About Lead Planes from Coulson Aviation

Direct link to video from Britt Coulson on YouTube 

I have gained some idea about how lead planes work over wildfires in the years that I have been writing this blog. I learned something about what lead planes flown by Coulson Aviation do and I think that what Coulson does is similar to what other contractors flying lead planes do. I enjoy videos like these because it takes me up close to operations that I would not be able to see in person.

Thanks to my friends at B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who shared this video on their website today.

Life at a Wildfire Camp in British Columbia

 Direct link to video from the BC Wildfire Service on YouTube

I always like to learn thing and I enjoyed this video where I learned something about wildfire camps in British Columbia. The video was shot in 2021. Hopefully this wildfire camp is representative of other camps for larger incidents across Canada and the United States.

No Unauthorized Drones in Wildfire Zones

 

Direct link to post from the US Forest Service on Facebook

Every so often I am reminded about the danger poised by unauthorized drones (aka unmanned aircraft systems) flying near or in wildfire zones. Such was the case when I saw an April 25th post on Facebook from the NJ Forest Fire Service that I embedded below. Tankers and Helicopters fly at an altitude where many drones are flown and often the only way a pilot knows that a drone is nearby is to see the drone. This is hard to do at the low altitude they fly at, often in smokey or hazy conditions. Accidents were a drone strikes an airplane can happen poising a risk to the pilot and possibly to ground crews. In addition, I understand that the FAA may seek action against a drone pilot flying their drone in or near a wildfire zone. So, please, to not fly your drones in or near a fire zone. 

I want to point out that many firefighting agencies may have access to a drone that they can legally fly in or near a wildfire zone. I am not talking about these drones, which I consider authorized drones. I am referring to unauthorized drones. 

Direct link to April 25th 8:01 AM post on Facebook by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Route 46 Fire (Final Update)

 The Route 46 Fire that burned 100 acres along Route 46 in Hackettstown, Warren County NJ is at 100 percent containment. Two outbuildings were damaged. All roads have been reopened. The NJ Forest Fire Service will remain on the scene for the next several days. Smoke is expected until there is significant rainfall.

Direct link to May 3rd 8:18 AM NJ Forest Fire Service Facebook post

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Route 46 Fire

May 2nd, 8:09 PM 

There has been much progress made in fighting The Route 46 Fire. The Fire remains at 100 acres burned with containment at 75 percent. All roads, including US Route 46 have reopened. One structure is threatened, down from 25. One outbuilding is destroyed and another outbuilding is damaged. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene with engines and groundcrews. Scroll down to see the afternoon update.

Direct link to May 2nd, 8:09 PM post from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook

May 2nd, 3:44 PM

This just in, there is a 100 acre wildfire burning in Hackettstown, Warren County, NJ. The fire was first reported at about 1 PM on May 2. The fire is not contained. US Route 46 is closed near the fire area along with two local roads. Twenty-five structures are threatened and there are no evacuations. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) is on scene with engines, bulldozers, and groundcrews. A NJFFS helicopter with a 300 gallon bucket is working the fire. I understand that there are a few local fire companies who responded when the call went out for mutual aid.

Direct link to May 2nd, 3:44 PM post from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook

Direct link to Facebook Post from Fire & EMS Alerts of Hunterdon & Warren County NJ

Friday Fun: Firefighting Helicopters Working a German Wildfire

Direct link to video from HD1080ide on YouTube

Enjoy this video of helicopters including three Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters and other helicopters working a wildfire in Germany. Allow about nine and half minutes to watch the video. Enjoy.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Increased Risk for Wildfires (April 30th)

 

Direct link to Facebook Post from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Thank you NJ National Guard for supporting the Jones Rd Fire

Direct link to Facebook post from the New Jersey National Guard

I knew that there two UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters from the NJ National Guard that worked the Jones Rd. Wildfire in support of other aerial assets and crews on the ground. I want to thank the NJ National Guard for your support and efforts. Not only have you helped with the Jones Road Fire but I know that you have also helped fight other large wildfires in New Jersey in the past. You are here to serve and to help and you have done that very well.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Jones Rd Fire April 28th updates

Direct link to NJFFS April 28th 2:07 PM PM Facebook Post

April 28th, 2:07 PM

The Jones Road Fire currently burning in Ocean and Lacey Townships in Ocean County was first reported around mid-day on April 22nd. The fire started in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County. The fire quickly grew with closures on the Garden State Parkway, Route 9 and local roads. Over 5,000 people were evacuated the evening of April 22nd when at least 3,000 structures were threatened. Evacuation orders were lifted the morning of April 23rd. No residences were destroyed. One commercial building, a few outbuildings and some vehicles were destroyed. The Garden State Parkway and Route 9 were reopened on April 23rd. To the best of my knowledge there have been no injures to firefighters or civilians. A Waretown man has been charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Jones Road Fire.

The Jones Road Fire remains at 15,300 acres burned, no change in acreage burned in five days. However containment has increased to 75 percent.  Local roads are open but unimproved roads within the fire perimeter remain closed. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene. The NJFFS continues to receive assistance from two New Jersey Army Air National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters with 660 gallon buckets. The April 28th update from the NJ Forest Fire Service will be the last update on their social media platforms unless there are significant changes. Take some time to look at the photos of the fire.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Danny's Fire (April 23rd update)

Thanks to one of the local news outlets I was able to see the April 23rd press conference by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on the Jones Road Fire where Bill Donnelly, Chief of the NJ Forest Fire Service. During this press conference, Chief Donnelly gave a brief update on the Danny's Fire in Vineland, Cumberland County. He said that the Danny's fire "has burned 1,327 acres and is at 80 percent containment. As I write this, these stats are five days old and the situation may have changed since then, hopefully for the better. 

Update on May 3rd, a couple of days ago I saw on the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page that the Danny's fire is at 80 percent containment.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Jones Rd Fire April 25th updates

Direct link to NJFFS April 23rd 12:49 PM Facebook Post

April 25th, 10:22 AM

The Jones Road Fire currently burning in Ocean and Lacey Townships in Ocean County was first reported around mid-day on April 22nd. The fire started in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County. The fire quickly grew with closures on the Garden State Parkway, Route 9 and local roads. Over 5,000 people were evacuated the evening of April 22nd when at least 3,000 structures were threatened. Evacuation orders were lifted the morning of April 23rd. No residences were destroyed. One commercial building, a few outbuildings and some vehicles were destroyed. The Garden State Parkway and Route 9 were reopened on April 23rd. To the best of my knowledge there have been no injures to firefighters or civilians. 

As I write this post on the morning of April 25th, the Jones fire has burned 15,300 acres and is at 60 percent containment. Four structures are threatened. The only road closures in effect are for unimproved roads within the fire perimeter. A damage assessment is underway. A Waretown man has been charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Jones Road Fire. For more information please see News 12 New Jersey (report with video). For some good photos and a couple of videos see this New Jersey Advance Media April 23rd article, the information in the article is not current but the photos and the video are worth seeing

Direct link to NJFFS April 25th 10:22 AM Facebook Post

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Increased Risk of Wildfires

Direct link to April 25th post on Facebook by the NJ Forest Fire Service

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ

409 AM EDT Fri Apr 25 2025

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>022-027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-

101>106-252300-

Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-Somerset-Middlesex-

Western Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden-

Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-Atlantic-

Southeastern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh-Northampton-

Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester-

Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks-

Including the cities of Newton, Washington, Morristown,

Flemington, Somerville, New Brunswick, Freehold, Trenton,

Pennsville, Glassboro, Camden, Cherry Hill, Moorestown,

Mount Holly, Jackson, Millville, Hammonton, Wharton State Forest,

Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton,

Media, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, West Chester,

Kennett Square, Collegeville, Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale,

Chalfont, Perkasie, Morrisville, and Doylestown

409 AM EDT Fri Apr 25 2025

...Increased Risk of Rapid Fire Spread This Afternoon...

There is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon

across portions of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Minimum

relative humidity values will be around 25 to 35 percent combined

with southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts near 20 mph. High

temperatures will be in the mid 70s to near 80 degrees. These

conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could

support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could

quickly become difficult to control.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly

extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including

smoking materials such as cigarette butts.

$$

Staarmann

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service New York NY

332 AM EDT Fri Apr 25 2025

NJZ002-004-006-103>108-252300-

Western Passaic-Eastern Passaic-Hudson-Western Bergen-

Eastern Bergen-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Western Union-

Eastern Union-

332 AM EDT Fri Apr 25 2025

...ELEVATED THREAT OF WILDFIRE SPREAD TODAY...

