I just returned from what was supposed to be a peaceful vacation, but it quickly turned into something far more intense—my first experience with a West Coast wildfire during the Davis Fire in Nevada. As we drove towards Rosemary Meadows Equestrian, where I had the pleasure of creating their website last year, the sight of the smoke in the air hit hard. The photos I took show just how thick the smoke was, and the reality of how fragile our environment can be was impossible to ignore.
The first week of our vacation was filled with anxious monitoring of evacuation alerts. My partner even jumped in to help ferry horses to safer areas when the smoke became unbearable. It was incredible to see the community come together so swiftly, with neighbors, ranchers, and volunteers all pitching in to move livestock to safety.
One of the most surreal moments was watching wild horses flee from the fire, galloping through the haze, a powerful reminder of the rawness of nature.
@starringrach Heading back into the hills on Geiger Grade earlier today. Video from Facebook / Shawn Williams #davisfire #renonv #feralhorses #wildhorses ♬ original sound - ✨ Rachel ✨
Thankfully, after several days of uncertainty, the weather improved, and the incredible first responders, firefighters, and local heroes managed to contain the fire. Driving through the blackened desert afterwards, seeing the stark red of the fire retardant and hearing stories from locals who had lived through fires before, was a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life.
Photo Credit:https://mynews4.com/news/local/air-attack-crucial-in-fighting-the-davis-fire-helicopters-aircraft-
Coming from the humid climates of the Philippines and Massachusetts, this was a deeply eye-opening experience. It also forced me to ask myself a hard question: How prepared am I for an emergency? The event underscored the importance of having a solid plan in place for when the unexpected happens.
The next few weeks in my art studio will be spent reflecting on this experience and the wild beauty of nature, horses, and the strength of the communities who stand together during times of crisis. I’m grateful my dogs are safe, and I’m left with a newfound respect for those who face natural disasters head-on.
To anyone who lives in areas prone to wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters—stay prepared, stay safe, and remember, communities are stronger together.