Water supply indicators are currently not concerning due to decent to above average rainfall the last few weeks. However. I remain aware of wildfire danger. Anything can happen to bring on a wildfire of any size whether it be lightning or a untended campfire or arson; a small wildfire can grow into a large wildfire. I hope that anyone having a picnic with a campfire or camping out in early fall pays attention to campfire safety, being sure that any campfires are put out and cold to the touch.
Direct link to May 2025 video from KGUN9 on YouTube
I saw the video that I am sharing here about how Arizona used small airtankers during their 2025 wildfire season. I enjoyed the video because it gave me an upclose look at the airtanker while hearing the pilot being interviewed.
Direct link to April 15, 2026 video by "The Lookout and blancolirio" on YouTube
I always enjoy watching videos about different kinds of airtankers. I enjoyed this video by "The Lookout and blancolirio" and I hope that you do as well.
Direct link to September 13th video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube
I am greatful to read that a Coulson 737 tanker from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service received heavy maintenance before coming to California to help with their wildfire season.
Direct link to September 9th video from CBS News New York
Many of us hold a special place in our heart for those who suffered (death or injuries) during the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept 11, 2001. I had moved from eastern NJ not far from the River adjoining NYC a few months before the attacks happened. So I can only imagine what it was like for those who could see the World Trade Center and the attacks. I was working on that day I remember the shock that I felt when I heard that planes had flown into the World Trade Center on the radio. I went around my office and told a couple of people, including someone who was raised in downtown Manhattan, at first they did not believe me but then the news began to filter around my office and they were in as much shock as I was. Like many of you, I continue to have a special place in my heart for all who were affected by these attacks. I have deep respect for the first responders who responded to the collapse. So as we approach the 25th anniversary of these attacks I will continue to remember and pray.
Direct link to 2010 video from the History Channel on the history of Labor Day
My early memories of Labor Day as a child was that Labor Day meant the end of summer and school would be starting soon. Sometimes school started before Labor Day. When I was working outside my home Labor Day meant a wonderful three-day weekend off from work. When I went back to college and then graduate school a few years later Labor Day again signaled the end of summer and the start of classes. On this Labor Day, I will enjoy a quiet day at home. For those of you traveling today or this week, I wish you safe travels. Sorry for the tiny video, you may want to watch the video on YouTube.
This September 3rd video is from https://www.youtube.com/@9news.
Here is a direct link to this video,
An unfortunate aspect to aviation and aerial wildland firefighting are hard landings. I came across this video today and was interested to see this video of Blackhawk being airlifted from the site of the hard landing. I am sure that this happens all the time after a hard landing, but I rarely get to see a video of such an airlift. As I understand no one onboard the Blackhawk was injured. There were reports of a fuel leakage and residents in the area of this hard landing are understandable concerned.
Direct link to August 31st post by NOAA Hurricane Hunters on Facebook
I hope that you can see the post I embedded from NOAA Hurricane Hunters on Facebook with photos of their Twin Otter, NOAA 46, flying in Alaska serveying seal populations in Alaska to see the seal's impact on local fish as well as gaining more understanding of seal populations in Alasaka. I applaud these flights and am glad to see that NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft do more than tracking hurricanes. I am sure that if this aircraft was needed to monitor hurricanes that it would be rerouted.
