A small spark neglected has often kindled a mighty conflagration.--Quintus Curtius

     

     I mentioned previously what a dry, warm, and windy month march has been.  There were many wildfires started on Monday.  One is just a few miles SW of our home.

This picture was taken from the street in front of our home.  That is smoke, not clouds.

This picture shows the South Valley Park just south of our subdivision.  Both pictures were taken on Monday.  Today the fire has increased to 4500 acres, two persons are dead, one missing, 23 homes burned, and the fire is still un-contained.  The pre-evacuation area has been increased to the land just abutting this park on the south.  The next pre-evacuation expansion could include our area.

Coincidentally, a wildfire blew through my parent's farm and home place, also on Monday. They were very lucky. They lost the barn, part of the shelterbelt, and some farm equipment; but their home and their lives are safe.  It was also extremely windy there. The fire burned very close to their house, their propane tank, and their machine shed.

 The barn a year ago.

The remains of an antique tractor among barn rubble.

Putting out the burning embers in the shelterbelt.

"Man is the only creature that dares to light a fire and live with it.  The reason?  Because he alone has learned to put it out.    Henry Jackson Vandyke, Jr.