“Kimberly Price, forced to leave as the Dixie fire approached, witnesses the destruction of her hometown, a place she cherished for decades.”
Kimberly Price never imagined she’d have to leave her cherished hometown of Greenville in California’s Sierra Nevada. Yet, as the winds pushed the raging Dixie fire toward the small town, she was urged to flee by her partner, John Hunter. Price, who had called Greenville home for most of her life, reluctantly packed her things. The town, known for its close-knit community and historic Gold Rush roots, was no longer safe.
Amidst the smoke and flames, Price drove away from the place where she had built her life, from the home she inherited from her grandparents, the butterfly bushes and cherry trees she lovingly cared for, and the memories made with her grandchildren. Just one hour later, the town was gone.
Greenville, with a population of around 1,000, was overrun by fire, destroying much of the town’s historic downtown, including the hotel, bar, and the Hunter Ace Hardware store that had been in her family for years. In the wake of the devastation, Greenville joins the growing list of northern California towns destroyed by fire, such as Paradise and Berry Creek.
The Dixie fire continues to ravage the region, now recorded as the largest wildfire in California’s history. Firefighters, aided by aircraft, are fighting relentlessly to protect nearby rural communities, but the battle is ongoing. Thick smoke continues to challenge their efforts, but hope remains as crews strive to prevent further destruction.
