Thanks to Firefighters

* An open letter to Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper and all the other courageous firefighters:

We are certain that we reflect the sentiments of the entire Upper Ojai community, which owes its appreciation to the Ventura County Fire Department and the 1,400 other fine firefighters who joined with them in fighting the devastating Ranch fire.

Thanks to their efforts, the blaze was quickly and adroitly addressed, controlled and extinguished.

Fanned by Santa Ana winds from the east and fueled by arid brush, the fire spread quickly and fiercely. Upper Ojai became a battle zone. Firefighters from the entire state were summoned in a quick and orderly response to Ojai’s distress call. With the assistance of sheriff’s deputies, area residents were alerted early to prepare for evacuation, and many families were safely relocated in the early hours of the morning.

Under Chief Roper’s keen judgment and astute response, firefighters were deployed to strategic locations and formed protective ranks to defend several schools and residences. Only one home was lost.

Once the fire was contained and properties secured, the constant hum of helicopters filled the air. Their sound was comforting and reassuring as the helicopters doused the remaining flames and continued their endless vigil, locating hot spots and extinguishing them over the next several days.

All these courageous men and women should be congratulated, with a special salute to Chief Roper. All are heroes in our book.

THE RUSH FAMILY

High Winds Ranch

Ojai