<p>I’ll be hoping for some good, drenching rains. </p>
<p>I hope your daughter keeps close eyes and ears out for any indication that she should evacuate, and does so instantly. </p>
<p>I appreciate everyones support. Washington has really been hit this year, & to think we are still waiting for that big earthquake they keep telling us is around the corner!
We drove through Oso on our way back to Seattle, and while the road has been rebuilt, thats the only thing that has. ( & gas was $0.10 MORE per gallon than in the Methow, that doesn’t seem right)</p>
<p>They haven’t had rain yet, maybe in a few days. However humidity has increased, which makes the fires less volatile.
It’s also cooler. The maps I’ve seen, don’t seem to indicate the fires have grown much, despite the wind, although that might just be an indication of inability to get updated info. I know several sources are trying to update the news sites using their phones, and have had to evacuate because their kids have asthma. ( D also has mild asthma)</p>
<p>D texted me and said she is going to see if they ( she & her bf), can come to Seattle for a week or so, if they aren’t needed, because even if the fires were out tomorrow, they won’t have power for weeks.
I believe where she is living, has plenty of food, as they are a B& B and have a large garden and chickens.
I’m assuming the group of scientists from Los Alamos that were there when we visited were able to get out ok, but others have probably canceled. They are housing some friends who were burnt out, but the damage is so extensive, its overwhelming to even think about.
But so far the town of Winthrop & Mazama look to be OK, and folks outside the area are offering to take small animals and even livestock and horses temporarily, ( although I don’t know how you would move them)</p>
<p>The Carlton Complex fire is now 238k acres.
Officials are pleased because it * only* grew 23acres Saturday.</p>
<p>Just saw this and thought of you:</p>
<p><a href=“http://local.msn.com/midweek-rain-to-help-battle-northwest-wildfires-1”>http://local.msn.com/midweek-rain-to-help-battle-northwest-wildfires-1</a></p>
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<p>The fires are retreating away from populated areas according to the sheriff.
No new evacuations, danger level in Twisp has been downgraded.
As long as rainstorms don’t bring lightning, it may have turned the corner.
Im making boxes of clothes and books to donate when we visit next time.
Now my D can’t give me grief about hanging onto so much stuff! I was saving it for a reason, I just didnt know what it was.
:)</p>
<p>Update from D. Cell service only in the next town, the inn where she is living, is the only one in the region still open. ( in my avatar)
Weather is supposed to change tonight, it may bring rain & more lightning.
Biggest fire in Washington state history.
I have to stop looking at the Twitter feed, it is making me crazy.
Conditions are changing fast, its hard to get an overall sense.
Just as storms in the east, may be the new normal, so may an extended wildfire season.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/will-the-west-survive-20121123”>http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/will-the-west-survive-20121123</a></p>
<p>EK, hugs. I hope the rain does not bring any lightning that could further feed the monster that this fire has turned into.</p>
<p>The fire is 16% contained.
They are expecting tomorrow, it to be 44% contained, a huge jump!
But they’ve also had a few mudslides, and lightning strikes, but the fires were put out quickly and no one has been hurt.</p>