UPDATE!
We are safe. It was pretty hairy over the weekend, but today, they’ve classified the two fires on this side of the lake as being held. The closest evacuation alert to us was about 2 1/2 miles, but seeing how far fire can move in no time flat when blown by high wind, we were packed and ready to go. The bigger fire is still burning out of control, but thankfully, it’s moving away from populated areas. Almost 200 properties are partially or totally destroyed. Rebuilding will take years. I’ve learned so much about the science of firefighting, logistics of mass evacuation and disaster recovery than I ever wanted to know. But I’ll say this: The people on the front lines of these fires are heroes. And they don’t get nearly enough recognition for the work they do. We all know about firefighters, police officers and paramedics, but we don’t know much about the people who keep them going: mechanics, pilots, food services, utilities management, emergency support personnel and so many others. We need to stop taking them for granted!!
Thank you all for your kind words and concern. We GingerScrappers in the fire zones appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
Jan
This isn’t what I had planned for today. I have no tutorial written and to be honest, I haven’t given it much thought. Some of you will have seen stories on the news without knowing you knew anybody in peril… I live close to Okanagan Lake – on a clear day, I see it from my favourite chair without even turning my head. On Thursday a wildfire burning some distance west of the lake, blown by high winds, very quickly became a real threat. More than 30,000 people were evacuated via the few arterial roads we have here, within only a dozen hours or so. Then the fire jumped the lake in two spots and started consuming fuel on this side. We watched in horror as the evacuation orders crept closer and closer to our neighbourhood. Ash and embers were blowing around like leaves in the fall. We’re still packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice but we are safe and the threat is gradually diminishing. I know you’ll all understand that I’ve had other things on my mind… Thank you!
Thinking of you, stay safe!
Prayers that you and your family stay safe.
How terrifying! Prayers for your safety, and for all those affected by the wildfires!
Stay safe.
Please stay safe! You’re the second person I know (online) who is in the middle of these fires. We are hard hit by the smoke, down here in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State. We are at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers. The air quality is awful (I imagine it’s worse for you!), and I’m struggling to get enough air without all the smoke affecting my lungs. Please know you’re in our prayers!
Been watching that one but I’m packed and ready to go keeping tabs on the fire north of you, the Adams Lake (now Bush Creek East) fire. That fire spread 12 km on Friday! We’re not at the point of alert yet and the cooler weather this weekend sure helped- hope you got rain like we did Monday night & Tuesday! There are too many burning in our province right now, glad you’re safe where you are for now!
Please stay safe <3
Praying that the fires get contained quickly … Wildfires are so very scary! Sending up prayers for you & all those around you that you won’t need to evacuate!
Jan,
I understand what you are gong thru. I live in southern CA where every year has the potential for wildfires. We have only had to evacuate once. Wildfires are so unpredictable as to what path they will take. Be prepared and I hope you can tell us soon that the threat is over.
Oh wow that is huge and ever so close. Keep safe as much as you can.
Jan, Unlike some of the others who left comments, I am happy to report I have never faced something like these issues. However, I send my thoughts for your safety and wish you don’t have to evacuate. It makes me so sad that so much of this is hitting our country and other parts of the world. Mother Earth is angry! No worries for a new tutorial when your focus needs to be at home. Lorri
How scary! Stay safe. Praying that it’s contained quickly and that your property and beautiful view are spared.
I know you are all thinking about and praying for Jan and her family, she edited this post with an update. If you refresh your page, you will see it.
<3 Ginger
Oh my goodness, living in Australia I know exactly how you feel and what you are going through. The natural disasters around the world at the moment are out of this world! My niece not long returned to Australia from fighting fires in Canada, such was the need for help from wherever they could get it. Hopefully the firefighters will get on top of this – and yes, none of them are recognised near enough for their heroic work!