2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Halloween Wildfire, Cumberland County (Initial Post)

As I write this and share the latest report NJ Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) report on yet another wildfire it is 9:20 PM on October 31st. It looks like the NJFFS first reported on the Halloween Fire at about 5:30 PM. I lingered online looking for media reports, but failed to find any. When I came back to the NJFFS Facebook there was an update which I am sharing below. The Halloween Fire has burned 100 acres, no structures are threatened and it is not contained. One road, Railroad Ave. in Downe Twshp close to the wildfire is closed. ABC6 out of Philadelphia has a report on this fire, published on November 1st, the report may be found here.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Evesham Twshp. Burlington County (Final Update)

Here is the final update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service about the wildfire in Evesham Twshp, Burlington County. I reported on this fire the evening of October 30th. The fire was first reported on October 30. The fire remains at 40 acres burned, no structures are threatened (fifteen structures were threatened yesterday) and there are no road closures. Wildland firefighters from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service will remain at the wildfire site to monitor the wildfire. Direct link to the NJFFS Facebook post shared below.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Evesham Twshp. Burlington County

 I was gone much of the day so I missed the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's initial report earlier today on a wildfire in Evesham Burlington County that was at that time threatening fifteen structures with no evacuations. 

Here is the latest update from about 7 PM, the wildfire has burned 40 acres and is at 50% containment. There are five threatened structures, down from fifteen earlier today. There are no road closures and no evacuations. Thanks to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters and local fire companies for working this fire. 

2024 Wildfire Season: Wildfires Continue in Massachusetts

Direct link to video from WCVB Channel 5 Boston on YouTube

New Jersey continues to be in a period of very high fire danger, but according to the NWS Mt.Holly/Philadelphia the risk of the spread of wildfires is not as high today as it had been recently. That is not the case in southern New England where an elevated risk of wildfires continues today (Oct 30) in southern New England. Wildfires continue in Massachusetts and probably elsewhere in southern New England

061
WWUS81 KBOX 292246
SPSBOX
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
646 PM EDT Tue Oct 29 2024
CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-RIZ001>008-310000-
Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT-Western Franklin MA-
Eastern Franklin MA-Northern Worcester MA-Central Middlesex MA-
Western Essex MA-Eastern Essex MA-Western Hampshire MA-
Western Hampden MA-Eastern Hampshire MA-Eastern Hampden MA-
Southern Worcester MA-Western Norfolk MA-Southeast Middlesex MA-
Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-Northern Bristol MA-
Western Plymouth MA-Eastern Plymouth MA-Southern Bristol MA-
Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-Nantucket MA-
Northern Middlesex MA-Northwest Providence RI-
Southeast Providence RI-Western Kent RI-Eastern Kent RI-
Bristol RI-Washington RI-Newport RI-Block Island RI-
Including the cities of Hartford, Windsor Locks, Union, Vernon,
Putnam, Willimantic, Charlemont, Greenfield, Orange, Barre,
Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, Lawrence, Gloucester,
Chesterfield, Blandford, Amherst, Northampton, Springfield,
Milford, Worcester, Foxborough, Norwood, Cambridge, Boston,
Quincy, Taunton, Brockton, Plymouth, Fall River, New Bedford,
Mattapoisett, Chatham, Falmouth, Provincetown, Vineyard Haven,
Nantucket, Ayer, Foster, Smithfield, Providence, Coventry,
West Greenwich, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick, Bristol,
Narragansett, Westerly, Newport, and New Shoreham

646 PM EDT Tue Oct 29 2024
...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS FOR SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
WEDNESDAY...

The prolonged period of dry weather coupled with a very dry ground
will continue to result in elevated fire weather concerns
Wednesday. Highs Wednesday should recover into the upper 60s to
the middle 70s. Minimum relative humidity values are expected to
range between 45 to 55 percent with southwest winds of 10 to 15
mph.
Use caution when handling and disposing of ignition sources.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.

2024 Wildfire Season: Wildfires in New England

 I am very mindful of the fact that while New Jersey continues to see an increased risk of wildfires today (see this Oct 28th Special Weather Statement from the NWS at Philadelphia/Mt. Holly) that portions of New England are also experiencing an increased risk of wildfires according to a Special Weather Statement issued by the NWS at Boston/Norton MA earlier this morning (I think this link may change as soon as a new SWS is issued, sorry). 

I do want to share some videos of wildfires in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I start with Connecticut where I wrote about Connecticut and the Hawthorne Fire in Berlin on October 25th. I want to thank my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who shared these videos earlier this morning on their daily video page. Thanks to all the wildland firefighters and mutual aid responders for working these wildfires and keeping us safe.

