416 Fire

16 years ago, my brother's house burned down in a forest fire in June. The conditions are about identical this year with a large fire that is only 10% contained north of town. His daughter, who was 4 months old at the time, is now 16 and learning to drive. Fortunately, their house is not in the path of this fire. But the smoke is inescapable in town, making activities difficult.

My 12 year old son, Bob, attends camp in Durango for 4 weeks each year and it is the highlight of his year. Leaving him near a fire is rather frightening, but this camp is very well organized and has been evacuated before. The fire has not dampened his enthusiasm for camp.

I cannot begin to imagine the bravery of the men and women fighting fires here and around the county. I am immensely grateful to them.