2018 Fire Season: Entiat Hotshots

Enjoy this video from the Entiat Hotshots, hosted by the Entiat Ranger District in the  Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington. They also have a Facebook Page where, you may learn about the crew and see some more photos of fires they worked. As regular readers know,  l like to share various crew videos highlight their fire season. Not only do these videos offer those of us who are not wildland firefighters a look into their world, but we get to the crew. Thank-you Entiat Hotshots for all you did to keep us safe in 2018.


Direct link to the video uploaded by Kevin Farrands

Correction: possible drone sighting in Newark-Liberty Airspace

I wrote on January 25, 2019 about pilot reports of a drone incursion over Teterboro Airport, about 20 miles north of Newark-Liberty International Airport, and on the approach corridor to Newark-Liberty. I must make a correction. That is, according to a January 23rd Washington Post article the FAA has not been able to independently confirm these sightings. Further drone industry experts are claiming that what was reported as drone sightings could have been bags, balloons, or space debris. See this Washington Post article for more information. I am, obviously, not in a position to make a comment one way or the other about the veracity of this apparent drone sighting.

Nonetheless, I continue to advocate for the safety of the airspace around our airports and implore drone (aka unmanned aircraft systems) to stay out of the airspace around airports. Further, and to the point of this blog, please do not fly your drone over wildfires, tankers and helicopters can not fly fires while drones are in the sky.

Drone incursion in Newark-Liberty Airspace

I have nothing against drones, I really don't. Drones are being used for a lot of good: storm surveys by the National Weather Service, agricultural aviation, scientific research and recreational uses such as photography outside of restricted airspace. Having said that, this is not the place to go if you want to learn about such uses. My concern here is and always be the safety of aviation operations both over wildfires and in and around our airports. I implore all who are use drones, aka unmanned aircraft systems that as applicable you register your drones with the FAA, stay out of airspace in and around airports, obey any applicable TFRs (temporary flight restrictions) and to the point of my blog, stay away from wildfires and structure fires.

Flight operations at Newark-Liberty International Airport were halted for a couple of hours on Tuesday, January 22nd when one or two drones were reported by the pilots of two planes near Teterboro Airport at 3,500 feet. Teterboro Airport is located under Newark's airspace about 20 miles north of the Newark-Liberty International Airport. See this report from CBS2 in New York (with video) and this NJ.com article.

A mid-air collision between a drone and an aircraft has the potential for fatal consequences. So far we have been lucky, but I fear the time will come when I drone will bring down an aircraft causing injuries or death to the occupants. In 2017 a drone collided with an Army Black Hawk Helicopter over Staten Island that later landed safely in New Jersey, see this article from NJ.com for more information. See the video report in this Business Insider report about what a drone collision with an aircraft wing could do.

January 26, 2019: I have read some reports on the internet speculating that the the alleged drone sightings by pilots on January 22nd may not have been drones. I posted a follow-up on January 28th, saying that the FAA has so far been unable to verify that a drone was sighted on January 22nd.

1910 Wildfires in the Northern Rockies (USA)

I am a fan of PBS and happened upon the listing for American Experience on January 22nd. American Experience reran their 2015 documentary on the Big Burn last night. I had watched it four years ago and enjoyed and watched it again last night. And I recorded it so I could watch it again. If you are accessing this post within a few days of January 23rd, you may be able to watch the stream on PBS American Experience: The Big Burn, it takes about an hour. At some point PBS will deactivate the stream, but if you go to the link you may watch several clips from the documentary. The film is based on Timothy Egan's book, The Big Burn which I just started to read.

The Big Burn is about the 1910 wildfires that hit the northern Rockies in the summer of 1910. It had been a very dry summer with prime conditions for wildfires. By early August, upwards of 2,000 wildfires were burning in the northern Rockies. On August 20th, hurricane force winds causing a big blow-up with the different wildfires merging and ultimately burning three million acres, killing 86 people including 78 firefighters. The United States Forest Service has a short write up of what they call The Great Blowup of 1910 that you may find here.

Updated on December 20, 2020: the video that I originally embedded here is no longer available.

Kudos to the National Weather Service

As we are a month into the partial shutdown of the U.S. Government, I am sure that most of you have read about the hardships faced by U.S. Government employees who are furloughed. Then there are those whose jobs are deemed of a critical nature so they are working without pay during the shutdown. The focus of this article is about our friends at the National Weather Service who are working without pay during this partial U.S, Government shutdown.

