paradise burning


elkoholic

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After a long wet spring there were predictions of a mild fire season, well, forget about that.  We have not had a measurable rain in the past three months and are now in the worst fire season I've ever seen.  British Columbia, our neighbor to the north, is having it's worst fire season since 1958.  Yesterday was the archery opener and with the temperatures in the mid 90s, smoke filled air, and extreme fire danger, I have decided that chasing after elk would have to wait.  I may try sitting on stand (if my aching back will allow it) for deer but the thought of sitting out there sucking in smoke is not all that appealing.

The weather forecast for the rest of this month is not very promising.  Living in this area can be a bit daunting in the summer as the fires start to burn.  In August 2005 the Camp 32 Fire burned a small corner of our property and we are hoping that another fire does not overrun us.  The closest fire (The Caribou Fire) is now less than 10 miles away and had made a 4 mile run yesterday.  The good thing is that it is north of us and on the other side of Lake Koocanusa (it could easily jump/spot over the lake).  The bad news is the communities, now under mandatory evacuation notice, are in danger of being lost.  This is just one of many fires burning in Montana.  I can not wait for snow, or, at least a substantial rain.  Here is a link to some of the fires burning in my neck of the woods:  http://flatheadbeacon.com/2017/09/03/fire-west-eureka-doubles-sizes-destroys-structures/

From hurricanes to fires, there is a constant fight against the forces of nature.  With any luck, we can hold our own.

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Just a fire update here, we are now covered up in smoke with the air quality rated somewhere between unhealthy and hazardous.  The fire to the northwest of us has destroyed at least 10 houses and multiple out buildings.  Strangely enough, the smoke has helped to lower the temperatures and slow fire growth.  There are so many fires burning in the northwest part of the state it is impossible to escape the smoke.  I feel bad about the hurricanes and wish they could send a little rain this way.

A view of the fire/smoke column  to the northwest before the smoke settled in

DSCN15480917.jpg

 

A view from the same window after the smoke settled inDSCN15550917.jpg

Hopefully, the weather will improve by next week and I can get outside without a threat of respiratory distress.  I'd rather have to deal with a grizzly attack (http://www.dailyinterlake.com/article/20170905/AP/170909931) than fire/smoke.  Well, maybe not.  Still hoping for snow!

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