Sheep Herder Hill Fire

- When Casper Mountain Roared: A Decade Ago

Hey there, everyone! 🌟 Let’s dive into a story from a decade ago when Casper Mountain was ablaze. The Western forests, plagued by a century of mismanagement and the looming specter of climate change, were engulfed in flames. Join me as we journey back to those scorching days.

A hot, dry season had us holding our breaths, waiting for the much-needed snow to quell the fire that erupted after six years of relative calm. Here’s a snapshot of the intense days that unfolded:

• 8/9/12, 4 pm: The first smoke appeared.
• 8/10: The fire exploded, spreading rapidly from 500 acres to a staggering 15,000.
• Evacuation orders: Many people received evacuation orders, fearing the unpredictable nature of the fire.
• Aerial Attack: Single-engine agricultural aircraft, a DC-10 tanker, and flying crane helicopters relentlessly battled the flames.
• Weather Turns: A cold front approached, bringing lightning, rain, and, miraculously, no wind.

Now, you might be thinking, “No wind in Casper? Unbelievable!” The fire, once an out-of-control beast, shifted to a more manageable state.

We weren’t out of danger yet; the mountain still housed millions of glowing matches and potential campfires. But the worst seemed over, and property damage had been averted. Most importantly, there was no loss of life.

Images from the Front Yard

Let’s take a peek at a few images captured from my front yard during those intense days.

It looked like the end for my house, with evacuations looming, but the rain came to our rescue, allowing human efforts to prevail—this time, at least.

Reflections and Gratitude

As the smoke cleared, a few reflections lingered:

• Nature, when out of control, dwarfs human efforts.
• The bravery of firefighters and pilots risking their lives in the face of such wildfires is no small feat.
• A DC-10 loaded with slurry navigating mountain canyons is a formidable sight.
• The relentless efforts of helicopters and single-engine aircraft provided close support, buzzing around like bees—absolutely incredible!
• 290 men and 22 aircraft tirelessly worked the fire—huge thanks to these heroes.
• The forecasted winds could have spelled disaster, but Casper, my house, and much of the city were spared.
• I felt a moment of gratitude for a government that can step in during tough times, showcasing the strength of unity.

In moments like these, those debates about government intervention, private property rights, and rugged individualism take a back seat. I couldn’t help but appreciate the strength that comes with being a United States citizen.

Sadly, a decade later, little has changed. The forests still burn, and our government grapples with climate change-related issues.

Here’s to hoping for better days ahead. ✨

Cheers, D 🪨🔥

9-9-12