No headline

So far so good. The Whale Buttes Fire continues to skunk around in heavy fuels. The old logging roads have been reopened and have created containment lines that almost surround the fire. Air attack has knocked down all risks, so far, of the fire moving into the crowns of trees and running to the east. This is designed to keep the fire on the ground and within the containment lines. As of this time it seems unlikely that private homes or private lands will be damaged by fire. We all thank John Pierson and his Southwest Type I Team for their efforts.

Helping, for a change, is the fickle Mother Nature. Temperatures have cooled, humidity has gone up and we have had a little rain—and even snow on Glacier’s peaks. More rain is expected today (Monday) which will help even more. With luck and skill we are on the downhill side of the fire season.

Much of what has been done to contain the Whale Buttes Fire will carry over to contain other fires in the next few years. Also, private, state, and federal fuel management efforts aided current efforts and need to be continued to reduce the risk of stand replacement fires in the future.

Today is the first day in a week or so that I could see Glacier’s peaks. It is a bonus to see snow on the peaks, The smoky days with a red-orange sun have been a pain, not to mention the distinctive smell. The lack of visibility and the stench of smoke have already caused some summer residents to depart for the winter.

Last church service of the year was held last Sunday at Sondreson Hall with a large group gathered in recognition of Don Sullivan’s work to continue this ministry. Due to his wife Sue’s illness, Don has traveled from Kalispell every Sunday morning, conducted the service and then traveled back to Kalispell to care for Sue. He was able to spend only two nights at Reynolds Ranch this summer. We all hope he will be able to continue this service next summer.

The news about another ill North Forker, Dennis Groebe, seems to be positive and we are all looking forward to he and wife Carol returning to Polebridge next summer.

Final note on fires! Just because the situation seems good today, all of us need to remain alert. Mother Nature could still reverse herself and give us more drying heat, wind and lightning. Current conditions may not continue!

Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.