Wildfires have been ravaging the California ecosystem for years now. Unfortunately, wildfires do not just affect those who can see their flames on the west coast. At different times within this past year, the eastern half of the United States watched in awe as skies filled with smoke, blanketing the country in gray and red hues.
Read moreClimate Change, Fire, and Skidmore: An Account from the North Woods Steward
On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 23rd, a fire broke out in the Skidmore North Woods. Fall had just begun, and it was a dry, hot day. Just off the orange trail, a visitor of the woods noticed the distinct smell of smoke and called campus safety. Other visitors smelled it while they were trail running, hiking, and walking their dogs. The fire department was called, and they promptly arrived, found the small fire, and put it out.
Read moreWorst Wildfires in California's History
After nearly five years of drought, California is experiencing some of the worst wildfires in the state's history. In the beginning of October, the wildfires broke records, causing a death toll of 41. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says 245,000 acres have been burned and more than 5,700 structures have been destroyed.
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