Stuart Creek Fire Update 7/4

We have NO EVACUATION orders yet.

The wind had been in our favor for the last few days but the fire is still creeping towards us. Late last night we watched a Fire Service air show from our second story porch: scooper planes, spotter planes, helicopters and jump ships. We could see the fire line moving along the ridge to the southeast. This morning the wind has shifted slightly, so the smoke has engulfed the ridge and our house. I'm not sure which is more intimidating... actually seeing flames at a distance or smoke engulfing us.

The view from our house.

We live in a neighborhood of professional wildland firefighters. Many of their cabins are just south of us and are the first residences in the line of this fire. These guys took the day off from work yesterday to prepare their own homes for fire and evacuation. Today they have all chosen to go to work (in Fairbanks). In my mind, this means they have confidence in the system. (Plus, I can call and harass Ray hourly for updates!)

Despite the ups and down in life, we are happy to live in the USA. We hope everyone will celebrate the 4th of July and the independence of our great nation.