Smoky Skies

Here at my place in Gig Harbor, Washington I woke up on Sunday to smoke in the air. You may think that someone’s home was on fire or a brush fire in the area. Actually the case is that in central and eastern Washington there are forest fires going on, and the smoke blew into our area. 

It was quite amazing because it felt like the fire was in the neighborhood. I had to be sure not to breathe in the smoke. The air quality was poor all day long until the evening. This morning a few minutes ago I went out to see how things were, and I could not see or smell the smoke so the wind blew it away.

Give you an idea of the smoke it takes three or four hours to drive from here to where the fires are at. I watched part of the Seattle Mariners game yesterday and you could see the smoke hazing over the ball park there as well. I am not sure how far the skies were smoking in western Washington but it was quite a distance for sure.

Every year there are forest fires in central and eastern Washington but nothing like this year. We have had a lot more hot weather this year than I can ever remember.  It is nice to enjoy the weather in one respect but it has affected the lands being drier than normal. There have been some brush fires throughout western Washington; however, it is not the same affect a forest fire will cause.

Right now there are over two hundred firemen fighting the fires in Chelan and Okanogan counties. Seeing pictures on line the fires are large and have destroyed some family’s homes. Give you an idea how large the fires are last week three firemen lost their lives in Chelan. So I ask that you pray for the families of those fire fighters along with those who are fighting the fires now. Also, I ask to pray for those who have lost their homes as well. The roads right now in the area are mostly closed and people have been asked to evacuate the area. Some have left while others have stayed; it is not an easy decision to make when it is in regards to your homes.

When it comes to vacation a lot of locals over here go to Chelan and Okanogan for their vacations. I know many who go there ever year because it is a great spot to camp out and go water skiing since there a lot of lakes in the area. These large fires are going to make it difficult to rebuild and take a lot of time to do so. I am sure people will have to make alternate plans for vacations at least for next year.

I know several fire fighters who go over there every year to fight the fires. It will be interesting to hear their stories of the fires this year. Again please pray for those who are involved in the fires in Chelan and Okanogan counties. Thanks!