It was able to drop ten times the amount of a normal size air tanker. Here is a shot of a normal size tanker dropping retardant on the Sawtooth Complex fire...
Posted on 07/17/2006 7:12:41 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum
More than 1,200 acres burned near Abilene
ABILENE, Texas The Texas Forest Service says a wildfire that's still burning today near Abilene has consumed more than 12-hundred acres.
Authorities say the fire is about 90 percent contained.
No injuries have been reported in the blaze that broke out last Thursday amid dry, windy conditions.
The fire started about 15 miles southwest of Abilene. The cause is sought.
http://www.team4news.com/global/story.asp?s=5159906&ClientType=Printable
Incident: Bundy Railroad Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-07-17 13:13:00
Bundy Railroad Fire
Fact Sheet
July 17, 2006
Bundy Railroad Fire Information Phone: 406-967-2507
Estimated at 80,000 Acres, due to significant runs the fire made to the northwest and then shifting to the southeast early yesterday morning. No significant perimeter expansion has occurred since midday Sunday.
Resources on Fire
29 engines 10 Type 1 Hot Shot Crew
2 Type 2 Hand Crews 2 Dozers
3 Graders 4 Helicopters
7 water tenders
390 Total Personnel
Operational Plan
Crews and Overhead will continue structure protection while working today to strengthen and hold line completed yesterday
Eight new Type one hotshot crews have arrived to bolster both the day and night shifts.
Weather
Today’s weather forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms, a mix of wet and dry, temperatures around 93-98 degrees with humidity in the mid to upper teens and southeast winds should increase over the east beginning Monday evening. The fire is expected to be active again today.
Other Events
The fire made a run to the North on July, 15 and to the Southeast on the morning of the 16th threatening several ranches and improvements. Crews were able to defend threatened structures as the fire spread by. Assistance was provided by Musselshell County resources. Crews made excellent progress on all divisions and will continue to improve and hold line with significant night operations.
Fire Managers ask that the public stay out the fire area for their safety as well as the safety of crews and resources on the fire. Smoke from the Bundy Railroad Fire and the Waco Fire in the Pine Ridge Complex south of the Yellowstone River continues to impact traffic in the Interstate 94 corridor. Pompey’s Pillar National Monument remains open to visitors. For more information, go to: http://inciweb.org\]
http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/285/588/
It was able to drop ten times the amount of a normal size air tanker. Here is a shot of a normal size tanker dropping retardant on the Sawtooth Complex fire...
It was more of a test than a fire control drop...got everybody out of the way, then went in to see the impact...they need to know a bunch of things about the drop pattern, how it affects the landscape and so on.
It was quite a victory to reach the point of an actual water drop...and they did two!
If all goes well, it will be added to the arsenal of fire tools...
I was hoping someone had a pic of the drop, but I suspect it was dropped too high to get a good press shot.
Then they had to wait a little bit for air turbulance to pass a bit before letting the regular guys back in the air, get caught up in its wake turbulance, but as far as the actual dropping the water from the plane (not what the water did) that part seems to have gone well.
I bet the guys who analyze the impact of this type of thing are having fun today looking at the data...
or maybe they just kept the press too far away to get a good pic...
If anybody local saw a TV news story about them loading air tanker retardant, my hubby was the PIO who pointed out what the details they should cover on that story...I am not sure which station carried it though...
It wouldn't work in timber but i've contended for years that they should put crop dusters on contingency contracts and since the fire season is their off season there woud be massive #s state wide for use on quik notice.
Have them dispense soda at low level in continuous waves ahead of the fire line.
Supplies could be set up on any stretch of road for re loading close to the fire.
It works well in dry fire exttingishers, why wouldn't it work for brush fires?
I don't know one way or the other if that would work, but they do use crop dusters as Single Engine Air Tankers, aka SEATS
http://www.nbc.gov/news_winter_04/6.html
A little known firefighting resource, the Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT), has become one of the most important new tools in aerial firefighting. The SEAT is a small agricultural "crop duster" airplane that has been modified to drop fire retardant on wildfires. These aircraft are designed to fly low and slow which is ideal for dropping retardants. In contrast to the large air tankers that carry 2,000 to 3,000 gallons, the SEATS only carry 500 to 800 gallons of retardant. The SEAT does not replace large air tankers, but it is the ideal tool to use on fires that have just started. Retardant is not designed to extinguish a fire, it is dropped just ahead of the flames to slow or retard the spread. This gives firefighters time to arrive at the fire and actually put the fire out before more expensive resources are dispatched.
A service/support truck that carries both fuel and retardant mixing equipment accompanies each SEAT. The service/support truck can be dispatched to an airport near the fire and serve as a mobile retardant base for the SEAT, supplying both fuel and retardant.
