Pray For Rain

So, the writing is going well, and I'm deep into a new project. Revision, but hard-core revisions to the point that this is practically a first draft. Just moving along, there.

But right now there's a much more pressing matter I want to ask for your help in.

Right now in Utah there's a nasty fire raging just south of where I live in Provo.

Actually, there are two of them. The Pole Creek and Bald Mountain fires, but recently they just combined to make one mega-fire.

The fires were caused by lightning strikes on September 6, and were allowed to burn as controlled fires can help the environment out here. But due to drought and high winds, they burned out of control and now are burning pretty badly. The fire has grown past 86,000 acres and is at 2 percent containment. Many communities, like Elk Ridge, Covered Bridge, and Woodland Hills are evacuated, with other communities evacuated as well or put under pre-evacuation warning.

If you want to learn more, you can visit the sites below:

Daily Herald article

Pole Creek Fire InciWeb

At the time of writing this, no structures have been lost. No one has been seriously injured (there are reports of sprained ankles). However, it's a bad fire, and the fact that there have been hot, strong winds and no rain have only made it harder for firefighters to stop the blaze.

Also, as far as I understand, no physical donations are needed right now. This article says that the Red Cross has stopped donations due to abundance. There have been little miracles all along this experience: the fact that the fire's spreading hasn't been worse than it is, the structures that haven't been damaged, the people unhurt. The fact that 6,000 people needed places to stay and no one is in a shelter during these evacuations.

But like I said, it's a bad fire and they're still fighting it. Weather has not been on our side. So, while we don't currently need help with physical donations (though if you'd like to help, keep watching the news in case they are), please, please, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

I'm serious. We need better wind conditions and we need rain. We need things that can't be bought or donated. So, if you're a person of faith, please say a prayer for Utah. Send physical donations to those who need it due to Hurricane Florence, and while you're praying for them, could you please mention Utah?

I realize there are many other people who need help, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd keep us in your thoughts as well.

Thank you.