Friday, May 29, 2015

Crash of Conair T-692 (May 22, 2015)

Last Friday, May 22 2015, a Conair AT-802 Fireboss crashed in northern Alberta near the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range not far from the border with Saskatchewan. The SEAT’s pilot (and sole occupant), William Hilts (38 years old, recently from Cranbrook British Columbia) died in the crash. I understand that the SEAT was working a wildfire near Cold Lake last Friday when she went down.

Please join me in offering my condolences, thoughts and prayers to William’s family, friends, colleagues. and all who love him. William, I know that you are flying in favorable tail winds.

For more information:



Thursday, May 28, 2015

25 acre wildfire (Jackson Twsp) NJ under control

A 25 acre wildfire in Jackson Township NJ (Ocean County) that was first reported the afternoon of Monday, May 25th is at 100 percent containment and is under control as of noon on May 28th according to the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Section B10 website. Bravo 1 made a couple of drops on the fire. Media reports on this wildfire may be found here and here (with video report).

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

USAF Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sandy (2012)

Join an aircrew from the USAF Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron as they fly their C-130J into Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012. A day I’ll never forget as that was the day that Super Storm Sandy came ashore onto New Jersey. This video was uploaded to Youtube by Airboyd. The video is by Technical Sgt. J Wilcox of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron.

Thanks to the work of the Hurricane Hunters (from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron as well as NOAA’s P-3’s) we in New Jersey knew where Sandy would strike, and she came ashore where expected. A lot of lives were saved because of evacuation orders that were in place. And for those of us who were inland, well we were told what to expect. For many, living through it was another thing. We only lost electricity for several days and had some minor and easily repairable property damage. Others were not so fortunate.


direct link to video

I will resume posting on Hurricane Hunters on June 1st. Stay tuned.

September 10, 2016: updated outdated links

Monday, May 25, 2015

Interview with USAF Aerial Wx Reconnaissance Officer

Continuing where I left off a couple of days ago, here is Chrissy Warrilow, a Meteorogist from Georgia Public Broadcasting interviewing Captain Tina Smith, Aerial Weather Reconnaissance Officer with the US Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Hurricane Hunters). This two-part interview was published on Youtube in April 2012.


direct link to part 1 on youtube


direct link to part 2 on youtube

Next up: US Airforce Weather Reconnaissance Squadrom flies into Hurricane Sandy (2012).

Friday, May 22, 2015

Tour of USAF Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft

I am continuing to write about US AirForce Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft. The Hurricane Hunters recently finished up a week long tour [They stopped in several Atlantic Coast cities (Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada); Atlantic City, NJ; Norfolk, VA; Myrtle Beach, SC; St. Augustine, FL; and Marathon, FL.] I wrote about the tour stop in Atlantic City, NJ on May 12th.

If I understand the military designation correctly they are the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve (403rd Wing home page and on Facebook).

The C-130 Hurricane Hunter has a crew of five: two Pilots, a Navigator, an Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer, and a Weather Loadmaster/Dropsonde Systems Operator, go to the Hurricane Hunter Associations “People” Page for a description of what each crew member does.

Join Meteorologist Chrissy Warrilow with Georgia Public Broadcast on a tour of one of the USAF 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s C-130 Hurricane Hunter aircraft. She had an opportunity to tour this C-130 Hurricane Hunter when the aircraft was visiting Georgia on a tour. You will hear Captain Tina Smith, Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer discuss the plane and the mission. Master Sergeant Amy Lee, the Load Master/Dropsonde Officer talks about how the Dropsonde is deployed and the types of data it records. You will also meet the pilot, Lieutenant Jarod Hamblin, and Dan Darbe a NWS Forecaster. The video was published on Youtube in February 2012.


direct to link to video by Chrissy Warrilow on Youtube

Up next (Monday May 26) Chrissy Warrilow’s two part interview with Captain Tina Smith, Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

More on the US Air Force 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

As an aviation enthusiast and a weather enthusiast, I am interested in how aircraft our used to help forecast weather as well as other weather related uses. The June 1st official beginning of the east coast hurricane season is almost upon us, and we have already had one named tropical system (Ana). I can think of no better way to begin then to write about Hurricane Hunting aircraft. I first wrote about Hurricane Hunters on May 12th

