I'd like to thank my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who reported on four recent wildfires in New Jersey, they also report on wildfire activity on the Section B10 twitter page. This may not be an all inclusive list, but it does provide an indication that spring fire season is upon us here in New Jersey. Information on the last update is from the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page and is current as I write this. Depending on when you access this page, the information you find on the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page may be different.
March 29th: Scotch Plains, Union County NJ. Watchung Mountain Reservation, NJFFS Division A, Section A7, last reported size was five acres. Under control. Last updated on March 31st at 12:15 PM
March 30th
Port Republic, Garden State Parkway near exit 48 and 50 in Ocean County NJ, 50 acre marsh fire reported on March 30th in NJFFS Division C (Section C7). Air tankers Charlie 1 and Bravo 1 and Delta 7 (Huey with a bucket) worked the fire. There was a partial closure of the Garden State Parkway which has since reopened. IC reports 50 acres contained. Youtube video from Garden State Parkway, Report with video and photos from the Press of Atlantic City, and more photos from1stRespondernews. Last updated on March 30th at 2:59 PM
Mt Kipp Wildfire., Lebanon Twshp, Hunterdon County NJ, off of Rte 31. A large woods fire was reported on March 30th where structure protection was in place early on. The fire was reported to be contained at 61 acres. Last updated on March 31st at 12:15 PM. Article with photos and videofrom NJ.com
March 31st
Tinton Falls, Shafto Road, near the Garden State Parkway, Division B, Section B8. This was according to the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page, "an aggressive, wind drive fire. Air tanker Bravo 1 knocked most of the head down with 5 excellent drops. No structures were threatened. Plow lines were made then firing off the line. U/C at 3 acres." Updated at 12:29 on March 31st.
Diamond Rd., near Cedar Swamp Rd in Jackson Twsp, Ocean County NJ. 10 acre fire reported earlier this afternoon is now contained. Bravo 1 made a drop and helped trucks get to the fire. Updated at 6:50 PM on March 31st.
Revised on March 31 at 8:50 PM.
CAL FIRE (CDF) S2T Tanker 71 working Sawtooth Complex Fire (2006)
Sawtooth Complex Fire (Sept. 2006), San Bernardino County CA. Photo Credit: U.S. Forest Service
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Elevated Fire Risk in New Jersey: March 30th
As some of you know I have been spending time learning more about fire weather and fire weather forecasts. As I read and learn, I find myself appreciating that forecasting fire weather is not always simple. As I am neither a meteorologist or a wildland firefighter there is only so much that I can learn in my reading and studying. However, I'd like to think that knowledge is a good thing, and that learning the language of fire weather and fire weather forecasting can only help me. My learning process is still ongoing and as appropriate I'll try to share with you in later posts about some of the things that I have been learning. But the time to do this is not today. But I do want to offer my kudos and thanks to all who are involved in fire weather forecasting both in the United States and internationally, as well as kudos and thanks to all of you who are wildland firefighters who must know how weather will affect your weather.
In the meantime and speaking of fire weather, the NWS at Mount Holly, NJ issued an updated special weather statement at 10:31 AM this morning for an elevated fire risk in their forecast area (all but NE NJ, Delaware, southeastern PA, and the eastern shore of MD):
In the meantime and speaking of fire weather, the NWS at Mount Holly, NJ issued an updated special weather statement at 10:31 AM this morning for an elevated fire risk in their forecast area (all but NE NJ, Delaware, southeastern PA, and the eastern shore of MD):
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
1031 AM EDT WED MAR 30 2016
DEZ001>003-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-
027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-101>106-302300-
NEW CASTLE-KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-CECIL-KENT MD-QUEEN ANNES-TALBOT-
CAROLINE-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-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WILMINGTON...DOVER...GEORGETOWN...
ELKTON...CHESTERTOWN...CENTREVILLE...EASTON...DENTON...NEWTON...
WASHINGTON...MORRISTOWN...FLEMINGTON...SOMERVILLE...
