Standing tall in all that smoke
The Hayden resident caught himself complaining about the smoke in the air, which was making his afternoon outing less than ideal.
"But this is nothing compared to what all those people are going through," he said, nodding to the north.
All those people are the residents of the Cape Horn and Bayview areas and the scores of fire fighters doing everything in their power to preserve life and limb. While those of us out of harm's way might be muttering about watery eyes, scratchy throats and other smoke-induced discomforts, consider the plight of evacuees whose homes are lost or in jeopardy, and the people who might not have left their homes at all.
The fluid nature of this local disaster and the communication challenges created by remote access and necessary restrictions make it difficult to know the status of the fire or threatened people at any given time. But as of this writing Tuesday afternoon, we all know this: Dedicated professionals are putting their lives on the line for us. And unlike members of our local police and fire departments, these troops are much more anonymous. Even though firefighters to this point have been locals, you don't see them around town in uniform or stationed in nice public buildings. For most of us, they're out of sight and out of mind - until they're desperately needed.
Yes, it's their job to fight fires. They signed up for dangerous duty so nobody in the midst of that smoky, blistering mess is surprised by their peril. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be grateful.
To all the men and women working relentlessly on the front lines of this local war with Mother Nature, please know how much you're appreciated. Even if we never have a chance to tell you, face to face.
Press here for a grin
David Eubanks is a Coeur d'Alene School Board member, a longtime teacher and a heart transplant success story.
He's also a pretty quick wit.
Eubanks was talking to a Press staffer early Tuesday afternoon about the ominous red flag conditions that could make the region's nasty fire hazards even worse.
"I heard there's a chance of lightning this afternoon," he said. "Is that true?"
Yes, he was told. Climatologist Cliff Harris had predicted isolated showers and thunderstorms, according to the Press staffer, and sure enough, Harris was right: A brief but healthy shower pounded the roof of The Press building in the morning.
"I have a new respect for Cliff," Eubanks deadpanned, "if he can predict a rain shower over one building."