Firefighters with the Black Eagle Fire Department working on a fire that burned 40 acres in northern Montana didn’t know what started the fire until Kyra Vanisko discovered a dead hawk at the point of origin. Still in the bird’s talons was a snake, also very dead. The carcases were below a poweline, so the working theory is that the hawk, carrying the snake, intended to land on the line but on final approach the snake dangling below contacted one line while the hawk touched another. The completed circuit electrocuted both animals.
It is not the first time a bird has started a fire. Other stories on Wildfire Today about animal arson.
It should be noted that Black Eagle Fire Chief Tom Martin passed away a few days before this incident. He had been with the Department since 1994. Tom lead from the front.
Thank you for that…may Chief Martin forever rest in peace.