There is a wildfire raging out of control on the other side of our mountain, and it is spreading rapidly. With high winds, and extremely dry conditions, the fire has more than doubled in size over the last 24 hours, and was well over 40,000 acres this morning.
Nine years ago, we were evacuated from our home for the largest wildfire in Arizona's history. Some speculate that this fire has the potential to match the Rodeo-Chediski fire in size and intensity if conditions don't change. For the next ten days, high winds and low relative humidity are forecasted. Couple this with our ongoing drought and large amounts of fuel wood carpeting the forest floor, and you have the ingredients for a monster wildfire. Some reports say that the fire is spotting up to three miles ahead, meaning that sparks and burning timber are blowing in the wind and causing new fire to spread up to three miles away. The voracious nature of this inferno is frightening.
Many of our mountain communities are being evacuated as we speak. It is devastating to watch the areas where many of our fondest memories were made going up in smoke. My husband's family has deep ties to this forest, and it has been their home for nearly 35 years. My husband grew up in these woods, and it's heart wrenching to know that the landscape will forever be changed by this.
Please pray for:
Weather conditions to change
Safety for those fighting the fire
Homes, ranches, and livestock that are in the path of the fire
Wisdom for those planning the strategy to battle the fire
Quick Containment
Posts
Thinking and praying! xo!
ReplyDeleteAs those who experienced the loss of every material item we owned (except our vehicle and one suitcase of clothing) in the aftermath of the devastating Rodeo-Chediski fire which you mentioned above, our hearts are especially tied to the plight of our dear neighbors and brave firefighters! Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy are with all! (For our brothers and sisters in Christ, Romans 8:35,37) Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, not even fire!
ReplyDeleteWe will be thinking and praying for you. The devestation of bushfire was felt in every state of Australia this summer. Keep safe and remember that as long as the ones that you love are safe you can build new memories and gather new possessions.
ReplyDeleteKate down under