burned
Beginning in spring, once the weather hits double digits, and continuing on until temperatures drop again in the fall, I have an almost daily ritual; I check the BC Wildfire Service website to keep tabs on the forest fire situation in the province. The past few years have been bad as I nervously watched for the areas where we have friends and family, where my (now retired) forest fire fighting nephew would have been, and of course, any possible threats to our own sweet cabin. Fire has come close and on our last trip we explored a bit around a nearby burn site. I think you'll agree with me that the remains after a fire are both haunting and oddly beautiful at the same time. The juxtaposition of utter destruction and hopeful rejuvenation is a reminder of the power of nature and how little control we have over it.
Stunning photos...nice perspective to look at the renewal aspect
ReplyDeleteIt felt a bit like walking through a colourized black and white photo.
DeleteLike you, I have been doing that same almost daily ritual, for the same reasons for over 5 years now. This year, I am okay with not being worried about your retired Forest Fire Fighting Nephew on the fire line every day. Fire is an important restorative part of the ecosystem as you have discerned. It is needed to renew forests, to melt the pitch in serotinous cones such as those of Lodgepole Pine so they can release their seeds, to clear out excessive amounts of young trees so they don't choke out grasslands, to put nutrients back into the soil, to keep endemic insect populations from becoming epidemics, to create wildlife trees, and to clear out dead matter so it doesn't build up so much that it lowers soil temperatures and changes soil pH so the forbs and shrubs that would normally grow, can't. The problem is that Smokey the Bear was too effective for too long. Now there is too much fuel on the ground, too many ladder fuels and wildfire intensity is so high that they can create their own weather. Perhaps we have spoken of these things from time to time at your sweet cabin. Your photos are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good summary of a complex and emotionally charged issue. Thank you for that.
DeleteWow. Where is this spot?
ReplyDeleteSo very, very close...
DeleteThis was really special to read. Thanks for the thoughts Auntie. ♡
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what it was like for you to be in the middle of a fire! We are so grateful for your service, and also relieved you aren't in it anymore!!
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