Raging Wild Fires

Canada is on fire. Some of the fires are man-made, and some are controlled burns that got out of control.

These fires could be the product of climate change and worsened by less snow in winter and a very dry spring. As the smoke begins to settle, areas throughout the United States are affected with heavy smoke and forming a haze in the sky, letting through little to no sun.

Escalating fire risks

Global warming of planet Earth, with its increased temperatures, leaves a climate that is reacting to its conditions. It makes for a dry and dusty environment with little to no moisture.

A lightning storm can easily start a fire that will quickly rage out of control. Careless campers and improper disposal of garbage and debris can add fuel to an already out-of-control fire.

Low air quality

In the heat of this summer, we have millions of acres of forest on fire. These fires rage out of control and cause a vast amount of smoke.

With little movement in the upper atmosphere, the smoke lingers in the sky with nowhere to go. It forms a large dome overhead and pollutes the atmosphere, producing poor air quality.

The air takes on a heavy smokey smell that is evident as soon as you go outside, irritating your throat and making breathing difficult. It leaves a haze that blocks the sun. Smoke particles are said to be so minute that when inhaled, they go deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream.

These conditions are expected to last for the entire summer of 2023.  We must be careful not to let our guard down.

With a nationwide burning ban in place, no outdoor fires of any kind are permitted. It puts a bit of a damper on camping and cottaging, as a nightly fire could be your only source of heat. These events could also be followed by floods.

Smokey struggles

I had a doctor’s appointment, and just going from the house to the car caused me to gasp for fresh air. It caught in my throat, and I couldn’t breathe. I have little tolerance to smoke these days, and the air is so thick with smoke it makes me queasy. I have waited all winter for a chance to sit on my porch, to no avail this summer.

I feel like I am missing out on not being in my garden right now, so it is important that I find ways to entertain myself with indoor activities. The first place I turn to is my computer, but I can’t sit at my computer all day, so it is off to my apps to find some projects. Staying busy is of vital importance because it soothes my mental health and gives me a more positive outlook on life and a sense of accomplishment.

If you, too, have to stay indoors, share what you do to gain a sense of accomplishment!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.