Interior Alaska has been on national news lately due to the local wild fires. The kennel remains safe (though smokey). The nearest fire to us is still over 20 miles away.
Fire crews have been battling the blazes and have kept Circle City from burning (a checkpoint village for the Yukon Quest) as well as numerous cabins and homes statewide.
A Hot Shot crew member at work – Photo from Alaska Fire Service
Fire fighters are a hard core work force in Alaska. There are many different divisions, organizations and crews. I am most familiar with the Alaska Fire Service (AFS) whose organizational headquarters is in Fairbanks. There are quite a few fire fighters who are our neighbors here in Two Rivers. There are also crews that are composed of men and women from Alaska bush villages – you will see crew names like: “Minto #1” or “Allakaket #2”. This season is so busy, however, that many crews from the Lower 48 are here as well.
We are very in tune with Alaska’s fire activity not only because of our concern for our property and safety but also because Ray, our brother-in-law (also known as “Sam’s Daddy”) is a fire fighter. He was stationed in the village of Galena for much of the season. But, the past few weeks he was fighting a fire near the Yukon River. Needless to say, he has been working a lot, but is required by law to have 2 days off after 21 days of work.
This past Friday was day 21! Sam got his fire weary (and a little fire smelly) Daddy home for 2 days. The entire family was able to sneak in a deluxe Sunday brunch.
Sam and his Daddy
Was Sam's Daddy Ray on that little fire just off the Dalton, about 12 miles from the river? If so, I wish I'd have known. I was at Pump Station 6 all last week. I could have bought him a burger at Hot Spot (aptly named place, eh?)
Swanny
Great photo! Hope for end of your fire season soon, Ray, stay safe!
Julie and dogs
Great photo of Sam and Daddy Ray!
Thinking of all of you, stay safe!