SEPTEMBER 7,2017 CAMP HOWARD

The Gorge Fire of 2017 will be remembered for many years into the future.  Camp Howard was affected with loss of rentals, a halt to the end of season work detail and a fear that the fire would make it’s way up the Bull Run toward the camp.  A thick hazy smoke engulfed the camp and the smell of burnt wood permeated the air.

BELOW: Heavy sprinkling of water around the dining hall with the big gun sprinkler settles the dust and cools the trees.

The big gun sprinkler doubles as a first line of defense in the event of a fire at camp.  The hose and nozzle accompany the sprinkling unit.

Property Director, Karen von Borstel waters Camp Howard Road then back to water the rhododendrons.

Smoke lingers throughout the camp.

The hills beyond the Bull Run River are generally a crisp green blanket.  The smoke masks the view entirely.

The trail between Gimpl Dining Hall and Sparpole unit gives evidence of the lingering smoke around the camp.