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(I apologize for the long loading time of all the pics.)

(update 2:32pm - I should clarify that the fire was a result of a "controlled burn" that changed its status to "raging inferno" without our permission.)

We’ll begin this post with much respect to my dad, Uncle Rob, Uncle Kenny, and Michael Morello for the work they’ve done and continue to do. Today, I got a completely new perspective on their jobs after the wind kicked up and we were faced with a real forest fire here on the property. When I got the call I thought it was joke but within a minute I was racing to the property. My uncle and I had a shovel, a rake, and our 4-wheelers trying to control it from one side. The wind was constantly shifting so one moment we would be surrounded in gray and the next it would be totally clear. We kept at this until the Tennessee Department of Forestry (guided in by a plane above) arrived with their huge dozers to start an authentic fire break.

About 30 acres was torched with only minor damage done to the neighboring property. One of the contractors lost his dozer and another blew the motor on his excavator in their attempts to control the burn. Though the ground looks awful, we’re fortunate that the larger trees seem to have withstood the heat. I lost a pair of pants in process but am thrilled that no one was hurt in all the excitement. All the pictures are taken by my uncle and me once the fire was “under control” and we could just watch with minimal concern.

Bryan and I observing the line that was cut.

The fire stayed on the hill and didn't make its way down to the road.

There was plenty of fuel in parts of the burn to keep it going.

The next two are a couple shots down the ravine after the TDF guys ran through there.

This was one of the TDF dozers in action. These rigs had 3 metal spinning discs on the back that dug deep into the ground and then sent earth to the sides to widen the break.