Advertisement

Bob Layton: What if you were to blame for a massive wildfire?

Click to play video: 'Bob Layton’s editorial: May 24'
Bob Layton’s editorial: May 24
WATCH ABOVE: In his latest editorial, Bob Layton talks about the wildfire situation in Alberta. – May 24, 2019

So, here we are getting deeper into wildfire season — a time when people come out of their homes near forested areas and suddenly see a wall of smoke with a baseboard of fire on Hell’s horizon.

I have never been through it, so I can’t imagine being told I need to evacuate quickly and have to make some terrible decisions about what I can fit into my car and what I’m going to have to leave behind.

We’ve all seen both ends of the wildfire spectrum, the total destruction of homes, people trying to outrun the flames and firefighters putting their lives on the fire-line.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

And then we’ve seen the open arms of people offering beds and food and pet care and the kind of unconditional love that asks nothing in return.

Story continues below advertisement

There is another disconcerting angle to all of this.

I have a letter from Alan, who driving home the other night, saw six incidents of people throwing cigarettes from cars. Six times — and those are only the ones he saw.

I know many new cars do not come with ashtrays. I also know they are available if you ask.

The experts tell us many fires are human-caused.

Imagine. What if you were responsible for one of these fires?

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices