This image is from the evening of May 4. I’m not sure whether it’s in far western Colorado or actually in Utah. Also not sure whether it’s a prescribed burn (I can’t imagine, in these dry, windy conditions …) or nature-caused … or from someone careless with fire in these dry, windy conditions.
People are out and about after winter “confinement” (which isn’t that terrible here in the hinterlands, so close to accessible desert regions!?).
I would have this message for all those I see camping and zooming up and down and around in their side-by-sides and other vehicles: Please be careful of what you leave in your wake. Some people and many more animals live in the places you choose to visit.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Seems wrong to burn now! I agree.
In many places, spring is lush and green and lovely. Here in the West … not so much. It’s dry, windy, dusty, and wildfires already are making the news!
Not long after the Hayman fire, (which made national news!) I was traveling home from work, after dark, following a vehicle bearing Colorado tags.
I couldn’t BELIEVE my eyes, when not once, but twice! the glow of a ‘burning cigarette’ sparked against the drivers side of the vehicle, then bounced out onto the highway!!!
I read your post and was instantly carried back to that moment in time- the vehicle got ‘stopped’ a short while later, for failing to slow down at edge of municipal area, and to this day, I don’t know if the driver was drunk or stupid, or oblivious –
But I still, cannot fathom, how anyone living here long enough to have invested in vehicle tags could have been such a dork and to this day, I see that kind of behavior anywhere in my locale of the West? I seriously question the mentality of the person engaging in such actions –
I’m sure thats exactly how far too many of these wildfires start! People’s lack of empathy currently is downright scary – in these circumstances and far too many others. Thinking of others – people, wildlife, nature certainly is far from a lot of human’s minds!
I have been a smoker off and on during my life, always put out in my vehicle – after the 1st time I was shocked to see another smoking passenger, (native to here) throw his ‘butt’ out?” and said, “What? I’m keeping your car clean!”, I informed any smoking passenger, “We use the ashtray, you may crack the window, but cig is not held anywhere close to it – you throw it out the window? I will stop, and you will walk back, find it, make sure it’s out, pick it up and/or I will leave you walking – okay?” – – LOL (I feel the same way about litterers – It amazes me how many adults care more about keeping their car pristine since last detail and care nothing about the landscape around them – GRRR! 😀
I think people don’t think. I also think many people are stupid.
Yes … I really don’t understand the lack of thought or common sense.
Yeah, well, in our society? Smokers are evil, selfish folks that ruin it for everyone else, whether we throw our butts out the window or not – but since no one, at higher levels of leadership/national/state/local financing of public services have figured out how to replace the massive amount of income from taxes collected, yet? Even with maryjane being made legal? Well, it must become a social shame/blame war, and well – I Pay for my own healthcare, taxes and it’s legal – on the other hand, with rights? comes responsibility – to me, that’s the bottom line –
Responsibility is key, and I thank you for yours!
People should never be careless with any type of fire!
Completely, 1 billion percent agree.
😦
So true and so serious!!
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Yes. A scary sight to Westerners.
Hope it’s nothing serious, TJ. And amen to your plea for a little conscientious behavior out there!
Me, too!