Firestorm 2014

[Duke of Delrio]

Those of you who have heard of the major wild fire burning Okanogan and Chelan Counties of Washington State, might wish to know that earlier this afternoon I watched as the south flank of the fire exploded, sending a mushroom smoke cloud straight up . . . . and that was against 50 MPH winds. . . to more than 20,000 feet. When these events occur at a fire of this nature, burning in this terrain, it is extremely dangerous.

Wholesale evacuation notices have been issued in both counties, one hospital has already needed to be evacuated and there will be more evacuations to come. The estimate at this hour is over 100 homes lost, and the little town of Pateros Washington has been devastated. Still, thank God, there is no reported loss of life.

At this hour there is zero containment of a fire that has already burned over 200,000 acres. So there is a lot of work to do and a lot of danger still lies ahead. For those who are going into harms way, and for those who will face the rebuilding of their homes and lives, your prayers and good wishes would be welcome.