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On October 22, the Witch Creek Fire ravaged through the Rancho Bernardo community, destroying homes and businesses and becoming the fourth largest fire in California history. Renee VanHeel lost her home and home based business in the fire. Here's an up-close look at how Renee--an entrepreneur, wife and mother of three--coped with her losses and used her entrepreneurial spirit to revitalize her life and community.
Slideshow: Burnt Up, but Not Burnt Out
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A Fired Up Entrepreneur
After the fire destroyed her home, Renee says her goal is to take things "one hour at a time." While her husband, David, focuses on the business, Renee works on piecing the family's lives back together.
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Facing the Damage
Renee takes a quiet moment of reflection to look at the remains of her home. "It can be so overwhelming," she says. "If you don't surround yourself with the right people, this is just nuts."
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Standing Strong
Renee and David's three sons, Cade, Jake and Brock (left to right), see the house for the first time after the fire.
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Nothing Left to Salvage
A view of the remains from what was once the front window.
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A Clean-Up Crew
Friends and family come to the family's aid to help clean up the damage.
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Keeping Her Faith
While sifting through debris, Renee found a page out of her Bible devotional book that was spared by the fire.
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The Family Hot Rods
The cars parked in the driveway were melted in the fire.
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A Need For Support
Renee saw an opportunity and helped launch the Fired Up Sisters support group. "This is a very devastating experience for anyone to go through," she says. "Even the strongest person cannot go through this alone."
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A Spot on Dr. Phil
The Fired Up Sisters received many generous gifts from the Dr. Phil show.
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San Diego Donations
Renee says she shed more tears in seeing the generosity of the community than over her losses.
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Relief for Fire Victims
Victims of the Witch Creek fire went to The Rancho Bernardo Community Room to cancel utilities, re-register for licenses and find help.
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An Inspiring Message
The VanHeels post a message to inspire hope in their neighbors and community. "There will be a lot of good that comes out of this," she says. "We just need to be patient to see it all unfold."
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