Burn

A HUGE FYI from homeguides.com and by personal experience.: Junipers are not an appropriate choice for a fire-resistant landscape. These plants provide ample fuel for fast-spreading flames. They have lacy, evergreen foliage which burns quickly because of its texture. They also contain flammable volatile oils, identifiable by their strong odor and sticky sap. They frequently have dry or dead wood and leaves in their underbelly. All these elements create a virtual tinder box for a potential fire. Indeed Junipers are among the least fire-resistant plants you can use in your landscape

"it's green I don't need to worry about it"   Oh how wrong I was.  Lush Green juniper bush....caught fire and EXPLODED.  Literally 40 ft flames for 2 mins then done.  Hot and High.  I have never said so fervent a prayer in my life!!!   It started by a few hot coals from the ditch bank I was burning.  First miracle. I had just sent the kids inside (Katana had helped me off and on sprey the coals with water as I turned the dirt. )  then miracle #2 she locked the sliding glass door and couldn't get out and was therefore distracted and not  watching out the window at the flames so she wasn't freaked out cuz she didn't even know it had happened.  miracle #3  leaves around the bush were smoking when a truck at the stop sign slowed and then pulled in the drive.  I thought what is he doing i'm been at this all day.  Then the bush IGNITED.  He jumped out "I just called 911."  'Great' I shouted 'it's going to get my house grab a hose.' So miracle--he must have known what these bushes do and knew I would need help.  and the fire department was there in less then 10 min.  At which time we had 2 hoses on it and it had burned itself out.   Preston got home about the same time as the 2nd fire engine. He hugged me a reminded me that nothing was lost that wasn't replaceable. 

I have never felt so scared. So Embarrassed. So vulnerable. So grateful. and counted my blessings one by one by one as I did today.