Hey All,

I haven't been around as much these past few years as other life priorities drew my attention away from the 914. But it was always patiently awaiting my return - Until yesterday, when my house in Santa Rosa was destroyed by the Stubbs fire. The 914, along with my '88 Scirocco are no more.

In the big scheme of life, it's just stuff. My family is safe - and that is what matters most. But like all of you, I poured my heart and countless hours into this car - I knew it inside and out. And my tools... it took me years to acquire and restore many of them. All that effort equates not just to "stuff", but rather, it's a reflection of who we are and what we know how to do. I held it together until I saw the garage remains.

It'll be a long time before life settles back to normal; but one day, I can only hope I find another project that will give me as much satisfaction as did my 914.

- Bryan

Sigh. So horrible. I have to commend you on a great attitude perspective about it. This too shall pass.

So very sad to hear, thank you for sharing. Glad your priorities are strong and life will go on. Look for another opportunity when life gets back to normal for you, if you feel the need.

Oh that really sucks. :-(
I agree its just stuff but when you've spent hundreds of hours or thousands with that stuff you get emotionally attached to it and seeing it like that must hurt.
Regards from another 914 owner and previous Scirocco owner.

I'm amazed at how hot this burned. As I study the pictures, I notice that not only are the aluminum Brembo brakes missing, but so are the five lug fuchs. I sorted through the ashes, and literally found nothing worth salvaging. Multiply this scene by 2000 times, and that's what is happening here now.

Wow. Just wow.

Can we help? Is insurance going to make you whole again?

Wow.

Thanks. Will be contacting them tomorrow, and hope it all goes smoothly.

This sucks. I've been getting updates today from a friend who is a cop and lives in Petaluma. The situation sounds incredible and I don't understand why it isn't getting more national attention.

I am so sorry to hear and see this .

Sorry for your loss

Thank God your safe and your family! I’m sure all materials will be replaced! Good you have a nice view/thinking to be strong and being positive in life! Take care and I’m sure God will provide everything!

As I look at these photos, I have to remind myself that these are mine. It's like this stuff always happens to someone else. And today, that someone is me.

I am so upset to see those pictures. Thank God you or your family were not injured.

Sorry my brother. Tonight is my night to wait and see. 2 of my cars are far away and one 914is behind. Of course on Jack stands.

So sorry bud. Words can't express

Bryan -

We cannot begin to comprehend your loss, and we will be praying for you and your family that God's grace and love will be poured out on you in abundance, and that you and your family will be drawn close together and kept.

Your attitude in such loss is nothing short of amazing. You, as I wish we all would be, know that stuff is just stuff, and family is everything. So glad you and your family are ok.

Probably too soon to do this, but some day in the future read "The Shack" by Paul Young. Where is God when trajedy hits? Incredible book, NYT #1 best seller for over 2 years, over 20 million copies sold. Editor/Publisher Wayne Jacobsent (Clovis, CA) is a close friend and I got to spend a day with the author. Never seen a modern book that helped more people, especially those who are suffering and the last thing they need is religion.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

God bless - and may all from here be upward and onward.........

GN

Jeezus, Bryan. At a loss for words.



Hopefully insurance will prove to be worthy, and help get your life right side up at some point.

Wow. At least you and your family are safe.

You're right about your stuff. Stuff can be replaced; people cannot. Good luck with the clean up.

I'm not sure how these things work. Will you stay at the same address with a new house? Just buy another house?

Bummer man.

That sucks. but like you say just things. I'm glad you and your family are safe.

So sorry for the loss of your home and personal items. Those in time will be replaced, thankful that you and your family are safe.

How did it happen that you couldn't move them before the fire hit? I've seen the horrible news reports of the situation, but is it that it moves so fast there isn't time? But you're right, material things mean little compared to life itself.

So sorry to see that.
Good luck Andy.
I'm on one of the wine forums constantly, waiting for word that Napa Steve's property is out of danger. He and Carol evacuated yesterday.

Man that really sucks! I don't know how you do it, but have to get thru this and move yourself and your family on. There will be other houses, cars etc... but your family being safe is silver lining. Good Luck!

Bryan-

That hurts...please remember that you are not alone... We are always here for you.

Stay strong my friend....

Oscar

Our newspaper here in Charleston commented that there was very little time to evacuate for many and that the fires were so hot that metal tire rims melted and left cars sitting on their axles.
Arial photos of before & after of Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa showed the dramatic destruction of many blocks of homes and at least 17 deaths.
Thank god you got out in time.

So sorry for your loss.

Sorry to hear and see this...but glad you and your family are safe.

Sincere and deep condolences for your losses. Grateful you and your family are OK. You will rebuild your life and if a 914 is a part of it, let us know.

So so sorry!

And yet the houses directly across the street appear unscathed. Tragic!

So very sorry Bryan. Incredible disaster. Happy to hear your family is safe.
Hopefully insurance will ease some of the difficulties.

Bryan - Words fail but know that many from 914 World are here, if you need anything. I'm in Petaluma and have room if you need a place to stay.
Chris

Why couldn't they be moved in a timely fashion? A fire that is 20 miles away being pushed by 40mph+ winds is on top of you in a half hour or less. There is NO time! Condolences for your sorrows.

Its pretty hard to view those photos and so sorry that this has happened. At least you have the right perspective as far as keeping safe.

Hope you are insured for full value of the home and contents as well. Also hope that you will find comparable replacement vehicles that you can enjoy in the future. Hang in there.

It makes the heart ache to see that. Let us know how we can help when things settle down a bit and you figure that out.

Very sorry about the house. Glad you're OK. I know it's kind of cliché but, it could have been worse.

Glad to hear that you and your family are safe, that's the most important.

As for the cars, I can completely empathize with your posts and someone else had said, "this too shall pass".

My heart sank when I saw the photo, awful to see, so sorry - I can't imagine how you must have felt. Glad to hear you and your family are safe and well though.

No words ...

OMG, so sorry about your loss Bryan, but very glad your family is okay, that's what matters.

So happy you and your loved ones are safe! Very sorry as said above many times for your loss, no words can bring it all back to normal.
We’ve been feeling safe here in Ukiah although the winds are redercting our way so we are getting ready for whatever as the Redwood complex is 9.6 miles away, seemed safe but now you just don’t know!

Ack.

Aluminum burns when hot enough.

I'd think that a part or two could be removed and kept so there is still some connection to the cars. Or maybe even a part that is reusable on the next project to keep some of previous cars alive.

So glad you and your family are safe.

We're here for you.

The image is a stark reminder how hot it got. Your 914 really looked good too. So sorry for your loss. Wow.

Sorry for your loss, but good to hear you and your family are OK.

I hate to see this area burn up, its an amazing area that is like no other in the world... very sad. Hopefully these fires get put out soon.

Collectively, that is our worst nightmare!

That is so difficult to see.

Sincerest condolences, not only on the loss of your beautiful 914, but for the rest of the house & everything in it, as well.....

Funny how the houses behind you don't look to be touched.

Oh man, sorry to hear this

Hope it doesn't take too long for your and your family to get back on an even keel.

So sorry to see this, very sad.

Stay safe

So sorry for the loss you have suffered. Glad you and the family are safe.