Just got home from a meeting called by the Forest Service teams in our town. They didn't have enough hand-outs for a quarter of the folks who showed up, it was so popular.
Turns out that we are in about the best possible location vis-a-vis nearby fires and expected wind trends. So good news for now, but no relaxing until the next downpour (no lightning, thank-you).
A lot up in the BC Interior too, as usual, including quite a big one just over the border near Osoyoos. 42 square kilometres. Started by stupid humans, of course.
There was one in the Fraser Valley, near to Harrison (nr Hope) but that one seems to be under control now.
I've long had, and still have, firefighter friends. I was happy to visit one of them the other day, actually allowed a few vacation days away from the front lines. His three sons were more relieved than I was, of course. What do firefighters do on vacation? He's backpacking.
I have a nephew-by-marriage who, after years of trying, caught on with CalFIRE. Now he gets to be away from home for 20 or 30 days straight. It's a job, I guess.
Wildland firefighters seem to do it for the love of the land. The early and generous retirement doesn't hurt, either. Dan's a captain on a prisoner crew, so he gets a hybrid police/fire retirement.
Horrible. I was on this story 'cause I have a friend in Winthrop in the Methow Valley , who is is local volunteer FF. I suspect he's not on the fire line at this point, but probably had to evacuate. All word I got was 'kinda busy'.
Also kinda trivial point , Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawumba lives up there too.
My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. This fire season has been BAD, and technically fire season is not even supposed to start until the fall
![150820_needle_flag_lg[1]](http://wonkville.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/150820_needle_flag_lg1.jpg)
The youngest was only 20. Truly a tragic day.
Terrible.
There's something like 1.1 million acres burning out here in the West.
Just got home from a meeting called by the Forest Service teams in our town. They didn't have enough hand-outs for a quarter of the folks who showed up, it was so popular.
Turns out that we are in about the best possible location vis-a-vis nearby fires and expected wind trends. So good news for now, but no relaxing until the next downpour (no lightning, thank-you).
A lot up in the BC Interior too, as usual, including quite a big one just over the border near Osoyoos. 42 square kilometres. Started by stupid humans, of course.
There was one in the Fraser Valley, near to Harrison (nr Hope) but that one seems to be under control now.
Peat fires in Alaska, too, in historically wet country. Bad. Thinking Happy Torrential Rain Thoughts.
I've long had, and still have, firefighter friends. I was happy to visit one of them the other day, actually allowed a few vacation days away from the front lines. His three sons were more relieved than I was, of course. What do firefighters do on vacation? He's backpacking.
I have a nephew-by-marriage who, after years of trying, caught on with CalFIRE. Now he gets to be away from home for 20 or 30 days straight. It's a job, I guess.
Wildland firefighters seem to do it for the love of the land. The early and generous retirement doesn't hurt, either. Dan's a captain on a prisoner crew, so he gets a hybrid police/fire retirement.
This kid just wants to be a fireman. He's got a fucking Masters in whatever firemen get masterses in.
Horrible. I was on this story 'cause I have a friend in Winthrop in the Methow Valley , who is is local volunteer FF. I suspect he's not on the fire line at this point, but probably had to evacuate. All word I got was 'kinda busy'.
Also kinda trivial point , Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawumba lives up there too.
This sucks. RIP firefighters. I live next door to a fire station, good folks all.
My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. This fire season has been BAD, and technically fire season is not even supposed to start until the fall