Wildfire Threatens 175 Homes in Wash.

[Eugene]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5196973,00.html

Wildfire Threatens 175 Homes in Wash.

Monday August 8, 2005 6:46 AM

POMEROY, Wash. (AP) - Residents of about 175 homes in southeastern
Washington were forced to evacuate as a fire that had charred as much
as 32,000 acres moved north out of the Umatilla National Forest onto
private land.

Farmers beyond the flames were plowing up broad swaths of earth
through fields of wheat and other crops, trying to create breaks to
save this year's harvest, said Marc Hollen, spokesman for the
Northwest Fire Coordination Center in Portland, Ore.

The leading edge of the fire, which had covered just 150 acres on
Saturday morning, was about 10 miles south of this rural community,
authorities said Sunday.

"At the moment it's zero percent contained, burning vigorously in
timber, grass and brush," said John Townsley, also of the Northwest
Fire Coordination Center.

more...

[Erika]

1. The drought on the NW has been merciless

Makes one believe in global warming and climate changes.

[Rainscents]

2. NW had hardly any snow last winter, and now, compound with hot

weather...This two together is deadly combinations for wildfire.

[Erika]

3. According to the local weatherman

this will be the future. Say goodbye to our ski resorts and our agriculture. He's been right so far.

[cliss]

4. It seems that way.

Here in Portland, it's been a dry, hot summer. I lost several of my precious bonsais; it's just too dry for them.

Yes, welcome to the new dynamics.

[MisterP]

5. quick! cut down the big fireproof trees in the forest! that'll stop it