Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Dozers and helos work a wildfire
When I saw this video taken from inside a dozer working a remote wildfire I was reminded of the important work that all the men and women on the ground do to put out wildfires. You will want to read the info provided by judgegixxer who posted the video, here. There is some nice footage of a couple of helos at the beginning of the video including some shots from inside a helo. I enjoyed watching the footage taken from inside a dozer cutting line. Stay safe out there.
Monday, November 26, 2012
more wildfire activity in the southeast and enhanced fire Wx in NJ on 11/24
I continue to be interested in wildfire activity here this fall here on the east coast. Some of you may know that the National Weather Service issued a warning for enhanced fire weather on Saturday, Nov. 24, thanks to my friends at the National Weather Service I found an NWS website for archived statements, warnings, watches, advisories and the like issued by the NWS. An archive of the enhanced fire weather warning for Nov. 24 issued by the Mt. Holly office should be found here (I hope). I would hope that if there was any major fire activity on the 24th that I might have gotten wind of it by now, but I have heard of no such activity. However, I still have my ears open for such news and will post an update on this page if I hear of anything.
In the meantime, I continue to be interested in wildfire activity in the southeastern portion of the U.S., especially in Tennessee. Thanks to Mike Archer's good work on his fire publications blog where I just now read today's article (Nov. 26), I saw that he included articles about wildfires in Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia. Rather than repost Mike's links, I'll let you go the article Mike wrote today (Nov. 26) and read what you are interested in.
updated on July 18, 2013: video that I had embedded here is no longer available. :-(
I'll continue to monitor wildfire activity in the eastern and southern regions in the U.S. and will report back here about significant activities.
I am reminded that wildfire season is not necessarily ever over. . .
updated on October 12, 2015 to remove dead links.
In the meantime, I continue to be interested in wildfire activity in the southeastern portion of the U.S., especially in Tennessee. Thanks to Mike Archer's good work on his fire publications blog where I just now read today's article (Nov. 26), I saw that he included articles about wildfires in Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia. Rather than repost Mike's links, I'll let you go the article Mike wrote today (Nov. 26) and read what you are interested in.
updated on July 18, 2013: video that I had embedded here is no longer available. :-(
I'll continue to monitor wildfire activity in the eastern and southern regions in the U.S. and will report back here about significant activities.
I am reminded that wildfire season is not necessarily ever over. . .
updated on October 12, 2015 to remove dead links.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
OK family lost home in wildfires giving thanks
I was touched by the story of the Spencers of Mannford OK. The Spencers lost their home in the wildfires that burned in Oklahoma last summer. While it is a couple of days after Thanksgiving here in the U.S., it is still the season. And giving thanks is always timely.
I thank Mike Archer of the Firebomber Publication Blog who included the story of the Spencers in his posting on November 23.
Unfortunately, the story and video from Fox23 is no longer available.
Revised on October 12, 2015 to removed a dead link.
I thank Mike Archer of the Firebomber Publication Blog who included the story of the Spencers in his posting on November 23.
Unfortunately, the story and video from Fox23 is no longer available.
Revised on October 12, 2015 to removed a dead link.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Fall fire season still with us in some parts of U.S.
Reading Mike Archer's Firebomber's Publications today I saw a few articles on mostly smaller wildfires that are still burning or have burned in the southeastern U.S. I am reminded that the fall wildfire season is still with us in some portions of the country. With thanks to Mike Archer for bringing these articles to my attention, I share them with you now.
Unfortunately, the links to many of the stories that I referred to when I originally wrote this article have expired and the links have been removed.
The url to the report from WATE is no longer available.
Red Flag Warnings
Unfortunately, the links to many of the stories that I referred to when I originally wrote this article have expired and the links have been removed.
Wildfires in East Tennessee
The url to the report from WATE is no longer available.
Wildfire in Hawkins County, Tennessee
Unfortunately the story and video from WBIR on this fire is no longer available.
Cherokee, NC
When I wrote this article there was a report from Fox Carolina on a 100 acre fire in Smoky Mt. National Park that was recently contained. This article is no longer available.
Small wildfire in Osceola National Forest in Baker County, FL
The link to the article from ActionNewsJax on heavy smoke from a fire in the Osceola National Forest is no longer available.
Red Flag Warnings
Meanwhile, Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today reported here on Red Flag conditions in portions of Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Florida.
Revised on October 12, 2015 to remove dead links.
Revised on October 12, 2015 to remove dead links.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Catching up with wildland fire news, sort of
As some of you already know I had articles set to post during the almost two weeks that I was without power thanks to Superstorm Sandy and just last week I posted a couple of articles here and here.
I have given some thought to how I will transition back to writing about aerial wildland firefighting. There were things that I did not know. For example, I did not know that there were a few wildland firefighting crews working in NY and NJ in the aftermath of Sandy. Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today writes these crews who were helping in the Sandy recovery on Nov. 6 and wrote another article with pictures on Nov 7. Thanks to all of you who came to help us out, words can not adequately express my gratitude.
When I was online at wireless hotspots during Sandy, I did get wind of the Devore Fire in San Bernardino CA that has since been contained. I'm not quite sure how many of the P-2 and the BAe-146 tankers are still on contract. I suspect that most of them are off contract by now, but I'm not certain.
When I checked my e-mail, I was able to read headlines of wildland fire news thanks to Mike Archers Fire Publications Blog. It is not the details that were important to me, rather the Fire Publications Blog was a connection to the world of wildland firefighting and firebombers, a sign of normalcy if you during a time when there was much in my life that was abnormal. I'm not even going to try to play catch-up on what at this time is three weeks worth of firebomber news, I'll leave you to your devices if you are so inclined.
Finally, I am aware that while wildland firefighting season is winding down in some parts of the United States, there continue to be smaller wildfires around the country. And wildfire season is cranking up down under in Australia.
I have to say that I missed being able to keep up with current news affecting aerial wildland firefighting. And I am glad to be back.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Blackburn Fire (CA) Footage
direct link
I may be making one or two more posts regarding post Super Storm Sandy recovery, but I do intend to return to focusing on aerial wildland firefighting, hopefully on Monday. In the meantime, enjoy this video from Nick Mitchell on aerial operations over the Blackburn Fire in CA.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Superstorm Sandy Recovery -- Out of State Utility Crews in NJ
I want to take a few moments and thank the many out of state utility crews who came from around the United States and Canada to help us out here in the mid-atlantic. Words can not adequately express my gratitude. I am going to focus on NJ, because it is where I live. First, I was able to get a few pictures in the last few days of a three out of state utility crews.
Here is a list of out of state utility crews that I saw in my town and in adjoining towns in NJ:
Pike Electric, I believe that it was a Pike Electric Crew that restored power to our neighborhood on Nov. 9th, thanks guys!! Some of the Pike crews were from Alabama
Henkels and McCoy Intren (IL) PenElec (Northwest PA)
Robert Henry Corp
Here is a video from the Asbury Park Press that I thought you might enjoy showing a couple of the tent cities set up in Ocean County NJ, for the out of state crews. Ocean County's barrier islands were among those hard hit by Superstorm Sandy. For more info see this Asbury Park Press article (also includes link to video).
Finally, a couple of articles and a photo gallery: Asbury Park Press - Nebraska Power workers going home.
Star Ledger -- Utility workers come to NJ's aid
Star Ledger photo gallery out of state utility crews
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| Utility worker from Intren (Union IL) at staging area awaiting his next work order |
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| Crew from Robert Henry Corp (South Bend IN) replaced a transformer |
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| Crew from Robert Henry Corp (South Bend IN) replaced a transformer |
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| Crew from Penelec (NW PA) replacing wire |
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| Crew from Penelec (NW PA) replacing wire |
Pike Electric, I believe that it was a Pike Electric Crew that restored power to our neighborhood on Nov. 9th, thanks guys!! Some of the Pike crews were from Alabama
Henkels and McCoy Intren (IL) PenElec (Northwest PA)
Robert Henry Corp
Here is a video from the Asbury Park Press that I thought you might enjoy showing a couple of the tent cities set up in Ocean County NJ, for the out of state crews. Ocean County's barrier islands were among those hard hit by Superstorm Sandy. For more info see this Asbury Park Press article (also includes link to video).
Finally, a couple of articles and a photo gallery: Asbury Park Press - Nebraska Power workers going home.
Star Ledger -- Utility workers come to NJ's aid
Star Ledger photo gallery out of state utility crews
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Superstorm Sandy recovery: thank-you tree crews
Most of you have no doubt heard that there were a lot of trees down here in New Jersey and in other regions impacted by Superstorm Sandy. When trees come down and bring down electric wires with them, tree crews that specialize in doing utility work have to come in before the utility crews can restring the electric wires.
Yesterday morning, one of these tree crews from Asplundh were doing some work on my street. In this case, they were coming through my street after having already cleared out trees that were entangled in wires. Specifically, they were trimming trees along the electric line. I was glad to see them do this work.
As it was easy for me to do, I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of this crew, from West Virginia, doing there work. In the preceding two weeks, I saw many Asplundh trucks in my town and adjoining towns clearing trees.
I start out this series of photographs with some photos on a street near me where there were a large number of trees entangled with wires. Asplundh came through last Thursday and Friday to clear out the trees from the wires in advance to the utility restoring power on that street Saturday night an Sunday. I took these photos of piles of cut trees yesterday morning. Imagine, if you will, these same trees entangled with wires. It was a mess.
Following the photos of the cut trees you will see some photos of the Asplundh bucket trucks. Thanks to my friends from Asplundh for helping us out.
