They had 30 minutes to evacuate. My good family friends, Hannah, Jean, and Steve Brown used that 30 minutes to get their three dogs and two cats secured into their crates, load their dog beds, pet food, and medications into the back of their truck. It took AN HOUR to get off the mountain. Imagine being stuck in 405-style traffic while the hills smolder in the not-too-far off distance. Fire surrounded them and explosions from gas tanks and trees were truly frightening.Bennett Road was the only open road. All family heirlooms and art were lost in the blaze and their house flattened… everything except part of a white picket fence that they planned on taking out in the spring. The Browns feel very blessed, for they did get off the mountain. They have been staying in a motel just outside of Redding. We’re all pretty blessed, if you think about it. So if you can find it in your heart to donate what you can so that the Brown Family can start to move on and rebuild, I’d be very thankful. Much love to you and yours in the holiday season to come.