Bear Trap Canyon Fire Bozeman, Montana 2012

Like many other parts of the West, Montana is getting a good dosing of wildland fires these days. This is a photo from our current local fire in Bear Trap Canyon west of Bozeman about twenty miles. This was taken on Monday a week ago–the first day of the fire. I was on my way back from my art show in Salt Lake City at the time. I spent Tuesday “working” on the fire with a crew from the volunteer fire department I am on. I put the word “working” in quotes because it was so windy that day (gusts to 60 mph) we couldn’t do much but monitor the fire as it raced about four miles down the river in just a few hours. I did get my share of smoke and ash immersion though (cough, cough). Since then the weather and the fire have been better behaved and I think they are in the mop of stages now. It was small as fires these days go, burning about 20,000 acres and three homes I believe. How did this fire get started? Fireworks–so be careful with yours this week.  ]]>

Act of Valor #12 Anaconda, Montana 2012

This was the single most lively scene I saw in downtown Anaconda–three guys sitting out behind the Locker Room bar enjoying the weather.]]>

Act of Valor #11 Anaconda, Montana 2012

This store looked a little more lively in that I believe it was actually open with a car out in front that appeared to be in working condition.]]>

Act of Valor #10 Anaconda, Montana 2012

One of the many closed and shuttered businesses in town–this one called The Game Room. It did not look like there had been any fun there for a long time.]]>

Act of Valor #9 Anaconda, Montana 2012

The flag disposal drop-off at the American Legion post. I imagine it was designed with honor and dignity in mind, but seems to take on a whole different ironic meaning sited next to a dumpster.]]>

Act of Valor #8 Anaconda, Montana 2012

Not surprisingly (it was dinner time after all), the streets were a little more active at the taco fast food joint. This is another one that also fits the Patriot’s Dream theme, I love the sunburst behind the flag. I have to assume the placement of the flag there was no accident.]]>

Act of Valor #7 Anaconda, Montana 2012

A rare pedestrian on the streets. The lack of people in these photos of downtown Anaconda was not because I was trying to avoid having them in the shots, it was because there were very few people out and around while I was there. Few cars on the streets either. I found all that just a little odd since these shots were taken between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. I kept thinking Anaconda was like that western cliche: the town that forgot to die. But maybe it didn’t forget, it’s just spending a long time in it’s death throes.

]]>

Act of Valor #6 Anaconda, Montana 2012

The little used parking lot of the Eagles Lodge.

]]>

POTD: Act of Valor #5 Anaconda, Montana 2012

A tree grows in Brooklyn and a dandelion in Anaconda. I’ve never actually read the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn but from reading summaries, it seems that the City of Brooklyn and the metaphorical Tree of Life (now considered and invasive species which inhabits vacant lots in New York City) that is central to the novel, might just have well been replaced by the town of Anaconda and it’s dandelion–although it makes for a less romantic literary vision. The book’s theme regarding the importance of tenacity and the balancing of idealism and pragmatism in dealing with tough economic times would seem applicable to Anaconda as well.

]]>