NEW BRUNSWICK...FREEHOLD...TRENTON...PENNSVILLE...GLASSBORO...
CAMDEN...CHERRY HILL...MOORESTOWN...MOUNT HOLLY...JACKSON...
MILLVILLE...HAMMONTON...CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE...
WHARTON STATE FOREST...JIM THORPE...STROUDSBURG...READING...
ALLENTOWN...BETHLEHEM...MEDIA...PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK...
OXFORD...WEST CHESTER...KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE...
POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN...LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE...
MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN
1031 AM EDT WED MAR 30 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES LATE THIS
AFTERNOON...
GUSTY WINDS AND DRY CONDITIONS WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED RISK FOR
THE SPREAD OF FIRES FROM ABOUT 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
SUNSET ACROSS DELAWARE, EASTERN MARYLAND, EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
AND MUCH OF NEW JERSEY. SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL INITIALLY BE EARLY IN
THE AFTERNOON BUT THEN INCREASE TO 10-15 MPH WITH GUSTS AROUND 20
MPH LATE IN THE DAY. MEANWHILE...RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL
LOWER TO BETWEEN 15 AND 25 PERCENT.
GIVEN THE EXPECTED WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LOW FUEL MOISTURE....
ANY FIRES THAT OCCUR COULD SPREAD QUICKLY AND BE DIFFICULT TO
CONTAIN. PLEASE VISIT YOUR STATE FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE
DANGER...BURN RESTRICTIONS...WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION.
As I was online getting ready to write this article, I noticed that the NWS at New York, NY issued an updated special weather statement at 11:01 AM this morning for an elevated fire risk in NE NJ:
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
1105 AM EDT WED MAR 30 2016
NJZ002-004-006-103>108-302200-
WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-
EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-
EASTERN UNION-
1105 AM EDT WED MAR 30 2016
SUSTAINED WINDS FROM THE SOUTHWEST TO SOUTH WILL INCREASE TO
10 TO 15 MPH WITH SOME GUSTS 20 TO 25 MPH POSSIBLE DURING THE MID
AND LATE AFTERNOON HOURS TODAY. AT THE SAME TIME...RELATIVE
HUMIDITIES ARE EXPECTED TO AVERAGE 25 TO 30 PERCENT. THESE
CONDITIONS COMBINED WITH SUFFICIENTLY DRY FINE FUELS WILL PROMOTE
AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF BRUSH OR GRASS FIRES DURING
THIS PERIOD.
Stay safe everyone! And thanks to the wildland firefighters, mutual aid and everyone else working to keep us safe from wildfires today and everyday.
In New Jersey our wildland firefighters will be added by contract aircraft (thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page for sharing the 2016 Contract Aviation Schedule)
State operated type 2 Huey UH-1H (type 2) helicopter: Division A -- Aeroflex (Delta 6) from March 22 through May 10 (estimated), as needed based on fire danger
35 day exclusive use SEAT Contract (March 30 through May 3):
Division B -- R.J. Miller (Bravo 1), Air Tractor AT-802, 800 gallons
Division C -- Downstown (Charlie 1) Air Tractor AT-602, 600 gallons
Monday, March 28, 2016
Mega Fires (from 60 MInutes)
As you may know, I have been studying and reading up on fire weather. I was recently chatting with a knowledgeable friend about my study of fire weather who made a comment about mega fires that have been occurring in the western U.S.A, in recent years. Think the Rim Fire in California (257,314 acres, 2013), the Carlton Complex 256,108 acres, 2014) in Washington and the Anderson Creek Fire (397,420 acres) that is currently burning in Kansas and Oklahoma (as I write this on March 28, 2016). For lists of fires in excess of 100,000 acres from 1997 to 2014, see this NIFC page.
