Where there’s smoke…
The Alpine Lake fire is causing some controversy here at the end of the Trail as well as other places, I am sure. The fire crews have been working on trying to contain the fire, this is not an easy task. They try to take advantage of natural fire breaks such as wetlands, swamps, lakes, or areas with low fuels where the fire would possibly stop on it’s own, or at least slow down. When there isn’t a natural fire break then they need to create their own fire break by finding an area to build a fire line. The crew must dig down to the duff, lay hose and run sprinklers to keep the area wet. Another common practice is doing back burns. This is where a fire is lit in a somewhat stable area and allowed to burn back towards the already burned out area, creating a safe buffer. Of course these fires can also get out of control or burn an area that wasn’t scheduled to be burnt, but that is what wind can do. By creating these areas they are pro-actively protecting the area from future flare-ups and large fires. The fire crews are here now to do this type of work and to get the Alpine Lake fire contained. We currently have the help of airtankers and fire retardant but when these planes go elsewhere, then we are on our own. If these barriers are not made now, then the chance of another possibly larger more destructive fire becomes more likely. I think the people in charge know what is best in this situation and if they need to burn a little bit of shoreline in order to protect the 70-80 cabins and businesses in the area, then so be it. I would rather be safe than sorry.