CHICO, California — After losing everything in the park fire, Don Andrews, a local bulldozer operator, is still working to help his community.

“It never touched you until it happened to you, and now that it’s happened to us, I understand that look, I understand what people are like when they get away with nothing. They’re lucky to get away with their lives,” Andrews said.

On July 26, Don and his wife, Debbie Andrew, had their home in Cohasset engulfed in flames from the Park Fire while they were working to fight the Etna fire. His wife was able to escape with their three dogs, but not much else was left.

“Well, it was our retirement home and we paid cash for practically every nail and board in it and planned to stay there for a while,” Don said.

Don is used to going through tragic events, as the day he lost his home was the anniversary of a tragic incident that resulted in a hospital stay.

“I was one of the bulldozers that burned in the CARR fire. I had to spend some time in the hospital and had physical problems. It was a traumatic moment,” said Don.

He and his wife are struggling to cope with the loss of their home, but Don is grateful that his job keeps him busy.

“You hope you can save someone else’s house, business, animals or whatever. It’s so distracting that you don’t focus on yourself, you know? There are always bigger things out there,” Don said.

If you would like to support Don and Debbie and help them process this traumatic experience, you can donate to their GoFundMe campaign linked here.