To be filed under “There’s always something…” or perhaps “Never a dull moment down on the farm…” , today we had some serious excitement here in our valley. A freight train came through (the rail tracks run through our farm and down the valley, following the Fraser River) and had some brake issues. Sparks from the dragging wheels set a number of fires through our neighbours’ farms and ranches; luckily it just missed us, but it was rather, umm, interesting when we saw the smoke columns, just before the fire crews showed up. (Very quickly, I am happy to say.)
It’s being held at bay this evening, after some seriously intense work by two big retardant bombers and their spotter planes, plus three helicopters with buckets dipping water out of the river. Fingers crossed that the wind doesn’t pick up. Here are a few pictures taken from a neighbour’s lawn a few hours ago, as we stood around watching and formulating “what to take” plans as the trees on the ridge burst into flame, just before the bombers nailed the fire margin on our side.
The “bird dog” plane sets the path for the bomber – you can just see him heading out at the top right of the picture.
Pass after pass after pass…
…for which we are all exceedingly grateful. Our tax dollars at work, as we joked to each other as we watched, but no one’s going to argue about this use of our public funds.
When the bombers left to refill their tanks, the helicopters took over, targetting hot spots.
And so to bed, to sleep rather lightly, I suspect.
The ground crews were just setting up this evening; they’ll be here for at least a few days until everything is under control. Could still get away if the wind picks up, but we are all below the fire on the slope so feeling pretty good about things, as fires tend to burn “up” the hillsides.
A bit too hot, this particular summer day, don’t you agree?
Edited to add these, sent by a neighbour on the other side of the ridge. Despite the nearness of the flames to the buildings, all people, houses, and livestock are safe. A very close thing, and not over yet.
Ranch buildings shrouded in smoke as the flames burn up the hillside. Irrigation sprinklers were moved in to protect structures.
Looking upriver from the south over our valley and the two main fire areas. We are safely to the north, past the furthest smoke column. Two neighbour ranches are directly involved, with fires still burning tonight across the railway tracks from the buildings. They won’t be getting too much sleep, I’m afraid…
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