Enumclaw is notorious for bein 'odor-ific,' thanks to the many cows roaming the pastures around town. But lately, you may have been smelling something new--smoke. Smoke that smells like a campfire and creates a smoggy appearance like something right out of San Francisco.
This smoke is coming from the 200 fires that are burning in Eastern Washington, and the "extra" smoke is blowing right this way. It can be smelly and ugly, but it is also dangerous. For those with allergies or breathing problems, it can wreak havoc on people's lungs and asthma. So these people should consider staying indoors where the air is cleaner.
I was running this morning on the Foothills trail (and later on Mud Mountain Road) and the air was not only foggy, but I believe there was still remnants of the smoke particles in the air. I even smelled smoke again, faintly. The fog was beautiful, but the haziness had to have been mixed with smoke; there's no doubt in my mind.
I really do hope the firefighters can get a handle on those fires; I will be praying for them. These fires hit a little close to home because my parents have been evacuated 3 times in CA due to wildfires, and they have friends who have lost their homes. So I do not take wildfires lightly; or forest fires. They are deadly, and the firefighters need all the support and prayers they can receive.
For those of you who have been smelling smoke, take heart; this stagnant "less-than-stellar" air quality won't last long, but we do need to be vigilent about our health and check on those who have breathing problems from time to time.
Hug a firefighter, pray for several, and donate to the Red Cross if you are able.
Be safe out there!
