Christ First Forum

Beth Anderle

A raging wildfire in Minnesota has incinerated over 100,000 acres of popular wilderness area, and its effects are reaching as far south as Illinois.
Homes Threatened by Fire Evacuated
As of Wednesday, September 14, 2011 over 100,000 acres in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness have burned, and 36 homes in the area have been evacuated. One hundred other homeowners have been warned to be ready to evacuate if the fire continues to spread. According to a September 14, 2011 Reuters article, U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Lisa Radosevich-Craig said, on Wednesday, "They are being told be ready to go, gather your photos, gather your important papers, know where things are, but there are no evacuations that are expected for today or tomorrow."

Health Concerns from Smoke
The fire is creating a rash of health concerns across several states, and, according to WITI-TV Fox 6 News Milwaukee, has prompted air quality warning in Milwaukee and Chicago. By 1:00 PM on Tuesday, smoke had drifted through Central and Southeastern Wisconsin and into northern Illinois, prompting officials to issue air quality warnings in Milwaukee and Chicago. What had started out as a clear, sunny day quickly dimmed as a smoky haze filtered over the states, causing trouble for asthmatics and those who suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses such as COPD. While many have been complaining of breathing discomfort, area hospitals say that they have not seen a significant rise in emergency room visits as a result.


Air Quality Index at "Red"
While the winds are expected to die down over the next few days, the National Weather Service has extended an air quality advisory for parts of southeast Wisconsin until 11 p.m. Wednesday, raising the Air Quality Index (AQI) to "Red." This designation means that the number of pollutants in the air is dangerous and can cause problems even for healthy people. At least one school district is responding to the conditions; according to an Emergency Announcement, the Racine Unified School District has cancelled all outdoor activities for the day due to a Red Advisory issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Fire Was Caused by Lightning
According to Radosevich-Craig lightning started the conflagration, known as the Pagami Creek Fire, on August 18. It had been spreading slowly since then, but sudden strong winds and extremely dry conditions caused a burst on Monday, September 12, and is now the biggest fire in the region in recent memory


Firefighting Efforts Underway
Over 230 firefirghters are already working to contain the fire, with another 200 on the way. National Guard helicopters and Canadian airplanes are dropping water on the fire to cool it down, making it easier and safer for firefighters to enter the area. With the decrease in winds,as well as some overnight rain sprinkles that raised the humidity level, the Forest Service does not expect the fire to spread much further. Despite that optimistic outlook, authorities say that it might be well into November before all pockets of the blaze are fully extinguished

A nation under 'discipline...'

Answer: Turn away from your false idols,and turn back to God...

Texas is under discipline, too...

Just look at the 'condition' of our churches today...Shameful...