Some Residents Forced To Flee Applegate Fire Allowed To Return Home
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Some people forced to flee from the path of the Applegate Fire are headed home today, while others wait to see if their homes were spared.
The fire has destroyed six homes and is 30 percent contained.
The homeowners CBS13 talked Friday weren't sure what to expect when they returned home.
"We were in real danger," said Paul Garritty, who lives near the fire.
Garritty arrived at his home Wednesday after the fire broke and the sheriff closed his road.
"I got there at 2:10 where the road was blocked, and he wouldn't let me down the road," said Garritty.
He had no time to rescue his cat or bring any items with him. His wife was out of town when he reached her on the phone.
"I didn't know what to tell her. I said 'I think our house is gone,'" said Garritty.
Neighbor Jerry Billips found his home safe and brought his horse, Shadow, back to familiar territory
Meantime, Garrity headed up his driveway, and seeing his house still standing, his next worry turned to his cat.
After two days in a motel, the reunion with his cat was one is for which he is grateful.