Yesterday morning, one of these tree crews from Asplundh were doing some work on my street. In this case, they were coming through my street after having already cleared out trees that were entangled in wires. Specifically, they were trimming trees along the electric line. I was glad to see them do this work.
As it was easy for me to do, I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of this crew, from West Virginia, doing there work. In the preceding two weeks, I saw many Asplundh trucks in my town and adjoining towns clearing trees.
I start out this series of photographs with some photos on a street near me where there were a large number of trees entangled with wires. Asplundh came through last Thursday and Friday to clear out the trees from the wires in advance to the utility restoring power on that street Saturday night an Sunday. I took these photos of piles of cut trees yesterday morning. Imagine, if you will, these same trees entangled with wires. It was a mess.
Following the photos of the cut trees you will see some photos of the Asplundh bucket trucks. Thanks to my friends from Asplundh for helping us out.
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| SuperStorm Sandy: these trees were cut on Nov. 8 & 9th, power restored on Nov. 10/11/12. |
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| SuperStorm Sandy: these trees were cut on Nov. 8 & 9th, power restored on Nov. 10/11/12. |
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| SuperStorm Sandy: these trees were cut on Nov. 8 & 9th, power restored on Nov. 10/11/12. |
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| Thanks Asplundh and other tree contractors for sending your tree crews to help us out! |
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| Thanks Asplundh and other tree contractors for sending your tree crews to help us out! |
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| Thanks Asplundh and other tree contractors for sending your tree crews to help us out! |
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| Thanks Asplundh and other tree contractors for sending your tree crews to help us out! |
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| Thanks Asplundh and other tree contractors for sending your tree crews to help us out! |
Monday, November 12, 2012
Superstorm Sandy -- I'm back
I got my electric power back early evening on Friday, Nov 9. Eleven days without power. All that happened to me was some minor property damage that has since been repaired. A tree down that did no damage to utility wires or house. I am lucky. As I said to a friend this morning, all that happened to me was losing power. So many in NJ and elsewhere on the mid-atlantic coast and New England lost everything. The images that I saw in my newspaper of the devastation to the barrier islands of NJ and elsewhere do not do justice to the devastation. For them the recovery will take months, if not longer.
My arborist spent the better part of ten days just removing trees from roofs. Others lost much of their roof shingles during the storm, we only lost two or three and they have been replaced. Again, I am so fortunate,
I do want to take a couple of posts to thank the tree crews and the utility crews from around the country and from our friends in Canada who have been in NJ for two weeks or longer helping us get power back. Some of these crews arrived a couple of days before the storm to be ready to help us. I do have some pictures that I'll be posting as well. I'll be writing to thank the tree crews tomorrow, Nov. 13 and will write to thank the utility crews on Nov. 14.
My arborist spent the better part of ten days just removing trees from roofs. Others lost much of their roof shingles during the storm, we only lost two or three and they have been replaced. Again, I am so fortunate,
I do want to take a couple of posts to thank the tree crews and the utility crews from around the country and from our friends in Canada who have been in NJ for two weeks or longer helping us get power back. Some of these crews arrived a couple of days before the storm to be ready to help us. I do have some pictures that I'll be posting as well. I'll be writing to thank the tree crews tomorrow, Nov. 13 and will write to thank the utility crews on Nov. 14.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Superstorm Sandy -- 10 days later
A lot of folk here in NJ and elsewhere in the tri-state area (NY and CT) have been hit much worse by Superstorm Sandy than I have. All things considered while I am a tad uncomfortable at times on day 10 without power, I am grateful. Only minor damage to my house which was prepared prior to the nor'easter that hit yesterday. We only had a trace amount of snow in my area, other areas especially the shore counties of Monmouth and Ocean got 6 to 12 inches. One more cold night ahead then a tad warmer for four days. I'll take it.
The County and Township Office of Emergency Management are staffed by wonderful people and I feel cared for by both.
I am currently at a hotspot provided by the Lowes near my house, and they are getting to know me.
To all the out of state utility crews, forestry workers, structure firefighters, policeman, relief workers, etc., etc. I thank all of you for helping us out.
I don't know when I'll get my power back, and perhaps when I do I won't have the internet. If that is the case, I won't complain. I've posted articles through Nov. 14 on a MWF schedule.
Be safe everyone!
The County and Township Office of Emergency Management are staffed by wonderful people and I feel cared for by both.
I am currently at a hotspot provided by the Lowes near my house, and they are getting to know me.
To all the out of state utility crews, forestry workers, structure firefighters, policeman, relief workers, etc., etc. I thank all of you for helping us out.
I don't know when I'll get my power back, and perhaps when I do I won't have the internet. If that is the case, I won't complain. I've posted articles through Nov. 14 on a MWF schedule.
