Random Ramblings: Aerial Wildland Firefighting

I have blogged about aerial wildland firefighting since 2009. I am not a firefighter and am not a pilot, just an interested bystander who wants to learn more and share what I learn here. Join me here as I blog on the aircraft and the pilots who fight wildland fires from the air in support of crews on the ground. I also blog on concerns affecting fire crews on the ground as well as other aviation and meteorology issues. Learn what it takes to do jobs that are staffed by the best of the best.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Snow Drought in Western U.S. Raises Increased Concerns About Wildfire Danger

According to the latest drought monitor New Jersey and surrounding areas are still experiencing a drought, however at least in New Jersey we have had a fair amount of snow this winter. Recently we saw frigid temperatures for several days with temperatures below freezing. But while we in New Jersey and environs are not out of a drought no one has raised concerns, at least not yet, about water shortages. I saw this video on the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page today about a record snow drought in the Western U.S. raising concerns about water shortages and wildfire danger.