Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

NEW Alaska wildfires sparked by high winds force MANDATORY evacuations

John Moses , Farmington Daily Times, USA TODAY Network Published 4:37 a.m. ET Aug. 18, 2019

TALKEETNA, Alaska — Pilot cars began shepherding motorists through a previously-closed stretch of Alaska’s George Parks Highway for several hours Saturday after an unusual combination of high winds and dry weather sparked six blazes in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

“Firefighters continue to work furiously to contain two wildfires burning about 20 miles apart on the opposite side of the Parks Highway, one of which temporarily closed the highway between mileposts 88 to 93,” the Alaska Division of Forestry said in a release.

An air tanker, a five-person task force of firefighters from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson and a five-member task force from the Anchorage Fire Department and three more crews would join the late-night effort, according to officials.

More than 20 evacuees had arrived at the Red Cross shelter by 9 p.m. Saturday after the McKinley Fire sparked mandatory evacuations along five miles of the rural highway. The blaze burned about half a mile east of the highway near Mile 91.

Residents seeking to evacuate people were allowed through, but pet owners were not allowed through.

The blaze was reported at 4:20 p.m. AKT, one of a string of blazes the Alaska Division of Forestry attributed to power lines affected by wind and falling trees.

Smoke-jumper crews were dispatched as well as an air tanker and a helicopter. Crews also battled the 200-acre Deshka fire near Mile 68 of the Parks Highway Saturday.

Public radio station KTNA gave community updates despite internet and landline services being out of commission. The station reported the road reopening and that rail service was stopped five miles from the fire line after flames crossed the tracks and headed west toward the highway.

Red Cross volunteer and retired educator Matt Clark said the winds were unusual but the dry conditions were especially unexpected as August is usually marked by wet weather.

The area was under a burn ban due to extreme fire conditions.