Cite your source regarding that specific animal behavior during forest fires, and specifically animals suffocating at night due to lack of oxygen? Have never heard that before.....
On one hand this fire absolutely sucks. That lodge and the plateau in general, was/is spectacular! (Hope they build the lodge back, including bringing back Brightie!!!) As mentioned, it sucks for this year's hunters and hikers, too. That being said, forest fires DO happen, and the long-term result is usually positive. Seems like a lot of nice bucks and bulls have been killed in burn scars over the years.
S.