Fires near Winthrop

On July 14th lightning started fires in the Methow Valley (Winthrop at northern end).  Several fires joined and the area became known as the Carlton Complex Fire.  As of August 5 the fire wass over 255,00 acres and 90% contained.  At one point, the Fire Camp at the Winthrop High School had about 3,100 fire fighters and related personnel. Power lines and poles were burned for several miles and we were without electricity for about a week (4:30 pm July 17- noon July 25). There has also been other smaller fires in the area. At one point we were under level 1 evacuation, but that has been lifted.  Depending on the direction of the wind determines how much smoke we have.  Exciting times!!