I will continue by writing three posts on the US Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron:
May 22: Tour of USAF Hurricane Hunter Aircraft
May 25: Interview with USAF Aerial Wx Reconnaissance Officer
May 27: USAF Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sandy (2012)

I am in the process of working on other articles about Hurricane Hunters and will post more articles on Hurricane Hunters starting June 1st. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy this short video about the USAF 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron direct link to video

Monday, May 18, 2015

A look at the Maine Forest Rangers Helicopters

Continuing with the wildfire season in New England, here is an excellent video from WLBZ 2 in Bangor Maine. This is a video segment from Bill Green’s Maine focusing on the helicopters that the Maine Forest Rangers use to help ground crews fight wildfires in Maine. They have six Hueys with buckets. I know enough about Maine to know that there are vast stretches of forested areas in Maine and I for one am glad that the helos are there to help the ground crews. The Chief Ranger Pilot, John Crowley provides an excellent discussion on the use of helos in Maine as well as how the bucket works. I was especially interested in Mr. Crowley’s description of how the bucket works, something I have not heard described all that often. Please go to the link and llow about six minutes to watch this great video. Enjoy.

Direct link to WCSH6 Portland ME (Bill Green’s Maine)

The Maine Forest Rangers, a division of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has a freely available Facebook page (you don’t need an account) that may be found here.

Note added on May 20, 2015: When I first wrote this post, I embedded a great video from WCSH6 in Maine (Bill Green's Maine) about how the Maine Forest Rangers use helicopters to fight wildfires. The embed code was set so that, depending on your browser settings, the video might play automaticially. Because I thought that autoplaying a six minute video might detract from your experience in enjoying this blog, in particular upcoming videos, I have deleted the embed code. But the above link should still work, and I encourge you to go to the link and watch this six minute video.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Wildfires in New England - videos

While I have been focusing recently on wildfires of various sizes burning in NJ (and one in southeast NY), I am aware that other areas in the northeast United States have seen wildfires. So in the spirit of remembering wildland firefighters on the ground and in the air who have worked these various fires, I share two videos that I just came across thanks to my friends for the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Video Page (updated weekly).


direct link to video on youtube (brush fire in Sandwich Massachusetts)


direct link to video on youtube (helicopter with bucket working Lubec Fire (Lubec, Maine)

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Red Flag Warning - NJ, Southeast NY, and Southern New England

7:15 PM EDT, May 13

I spent about 3 1/2 hours (2:30 to 6 PM) listening to the NJ State Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed. I was able to hear some of the feeds channels from Northern New Jersey (Division A) as well. From what I could tell, there was some wildfire activity in central and northern New Jersey. I'm not sure of the size of these fires, I know that I listened to reports of some that were under 1 acre, and the others were of unknown size.

The Red Flag Warnings in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island And Vermont have expired. Red Flag Warnings remain up in New Hampshire until 8 PM EDT this evening.

7:10 AM EDT, May 13
Red Flag Warnings are up for all of New Jersey, southeastern New York, and southern New England. I'll listen to some online scanner feeds and try to follow the media to find out about any wildfire activity. Stay safe everyone!

National Weather Service Eastern Region, May 13 2015 7:02 AM. Red Flag Warnings in red.


Red Flag Warning


URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
334 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012>027-132200-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0004.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-EASTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN-
NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-OCEAN-CUMBERLAND-ATLANTIC-CAPE MAY-
ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY-COASTAL ATLANTIC-COASTAL OCEAN-
SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-
334 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING. IT IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON UNTIL 600 PM.

* AFFECTED AREA...NORTHWESTERN, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST AT 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY...27 TO 32 PERCENT.

* MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES...GENERALLY FROM 65 TO AROUND 70 DEGREES.

* IMPACTS...ANY WILDFIRES THAT DEVELOP WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO
  SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED DUE TO A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS, LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS. ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP MAY QUICKLY GET OUT
OF CONTROL AND BECOME DIFFICULT TO CONTAIN.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER, BURN RESTRICTIONS AND
WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION, PLEASE VISIT YOUR STATE
FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEB SITE.


URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
318 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

...CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD TODAY...

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-
132200-
/O.UPG.KOKX.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.W.0004.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-WESTERN PASSAIC-
EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-
WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-
PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-
NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-
KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-
SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHERN QUEENS-
NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
318 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR THE TRI-STATE AREA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON
TODAY TO 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...LOWER HUDSON VALLEY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...
  SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT...NEW YORK CITY...AND LONG ISLAND.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...RAPID FIRE SPREAD IF IGNITION OCCURS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS WILL CREATE A SIGNIFICANTLY
ELEVATED FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.


Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Fire Weather Watch for Wed. May 13

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
324 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

.EXCESSIVELY DRY WEATHER SINCE ABOUT APRIL 23RD COMBINED WITH
GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY LOWERING TO NEAR 30
PERCENT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON HAS PROMPTED THE ISSUANCE OF A FIRE
WEATHER WATCH FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

NJZ001-007>010-012>027-131030-
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-EASTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN-
NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-OCEAN-CUMBERLAND-ATLANTIC-CAPE MAY-
ATLANTIC COASTAL CAPE MAY-COASTAL ATLANTIC-COASTAL OCEAN-
SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-
324 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR ALL OF NEW
JERSEY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A FIRE
WEATHER WATCH WHICH IS IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

* AFFECTED AREA...ALL OF NEW JERSEY.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* TIMING...NOON TO 6 PM.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...MAINLY 65 TO 70 DEGREES, COOLEST READINGS IN THE
  HILLS OF NORTHWEST NEW JERSEY.

* IMPACTS...ANY WILDFIRES THAT DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL
  HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
  RECOMMENDED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITIES...AND DRY FUELS. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS
AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER...BURN RESTRICTIONS...AND
WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION...PLEASE VISIT YOUR STATE
FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEBSITE.

&&

$$

GORSE/DRAG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
331 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

...CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD ON WEDNESDAY...

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-
130915-
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-WESTERN PASSAIC-
EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-
WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-
PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-
NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-
KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-
SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHERN QUEENS-
NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
331 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE TRI-
STATE AREA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER
WATCH FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD...WHICH IS IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY
AFTERNOON.

* AFFECTED AREA...LOWER HUDSON VALLEY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...
  SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT...NEW YORK CITY...AND LONG ISLAND.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...RAPID FIRE SPREAD IF IGNITION OCCURS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING THIS
POTENTIAL.

Hurricane Hunters - 53rd Weather Recon Squadron (Air Force Reserve)

Last week one of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft (C-130-J) that NOAA uses to fly into Hurricanes stopped in Egg Harbor Township NJ, near Atlantic City, one of five stops on an East Coast Hurricane Awareness Tour. In addition, a NOAA G-IV participated in this tour. For coverage see:

The National Weather Service, Mt. Holly NJ has two pages of photo with tour highlights that may be found here and here.

Press of Atlantic City (May 5) (with photos, video and nice graphic looking at the work of a Hurricane Hunter)

Asbury Park Press (May 5th) (includes a video interview with Dr, Rick Knabb, director of National Hurricane Center with a focus on the importance of evacuation in advance of Hurricanes).

From the Hurricane Hunters Association - 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Air Force Reserve)
Frequently Asked Questions
The plane (C-130J)
The people

I have been doing some reading on Hurricane Hunting aircraft recently and hope to post more articles about these special aircraft who do their work to keep all of us safe from Hurricanes. Safety meaning have a good forecasted track of the Hurricane so that evacuation can be put in place so that people can get away from the storm.

Friday, May 08, 2015

Atsion Wildfire - Wharton State Forest - final update

I wrote an article on May 7th with updates about the Atsion Wildfire that has burned approximately 710 acres in Wharton State Forest (Shamong Township, Burlington County NJ). The fire was first reported on May 7 about 1 PM. An AT-602 SEAT, Charlie 1 from Downstown Aero, on contract with the NJ Forest Fire Service and at least one helicopter and bucket worked the fire yesterday in support of the wildland firefighers on the ground.

