Fire Season

According to my calender it is mid-summer; however, if you're a student or the parent of a student, you are probably counting the number of days left until the buses begin rolling, once again signalling the end of another summer and the beginning of a new school year.

But right here in my corner of Earth, mid summer means combines, balers, tons of dust, and the ever present fire danger. Since we haven't seen rain for many weeks, it wouldn't take much for fire to erupt. Last week a plumb of smoke arose from behind Square Butte blackening the sky overhead. Our neighbor informed us that a fire broke out on a ranch in Fort Shaw about 20 miles west as the crow flies. A baler struck a rock, sparks flew, and within an few minutes 15 acres were consumed. Sitting at the foot of the Rocky Mountains it's nearly impossible to avoid rocks. Even the most careful farmer and rancher knows that fire potential awaits every turn. Thousands of acres can disappear within hours. There is a vigilance in the air as we watch over ourselves and our neighbors. We keep fire extinguishers in all vehicles, the tractor and on the riding mower. Periodically I check the 360 degree view from upstairs, at times confusing a distant plumb of dust for a plumb of smoke.

Last night's local news reported a couple of fires 70 or so miles to the south and west. As the sun rose this morning, winds began blowing from the southwest creating a veil of smoky haze and a chilling smell that reminds us of our vulnerability and our responsibility. For now, spending mid-summer on the prairie with eyes wide open.

And so it is.