fire season

 

Our summers are relatively cool compared to much of the country. We tend to have June gloom as early as May and as late as August. The heat begins to creep in at the end of August and settles down for a nap throughout September and October. It seems the heat is here a little early this year, and today it brought it's ugly cousin, fire. 

Usually we know there is a fire somewhere in the state when the sky lurks murky and the air smells of campfire. Sometimes, even when there is no smoke, I know a fire is nearby by the instant asthma attack that decides to visit and party down in my chest. 

This Complex Fire is a helluva doozy. It is devastating in a year when we really do not need any more devastation. The weird like might be pretty, but when the sky looks like this, and the air feels so still, and you cannot even hear your local birds twit-twittering away, it is time to head back inside, close all the windows and keep yourself hydrated. 

Here, at the casa, we live in an area that is known for a temperate climate. It doesn't tend to get too hot, and it doesn't tend to get too cold. Many of the homes were never built with air conditioning. The casa here has no neat, and no air. There are two ceiling fans in the house, and two gas fireplaces that radiate a little warmth in the rooms they are in, otherwise, we are grateful for the double paned windows. We have had the windows closed now for two days and while it is much cooler inside, it is still around 80 degrees with the evenings warming up even more. The mister and I have been keeping cool with our water soaked bandanas on our person all day and all night long. While it is not ideal, we are very lucky to be able to be indoors, and away from the flames that are ravaging the land not too far north of us. 

Stay safe, hydrated, and as cool as you can. Leave water out for the birds, bees, neighborhood pets that may be stuck outside, and the wild animals looking for a cool place to rest. Follow your local fired departments on Twitter and sign up for alerts if you can.