WF SMOKE

[Spuddy]

There are no active fires really close by (although the northwest 'neighborhood' is getting hammered) but for days on end, the wild fire smoke has been pretty thick in Helena.  I don't even feel like taking a ride.  This is bumming me out.

Spud

[rodekyll]

Perfect storm of weather, fuel, and management.  It's a disaster in all senses of the word.  The NWCN reported last night that the fires could burn for months. 

[RANT:ON]

I'm constantly amazed by the repeated weakness of wildfire first containment efforts.  They see the pattern of casual response and gargantuan consequences decade after decade, yet EVERY TIME they putter about instead of walloping it with shock and awe.  They're a month late getting the troops on the lines -- troops already trained and ready to go.  The army/guard should be a first, overwhelming response to a 100 acre blaze anywhere in the nation instead of a last-ditch (literally) stand on 300,000 acres that after a couple months is zero percent contained.
 
[RANT:OFF]

[Rich A]

[RANT:ON]

I'm constantly amazed by the repeated weakness of wildfire first containment efforts.
[RANT:OFF]

Probably has to do with funding, or a lack thereof. I doubt that much is budgeted for this.

Rich A

[Tom Parmelee]

I live in the Methow Valley, pretty much ground zero of the wildfires in Eastern Washington State. Big fires hereabouts.  Still, had the Airhead out today and likely the V11 Sport soon.  Two Wheel Therapy rules.

[Kiwi Dave]

Yesterday, I rode from Eureka to Weaverville.  Lots of smoke, but no fire that I could see, and didn't note much activity from firefighters although they were definitely present.

[Guzzistajohn]

Spud,

My brother was back in Helena last week for the FSSF reunion again, I saw some of his pictures from fort Henry Harrison. Glad I got my Glacier trip in last summer! Hope it clears up so you can enjoy that beautiful country before it gets too cold!

John S.