Exhaustion, Desperation, Humor at Calistoga Evacuation Center

Photos: Evacuated residents took refuge at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga. Many brought their own tents and RVs for shelter. Credit: All photos by Al Francis, NapaSonomaPhotos.com
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Residents who fled the Valley Fire literally ran for their lives. Some left so fast they didn’t even grab their cell phones, leaving them without a lifeline to family and friends. The Red Cross is working on communications for people to reach out to family.

As many as 1,000 people ended up at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga, opened as an evacuation center by the Red Cross. They streamed in throughout the night andby Sunday evening had turned into a small town of its own.

Generous residents poured into the fairgrounds carrying food, beverages, clothing, diapers, tents, sleeping bags--whatever the evacuees need. In fact, people have been so generous that no more donations are needed.

• Valley Fire: “Huge Destruction. Homes Destroyed Will Be in Hundreds” (Sunday Photos from Middletown)
• Valley Fire Roars Through 40,000 Acres in 12 Hours