This past summer was a harrowing one for those of us living in the West due to the widespread, destructive wildfires that burned throughout the region for the majority of the season. It came on the heels of last year’s conflagrations (which burned well into December), raising fears that months of choking smoke and billions of dollars in damage and suppression costs may be our new normal.

Here in Southern Oregon, a large lightning storm rolled through on July 15, with thousands of strikes leading to over 100 fire starts. The largest of those blew up rapidly and even now are not fully contained. Up until just a few weeks ago, our Rogue Valley still experienced days when it filled with smoke blown in from the fires, lowering visibility and air quality to unhealthy levels. For more than six weeks, on most days the air quality ranged from unhealthy for sensitive groups to hazardous (worst in the nation and often topping a bad day in Beijing). Children, like my young grandsons, were not able to go outside and play for days at a time; people wore masks if they needed to be outside for any length of time; and outdoor events and activities, from whitewater competitions, softball and golf tournaments, and high school team sports and band practices to concerts and plays were cancelled or moved to indoor facilities when possible. This went on for nearly two full months, with only a day here or there when the wind shifted for respite. We finally got our first measurable rainfall since July just two weeks ago, and with it came clearer air and a sense of relief.

For those living and working directly in the fires’ paths, of course, their lives have been turned upside down. Even if they didn’t lose their homes or businesses, many were forced to flee and relocate, some for days or weeks at a time, taking on additional expenses while losing income at the same time. The economic effects ripple throughout the region, affecting restaurants, lodging and any business reliant on the tourism industry. In a region dependent on visitors coming to enjoy our wealth of outdoor activities, beautiful vistas and wilderness, the choking smoke and road closures (Interstate 5 just south of here in Northern California was closed for several days, a major transportation route for freight as well as people) equated to millions of dollars in lost revenue. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival alone, a Tony Award-winning cultural and regional treasure, had to cancel or move 26 outdoor performances and reports losses of over $2 million this season, in addition to having to lay off more than a dozen permanent employees.

Fears are that the area will develop a reputation for these smoky, dry, hot summers and visitors will alter travel plans and patterns to avoid it altogether. This would be disastrous for the local economy, so efforts are being pursued on many fronts to try to tackle the underlying causes of these widespread and destructive fires. In the meantime, our region, just like those affected by other natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, eruptions and floods, would hope that travelers will not automatically turn away from visiting them based on generalized and overhyped news reports. Do your research and consider how your dollars are vital to uplifting areas in great need of a boast to their economies.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor