forest fires


elkoholic

Recommended Posts

A hearty thank you to all of the fire fighters.  The men and women who risk their lives in an effort to control forest fires and prevent property damage are some of the toughest and dedicated people.  A slide show from Idaho and Montana: https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/gallery/slideshow-firefighters-at-work-as-thousands-of-acres-burn-across-montana-idaho#photo-1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got to looking............

Several of the Ontario wildfires are RIGHT where we go into the wilderness to fish.  Doubtful we'd even be allowed back in there right now.  

Yesterday there was a weird haze here at home in west-central PA.  Pretty sure I heard the weatherman say it was from the Canadian wildfires.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is an excellent training video.  I am not sure people understand how fast a forest fire can spread, how hot it is, or are aware that a fire can generate its own weather.  I still hear people asking "Why don't they just stop it", as if that is even possible.

There have been six firefighters overrun by fires here in Montana so far.  In one instance a small tanker truck burned and the firefighter had burns over 80% of his body and is currently in a Salt Lake City burn unit.  He has undergone multiple operations to remove burnt tissue and is expected to remain hospitalized for six months.  In the other occurrence, five firefighters were trapped and sustained injuries and are being treated at local hospitals.

Over the next six to eight weeks there will be hundreds of fire starts (most hopefully will be quickly controlled) and with there already being a shortage of personnel and equipment, I think the worst may be yet to come.  The shortage of aviation fuel has grounded some of the air support which only increases the likelihood of property damage and personal injury.  The unforeseen results of the shut down during the pandemic and the push to limit fossil fuel production.  That is fodder for another post.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The National Guard has been called on to help in the fight to get the fires under control.  They will have little training on fire fighting techniques before joining the fray.  Assuming they will be used more in a support role that will free up personnel trained to directly attack the fires.  Then there is the hope that it will free up military reserves of equipment and fuel.  16 hour, hot, smoke filled days for 14+ days, but at least they get fed well.  Bless them all!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Out this way it's coming in from the west and north. Sure do know what it's like to have those conditions.  Last week was in British Columbia, pretty smokey there. The Trans Canada hiway #1 was closed to all traffic through the Fraser Canyon, think it's still under could close at any time warnings. Sure seems to be worse in some spots and not in others. Sure hope we all get rain minus the lightning to give those personnel who are fighting fires all across North America a helping hand with about 2.5" of steady rain. A pic of Kamloops B.C it was much worse the day before when I  went through. The pic was taken on the return trip.

20210724_141447.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.