Cohasset man finds solace in softball and community after losing home to Park Fire

CHICO, California — You never know what to expect when you lose everything. One Butte County man knows that, and he found help not from a government agency or nonprofit organization, but on the softball field.

For Robert Dilts and his wife, senior softball was a godsend. They were enjoying a relaxing afternoon at their Cohasset home when they first heard about the park fire.

“We got an evacuation warning because of the fire down in Bidwell Park,” Dilts said. “I took a nap and my wife said, ‘Hey, there’s a fire in Bidwell Park.’ I said, ‘Thanks,’ and went back to sleep. I got up after 15 minutes and she said, ‘Now we have to evacuate.’ I got to Cohasset and the fire was about 100… not even 100 yards from the road. And by the time I got past another 10 minutes, the fire had crossed the road and everyone behind me was stuck in Cohasset.”

His neighbors were rescued safely. The Dilts were able to leave Cohasset with only a few belongings.

“We had about an hour to pack up our things, and my mind was racing with thoughts about the most important things… I took some clothes, some pictures and some records,” Dilts said.

What Dilts didn’t take with him was his softball equipment, but his teammates supported him in many ways.

“Whatever someone needs, this group of people that stands behind me will do anything for anyone in the community,” said Van Valdez, a Chico senior softball player. “These are the people, so they’re going to help him.”

“Softball is the best therapy a retiree can have,” Dilts said. “I’m down here and I can’t think of anything else to do but play softball and be around these incredibly great guys. I’m so happy and glad to be with them, they’ve supported me the whole time.”

Dilts isn’t sure if they’ll return to Cohasset, but he’s convinced they’ll keep going. He refuses to call the loss of his home a tragedy, but rather sees it as a fresh start and a chance to start over.