Chatbug Karen

My daughter wrote an interesting paper for one of her college classes. The ‘big blowup’ of 1910 burned 3 million acres of forest in western Montana and northern Idaho, and shaped much of the modern fire suppression effort. Stacy’s paper dealt with the changes that have been made since that date; changes to our nation’s policy on fire fighting and fire prevention.

Thousands of firefighters and townspeople were caught in the path of the fire. Those who survived by taking refuge in mine tunnels and creeks were – more times than not – burned during the front’s passage. Many people died.

There were many causes of the fire. From careless use of fire to sparks from trains that used coal to fuel their engines, different reasons were given for one of the worse fires in US history.

I may have talked before about our town’s circus heritage. Many of the old circuses would come here and winter their animals in the huge barns near the river. Several families stayed in the area and have since passed on whilst leaving their legacy. Our amateur circus is amazing. Kids from all ages begin training in March each year. They try out for acts and are chosen for their talent and skill at each act. It is a rigorous schedule but many parents endure the endless trips to the circus building each night because it is worth the effort. Being involved in the circus teaches many life lessons.

A sad thing happened over the weekend. A furniture store, that was located next to the circus building, caught fire and burned to the ground. The circus building wall located next to the burned building was damaged extensively. The building has been condemned. This is devastating news to our town.