Joe,

SRS's advice is very good about clearing the area near your house. You might also keep a few shovels handy to beat out the leading edge of and stubble that burns towards your house--if the fire people are not there to handle it. Few folks realize the amount of heat generated by grass or forest fires. LOTS.

One of oue guys just got back from two weeks in near Lac LaBiche, Alberta. We have our ususl going on, too. The interface of urban/rural areas is always hard to deal with in terms of fire control. People will erect $300,000 houses and surround themselves with trees and brush. Leads fire to the house.

Take care, Joe. I will keep you in my thoughts. If evacuation becaomes necessary--and I pray it doesn't--travel light. Medications, water, a bit of food and the family cat.

Bruce M