It's forest fire season here in Western Canada. There have been evacuations, homes burned down, and highways closed because of the fires. We could see the smoke when we were flying over the interior of B.C. Pretty nasty stuff.
One of these terrible fires couldn't help but bring a smile to my lips, though. Apparently, a fire near a trailer park in Metchosin was caused by a goose which flew into some power lines.
Yes, the reality of it is pretty unpleasant. Big fire. Thousands of dollars of damage, environmental catastrophe, very surprised goose dying a painful death -- all terrible things. But still, the cartoon image of a goose slamming into a high-tension wire, bursting into flame, and then plummeting into the forest to ignite a raging conflagration is somehow amusing.
"Honk... Honk... Honk... BAM! Sizzle! Whomp!"
"Look Ma! The lord done provided us with a bountiful feast!"
"Well, I wish he'd taken the time to pluck the damn thing before putting it in the oven."
"Oh Shit! The Woods are on fire! Get in the truck Fergal; we're getting the hell out of here. And, Fergal, take that goose with you. I'm starving!"