All the best to both you and yours, the two of you. I'm not sure whether Oz advice is of much use to you Joe but, I'd keep a couple of woollen blankets (none of your acrylic or blends, or even cotton)in the car if I had to drive anywhere when fires are in the offing. And a pair of leather gloves under the driver'seat.

The radiant heat from the flames is what kills quickest, which is why I despair when I see people in short sleeves, shorts and no head gear; long sleeves, long trousers (both of cotton drill) and a broad-brimmed hat are the minimum and I keep a couple of old reusable cotton nappies (OK, "Diapers"; the Oz ones are about 2' square) to dampen and tie over my face if I'm really confronted.

And remember that smoke ionises the atmosphere, making radio transmissions (even mobile phones) a bit dodgy.

Cheers, Rowan