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Hit and miss fire: Some LDS suffer loss while others spared

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Matt | 2:47 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Those poor people.

Environmentalists | 3:12 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I am sorry to hear about all the loss of homes and property in Southern Cal.. The fires have been devastating..
But for many years the Environmentalists tree huggers have sued and refused to let home owners clean up dead trees and brush around their homes.. Little animals and owls need natural dead dried fire starting brush to live in.. So they say!
Well, this latest fire destruction has killed more owls and little animals than could have ever died naturally..
But the Environmentalists don't care, and they continue to issue laws to create fire trapped homes..

Mark | 7:45 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

We are thinking and praying for those in California.

Comments continue below

God is no respector of persons | 7:55 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

And unfortunately, neither is fire. It is times like this that I find it highly irrelevant and irreverent to draw the distinction between LDS and non-LDS. Hundreds, if not thousands of people have lost their homes and we have the opportunity to give and serve, regardless of their religious affiliation. The LDS church has the organization and experience to care for their own, no need for a newspaper hundreds of miles away to try and exclude a certain percentage.

editor | 8:27 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Please eliminate the ï¿½support on the wayï¿½ part of your title. I was interested in reading about how and where the support was coming from, unfortunately, like so many Deseret News articles, there was hardly any reference that justifies the title. Please letï¿½s have some good editors to check these deviations and improprieties in proper journalism.

Eric | 8:33 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Somehow, giving the tragedy a "Mormons Affected Too" spin makes it even more devasating, doesn't it? Seriously, is it someone's job at this paper to call Mormons in affected areas just to give their tragedies a parochial, "If one Mormon is affected, they're all affected." twist? One's religion doesn't make anything any more or less poignant; these fires affect Mormons, Jews, Catholics, Agnostics, et. al. in the same way, and a niche story like this only serves as a disservice to all who are affected. It says Mormons only care about other Mormons, when nothing could be further from the truth. Keep this kind of headline confined to Saturday's "Church News".

Been there, done that | 8:36 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

To "Environmentalists": You don't know what you're talking about. People here are REQUIRED to reduce fuels around their properties. But with 70-100 mph wind and exploding eucalyptus trees throwing burning oils hundreds of feet, it is going to burn no matter what. I know. I lived through the last disaster four years ago. It's just what happens. When a fire jumps a 10 lane freeway like it was a little footpath, you can't make a firebreak big enough to stop it.

San Diego LDS | 8:58 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I served as a missionary in Poway and other parts of San Diego about 18 years ago. There are many truly good Latter-day Saints and non-LDS down there. My heart goes out to them for the challenges they face in the months ahead, but I've never met a more strong optimistic people than those in the San Diego area. God bless my brothers and sisters--you are in our thoughts and prayers!

To "God is no respector..." | 9:33 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Amen.

Re: Environmentalists | 10:25 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

If environmentalists had the power to "issue laws" then they probably would have done the right thing and "issued laws" that prohibited home building in such disaster prone areas.

Jamie | 10:35 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I am from Poway, but have since moved to Utah. I was there visiting 4 years ago during the Cedar Fire. And now to see this destruction on such a large scale. I feel very grateful that my friend in Rancho Bernardo did not lose her home, and my brother's home in Poway is safe.

I feel grateful that they are safe, but so sad for the thousands that have lost their homes. This destruction is beyond anything I have seen before in a place I have lived.

Being a member of the LDS Faith in Poway, does make this story very relevant to me. You have to realize how many of us have transplanted, and I feel grateful that the news paper gave us updates so we could know more about our home stake. I hurt for everyone who has lost, but needless to say, I am still concerned about members of the church as well, and I appreciate updates such as this article.

SoCal | 10:36 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

God is not a respecter of persons, but brush fires usually target the wealthier in CA. Who else can afford a cabin house in the mountains or the ability to cut their own piece of land in the middle of the wilderness? There might be a few poor people, but the majority of those suffering with burnt down houses have money.

Re: God is no respecter... | 10:42 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I agree that the religious affiliations of the victims of the fire is irrelevant. It appears to be an indictment on DMN subscribers apathy, or inability to step out of their comfort zones, and take notice what is happening outside their stakes if they don't play the religion card.

Nan | 10:47 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I am always interested in what is happening to members of the Church throughout the world. Even though we are a worldwide Church, we are still a close-knit 'community' and just like family we want to know how our 'brothers and sisters' are doing - whether it is good or bad.

From Fallbrook, CA | 11:01 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

After making sure our ward members in our "districts" were okay, there were many, many people going to help everyone in the community. I can not tell you how many horse trailers and RV's, etc. were driven out of town for people who simply could not do it all. And the men kept going back in to help. I am sure they spent hundreds of dollars in their own gas to help. I am very proud of the way everyone has helped each other in San Diego.