According to the latest report from 6ABC in Philadelphia this wildfire is: "nearly 100% contained. They say moisture from dense fog in the area Friday morning (May 8th) has helped efforts to fight the fire."

B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page has been reporting on this fire about half-way down their home page, last updated this morning at 5:40 AM.

Unless there is a dramatic change in the wildfire, this is probably my last report on the Atsion Wildfire.


Thursday, May 07, 2015

Just in - wildfire in NJ PIne Barrens - Wharton St. Forest

Latest update at top, scroll down to see earlier updates.

May 8, 8:30 AM EDT
The Atsion Wildfire remains at approximately 710 acres burned. The fire, which started on May 7th early afternoon in the Atsion Lakes area of the Wharton State Forest in Burlington County NJ (Shamong Twsp), is at 75 percent containment according to a report earlier this morning from MyFoxPhilly (updated at 7:42 AM EDT with photos and a video). Photos from 6ABC (Philadelphia).

FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF-TV
direct link to video

May 7, 8:55 PM EDT
I have learned from B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page that what I have been calling the Atsion Lake Wildfire is designated as the Atsion Wildfire. The Atsion Wildfire began this afternoon behind the Atsion Ranger Station in Wharton State Forest (Shamong Twsp, Burlington County NJ) east of US Route 206 and remains at 710 acres (including burnout operations). Aircraft operations have been suspended for the night. Scroll down for map and for photos taken from Charlie 1 (AT-602) earlier this afternoon.


direct link to aerial footage from NBC10 in Philadelphia of Atsion Lakes Fire taken earlier today

May 7, 6:20 PM EDT
Atsion Lake Fire remains at about 700 acres burned and zero containment.

report from 6 ABC with video (earlier this afternoon) and photos, updated 6:10 PM


Map of Atsion Lake Area Fire, NJFFS Section B1, May 7, 2015, Fire Activity detected by GOES Satellite


May 7, 5:22 PM EDT

Am hearing a report from the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed that the fire has burned about 700 acres and remains at zero containment. I just saw another live report from live stream from NBC10 (Philadelphia) confirming that the fire has burned in excess of 700 acres.

Photos taken by Ed Carter Jr., pilot of Charlie 1 (Downstown Aero's AT-602 under contract with the NJ Forest Fire Service) on the way to the Atsion fire. Photos shared with his permission. Thanks Ed for all you are doing to work this fire.


May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ. Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ. Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ.  Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ.  Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 4:55 PM EDT

Well, I continue to listen to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed, taking a break periodically to watch live stream from NBC10 (Philadelphia). I just caught a live report about 10 minutes from NBC10, they are reporting that the fire in the Atsion area (Shamong Twsp) of Wharton State Forest has burned at least 100 acres and that residents have been allowed back to their homes. I just listened to another live report with video of the wildfire and the helicopter and bucket working the fire.
May 7, 4:30 PM EDT

This just in, there is a large wildfire (size not know at this time) burning near Wharton State Forest in the Atsion area (NJFFS Section B1) of Burlington County, NJ. A SEAT and a helicopter with a bucket are reported to be working the fire. Evacuations are in place and US Route 206 is closed between Route 30 and Atsion Road. For more information see: 6ABC (photos) and Philly dot com. The fire started earlier this afternoon and is of unknown origin.

I am listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed as I write this.

I'll be updating this thread as I can, so stay tuned.

May 7th update on the Roosa Gap Fire (Ulster/Sullivan Counties NY)

1:00 PM EDT

In an update this morning, the Recordonline (Middletown NY) is reporting that the fire (known as the Roosa Gap Fire) has burned approximately 2,600 acres and is at about 90 percent containment. They are hoping that the fire will be fully contained today (weather conditions permitting). The concern is that it is both drier with a little more wind than yesterday. I'll update this thread if appropriate.

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Update (May 6) on the Roosa Gap Fire (Ulster/Sullivan Counties NY)

The fire that I only recently learned is being called the Roosa Gap fire that I first wrote about on May 5th remains at 75 percent containment, having burned about 2,400 acres in and near the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest in Ulster and Sullivan Counties NY (see The Journal News, May 6 at 9:12 AM (with photos) and The Record Online (May 6 update, 12:29 PM).

