There was a fire about two miles from the place I live. Wild fires are not rare around here but the conversation that I had about it was. I stepped out my place and saw the smoke. A neighbor started to freak out because it was so wide and somewhat dark and headed our way.
I stated that the smoke was made by dry grass and was being sprayed down by fire trucks as it was turning white on one side. Also there was about a mile and a half and at least 6 streets between it and us. About that time we could here two choppers flying over the area. He looked at me and asked "news teams?" "no water choppers starting to water down the middle. Just watch the center". A few minutes later large amounts of white smoke went up in the center.
About 4 hours later he saw me again and asked how I knew everything I had told him. "I am from the country and it is best if you know a fire by the smoke. That way you know what is going on before you get there and know how to handle it".He laugh and said " I guess you can skin a buck and run a trout line as well?" "I have skinned a few bucks but when it comes to trout lines I find dynomite easier and faster." He kinda freaked out and asked if I had ever used dynomite. I laughed said no and just watched as the last of the smoke cleared away.
The news that night talked about how six trucks and two choppers dropped water on the fire. Still no idea what started it but I am glad I am in an area that they understand that a grass fire is something that needs every truck they can get.