October 23, 2024 - October 19th was a brilliantly clear day.  The skies which had been filled with smoke for 23 days were bright blue.  By October 19th the Elk Fire had burned over 96,000 acres; but this day it was nearly defeated without loss of life and only minimal structural losses thanks to the prolonged and dedicated efforts of over 950 firefighters plus volunteers, and the gift of moisture from the sky.