I am still doing my studying and reading on fire weather, so I thought I'd share this video that I just found from a 60 Minutes episode on Mega Fires, uploaded by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) on January 22, 2013. I'm not quite sure when this episode originally aired, but it is very timely. And with the concern about the effect of global warming on fire behavior out west, mega fires has ties to fire weather.
direct link to video
I am still doing my studying and reading on fire weather, so I thought I'd share this video that I just found from a 60 Minutes episode on Mega Fires, uploaded by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) on January 22, 2013. I'm not quite sure when this episode originally aired, but it is very timely. And with the concern about the effect of global warming on fire behavior out west, mega fires has ties to fire weather.
direct link to video
Friday, March 25, 2016
SEATs in Action
I continue to read about fire weather and am learning a lot. I am hoping to be able to post an article or too about what I have been learning within the next week or so.
In the meantime, here is some nice footage of SEATs.
Direct link to video on youtube
In the meantime, here is some nice footage of SEATs.
Direct link to video on youtube
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Elevated Fire Risk in New Jersey: March 23rd
For the second day in a row there is an elevated fire risk in New Jersey, today all but northeast New Jersey has an elevated fire risk (not quite meeting Red Flag Warning criteria) along with adjoining areas of Pennsylvania and the State of Delaware. In addition, elevated fire risk extends into all of: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the Carolinas. The National Weather Service offices covering those states have issued Special Weather Statements or Hazardous Weather Outlooks (not quite meeting Red Flag Warning criteria) for elevated or enhanced risk of wildfires.
According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who posted today that all fire towers in New Jersey (Divisions A, B, and C) are staffed today. Regarding yesterday's (March 22nd) elevated fire risk, I have only heard of small fire activity (around 1/2 acre or so) yesterday. But there may be activity that I do not know of.
Here is the Special Weather Statement for elevated fire risk issued by the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly at 9:08 AM on March 23rd.
According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who posted today that all fire towers in New Jersey (Divisions A, B, and C) are staffed today. Regarding yesterday's (March 22nd) elevated fire risk, I have only heard of small fire activity (around 1/2 acre or so) yesterday. But there may be activity that I do not know of.
Here is the Special Weather Statement for elevated fire risk issued by the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly at 9:08 AM on March 23rd.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 908 AM EDT WED MAR 23 2016 DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054- 055-060>062-070-071-101>106-232300- NEW CASTLE-KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-DELAWARE BEACHES-CECIL-KENT MD- QUEEN ANNES-TALBOT-CAROLINE-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-CARBON-MONROE-BERKS-LEHIGH- NORTHAMPTON-DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA-WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER- WESTERN MONTGOMERY-EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WILMINGTON...DOVER...GEORGETOWN... REHOBOTH BEACH...ELKTON...CHESTERTOWN...CENTREVILLE...EASTON... DENTON...NEWTON...WASHINGTON...MORRISTOWN...FLEMINGTON... SOMERVILLE...NEW BRUNSWICK...FREEHOLD...SANDY HOOK...TRENTON... PENNSVILLE...GLASSBORO...CAMDEN...CHERRY HILL...MOORESTOWN... MOUNT HOLLY...JACKSON...MILLVILLE...HAMMONTON... CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE...OCEAN CITY...ATLANTIC CITY... LONG BEACH ISLAND...WHARTON STATE FOREST...JIM THORPE... STROUDSBURG...READING...ALLENTOWN...BETHLEHEM...MEDIA... PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK...OXFORD...WEST CHESTER... KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE...POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN... LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE...MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN 908 AM EDT WED MAR 23 2016 ...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON... GUSTY WINDS...ALONG WITH LOWERING RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES AND DRYING FUELS WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON. WINDS WILL GUST FROM THE SOUTHWEST UP TO 25 MPH AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL LOWER TO AROUND 30 PERCENT.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Elevated Fire Risk in New Jersey: March 22nd
There is an elevated fire risk in northern New Jersey and adjoining areas of Pennsylvania and New York. According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who posted today that all fire towers in New Jersey (Divisions A, B, and C) are staffed today.
Stay safe everyone!
Stay safe everyone!
