Smoke Alarm

There are pros and cons to every choice we make in life, especially when it comes to deciding on a place to live.  California has earthquakes, the east coast is bashed by hurricanes, Texas has Texas-sized bugs, and the midwest is hammered with tornadoes and blizzards.  And here in the wild west?  We have wild fires - BIG ones.  As of tonight, there are 6 major fires burning in Washington State alone.  These monsters have decimated 118,379 acres thus far - that's just shy of 185 square miles!  Here in Colville, we have been fortunate enough to remain relatively unscathed by these fires.  While we have had a few minor blazes spring up nearby, all have been squelched fairly quickly.   We have, however, had to deal with poor air quality from all of that smoke.  Here's a shot of our view taken earlier this year:

 

and one from yesterday:

That haze is from a large complex of fires that are burning over 200 miles away!  If you think of it, keep our fire fighters, first responders and anyone living/working in the fire's path in your prayers.