Be safe everyone!
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Monday, November 05, 2012
Superstorm Sandy - one week later
It is now one week after "Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New Jersey. I am sure that most, if not all of you, have heard some of the media coverage of this event. It is not my intent to rehash that coverage here. Rather, I am checking in to tell all of you that I am in day 7 without power. Our power went out within 30 minutes after Sandy made landfall in southern NJ.
I am hanging in, A little cold at times. Minimal property damage, We are lucky. I have good neighbors, and some powered friends nearby who have been a big help doing things like recharged the back-up battery for the sump pump in the basement, showers, hot coffee, refilling jugs of water, etc. The nearest town is mostly powered by now with grocery stores, restaurants, home improvement stores, other stores, gas stations (albeit with lines at times), recharging and wifi stations, free water and ice.
I am not quite sure how much longer our power will be out. And it is possible that we will get power restored and still not have internet service. So, I'll post back here where when my power and internet is restored.
I am writing this from a warm place with wifi access although the wifi is somewhat intermittent. If I am able, I'll try to post another couple of articles that will automatically post the week of Nov 12.
In the meantime, I want to take a few moments to thank all the utility crews, both in state and out of state who are working very hard to restore power to all of us in NJ. I'd especially like to thank the crew from Sarasota FL who was on my street last night who was doing assessments of the probable cause of my outage in advance of bucket crews coming through.
I am hanging in, A little cold at times. Minimal property damage, We are lucky. I have good neighbors, and some powered friends nearby who have been a big help doing things like recharged the back-up battery for the sump pump in the basement, showers, hot coffee, refilling jugs of water, etc. The nearest town is mostly powered by now with grocery stores, restaurants, home improvement stores, other stores, gas stations (albeit with lines at times), recharging and wifi stations, free water and ice.
I am not quite sure how much longer our power will be out. And it is possible that we will get power restored and still not have internet service. So, I'll post back here where when my power and internet is restored.
I am writing this from a warm place with wifi access although the wifi is somewhat intermittent. If I am able, I'll try to post another couple of articles that will automatically post the week of Nov 12.
In the meantime, I want to take a few moments to thank all the utility crews, both in state and out of state who are working very hard to restore power to all of us in NJ. I'd especially like to thank the crew from Sarasota FL who was on my street last night who was doing assessments of the probable cause of my outage in advance of bucket crews coming through.
Lee Brothers (Cranberries), Speedwell NJ
The second cranberry grower that I visited was Lee Brothers with 130 acres.
updated on July 18, 2013: video that I had embedded here about the Lee Brothers operation is no longer available. :-(
I got an opportunity to see a little of the Lee Brother's cranberry harvest when I visited. I understand that the Lee Brothers uses different harvesting techniques from Pine Island. I got to see them deploy the yellow crane-boom, it is on the large spool you will see being pulled by the green tractor. The harvest crew rakes the cranberries with the aid of a large blower into the crane-boom in one corner of the bog.
It was pretty cool to watch them work. I would like to thank the Lee family for taking a few moments out of their busy day to describe what I was seeing.
Enjoy these photos that I took the day of my visit to the Lee Brothers.
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| Lee Brothers Cranberry Bog |
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| Lee Brothers Cranberry Bog |
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| Cran-boom is on the large spool behind the tractor |
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| Tractor with blower |
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| Cran-boom being deployed |
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| Raking cranberries |
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| Cran-boom being deployed, tractor is moving. |
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| Cran-boom being deployed, tractor is moving. |
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| Cran-boom being deployed, tractor is moving. |
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| Cran-boom being deployed, tractor is moving. |
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| Raking and blowing |
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| Raking and blowing |
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| Blowing cranberries |
Friday, November 02, 2012
Pine Island Cranberry - Pt 2 of 2 - Packing House
I got to see one of Pine Island Cranberry's packing houses when I was with my friends from Downstown several days ago. Please take a few moments to read an article on the Pine Island packing house in the Pine island Scoop. Pine Island (PI) is a member of the Ocean Spray Cooperative as are the Lee Brothers whom I will write about in my next post. The truck load of cranberries that you see in one of the photos is being taken to the Ocean Spray receiving facility in Chatsworth. From the receiving facility the cranberries are trucked to one of two other Ocean Spray facilities in NJ, in Pemberton or Vineland.
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| Harvested cranberries in Cranberry Boxes waiting to washed and sorted. PI makes the cranberry boxes |
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| Cranberry box lifted by fork lift to be dumped into washing, spraying, and sorting equipment |
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| Cranberries before leaves are sorted out. Leaves are sold as mulch to blueberry growers |
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| Cranberries after being washed, sprayed, and sorted getting ready to be conveyered into trucks |
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| Cranberries being conveyered in truck |
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| Truck full of cranberries on its way to the Ocean Spray Receiving Facility in Chatsworth |