04 Aug 2026 11:46:44
Little off topic but I don't know if anyone is following the wildfires in the US?

My mum and sister were out there in Spokane (a little east of Seattle) at my aunt and uncles house. They all had to evacuate with 5 minutes notice. The house was burnt down to the ground.

A place where I spent easily 15-20 Christmases and a house that was a huge focal point for a large family (my mum was one of eight) . I get that Americans can often rub people to wrong way but its staggering the impact this has had in everyday people.

You hear on the news what USA and Canada are going through and obviously Spain France and greece. But it never quite seems real until it happens to you or someone close to you.

1.) 04 Aug 2026
04 Aug 2026 13:46:10
The fires happen every year and do seem to be getting worse.
In my 19 years in Canada the difference in the winter severity is very noticeable TBH, so the climate is changing.
When you fly over Canada you get an idea of how much of the land is wooded.


Fortunately here in New Brunswick we are not as badly affected by actual fires but you notice the air quality and see the sun colour change due to the smoke.

2.) 04 Aug 2026
04 Aug 2026 13:56:05
Sad news, Ealing! So sorry to hear of that.
Also sadly, it seems that this kind of thing is a new reality we all face for at least the mid term.


The wildfires here got to within 7kms of my village last year; our saving Grace is that its prime vineyards surrounding us, and if there's profit involved, there's no limit to what they will do to protect it all!

3.) 04 Aug 2026
04 Aug 2026 14:55:39
I've been through a house fire. It's frightening. Truth.
I woke up thinking the window blinds were rattling inn the wind but it was flames crackling. Got my wife and dogs up. Running downstairs the lights went out and alarm went off. We all scrambled up the hill to a neighbour as front of house on fire.

It's nature. Next day. After fireman allowed us to. we went in the house. Half the house was gutted. Nothing left. But my boys Brms and playroom pristine. Untouched. That's the wind for you.

4.) 04 Aug 2026
04 Aug 2026 17:40:14
Scary s*** that, Aus! Frightening!

5.) 04 Aug 2026
04 Aug 2026 19:53:11
That's devastating for your family mate. Thank God no lives were lost.

6.) 04 Aug 2026
04 Aug 2026 20:17:09
As Corkey says, Ealing, devastating and frightening.