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 1135 AM EDT TUE MAR 22 2016 NJZ001-007>010-012-015-PAZ054-055-060>062-101>106-222300- SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-MERCER-CARBON- MONROE-BERKS-LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER- WESTERN MONTGOMERY-EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NEWTON...WASHINGTON...MORRISTOWN... FLEMINGTON...SOMERVILLE...NEW BRUNSWICK...TRENTON...JIM THORPE... STROUDSBURG...READING...ALLENTOWN...BETHLEHEM...EASTON... HONEY BROOK...OXFORD...WEST CHESTER...KENNETT SQUARE... COLLEGEVILLE...POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN...LANSDALE...CHALFONT... PERKASIE...MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN 1135 AM EDT TUE MAR 22 2016 ...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON... GUSTY WINDS...ALONG WITH LOWERING RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES AND DRYING FUELS WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 950 AM EDT TUE MAR 22 2016 CTZ005-006-009-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-176-177-222300- NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD- 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- 950 AM EDT TUE MAR 22 2016 ...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF BRUSH FIRES THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON... GUSTY WINDS UP TO 25 MPH...ALONG WITH RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES OF 25-30 PERCENT...AND DRYING FINE FUELS WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF BRUSH FIRES THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Campbell Mountain Fire (British Columbia) July 2014
I have a couple of irons in the fire so to speak, and am not quite ready to post on either at the moment. I have recently been reading women in the United States and Great Britain who flew aircraft during World War II in service to their country as civilians. I am not ready to post about this at the moment, but those articles will be coming in a few weeks, depending on how the spring fire season in New Jersey develops.
Just today, I got interested in some of the nuances of fire weather forecasts in the United States, I am still reading and learning, As we are in or near the spring fire season in New Jersey, I hope to have something to say about this sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, here is a nice video with footage (including helos with buckets and an air tanker) working the Campbell Mountain Fire in British Columbia, Canada in July 2013. Enjoy.
Direct link to video on youtube
Just today, I got interested in some of the nuances of fire weather forecasts in the United States, I am still reading and learning, As we are in or near the spring fire season in New Jersey, I hope to have something to say about this sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, here is a nice video with footage (including helos with buckets and an air tanker) working the Campbell Mountain Fire in British Columbia, Canada in July 2013. Enjoy.
Direct link to video on youtube
Friday, March 18, 2016
Elevated Fire Risk in New Jersey: March 18th
I must be learning something about when conditions are right for enhanced fire danger. I was out a little while doing a couple of errands, noted the winds and wondered if fuels were dry after the rains earlier this week. I had not checked for relative humidity. But I had a feeling. So I went home and and checked the website for the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ (Philadelphia) and saw this special weather statement issued at 9:40 AM:
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 940 AM EDT FRI MAR 18 2016
DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ009-010-012>027-PAZ060-061- 070-071-101>106-182200- NEW CASTLE-KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-DELAWARE BEACHES-CECIL-KENT MD- QUEEN ANNES-TALBOT-CAROLINE-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-BERKS-LEHIGH-DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA- WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER-WESTERN MONTGOMERY- EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WILMINGTON...DOVER...GEORGETOWN... REHOBOTH BEACH...ELKTON...CHESTERTOWN...CENTREVILLE...EASTON... DENTON...FLEMINGTON...SOMERVILLE...NEW BRUNSWICK...FREEHOLD... SANDY HOOK...TRENTON...PENNSVILLE...GLASSBORO...CAMDEN... CHERRY HILL...MOORESTOWN...MOUNT HOLLY...JACKSON...MILLVILLE... HAMMONTON...CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE...OCEAN CITY...ATLANTIC CITY... LONG BEACH ISLAND...WHARTON STATE FOREST...READING...ALLENTOWN... MEDIA...PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK...OXFORD...WEST CHESTER... KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE...POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN... LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE...MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN 940 AM EDT FRI MAR 18 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
GUSTY WINDS, ALONG WITH LOWERING RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES AND DRYING FUELS WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON.
