Ben Margot, Associated Press fileIn this Feb. 12, 2000, file photo, cartoonist Charles Schulz displays a sketch of his beloved character "Snoopy" in his office in Santa Rosa, Calif. The home of “Peanuts” creator Schulz burned to the ground in the deadly California wildfires but his widow escaped, her stepson said Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Jean Schulz, 78, evacuated before flames engulfed her hillside home Monday and is staying with a daughter, Monte Schulz said.
Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press fileIn this Oct. 1, 2010, file photo, "Peanuts" creator Charles M. Schulz' widow, Jean Schulz, stands with the character "Snoopy" during the installation of a portrait of Schulz by photographer Yousuf Karsh, at the National Portrait Gallery, in Washington, D.C. The home of Charles Schulz burned to the ground in the deadly California wildfires but his widow escaped, her stepson said Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Jean Schulz, 78, evacuated before flames engulfed her hillside home Monday and is staying with a daughter, Monte Schulz said.
Ben Margot, Associated Press file
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In this Feb. 12, 2000, file photo, cartoonist Charles Schulz displays a sketch of his beloved character "Snoopy" in his office in Santa Rosa, Calif. The home of “Peanuts” creator Schulz burned to the ground in the deadly California wildfires but his widow escaped, her stepson said Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. Jean Schulz, 78, evacuated before flames engulfed her hillside home Monday and is staying with a daughter, Monte Schulz said.
ExpandBy The Washington Post | The Washington Post
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By Michael Cavna, The Washington Post
Charles Schulz once drew his iconic dog Snoopy losing everything in a house fire. This week, for Schulz’s widow, that scenario became all too real.
Jean Schulz safely escaped the fires as they began sweeping through Santa Rosa, California, before dawn Monday, but the blaze burned to the ground the home where she and the late “Peanuts” creator long lived.
“I am devastated by the loss of the home I shared with Sparky for 25 years,” Schulz tells The Washington Post, “the memories of which filled me with happiness every day.”
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesHomeowner Martha Marquez looks over her burned home in Santa Rosa, California on Oct. 10, 2017. Firefighters encouraged by weakening winds were battling 17 large wildfires on Tuesday in California which have left at least 13 people dead, thousands homeless and ravaged the state's famed wine country.
Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty ImagesFire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood on Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty ImagesBen Pederson find's a school yearbook in the remains of his bedroom after his family's home was destroyed by wildfire in Santa Rosa, California, Oct. 11, 2017. The death toll from some of California's worst ever wildfires rose to 17 as thousands of firefighters battled to bring the infernos under control. The fires which have devastated California's wine country are already among the deadliest ever in the western US state and officials warned they expect the toll to go up.
Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty ImagesFire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesAn aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Colby Clark of San Francisco, left, comforts her mother, Bonnie Trexler, after being escorted by law enforcement to her home in Silverado Highland to retrieve medicine and some personal items on Wednesday, Oct., 11, 2017 in Napa, Calif. Trexler was one of the lucky few who found that her home was spared from the devastating fire which burned homes around her Monday.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesA view of mobile homes at the Journey's End Mobile Home Park that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, photo, fire consumes two cars but spares a home on Keiser Road southwest of Kenwood, Calif.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesCharred wine barrells sit on racks at Paradise Ridge Winery after being destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty ImagesFire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood on Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesProperty owner Chris Schrobilgen stands in his neighbor's burned grape vineyard in Calistoga, California on Oct. 11, 2017. More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesCharred wine barrells sit on racks at Paradise Ridge Winery after being destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Ezra Shaw, Getty ImagesWine grapes are destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 17 people have been killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesAn aerial view of a K-Mart store that was destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Hector Amezcua, The Sacramento Bee via The Associated PressMark Haley, carries his daughter Fiona, 5, as he attends a community meeting with fire officials at Browns Valley Elementary School community in Napa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesAn aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesAn aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesFirefighters inspect an Arby's restaurant that was destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
David McNew, Getty ImagesA vineyard on Napa's Silverado Trail is seen next to land blackened the Atlas Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 near Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 21 people were killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesA view of hundreds of homes in the Coffey Park neighborhood that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesA view of hundreds of homes in the Coffey Park neighborhood that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty ImagesHomeowner Phil Rush looks at the remains of his home destroyed by wildfire in Santa Rosa, California, on Oct. 11, 2017. Rush said he and his wife and dog escaped with only their medication, a bag of dog food when flames overtook their entire neighborhood on October 9. The toll from Northern California's ranging wildfires continued to grow as officials said the fires destroyed up to 2,000 structures and killed at least 17 people.
David McNew, Getty ImagesThe sun shines behind a smoky sky and scorched trees at the family-owned winery, Signorello Estate, on Napa's Silverado Trail, which was destroyed by the Atlas Fire, on Oct. 11, 2017 near Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 17 people have been killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.
Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty ImagesFire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty ImagesA U.S. flag hangs on a tree in the wildfire ravaged Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, California, Oct. 11, 2017. The death toll from some of California's worst ever wildfires rose to 17 as thousands of firefighters battled to bring the infernos under control. The fires which have devastated California's wine country are already among the deadliest ever in the western US state and officials warned they expect the toll to go up.
