Thursday, November 17, 2016

Thankful Thursday and Wildfire Update

Only with Snowball behind snug on the couch in the cat shelter

We wanted to update everyone in case you are not on Facebook or Instagram. One of the wildfires burning in the mountains of North Carolina is very close to us.  Party Rock or Lake Lure fire is about 10 miles away - much closer as the crow flies.  The fact that we are and will continue to be in extreme drought is another cause for concern. (biggify the photos for better viewing)

Photo courtesy of Wildfire Today

Party Rock fire - photo from Chimney Rock Village page


Our home is located on the southern edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge above the town of Bat Cave.  The gorge drops down 1000 feet in elevation to the valley floor where Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure are located.  The fire started on the north ridge of the gorge near Lake Lure two weeks ago and has traveled up the north ridge encompassing 5700 acres and is 19% contained.  This is a rugged wilderness area and hard to get to so the fire fighters have been focusing on a defense line to save the homes and businesses.  So far no one has been injured and no structures have been lost.

Smoke from fires - Lake Lure  Operations

Chimney Rock Village with fire behind - fromAsheville Citizen Times


We are not in danger at this point and have plans should we have to leave with all the cats.  We have moved all brush and leaves away from the buildings on our land, collected cat carriers and food and are ready to go if we are asked to evacuate.  Our biggest issue is air quality from the smoke.  Some days we are Code Red or Orange.  I am keeping the cats indoors and since I have asthma, I am inside too.
Last week in Lake Lure


The weather forecast is grim - no rain in sight for the next 30 days and a dry warm winter predicted.  The Gov.  said the worst case scenario with no rain/snow, is that the fires will burn until March.  The Party Rock fire may burn itself out in a few weeks.

Courtesy of Asheville Citizen Times

Donations for firefighters at Ingles, Lake Lure


We are thankful we are still at home and in no danger yet. We are so very grateful to all of the firefighters from across the country who are working hard to keep this fire and the multiple other fires in western NC from spreading.  We are thankful to all our caring communities in the region who are donating food, toiletry items and money to the firefighters while they are here.  We know we are in good hands and hope that in the weeks to come things will improve.

Photo courtesy of WLOS

We are asking you all to do whatever you believe in to request rain or snow for our area along with eastern Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.  Visualize this area blanketed in some form of precipitation putting out all the fires. Keep us all in your thoughts!

Tabitha and Woody know they are safe


Thank you friends! Be sure to stop by Brian's Home for Thankful Thursday.

24 comments:

Summer said...

I am sending lots of purrs your way! We too live in a drought-plagued fire zone, so we know all about poor air quality and fire worries.

Fuzzy Tales said...

I've briefly seen a couple of your posts on FB, Cheri, but I don't think I quite grasped the magnitude of the situation. All our purrs, prayers and Light to you and to all impacted. I wish you could take all our (to come) winter snow and rain.

The Island Cats said...

What a scary time for you and everyone else in your area. We are purring for rain and hope the situation gets better. Stay safe!

Hannah and Lucy said...

We wish we could have sent you the rain we had this morning as it was quite a downpour!

Unknown said...

Wow, I really hope you are ok over there!!!Keep updating us. Hoping for a good news!!!
Kim

Deziz World said...

Oh MeoWwwwww We're sendin' lots of purrayers and hugs. Stay safe.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Raena

The Swiss Cats said...

That's awful ! We send you tons of purrs and wish you get some rain. Purrs

Sweet Purrfections said...

We're purring for relief soon. Mom Paula has had problems with her allergies due to the smoke in SC. Stay safe.

Eastside Cats said...

Thank you for the update; the news around here doesn't cover it very well! Please stay safe, and if we as a group can do anything to help, let us know!

Eastside Cats said...

Thank you for the information; the news doesn't report anything around here. If there is anything we can do in blogland, just let us know!

da tabbies o trout towne said...

guys....we R troo lee sorree; we dinna noe ewe waz that kinda cloze two theeze firez....we purray that everee one ree manes safe; familee N nayborz & friendz a like, N that mother nature will send sum rain yur way; or at leest help in stompin de firez out ~~~~~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am purring for rain for your area. My mum is visualising heavy rain coming down on the fires and hopes it happens.

pilch92 said...

That is awful. I will be praying you all stay safe.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are sure thankful you are okay and we know how scary that must be for you. We sure hope they get it under control soon. It has been smokey down her. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

Anonymous said...

This is very scary. I always worry about all of the critters. You are in our prayers. ❤

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

That last picture Of Woody and Tabitha is beautiful. We can't even imagine how scary it must be to live in the area. Sending you love and prayers for safety and relief.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

we are praying for your safety and for the safety of all those being affected. Praying it stops so that you don't have to evacuate. Praying for rain! Please be safe! xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

catladymac said...

Prayers for all of you ! How wise you are to have plans for safe evacuation for all your charges ! "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best !"

Hairballs and Hissyfits said...

You guys will definitely be in our thoughts! Good luck! It's wonderful what you are doing for the cats

meowmeowmans said...

This is just so scary and horrible. Please know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, dear friends. Love to you.

Mishkat said...

Sending purrs and good thoughts - and purring for rain!

nancywestbooks said...

Praying for everyone's safety!

nancywestbooks said...

Praying for everyone's safety!

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I hope you continue to be safe

ShareThis

LinkWithin

Related Posts Widget for Blogs by LinkWithin

Please Follow Us...new posts don't always show in Google Reader so check in with us often!