Whistler Forest Fire

After the morning spent on the downhill runs, we stop for a rest and rehydration at a cafe with a great view of the hill. This day, like the previous two, is very hot and very dry. Thunder rumbles in the distance. Someone mentions something about a fire and all heads turn towards Blackcomb mountain to see a thin column of smoke rising skyward followed quickly by licks of orange flame. This is a little close for comfort. The fire spreads incredibly quickly and now the smoke is rising in huge billows. Soon helicopters arrive to drop water but the fire is hardly affected. Eventually water bombers arrive (7 of them, according to CBC News) and red flame retardant blankets the hillside. At mid-afternoon, the sky is full of planes and choppers. By evening the smoke has been beaten down and the flames doused.