Ojai homes, property among destruction of Thomas Fire
The destructive Thomas Fire claimed homes in Ojai. On the outskirts of town, along Ojai Santa Paula Road, some made it. Others have been left with nothing.
The Ojai Prayer Farm was also reduced to rubble. Flames destroying the mountaintop retreat and the avocado orchards that surrounded it.
On Highwinds Road Tom and Linda Darter are counting their blessings. They’re home is standing but many of their neighbors have lost everything.
“We’re going to miss our friends,” Tom said. “We saw it coming. Our neighbors just had to get out quick. In fact they didn’t have any time.”
The Darter’s were on their way to get propane and gas in town. The power is still out. Southern California Edison crews are working on fixes but it’s taking time. Power poles snapped in half as the fire ripped through the Ojai Valley. The lines were hanging on trees.
The air quality remains unhealthy in and around Ojai.
