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My family survived the Marshall fire in Colorado. Here's what people in Los Angeles can expect in the days and weeks to come.

A man stands on a hill overlooking front of a forest fire in Colorado.

Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

  • We had just moved to Colorado when the Marshall fire happened in 2021.
  • My family evacuated to a nearby hotel, and the community rallied in the coming weeks and months.
  • Here's what I learned from the experience and how I prepare in case of another fire.

Three months after our family moved to Colorado, on December 30, 2021, our area was hit by the Marshall fire. Similar to Los Angeles, downslope winds raced from the mountains, fueled by warm air and pressure changes as they moved into the lower elevations where we lived.

I remember taking the kids to the basement because I was concerned about our upstairs windows breaking from the wind. Fifteen minutes later, my husband texted to ask if we were OK because a large fire had broken out. I walked upstairs to see thick smoke out the window. I could no longer see the house across the street.

I grabbed the kids, the dog, and my purse. Then, I packed a handful of diapers, snacks, and water in a bag and left. We didn't lose our home that day, but over a thousand homes were destroyed in what became the most destructive wildfire in Colorado's history.

As a new Colorado resident, I knew little about fire risk and what to expect after a wildfire. After living near the Marshall fire, I better understand what to expect after a fire and the steps I can take to prepare for future fires.

Our community came together

Thousands in our community lost their homes. Many who still had homes standing required substantial professional remediation before being safely lived in again. Housing was already in short supply and it became a more significant challenge after the fire, as people needed places to stay while homes were rebuilt, remediated, or sold.

When we returned home, we exchanged numbers with several neighbors we hadn't talked to much before. The Marshall fire started and spread so quickly that many were alerted by texts and knocks on the door instead of the emergency alert system.

The destruction was surreal, but the community stepped up. Everyone we encountered was doing something to help. People opened their homes and quickly assembled donations and supplies.

It may be a while before the fire is truly contained

Firefighters must be able to put out the fire completely, so you might not be able to return to the area immediately. You may hear the term "mopping up." Even though a fire appears out and contained, there can still be hot spots or burning embers that aren't evident to us. Firefighters work hard to control the fireline and reduce the risk of reignition.

Put personal safety first

Fires present multiple risks. In their wake, they leave unstable structures and trees, scared animals or lost pets, and physical hazards such as sharp surfaces and nails. Traffic patterns often change, and emergency personnel decide when residents can safely access burned or evacuated areas.

Air quality is also an issue, as fires release chemicals and ash into the air. One of my children has asthma, and we mostly played inside in the days following the fire.

Personal protective measures are important, such as closed-toe footwear, long sleeves and pants, a well-fitting N95 mask, and goggles. It's important to remain observant and, if possible, wash clothing after spending time at a wildfire site.

Be aware of fire suppressants

The fire suppressants and retardants you see planes dropping near wildfires contain ammonia. Nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and goggles are recommended in these areas, as the ammonia can irritate the skin and eyes. Avoid using bleach to clean the residue, as toxic gasses can form when the two are combined.

I felt on edge for a while after the fire

When the Marshall fire happened, I was home with four kids ages 4 and under. Somehow, I left with all four kids, the dog, and a bag over my shoulder in one trip out the door. I couldn't find our cat and felt gutted about leaving him behind.

I drove away from the fire to a school parking lot. I finally took a breather, collected myself, and updated my husband. To this day, every time I drive past that parking lot, I feel a pang in my stomach.

The devastation in Los Angeles is horrific. My experience does not begin to compare to what those communities are facing. I was able to get out easily and drive to safety. My home was not destroyed, and I had somewhere to return to.

What I do now to make sure I'm prepared

I was unprepared when we first moved to Colorado. After the Marshall fire, I felt anxious whenever a red-flag warning indicating a high risk of fire was issued or another windstorm kicked up. Sometimes, I'd look out the window and check for smoke โ€” just in case. Having a plan and being prepared helped me feel like I could return to our daily lives.

