MOTHER NATURE LIGHTS A MATCH
UNTIL LAST WEEKEND, it seemed as if Jackson would escape its annual fire season due to late snowfall stretching into early June this year. Nevertheless things have dried out considerably in August and last Saturday a dry lightning strike in the Gros Vente Wilderness brought on fire season with a vengeance. By Sunday the Red Rock fire had blown up to over 3,000 acres. Today it's doubled again to almost 6,000.
A thick blanket of smoke hangs over the valley--which may blow out briefly in late afternoon winds---but essentially will remain here until sustained rains douse or snow flies in the fall. Outdoor activities are not recommended for anyone with upper or lower respiratory conditions. Hiking yesterday was like breathing hard in a room full of smokers. Very unpleasant and inescapable.
We've been camping by the Crystal Creek since I was born. Just returned to PA by a week when we saw the updates about the Red Rock Fire. Hoping our favorite fishing/hiking area is not hit too hard. Then again, it's how the cycle works. Thx for posting the pictures.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Since this is in designated wilderness, it won't be fought, except to save a few structures. There's a lot of dead timber from pine beetle blight which will be allowed to burn and spread till the snow flies. New growth will eventually come back. It is in the natural order of things....called Letting Nature Take Its Course.
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