The Big Fire

We held a big fire in our dam paddock. Like most farm properties we make heaps of rubbish and often the rubbish has to be burnt. This particular pile had been added to by several branches of the family for about eight years.

It included tree stumps, tree roots and branches too small for firewood, old boxes and lots of miscellaneous things. It was filling the paddock and spoiling the view. Every year we said we would burn the heap and then we got busy and forgot until summer was here and it was too hot to take the risk.

This year we did it. First we got a permit from the Fire Dept. and we also had a real Fire Fighter relative on duty for the day, he even wore his fireman's hat.

The fire was lit and it burnt all day. At first the smoke went straight up, then a breeze caught it and whirled it around. The heat from the fire caused a draught that whipped the leaves of the trees nearby like a strong wind.
It also made a noise, a sort of rushing sound in the air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fire was very hot,
and standing close to
it was uncomfortable.

 

 

 

 

   

At the end of the day the smoke was just a trickle here and there. Two days later whisps of smoke could be seen when the coals were prodded. Using a blade on the tractor we pushed the coals and ash around until the fire was completely out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now we have to decide what to do with the pile of white ash that is left. Soon only a black patch in the centre of the green paddock will show where the fire was.