A dry air mass will combine with southerly winds to create

conditions more conducive for fire spread late this morning into

this afternoon.

Relative humidity is expected to decrease to around 30 percent

during this time, while wind gusts increase to 20 mph. These

conditions would likely aid fire spread if ignition occurs.

This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions

and has been developed in coordination with state fire and land

management officials.

Listen to NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio or visit our web Site at

http://weather.gov/nyc for further details or updates.

$$

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Jones Rd Fire April 24 updates

 

Direct link to April 24th 9:02 AM NJFFS Facebook Post

There are two updates in this post, both dated April 24th, 10:19 AM and 7:40 PM. Scroll down for the 7:40 PM update.

April 24th, 10:19 AM

Since I last reported on the Jones Road Fire (Greenwood Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County) on April 23rd  the acreage burned has grown to 15,000 acres and remains at 50 percent containment. All evacuation orders were lifted the morning of April 23rd. There are currently eight threatened structures down from twenty. No residences have been destroyed but one commercial building and some out buidlings were destroyed. Only unimproved roads with the fire perimeter are closed, all other roads are now open. A Waretown man has been charged with aggravated arson and arson in connections with the Jones Road Fire. A damage assessment is being conducted. The NJFFS remains on the scene with engines, bulldozers, helicopters and groundcrews.

Direct link to April 24th 10:19 AM NJFFS Facebook Post

April 24th, 7:40 PM

The Jones Fire has burned 15,250 acres and remains at fifty percent containment. Only unimproved roads within the fire perimeter are closed, all other roads are open. Four structures are threatened down from eight earlier today. The NJFFS is on the scene with engines, bulldozers, groundcrews and helicopters.

Direct link to April 24th 7:40 PM NJFFS Facebook Post

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Jones Rd Fire April 23rd mid-day and early evening updates

Direct link to video from 6 ABC Philadelphia on YouTube

Direct link to NJFFS April 23rd 12:49 PM Facebook Post

There are four updates from the NJFFS in this post, 10:50 AM, 1:14 PM, 4:43 PM and 7:18 PM, scroll down to see the later updates. I have made two earlier posts on this fire, the first one, on April 22nd, is here, and the second one (April 22nd evening and April 23rd early morning updates) may be found at this link.

April 23rd, 10:50 AM

Progress! The Jones Road Fire has burned 11,500 acres, up from 8.500 last night and is currently at 30 percent containment. Twenty structures are threatened and all  evacuations that were in place during the evening of April 22nd have been lifted. No homes have been destroyed but one commercial building has been destroyed along with several outbuildings and vehicles. A damage assessment is underway and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Garden State Parkway and Route 9 are reopened but local road closures remain in the fire area. The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service is being assisted by local, county, and state responders. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is on the scene with engines, bulldozers. aircraft and groundcrews and are assisted by state, county and local responders.This wildfire has the potential to be the largest wildfire in New Jersey in twenty years. News 12 New Jersey continues to report on this fire, here is a link to their latest report with videos and 6 ABC Philadelphia is also reporting on the fire. Finally, New Jersey Advance Media is reporting on this fire.  As I said in my earlier update, there are other media outlets as well as reports on social media on this fire.

Direct link to NJFFS April 23rd 10:50 AM post on Facebook.

April 23rd, 1:14 PM

The only changes since the 10:50 AM update is that acreage burned has increased to 12,000 acres and containment has increased to 35 percent. It is nice to see that progress is being made in fighting this fire.

Direct link to NJFFS April 23rd 1:14 PM Facebook Post

April 23rd, 4:43 PM

Progress continues. With this update acreage burned has increased to 12,500 acres and the fire is now 40 percent contained. There are eighteen threatened structures down from twenty. Local road closures in the fire area remain in effect. A damage assessment is underway and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The NJFFS estimates that the Jones Road Fire containment area will be 15,410 acres at full containment. 

Direct link to NJFFS April 23rd 4:43 PM Facebook Post

April 23rd, 7:18 PM

Acreage burned has increased to 13,250 acres with containment increasing to 50 percent. So progress in fighting the fire continues. There are twenty structures threatened but there are no evacuations. Local road closures in the fire area continue. Kudos to the NJ Forest Fire Service crews on the ground and in the air and local, county and state responders. 

Direct link to NJFFS April 23rd 7:18 PM Facebook Post