where there's smoke...

earlier today, our skies turned eerily orange.

we all looked up and said, "WOW!"

the smoke was so thick that i made a mental list

of what i should bring if we had to evacuate.

{ kids, dogs, cat, DUCKS, computer, photos...
...everything? }

in truth, we are a safe distance from the fire

(about 4 miles).

we had thunder and lightning this morning.

the lightning started a wildfire
in our very dry foothills.

(these photos are from here )

these homes have been evacuated.

families will stay the night at eagle high school,

an effort organized by

our sheriff's department
and the american red cross.

the smoke has cleared somewhat,

but it's windy (not good), hot (92°),
and smells very smoky.

we can hear the air tankers and helicopters.

the helicopters are collecting water
from nearby ponds

and even a swimming pool.

fire crews are cutting fire lines on the ground

to keep the fire contained and save homes.

thank you fire crews

& sheriff's department

& red cross.

♥

post edit 07-29-10:
sadly, three homes
burned to the ground in yesterday's fire.
(a few new photos from here)