If I have not said so before, I will say it now, I hold the National Weather Service in very high regard. They are my go to place for weather information. I have the website of my local NWS Weather Forecast Office at Mt. Holly bookmarked and have a special widget on my iPad for ease of access. I know other media outlets and weather sites on the internet use the NWS radar as a source for their radar, and I have a free radar app on my iPad. Yes, the NWS forecasts as well as their various advisories, watches, and warnings are used by many media outlets and other private weather corporations. Nothing against those, but I prefer getting my weather directly from the NWS. And I have learned about meteorology by following the NWS. I serve as a volunteer for the NWS at Mt. Holly as a skywarn spotter. It is fun, and I am glad to help out. I have been serving as a skywarn spotter since Super Storm Sandy, in fact I made my very first skywarn spotter report the morning after Super Storm Sandy hit, reporting on the wind damage, our power outage, and transformer fires.

Everyone, and I mean everyone from the NWS either for this blog, or at Mt. Holly in my role as a skywarn spotter has been very professional and always helpful. Who else can you laugh with when you are making a report of ice accretion at 4 AM or laugh together when I trudge through the snow to take a snow measurement only to lose track of my snowboard because I did not do a good job marking the location of my snow board? They are dedicated and care about what they do.

We have had one of those difficult to forecast coastal lows here in the east over the weekend, and before it hit us in NJ it hit the midwest with a lot of snow. I was lucky this time, but north of us, not so much. Some areas north of us, e.g. Connecticut saw an ice storm, with snow further north. Last week California experienced winter rains along with flash flooding and debris flows on burn scars. Through it all, our friends at the NWS were working hard, often putting in longer hous to give us the information that we needed to keep safe.

Writing this post to thank all of my friends at the NWS who are working during this partial shutdown feels wholly inadequate.  But I write this to share my utmost respect for the NWS.

Here are two great articles that came across my electronic desk in the last couple of days about the NWS and the great work that they do:

• Outside Online, published January 18 2019 "The National Weather Service Our Best Federal Agency"
• NPR (January 18, 2019) Back to back snowstorms and no pay for federal weather forecasters.

CA rains: follow-up on January 18th

I am not in a position to provide a detailed follow-up to the post I wrote on January 16th where I wrote about rains continuing on burn scars in California with various Flash Flood Watches being issued by some of the Weather Forecast Office in California. I do know that there was significant rainfall in California as you can see from the map from the NWS California Nevada River Forecast Center (CNRFC) that they posted on their Facebook Page on January 18th.

Here is a map that I obtained from the CNRFC on January 18th. The orange circles indicate River gages that are at monitor stage.

Obtained at 12:08 PM PST on January 18, 2019 from https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/

What is monitoring stage? Here is an example of data as of January 18th at 8:13 AM PST from a gage on the Sacramento River at Ord Ferry just southwest of Chico, CA. The gage is located in the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge in Butte County, California, go to the link in preceding sentence and scroll down to see a map.

Obtained on January 18, 2019 at 12:34 PM PST from https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ORFC1

The dotted orange link in the above graphic is the bottom of the monitor stage. The data is revised several times a day so what you see if you go the url will be different from what is displayed above.

I do know from reading storm reports from the NWS San Diego whose storm report may be found here ,and the NWS Hanford CA (their storm report is on this website) that there were several reports of flash flooding and debris flows. I do not if there was any property damage from these flash floods and debris flows.  I know from the CBS station in Los Angeles that residents in and near the Holy burn scar in the Lake Elsinore area of Riverside County were under evacuation orders on January 17th, go here to read the article. Mandatory evacuation were downgraded to voluntary orders yesterday. I believe that the voluntary evacuation orders were lifted later on January 17th.

Rains continue over burn scars in California (January 16-17)

Fortunately, predicted high hourly rainfall rates during the January 15th rain event over the burn scars in Santa Barbara County did not materialize. Santa Barbara County emergency officials had issued evacuation orders for January 15th for residents below the Thomas, and the Wittier/Sherpa burn scars. These evacuation orders were lifted at 6 PM on the 15th because the storm moved on quicker than forecast with lower rainfall rates. While I understand the inconvenience of these evacuations,  debris flows are nothing to mess around with. Safety is paramount. I am glad that these evacuation orders were in place for the safety of the residents. See this article from the San Luis Obispo Tribune for more information.

