Editorial

Vacation with fire in mind

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

As we stood at the edge of the fire line Monday night watching local and BLM fire crews work efficiently to control the Knudsen fire, and watched later that night coverage of the disasterous fires in Boise, we were reminded just how dangerous fire can be.

As the local fire approached the foothills terrain and wind patterns could easily cause the fire to begin swirling, making it dangerous for anybody in the area. Every crewman out there knew that, and forged ahead to fight the flames anyway.

On a day to day basis, we don't think about the dangers firemen face. Oh, sure, we know intellectually that they have a dangerous job, but around here, they do their job so well that they make things look easy and routine.

Don't believe it. Every time they respond to a call, their lives are going on the line. Fire can be highly unpredictable. The men and women who rush to the flame deserve our utmost respect.

So far, Fire Chief Phil Gridley noted, we've been lucky this year. We just haven't had any serious range fires like we usually have. And the fire season is starting to come to a close. But it's lasting a little longer than normal this year.

So as you start planning for your Labor Day weekend, and many of you will be heading out into the hills or the desert, keep in mind that it is tinder dry out there. The smallest accident could trigger a major blaze. Carry a shovel with you into the hills. Prepare for and keep fire safety among the priorities for your trip planning.

We've been lucky so far. Let's not let that luck run out.

-- Kelly Everitt