VIDEO/PHOTOS: July 23rd marked seven years since the start of the devastating Carr Fire of 2018. The blaze burned nearly 230,000 acres and tragically took the lives of eight people. They were Don Smith, Daniel Bush, Andrew Brake, Jairus Ayeta, Melody Bledsoe, James Roberts, Emily Roberts and Redding firefighter Jeremy Stoke. Jeremyโs then-wife, Alyson Stoke, told KRCR about her memories of Jeremy.
โHe was wonderful. He was loving, he was caring, he was fun, he was a hard worker,โ Alyson said. โHe loved this community, he loved his job, he loved his department, he loved his family. His laughโฆI can still hear his laugh every single day.โ Since his passing, Jeremyโs legacy has continued on through the Jeremy Stoke Legacy Fire Foundation, which gives back to the community through scholarships for students going through the fire academy in Shasta and Siskiyou counties. Fundraising is also ongoing for a Redding Fire Department memorial at Station 8 to honor Jeremy and all RFD members whoโve died in the line of duty.
Alyson said she feels lucky to see how, following heartbreaking losses, the community remains a source of support. โYou always just have to put one foot in front of the other and try not to fall down. And pray that when you fall down, you have amazing people like I did to pick you up,” Alyson said.
