Today's First Thing podcast touches on these top stories:

- Country Crossings braces for smoke, heat. Full story here.

- Phoenix declares potential state of emergency from fire risk. Full story here.

Listen to other Mail Tribune podcasts at www.mailtribune.com/podcasts.

Reach web editor Ryan Pfeil at rpfeil@rosebudmedia.com or at 541-776-4468. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil.