Thanks to all of you for your concern and prayers. Spring is a windy time in New Mexico, but the extent and velocity of the wind for the last 60 days exceeds anything I have ever experienced here. it is looking to me like this is one of those fires that will burn until the it rains or runs out of fuel.
This is usually a busy time here, but no one is being allowed into the back country, for obvious reasons. The roads on our end of the fire are pretty much deserted. Those business's that depend on holiday traffic are taking a terrible beating. The only real business in town is feeding various groups of firefighters.
Imagine working at elevations in excess of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, covered by heavy, fire protective clothing. In some places, the water they use to fight the fire has to get there on the strength of their backs. It is hot apart from the fire, but these guys are working in a much hotter environment. It can be difficult to get the oxygen required for hard work at these altitudes-but these guys are fighting the altitude and the smoke for the oxygen they need to do their work. They are hero's, and we have no trouble remembering that, or treating them like heroes when we meet them in our little town. When they are able to get into the village for a hot meal, everybody insists that their meal orders go first. Again, we appreciate your prayers and concerns.