1. Connecticut

Direct link to video from WTNH on YouTube

2. Massachusetts

Direct link to video from CBS Boston on YouTube

3. New Hampshire

Direct link to video from WMUR on YouTube

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Industrial Parkway Fire, Essex County (Livingston) Final update

A final update on the Industrial Parkway Fire in Livingston, Essex County NJ from the NJ Forest Fire Service. This wildfire has burned 192 acres and is at 90% containment. No structures are threatened. Direct link to NJFFS Facebook post shared below.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Industrial Parkway Fire, Essex County (Livingston) Oct 27th update

October 27th, 10:05 AM

See my Oct 26th post where I first reported on the wildfire that is still burning in Livingston NJ, Essex County. The Industrial Parkway Fire has burned 140 acres and remains at 60 percent containment, 10 structures are threatened and there are no evacuations. Road closures in the vicinity of the wildfire remain in effect until noon today. The NJ Forest Fire Service is in unified command with the Livingston Fire Department.

1:30 PM

No new updates from the NJ Forest Fire Service, but I am sharing three media reports on the Industrial Parkway Fire from local media. These reports came after a 10 AM press conference by the NJ Forest Fire Service. This news conference was not available virtually, but that did not matter as I was not home.

• News 12 New Jersey (with video)
• NJ Advance Media
• North Jersey News

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Industrial Parkway Fire, Essex County

There is a wildfire in Livingston in Essex County, the Industrial Parkway Fire. Earlier today this wildfire threatened 48 structures and six commercial businesses were evacuated, that number is now down to ten structures threatened. There are currently no evacuations. While some roads have reopened, other roads in the area of the fire remain closed as I write this. See this report from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook for the earlier update.

Per the last update at about 9 PM tonight, October 26th, the wildfire has burned 120 acres and is at 60 percent containment with ten structures threatened.

October 27, 7 AM No new updates on the Industrial Parkway Fire yet, I will make a post later today with updates. In the meantime. News 12 New Jersey reported on this fire on the evening of October 26, their report with a video may be found here. Their reporter who was in Livingston last night reported from the Livingston Shopping Mall which was evacuated earlier that day. By the way, I used to live about 30 minutes from Livingston over 20 years ago and was familiar with that shopping mall and that area. In addition, NJ Advance Media reported on the fire. The Livingston Fire Department with the assistance of the NJ Forest Fire Service and mutual aid from other towns responded to this fire. From what I understand the Livingston Fire Department was the first responder and then reached out to the NJ Forest Fire Service for assistance in fighting this fire. I first learned about this fire last night from checking out the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page  to look at their daily videos, a shout out to them for their great website with great daily videos and great reporting on major wildfires in New Jersey.

1:30 PM, see my Oct 27th post for the Oct 27th morning from the NJ Forest Fire Service as well as some media coverage

2024 Wildfire Season: Connecticut

Thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who do an excellent job providing important updates to the current wildfire situation in New Jersey. Among other things they post critical updates on wildfire danger from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ, see Mt Holly's fire weather forecast for today, October 25th as we in NJ remain at an increased risk of wildfire danger. 

While I have been focusing on the high wildfire danger in New Jersey over the last few days, I have been aware of wildfire concerns in other parts of the country, including but not limited the mid-atlantic and the northeastern United States. Thanks again to my friends from the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who post videos every day focusing on wildfire concerns around the United States (including New Jersey) and internationally. In looking at the videos they have posted recently I became aware of the high fire danger in Connecticut and wildfires burning in Connecticut. Today, I am here to share a couple of videos about a wildfire, the Hawthorne Fire, that has been burning in Berlin, Connecticut. The fire is on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and is difficult to access. I have tried to find specific information, e.g. fire size and containment information, but so far have not been able to find a page to refer you to. However, I do know from this report from the NBC CT Weather Blog (updated October 25th at 7:10 AM) that the fire is reported to have burned 107 acres.

Unfortunately, one wildland firefighter has died in a rollover incident a couple of days ago. Wildland firefighters in the same vehicle were injured and have since been released from the hospital. Aerial resources have been deployed to work the Hawthorne Fire, included helicopters from the Connecticut National Guard.

