Brushfires.... ***Updated*** (at the bottom)

[DestMasters]

The sirens and comotion started around 2:45 today.  Chance got home from school around 3:30 and we smelled smoke.  He and I went to the market and met with three fire engines coming our way.  After the market and heading home, we saw horrid smoke.  Tons of it.  It was in our neighborhood so we drove toward the smoke and discovered a brushfire had gotten out of control and was covering about 10 acres.  We pulled off the road and tried to see if anyone needed any help hosing their roofs, etc.  Everything seemed fine so we headed home.  We pulled in the driveway and looked across the street.  We saw this...........

Back inside we got dinner ready while talking to Steve on the phone.  He'd not heard about the fires and we wanted to warn him that we were fine and safe.

After dinner Steve and I decided to take a ride and see if anyone needed help. We put a case of cold water from the fridge into the car and headed out.  We also wanted to know how close the fire was, what direction it was going and if we needed to plan an escape with the horse and critters in tow.

So we got in the car and drove about a half mile.........................

We obviously weren't going any farther.  They have bulldozers and fighters with hoses in the brush. Still, the flames were flaring.................

A helicopter was helping out....

Chance and I had driven by this area just 2 hours before and it was fine. The fire was nowhere near it.  But now.........................

Such smoke...........

So Steve and I are stinky but we're all safe.  The noises have quieted so I believe things are under control and finally calming down. 

Thanks for the PMs and comments ladies and all the thoughts and concern.  Last night when we went to bed the sky was clear and all we could smell in the yard was the blooming Jasmine.  The news said that the fire was "no where near under control according to Forestry officials" but that it was starting to creep away from homes and that, if the wind continued as it was, the homes would soon be out of danger.

This morning the smoke is back and when I went out to feed the horse, not only can we smell the smoke from in the house and the air filled with smoke, we could hear the bulldozers in the distance trying to fight the fire.  Apparently, the fire is no longer a danger to homes but will cause driving issues on the interstate and is less than 40% contained at this point.

We're accustomed to fires in here this part of Florida.  Most of them tend to burn the Everglades but with the recent droughts the last several years, we've had our fair share.  Typically, they aren't so close to housing.  Last night on the news they said the cause of this fire was "suspicious". Isn't that special?

http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=105585&catid=8

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/nature_coast/Brush_fire_050809

Thanks again everyone!

~D

[Enchantee]

May. 8, 2009 at 9:03 PM

Whoa...that's some fire, Destiny!  You weren't kidding!  Stay safe, doll!

Hugs...Ceci

[cleanaturalady]

May. 8, 2009 at 9:45 PM

That is just awful.  I hope there are no people injured or burned out of their homes.  I hate fires.  The scare the hell outa me.

[clairandamjones]

May. 8, 2009 at 10:17 PM

How can flames like that leave me with chills?  Awful.  Just awful.  I am so glad you are safe.

[DestMasters]

May. 8, 2009 at 10:27 PM

As far as we could tell, there were no injuries of either firefighters or civilians.  I don't think any houses were destroyed but I would imagine some were damaged.  There were firelines right up to a couple of back patios.

It was good to see people out there wanting to help folks they didn't know.

(Original Poster)

[uggs-lover]

May. 8, 2009 at 11:32 PM

OH Destiny....how scarey!!! I am glad that you are ok, mama! We know all too much about fires around here....I am so happy that you are so awesome, and wanted to try to help....I would expect nothing less from you....that is why you are my friend after all.....hugs to you for your scarey day!!!!

[Mylovngheart]

May. 9, 2009 at 12:28 AM

Prayin' for your fires, please sneak in a prayer for our flooding here in Ky...thanks, glad your family is safe.

[Lb128f]

May. 9, 2009 at 1:29 AM

Saying a prayer for your safety and for all those affected by the fires.

[ShutterbugMama]

May. 9, 2009 at 8:36 AM

Here, loving you, praying.  It all looks so familiar.  Im so sorry; YUCK.

PLEASE keep us updated, ok??  Like...as often as you can.

[singedwingangel]

May. 9, 2009 at 8:37 AM

HOly Cow what a spring. you have fires and we here in Ky have more water then we need, wish we could send some your way.. Sending prayers up for everyone involved..

[ShutterbugMama]

May. 9, 2009 at 11:12 AM

Glad you're safe; 40% is a good upper hand.

xo

Thanks so much for updating.  I checked back just to check in on you and Gailanne...

Fires and floods..

Loving you.