By Jessica Miller
Locals and visitors to our region may have noticed something different about the usually fresh air last week. The skies also seemed a bit more gray. My neighbors and I even wondered to each other who could be burning tires so close to us. What else was causing that strange melted plastic smell outside? Why hadn’t it passed yet? Is anybody else finding it a little harder to breathe than usual? Should I get my masks out of my drawer?
The real situation was much more dire than an inconsiderate neighborhood resident’s poorly timed garbage burn. National news showed the devastation of wildfires across Canada. As far west as British Columbia to Alberta to the east in Quebec and Nova Scotia; Canada is experiencing a fire season unlike any other. Heat and drought encouraged fires that began due to lightning. Less frequently a contributing factor but more preventable was accidental human action. As a result of the wildfires across the country, the skies were filled with smoke and burnt debris in and far outside of Canadian borders. Warnings about air conditions were issued in metropolitan areas of the east coast and midwest. New York City had the unfortunate distinction of being the most impacted. People of the United States and Canada were not alone in the situation. It was experienced worldwide with Greenland, Iceland, and Norway also feeling the airborne effects of the wildfires. The situation may have made for interesting sky pictures, but it didn’t make for hospitable conditions to enjoy summer fun outdoors.
Fire impacts have since eased in the Chautauqua/Allegany region and even for our friends to the north. Air quality has since returned to a more baseline state in our region. Canada’s eastern provinces report that their firefighters are regaining control over the blazes. However, the wildfires in Canada are still burning; fires are now mostly in the western provinces where windy and arid conditions persist. Likely, there are still more forest fires to come this summer with weather forecasts predicting similar conditions. The initial wave of infernos has at least indicated what can be expected if another wildfire erupts; preparation is a vital asset that the public and first responders have gained. But what, if anything, can we as the public do to help?
The usual platitude of “sending thoughts and prayers” has been uttered by many and will continue to be heard or read until the next occasion that evokes sentiment. Those who are moved to express their sympathies in actions, as well as verbal concern, will want to take action toward assistance. Although not everyone is equipped to provide hands-on-hose assistance, there are practical steps we can all take to prevent fires or back firefighters.
Heeding the words of Smokey the Bear in our own forests and backyards is a fine start anyone can make. Smokers must take care when they discard used cigarette butts to prevent stray ash from meeting kindling. Campfires should be supervised and water kept ready to extinguish if the fire spreads or when campers depart. Be mindful of what kindling is used in a campfire—burning plastics, aerosol cans, glass, and aluminum cans have dangers outside of spreading fire. Supporting local firefighters and their efforts to prevent and end fires at home is always a good idea. Volunteer departments will always welcome someone willing and able to join their ranks, but if your skills are outside of the physical and mental demands of becoming a firefighter yourself, there are other opportunities to assist. Call or email your neighborhood department to see what skills of yours they can use. People in the position to gift financial contributions can consider giving to their local fire departments, the US or Canadian Red Cross, or the US or Canadian United Way. It is also laudable to want to give funds to assist displaced people or wildlife, but please take care to vet organization or individual validity to avoid scams.