I'm in Chicago so am very safe. These fires aren't just confined to the States. Italy has been slammed by them, too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fires in Sicily

It's been very hot here and smokey, which makes any outside activities miserable, but the fires aren't too close.

What a terrible year for so many states. The firefighters and other service personnel are not getting a break. We had 2 weeks of smoke and so many were told to stay inside. Few people here have AC, with the heat on top of it things were even more difficult. Now the cleanup is going on and it is requiring hazmat being involved.

I too hope all are safe.

A friend of mine had her son discharged after brain surgery; drove home to Colorado from Texas & had to be ready to evacuate back in late June; early July. The fire stopped within 1-2 miles from their house. They really lucked out because they did not have to evacuate.