As of this post there are several fires burning in and around Washington State and that isn’t unusual. Here in Spokane though, near the Idaho border, we are surrounded by a ring of fire. No matter which direction the wind blows it is bringing some kind of smoke with it. Our farmers in outlying communities are having a hell of a time with these fires and the prolonged drought we are currently going through. Just North of Spokane is a community in Stevens county that has had to evacuate to avoid a fast moving fire now named the Ford Corkscrew Fire. There are many ranches in that area and many animals need to be moved.
South and across a river from the evacuation area is Four Mound Bison Ranch in Seven Mile, WA. They, along with some others, have graciously (in neighborly fashion) stepped up to accommodate animals for temporary shelter. I have had a good relationship with them over the years so I drove out there today to offer my services – such as they are – and also to discuss a future bison and beef order.
“We may need some truck drivers,” I was informed by the rancher, Randy, as there might be some animal trailers needing to be moved and returned. In my younger years I drove all kinds of trucks for the Army so I volunteered should the need arise.
We walked around the property a bit discussing different options and one could see the smoke rising a few miles away just north of Four Mound Prairie.
The smoke is easier to see here after I knocked the brightness down and upped the contrast.
Several structures have already been lost and I hope the firefighters can get the upper hand soon.
On a lighter note I got to look at some pigmy goats that the ranch picked up to help with weed control. I’ve seen goats used for this but didn’t know one could use pigmy goats.
Cute ain’t they?
Apparently they really enjoy Cheerios and Animal Crackers as treats.
~will
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