Fire on the Mountain

Fire season is hitting us hot & heavy in the Rocky Mtn West! It is a natural phenomenon, fire season.  Like hurricane season in the south, tornado season in the midwest and lake affect snow in the northeast, fire season is what we dread most in the western US.  Millions of acres on fire in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, California and more as we speak. Prayers for our firefighters, first responders and those in the path.

Each year we hope and Pray for deep snow in winter and a wet spring & summer to avoid it, inevitably it’s going to be our turn at some point. These hot temperatures, high winds and dry conditions have all of us out west with an eye out for fire on the mountain.  Lightning strikes and fears of careless humans has everyone on edge this time of year.

Watching tanker planes and helicopters maneuver, glide in low and take on water from area lakes and reservoirs, then drastically elevate to head to the fire zone is so impressive.  Knowing that smoke jumpers and firefighters are out there putting their lives on the fire line is awe inspiring. Men and women with that kind of courage still exist…thank God!

I won’t ever forget being awakened and evacuated from our hunting camp in the Big Horn Mountains in the early morning hours by the Forest Service. A fire on the mountain in the early 1990’s. With only enough time to grab rifles, a few valuables then leaving everything else behind.  We didn’t have to be told twice! I remember the traffic jam of hunters headed down the mountain with the fire’s glow on the horizon, smoke and ash in the air.  I remember the cooperation and the hospitality of the Sheridan Wyoming folks making sure everyone had a place to stay.

I’ve visited that burn area since.  It’s beautifully reforested.  Reminding me that fire on the mountain is natural.  Smart forest management, fire mitigation and controlled logging are key elements to preventing monumental disaster.  And of course smart hunters, fisherman, hikers and campers using common sense in the great outdoors.  Smokey says it best, “only you”…well, you know the rest.