FIRES: And fire fighters

On Sunday afternoon I witnessed something incredible. Not the heroics at the Ironman competition, and I’ll never diss that. No, it was wildfires west of the state line with Washington.

Around 3:30 p.m. I was outside taking in a few garden veggies when, coming back to the house with a vast west view, I saw not one but two large smoky areas to the west. It was a windy day and of course we are in dry conditions. I thought, “Hmmm, better watch this.” Well, the fires soon appeared bigger and bigger with billowing smoke heading east into Idaho. I saw what appeared to be an air tanker coming back from the fire which looked to be west of Newman Lake. The other fire near Spokane Valley was bigger yet.

As evening began, both fires grew. Yet by about 7 p.m. something drastic happened. No more smoke from the source areas. And by 8, little smoke was left. I do not know how these fires were stopped in their tracks. In high wind, dry conditions, and on a Sunday with many other things going on, some folks somewhere did some heroic things. I was concerned with my place being downwind and knowing a lot of horrors have already happened this summer. I want to thank all those who participated (out of sight) who smothered the flames. Whether you are on bulldozers, in the air, or raking the forest floors, THANK YOU! And may God bless you.

ROBIN CRAVIOTTO

Rathdrum