Northern Washington Fires Fly Through 8-24-2015 @ 12:30AM PDT

[ar_richardson]

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This video focuses on WA but before they zoom in you can see just how many fires are burning in Oregon, Idaho and Montana. This is crazy. It really puts it in perspective.

Comments

[amberdreams]

Wow. That's scary.

[ar_richardson]

Yeah it is. Everyone is praying for rain. I heard an old wives tale wherein if you take your broom, dip it in water and then shake it at the sky it will bring rain. Maybe I should try that! In all seriousness though, I'm grateful to live in the city where I'm not at direct threat from these wildfires, but still. I know what it's like to have to just grab what you can and get out. Had to do that with my family as a kid and it was very traumatic. Sometimes all you can do is just get out of the way. Honestly the threat of wildfires is what keeps me living in the city, as opposed to buying property in the woods again.

[jj1564]

I'm not surprised your feeling distressed, this is really worrying and over such a big area, it must be so scary to live near the fires and so hard for the fire fighters to tackle so many. This really ddoes put into perspective and I hope the situation doesn't worsen,

[ar_richardson]

The firefighters are stretched really thin. We've had reinforcements come in from Wisconsin, Australia and New Zealand, plus members of the military who are stationed over on the western side of the state. Also they were calling for volunteers - people with experience or equipment only - and over 3000 people answered that call, so we're definitely getting some help on these!

[jj1564]

It's good to know so many people are helping out.

[fufaraw]

They're predicting not completely contained until fall rains, or possibly November. I don't know how folks east of the Cascades are coping, frankly. The enormity of it is just unthinkable. Stay safe. You need a bunk? You've got one here.

[ar_richardson]

That is so sweet of you to offer! I'm okay here. I'm in the actual city of Spokane so lots of smoke but that's it so far. I'm so ready for autumn and rain and snow!

[milly_gal]

Jesus WEPT! That's terrifying! *hugs*

[ar_richardson]

It is! Since I live in an actual city (Spokane) I'm okay here as long as some idiot doesn't toss a cigarette butt in the wrong area. But It's just unreal the amount of land that's been burnt up, and I feel so awful for the people who've lost their homes.

[milly_gal]

I know that for the minute you're safe and I keep all my digits crossed you remain so, but just go careful and make sure you take care, okay?

[ar_richardson]

I will, I promise. :)

[siberian_angel]

It so sad to see Montana affected as well. My ex husband is from Columbia Falls and my heart's still attached to the area and especially Glacier NP. They're safe, though, as is their property and the closest fire is around Essex, MT.
But the fires in WA are terrifying, and even more so when you're trying to stay updated via Wildfiretrack. I don't know how people are supposed to make it to November...

[ar_richardson]

Thanks for the link! That does make it look like the entire west coast is on fire though. Mostly I get my info from following the local fire district on FaceBook. I'm glad your people in Montana are safe and away from the fire. As for making it to November, I know it's cliche, but really we're just taking it one day at a time, I think. That and staying indoors whenever possible because when I venture outside I start coughing like I've been smoking for 20 years. I heard a rumor that there might be a bit of rain in the forecast - I am really hoping it's correct!