This picture is misleading. The town looks lovely — even green. Closer inspection will reveal that the mountain from mid-image over to the far right is crispy, dark, and burned. When we left, the fire topped over the ridge and was coming straight for us. Thankfully, the wind changed though widespread damage occurred elsewhere. The efforts of fire fighters, of the BC Wildfire Service, and of local emergency services personnel are obvious and applauded.
We are happy to be home and to have a home to return to. Some have lost much; some have lost everything. We are fortunate. No damage; some ash, front and back; lots of dead plants; some loss of frig contents.
Entering the house is like opening up a time capsule. Everything is as we left it; including dirty dishes and unmade beds. Air quality outside is not bad at all though we are told it varies widely through each day.
All in all, a great return for us. So . . .
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Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
I’m so glad to hear from you, and to know that you are safely home. I’m relieved that your house escaped damaged, and so sad for those who have not been as fortunate.
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Welcome home, Ken. It’s quite a community you belong to. I wish you all the best as you collectively rebuild.
Take care, Scott
On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 6:24 PM Take Note – Reflections on life, music,
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Thank God for all you wrote….and thank God your view is still of a lovely green town and that our intrepid BCWFS and local departments are so utterly dedicated to doing what they do to keep us all safe from harm. If there’s ever a group of people deserving of public honouring and thanksgiving, they stand out, and I hope this coming Thanksgiving we pray a special prayer for them. I join your other followers in giving thanks you are back in your lovely home.
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Glad that you are home and that all is well. We think of others who are not so fortunate and that they may somehow be supported and cared for and hope that individuals and governments will do the right things to help. There seem to be ways to do so and we have done so in response to fires in Ontario. I had to talk Deborah out of being a temporary refuge for animals, however.
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