I've been watching it carefully. There are other available resources in addition to local departments. In Oklahoma, we have quite a few BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) firefighters who often respond to fires across the state when needed. The Oklahoma Forestry Service can send engines, dozers and personnel if needed. Different counties have put together their own task forces that can respond when the OFS puts out the word that help is needed. In some cases, when needed and when appropriate, there are some small tanker planes or choppers available that can drop water and fire retardant. Their ability to respond sometimes is hampered or prevented by high winds. One year, McClain County showed up with a caravan of about 15 fully manned firetrucks, their command post and all kinds of firefighters to help us with a big, fast-moving wildfire that was surrounding homes in a rural area. We were literally fighting house to house to save the homes. Those firefighters from McClain drove at least 100 miles to help us, and we were deeply touched, deeply grateful and it is my fervent hope that we will be able to repay them by going to their aid someday if they need help. The important thing for residents is just to watch, be aware of the fire location relative to their location and be prepared to evacuate. When there is a fire near us, I usually turn on a sprinkler and begin watering the two sides of the house that the fire would approach first if it was moving our way. (I'd rather be watering the garden, but gardeners need houses to live in, so I protect the house first.) I hope the firefighters there are able to contain this fire. The wind bothers me, but it isn't nearly as serious of a situation as it would be if the wind were in the 40s or 50s. Dawn

FYI The following is making the rounds of all social media sites...i.e. tweet, etc. Be cautious about what you post to this thread until the FBI has concluded their investigation/search...especially if you're in Massachusetts or an adjoining State and think you may have valid info which should be reported to the proper investigation authorities. UPDATE: Boston Police are asking social media users not to post information they hear on police frequencies/scanner channels. Anne

Well, maybe and maybe not. There's conflicting reports. From this report the "tip" came from a psychic and they can't search or even get a search warrant based on a psychic's tip . At least I hope they still can't. There's lots of reports out there. This site says "The status as of 6:30 p.m. seems to be that authorities got a tip and "found some circumstances that have raised some questions," as the official local spokesman put it, so they are seeking a search warrant. Once they get it they will begin digging for whatever is or isn't there, so it'll be a while before things become clear." WOAI reports "breaking news" "Sheriff's Office: No evidence of bodies". Before jumping to conclusions I'm going to wait on this one. Somehow I smell egg coming on some faces on this one. Does "balloon boy" live in the area?

He's a sad old man with a 25K per month pension. Too bad the Goldman's can't collect on it.