Here is the fire weather forecast from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ (Philadelphia) for the counties that include the Pine Barrens (a glossary of fire weather terminology used by the National Weather Service may be found here):
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 940 AM EDT FRI MAR 18 2016
DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ009-010-012>027-PAZ060-061- 070-071-101>106-182200- NEW CASTLE-KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-DELAWARE BEACHES-CECIL-KENT MD- QUEEN ANNES-TALBOT-CAROLINE-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-BERKS-LEHIGH-DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA- WESTERN CHESTER-EASTERN CHESTER-WESTERN MONTGOMERY- EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WILMINGTON...DOVER...GEORGETOWN... REHOBOTH BEACH...ELKTON...CHESTERTOWN...CENTREVILLE...EASTON... DENTON...FLEMINGTON...SOMERVILLE...NEW BRUNSWICK...FREEHOLD... SANDY HOOK...TRENTON...PENNSVILLE...GLASSBORO...CAMDEN... CHERRY HILL...MOORESTOWN...MOUNT HOLLY...JACKSON...MILLVILLE... HAMMONTON...CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE...OCEAN CITY...ATLANTIC CITY... LONG BEACH ISLAND...WHARTON STATE FOREST...READING...ALLENTOWN... MEDIA...PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK...OXFORD...WEST CHESTER... KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE...POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN... LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE...MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN 940 AM EDT FRI MAR 18 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
GUSTY WINDS, ALONG WITH LOWERING RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES AND DRYING FUELS WILL LEAD TO AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON.
Here is the fire weather forecast from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ (Philadelphia) for the counties that include the Pine Barrens (a glossary of fire weather terminology used by the National Weather Service may be found here):
NJZ012-013-015-019-020-027-191415-
MIDDLESEX-WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-NORTHWESTERN BURLINGTON-OCEAN-
SOUTHEASTERN BURLINGTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NEW BRUNSWICK...FREEHOLD...TRENTON...
MOORESTOWN...MOUNT HOLLY...JACKSON...WHARTON STATE FOREST
1004 AM EDT FRI MAR 18 2016
TODAY TONIGHT SAT
CLOUD COVER MCLEAR MCLEAR PCLDY
PRECIP CHC(%) 0 0 0
PRECIP TYPE NONE NONE NONE
MIN/MAX TEMP 63 31 44
MAX/MIN RH % 26 62 31
MAX AM WIND (MPH) W 8 G24 N 7
MAX PM WIND (MPH) W 16 G32 NW 8 G23 NE 4
PRECIP AMOUNT 0.00 0.00 0.00
PRECIP DURATION 0 0 0
HAINES INDEX 5 3 4
LAL 1 1 1
MIXING HGT (MAX/MIN) 13060 0 5000
TRANS WIND (MAX/MIN) W 38 NW 19 NE 5
VENTILATION RATE 574640 0 30000
DISPERSION VERY GOOD VERY POOR POOR
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Smokejumping: perspectives of a female smoke jumper
Thanks to Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation, who shared on March 14th about Ramona Beyuka, a woman who has been smokejumping for about a dozen years. As I shared a video the other day from the late 1940s about smokejumping, this video fits into what I shared previously and was too good to pass up. Ramona jumps with the McCall Smokejumpers out of McCall Idaho. What to go Ranoma.
Direct link to video from Great Big Story on Youtube
Enjoy!
Direct link to video from Great Big Story on Youtube
Enjoy!
Monday, March 14, 2016
Smokejumpers: more history
I wrote an article on Smokejumper history in July 2009, that I edited last summer to delete some outdated links. I was on Archive dot org's Fedflix just now looking for another video which I have yet to find. In the course of my search on Fedflix, I found a 55 minute video called "Smoke Jumper Training for Airborne Fire Fighting in Missoula, Montana circa 1945-1949. I believe that this is a much longer version of the short (4 minute) version that I embedded in my July 2009 post on SmokeJumper History.