________________
Through the help of tools like SEATs they do catch the large majority of all fire starts while they are still quite small.
SEATS, local initial attack people and smoke jumpers are the first line of defense. And they do an amazingly good job of it, too. I've seen days this year where dispatch offices might respond to 25 fires and only have 2 or three get larger than 100 acres. And that's impressive.
Cavity Lake wildfire roars on
Crews hope to contain flames to BWCA; intense blaze expected to 'become humble'
BY JANNA GOERDT
Duluth News Tribune
ON THE GUNFLINT TRAIL — The Cavity Lake wildfire burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness blowdown north of Grand Marais grew from about 1,300 acres to about 3,000 acres Sunday.
U.S. Forest Service officials called it an intense fire that is consuming dead trees and thick brush at a rate of 600 feet an hour.
But the smoke filling the horizon didn't worry the likes of Pat Dolan and John Schneider, Twin Cities-area residents who spent the day fishing on Sea Gull Lake, about a mile or so from the fire's leading edge.
"It was really pretty at sunset,'' Schneider said. "The ash was drifting down around us just like snow.''
People who live and play at the edge of the Gunflint Trail, which winds 50 miles north toward Canada from Grand Marais, were taking the fierce but under-control fire in stride.
"We've had so many (wildfire) issues that the public has become kind of acclimatized to it,'' said Debbie Mark, owner of Sea Gull Lake Outfitters.
The sky west of Sea Gull Lake, a popular fishing spot and BWCA Wilderness entry point, was hazy Sunday as plumes of grey, white and black smoke floated across the horizon. Bits of ash settled onto the lake miles away from the flames.
The Forest Service on Saturday closed portages north and south of the fire, routing canoeists well away from the blaze. Officials said no homes, businesses or people were in danger.
On Sunday, the fire was burning its way south and west from Cavity Lake, where it started Friday after lightning struck and ignited tinder-dry trees felled in the July 4, 1999, windstorm.
The combination of heavy fuel load, dry conditions and hot weather made the area ripe for a wildfire, said Jim Sanders, U.S. Forest Service supervisor for the Superior National Forest.
Small ground crews began moving around the fire Sunday, laying sprinkler hoses and preparing to start some back burns, said Greg Peterson from the Bureau of Indian affairs based in Bemidji. Peterson is planning how best to attack the fire.
"We want to keep the blowdown fire in the wilderness and out of the Gunflint corridor,'' Peterson said.
Meteorologist Roman Berdes, a fire weather forecaster for the National Weather Service office in Duluth, said fire crews battling the Cavity Lake fire can't expect much by way of favors from the weather in the coming days.
On Saturday afternoon, temperatures in the Boundary Waters region hit the 90s with low humidity — favorable conditions for a fire. The good news was that the southeasterly winds were only 5 to 8 mph.
"The fire's going to continue to burn, but I don't think it's going to spread too much with these winds,'' Berdes said.
The winds were expected to shift direction and increase to up to 12 mph over Sunday night, though, which Berdes said bodes ill for the fire crews.
"That shift in the wind is very dangerous if you're fighting a fire because the flames can shift,'' Berdes said.
But it's not all bad news for Cavity Lake. Berdes said a cold front was expected in the region about 3 a.m. and would drop temperatures about 10 degrees.
Two ground crews of 20 people each should be working ahead of the fire starting today, Peterson said. The crews will camp on the west end of Sea Gull Lake. Another crew will help fight the Turtle Lake fire in the BWCA Wilderness near Ely, Peterson said.
"Right now, this fire is moving slowly and deliberately,'' Sanders said. "When it gets into the prescribed burn areas, it will become humble.''
The fire is burning too intensely to be affected by water-dropping air tankers, officials said. Two Minnesota Department of Natural Resources CL-215 air tankers were used in the initial attack, and are available as needed.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has also ordered two Minnesota National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and their crews to stand ready in Bemidji, should they be needed.
Pawlenty flew over the wildfire and visited with several agencies cooperating to fight the fire Sunday afternoon. Pawlenty praised the agencies, including the Forest Service, the DNR, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and local agencies for banding together to fight the fire.
"The Boundary Waters is a Minnesota icon,'' Pawlenty said. "It's one of our treasured assets, and we want to protect and preserve it.''
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/15055495.htm?source=rss&channel=twincities_local
Notice: Temporary Stand Down
Due to the frequency, and number of Aviation Incidents involving aircraft owned and operated by New Frontier Aviation, of Ft. Benton Montana, all the Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) owned and/or operated by New Frontier Aviation, of Ft. Benton, Montana will be temporarily stood down for a period of not less than 48 hours, pending a review by Aviation Management Directorate.
This “Stand Down” is to be effective starting at 1000 MDT, on July 17, 2006.
A Notice will be issued when these aircraft are to be returned to service.
During this time period, no SEAT of New Frontier Aviation will be flown, but will remain on Availability, unless otherwise identified as unavailable.
The following SEATs are those identified by AMD as the aircraft affected.
T-461 M18 N4326M
T-464 M18 N92043
T-466 M18T N466AT
T-475 M18T N4QT
T-463 M18 N9152X
T-470 M18T N13458
T-471 M18T N7813T
T-489 M18T N110AF
T-469 M18T N116BS
T-455 M18T N455TG
T-467 S2r-660-T65 N660TR
T-407 AT802 N48523H
T-472 AT802 C-GLLG
If you have any questions please contact the National SEAT Coordinator ( 208-387-5419)or the National SEAT Program Manager (208-387-5872)
http://gacc.nifc.gov/wgbc/information/new%20fromntier%20stand%20down.htm
They are starting to do some serious demobilizing from the Sawtooth-Millard complex as the fire gets more and more under control. Hubby says that he should be demobbed in 24-48 hours.
That is good news for the people there. They already have the rehabilitation team on hand to decide how to take care of the burned areas.
Firefighters are rushing to the Bull Mountains to help tame a fire that is approaching Highway 87 between Billings and Roundup.
The Montana Department of Transportation closed the road between the two cities at 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Fire-information officer Paula Rosenthal said first report of the fire came during the noon hour. It had about 200 acres in grass and scattered pine by mid afternoon. The northern border of the fire is Majerus Road about 25 miles north of Billings.
Rosenthal said the fire ignited along a swath of lightning strikes this weekend. It’s too early for the fire to have a name, she said, but more information should be available this evening.
Local and state firefighters are being assisted by federal resources from the nearby Bundy Ridge fire near Pompeys Pillar.
“We’re putting as many resources on it as are available,’’ she said.
The fire is burning near the site of the gigantic Hawk Creek Fire of 1984, one of the largest and most destructive fires in Montana history.
http://billingsgazette.net/news/state/43-bullmtns.txt
Utah fire
Start Date: July 16, 2006
Fire Information: 435.979.2838
Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 1,500 Acres
Location: Located on the Fishlake National Forest, Fillmore Ranger District, 3 miles northeast of Cove Fort, Millard County, Utah.
Containment: 0%
Terrain: Valley bottoms to ridge tops including steep terrain with limited access.
Vegetation: Pinion, juniper, sagebrush, gamble oak and grass.
Resources: Total number of people on incident - Approximately 59
1 Type II Helicopters 7 Engines 2 Dozers
2 Hand crews 2 Overhead
Fire Behavior: Extreme.
Closures: Dog Valley Spring road is closed to public, fire personnel only.
Structures: Fire is progressing southwesterly and within two miles of the Cove Fort area. Numerous engines and dozers are in place to provide structure protection.
Injuries: No injuries to report.
Note: At 18:00 today, Lund’s National Type II Team will make transition and further fire information will come from her team.
http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/wildfires2006/dogvalleyfire.htm
Utah
Ranch Fire
Kolob District of Zion National Park is closed (near New Harmony and Kanarraville)
Location: 10 miles north of Leeds, Washington Country, UT
Start Date: 7/16/06 3:11 pm
Type: Wildfire
Cause: unknown
Containment: 5%
Estimated Containment: none
Fire Size: 2900 acres
Threatened: private residences and power lines
Resources: 18 engines, 4 hand crews, 3 water tenders, 5 small air tankers, 3 helicopters
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Last Updated 07/17/2006 |
Incident: Thorn Divide Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-07-17 21:08:00
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2006
6 p.m.
Thorne Divide Complex
More information, pictures, and a map of the Thorne Divide Complex can be found at www.inciweb.org.
Location: 5 miles south of Devils Tower National Monument near Carlile, WY
Size: estimated at 14,911 acres
Containment: 85%
Cause: Lightning
Evacuations and Closures: None
Personnel: 839
Resources include: 5 Type 1 handcrews, 13 Type 2 handcrews, 86 engines, 11 dozers, 22 water tenders, 244 overhead personnel, 3 Type 1 helicopters, 3 Type 2 helicopters and 1 Type 3 helicopter
Current Situation: Aerial resources made bucket drops during the day to cool down remaining hot spots within the fires. Hand crews patrolled and mopped up to 250 feet within the fire perimeter. Crews also worked on hazard tree removal. At the Madison Pump fire personnel worked on containment, mop up and structure protection.
Structure engines are staged within fire boundaries in case of a flare up. As residents travel through burned areas, they are reminded to be vigilant and watch for potential flare-ups. In addition, fire-weakened trees may fall without warning and stump holes and logs can and will continue to burn.
http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/286/599/
Incident: Little Venus Wildland fire use for resource benefit
Released: 2006-07-17 20:58:00
Cody, Wyo., July 17, 2006—What sees fire from on high, but doesn’t fly or hover? Answer: the webcam perched on Irish Rock in the Washakie Wilderness, 30 miles west of Meeteetse.
Fire managers have placed the self-contained webcam up on the mountain to keep an eye on the Little Venus Fire, which is burning in beetle-killed trees and in high-elevation grasslands and shrubs.
“It’s much cheaper than a helicopter,” said Mark Giacoletto, fire management officer for the Shoshone National Forest, “and we get a regularly scheduled view, not just a one-time flyover perspective.”
The webcam comes with a solar power pack and a satellite phone. The picture is typically transmitted hourly between 8 am – 8 pm to www.inciweb.org, where all updated fire information can be found.
The camera was developed by the USDA Forest Service’s Missoula Technology and Development Center in Missoula, Montana, as part of their SAFE Project (Situational Awareness Firefighting Equipment).
“Our goal is to provide better information anywhere, anytime,” said Bob Roth, project leader. “We’re designing technology that’s easier and lighter to use.”
The center develops new technology related to the Forest Service’s work in conservation, fire management, and other fields.
The camera had a first-hand hourly view of the smoke column that was generated yesterday as a result of higher temperatures, wind, and lower humidity.
“The fire is doing what we expected and what we want it to do. It continues to clean up the Grey Bull River basin of dead and dying trees,” said Becky Aus, forest supervisor of the Shoshone National Forest.
Smoke and haze have been visible lately from Meeteese and Cody, originating from the Montana fires and from Little Venus. To see if the smoke in the air throughout the summer is from the Little Venus Fire, go to the InciWeb website!
Incident: Pine Ridge Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-07-17 14:45:00
To date on the Pine Ridge Fire, air tankers have dropped approximately 90,000 gallons of fire retardant. Helicopters have added approximately 70,000 gallons of water from their buckets.
Fire managers estimate that the fire is approximately 60% contained. Plans for today call for continued reinforcement of fire lines as well as suppression activites along I-94, where the fire continues to creep and smolder, burning grasses and shrubs and occasionally torching individual trees.
With temperatures approaching 90 degrees and humidities extremely low, firefighters anticipate continued active burning on the complex, especially in areas of dense timber.
Improved mapping on the Sarpy fire accounts for most of the increase in acreage reported today. Total acreage on the Pine Ridge Complex is 100,339 acres.
http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/282/590/
Incident: Jim Creek Wildland Fire used to benefit resources
Released: 2006-07-17 15:56:00
FACT SHEET Monday, July 17, 2006, 1:30 p.m.
Jim Creek Fire
Bridger-Teton National Forest Fire Information:
(307) 367-4326 or (406) 660-2347
The Jim Creek fire began on June 26 from lightning, 24 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, in the Bridger Wilderness. It’s above 8800 feet in elevation, and away from private property. The fire is burning in an area where such natural fires are permissible.
Status: About 450 acres.
Objective: To provide for public and fire personnel safety, and to allow the fire to burn where it won’t threaten private property, facilities, or other developments.
Recent Events: The fire grew significantly on Saturday and Sunday. The fire is being pushed east, farther into the wilderness, and higher in elevation.
This Week’s Strategy: Two fire personnel are monitoring the fire, assisted by a helicopter and other aircraft as needed. Also, a team of fire experts is developing a long-term plan for managing the fire.
The plan will include predictions about how and where the fire might burn, and what steps fire personnel could take to keep the fire burning where it will do some good. The team hopes to have the plan completed in its initial form later this week.
Forecast: Hot and dry conditions will continue for the next few days, with Tuesday being the hottest. Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible. The predicted high temperature on Monday is 91 in the valleys and in the 70s and low 80s at higher elevations.
Closures: The Jim Creek drainage is closed starting at Forest Road 710.
Other Points to Consider:
The Jim Creek fire is in the right place at the right time and doing good things for the land. We’re carefully reviewing the potential the fire has to affect private property and things we value. This review includes predicting where the fire might go, how it might burn at different times of year, and how we can influence the fire to meet objectives.
The Jim Creek fire would be very dangerous and risky for firefighters to fight, given the steep, remote terrain. By limiting firefighter activity around the fire, we won’t endanger them unnecessarily.
http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/299/589/
just posted 8 or so fire news updates.
Was told that the Millard Complex fire is about 49 per cent contained with very little growth today. I will get the official news later.
Color Country Dispatch area in Utah (in Southern Utah) has had 16 fire starts since 5 pm today. That's a lot!
The Las Vegas dispatch area in Southern Nevada have had 10 starts since 5 pm.
Grand Junction Colorado dispatch area has had 8
Some people were certainly busy...
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