A staggering 89 members of Vacaville, Calif, Local 1245 found nothing but ash and rubble left of their homes when they were allowed to return to the scene of the Camp Fire, the most devastating and deadly fire in state history. All of the local's members and families survived, but the material losses and emotional toll are incalculable. "The fire was everywhere, things were blowing up all around us," said 10-year member Brian Clarke, whose destroyed home in Paradise is pictured bottom right. "We got out with the animals and the clothes on our backs, and that's it… The last thing I saw was the 'Welcome to Paradise' sign burning up in flames," he told Local 1245's Utility Reporter. Writing about the massive restoration effort, Business Manager Tom Dalzell said members are working "from dawn to dusk, and sometimes more, seven days a week," in horrible air quality and rain, living away from their families in a temporary camp. "The jocularity that is a part of everyday life on the crews isn't seen," he said. "The destruction and loss of life and property make for a somber workplace." For 15-year member Steve Lange, who grew up in Paradise, working in the ruins of his beloved hometown has been wrenching. "This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do for PG&E, hands down," he said, pictured at left as he gave his local an interview. "I see what was my church across the street, gone. I've seen the house that I grew up in, gone. I see my elementary school, gone. I see the places where I had my first kiss, where I met my friends, all gone." Read more about members affected on Local 1245's website at bit.ly/IBEW1245CampFire. You'll also find a link to a GoFundMe page for affected IBEW families.

Restoration crew photos by John Storey, courtesy of Local 1245.