Lightning, Brush Fire, and Smoke

As is usual this time of year, thunderstorms and lightning are common especially in the late afternoon.  We had both yesterday.  After a particularly strong bolt of lightning, I noticed dark black smoke rising to the north of our condominium.  The plume of smoke spread wide in the air currents despite the heavy rain immediately to the east of the fire.  

Eventually, we were able to determine that a brush fire had been caused by the lightning.  It consumed sixty acres quickly fed by dry underbrush in a park and undeveloped area to the north of us.  No buildings or vehicles were involved.  No people have been injured.  

Today they report that firefighters have about 85 percent of the fire contained.  You can still smell the smoke from our lanai, but neither the lake nor the foliage across the lake from us have been affected.  It is amazing to think fires are possible in this tropical place with its daily rainstorms, but indeed they are common.  Lightning is the main perpetrator.  Hopefully, as summer progresses, the rainstorms will yield enough moisture to lessen the risk, but I am thankful we only got to experience it from afar.