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A couple is engaged after meeting at an evacuation center after the Caldor Fire forced them to leave their homes.
In August of last year, the Caldor Fire ripped through El Dorado County forced towns to evacuate, including Pollock Pines.
“It was horrifying. We saw the smoke and flames,” Holly Schlumpf told CBS13.
She and Tim Warren were ordered to evacuate their homes and take shelter in the Cameron Park Evacuation Center.
“I didn’t have any faith either that the house would be there,” she said. “At first it was really hard. You have to sleep there, eat there.”
What Holly didn't know was that there was an unexpected surprise waiting to bloom at the evacuation center.
“My life got better when I met her,” said Tim.
He told CBS13 he introduced himself three days into the evacuation and Holly didn't "really like him much at first."
“He invited me to coffee, we took walks, we danced,” said Holly.
They eventually found out they only lived half a mile apart. And just a few months later, Tim proposed.
“He got down on his knee,” Holly said. “I was overwhelmed with all the love and positive vibes.”
According to CBS13, roughly 7,000 people live in Pollock Pines and all were evacuated.
“It’s like we were meant for each other,” said Tim.
The couple said they plan to get married in 2023.