The south is drowning and the west is in flames

[Matata]

A few scenes from fires in my area. I have the deepest respect for the firefighters who have been at this for more than a month. Smoke in my area has been at red alert levels for 3 weeks which means it's hazardous to health especially for those whose health is already compromised and the elderly. We only go out for the time it takes to get groceries and other necessities. Our trees and plants are dying. Local farms' produce production is way down due to the record heat we've had and because the smoke is interfering with plants' ability to fruit. It's a dang gum mess everywhere we look.

 

[Gussie]

Oh no. I didn't even know this was happening. I am so sorry. Prayers for you and yours.

 

[Bonfire]

Wow, stunning pictures! Where are you @Matata? I also was unaware. Prayers for you and the folks in your neck of the woods too.

 

[Calliecake]

How devastating. I havent heard about fires this week. All news outlets have been covering Houston. Please stay safe @Matata

 

[telephone89]

We have several large fires going in BC at the moment too. Close friends of ours live in Kelowna and luckily avoided the evacuation orders, but the fire got within 25 km of their home! Very scary.

 

[Matata]

Where are you @Matata?

Medford. You can see on the map that we're surrounded by fires. We are not in imminent danger from fire, just the health hazards associated with heavy smoke and it's nothing compared to what the firefighters and residents of the areas on fire have to endure. Today, it's snowing ash. My car was covered when I finished getting my haircut.



@Calliecake, no worries -- we are safe at this time.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Wow - so sorry to hear of this disaster as well. Hard to stay cooped up in the house all of the time but as long as you are not in imminent danger of the fire I guess that works. Folks in Houston are washing out of their homes and you have to stay in yours. I feel for all of you!

 

[whitewave]

A few scenes from fires in my area. I have the deepest respect for the firefighters who have been at this for more than a month. Smoke in my area has been at red alert levels for 3 weeks which means it's hazardous to health especially for those whose health is already compromised and the elderly. We only go out for the time it takes to get groceries and other necessities. Our trees and plants are dying. Local farms' produce production is way down due to the record heat we've had and because the smoke is interfering with plants' ability to fruit. It's a dang gum mess everywhere we look.

I thought you were in new york for some reason.

Thanks for the head up... i didnt realize the fires were so bad

 

[luv2sparkle]

That is awful, Matata. We love Oregon and are thinking of moving there when my DH retires. Prayer for the firefighters and all of the folks living through that mess. Do you have crews coming from other states to help put them out?

 

[Matata]

Do you have crews coming from other states to help put them out?

Yes, especially for the Chetco Bar fire which is huge and started July 12. I flew to Portland yesterday for a meeting and on the way back, half the plane was full of fire fighters on their way to Chetco. They were sitting behind me and couldn't believe how thick the smoke was from the smaller fires between Portland and my area. When the fall rains come, some of these areas are going to experience bad landslides and probably flooding as the terrain is very steep.

 

[redwood66]

These fires are terrible. I am keeping close watch on the Chetco Bar fire because many of my former coworkers and friends are volunteer FFs in the area. It is horrible. Stay safe.

 

[KaeKae]

How awful. I am currently on day five of a six day cross country trek, CA to NJ and feel so out of touch. I know about the hurricane, of course, because its the top story on all news shows but missed the fires. I will add the firefighters and all those effected to my prayers.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I am surprised this is the first time I have heard about all the fires. I don't watch news much but my husband of is often deployed to majors r fires other places and he hasn't mentioned Oregon fires.

 

[Matata]

There aren't enough firefighters available for all the fires here. Oregon National Guard has been called in to help. Yosemite is on fire also.

 

[Arcadian]

I unfortunately know all too well about the fires up there. You guys are in my thoughts.