1. Hawthorne Fire in Berlin continues to burn

Direct link to video from Fox 61 on YouTube

2. Wildland firefighter dies in rollover accident

Direct link to video from WPRI on YouTube

3. Connecticut National Guard helicopters working Hawthorne Fire

Direct link to video from WFSB 3 on YouTube

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Red Flag Warnings for Central and Southern NJ

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings (extreme wildfire danger) for central and southern New Jersey starting at 11AM on October 24th. In addition, the NWS at Mt. Holly issued a special weather statement for the rest of their forecast area for an increased risk of wildfires today, October 24th.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE 

National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 352 AM EDT Thu Oct 24 2024 

NJZ012-013-015>023-027-242200- /O.CON.KPHI.FW.W.0002.241024T1500Z-241024T2200Z/ Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden- Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-Atlantic-Cape May- Southeastern Burlington- 352 AM EDT Thu Oct 24 2024 .

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHERN TO CENTRAL NEW JERSEY... The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM EDT Today. * AFFECTED AREA...Middlesex, Western Monmouth, Mercer, Salem,    Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean,    Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May and Southeastern Burlington.

* TIMING...From 11 AM to 6 PM EDT Thursday. 

* WINDS...North to Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to   30 mph. 

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 30 percent. * TEMPERATURES...In the mid to upper 60s.  

 * IMPACTS...The combination of very dry conditions, low relative   humidity, and gusty winds will result in favorable conditions   for the rapid spread of fires. Any fires that develop may     become difficult to contain, especially cross the Pine Barrens    region. 

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. && $$ OHara 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County): Oct 23rd Update

Unless there are significant changes to the status of the Microwave Fire, The New Jersey Forest Fire Service posted their last update on the Microwave Fire in Rockaway Township, Morris County the evening of October 23rd. Kudos to the NJ Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters and local mutual aid firefighters who worked on this fire. The fire burned 77 acres and is 90% contained and NJ Forest Fire wildland firefighters remain on scene. This is the final incident update from the NJFFS. Direct link to the NJFFS Facebook post shared below. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County): Oct 22nd update

The NJ Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters along with mutual aid responders continue to fight the Microwave Fire in Morris County. On October 22nd containment was up to 90% with no structures threatened. The update below was posted by the NJ Forest Fire Service about 8 PM on October 22nd.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season Elevated Risk of Wildfires: Oct 23rd

 

National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
349 AM EDT Wed Oct 23 2024

DEZ001>004-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-055-
060>062-070-071-101>106-232200-
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-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, 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,
and Doylestown
349 AM EDT Wed Oct 23 2024

...Increased Risk of Fire Spread Later Today...

There is an increased risk of fire spread this afternoon. Relative
humidity values are expected to fall to around 30 to 40 percent across
much of the area. This will be combined with south to southwest winds
near 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph, temperatures in the mid
to upper 70s, and abundant sunshine. These conditions will support
the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult
to control.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish
or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials
such as cigarette butts. Refer to your state`s forest fire management
agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area.

Relative humidity values will be lower Thursday, with stronger winds.
Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions
and lack of any recent rainfall.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County): Oct 21st Evening Update

The Microwave Fire in Rockaway Township, Morris County continues to burn. The acreage burned remains at 77acres and containment has increased to 85 percent. Three houses are threatened, down from 30 houses on October 20th. Of note is that helicopters with a 350 gallon bucket made 15 drops on this fire on Saturday afternoon. There is one road closure in the area and no evacuations. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

There is a wildfire burning on Joint Base McQuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The fire is being fought by wildland firefighters from the Joint Base who are doing back burning to contain the fire. It is expected that the fire will remain on the Joint Base property. As I write this, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is not responding to this fire. Updates on this fire may be obtained from the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Facebook page that I will be monitoring.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Stage 3 Campfire Restrictions in effect

This morning the New Jersey Forest Fire Service implemented stage 3 campfire restrictions, see the Facebook post from the NJ Forest Fire Service that I embedded below. But first I want to share an image from the NJ Forest Fire Service with today's restrictions and fire danger. I wanted to point out that in addition to the Stage 3 campfire restrictions, the highest level of restrictions, there is no agricultural burning allowed today. In addition, you can see that today's fire danger is very high. I would think that the very high fire danger and the restrictions will continue until there is some rainfall. Today is the 21st day that I have not seen any rain except for .03 inches in the second week of October, I know because I have a rain gage and record rain measurements.

obtained on October 21st at 11 AM from The NJ Forest Fire Service Fire Conditions and Restrictions Page

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County)

October 20th, 7PM

I just now checked the NJ Forest Fire Service's Facebook page and saw their post about the Microwave Fire that has burned 77 acres in Rockaway Township New Jersey, according to their post the fire is at 70 percent containment late morning on October 20th. Thirteen structures are threatened, as far as I know there are no evacuations in place. Thirty structres were threatened earlier today. For more information see this report from News 12 New Jersey and another report from NJ Advance Media. New Jersey is in a prolonged period of little rain with about three weeks with no rain in my section of New Jersey, so conditions are very dry leading to critical wildfire danger. This is the last update for this evening, the NJ Forest Fire Service is planning to make another update tomorrow, Oct. 21st at about 11 AM (or perhaps later).

