Well, I’ve never really considered myself a tree hugger, but I really frown on the stupidity I witness around the day set apart to celebrate our independence.
Black Eye on the Tri-Cities
Thanks to some thoughtless, careless people, there is a literal black eye that will watch over the city of West Richland and the whole Tri-Cities.
Some careless revelers started Flattop Hill on fire and nearly destroyed homes and property. The black patch that encircles the hill can be seen for miles.
The black patch will be a scar on our landscape for a couple of years, a reminder of the bad decisions by a few people who can’t understand the concept of self-control.
Here are a few hints: Don’t use illegal fireworks. Don’t light fireworks anywhere near dry brush, grass or other combustibles. Have water handy. Use only under competent, uninebriated, adult supervision.
Can we all say DUH! I realize the people who are the problem will likely never read this (or they have trouble reading in the first place!)
Its unfortunate because we then have to make laws to apply to the lowest denominator because they can’t make rational decisions themselves.
These are the same folks who travel from a “dry” town (like the cities of Pasco and Kennewick where fireworks are banned), to a legal place like Richland to light of their fireworks. Then, they have the gall to leave their garbage behind, trashing parks and leading to the perennial front page picture in the paper of taxpayer funded cleanup of out-of-towner messes.
Alright, I’m a little bitter and I don’t really have the time or energy to try and do something about this but I can tell you I will cringe a bit everytime I look at Flattop over the next couple of years with the black-eye reminder of carelessness.
Although there is a “black eye” where this fire occured, I can guarantee that in less than a year, it will be back and greener than it was before it burned. It is a natural fertilizer. In most eco systems it takes the heat from fires such as this one to sustain, and enhance additional growth. Although it was more than likely caused by carelessness with fireworks, look at it as a blessing for the years to come. It removed old, dead growth, nurished the soil, and will be brighter next year. Look at BLM’s policy for wild land fires in Alaska, unless structures are threatened, they let it burn to enhance new growth. Are we over the tirade yet?
If you look closely, you’ll see that structures, including expensive homes were threatened by this careless fire. The black eye will remain for over a year. Every time you, I or anyone who lives or visits this area looks at old Flattop the stain on our beautiful surroundings will be there. Yes, there is rebirth associated with fires and I look forward to that and while I’m not big on specific policy related to wild land fires, I do favor appropriate levels of clearing of forested lands (not clear cutting) so the resources can be utilized before they are lost. I guess I’m most ticked off about the fireworks carelessness and the danger to the community. I guess I’m not over my tirade but I truly appreciate your comments and a continued dialogue on the subject as it helps raise awareness of the valuable resources we have in our area. Thank you! Paul