While we are a long way from where the fires are presently burning, the affects can be seen, felt and smelled. Looking out the window, it appears to be twilight due to the thick smoke. Stepping outside, the sun is casting a orange light. One’s sense of smell is over loaded with the smell of thousands of smoldering campfires. After several minutes, my throat and eyes start to burn from the acidic smoke and my lungs tighten from the assault of fine ash particles. I retreat back inside for the 22nd consecutive Spare the Air Alert.

I can’t begin to imagine what it is like for the fire fighters on the fire lines where the air quality is far worse.