Here's how I make sure I'm ready:

  • I have a government-issued ID with me so I can book a hotel room. We saw people who had fled quickly without ID run into this issue.
  • I ensure my van has a full gas tank during high-fire-risk days.
  • I have pictures of all the rooms in our home in case I ever have to file an insurance claim.
  • I learned how to open my garage door manually. This is essential if your car is in a garage and the electricity goes out.
  • I have one "go-bag" backpack with the necessary documents and extra essentials if we ever need to leave quickly.
  • During red-flag warnings, I add to the backpack. I include pull-ups for the kids, nonperishable snacks and water, pet food and supplies, phone chargers, and medications. I place the cat carriers by the go-bag.
  • If the risk is exceptionally high, I enclose our cats in one room so I can grab them quickly. When we evacuated, I couldn't find our cat, so I had to make the awful decision to leave without him.

After living in Colorado for several years, it feels more like home than anywhere else. Yet, as much as I love our home, I still get worried whenever Colorado's infamous winds pick up. But I feel calmer knowing that I better understand fire risk, what happens after a fire, and how to prepare as much as possible beforehand.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Ukraine says it blew up a warehouse full of Russian recon drones with a homemade rework of a Neptune anti-ship missile

A road-mobile launcher firing a Neptune missile in testing.
A test of a Neptune missile in April 2020.

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

  • Ukraine attacked a Russian warehouse full of reconnaissance drones on Friday.
  • A security source said Ukraine targeted the facility with drones and a Neptune missile.
  • Russia uses its reconnaissance drones to support deep strikes, which have been a problem for Kyiv.

Ukraine says that its forces attacked a Russian warehouse facility full of reconnaissance drones on Friday, hitting it with a homemade missile not often mentioned in disclosures of Kyiv's combat operations.

The cross-border attack targeted a drone and ammunition storage facility in Russia's southwestern Rostov region, a Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) source told Business Insider Friday.

The source said that Ukraine first launched drones to overwhelm Russia's air defenses in the area before striking the site, located near the small village of Chaltyr, with a Neptune missile.

The R-360 Neptune is a subsonic, long-range cruise missile made by the Ukrainian defense manufacturer Luch Design Bureau. It was initially developed as an anti-ship missile, but the weapon has since been modified to strike land targets.

Neptune R-360 missile, Kyiv 2021.
A Neptune missile on display in Kyiv.

VoidWanderer / Wikimedia Commons

The modified Neptune missile doesn't get as much attention as some of the country's other weapons, especially those provided by Kyiv's Western partners, but Ukraine has used it to strike high-value Russian targets, including high-end air-defense batteries and, more recently, oil terminals. Friday's attack appeared to be its first confirmed combat use in quite some time.

Footage of the attack, which was shared with BI, captures the buzz of what appears to be drones. A massive fireball can be seen at one point, followed by a loud blast. Other videos show fires at the site and plumes of smoke. Since ammunition was stored at the facility, secondary explosions may have occurred.

The source said that the strike operation was carried out by the SBU and Ukraine's navy. "Now these Russian 'birds' in the sky will be reduced. Work on military facilities in the enemy's rear will continue," they said, according to a translation of their remarks shared with BI. BI was unable to independently verify the details of the operation.

A Russian soldier prepares an Orlan reconnaissance drone for launch at an undisclosed location in August 2022.
A Russian soldier prepares an Orlan reconnaissance drone for launch at an undisclosed location in August 2022.

Russian Defense Ministry Press Service photo via AP

Russia uses its reconnaissance drones, like the Orlan, among other systems, to enable deep strikes on Ukraine by providing valuable intelligence, like targeting data on troop positions and critical equipment, from behind the front lines. Moscow then attacks these locations with guided tactical missiles.

Russia's reconnaissance strike complex has been a challenge for Ukraine, particularly amid strains on its air defenses.

Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have routinely pressed the US and its NATO allies for more air defenses and interceptor missiles to help defend against Russian strikes. The Ukrainians have also been increasingly looking to interceptor drones as cheap alternatives to costly missiles.