Some of you know that I appreciate the history of wildland firefighting, so it is in that spirit that I share this video here. Enjoy.
Direct Link to video on Archive dot org
Some of you know that I appreciate the history of wildland firefighting, so it is in that spirit that I share this video here. Enjoy.
Direct Link to video on Archive dot org
Friday, March 11, 2016
New Jersey Wildfire Activity: March 11th
Spring wildfire season in New Jersey is here.
There has been wildfire in activity in New Jersey over the past few days. Here are some wildfires that I know of. This is not an all inclusive list, I am sure that there is wildfire activity that I don't know about.
There has been wildfire in activity in New Jersey over the past few days. Here are some wildfires that I know of. This is not an all inclusive list, I am sure that there is wildfire activity that I don't know about.
- Hanover Township, NJ. Hanover Fire, 5 to 10 acre wildfire on March 8. NJFFS Sections A7-8. I learned of this fire from the NJ Forest Fire Service A-7-8 Association's Facebook page. Unfortunately, I don't believe that this page is available to the public, so I am not posting the link here.
- Evesham Twp, Burlington County NJ. Country Arms Wildfire. NJFFS Section B1. Reported in March 9th. Twenty homes were initially threatened and their were evacuations, since lifted. I understand that the fire was contained on March 10th at 48 acres. Article with video from 6 ABC, NJ dot com article.
- Hunterdon County NJ, numerous small brush fires on March 10th, all were extinguished within an hour or so, see this article from the NJFFS Section A2 Facebook Page.
- Woodland Township, Burlington County, Sooy Rd Wildfire. NJFFS Section B2. 300 acre fire first reported on March 10th. The wildfire has burned about 300 acres near Penn State Forest. No homes are threatened. According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildfire Page the wildfire was at 75 percent containment as of 8 AM this morning. Article 1 (NJ dot com), Article 2 (Burlington County Times)
Elevated Fire Risk in New Jersey: March 11th
Much of New Jersey and adjoining areas of southeastern Pennsylvania are experiencing enhanced fire danger for a second day this week. For more information see this NJ dot com article
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
1019 AM EST FRI MAR 11 2016
NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-
101>106-112300-
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-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NEWTON...WASHINGTON...MORRISTOWN...
FLEMINGTON...SOMERVILLE...NEW BRUNSWICK...FREEHOLD...TRENTON...
PENNSVILLE...GLASSBORO...CAMDEN...CHERRY HILL...MOORESTOWN...
MOUNT HOLLY...JACKSON...MILLVILLE...HAMMONTON...
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE...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...DOYLESTOWN
1019 AM EST FRI MAR 11 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
DRIER AIR IS MOVING INTO THE AREA BEHIND A COLD FRONT THAT PASSED
OFF THE COAST THIS MORNING. RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES ARE EXPECTED
TO DROP TO BETWEEN 30 AND 40 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON WITH NORTHWEST
WIND GUSTS IN THE 15 TO 20 MPH RANGE. THE COMBINATION OF LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...GUSTY WINDS AND DRY FUELS WILL PRODUCE AN
ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS
INTERIOR NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page all fire towers in New Jersey (Divisions A, B, and C) are staffed today, Friday March 11th.
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Elevated Fire Risk in NW NJ: March 9th
I had taken a day off with a friend yesterday, in part taking advantage of some unseasonably warm weather. Temperatures were well into the 60s yesterday even in extreme northern New Jersey where I was yesterday. My friend and I were visiting Stokes State Forest in Sussex County when we passed some New Jersey State Forest Fire vehicles NJSFF firefighters, perhaps finishing up a controlled burn. As it was an unseasonably warm day in early March, I found myself thinking that the spring wildfire season in New Jersey is just around the corner.
