Red Ring Tupperware Party, Autumnal Equinoctal Edition (24)

gjl711 wrote in post #17682335
It's so quiet in here. *continues sneaking around*

Someone always goes and spoils the peace and tranquility ........... try to enjoy the silence JJ!

tonylong wrote in post #17674150
Well, hey, it's 95F out west here, we've been unusually dry with wild fires here in Washington, Oregon, and the ones in California, and this hot weather doesn't help!

Yeah, my area is bearing the brunt of the wildfires. . In fact, I was evacuated for two days last week, but fortunately the house didn't burn. . The smoke has been so thick for days and days and days. . Many folks are walking around town wearing respiratory masks 24/7. . Hundreds of power poles burned down and many homes won't have power for another 3 weeks or so. . So many roads are closed it's hard to get where one needs to go. . Different kinds of crews are here from all over the western US to help fight fire, doctor those who've gotten hurt, enforce road closures, restore our power grid, etc. . I've lived here for 8 years now, and this is the worst fire yet within the time I've been here. It's crazy.

If I heard it correctly, there was an ad on tv asking for volunteers to go and help fight the fires. If I was in a financial spot to be able to take off for a couple of weeks, I'd be there.

Glad you've escaped any damage to your home. We get summer fires here in Southern Spain, all too often people lose everything, fortunately for me I'm on the coast.
Good luck with the rest of the season and the fires stay away from you.

Jill-of-all-Trades wrote in post #17682458
If I heard it correctly, there was an ad on tv asking for volunteers to go and help fight the fires. If I was in a financial spot to be able to take off for a couple of weeks, I'd be there.

Yes, you heard correctly. . People are great! . There are so many volunteers wanting to come help that they have to screen them now; they are only able to use people who have professional experience fighting wild fires. . There's been some talk about setting up a facility to train novices, so that they, too, will be able to help. . Let's hope the fires don't last long enough to make that necessary.

Jill-of-all-Trades wrote in post #17682458
If I heard it correctly, there was an ad on tv asking for volunteers to go and help fight the fires. If I was in a financial spot to be able to take off for a couple of weeks, I'd be there.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #17682503
Yes, you heard correctly. . People are great! . There are so many volunteers wanting to come help that they have to screen them now; they are only able to use people who have professional experience fighting wild fires. . There's been some talk about setting up a facility to train novices, so that they, too, will be able to help. . Let's hope the fires don't last long enough to make that necessary.

I'm a bit old and out of shape to consider actual firefighting. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the area of emergency communications and could be of help in that area.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #17682503
Yes, you heard correctly. . People are great! . There are so many volunteers wanting to come help that they have to screen them now; they are only able to use people who have professional experience fighting wild fires. . There's been some talk about setting up a facility to train novices, so that they, too, will be able to help. . Let's hope the fires don't last long enough to make that necessary.

If they just took whoever showed up and sent them out into the wilds, there'd be a whole new disaster on their hands. I know lots of volunteer firefighters that would head out if they had the opportunity.

JWright wrote in post #17682544
I'm a bit old and out of shape to consider actual firefighting. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the area of emergency communications and could be of help in that area.

Then c'mon over, John! . They can DEFINITELY use anyone with such experience and ability.

There are so many different fires throughout the area that it is a real challenge to make sure that the most acute needs are known.

The feds have come in to manage the fires, and one of their biggest tasks is ensuring that the resources are highly mobile, so that whatever area flares up and becomes the moment's greatest threat is the area that the resources go to ASAP. . Communication saves lives and homes.

Ok, I can't help myself - I have to share a pic of this fire.

I've been using every spare minute to photograph this fire, as well as man's efforts to fight it. It's going on 7 days now, and it is exhausting! The biggest problem with photographing a natural disaster is the fact that so many, areas and so many roads are closed to all public access. It's extremely hard to find a road that is not closed that enables one to get close enough to the fire for some good images.

JWright wrote in post #17682544
I'm a bit old and out of shape to consider actual firefighting. I have extensive knowledge and experience in the area of emergency communications and could be of help in that area.

My brother-in-law and his ex were firefighters and I use to work out with them. It amazed me at how easily they could hike up one of the trails. I would be panting and ready to call 911 as I though I was going to die and they barely broke a sweat. Flat-landers and mountains is a disaster waiting to happen.

Pretty wild stuff! The newspaper said that not only are the fires setting a record for Washington State, but for the first time calls have gone out for international aid in the state.

Here in Vancouver, SouthWest Washington, we aren't seeing fires, but we've had some smokey days. Yesterday (and today) things have cleared up a lot...last night we could actually see stars in the sky!

Tom Reichner wrote in post #17682554
Then c'mon over, John! . They can DEFINITELY use anyone with such experience and ability.

There are so many different fires throughout the area that it is a real challenge to make sure that the most acute needs are known.

The feds have come in to manage the fires, and one of their biggest tasks is ensuring that the resources are highly mobile, so that whatever area flares up and becomes the moment's greatest threat is the area that the resources go to ASAP. . Communication saves lives and homes.

I would, except I can't afford to travel to Washington State. Also, I live in an area that's had it's share of wildfires over the years and you never know when one might popup here.

In the summer we have wildfire all over but they are very small compared to what's burning out west. Mostly grass fires which burn out before the fire crew arrives. Farther west though the grass fires can be quite impressive.

Finally got my Dad moved from the VA hospital and into the veterans home down in Boulder City (just south of Vegas). Been a rough two weeks, especially since he's been fighting everything the whole way; this is the first day I've had time to relax a little. I actually picked up my camera this morning for a few bug shots.

Hey Moose, sounds like a rough time. I know when we moved my MIL, she was very resistant but has grown to like the place.