Thousands return home thankful to have their houses standing and grateful for firefighters

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION)

Nearly 28,000 people were allowed to return to their homes on Monday in Monterey County.

People forced to take shelter in the River and Carmel fires drove back to their neighborhood for the first time since early last week.

Carmel valley village, San Benancio, Corral de Tierra, Indian Springs and Las Palmas, all areas with people returning.

"We're totally elated. Very blessed to be back in our house," said Jan Allen.

“Welcome home,” said neighbors to one another as they unpacked their cars.

People say they are finding new appreciation for their communities. Some even exchanging phone numbers for the first time after years of living in their homes.

It was just last week when law enforcement officers frantically were seen going door to door to check for stragglers as they evacuated people.

People had left hoping their homes were still standing when they returned. Many saying a prayer over their homes.

"You don't know what you cherish until it's kinda almost taken away from you," said Dean Surber. "I just want to put a solid thank you out to Cal Fire for everything their doing because it could have been a lot worse."

In a briefing on Monday evening, an incident commander with Cal Fire said "Mother Nature" did them a solid.

On Monday thousands were grateful to have it all back.