Taking targets out on the ground is another option. The strike on Friday marked Ukraine's latest cross-border attack in Russia. Earlier this month, Kyiv launched drones at a major port near the city of St. Petersburg, hundreds of miles away, in a bid to disrupt operations at the facility. These strikes have become a problem for Russia.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Baristas share 6 underrated drinks they think customers should order more often

A barista preparing a latte at a coffee shop.
Try branching out from your go-to latte or cappuccino.

udeyismail/Shutterstock

  • Business Insider asked baristas to share the drinks they think customers should order more often.
  • An Americano misto is a good substitution for a classic latte.
  • A macadamia-milk latte is a great option for those who prefer or need milk alternatives.

Whether your go-to coffee-shop order is an Americano or an oat-milk latte, you may feel the desire to switch up your routine every now and then. However, figuring out what to order can be difficult.

That's why Business Insider asked baristas about the underrated drinks they think customers should order more often. Here's what they said.

If it's an option, order a pour-over coffee to enjoy the true flavor of a roast

A barista making pour-over coffee with hot water and filter paper in a cafรฉ.
Pour-over coffee isn't offered at every shop.

Sarayut Sridee/Shutterstock

Pour-over coffee refers to a drink that's made when hot water is poured over coffee grounds.

Alex Greene, head roaster at Gregorys Coffee, told Business Insider that although most coffee shops don't offer this beverage as an option, customers should opt for one if it's available.

"It's coffee in its purest form, so you get to enjoy what the farmer produced without any modifications or milk," Greene said.

An Americano misto is a fine substitute for an expensive latte

For coffee-shop visitors looking to save money without sacrificing flavor, Laila Ghambari, the owner of Guilder Cafรฉ and Juniors Roasted Coffee, recommends ordering an Americano misto. This drink is made with espresso, water, and a layer of steamed milk.

"An Americano is just hot water and espresso. You can still get your typical flavoring and ask for an inch or two of steamed milk of your choice. It's still sweet and decadent but costs less than a latte," she told BI.

Spruce up your chai order with a shot of espresso

A close-up photo of a dirty chai latte with art.
The flavor of espresso helps to elevate a chai latte.

MrAdelaideRS/Shutterstock

A chai latte is a popular drink that can be enhanced further with the addition of espresso.

"Adding an espresso shot to a chai latte not only boosts the caffeine contents of the drink but creates a blend of complex flavors that elevate a good drink to an excellent one," Yaretsy Flores, owner and barista at Casaroma Cafรฉ, told BI.

This drink, known as a dirty chai latte, can be ordered hot or iced. Both are great options that deliver a delicious mix of chai and espresso.

A cortado is a good option for coffee lovers seeking a balanced profile

Daniel Mentado, owner of mobile coffee bar Sole Cafe, told BI he always recommends a cortado for its perfectly balanced flavor.

"Equal parts espresso and steamed milk create a smooth, rich drink that highlights espresso's bold flavor without being overpowering. Its smaller size ensures a satisfying experience without excessive milk, making it ideal for those who appreciate quality over quantity," Mentado said.

Iced-coffee enthusiasts should opt for a refreshing cold-brew lemonade

A cold brew is a popular option for coffee drinkers year-round, but Chris Dennis, barista and general manager of Ox Coffee, recommends ordering a cold-brew lemonade instead.

"Cold-brew lemonade, especially in the summer, combines two incredible concepts that complement each other well. The best option for this is a cold brew made from berry-forward blends," he told BI.

For those seeking milk alternatives, try an iced macadamia-milk latte

A close-up image of iced coffee topped with macadamia nuts and whipped cream.
Macadamia milk is sweeter than almond or oat milk.

dourleak/Shutterstock

Connor Nerat, regional manager and barista at Spill the Beans, encourages adding macadamia milk to lattes over traditional milk alternatives.

"Macadamia milk is amazing because it has a natural sweetness that almond and oat milk don't have," he said.

Nerat added that a macadamia-milk latte is also low in calories.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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