As many of you know by now most of the town of Gates is gone. What we are learning now is that these families were not given any warning. These families were watching the Beachie Fire which was 7 miles away and across the river. They were waiting for a warning that never came. They were notified by neighbors who witnessed the new fire break out from transformers exploding. They received calls from their friends to get out now while they still could. There was no time to pack their belongings. They were not given that level of notice to do that. Most of these people left with just the clothes they were wearing. Nothing more. 




My family lost their home and barely got out. Another family who you may or may not know was the Kent Family. Sabrina Kent is a second grade teacher at the Mill City Elementary School. She has been teaching for 20 years. I have never met someone so kind, selfless and caring. She was my mentor teacher who helped me get certified and is someone I am lucky to call a dear friend. When she heard about the fires she and her husband scrambled to go get her parents out who are neighbors and were right in the thick of the danger. Everyones first thought was get out, get to safety and don’t grab anything. 




Sabrina and her husband Ryan have two sons Asher and Sawyer. Two days ago they learned their home and one of their cars did not make it along with everything they owned and loved inside. Like so many mothers going through this similar situation in the area, her first thought is for her sons and what they lost. Gifts given over the years, hobbies they had saved money for and many personal items they hoped to save from their childhood. Asher lost his guitar and paintball collection and Sawyer lost his gaming systems he saved for. 




I have set up a gofundme for this amazing family and hope that people can help. They would never ask for help themselves but have been put in a position like so many others needing our help in their time of need. 




Here is the link to the gofundme, please share and send positive thoughts and prayers their way. This has been devastating and life will never be the same for them.