When we moved to the farm in 2013, the grounds had been overgrown for many years. With an elderly owner, much of the accumulating brush and fallen trees were simply piled high by volunteers to be dealt with in the future. One such pile was a monster, with approximately 900 square feet of huge logs, brush, and overgrowth. Adding our own rubbish to the pile, it just kept growing.
After our first encounter with the King George Fire Department, which didn’t go as planned, we determined it would be best to include them at the beginning this time. With the volunteer fire department on our side, we started the day with a water truck and Ray, the team’s finest, to keep the flames under control.
With the very first ignition, the pile of dry, aged wood took off with no problem. It burned fast and hot for most of the day. Chris and Ray successfully managed the fire, even saving a few black snakes along the way.
Check out the video below to hear the crackle of the hot burn. Can you feel the heat?
When it was all over at the end of the day, this was the sight I found – burnt and exhausted! I don’t think those clothes will ever come clean.
With the fire smoldering well into the night, it was the perfect excuse to enjoy its warmth with a beautiful fall sunset and cold beer.
We cannot thank Ray and the King George Volunteer Fire Department enough for their help controlling the burn and helping us remove this enormous pile from the field!
I love all your comments and information. You truly are blessed to be there and “there” is blessed to have you.
Thank you, Dianne! Being here is truly a gift. We try to keep in mind that preserving these old places is an important part of sustaining our cultural assets well into the future.
That’s another hige project in your rear view mirror! You’re helping White Plains shine.
Thanks, Judy! One bite at a time… keeping this place afloat and shining is definitely a big chunk of time, but it’s all worth it in the end.