Direct link to July 2026 video on YouTube from Sláinte Farms
Random Ramblings: Aerial Wildland Firefighting
I have blogged about aerial wildland firefighting since 2009. I am not a firefighter and am not a pilot, just an interested bystander who wants to learn more and share what I learn here. Join me here as I blog on the aircraft and the pilots who fight wildland fires from the air in support of crews on the ground. I also blog on concerns affecting fire crews on the ground as well as other aviation and meteorology issues. Learn what it takes to do jobs that are staffed by the best of the best.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
2026 Wildfire Season: Footage of Aerial Support for Bike Fire in LA County
Direct link to October 14th video of Bike Fire (LA County) from from 310 Fire
According to CAL FIRE on October 14th, the 172 acre Bike Fire in LA County, California is at 91 percent containment. I enjoyed the footage of tankers and a helicopter dropping on this fire in support of troops on the ground. Thanks to my friends at NJFFS Section B10 who shared this video on their webpage this morning, they share videos pertaining to wildfires daily, updated daily.
Monday, October 12, 2026
Oct 11-12 Rainfall
Friday, October 09, 2026
Air Tractor Fire Boss Working a Wildfire
Direct link to September 25th video from Dawson Thomas on YouTube
As some of you know, I have a special affinity for all Air Tractors, perhaps because I have saw an Air Tractor flying a wildfire years ago and on another occasion got to see one up close and personal.
Wednesday, October 07, 2026
Winter Airtanker Maintenance is Very Important
Direct link to Bridger Aerospace on Facebook, posted on October 5th.
As I continue to write this blog and try to focus on all that is involved in flying airtankers and helicopters on wildfires, I know how important winter maintenance is to keeping airtankers and helicopters in safe flying condition. Maintenance is important for all aircraft and maintenance schedules should be adhered to. The importance of following aircraft maintenance schedules was driven home to me when I went on scenic rides several years ago. I hope that you can see the October 5th Facebook post from Bridger Aerospace that I embedded. If you cannot I hope that you can find Bridger Aerospace on Facebook and look for their October 5th post.
Monday, October 05, 2026
Aero Flite Tanker 160 Working Wildfires in California
Direct link to October 1st King's Aviation video on YouTube</a>
I do know about AeroFlite and the good work that their aerial firefighting tankers do working wildfires in the United States and globally. I am glad to be able to share this video with you of Aero Flite Tanker 160 working a wildfire in California in late September 2026
Friday, October 02, 2026
About Precision Helicopters Wildfire Fighting Operations
Direct link to August 5th video by Vertical Plus and Lloyd H Photography on YouTube
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
2026 Wildfire Season: Quiet Season in Alaska
Direct link to September 30th video from Alaska News Source on YouTube
I have never been to Alaska but I do try to follow their wildfire season. I am happy that so far Alaska has had its quietest wildfire season in 31 years. I hope that this quiet season continues. The quiet wildfire season is due to rain and a late frost. Unfortunately adjoining areas of northwest Canada had a significant wildfire season.
Monday, September 28, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026
Airtankers Flying at Night in California
Enjoy this video about airtankers flying wildfires at night in California. The aerial wildland firefighters receive training to safely fly wildfires at night. I am happy to know that airtankers fly wildfires at night in California, I do not know if other States have airtankers flying wildfires at night.
Airborne Firefighters, a documentary series, has other videos about wildland firefighting.
