I'm recently back from a 2nd wildfire evacuation which lasted well over two weeks. The first one lasted only a tad over four days. We had three days at home until the second evac. What a nightmare, especially for people my age. This post will be shorter than most because I'm pretty well exhausted.
The Hermit Peak fire merged with the Calf Canyon fire to become the largest fire in New Mexico's history. It ravaged (among other places) the little valley where I live. A tiny town a few miles down the road from me (Mora, population about 1,000 or so) is now housing approximately 900 Hot Shot firefighters. Even though the fire is now past our valley, they expect to keep Mora as their base until the end of July. Their herculean efforts here saved most of our homes, including mine and all my neighbors.
In my opinion, these firefighters (as well as all urban firefighters) have jobs as tough as any combat soldier does. They deserve every bit as much respect and thanks. KUDOS to all of them.
All the extreme, over-the-top wildfires have various causes, and at the top of that list is anthropogenic Climate Disruption. Until we seriously and significantly address that issue, look for more beyond-the-pale fires. At least, such is my opinion...and that of all other ecologists I've read or heard in the last twenty years.
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Be Well
