Gunbarrel fire close-up

It was chocking smoke, invading eyes, nose and throat. Cough, cough — I could hardly hack it.

The flames were lapping at trees and brush. Pine sap was popping like popcorn and pine needles were sizzling like bacon in a skillet.

The fire was moving at a leisurely pace above Wayfarer’s Chapel in the vicinity of the Gunbarrel fire Saturday, but it was still mighty eerie.

The fire had been there before, as evidenced by toasted trees waiting for a stiff wind to mow them down. Still, there was plenty of fuel left and the fire was back - perhaps to finish what it had started.

I didn’t get the cool shot, but I’ll never forget the blistering heat or the snap, crackle and pop of the forest cooking around me.

It was like standing in the middle of a bonfire.

Personnel are keeping a sharp eye on the Gunbarrel fire. Most are minding lodges, campgrounds and cabins. But on the ridge that smoking Saturday, my world was reduced to smoke and flames.