HAVILLA, Calif. (KGET) — Hundreds of people in Havila were left homeless Saturday as a raging flames quickly spread through the small community, destroying nearly everything.
Not much remains of Havila, with only one main road running through the town. It’s a historic site that dates back to when Abraham Lincoln was president.
Evacuations issued as Borrell Fire burns more than 38,000 acres
The town’s latest chapter was written in a flash.
“I was in hysterics,” resident Crystal Boucher said.
Joe Cricchio lost his home.
“The devastation is unbelievable,” he said.
The Havilah Schoolhouse was built in 1867 and is one of the few buildings still standing today. Firefighters saved the building from a fire that apparently started when embers below the building ignited the deck. Firefighters cut open the porch and put out the blaze in the nick of time.
Video: Havilah home destroyed by Borel fire
Firefighters tried desperately but were unable to respond. Nearly every building was destroyed, including the historic courthouse, which is California’s 100th designated landmark.
“It was beautiful here, but look at this now,” Boucher said.
With historic Havilah burned and now all but wiped off the map, and with plenty of fuel to burn, all eyes will be on the Borrell Fire as it continues to move through the mountains.
