Our 5th Season

It’s August, and that means we are firmly in wildfire season. Some fires begin naturally due to lightning strikes, and some due to human error (e.g., chains dragging and sparking), but at least one local fire in town was intentionally set this past week. Officials went door-to-door, telling residents to “GET OUT NOW” (level 3 evacuation status). Thankfully, the people who fight these fires (DNR, city firefighters, wildland firefighters) have good communication and have been working together for quick response times. In that fire last Thursday, no lives were lost and no structures were ruined. Hundreds of people and their pets were forced to evacuate with little to no warning; I personally know at least one person who experienced this. We aren’t used to doing this — being on evacuation notice — so close to the center of the city.

I do worry every July when people are purchasing fireworks, because we have a natural area near our house and the grasses are tinder-dry. It doesn’t seem to matter that setting off fireworks inside the city limits is against the law; there is a full week each year where I sleep poorly and question the late-night noises (a not-fun guessing game: fireworks or gunfire). To be told that a fire was intentionally set is hugely disturbing.

The only benefit to wildfire season is the amazing sunsets. Our silver lining is reddish-orange.