By Michael Howell
Driving up Roaring Lion Road and Judd Creek Road on a media tour of the area, which was still closed to the general public but open to homeowners, we would pass the ruins of a burned out home and then pass one standing like a green island in a sea of blackness, and then pass another burned out shell. The contrast was extreme.
Public Information Officer Nathan Zalenski explained some of the many factors that can help a house remain standing through a forest fire that approaches it on every side. There are many. The material you build with – steel roofing is better than asphalt or cedar shingles, of course. A gravel area around the perimeter, like a driveway or sidewalk, can help. Thinning the trees and reducing ground cover. Keeping vegetation around the house green and lush. Being very careful where you place your wood pile (not next to the house) and your propane tank. Some have exploded in this fire already.
Of course, a fire that explodes across the landscape like this one did can create its own wind storms. This one shows all the signs, according to Zalenski. He said there were pockets of large Ponderosa pines that were broken off 15 to 20 feet above the ground. Blow downs in the same area can be seen lying in positions pointing in every direction of the compass.
A fire this hot and this explosive could take out the most well-protected structure.
According to Zalenski, who has spent years out in the field fighting fires, the same contrast found on the ground can lead to a corresponding contrast in the reception firefighters and other agency people encounter on the ground as well.
“It is usually a very emotional scene,” he said, “Some people are very grateful and express great appreciation, but some are overcome with loss. As a firefighter, no structure is worth a loss of life, but to some homeowners it’s not such a clear distinction. This is their home and many things in it are irreplaceable.” Zalenski said that he tries to be aware of and respect people’s emotions in these situations, no matter what.
Zalenski said that he himself was very appreciative of the help they have received from the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, the high school and the general public in handling the crisis in as safe and effective a way as possible.