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Neighbors help each other piece their lives back together after the Thomas fire

Leona Mote, left, high-fives Trevor Quirk as a team of volunteers helps sift through the rubble of her home near Ojai that burnt to the ground in the Thomas fire. Among the items recovered were her husband's wedding band, jewelry and part of a coin collection.

Leona Mote, left, high-fives Trevor Quirk as a team of volunteers helps sift through the rubble of her home near Ojai that burnt to the ground in the Thomas fire. Among the items recovered were her husband’s wedding band, jewelry and part of a coin collection.

  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

In Ojai, a sense of community drives a grass-roots fire relief effort.

Upper Ojai relief

Amanda Rogers, left, and her daughter Naomi help sift through the rubble with other volunteers at a burned home in Ojai.

  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Upper Ojai relief

Trevor Quirk, the co-founder of the Upper Ojai Relief Center, cuts away a section of a partially fallen, burned oak tree.

  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Upper Ojai relief

Daniel Vasquez, second from left, receives a hug from Mary Bryan after learning that an Airstream trailer became available for him to live in. His trailer was destoryed in the Thomas fire.

  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Upper Ojai relief

Volunteer Jason Estrada, left, receives donated items from Eric Cheevers of Los Angeles at the Upper Ojai Relief Center.

  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Upper Ojai relief

Trevor Quirk, left, the co-founder of the Upper Ojai Relief Center, greets neighbors Bill Kee, 93, and his wife, Tina, 86. Quirk said Kee helped save his home from burning down by using his tractor to cut a fire line.

  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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