On Alert

Photo from KSL

Tuesday started out as a normal busy day.  We left in the morning for two hours of tennis lessons, then on to a hair cut appointment, a quick lunch and then gymnastics for both kids.  It was late afternoon by the time gymnastics was over.  I had promised Anja that she could go swimming with her cousin.  As we were driving up SR-92 to her cousin's house, we noticed a fire burning off in the distance.  From the bottom of the road, near the freeway, we could see flames.  While driving up to our house, many cars were stopped along the way to watch this incredible fire burn.

We quickly headed to the pool once we were home.  (I did think it a bit strange as I pulled into the clubhouse that there weren't a lot of cars there.)  We had been there less than 10 minutes when the lifeguard blew the whistle telling everyone to get out of the pool.  The girls had barely jumped in the pool.  I asked the lifeguards what was going on, but they were not so informative.  They just said because of the fire the pool was closing.  Someone higher up came out and explained that the city had just put everyone in our neighborhood on alert.  The city was worried that if the wind changed directions, we would be in the path of the fire.  We were told to get our important documents together and a bag packed - just in case.

We went home and did just that.  Luckily, we already had important documents gathered.  I just needed to put any valuables we had in there as well.  Since we were staying in Provo for Stadium of Fire the next night, we all packed for that, plus a few extra changes of clothing. 

Then the waiting and watching began.  Denver came home early and we just kind of watched the news and watched for updates on our phones.  We were not too worried about the fire, but still thought it would be good to be ready - just in case.  There was talk that the winds would probably change direction quite late into the night.

We had many worried calls from family members.  My parents were trying to convince us to just play it safe and spend the night with a sister.  We decided to stay and were grateful our prayers were heard.  When we woke up the next morning, we were pretty much out of any fire danger.

The fire continued to burn throughout the day of the 4th of July.  Many members of our stake were evacuated and as of last night were not sure when they could return home. 

This morning we were all grateful to have rain.  It rained through most of the day and as we were leaving Provo tonight, were in a downpour.  The area of the fire was completely being covered in rain.  We knew that Heavenly Father had heard the many prayers being offered.  Tonight the evacuation was lifted and everyone is in their home.

For a few weeks now we have been hearing of fires surrounding us.  It is a bit scary when it comes closer to home that you want it to.  We still have a long, hot summer ahead of us and we pray we have seen the last of the Utah fires.