I have only been close to a fire once. We had all the smoke and the flames came within one-eighth of a mile. It might have been me in the heightened state of worry, but I swear we could feel the heat of the flames. I evacuated with the kids and my husband stayed to help fight the fire. We were very lucky and between firefighters (and many volunteers) and the rain that came, our place was saved. Months later I could still smell the charred trees...