I hate forest fires

[Stuka]

Fire is still growing, although at a slower rate. Its up over 150,000 acres now, but containment is into the double digits now!

There has been a lot of work put into protecting the populated areas. They have cut in a fire line that is many miles long and roughly 100 yards wide over some very steep terrain. I have never seen so many Caterpillars in one place.

Lot of businesses have shut down because the air filters can't keep up with the smoke. Even Wal-mart has been closed for 3 days now. I don't think I have ever seen it close. With the exception of a major power outage a few years ago.

[Stuka]

So the fire is two weeks old today, and is 219,277 acres and is 35% contained.

They had to evacuate a bunch of homes in a rush last night due to a spot fire that showed up. And the part of the fire that was closest to me has died down significantly. So I am feeling plenty safe where I am. However all my favorite camping/fishing/hiking areas are burning up day by day. Our very favorite spot is still unburned, but the location of the fire line suggest it wont be safe for much longer.

[pyro]

thats crazy...but at least in your case it isnt spreading towards you anymore

[Stuka]

So here we are, 3 weeks after the fire started, and it sits at 80% contained, and 252,251 acres. As of today it has cost over $93,500,000 dollars. It is burning deeper into Yosemite National Park, and is actually starting to get close to the valley. They are still estimating full containment by September 20th.

Still pretty smoky here every morning, but most of it gets blown out by the afternoon.