Ray Shokaford Gives Status of Fires at Follows Camp

September 27, 2002, the following email was sent from Ray S. at Follows Camp giving Eva Harris the update on the Fires at Follows Camp:  

September 27, 2002, 

Hi Eva
     The changing wind brought the fire back to Follows Camp. On Sunday we had to evacuate. They saved the Camp but all around us has been burned. I was there a few hours ago, they were still setting back fires to keep fire from approaching the camp.
They are talking to close the Angeles National Forest for the whole fire season to non residents and no one knows when that season ends. We are talking to the authorities to make sure the Camp and restaurant can stay open or at least they let people come up with reservation.
Highway 39 is a state hwy. and Follows Camp is a private facility. I was told it would be difficult to keep us from having our BBQ event. I will keep you posted as soon as I know more.
Our people are still in shelters and we may not be able to go back till beginning of next week. Sorry if I have not been able to answer individual inquiries.
Big hug, Ray
 

October 01, 2002, the following email was sent from Ray S. at Follows Camp providing a final  update on the Fires at Follows Camp:  

October 01, 2002, 

Hello everyone
       We are back in business. The power has just been restored and our residents are moving back home.
The Forest Service has agreed that they only let people come up the hill if they are coming to Follows Camp, Camp Williams or the River Community, the 3 businesses on the hill, so

the November 8 & 9 Southern California State Championship BBQ Cook-Off is on

Please call in (626-910-0010), send a fax (626-910-1550) or e-mail me at (FollowsCamp@AOL.com), a note to register. I will see to it that we would also have a registration form on our website.
Because of the circumstances due to the fire, we will give everyone the early registration discount. I will try to give every team the same space that they had in the Go For the Gold Cook-Off in August. Hope to see you soon.

Regards, Ray