Where there is Smoke, there's Fire?

I am still madly chuckling as I write this one. I actually think I should have stopped to take a picture. But, I didn't as I was driving at the time. People frown upon using technology as one is driving a moving vehicle after all. However, this one might have been worth stopping for except, it would have been obvious as to what I was doing. I know, what am I talking about?

You see, I find it fascinating that every year our community goes from Winter to Spring in the space of about two weeks. The weather has been warm and sunny. Rain has been minimal but just enough to smell Springlike scents of blossoms and oh yes, smoke. Forest fire season is upon us.

Right now in our district there are several fires burning. We not only have the fire department out and about doing controlled burns, we have forestry workers tackling the massive wildfires that seem to spring up overnight. There are homes being threatened south of us, while we just watch the plumes of smoke shift in direction with the wind.

Grasslands Fire Image

Last year at this time, we had the Richardson fire and the Slave Lake fires. Both were costly and devestating to our province and our lungs. The air hung low and thick with smoke. It was so thick that you felt like every breath outdoors in the heat of the day was like chewing smoke. I applaud the community spirit in which Slave Lake commemorated their one year anniversary of their fire, they found hope through the devestation. But, that doesn't explain the humor of my beginning.

No, I am painting you a picture. This is a town that eyes fire warily. We hear stories of keep your ATV's at a cooler temperature. Carry water. Don't light campfires without the proper precautions. Smokey the Bear preaches safety messages. Report Wildfires are up everywhere. Yet, do you remember how most forest fires start?

Do you?

With a lit cigarette...

Every time I drive past the fire station, there is a bunch of ladies (I assume admin people?) standing around the building smoking cigarettes. The hands wave, the smoke curls from their mouths. They aren't that far from the road. Ashes are tapped and caught by the wind. The mixed messaging strikes me as hilarious. Fire department employees smoking...I would really love to hear how they explain that to the students that visit. I really would....