JULY 26, 2024 UPDATE:
In the latest community update from Partha Das, we learned that the Saranagati Village residents will be permitted to return to the area on Saturday, July 27th, for a four-hour window. During this time, they can assess the damage better, check on the status of their homes, water their gardens, etc.
The latest damage assessment is that six homes and 12 structures were lost to the fire. Some of those structures may have been small cabins (i.e., houses). The temple, goshala, and school were all preserved. The cows are still being cared for at a safe location but missing their home. It’s hoped they can return soon along with the other residents. “Our next steps will be damage estimates, infrastructure inspection (water systems, water testing, roads, fences, equipment), and fundraising for repairs, which will start soon,” said Partha Das.
According to fire officials, the Shetland Creek Fire blackened 23,000 hectares (56,800 acres) and is still not fully contained. However, it has not shown significant growth in the last few days, thanks in part to cooler weather. The lower temperatures and winds have helped the nearly 200 firefighters who have been fighting this blaze, assisted by twelve helicopters and 29 pieces of heavy equipment.
Twelve devotees from Saranagati just completed a two-day training course that equipped them to assist with the “mop up,” which entails locating smoldering areas and ensuring they are fully extinguished. “Additionally, they will be “cold trailing,” which involves going over nearly 1,000 acres on one’s hands and knees, feeling the ground to find small embers that could flare up in dry, windy weather,” said Partha Das. “If all goes well, an unofficial estimate is that we may be allowed to return by next Friday (August 2nd).”
The residents would like to thank all the devotees who have expressed their concern and offered support and prayers.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/latest-updates-on-saranagati-village-fire-7-26-24/
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