Laura Wirthlin | 11:18 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I am very saddened to see such great destruction and loss of property and lives. This is the time that all need to come together as one -- no matter what religion, race, or culture. We are all God's children -- so that makes us brothers and sisters. "Love thy neighbor as thyself."

Concerned | 11:21 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I wanted to thank Deseret News for taking the time to write this article. I have family down near San Diego and yes they are LDS. I check deseretnews.com everyday because of it's extra added information about those of the LDS faith. Since According to the 2004 count, Utah is 62.4 percent LDS. I imagine it would behove advertisers, writers to market to the largest percent of the population. Thank you for the news Deseret News

Don't Mention Mormons Affected | 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Why? I was thinking ... what if deseret news reported Catholics and protestants affected ... it would be so random for a Utah newspaper to write that. Just like writing "help on the way" in the title when there is nothing in the article about help on the way.

Thanks for the pictures ... if you haven't seen it yet ... check it out now.

I'm from and in san diego and I'm grateful for desnews. I wished I could do more here ....

triSam | 11:37 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Eric
Get a life!!! There is nothing wrong with Deseret news writing a story about the Mormons affected in San Diego. Its probabley the only paper in the country that will. Move to another paper city if you dont like it. Jeezz.

To Eric | 11:37 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

The Deseret News is a local paper that caters to a local population and prints news that the local population is INTERESTED in reading. It so happens that a large portion of the local population are LDS. We are devastated by ALL the people effected by the tragedy in So Cal. But we are particularly interested in our Brothers and Sisters of our faith. There is a "family" element to it. IS there any thing wrong with that? It is what we are interested in reading and subscribe to. If you don't like the article, skip it! If you don't like the Newspaper, they do have a competitor. If they don''t print news you want to read, let them know! But don't tell them to NOT print news we want to read.

I was interested | 11:47 a.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Perhaps I am "irreverent" as "God is no respector of persons" has suggested. We are all aware that there have been literally thousands of people displaced by these fires, but, I am also curious as to how many of these thousands were LDS. Given that the Deseret News is a church owned paper, it doesn't suprise me that they have done a story investigating how the disaster has affected members of the church. I think it only stands to reason. Does it make the disaster any more devastating? No.
It's just more information, that I for one was interested in.

Justin | 12:28 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Thank you for the article. Many of us migrated from San Diego because we couldn't afford homes there. I'm from Poway and know the affected area. Gary Sabin is a good man. Best wishes to all those there.

clovisman | 1:06 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Thank you for the great article. The DMN is read by a lot of people outside of Utah. I am one of them and really appreciate articles like this one. I'm sorry some are offended by articles such as these, it's simply a matter of demographics. I honestly would not be offended by similar articles about catholics in Boston or Baptists in Dallas. It just goes with the territory.

Kyle in AZ | 1:12 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

If you don't like an article about Mormons being put out by a Mormon owned newspaper then perhaps you should read something else. I mean heaven forbid the newspaper report on its own people.

Really... | 1:21 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

the article was based on a population that could be and had been accounted for. I hope we will also hear stories of others, but I'm sure this story was easier to report because the stake president had already gathered the info.
In the meantime, we have the sad but great opportunity to learn from these experiences -- have we got ready what we'd want to/need to take in an emergency? It's made me think!!!

Oceanside Transplant... | 1:33 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Relocated here 3 years ago. Still have family and friends there. There is a risk of fire like this every year around this time and it has become more dangerous as the population in the areas affected has exploded over the last 10 years. I also must say, I am disappointed with some of the comments here too. Of course LDS people care about non-LDS victims of the fires. Yes, Deseret Morning news is LDS-Church owned, so what! Perhaps the reporters could be more inclusive in articles like these. But, let's focus on what's important here, people's lives have been lost and turned upside down. Where's the "How can we help?", instead of the "poor me, I live with Mormons and environmentalists". To all the previous complainers - STOP WORRYING SO MUCH ABOUT YOURSELVES! HUG A TREE (preferably one with an owl residing in it), HUG A NEIGHBOR (any denomination is acceptable), GRAB A SHOVEL AND START HELPING! And if you don't want to be a part of a large LDS community, MOVE OUT OF UTAH! God bless all those affected by this devastation and a special thanks to all the firefighters and those helping.

Response to SoCal | 1:53 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

SoCal, your comments are ignorant. I live in the Poway Stake and most people who lost there homes cannot "afford a cabin house in the mountains". They are people with normal incomes who were devastated by a fire that raged through middle class neighborhoods. The topography of this area is such that you can live almost anywhere and still be in danger when the conditions are like they have been this week. Thanks to all of you have prayed for the people of San Diego. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and concern.

