back to breathing normally

August 3rd we had our annual garden party, a progressive affair that started noonish at our place and ended at sunset at another neighbour’s.  As we heartily partied through the day, I found out that a lightning strike from a spectacular electrical storm July 31st had started a small forest fire not far from our community.  It was quickly extinguished by a helicopter with a water bucket.

None of us knew at the time that another fire was burning near us.  Early in the evening the next day, a plane spotted it and called it in.  Thanks to a rapid response from professional firefighters and five community members, it was contained; but not before some scary moments.

Good neighbours Chris and Nina drove to the wharf and saw flames shooting into the sky a mile or so away.  Chris said aircraft dropped water and fire suppressant expertly.  We’ve had a lot of wind from the north this summer, but fortunately not that night. 

Jude and I went to the wharf the next day around noon.  Here’s what was left of the blaze.

This chopper popped by . . .

. . . to scoop up some water in this bucket . . .

. . . and flew off to another fire.  There are hundreds in the province right now.

We went back about 6 p.m. and it was all clear.  On the way home, we spotted this sign from some grateful neighbours.

This end of Quadra Island was devastated by fires in 1926 and ’27.  Huge burned out tree stumps are still around to help us remember.  Due to this newest reminder, the community is getting together this Sunday to check our fire equipment and tighten up our communication.  That’ll help us breathe easier.