Even with gas prices so ridiculously high, we took a quick drive around our immediate area last evening.  I just could not wrap my brain around how 3600+ acres burned ... now I can!  To say my jaw dropped open and stayed open is an understatement.  It's just as devastating as hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, but in a completely different way.  The landscape around here is going to look quite different for a long while .......

To say that the firefighters did an amazing job is also an understatement.  They saved so many structures.  It took my breath away to see homes and barns where everything around them was completely burned yet they are still standing untouched.  Bravo, bravo, bravo to the firefighters!  There are some homes and structures we could never see before due to dense trees and foliage surrounding them ... they are clearly visible now.......

As I said before, unfortunately some homes, vehicles, and other structures were totally destroyed.......

We are at 70% containment in my immediate area as of this morning.  The hot spots are continuing to be monitored for flare ups.  We have a small chance of rain this afternoon.