Yeah...Move out of Utah | 2:38 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

That will solve everyone's problems!

duoy! | 2:43 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I haven't read the comments above so I am sure that someone pointed this out...but what does being mormon have to do with the fires? What a disservice to journalism and society in general when a newspaper isolates a small population of people in an even that has affected millions...sounds extremely ignorant! God bless those affected by this catastrophe, mormons and all. Hey, I vote that we change the name of this paper from the deseret news the mormonet news?!?

Trout-P | 3:10 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

So sad by all this. I love San Diego. I will have one question for "Father" though. How is it that one person gets his home burned and the one next door doesn't. How is, that one person has more trials than can be imagined, and another person, things they touch turn to gold always. How is it that one person pays their tithing and gets financial blessings galour, and yet, another person pays their tithes and they get nothing financially? I have yet had a Bishop, or a Stake President able to answer that question? They all say, you'll just have to ask "Father" in the next life? Well, I hope I make it there so I can ask? But I sure would like to have an answer now while I'm going on the trails and trails of life on this Earth now? Why? Some can do no wrong, and others are Jinxed? No answer I quess in the life?
Did I screw-up in the pre-existence and miss too many meetings are something?

God bless all those that have lost everything in San Diego area, my heart goes out to you all. Where can I donate my help?

Robert | 3:27 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I find the hate and anger that are spewing from the mouths of some people about this article disturbing. Lets focus on the people affected by this tradgedy and not look for things in the article to take offense from.

Karl | 3:34 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

why demographics are important: It stands to reason those of affiliated with different organizations, will report on their organizations successes and their organizations failures. No one is saying that that organizations people are more important than another. It really is just the same as a local politician who reaches out to his or her base and constituents. He wants to know what their needs and wants are. Newpapers help leaders of their orginizations direct leadership not just for their own, but for all involved that can be helped. If your family was mormon living in san diego it would be important for you to know that quite possibly you may have family who may have had a house burnt down there, and other religions report on their organizations neeeds and wants as well. Mormons are not the only ones. That my friends is why demographics are important. Demographics identify all involved, many times for specific concerned people wondering about their families and friends in that organization. In turn getting in touch with their involved people, they also communicate the needs of others around them, not just "every man for him self". Thus keeping people connected with each others news briefs

Karl | 3:57 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

this answer is for my friend Trout-p: I have a response just for you. Please listen. The question posed was "How is it that one person pays their tithing and gets financial blessings galour, and yet, another person pays their tithes nd they get nothing financially? Ok, I only have one real anwer to this question, and it has to do with the teachings of the temple. We don't just pay tithing, we pay fast offerings. This is just my opinion, that i believe that Heavenly father wants his children to excercise thir agencyfor good for the behalf of others not so fortunate. Your response is perfect to what he designs "Where can i donate my help" Your not donating a handout, your donating help, your enabling power to enable someone else to rise from the dust literally without you doing it for them. we become saviors of men when we enable people to pick themselves up by their bootstraps. Their is a hidden blessing there for you as well. I believe they are their for us to bless, we learn compassion. we learn what true service is. Where would you be my friend without anyone to serve? nowhere.

I agree.... | 4:07 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Obviously this is a major tragedy and has left thousands of people homeless. I agree with the people that have previously posted...I just don't understand the point of this article. Why point out the religous beliefs of those that are suffering. Does it really matter?? How many Catholics, Hindu, Muslims are now homeless?

Dumb

The church is good! | 4:10 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I admire how organized these people are in natural crisis...but as the Lamanites or native americans have been saying for years..why would it seem so unbelievable but they, even now through the Hopi and Yakama warn of near impending doom concerning global warming, loss of pristine water and the reawakening of dormant valcanoes. Mother earth is telling us something as all things are connected. The people who did this have done so much destruction that it rivals Iraq in property damage and is really a miracle that more human lifes weren't lost. Thanks once again for all the help and it is good to hear of good people helping other human beings. It is going to take the faith of us all no matter what idealogy , religion, race to get through this one! /Walk in beauty, with it all around you , good people!

and yet... | 4:39 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

I bet most of you complaining about the distinction of LDS suffering loss too, wouldn't be complaining about it if the article had been about Catholics, etc.

Reader | 4:44 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

The "why do they focus on LDS victims?" comments here are sooooo predictable. It is a newspaper's job to cover news relevant to the majority of its readers. Do you think newspapers in Rome give coverage of other religions equal status with coverage of Catholicism and the Vatican? Some of these comments here are nothing more than thinly disguised religious intolerance toward the LDS Church. So predictable and so tiresome. If you don't want to read about it, find some other news source-- the Los Angeles Times, the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Move on | 5:58 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

People are losing homes, lives being changed. Get off the DMN for reporting and getting information out.

