Gains and Losses

The improved visibility meant they could get the tanker planes off the ground for the first time in a few days and by the end of the day they had the fire 50% contained. So far there has only been one fireman injured, a broken leg, and no homes lost, only hunting camps.

However, the winds picked up during the day and the fire continues to head towards White Springs on one edge. It made a three-quarter mile jump at one point so it's possible it could jump the interstates if it came this way. I'm not as safe as I thought.

The animals are the ones really suffering. The area that's burning is home to black bears, panthers, and the usual assortment of deer, rabbits, etc. It's nesting season and not only are the nests being lost but birds are dying outside the fire area from smoke inhalation.

Yesterday they had a picture in the paper of a bear cub who was rescued from a tree. His mother was at the base of it with third degree burns on her paws. They think she must have carried him across hot embers to safety. They are being treated at the UF vet school.