I don't why I did not like at Bill Gabbert's Wildfiretoday yesterday, but I did today and saw that he started reporting on the Roosa Gap fire on May 4th with the last update being May 6 at 10:18 EDT, be sure to check out Bill's reporting on the Roosa Gap fire where if you scroll down a bit you will a map that he has done. I did some checking earlier today, and while I did see a that the Eastern Area Coordinating Center including the Roosa Gap fire in reports on their intelligence page (which is where I learned of the name of the fire), the stats about the fire on their large incident report was a couple of days old so I did not use it here.

While I have read other media reports that the cause of the fire may have been an illegal debris burn (for example: The Journal News, May 6 at 9:12 AM (with photos)  and  ABC7 in NYC (May 6 with video). However, The Record Online (May 6 update, 12:29 PM) is reporting that "The state Department of Conservation is still investigating the cause of the fire but has not released any other information regarding how it started and whether any tickets or violations will be issued."

According to report on Syracuse dot com (updated on May 6, 8:53 AM) our friends from the National Weather Office in Binghamton NY "sent a meteorologist to give on-the-scene forecasts to emergency crews."

The Record Online (May 6 update at 12:29 PM) reported that our friends from Canada (thank-you!!) sent an airanker to help. She worked the fire yesterday. NY National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and a couple of other NY State helicopters have been working the fire as well. I understand that wind and light rain may have shut down air operations this morning.

For those of you who are interested, yes I have seen mention of the Roosa Gap fire on some NYC TV news outlets (online reporting) including:

ABC7 - May 6, 8:04 AM EDT, with video
MyFoxNY - May 5, 3:35 PM EDT
CBS2 NY - May 5, 4:07 PM
NBC4 NY - May 3 video and May 6 report

Stay safe everyone!

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Wildfire activity in Ulster County NY - May 5

Thanks to my friends from Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10, I have learned about a 1,700 acre wildfire in and near the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest. According to reporting from the Recordonline (May 4, 10 PM EDT) the fire started Sunday, May 3rd. Fueled by winds it spread to 1,700 acres yesterday May 4th. Evacuations were in place yesterday night in and near Cragsmore. The fire may have been started by someone who burned debris outdoors in violation of a New York State burn ban.

I found some updates on this update page from the Recordonline; as of 11:06 AM they are reporting that fire has burned 1,800 acres and is at 75 percent containment with National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and an airtanker from Canada come to work the fire from the air.

Finally, here is a short video report with some images of Helicopters working the fire.


direct link to video from Recordonline

Thanks to the Recordonline for providing free coverage (no payware) of the wildfire burning in the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest.

Stay safe everyone.

Monday, May 04, 2015

Wildfire activity - May 4th

12:40 PM EDT

I posted earlier today that all of New Jersey (among other places in the northeast) are under a Red Flag warning. I just got in from attending to some errands and outside chores so have just started to listen to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A Scanner (online stream), so it is too soon for me to get a handle of what is happening on this Red Flag day in the northern part of New Jersey.

I did, however, check B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page (last updated at 11:52 AM EDT) and saw that they are reporting on multiple fires (about 50 acres total in the Pemberton Township-Whitesbog Village area (Burlington County, Section B6). Bravo 1 (AT-802) and Charlie 1 (AT-602) are currently staging at Miller Air Park. There are two news reports from Philadelphia at about 6-7 AM this morning, reporting on one of the fires, a four-acre fire: NBC10 (with video) and Fox29 (with photos).

I'll update this post as the day goes on if I receive any updates about the wildfires in the Pemberton Township-Whitesbog Village area or any other wildfire activity in New Jersey.

5:20 PM EDT

With the exception of a 30 minute break and having to duck out to take care of the plumbers who replaced a battery for my sump pump, I've been listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A on line scanner feed for the last four hours. I know enough to know that Division A NJ Forest Fire crews have been busy this afternoon with at least a few wildfires of unknown size. I don't really know more than that at the moment.

Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex Regarding the multiple wildfires in the Pembertown Township-Whitesbog Village area of Burlington County,  there have been no updates from the NJ Forest Fire Service Section B10 website since midday. But I did see a couple of newspaper articles reporting on what I think are the same wildfires that the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page reported on earlier today. One article is from the Courier_Post (12:35 PM) reporting on at least eight wildfires, the largest being more than 25 acres.The second is from NJ dot com reporting that the multiple brush fires are under investigation and are being considered as suspicious, they referenced reports from the Pemberton Township Fire Department's Facebook page. Going to this Facebook page, I found a  mid-morning update, the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Department confirming that these wildfires are being investigated and are "listed as suspicious at this time." A video  is posted on the Pemberton Township Fire Department's Facebook page.

In a Facebook post from about 2:30 PM EDT today the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Department reported on five wildfires:
  • Black's Bridge Fire (45 acres, 70 percent containment),
  • Huckleberry Lane (25 acres, 80 percent containment),
  • Rail Way (9 acres, 80 percent containment),
  • Two fires in White's bog (4.4 acres) are 100 percent contained
In this same 2:30 PM EDT update, the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Deparments  reported that their Chief and one of their tenders is assisting along with a tender from Hampton Lakes. In addition the NJ Forest Fire Service had the following resources working the fires: 
  • 40 personal
  • 10 brush trucks
  • 2 dozers
  • 1 aircraft
5:55 PM EDT

The B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page is reporting that all fires in the Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex have been contained. Bravo 1 and Charlie 1 worked this fire earlier today.

In addition, B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page reported on a wildfire of unknown size in Manchester Township, Ocean County (Section B7). Structure proptection was needed early on, with tstructure protection engines released later. It sounds like good progress has been made on this fire, but I am uncertain if the fire has been contained Both SEATs, Bravo 1 and Charlie 1 worked this fire.

8:53 PM EDT
Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex
The folk with the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Company reported about 6:30 PM that all except three NJ Forest Fire Service (BJFFS) Brush Trucks have been released. The crews in the three NJFFS brush trucks will be patroling the fires and doing mop up work.

Here is a report from late this afternoon from ABC6 in Philadelphia confirming these wildfires are under investigation, that the cause is suspicious:



direct link to report from ABC6

Nice job everyone, stay safe.

May 5, 11:10 EDT

I understand from some friends in Southern New Jersey (NJ State Forest Fire Division C) that they had a busy day yesterday (Monday, May 4th) in Division C. A second Air Tractor 602, Charlie 2 was working in Division C yesterday while Charlie 1 was staged at Miller Air Park in Ocean County.

May 5, 4:28 PM EDT

Manchester Twsp Fire, Ocean County, Section B7 According to B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page, this three-acre that burned near some homes was contained yesterday afternoon. Bravo 1 and Charlie 1 dropped on the fire. Structure protection resources deployed early were later released when the homes were no longer threatened.

Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex, Burlington County, Section B6 According to B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page, these multiple fires (at least six) are at 100 percent containment. Total acreage burned is at least 80 acres and perhaps a little more.

__________________________________

Note B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page does update the current wildfire information on their main page every couple of days or so depending on when you are accessing this article, the information on this fire may no longer be there.

Red Flag Warning - May 4

Red Flag warning for New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, much of New York as well western Massachusetts, and non-coastal areas of Maine and New Hampshire.

Delaware, the portions of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Vermont, Northern New York and most of Long Island, Eastern Massachusetts (except for Cape Cod and the Islands), Connecticut and Northern Rhode Island while not under Red Flag Warnings will experience elevated fire danger.

I will be listening online to the scanner from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Division A later this afternoon I attend to some yard work.

Stay safe everyone!

From the Eastern Region Headquarters of the National Weather Service (obtained from Eastern Region - NWS on May 4, 2015). Red Flag Warnings (dark pink)

Red Flag Warning

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-
101>106-050000-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0002.150504T1600Z-150505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0003.150504T1700Z-150505T0000Z/
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN-
NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-OCEAN-CUMBERLAND-ATLANTIC-CAPE MAY-
SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-CARBON-MONROE-BERKS-LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-
DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA-WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER-
WESTERN MONTGOMERY-EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS-
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR ALL OF NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND ALL OF NEW JERSEY,
  EXCLUDING THE IMMEDIATE COAST.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL HAVE
  THE POTENTIAL TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
  RECOMMENDED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY DUE TO A COMBINATION
OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS. ANY
FIRES THAT DEVELOP MAY QUICKLY GET OUT OF CONTROL AND BECOME
DIFFICULT TO CONTAIN.

   FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER...BURN
RESTRICTIONS...AND WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION...PLEASE
VISIT YOUR STATE FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEBSITE.


URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
328 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-176>179-041730-
/O.UPG.KOKX.FW.A.0002.150504T1600Z-150505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.W.0003.150504T1700Z-150504T2300Z/
WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-
EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-
EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-
SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-
RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHERN QUEENS-
NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
328 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR NEW YORK CITY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...THE
LOWER HUDSON VALLEY...AND NASSAU COUNTY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EDT
THIS EVENING.

* AFFECTED AREA...NEW YORK CITY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...THE LOWER
  HUDSON VALLEY...AND NASSAU COUNTY.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...25 TO 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

* IMPACTS...RAPID FIRE SPREAD IF IGNITION OCCURS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS WILL CREATE A SIGNIFICANTLY
ELEVATED FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&


URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-
101>106-050000-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0002.150504T1600Z-150505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0003.150504T1700Z-150505T0000Z/
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN-
NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-OCEAN-CUMBERLAND-ATLANTIC-CAPE MAY-
SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-CARBON-MONROE-BERKS-LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-
DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA-WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER-
WESTERN MONTGOMERY-EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS-
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR ALL OF NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND ALL OF NEW JERSEY,
  EXCLUDING THE IMMEDIATE COAST.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL HAVE
  THE POTENTIAL TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
  RECOMMENDED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY DUE TO A COMBINATION
OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS. ANY
FIRES THAT DEVELOP MAY QUICKLY GET OUT OF CONTROL AND BECOME
DIFFICULT TO CONTAIN.

   FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER...BURN
RESTRICTIONS...AND WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION...PLEASE
VISIT YOUR STATE FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEBSITE.


Friday, May 01, 2015

Tips to Reduce Wildfire Risk

As I write this New Jersey is experiencing high wildfire danger (halfway between low and extreme, go here and scroll down the page to see more information on wildfire danger ratings in New Jersey). I'm not quite sure what wildfire activity is happening in northern New Jersey as I accidently had my online scanner which was tuned to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Division A. I have since resumed the online scanner feed and if I hear anything of interest before I stop writing this article, I'll let you know.

Yesterday I know that there were four brush fires in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, thanks to this article from the Hunterdon Democrat. I expect that there may have been other smaller brush fires around the State, but I have no concrete information.

I was reminded about the importance of things that we can do to reduce wildfire risk by an April 29th Press Release from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection: Christie Administration Urges Caution During Wildfire Season, State Fire Officials Warn Dry and Windy Springtime Conditions Increase Fire Risks. Here are some tips on from this press release on how you can reduce wildfire risks:



  • Use ashtrays in vehicles. Discarding cigarettes, matches and smoking materials on the ground is a violation of New Jersey law.
  • Obtain necessary permits for campfires. Don’t leave fires unattended. Douse them completely.
  • Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach them about the dangers of fire.
  • People living in forested or wooded areas should maintain a defensible buffer by clearing vegetation within 30 feet of any structures. Also, make sure fire trucks can access driveways.
  • Report suspicious vehicles and individuals to authorities.



  • Be careful when using wood stoves and fireplaces, both of which can emit embers that can spark fires. Also, fully douse ashes with water before disposal.

  • While these tips are written with New Jersey residents in mind, I think that these tips, perhaps with some modifications for where you live, are a starting point for reducing wildfire risk. For example, many locations suggest 100 feet of defensible space around a home. Some people may want to have an emergency kit packed with essential items (food, water, clothing, money, important papers, etc) so you can make a quick get away. Then there may be the issue of where you evacuate to, a shelter or perhaps a friend a relative.