The past few weeks have provided witness to the incredibly destructive power of wind and water throughout the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean, but for the past two months a similar demonstration of another element — fire — has ravaged huge swathes of territory in the Western United States and Canada. Mother Nature continues to humble we mere mortals in the forces that can so quickly engulf our manmade structures and leave us without the most basic necessities for survival.

Here in Southern Oregon, we have lived under a pall of smoke from wildfires that have encircled us all of August and now well into September. There are days when visibility is reduced to half a mile or less and the air quality is deemed “hazardous.” Fine particles of ash dust surfaces, and people wear masks to protect their respiratory systems. The biggest culprit is the enormous Chetco Bar Fire, which has scorched nearly 190,000 acres and is only 38 percent contained. In a region that relies heavily on both lumber and tourism, its impact has been felt in nearly every sector.

Several outdoor performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland had to be canceled for the health of actors, audience and crew, each one equating to a loss of up to $75,000. Performances at the Britt Festival, an outdoor concert venue in nearby Jacksonville, have also been affected, as have outdoor live performances at many local wineries, which have also seen a drop in visitors to their tasting rooms.

In a region popular for its outdoor activities, the fires have closed trails (including the iconic Pacific Crest Trail) and access to popular camping grounds, while the smoke has led to cancellation or change of dates of events. The weeklong Cycle Oregon, which attracts one thousand participants each year, cancelled its 30th annual ride, and the 100-mile Pine to Palm trail race was also scratched. Kayaking and rafting races on the Rogue River have been shifted to October, and outfitters and jetboat ride operators have reported a significant drop-off in bookings.

On Sept. 2, at the start of the Labor Day Weekend, the Eagle Creek Fire, started by teenage boys playing with fireworks, blew up in the scenic Columbia River Gorge just east of Portland, Ore. The fire, which has currently burned more than 41,000 acres, is only 28 percent contained and continues to threaten homes and businesses in several communities, and even at one point leapt the Columbia River to burn several hundred acres on the Washington shore. Firefighters made a valiant stand to preserve the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge and several other structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The gorge, a designated National Scenic Area, holds a special place in the hearts of Pacific Northwesterners who enjoy the beauty of its trails and waterfalls and opportunities for outdoor pursuits from fishing to windsurfing. Several years ago I wrote about its varied landscapes here and here, and like so many others I am heartsick at the thought that so much could be altered by such a thoughtless, careless act.

In the short term, the economic effects are significant. Interstate 84, a major east-west corridor for commercial vehicles as well as residents and visitors, was closed in both directions for 50 miles starting Sept. 4. Westbound lanes just reopened this Thursday, but eastbound lanes are closed indefinitely due to the risk of falling rocks and trees. For several days, river traffic on the Columbia (a significant corridor for all manner of goods, as well as a popular river cruise route) ceased as well. Hood River, a thriving agricultural community on the eastern flank of the fire which over the past 20 years has developed as a world-class site for wind- and kitesurfers, has seen its businesses “highly impacted,” according to its Chamber spokesman. Restaurants, breweries and hotels have laid off significant numbers of employees; and because road and trail closures are likely to stretch well into next spring, this looks to have a very long-term impact as well.

After a very hot, dry summer, hope lies in the forecast for this coming week, which promises much cooler temperatures and a good chance for significant rainfall across the state. For all those affected by natural disasters, whether of the watery or fiery variety, my thoughts and prayers go out for quick abatement and a swift and complete recovery.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor