[Varmint Al]

Here are some pictures from the Gate Fire in California. Caused by lightening and propagated by dense cover.

This is the start lightening strike area. When I took this picture, there was a Fire Engine setting on a turnout watching this fire with binoculars. Later in the day, I saw a fire retardant plane fly to this area and just circle and then fly away without dropping its load. It could have been easily put out at this stage. Later when I visited the area, the guy at the gas station told me that government funds don't kick in till the fire is 2000 acres or more! I think they should get a bonus for stopping a fire when it is small.

Two weeks later. Not an animal in sight. This was the beautiful Little Antelope Valley.

The sign "Scenic Route Begin"???? For who, Sierra club members?

One little patch of green left. How many animals were killed who couldn't retreat fast enough. These views are only a very small part of the extent of the Gate Fire.

[Grampa Dave]

Great pictures of another Floristry Circus fire that got out of control due to the enviral fire druids who love fires.

Apparently the southwest end of the massive Biscuit fire this summer could have been controlled or put out if a helicopter with water drops had been allowed to be used.

500,000 acres later and 3 deaths later that fire is still burning in what was the Kalmiopsis Wildnerness.

[brityank]

Looks great, with a great vista backdrop. Let's hope it stays that way and doesn't turn out like VA's montage -- thanks VA for a sobering look at the damage done by the misguided leading the misinformed.