"Wildfire" 12x12, Oil on Panel by Dawn Waters Baker

 

"Wildfire" 12x12, Oil on Panel

 

I've been working on some little 12x12's for entries for the National Weather Biennial. This is one of my entries on wildfires that are caused by lightning. Here in the US during the dry times of the year (particularly in the west and Rockies) fires are started easily because of the drought conditions.

The National Park Service states:

"As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the US are caused by humans....results of campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. The remaining 10 percent is caused by lightning or lava."

For many years Americans were told to stamp out forest fires because they were seen as devastating. Now, however, they are finding a small percentage of forest fires are needed to clear the older brush and start new, healthy growth. Particularly for the Aspens and Lodgepole Pines which seeds and stems open and sprout thanks to fire. Remember that next time you see the beautiful golden Aspens. Let it remind you it needs some hardship to become the graceful, delicate and incredible beauty it is.