Got a real scare yesterday. Took a visiting couple on a float trip down Piledriver Slough. Right after starting the float, the wind changed and smoke got real heavy. Shortly ash started falling on us. Luckily there sas no hot embers falling, but I got worried. We have a wild fire burning across the Tanana River from us on military land. It's in a low suppression area, meaning they are going to let it burn. It is currently burning right up to the river bank.
The Dry Creek fire was officially listed as out back in July. With no fires going in the state, they sent all our fire fighters south to help out on the many horrindous fires burning all over the lower 48. This leaves us with no fire fighting crews. We have had several weeks of warm dry weather. During this time the fire has came back to life. Burning over 14,000 acres at this time. Here we sit in the middle of Black Spruce forest with ash falling. One good hot ember and we will be burning on this side of the river as well. While I know it is nothing compared to what is going on in the lower 48, the potential is there to become a real disaster for us.
Just for your information. Black Spruce is mother natures torch. Black Spruce will burn in the middle of a heavy rain storm, due to the oils in the needles and bark. I have been screaming for years, we need to harvest this wood instead of letting it sit there waiting for a fire to burn it out. Remove the fire potential, and create habitate for Moose and other wildlife. Very little wildlife lives in Black Spruce forest. Canada is harvesting their Black Spruce and making OSB. Why aren't we doing that.