I was a little busy earlier this morning. Thanks to reading this article on NJ dot com, I saw that there is a risk of wildfires today. The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly NJ issued an enhanced fire danger warning for much of their forecast area in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania with conditions approaching red flag warning criteria for a couple of hours this afternoon:
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 943 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX- WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN- NORTHWESTERN 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...JIM THORPE...STROUDSBURG...READING...ALLENTOWN... BETHLEHEM...EASTON...MEDIA...PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK... OXFORD...WEST CHESTER...KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE... POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN...LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE... MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN 943 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL DROP TO OR JUST BELOW 30 PERCENT WHILE SOUTHWEST WIND GUSTS OF 15 TO 20 MPH WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON. THE COMBINATION OF LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, GUSTY WINDS AND DRY FUELS WILL PRODUCE AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS INTERIOR NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
The National Weather Service in Upton, New York has issued an enhanced fire danger warning covering a portion of their forecast area in northeastern New Jersey:
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 1015 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
NJZ002-004-006-103>108-092300- WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN- EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION- EASTERN UNION- 1015 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES ACROSS THE AREA WILL DROP TO NEAR 30 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON. AT THE SAME TIME...WINDS WILL GUST TO AROUND 20 MPH...HOWEVER THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL GUSTS CLOSER TO 25 MPH. THESE CONDITIONS ALONG WITH DRY FUELS...WILL COMBINE FOR AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has suspended all prescribed burning operations for today, Wednesday March 9th (see their March 9th post about today's enhanced fire danger on the New Jersey Forests Facebook page). According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who posted today that all fire towers in New Jersey (Divisions A, B, and C) are staffed today.
Thanks to all New Jersey State Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters for keeping us safe today.
I was a little busy earlier this morning. Thanks to reading this article on NJ dot com, I saw that there is a risk of wildfires today. The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly NJ issued an enhanced fire danger warning for much of their forecast area in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania with conditions approaching red flag warning criteria for a couple of hours this afternoon:
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 943 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX- WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-SALEM-GLOUCESTER-CAMDEN- NORTHWESTERN 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...JIM THORPE...STROUDSBURG...READING...ALLENTOWN... BETHLEHEM...EASTON...MEDIA...PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK... OXFORD...WEST CHESTER...KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE... POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN...LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE... MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN 943 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL DROP TO OR JUST BELOW 30 PERCENT WHILE SOUTHWEST WIND GUSTS OF 15 TO 20 MPH WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON. THE COMBINATION OF LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY, GUSTY WINDS AND DRY FUELS WILL PRODUCE AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS INTERIOR NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA.
The National Weather Service in Upton, New York has issued an enhanced fire danger warning covering a portion of their forecast area in northeastern New Jersey:
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 1015 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
NJZ002-004-006-103>108-092300- WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN- EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION- EASTERN UNION- 1015 AM EST WED MAR 9 2016
...AN ELEVATED RISK FOR SPREAD OF FIRES THIS AFTERNOON...
RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES ACROSS THE AREA WILL DROP TO NEAR 30 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON. AT THE SAME TIME...WINDS WILL GUST TO AROUND 20 MPH...HOWEVER THERE MAY BE OCCASIONAL GUSTS CLOSER TO 25 MPH. THESE CONDITIONS ALONG WITH DRY FUELS...WILL COMBINE FOR AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF FIRES.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has suspended all prescribed burning operations for today, Wednesday March 9th (see their March 9th post about today's enhanced fire danger on the New Jersey Forests Facebook page). According to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who posted today that all fire towers in New Jersey (Divisions A, B, and C) are staffed today.
Thanks to all New Jersey State Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters for keeping us safe today.
