[smith288]

Sounds like the plane deserves at least a chance...is this American ego getting in the way of a chance to save American lives?

[Blueflag]

Sortie rate might be an issue. But the helos they are using carry 150 gallons and make pinpoint drops.

The answer lies in prevention and early suppression, not 100,000 gallons in a jet.

When the fire gets out of hand, you cannot control or manage it. You might divert it, but you won;t extinguish it, even with the Russian jet.

Also, we do not have ATG munitions that will extinguish a big class A fire like this. The fuel is above ignition temp, and too widespread. It's not like a well-head fire. You can't blow this one out (um, especially in a residential neighborhood, go figure)

ex-firefighter, years ago <-- me

[hedgetrimmer]

I think its the environmentalists who've infiltrated the forest service and have made it into an arm of international environmental organizations.

You see a year ago 4 firefighters died because the forest service would not let a helicopter get water from a nearby stream so they could dump it and get the firemen out. They were concerned for the fishes you see.

The forest service opposes water bombing because loading the planes and helicopters, they might pick up a fish, who wouldn't last very long if they were dropped on a fire.

I am really sick of the attitude of human lives be damned save the fishes that the enviro and their cohorts in the state fish and game and in the US park service have.