Monday, September 12, 2005

Burn's Bog Blaze

Hanging off my parent's deck yesterday I noticed a hug plume of smoke coming from across the Fraser river on the Delta. Great grey clouds were billowing up, and it was like you could see actual flames licking the top of the ridge. The radio was no help for news, and we all grabbed binoculars to see if we could see anything. After watching some amazing footage from the Channel 9 Chopter (now that feels cheesy saying), turns out that the Burns Bog is burning. This is terrible - it is an amazing ecological area that is home to many unique species. It is also rare as being a green zone close to a major metropolitan area.

Last night, the sky was orange, and we could smell fire from our place. Every now and then you could see the fire intensify, and the sky would dance with colours that would unsettle you. The darkness of the ridge, and then the flames and smoke. It is CLOSE and yet not that close. Driving in to work this morning, going up the river was a haze that looked like fog, and looking out towards the fire the plume of smoke continued, but more white than the angry colours it was yesterday afternoon.

I have all crossables crossed they can get this fire out ASAP! I understand fire is good, and needed for some elements of renewal (and hell, needed in the areas of the pine beetle infestation) I just worry about the Bog. Ken plays hockey out near there, and I have spent many a pre-game time walking through the preserve, enjoying the forest on the edge of civilization, wondering at the life that teems in there. I hope it wasn't a cigarette butt!!!!!

1 comment:

Gilly said...

Hi Kazza!

Had no idea until I read your blog that Burns Bog is going up in smoke. Horrible news!