It has been a hot stretch in Red Lake. Last significant rain fall was back in June. The water levels are low and with every passing small electrical storm, 100s of lightening strike hit the dry forest, igniting more forest fires.
And so began a seemingly innocent lightening fire in Woodland Caribou Prov. Park.
It smouldered for a few days under the watchful eye of forest fighters. Then one gusty day set it roaring. It took off and roared over 10 kms of wilderness.
The smoke came down heavy over the whole town of Red Lake.
I was sent out to look for paddlers and divert them away from the fire.
Our fire crews did an awesome job protecting values under intense conditions.
This particular photo is becoming famous in the media.
I watched as 1 fire fighter single handedly got a sprinkler system going again after the water pump had run out of gas. Sprinklers keep the values wet in an attempt to keep the fire from engulfing the buildings.
They also had to drop water around the cabins.
All values have been saved so far. The fire keeps burning but has slowed down somewhat. It has grown to just about 20,000 ha in size. I'm now working in the Food Unit at the Fire Centre, overseeing the packing of Food Kits for the many fire crews on fires. I should be at this post for the next several days before returning to my normal Ontario Park duties. Carrots anyone?
