Ring of Fire

Mike gives a somber and direct update on the intense wildfires affecting the surrounding Portland area, highlighting the severe air quality and the eerie, darkened sky caused by heavy smoke. He discusses the impact of the fires on the Phantasm spring glamping retreat planned for Spring 2021 in Mount Hood National Forest.

Hi there, Mike George here. I just wanted to do a quick update and wish you all a happy Sunday.

I don't know what I can say to really bring home the point that we are in the middle of wildfire season, but let's take a look outside. It is nearly 7:00 in the morning and, as you can see, it is still incredibly dark. That haze you're seeing isn't fog — it's smoke.

I’m currently in Tigard, Oregon, and the air quality is terrible. My roommates and I have been keeping the doors shut because even with air conditioning and a good filtration system, that smoky smell is starting to seep in. It’s unseasonably cool—upper 60s—because the smoke is literally blotting out the sun and preventing the energy from reaching the surface.

Looking at the fire maps, most of the activity is coming from the southeast near Mount Hood and Estacada. It’s a bit surreal because I have a glamping retreat, the 'Fantasm Spring Glamping Retreat,' planned for Spring 2021 in the Mount Hood National Forest. The event is still on, but the vibe will definitely be different. We'll be in a burnt-out forest, and I’m planning to adjust the theme so that everyone brings a sapling. We’re going to help replant the forest.

It’s a beautiful but scary sight out there. During times of crisis like this, hanging out with good people is so important—mental health is just as vital as physical health.

Please stay safe, appreciate the air you breathe, and remember to replace those air filters. They really come in handy at times like this. This is Mike George, coming at you live from Portland. Stay safe, everyone.