Wind and Fire Not New

          We were aroused late at night by the Sergt. Of the Guard and warned of the danger we were in from a large tree that had taken fire and which leant immediately over our lodge (tipi).  We had the lodge removed and a few minutes after a large portion of the top of the tree fell on the place the lodge had stood.  Had we been a few minutes later we should have been crushed to attoms (very curious choice of words).
          The wind blew so hard that notwithstanding the ledge was placed 50 paces – 250 feet – distant from our fire, it sustained considerable injury from the burning coals which were thrown on it.  The party was also much harassed by this fire which spread to a collection of fallen timber and could not be extinguished.
                            Lewis – May 17, 1805
 
          The Corps of Discovery was lucky they saw the fire when they did.  That area is known for times of high winds and wind-driven fires that get out of control.