Jeff Chiu, The Associated PressA law enforcement officer blocks a road as flames from a wildfire burn in a residential area in Santa Rosa, Calif., Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesA truck burns as fire ravages the Napa wine region in California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesA resident rushes to save his home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesFire consumes a home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in a widespread wildfire that is burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesFlames overtake a structure as nearby homes burn in theNapa wine region in California on October 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region. / AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesThe remains of fire damaged homes after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in a widespread wildfire that is burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesGLEN ELLEN, CA - OCTOBER 09: Fire consumes a home as out of control wildfires move through the area on October 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in a widespread wildfire that is burning in Napa and Sonoma counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesA firefighter pulls a hose in front of a burning house in the Napa wine region of California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesFire consumes a home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesFire consumes a barn as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesThe remains of fire damaged homes after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesA resident rushes to save his home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated PressFlames from a wildfire consume a a three car garage at a home Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, east of Napa, Calif. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California early Monday, sending residents on a headlong flight to safety through smoke and flames as homes burned. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesThe Signorello Estate winery burns in the Napa wine region in California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesA resident rushes to save his home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesFlames ravage a home in the Napa wine region in California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesFire glows on a hillside in Napa, California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesA tent structure built for the 2017 Safeway Open burns on a golf course at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images fileFirefighters assess the scene as a house burns in the Napa wine region of California on Oct. 9, 2017.
Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated PressFlames from a wildfire burn Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Napa, Calif. The fire is one of several burning across Northern California's wine country.
Ben Margot, The Associated PressFire burns a Hilton hotel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California, sending residents on a headlong flight to safety through smoke and flames as homes burned.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesResident Louis Reavis views his burned classic Corvette at his home in Napa, California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.
Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated PressRivers of melted metal flow from a vehicle parked at a home, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, that was destroyed by a wildfire near Napa, Calif. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through California wine country sending thousands fleeing as flames raged unchecked through high-end resorts, grocery stores and tree-lined neighborhoods.
This combination of photos shows the Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif. The bottom image taken Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, and provided by the California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division, shows the damage after a wildfire swept through the area. The top undated image provided by Google Earth shows the area before the fire. (Google Earth (top), California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division (bottom) via AP)
Jeff Chiu, The Associated PressMary Caughey, center in blue, reacts with her son Harrison, left, after finding her wedding ring in debris at her home destroyed by fires in Kenwood, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017.
David McNew, Getty ImagesSANTA ROSA, CA - OCTOBER 10: A chicken that survived a firestorm in the area of Foxtail Court stands in its scorched cage, on October 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
David McNew, Getty ImagesA neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.
Justin Sullivan, Getty ImagesSmoke billows from a neighborhood that was destroyed by a fast moving wild fire on Oct. 9, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Ten people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 1,500 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.
David McNew, Getty ImagesA neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.
David McNew, Getty ImagesA neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.
David McNew, Getty ImagesA neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesA McDonald's restaurant is seen after burning down in Santa Rosa, California, on Oct. 10, 2017. More than 1,500 structures have burned and at least 10 deaths have been reported as a result of multiple wind-driven fires that continue to ravage the area.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty ImagesTOPSHOT - People watch water-dropping helicopters amidst smoke from the Canyon Fire 2, Oct. 9, 2017 in Orange, California.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesFlames shoot out from a window as the Signorello Estate winery burns in the Napa wine region of California on Oct. 9, 2017. More than a dozen fast-moving wildfires tearing through through California's wine country have killed at least 10 people, destroying hundreds of homes, authorities said on October 9.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesThe remains of an Arby's restaurant is seen after burning down in Santa Rosa, California, on Oct. 10, 2017. Firefighters encouraged by weakening winds were battling 17 large wildfires on Tuesday in California which have left at least 13 people dead, thousands homeless and ravaged the state's famed wine country.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty ImagesTOPSHOT - A burned home smolders in Glen Ellen, California on Oct. 9, 2017. Multiple wind-driven fires continue to ravage the area burning structures and causing widespread evacuations.
Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images
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Homeowner Martha Marquez looks over her burned home in Santa Rosa, California on Oct. 10, 2017.
Firefighters encouraged by weakening winds were battling 17 large wildfires on Tuesday in California which have left at least 13 people dead, thousands homeless and ravaged the state's famed wine country.
ExpandThe split-level hillside home was built in the 1970s and had housed a drawing table that belonged to the beloved cartoonist, who died in 2000, as well as some “Peanuts” keepsakes.
Jean Schulz is president of the board for the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which was opened in Santa Rosa in 2002. The museum, which houses most of the original “Peanuts” art and much memorabilia, announced Thursday that it will close until further notice because of a lack of power, while also noting that the building was spared from damage.
“I am grateful,” Jean Schulz says, “that the museum in Santa Rosa (still) exists to share the work of this wonderful man with the world.”
Santa Rosa is dotted with tributes and “Peanuts” character statues marking the memory of the Minnesota-born cartoonist, who became a favorite son in Sonoma County while living in the area for four decades.
One of his sons, Craig Schulz, also lost his home in the Santa Rosa fires – one of nearly 3,000 homes destroyed in the city.