Southern and Central California will see more rain this afternoon, January 16th, into Thursday January 17th.  Note revised on January 17th at 2:30 PM to include NWS Sacramento CA

See this graphic from NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard:

Obtained on January 16, 2019 from https://www.weather.gov/lox/

And this graphic from the NWS Hanford CA:

Obtained on January 16, 2018 from https://www.weather.gov/hnx/

Here is a graphic from the NWS Sacramento CA:

Obtained on January 17, 2019 from NWS Sacramento CA FB page: here

And finally, this graphic from the NWS San Diego CA:

obtained on January 16, 2019 from https://www.weather.gov/sgx/

Flash Flood Watches (be prepared!) issued by some of the California NWS Weather Forecast Offices on January 16th for portions of their forecast areas that include burn scars:

• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS Hanford for the Ferguson, Railroad and Pier burn scars.
• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS Sacramento for the Carr, Delta, and  Mirtz burn scars
• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard for the Woolsey, Hill. South, and Stone burn scars.
• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS San Diego for the Holy Fire burn scar.

The National Weather Service has a good page on flood safety, information about flood advisories, watches and warnings may be found here. I wrote a longer article on NWS Advisories, Watches and Warnings with a Focus on Fire Weather with a discussion on post-fire debris flows and Flash Flood Warnings.

Grumman S-2A airtanker footage (1973) "Red Shower"

This may be another oldie but goodie. Even so, it bears repeating for the history. The video is from 1973, a California Department of Forestry presentation about the Grumman S-2A airtanker. You will see some other historic tankers. Allow just under 17 minutes to watch the entire video.


Direct link to video uploaded by AAFAirtankerVideos

2018 wildfire season: Camp Fire post fire hazardous waste clean-up: a conundrum where to put non-hazardous debris?

The clean-up after the Camp Fire is still in phase one, the clean-up of hazardous waste where according to this Butte County website, 61.6 percent of properties in Paradise have been designated and signed as having hazardous wastes removed, see my January 4th article for more information. Once the hazardous waste clean-up is completed then phase two starts, debris removal. Where debris removal includes non-hazardous debris including but not limited to remnants of burned structures, furniture,non-hazardous household items and personal effects. See the Butte County Debris Removal website and my December 19th article for more information

I am not quite sure if ash is removed during phase one or phase two.

There are thousands of properties that will be included in phase two of the post Camp Fire clean-up. The conundrum is where will the non-hazardous debris go?  There are designated landfills for hazardous debris in California and Nevada. Officials are looking at nearby towns in northern California for a "temporary scrapyard" to store burned non-hazardous debris. Residents of these towns have understandable environmental and public health concerns. I have no answer for the conundrum of where to put the debris. But I can say that it is not uncommon that residents do not want such a scrapyard in their town. There is an article from Emergency Management reporting on various issues involving where to put non-hazardous debris from the Camp Fire.

As I said, I have no answers. It is a conundrum. This is a question facing both disaster officials and the residents of nearby towns who have been approached about hosting this scrapyard. Public comments from residents of towns under consideration to host this scrapyard have been solicited. At some point a site for this scrapyard will be chosen and people are going to be unhappy.

My thanks to Mike Archer of Wildfire News of the Day for sharing the article from Emergency Management the other day.

About NWS Warnings with attention to fire weather

Some of you may have notice that in the last day I have a new page on this blog, NWS Advisories, Watches & Warnings, where I have posted a long article that I wrote called National Weather Service Advisories, Watches, & Warnings with a Focus on Fire Weather.

Late last summer I got in a conversation with a couple of friends of mine about the difference between Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings issued by local National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFO). I wanted to give them some good information so with the help of a couple friends from a couple of NWS WFO including my very own NWS Mt Holly WFO, I made some notes about Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings. To make a long story short, I did more reading on NWS websites. As I read more, I realized that I wanted to expand my notes into a longer article with the intention of providing information for the general public about various NWS advisories, watches and warnings focusing on fire weather.

The result is an article that is a little over six pages on my word processor. I was helped along the way by several NWS meteorologists from NWS WFOs around the country, including the Mt. Holly (Philadelphia) WFO. In addition, I was helped by a retired NWS meteorologist. They answered my questions, and provided new insights and where there when I wanted to know if my thinking was correct.

