The forest fires in our area have made the outside air virtually unbreathable! I took this photo about 5 minutes ago. It's about 3 p.m. here. Bear in mind, our little valley is about a mile wide and 15 miles long. Hidden below our hill in the smoke, there is a river. And, although you can't see it, there is a mountain range less than a mile in front of the camera. The forest service told us to get used to it, because it's going to be this way until the winter snowfall puts out the fires. One particular fire, about 15 miles north of us has already burned almost 80,000 acres. They gave word this morning to the folks in the town of Yellowpine to evacuate immediately. At one point last week, we had seven fires within 30 miles of us. The fire fighters, bless their souls, are just overwhelmed. Too many fires, not enough equipment and men to go around.
It's a shame the Feds have failed to give approval for use of the 747 Jumbo Jets for aerial bombardment of these fires. They've proven themselves more than capable of the task, but the powers that be with the FAA just keep on dragging their feet. Meanwhile, the fires keep on keepin' on.
I hope everything works out for you guys up there 
s-k