Tracking the Fires
Mike gives a firsthand account of the Oregon wildfires, noting the eerie and hazardous atmospheric conditions caused by heavy smoke and haze. The smoke has blotted out the sun, resulting in an unseasonably cold morning filled with toxic air. An odd tension exists between the dystopian beauty of the smoke-filled sky and the immediate danger posed by the encroaching fires.
Oh yes, that is what it looks like outside right now, guys. Oh god. We’re going to step out for a moment, but just look at that. I know the sun hasn’t even risen yet, but it’s still incredibly dark.
I need to grab my water and my smokes. My roommates are still asleep, so I have to be a little quiet. It’s a nice morning here in Portland—well, "lovely" in a certain way.
Good morning! Sorry, I literally just woke up, so you’re catching the early bird catching the... haze? I don't know, there aren't any worms out there anymore.
I’ve got to take a drink. The air is just terrible out there. We’re going to go outside for a second so I can breathe in some of this toxic air just to show you what I’m talking about. Good morning, Todd\! How are you doing? You say I’m handsome? Well, I’m handsome for now, but as soon as I start breathing that air, my body is going to start suffering. I’ll enjoy the looks while they last.
(Heading outside)
All right, let’s go. Let’s step outside. Look at this... it’s intense. We’re going to see if this is regular fog or if it’s actually smoke. I’m pretty certain it’s smoke.
I’m going out the front door because my roommates advised me not to open the back. Every time we open the door, it lets that awful smoke in, and we have to be careful. We’re lucky because we have air conditioning and a pretty awesome filtration system, but despite that, we’re still getting this smoky smell in the apartment. It smells like incense at first—kind of pleasant—but then it gets to be too much. My roommates have sensitive respiratory systems, so we really have to consider that.
I need to get my clothes on because it’s actually cold out there. Believe it or not, the haze and smoke are making things cooler on the ground. It’s probably in the upper 60s right now, which is unseasonably cool for the middle of September. But of course, the smoke blots out the sun. When the energy can’t reach the surface, we don’t get that warming effect. I think you guys get the point.
It’s almost 7:00. Let’s step out. Look at that... it looks like primordial soup.
Look at that. It’s freezing out here! And look... that’s all smoke. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, all of that is smoke. It’s beautiful in a way, but scary. One of those "beautiful scary" things. Like this cigarette... actually, no, these are disgusting. I’m not even going to smoke it.
As you can tell, it’s pretty bad out there. In "celebration," I’ve got Ring of Fire playing. I figured this is a good chance to party in the apocalypse. Enjoy the music while I check the forecast.
Things are getting serious. Let’s look at the map. Oh, wow, that’s new. There’s actually a little fire right over here near where I live in Tigard. I’m going to keep a good eye on that one. I think I’m alright for now, but most of the activity is coming from the southeast toward Mount Hood.
Look at all those fires. Estacada is one of the biggest towns that had to be evacuated because of all this. Just look at all that.
