Day 21 -- Conflagration

Today involved running from one place to the next with little time to spare between appointments. Both classes began a couple minutes late as I was meeting about or discussing issues that needed attention.  Right after lunch, I headed out to get groceries in an attempt to avoid the major crowds that would descend after work. There is a major storm on the way overnight, a situation that always leads people to stock up. Today actually had been my planned grocery day this week. I got back just in time to run to my next meeting and then run to make the wrap up lecture in lab. Cutting things a little close all day long it seemed.

On the way out of the parking lot in the afternoon, I noticed a large plume of black smoke in the general direction I was heading. As I drove off campus, it became easier to pinpoint the general location of what was obviously a fire. That helped me to choose which of the two routes to the grocery store I should take. Emergency vehicles were present all along the highway. As we drove west, the flames became visible in an area in the Department of Highways compound. What exactly was involved wasn't clear. Based on the news report I was passing this about 15 minutes after the conflagration began. It was frightening to see and I always worry about the emergency workers. It took 4-5 light cycles for about 12 cars to turn off the highway into the store area -- past the fire and on the opposite side of the road. Pumper trucks were filling tanks from the hydrant by the grocery store, so one entrance to the lot was blocked off. 

After 45-60 minutes, getting out of the parking area was a challenge. Long lines of vehicles could turn west (away from town) or go across the highway to the back road into town. Nothing was allowed to use the eastbound lane. This route passed by the opposite side of the fire, which had mainly white smoke now and a lot of steam from the water that was still being pumped onto the fire. It was clear at this point that it was a large storage garage. It turns out that a house next to this compound had some damage to the side and roof. No injuries have been reported, thankfully.

Now, there is a major nor'easter bearing down on this part of the world tonight. This afternoon we lost 3 snow ploughs and the 9 plough garage. There are 3 ploughs and a loader headed this way on loan from other areas of the province to help us with this next storm. They are not sure what will be available for the storms after that -- the next is expected Saturday. The first song I heard overhead at the grocery store is the selection for today. The title and main chorus phrase seemed to fit the anxiety that I felt after driving past this mess. It is another song from the '80s and was used in a movie many of you may have seen. Enjoy!

Danger Zone -- Kenny Loggins