Date: Fri 01-Sep-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

edink-dry-weather-fires-arson

Full Text:

EDINK: Tinder Dry

This summer we have had too much of a good thing - good weather, that is. More

than three weeks have past without measurable precipitation, and fields

woodlands are tinder dry. With everyone outside enjoying the sun and

moderating temperature, the area faces the dangerous possibility of a major

brush fire, not unlike the one that scorched thousands of acres on Long Island

last week.

Adding to the concern was the discovery that two brush fires in Sandy Hook on

Monday were set. Fortunately local firefighters, who are bringing a new

positive meaning to the term "fair weather friends," got to the scene of these

fires quickly and worked with dispatch to control them before they got out of

hand.

Unfortunately, arsonists are beyond the reach of reason. They are sick,

destructive people unlikely to heed our pleas here. Yet the potential for

disaster does not lie solely with them. Accidental fires are just as

destructive as deliberately set fires, yet we still see people throwing

cigarettes from their cars, and campfires are still set alight in the midst of

acres of tinder.

A measure of care and consciousness goes a long way toward protecting

ourselves from a real catastrophe. We certainly like the fair weather as much

as the next person, and dry as it may be, we don't want it to rain on our

parade this weekend. But until the next soaking rain comes, whenever that may

be, we urge everyone to be careful with fire.