You have probably read about or seen news reports about the horrific forest fires that have been burning in south Georgia and that have moved into northern Florida.
I had not realized the intensity of the fires and how far north the smoke could travel until yesterday, when in the early morning hours the smoke on the horizon near our home looked like dense, grey fog. The smell was awful. My eyes burned. And Atlanta is about 200 miles from the forest fires that have been raging in south Georgia for over two months.
All of Georgia is suffering from a terrible drought.
"MACON, GA (May 23, 2007) - The Georgia Forestry Commission is asking for every Georgian’s help in preventing wildfire this Memorial Day weekend. With a serious drought underway and record-breaking fires in south Georgia still burning, the risk of wildfire demands strict vigilance with all ignitable materials.
“I can’t ever remember a time when so much of Georgia was at class 5 fire danger,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Class 5 is the highest level of measurable fire risk on GFC fire danger scales. “Our resources are stretched to the maximum with the south Georgia fires, so outbreaks anywhere else will present a real challenge. We need Georgians to pitch in and help prevent wildfires.”
As families begin spending more time outdoors this holiday weekend, fire risks can increase. Dozier advised extreme caution when enjoying campfires and cookouts. Fireworks pose a very high risk and are not advised. Lawn equipment on dry grass and the disposal of cigarettes should also be carefully monitored.
“Very simply, these drought conditions mean one stray spark can cause a ravaging wildfire,” said Dozier. “We want people to have an enjoyable summer, but it can easily go up in smoke if everybody’s not careful.”
Today an east wind blew in with a slight breeze that dissipated most of the smoke.
For that I am thankful.
My heart aches for those living near the fire area. They must be really suffering.
Please join me in praying for rain.
6 comments:
Chancy, about 10 days ago, everyone around here could smell the smoke too. I couldn't believe it had travelled this far!
I've been near forest fires in Alaska and the smoke is terrible. A friend of mine had a dog who had to wear a mask when there were fires within a 150 miles. Poor creature.
Here in northeast Florida we've been getting smoke from fires in both Georgia and Florida, depending on which way the wind blows. We're in the extreme drought area, but thankfully, a bit of rain came in tonight and the weather man said the afternoon showers generated by sea breezes may offer some relief in the new few weeks.
I've been praying for rain Chancy. Though we don't have forest fires in this area--yet, we need rain desperately. Thank you for letting us know about the areas that need the most prayer right now.
I have a difficult time tolerating so many things about summer. I don't mean to sound ungrateful; but, summer is by far not my favorite season of the year.
We've been going from one natural disaster to another. Alarmingly, they are becoming a part of our everyday existence. It's frightening. If prayers will help, I'll say my share.
Chancy, our recent vacation down at Hilton Head was the same time and we also were surprised to wake up one of the mornings to a heavy fog that smelled like smoke. We knew it was one of the fires---Georgia or Florida and were concerned.
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