The Elysian Fields

I'm not sure if it should be a fire retardant foam clue bat, or a flame thrower...

There is a Fire Weather Warning issued by the National Weather Service.

I personaly saw umpteen acres afire on Saturday.

And people say:

"... but that's not right. It's not dry!"

and:

"We've had many, many inches of rain in one day last month!"

and:

"There was snow last week!"

and:

"We're over the average rainfall for the year!"

In otherwords, because it rained some time ago, there is no danger of fire. Even when you can look at cracked, dried out parched soil, and crunch along on dry, dead last-year's undergrowth.

So I suppose that's an excuse to burn something in your backyard or throw cigarettes out of your car window or leave campfires unattended.

Because, at one time, it rained.

It's leveled. In a matter of minutes.

They're still running the Pumpkin Festival, which is off to the side. 200 employees will be moved around to the other locations. They're not talking about the pet store or petting zoo, but I'd say it's a safe bet those animals - especially the ones inside - didn't make it.

Deb and Justin reported that it's just rafters, and the news verified it.