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    Final Thoughts

    Final Thoughts

    Written by Tim Triplett


    As of Friday, the National Interagency Fire Center was reporting that 80 large fires were still burning across the western United States. Varying reports indicate the flames have consumed anywhere from 4-7 million acres so far and at least 34 people have died. The death and destruction is heartbreaking, no doubt.

    Viewed in terms of their impact on the entire U.S. economy, however, the fires are more a regional calamity, much like a hurricane that batters the coast or a giant snowstorm that paralyzes the northern states.

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