I would like to publicly thank the agencies, neighbors, friends and complete strangers who assisted in subduing the large fire on our Mica Bay property July 30.

First on the scene was our local Mica Kidd Island Fire Department, which mostly consists of trained volunteers. Special thanks to Jason Blubaum, the fire chief who coordinated the initial efforts.

I would also like to thank Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, the fire departments of Coeur d’Alene, Hauser, Northern Lakes and Worley, the Idaho Department of Lands, the Hot Shot Crew out of Hardin, Mont., Crow Reservation, Steve Janke, Helitack foreman, and the entire Helitack crew who used precision fire targeting with their 250-gallon bucket and the airplane support with fire retardant.

Also a big thank you to individuals who unselfishly came to help fight the fire: Jacki DePriest, Charlie Nipp, John and Donna Hunt, John Tindall, Rich and Shari Halligan, Andy Goodsell and others whose names I did not get.

I am devastated by the destruction of the forest which I so deeply cherish but it will come back with time. I remind myself that it could have been so much worse and that there were no injuries and no structures burned.

My heart is filled with gratitude and respect toward our dedicated, professional, extremely hardworking firefighters, who contribute so much to the safety and well-being of our communities.

NITA MAGNUSON

Coeur d’Alene