The Fire over the Ridge

In my last post, I mentioned that there was a fire that started just over the ridge from our home.  I wanted to share a few more pictures and stories about the fire that thankfully has been just about completely contained, but in the beginning, we did not know how it would go. 

Dan had just called me to say that he saw smoke as he was driving through town, and it looked like it was close to us. He was about 15 minutes away.  Then I got a text from my neighbor asking me if I'd seen the fire. 

I went down to the neighbor's home where we had a better view of the fire. This was shortly after the fire began, and we stood there and watched it grow. We prayed together that the fire would not come our direction, and that no lives or property would be lost. God answered that prayer! 

Soon, I returned home to gather things together, just in case.
This was the view of the fire from our driveway. 

Within an hour, the fire had doubled in size, and we learned that the fire district had called in an emergency and the fire became top priority. Soon, airplanes and helicopters were circling around the fire, dropping fire retardant and water from the nearby rivers. 

From the bridge in our little town, the fire towered over the horizon. 

We drove to town to find out more about the fire, and to see what direction they were anticipating it to go. Thankfully, for us, we learned that the fire was headed east, away from us.  There were evacuations in place for many people, and we saw many horse trailers and RVs being pulled as they evacuated away from the fire. 

The local Junior High with a plume of smoke behind it. The fire was only 2-3 miles away. 

From all angles, the fire was now visible, and there was an air of tension and anxiety in our little town, as we all were very concerned about how fast this fire grew. 

The fire's reflection in the cab window of our pickup. 

For several days, nonstop it seemed, helicopters and airplanes flew overhead delivering their precious cargo of water and fire retardant. 

Soon the smoke from this fire and other fires from other states
and Canada filled our air with heavy smoky haze.  

I've heard that many of you have also had the smoke from these fires come to your area, so many of you may understand just how strange the skies feel with the heavy smoke. 

I am thankful to report that within a week the Pioneer fire was 100% contained, and all those who were evacuated from their homes were able to return. There was no loss of homes or structures, and we are grateful beyond words to the incredible teams of firefighters, airplane and helicopter pilots, and local loggers and heavy equipment operators who all fought this fire so valiantly!

Over the last week or so, we have begun to receive rain showers occasionally, and last night some areas received almost 3/4" of rain, which is a LOT of rain, considering we probably haven't had that much rain in one month since April, let alone overnight, along with other rainfalls that have come sporadically. I know the Lord is answering our prayers for more rain! Our temps today were in the low 70s, a welcome break from the heat as well. Our fire danger here still remains extreme, but we are thankful for the relief of the last few days in the form of rain and cooler temperatures. 

My garden continues to thrive and harvest season is upon me now! I have spent several days canning pickles and putting up veggies from the garden.  It is such a good feeling to be able to put food away for those long winter days ahead of us! The garden is very happy to have the rain, and I look forward to the great harvest after this very long and difficult year with our extreme heat and then smoky skies. Every bit of food I can gather out of my garden, I am now busy putting up. It's a busy time of year, but a great feeling to enjoy the harvest!