry, who lost his home in the Oct. 27 fire. “I am deeply grateful and deeply thankful I have my family and I have a future.”

There is even humor in the midst of the community’s sadness.

“We’re going to cook turkey and hopefully not burn it,” Gentry joked. “No more burning. We’re not sure about a fire in the fireplace. We’re not quite ready for that. It may have to wait for Christmas.”

Gentry, like many burned-out residents, planned to host dinner for family and friends at his newly rented home.

Although the wildfire destroyed 366 homes and caused more than $400 million in damage, no one was killed or injured, something that many people reflected upon as they prepared their holiday meals.

“I’m not burned. I’m not sitting in a burn unit somewhere,” said fire survivor David Horne, who had just bought a new barbecue grill, turkey, yams and potato masher for the dinner he was planning for family and neighbors who lost their homes. “It’s something to be thankful for.”

Jay Grant, who lost his Canyon Acres home, said his family is looking forward to celebrating the holiday.

“We have a lot to be thankful for,” Grant said. “No one was hurt in the fire. We’re thankful for the huge outpouring of love and generosity and concern and support we’ve received. We’re thankful to God for the fact we can rebuild.”

Grant and his family received several invitations for Thanksgiving dinner, and will spend the day with a close friend and family members in Laguna Beach.

“It’s certainly a different kind of celebration,” Grant continued. “Before, we could celebrate what we had been given. Now we’re celebrating a new beginning. You hate to lose what we’ve lost. But we don’t feel hopeless in any sense of the word.”

Community groups and local restaurants planned meals for fire survivors or anyone else in need.

Volunteers from the Episcopal Service Alliance of Laguna Beach handed out turkeys and food baskets Wednesday to several fire survivors, as well as the low-income families the organization traditionally helps. The Laguna Fire Relief Coalition distributed food to burned-out residents from a newly opened food bank on North Coast Highway.

“I’m thankful the community has really pulled together to help the people who did lose their houses,” said Doug Landrum, spokesman for the Laguna Fire Relief Coalition. “I’m really thankful for the spirit of the town that has always been there. Laguna has always been a really small community where everyone knows everybody else.”

Meanwhile, a highlight of the day was expected at the traditional Thanksgiving potluck at Bluebird Park. Volunteers started the event years ago as a feast for the homeless, but it has since grown to include anyone who needs a place to celebrate Thanksgiving. This year, fire survivors were invited as well, but they don’t have to bring a dish.

About 200 people were expected at the annual RUFF (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends) benefit banquet today for the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. The benefit was on as usual at Tivoli Terrace Restaurant despite post-fire flooding and a mudslide that damaged the Irvine Bowl next door. Dinner was being offered free to fire victims.

In Emerald Bay, fire survivors were being treated to a special feast, courtesy of their neighbors who were spared by the fire.

Neighbors chipped in money and their services for the dinner. About 225 people are expected.

“One thing we didn’t want them to have to worry about is where they were going to have Thanksgiving dinner,” organizer Tom Megonigal said.

Megonigal, whose home had a close call during the fire, hopes the catered feast will be a chance for fire refugees to share their emotions, problems and solutions.

“It’s a celebration,” he said. “We did lose 61 homes here. It was devastating. We’re not talking houses, we’re talking homes. But even with all the devastation, we didn’t have one injury and we didn’t have one death. At least we have each other.”