Christian Science Monitor is not reporting about Wikkins or Hindus.

Get on with your lives.

PARKCITY | 6:00 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

to those who cant believe a newspaper would report on what mormons in san diego are doing and not on [insert whatever other religion]

you must not have seen how many more people have clicked on and read this story than the other stories on the online edition today

CB | 6:21 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

For your information "I agree"...and others. The article points out the beliefs of these people because Mormons are a tight knit group that is concerned with each other--just like you would be concerned about your family. I would hope that other religions are the same, if not then I'm sorry for them. Of course Mormons are concerned about ALL of the victims, but they have a special interest in their "own kind". So get over it!

Ownership of the paper | 10:08 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Just an important point----the DN is owned by the LDS Church. So if the paper wants to write all of the articles about Mormans ---that is the paper and the church's right.

Frankly if you don't want to read stories about Mormans then don't read a Morman owned paper.

Re: Environmentalists | 11:10 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

Any and all areas are prone to disasters of one kind or another. So doing the "right thing" as one reader put it, and outlawing building in disaster prone areas is a pretty lame statement.

Pay-less in San Diego | 11:34 p.m. Oct. 25, 2007

This fire not only effects those who lost their home to the fire.
It will effect so many more, who have LOST their employment and livelyhood, in the San Diego area.

The lucky ones are those who will only be short one or two weeks pay this month.

At this time there is no unemployent, or "time off pay" for a Very, VERY, LARGE part of San Diegan's who will not receive their pay checks this week or next week.
There is no emergency aide , or FEMA for a many, many of us very lucky ones.
Yes, we are so very luck we still have our home.
Please be aware that "almost" everyone in San Diego is effected in some way.(This is not sarcasim, but a just something else to be aware of)
We, lucky one, will share our resources with our less lucky, family members and friends.

Starz4 | 12:05 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

My family and I just moved to Utah from Escondido, another area hit by the fires. My husbands family lives in Poway, and we are happy to know that we can find out about other members that we may know and what their status is during the fire storm. We have spent much time the last few days on the phone and email with friends and family that were being evacuated. At least these families still have each other. My daughter found out that one of her old teachers and her husband were found dead in their home in Escondido.

Alan Robinson | 12:27 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

To the persom who wonders why some are blessed and some are not, the answer is simple. Paying tithing or whatever has NOTHING to do with it. Those who are successful seem to think that they are blessed while the others are not. Life is simply what happens to you. Does anyone really think that God has the time to help Johnny with his ball game??? Come on people!!

Dark Horse | 1:17 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

Dear D News:

Is this essentially your notice that you are quitting the respectable-newspaper business? Can you imagine, say, the LA Times running a story on how many Baptists were affected by the fires?

I find it hard to believe that any Mormon worth his or her salt makes religious distinctions during events like these. I really don't understand why you feel you have to.

Conejo | 3:42 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

Perhaps some of you missed the point. There are some who would have you believe that if you are a faithful believer in God then such tragedies pass you by. If something bad happens then you must be doing something wrong. The fact that there are people of ALL walks of life who have been affected shows the error in such thinking. One person will curse God for this fire and another will praise him for his mercy. I wonder which one lost their house? I suspect the some answers may surprise.

Forrest | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

I'm surprised how many people feel a need to belittle others, including the newspaper article writers, because they take offense at a word or phrase. Are you so perfect that you cannot tolerate the rest of us?

Rob | 7:41 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

To TroutP. I think going through hard things in life help us to understand what others are going through. It helps us to be more compassionate and understanding about others. It can make others bitter but I know we do become better people along the way. I know I wish sometimes that things would be easier but then not often enough I remember to count my blessings.
I thing all of us are praying for those in Southern California. I cannot believe that many homes have been burned. I have not heard about the businesses but I know that info will come later. I think if we look for ways to help those there with financial assistance, time, prayers etc. that is the best thing.

Pay-less in San DIego | 7:59 a.m. Oct. 26, 2007

Out of 6 family members, 3 will be "short" on pay. One,has NO job to go back to.
One family member, showed up for work on Tuesday, (Monday, the were all sent home early to packup to evacuate)her boss came in P.J's and fuzzy slippers. But, his surf board was saved and packed in his car. "Only in California."

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8 photos

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Poway California Stake President Gary Sabin stands and surveys the burned remains of one of his neighbors homes that was burned in the California fires.

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Hit and miss fire: Some LDS suffer loss while others spared

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Hit and miss fire: Some LDS suffer loss while others spared