I hope that some of you find this article useful. It is my hope that this article will apply to those of you in rural as well as suburban and urban areas. Further while there is a special focus on fire weather; some of the advisories, watches and warnings I write about apply in situations where there are no current or recent wildland fires. There are numerous NWS links in the article that you can refer to for further information.

You will note that I refer to this article near the top right hand side of my blog for ease of reference. 

A Helo working fires in Saskatchewan (2015)

Some of you may have noticed that every so often I embed a video highlighting helicopters working wildfires in support of the wildland firefighters on the ground. And when I do so, I share the video in memory of my friend Matt, who is now flying in favorable tail winds. Matt was not a pilot but he was a fan of anything to do with helicopters and we had a lot of fun talking about helos. So Matt, this video below, of a 206 Long Ranger LII fighting wildfires in Saskatchewan is for you.


Direct link to video from Martin Camirand

2018 wildfire season: Camp Fire post fire hazardous waste clean-up -- Jan 4 2019 update

I wrote about the hazardous waste clean-up following the Camp Fire in my December 19, 2018 article. Recall that part one of the clean-up involves hazardous waste clean-up by teams from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the assistance of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Part two of the clean-up involves debris and ash removal. See the Butte County (CA) site on post-fire debris removal for more information.

As I write this, 45.8 percent of 13,000 properties in Paradise, California are designated (and signed) as hazardous waste removal being completed. The sign posted on the property designates that hazardous waste clean-up has been completed. In addition, a hazard fact sheet is posted. See this interactive website for current information, with maps.

I don't exactly know current information on resident re-entry into the fire area. That is, in early December 2018, I know that residents went to check points where giving a safety kit with information and protective clothing and a N95 mask to wear and instructions (see this re-entry page from Butte County recovers). Even when a property has been designated as having hazardous waste removal being complete, people must still take precautions when re-entering their property. Hazardous waste may still remain in building materials, ash on the ground and other areas of the property. As stated earlier, debris and ash removal falls under part two of the clean-up. Water may still be contaminated, including well water. Follow any water usage restrictions. Wells and septic systems may have been compromised.

I close with an excerpt from this Butte County Hazard Advisory:

DEBRIS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE

Fire damage can create significant health and safety hazards that may be present at individual properties. It is recommended that structure ash is not disturbed due to potential exposure to toxic materials. If you choose to visit your property, please consider the following:

• Wear sturdy shoes (steel toes and shanks are recommended) and clothing.
• Hazardous chemicals and conditions may be present.
• Inspect propane tanks for visible damage before turning on.
• Coverall clothing when in proximity to ash. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact, whenever possible.  
• Goggles should be worn.Contact with wet ash may cause chemical burns or irritation on skin. Change your shoes and clothing prior to leaving the decontamination site, to avoid tracking ash into your car, home, etc.
• Anything in contact with ash should be cleaned and sanitized. Sorting through/cleaning fire debris is not recommended.
• Be aware of slip, trip, fall, puncture and overhead hazards.
• Do not use leaf blowers or do any activities that will put ash into the air.
• Wear a close fitting respirator mask that is rated N-95 or P-100 to block particles from ash or smoke from being inhaled. N-95 respirators are well-
• fitted when they do not come into contact with facial hair; strap tension is adequate, not overly tightened; and masks fit across the nose bridge. A tight seal would not be possible for most children, even with a small adult-size model. People with heart or lung disease should consult their physician before using a respirator. 
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the only agency that certifies respirators to determine that they adequately protect people. Look for NIOSH approval on the package or label.

DO NOT REMOVE ASH AND DEBRIS WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM BUTTE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL 
HEALTH 

Links in this article were valid at the time I wrote the article on January 4, 2019. I assume that these links will be active for as long as the clean-up continues. 

2018 Fire Season: Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center & Southern Oregon

Enjoy these two short videos summarizing the 2018 fire season in eastern Idaho and southern Oregon.

The first video is from Idaho Fire Info, summarizing the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center 2018 Fire Season. It is under two minutes long.


Direct link to video from Idaho Fire Info

The second and final video was uploaded by Jacob Sams, summarizing the 2018 fire season in southern Oregon.


Direct link to video from Jacob Sams