Crisis Averted
45°37'58.5"N 122°36'12.9"W
I commute from Portland to Vancouver on my bike. While on a nature trail - one of the ones that parallels a power line/greenway/stream dealy - I came across a man starting a fire right next to the massive line of trees and bushes.
I was so flabbergasted that I didn't even react at first as he just sauntered away from this bonfire of what looked like the contents of someone's closet and/or rubbish bin. Boots, blankets, garbage, all in a big toxic fire.
I recovered in time to react and raced up and down the path in the hopes of getting water to douse it, an admittedly desperate plan.
Luckily there were a lot of wonderful people out and about that day, and within five minutes I had my handlebar basket full of a half dozen water bottles.
I got back and there were onlookers trying to put it out but not having much luck due to the size. We all took a couple bottles and coordinated to pour simultaneously and successfully put the fire out before it could spread the few feet into the brush of the greenway.
It was absolutely appalling and horrifying to come face to face with just how easily this could have turned into another massive wildfire. One inconsiderate dude not thinkig through his actions for five minutes was all it took.
But on the other hand it felt good to find that literally every person I rode to for help offered up everything they could to assist without a second thought.
Stay safe out there.