A year ago, almost to the day, a wildfire (Kenow Beast) raged through Waterton Park, changing it forever. It has been a beautiful and fascinating twelve months as we have watched this park that we love recover. Ironically - this past spring and early summer was one of the most BEAUTIFUL I have ever seen. The scorched earth presented the most vibrant and abundant wildflowers.
It was spectacular!
This past Friday after surviving the first week of school, we grabbed Max and headed out for dinner out in the fresh mountain air. The nearer we got to the town site however, the more apparent it became that the air would be anything but fresh.
Thick, billowing clouds of smoke were funnelling into the sky from somewhere beyond Bertha Lake.
Naturally we had to stop in at Wieners of Waterton to get the scoop. (And a couple of baskets of sweet potato fries too;)
As it turned out last weeks Boundary Bay fire had flared up again and made a lot of ground. Though the town site itself is not currently at any risk, the fire was now officially in Waterton park boundary.
It felt a little bit like Deja Vu as we watched park employees drive throughout the town site clearly occupied with planning and contingencies.
Luckily, unlike last year, this fire is relatively contained. Despite the smoke filled skies and busy parks employees, there is reassurance in knowing that this flare up will be able to be controlled and put out.
Let's hope that is sooner than later!
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