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An unusually cooler summer in the Pacific Northwest has given firefighting crews some relief this year. Oil-rich pine trees along with grasses and brush in dry, hot summer heat are the perfect fuel for wildfires, which have engulfed several thousands of acres during the past summer seasons.

A recent fire has closed down the Madison Children’s Museum in Wisconsin until August 14, 2010. The cause of the downtown Madison museum’s closure is not due so much to the fire damage the building experienced. Rather, it is because of the following water damage.

The Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Missouri has had to shut its doors temporarily while water damage in the center’s basement is remediated. The Ronald McDonald House Charities provide support to families who need a home away from home while their children receive treatment at nearby hospitals.

The Manor House at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens had water damage and mold problems in the 1990s. A small stream would flow through the basement because of poor drainage, causing plaster to crumble and other damage to the estate. In addition, the wall and balustrade that formed the outer boundary of the West Terrace also suffered water damage. Instead of just fixing the water damage and removing the growing mold, those who managed the estate saw the problem as an opportunity to make big improvements.

In addition to the 50 Iowa counties that have already received a Presidential disaster declaration, 29 more were added on August 15, 2010. This order will support more state and local recovery efforts that are helping residents clean-up after the aftermath of the severe summer weather that began on June 1, 2010. Iowa residents have had to endure tornadoes, severe storms and floods, and this recent declaration will bring much-needed relief.