First off, I would like to give thanks to the many firefighters out there putting their lives on the line in order to keep the fires under control. I also give my condolences to those who have lost their homes and or possessions in the fire. I had just returned from the epicenter of the fire never fully grasping the amount of damage that can be done. A lot of places like potero, methow valley and Brewster are still without safe potable water, electricity, and basic amenities and may continue to go weeks without. I drove by places that were still burning and entire cities were filled with smoke ash and embers that were either abandoned or being reclaimed by property owners it was surreal and quite eerie. While I was in methow valley I had talked to one home owner I had an arranged meeting with. He had mentioned that the fire had taken 20+ of his most prized possessions one of which were one of three automotive museum pieces that had been completely destroyed. He also worried that the winds that were still high had shifted back and was pushing the fire back towards that area again, which will more than likely force him out of his home. The weather forecast for the next week isn't promising either with predicted thunderstorms that may spark more fires and a possibility of of rain. Hopefully Washington state will live up to its reputation and let up on some of this dry spell, then at least the rain will prevent more fires from starting.
It will also give some of the fire fighters a break and property owners relief.