We are vigilant during our Level IV fire danger. Level IV shuts down the woods completely. No logging is occurring in any of the districts. No recreational activities. The forests are shut down to all except firefighting. Tinder dry is a term that is floating around, the barest of spark could explode into a firestorm of destruction. We are monitoring our electric fences, any point of entry around the farm for recreation seekers, and any activity that could cause a fire.

On the farm on Friday we noticed a considerable drop in the wind, nearly to non-existent while we saw the evidence on a bit of an on-shore flow that brought a light marine layer in over night. There was dew on the grass and on the bridge this morning, during the wild east winds, the air was bone dry and there was no trace of moisture at the break of each day.

With the shift of the now nearly stagnant air, the visibility dropped to less than a half mile and stayed that way all day. We could not see the herd of cows at the back of the big field, they heard us when we started to load the hay for their meal and began to move out of the smoke to greet us.

The change in the air was good for the firefighters in the area and have been able to see rapid improvement in the many fires that they are engaged in. Although they are not yet under control, several areas have downgraded evacuation sites and containment lines are beginning to take a solid hold. They are still a long way from 100% containment.

Southern and eastern areas of the state are not able to see as much improvement, but it is the beginning. By tomorrow, we may be able to better estimate the amount of acreage of this disaster and the amount of fatalities from the fast moving pace of the firestorms. We personally know of several families throughout the fire zones that have lost their farms, their timber and their homes to these fires.

Next week it looks like moisture may be in the forecast, but for many that is a long time off. Many, many grateful thanks to those souls who are working so diligently to save lives and all of Oregon from the devastating fires.