More fires

Signal Hill Fire near Winthrop

Unfortunately, a new fast-moving wildfire started yesterday afternoon between Twisp and Winthrop. Twisp wasn't evacuated, but Amanda and Tom's best friends, Gina, Michael and their kids (along with hundreds of others) had to evacuate on short notice. I talked to Amanda this morning and they don't know for sure yet, but think some of their other friends who live in that area may have lost homes last night. The Sun Mountain Resort and Perrygin Lake State Park were also evacuated, so this one is being taken seriously.

This fire burned uncomfortably close to the command center at Liberty Bell High School, where the regional firefighters are camped in a tent city.  The good news is they responded immediately to the new fire, the bad news is they must be so tired, and no relief in sight from the weather--more thunderstorms, wind and hot temperatures ahead.  I've found the best place to check the latest news is still the Carlton Complex Fire blog.

There's a break from the smoke and stress for Amanda, Tom and girlies-- they're headed to the green side of the state this weekend.  On Monday morning in Seattle, Amanda must take the NCLEX-RN, meaning the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.  After that, she is officially a registered nurse, even though she's already been working at the clinic for several weeks.  We're very proud of her!