Cars stop, runners and bicyclists gather. Sometimes news reporters and television vans show up. As the crew rushes around the crackling flames and billowing smoke staffing water hoses, the whole scene may not look as controlled as it actually is. Safety is of primary importance. Preparations are carefully made.
Equipment is checked.
Fire lanes are cleared. Local fire departments are always alerted. Water is carried on two or three fire pickup trucks. Prior to settlers arriving in this area in the early 1800s, prairie fires were natural events, usually caused by lightning. But settlers considered fire the enemy, and fires were put out as quickly as possible.