Fire on the Mountain

This afternoon Lee smelled smoke in the air, normally something we get used to in the winter coming out of the chimney. But today it was 80 degrees and we didn't have a fire in the stove. We didn't think much of it until we got a call from Cedar Run and Howard Bradshaw, one of the guys whom I am doing work for.
"Are you all right up there?" he said.
"I said sure why?"
"Well, I am watching a fire going all the way up the mountain towards you guys and its been burning all day."

Not much scares this mountain girl, but fire and for good reason. During the 30's many people lost their lives up here in forest fires in and around Leetonia. Some stubbornly sticking with their homes until it was too late. We only have two ways out of here and fire can have a way of cutting you off. We checked out the fire at 11pm on the 19th. and estimated a fire line running up from Cedar Run across the West Rim towards Leetonia of at least 10 miles. Fortunately it seems to be moving slowly and is at least six miles away from us at this point. As much as I love this place there isn't anything here that can't be rebuilt and we will be moving out quickly with the dogs if needed. On a good note rain is called for in the immediate forecast. This is good because they aren't attempting to put this fire out right now it is in a very steep area that would be almost impossible to work on so they are letting it burn and establishing cut off areas. I will know more by morning and promise you an update unless I am forced out before then. So don't any of you worry the mountain girls don't take chances with fire. Mountain girl, Paula, logging off, and praying for the best.