The dry conditions and unseasonable wind storm we just had has created the perfect store for wildfires.

There are very serious fires around the west coast - one large fire burning and causing evacuations is less than 20 miles from my home office where I am writing this.

The smoke in some areas on the west coast is so thick, it's turning day into night with thick red-grey smoke.

IF YOU ARE NEAR A FIRE AREA

1. Make sure you are safe.
2. Have an evacuation plan, pack a bag.
3. Take people in if they need it.
4. Store some food and water and supplies in case of power outages, or extra household members.
5. Stay away from fire areas because emergency crews need access.
6. Have a Pet Emergency Kit.
7. Show some grace... people are scared, and may need a little extra support/space. Give it to them.

IF YOU ARE NOT CLOSE TO A FIRE

1. Give blood. Here's a map of blood banks.
2. You could donate to the Red Cross for people and wildlife.
3. Donate to the NW Relief Fund.
4. If you have a trailer/horse-trailer/box truck etc, keep on the lookout for people asking about livestock or animals that need to be evacuated.
5. You can help host people who evacuated or host a pet.
6. Check in with your friends and family and ask them if they need anything. Worst case, they'll be glad to hear from you.

It's important that we come together in times of crisis, and these fires in California, Oregon, and Washington are really serious.

Thank you for being awesome.

Stay safe my friends.

~Matt

P.S. If you know someone who has been recently diagnosed with cancer, or is a family member, friend, or caregiver, please give them a link to Answer2Cancer.org for their upcoming patient information event. (online) Before our who side of the country lit on fire, we were going to focus on this amazing non-profit today, but we'll send you more info about it next week. ~Matt