Fires

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

This week we did a controlled pasture burn. The wind was maybe a little strong for lighting fires but Luke doesn't mind a little risk. Dangerously strong would be a better description for the wind but we had two tractors hooked up with water tanks and spray hoses, the backpack sprayer  and lots of buckets and burlap bags. What could go wrong? Thankfully the wind didn't change direction and it was an uneventful albeit smoky burn. The hill behind our house is now black and barren, exposing all the rocks. Rain will come soon and things will turn green. At least we hope and pray it will, things are pretty dry around here.

I was a little nervous about lighting the fire because dad and I were burning a brush pile the other week and it got away and started burning the horse pasture. We got it out fairly quickly but there were some panicked moments fighting a losing battle. Stomping wasn't doing any good stopping the flames so I took off my sweatshirt to beat it out and dad used his coveralls. (He was still wearing his long johns, but didn't take the time to put his boots back on until it was over) Back up came with water but not before our hair got singed and my favorite work sweatshirt was ruined.