October 21st, 1:15 PM

The New Jersey Forest Fire posted an update on the Microwave Fire, currently burning in Rockaway Township in Morris County. The status remains unchanged. The fire remains at 77 acres burned. The fire is at 70 percent containment with 13 structures threatened.

Drought Monitor (Oct 15th) for New Jersey

 I'd like to thank the anonymous poster who commented in the post I made on October 18th that there is a severe drought (D2) affecting portions of the Pine Barrens in NJ. I considered sharing the drought monitor map in yesterday's post but did not. Drought is one of the factors that can lead to an increased risk of wildfires. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Elevated Risk of Wildfires (Oct 18th-20th)

We continue to have dry conditions here in New Jersey with most of the State being under either abnormally dry conditions or a moderate drought. Among the factors contributing to an elevated risk of wildfires are these dry conditions, wind, and a low relative humidity are also factors. According to the Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service at Mt Holly this morning, the elevated risk of wildfires is forecast to continue through the weekend. The Facebook post from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly New Jersey is a good reminder of what we can do try to prevent wildfires. Thanks to the New Jersey Forest who are on alert today to fight any wildfires that crop up.

Special Weather Statement National Weather Service 

Mount Holly NJ 302 AM EDT 

Fri Oct 18 2024 DEZ001>004-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-055- 060>062-070-071-101>106-182300- 

New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-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, 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, and Doylestown

302 AM EDT Fri Oct 18 2024

 ...Increased Risk of Fire Spread through This Afternoon... There is an increased risk of fire spread through this afternoon. Relative humidity values are expected to fall to around 20% to 25% across much of the area. This will be combined with north to northeast winds near 10 to 15 mph, with sporadic gusts of 18 to 20 mph possible at times, temperatures in the mid 60s to near 70 degrees, and abundant sunshine. These conditions will support the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Refer to your state`s forest fire management agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area. Relative humidity values will remain low into the weekend, however winds will be much lighter. Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions and lack of any recent rainfall. 

 $$ Staarmann

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Wildfire in Brendon T. Byrne State Forest (Burlington County)

October 16, 7:15 PM (posted Oct. 17, 7:15 AM)

Thanks to the NJ Forest Fire Service and Mutual Aid Fire Departments for responding to this fire yesterday bringing the fire to 60 percent containment by early evening on October 16th. This is the final incident update from the NJFFS. Nice job! Direct link to NJFFS Facebook post shared below

Thanks to the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page for sharing this eight minute from New Jersey Shore Fire Response of the response to this wildfire this morning. (added at 10:15 AM on Oct. 17th)

Direct link to video from New Jersey Shore Fire Response on YouTube

October 16, 2:30 PM

This just in, there is a multi-acre wildfire burning in the Brendon T. Byrne State Forest in Pemberton, Burlington County NJ. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate the road (Mary Ann Forge Rd.) cited by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service so I am unable to show you an approximate location for the wildfire. I expect another update from the NJ Forest Fire Service later this afternoon or this evening and will update this post at that time.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service: Helicopter Pilot Profile

 I pay some attention to New South Wales in Australia in part because I have acquaintances in New South Wales but also because as I can, I try to have an international perspective on aerial wildland fire fighting. While perusing the New South Wales Rural Fire Service's Facebook page the other day I came across their member profile of Mick Cantwell a helicopter pilot who is also a remote area firefighter. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Elevated Risk of Wildfires (Oct 15)

 

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
941 AM EDT Tue Oct 15 2024

NJZ001-007>010-012>027-152200-
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-
Including the cities of 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,
and Wharton State Forest
941 AM EDT Tue Oct 15 2024

...Increased Fire Weather Concerns for Tuesday through 6PM...

Fire weather risks are elevated for Tuesday, October 15th. Breezy
winds with occasional gusts near 20 mph, relative humidity values
near 30-35%, and dry fuels will combine to make conditions more
favorable for the spread of wildfires. Any fires that develop may
become challenging to contain.

