Zaca Fire

Most of us know that our cousin Eric Garcia is a firefighter.

On July 4, a fire was accidentally started near Zaca Lake (click for map) and has burned over 30,000 acres, an equivalent to 43 square miles (by contrast, the city of Santa Barbara, which extends from Montecito to La Cumbre and jumps to include the airport, covers 43.1 square miles). This past week, the Federal Government took command of the firefighting operations. Click here for details on the Zaca Fire.

Eric has been up there virtually the entire time, part of the 1,600+ people fighting the fire. Word is he may be there until August. He came home for 24 hours this past week, and it just so happens that today, July 19, is Eric's 42nd birthday.

Fighting a wildfire can be a dangerous thing, and we have faith that Eric's training and experience, as well as the commanders in charge, keep him safe. In any case, hold him and the other firefighters in your prayers, and save some for Liz and the kids, and the rest of his family.