Grass Fire

Before the much needed rain yesterday, we had a big fire in this county.I have included the facebook link.

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?fbid=10150991069732493&set=a.10150991067817493.424320.206952367492&type=1&theater

It was west of our farm about 8-10 miles. It jumped the highway with the wind pushing it. I don't believe that we were ever in danger as it was moving north but my heart just stopped when I looked up and saw the black smoke billowing in the distance. At our old farm, our family was very involved with our local volunteer fire department so I realized how serious this was going to be.

After it was all said and done, over 1300 acres burned. Several out buildings and only one dwelling were lost. The stories of the heroic efforts of people to help their friends and neighbors save their property and livestock are both heart breaking and heart warming......

All rural volunteer units were called out as well as the towns of Neodesha and Fredonia. I am pretty sure that the county to the north also responded since it was heading their way.

Ranchers called their cattle up into the bare ground catch pens in an efforts to save them. No time to move them...... fire fighters stationed themselves around the pens and kept the flames away....... they parked at houses and worked furiously to keep them from going up...... farmers brought their equipment and plowed firebreaks to slow it down and eventually stop it.

I drove over to take a look the next morning and just cried. People were still out working on hot spots. Cattle were wandering over charred ground. Trees in the fence lines had burned and fell over the roads. Neighbors with cattle trailers were lined up at barns to help move cows to new ground---- grass is short but they were willing to share. Others were hauling in round bales to feed...... also in short supply but willing to share........
Around houses and barns, the ground was burned RIGHT UP to the structures ----- they were just barely saved.

Last night it rained again...... total of 3 1/2 inches..... Thank you, Lord!