Monday, March 07, 2016
Prescribed Burns in New Jersey: March 7th and small fire in northern NJ
Prescribed or controlled burns conducted by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service continued on March 7th. According to the New Jersey Forests Facebook page prescribed burns will be conducted on March 7th in the following areas (weather permitting):
Thanks to the crews of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for all you are doing to keep the residents of New Jersey safe. Stay safe.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Buckshutem Wildlife Management Area, Lawrence Township
Dix Wildlife Management Area, Fairfield Township
GLOUCESTER COUNTY
Glassboro Wildlife Management Area, Clayton Township
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Jamesburg County Park, East Brunswick Township
MORRIS COUNTY
Black River Wildlife Management Area, Chester Township
Hopatcong State Park, Roxbury Township
SOMERSET COUNTY
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, Franklin Township
Somerset County Environmental Center, Bernards Township
SUSSEX COUNTYMy friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page reported that there was a three to four acre fire on the top of a ridge in the Worthington State Forest, Pahaquarry Township (Warren County, NJ). Firefighters used the Dunnefield Creek Parking Area (off of Interstate 80 just east of the Pennsylvania border) as a staging area. I understand that Division A requested a helicopter. New Jersey Forest Fire Service firefighters from Division A fought the fire which started on Sunday afternoon, March 6 and was reported under control at about 2 PM today, March 7. (Depending on when you are reading this article, the information that you see on the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page may be different.
High Point State Park, Wantage Township Stokes State Forest, Sandyston Township (Obtained on March 7, 2016 from the New Jersey Forests Facebook page)
Thanks to the crews of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for all you are doing to keep the residents of New Jersey safe. Stay safe.
Friday, March 04, 2016
Prescribed burning season in NJ: March 3
Prescribed or controlled burns by the NJ Forest Fire Service continue. According to the New Jersey Forests Facebook Page the following controlled burns were scheduled for March 3 (weather permitting):
The Press of Atlantic City published an article on March 3rd by Dan Skeldon on the importance of controlled burns in NJ (with photos) and a video. You will hear Bill Love, a section warden with the NJ Forest Fire Service explaining the importance of controlled (aka prescribed) burns. Updated on April 25,2016: I am no longer able to embed the video because I could not get the embed code to work as I wanted, I was able to go to the March 3rd article by Dan Skeldon to watch the video.
BURLINGTON COUNTY
Brendan Byrne State Forest, Pemberton Township
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Pleasant Run Wildlife Management Area, Upper Freehold Township
OCEAN COUNTY
Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat Township
Lumley Tract, Berkeley Township
Manchester Wildlife Management Area, Manchester Township
Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, Little Egg Harbor Township (obtained on March 5, 2016 from the New Jersey Forests Facebook Page)
The Press of Atlantic City published an article on March 3rd by Dan Skeldon on the importance of controlled burns in NJ (with photos) and a video. You will hear Bill Love, a section warden with the NJ Forest Fire Service explaining the importance of controlled (aka prescribed) burns. Updated on April 25,2016: I am no longer able to embed the video because I could not get the embed code to work as I wanted, I was able to go to the March 3rd article by Dan Skeldon to watch the video.
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
Prescribed burning season in NJ: March 1
Prescribed burns continue in NJ this week with one prescribed burn in the northern part of the state (Sussex County). According to the New Jersey Forests Facebook Page the following controlled burns were scheduled for March 1, some of which take place at night
Direct link to video and article
BURLINGTON COUNTY Penn State Forest, Washington Township
CAPE MAY COUNTY Belleplain State Forest, Dennis Township
CUMBERLAND COUNTY Buckshutem Wildlife Management Area, Lawrence Township Millville Wildlife Management Area, Commercial Township Peaslee Wildlife Management Area, Maurice River Township
OCEAN COUNTY Jakes Branch County Park, Beechwood Township Ocean County Park Rt 571, Jackson Township
SUSSEX COUNTY High Point State Park, Montague Township (obtained on March 2, 2016 from the New Jersey Forests Facebook PageThe Video below is from NBC10 in Philadelphia reporting on the prescribed burn at the Penn State Forest in Burlington County on Monday night, February 29th. I am never quite sure how long the video will be available, but it should be available for several days after I post this article. I had some trouble with the embed code supplied with the video, so if you can not get the video to play, click on the link before the video and you should be able to see the video.
Direct link to video and article
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