Five Years Later...

Photo courtesy of Laurie Olson

For 10 days wildfires raged through the canyons of Keya Paha County

This week marks the 5th anniversary of our infamous Niobrara Valley Wildfires of 2012, more officially known as the Region 24 Complex fires. Much has been written about the wildfires in both the local news and in the book "When Smoke Filled the Skies". And I understand that this week's edition of the Springview Herald is going to have a feature commemorating this event. I am looking forward to reading what Amy and Kelsi have put together.

There isn't really much I can add to the story except my own perception and thanksgiving for the success of the firefighting operation and the safety of all who were in harm's way. And for that safekeeping I will be forever grateful.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Olson
Firefighters battling the flames at close range!

When we heard the fire sirens ring on Friday morning, July 20th near noon, I didn't really give it much thought as we were preparing to attend a family camp out at Yankton. In my mind I thought, "The firemen have this, no big deal!" We left town unaware of what was transpiring with the fire and how it was spreading.

It was a miserable weekend for camping as it was hot and windy, but that was nothing compared to the misery it was causing for firefighting efforts. We spent the weekend with one ear to the local news and the other talking to folks from back home who were in the midst of the firefighting efforts. At one point we had erroneously been told that the fire was headed for Springview and the order to evacuate had been given. At that moment I had to resign myself to the fact that we probably would have nothing to come home to. Thankfully that was a false rumor!

We headed home on Sunday not knowing what we might find. As we neared Keya Paha County we were perplexed to see not one cloud of smoke but three separate smoke clouds. We had somehow missed the news that first fire had spawned a storm that started another fire and that the second fire had generated a lightning strike that started the third fire. 

After unloading the pickup we headed down to the fire hall to see if we could offer any help. We were amazed to see the number of people who were there to pitch in and help in whatever way they could. Since we had family out on the front lines, I was very happy to see Heather and see that she was fine. The amount of food and drinks stacked up was amazing...and it only increased over the next days of the fire. 

Photo courtesy of Laurie Olson
Firefighters taking five!

The number of volunteers who lent their assistance was heartwarming. There were firetrucks of every size and color, all but a few from neighboring towns and eventually from all over the state and southern South Dakota. We found ourselves living on a busy street as the congestion reached clear down to our block eventually. And suddenly we were big news. TV crews arrived to report our story. It was a rare sight for our little village to have camera crews hanging around here.

In the midst of the fires most of us became very discouraged that it was looking so hopeless. On the following Thursday the fire was raging out of control southeast of town with a big plume of smoke rising out of the canyons. Even I was beginning to feel discouraged and despaired of ever getting the fire under control.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Olson

But we all know how it turned out. Eventually the fires succumbed to the efforts of the fire experts and the many hands that worked tirelessly to put them out. It was a happy day, ten days after this catastrophe began, when the fires were finally declared 100% contained.

Life did not immediately return to normal as there were the finishing touches that had to be put on things. But eventually the firemen were once again able to go back to their jobs and life once more returned to normal.

This year we seem to be experiencing a return of the conditions that lent themselves to the support of the fire...high temps and drought. While we may have been surprised at how that fire took off and gained strength five years ago, we are not so naive this time around. Every fire call causes everyone to hold their breath and say a prayer that this is not a repeat performance of 2012. 

Photo courtesy of Laurie Olson

So, the story is a drama we hope to never see again but, as in almost all things, there are rays of hope and blessing that shine through. We can be so thankful that there were no serious injuries or death. We are sorry for those who lost homes but rejoice in the many that were saved. And for now our job is to PRAY FOR RAIN!

 

Photo courtesy of Laurie Olson