I had no idea how bad the wildfires are over there.  About 1,500 home destroyed and 40 people dead.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38521147/ns/world_news-europe/

Bummer... first I'd heard of this. I guess that is what happens when I go to BR forums for my news updates.

I saw it on the news yesterday. There was some intense footage taken by a few guys trying to drive through the fires.

Edit: Here is the video I saw on the news. There may be foul Russian language. Does that matter?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV6yhLD43RM

Some of my in-laws live in Russia and the fires and smoke have been terrible for them. The worst part has been the combination of a heat wave (90*+)and the fires. Most of the buildings have no air-conditioning due to the short summers and long winters. They rely on open windows for cool air. I am sure the smoke is causing a lot of respiratory problems. I have been to Russia 3X and the folks I met were really nice. I had a great time. Hopefully they will get some rain a cooler temps real soon.

Don't sound like things are much better.  Glenn, are you guys getting smoked out yet?