Importance of Maintenance Checks of Aircraft

 Regular maintenance checks are important for the safety of all aircraft including but not limited to air tankers, firefighting helicopters, and support aircraft. Some shorter maintenance checks are done during the firefighting season that may only take an airtanker out of service for a night. Other maintenance checks take longer, such as the fall maintenance checks that Coulson is currently doing on their aircraft in advance of the fire season in Australia. 

NSW Rural Fire Service's Bomber 210, a Coulson air tanker, did good service in California during their summer fire season and is back in Australia for their fire season.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Medford Twshp Burlington County Contained

October 12, 7:05 AM

I saw this wildfire alert from the NJ Forest Fire Service last night. I have no other information. The NJ Forest Fire Service will be posting an update later this morning, stay tuned and I will update this post. At this time, the acres burned is not known, there is no containment and no structures are threatened. Direct link to Facebook post from the NJFFS shared below.

October 12, 1:30 PM

The NJ Forest Fire Service reports that the wildfire in Medford Township, Burlington County has burned 30 acres and is at 100% containment and no structures are threatened. No structures are threatened. Nice job! Direct link to NJFFS Facebook post.

Hurricane Hunter flies into Hurricane Milton Before Landfall

I have seen a video on various Florida media sites on YouTube of a hurricane hunter aircraft flying into Hurricane Milton the day before Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on the Gulf Coast of Florida at about 8:30 PM on October 9th. I spent some time looking at different versions of this video from media sites before settling on the one that I am embedding below because it shows the turbulence experienced as they were flying into Milton and some shots from the cockpit. The YouTube video is from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. The first couple of minutes of the video where they are showing the effect of some turbulence gave me a look into what the crews of the hurricane hunters go through as they fly hurricanes to provide information for the National Hurricane Center's hurricane forecasts and related information.

First Energy Sent Crews to Help With Electricity Restoration After Hurricane Helene

First Energy is my electric supplier. Thank-you First Energy for helping out with electricity restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service Deployed a Chainsaw Crew to Help With Hurricane Helene Recovery

 I am happy that the NJ Forest Fire Service has sent a chainsaw crew to help with Hurricane Helene recovery. The NJ Forest Fire Service honors all of us in New Jersey by helping out with this recovery. Thank-you to the chainsaw crew for helping out. 

Hurricane Hunters 2024 Edition Part 3

 I have a great deal of respect for the good work that hurricane hunter aircraft and their crew do flying into hurricanes to get information on tropical storms and hurricanes to help with hurricane forecast, information that can only be gotten from a hurricane hunter aircraft. I posted two articles on hurricane hunter aircrafts early in the hurricane season, one on June 3rd and the second on July 8th. After reading about Hurricane Milton that is currently churning in the Gulf of Mexico I wanted to find some videos to share with you about the work that hurricane hunters do. I want to thank the crews of the hurricane hunter aircraft for their dangerous work of flying into hurricanes in order that those in the path of a hurricane may take appropriate action to be safe.

I begin by sharing a Facebook post by the National Hurricane Center posted about 9:30 AM on October 7th.

Here are two videos, the first is a short video of a hurricane hunter flying into the eye of Helene. The second video is from The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (2019) that is a rerun so to speak

Direct link to video from WFLA News Channel 6 on YouTube

Direct link to video from The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on YouTube

Fire Camp May 2024: NJ Forest Fire Service and North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange

I enjoyed this video from the NJ Dept of Environmental Protection - Forest Fire Service highlighting the May 2024 four day workshop in the Pinelands. I always learn a lot from videos like this one. I appreciate what the New Jersey Forest Fire Service does to keep us safe as well as their partnership in this and other Fire Camps.

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Deleware Helping with Hurricane Helene Recovery

I am sure that many States are sending emergency workers and first responders to towns and states impacted by Hurricane Helene including but not limited to National Guard troops.

I know that the New York Army National Guard has deployed 17 soldiers and three CH47-Chinook Helicopters to support recovery efforts in North and South Carolina, see this September 29th press release from NY Governor Kathy Hochul for more information. Emergency workers and first responders from the Delaware Valley (Delaware, southern NJ, and southeast Pennsylvania) have been deployed to areas affected by Helene including first responders and utility workers, see this report from CBS news .

I want to share Facebook links from two groups of first responders from New Jersey who have deployed to areas affected by Helene; the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police Task Force 1. When you see these images, I am sure that they reflect what first responders from other states are doing to help communities affected by Helene.

Thanks to all the emergency workers and first responders including but not limited to Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York for your service. Stay safe.