The wind has been pushing the smoke around. Above, a local from the eastern side of the fire caught this picture of the setting sun late Sunday afternoon, Nov 5.
At the same time we have the picture above, on the western side of the fire, near the short landing strip we call a mountain airport. We see that the fire has traveled to the very top of the top back ridges of the Valley Town mountain range about four miles distant directly behind Andrews, the smoke itself, right now, moving from Cherokee County south to Clay County and south again down into Georgia.
The picture below is taken from the far end of main street. The church is just up against the small ridge in the front-center of the picture. The fire is still 0% contained since it started October 23, 2023, two weeks ago. The church is less than half the distance away from the fire as the width of the fire now spreading out behind Andrews.
The picture below, much closer to the fire, is from the backyard of one of my parishioners.
The acreage doubled from Saturday to early Sunday, when the count was between 1,300 and 1,400 acres. I wonder if the count will be doubled again today, the wind having picked up a bit and the humidity having gotten down to a dangerous 20+/- percent. More pictures from the Forest Service below:
I know there are a zillion fires everywhere all the time. But from our limited perspective, it’s always happening to someone else until you’re in it yourself. I’m still, like, well, it’s a mile or two away. No worries! And there are 90 some crews working 24/7 and now multiple helicopters with their helibuckets, so, still, no worries! No houses here have been damaged, no deaths, no injuries, but it’s all getting a bit closer.
Of course, I can’t but add, that the Lord Himself will come to judge the living and the world by🔥fire🔥
But in that case, you throw yourself into the fiery love of the Holy Spirit, who was sent among us for the forgiveness of sin, and have the joy of taking in the absolution of sin in Sacramental Confession.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/nfsnc/news-events
ARISE! LET US BE GOING! 
Prayers for you all, Father!
A Rosary for you and all the people in harms way.
May God bless and protect you.
Praying for safety (and a deluge of rain). Thanks for the updates, Father.
Yes, a good deluge – a few days worth – would be just the thing.
We saw the smoke when we were up there a couple of weeks ago…I did not realize until I saw this post that it was still going on! Prayers for your safety and all those in Andrews and surrounding area and property as well. +