Firefighting train working 2018 Delta Fire

In addition to being a non-pilot aviation enthusiast, I love trains. I have known that specially equipped trains can be used to fight wildfires near tracks. Thanks to my friends at NJFFS Section B10 who shared this video about three weeks ago in their video of the week page. When I went to Bill Gabbert's Wildfire Today Site, I saw that he had a few articles about fire trains that you may want to look at to learn more about the different types of fire trains, his tagged articles on fire trains may be found here. Those of you who follow Bill's site may recall that he shared about fire trains fighting the 2018 Delta Fire October 8, 2018, where he shared a video report about fire trains from ABC10 along with a longer raw video by DanR. Thanks Bill for your work on your fire train series. 

Direct link to video on YouTube by Dan R

Reflections: Rebuilding Paradise CA after the Camp Fire

It was been over two year since the Camp Fire destroyed much of Paradise California. 

Direct link to video from National Geographic

I had an opportunity to watch Ron Howard's Rebuilding Paradise last weekend. The film is available on various platforms, I am fortunate to have the National Geographic on my cable so I was able to watch it for free. If you are so inclined and have access through one of the platforms, especially free access, I would recommend watching the film. The film touched me because the focus was on the first year after the Camp Fire and the challenges of the residents in Paradise to rebuild their homes and their town. I was reminded in a way that only a film like this can, that a wildfire such as the Camp Fire or the many wildfires that have decimated California towns this year have severe and sometimes lasting effects on the residents who lost their homes as well those who did not lose their homes but are nonetheless affected by the destruction around them. 

I can say that I care, which is why I write this blog. The film I reminded me that after the wildland fire crews leave, the residents of the affected towns are left with emotional trauma and the visual reminder of seeing the burned areas in their towns as they work to rebuild their homes and their lives, bury their dead, and rebuild their town. The film left me with the uncomfortable awareness that I may have written about the wildland firefighters and the crews who work to clean up the town after the wildfire at the expense of the affected residents. 

As I consider this devastating 2020 wildfire season, which is not over yet in the western United States, I want to pause and say a prayer for all those who have died, those who have lost loved ones, those who lost their homes, and those whose home is still standing but live with the reminder of the wildfire around them. My heart goes out to you. I am sincere in this. I can not say that I know that what you are going through because I do not. But I can say that I care. 

Camp Fire: State of CA announces completion of structural debris removal

As we have know passed the one year anniversary (November 8, 2018) of the Camp Fire in Paradise that destroyed over 18,000 buildings in Paradise California. see this CAL Fire incident page for more information about the Camp Fire. I wrote a few articles earlier this year on hazardous waste clean-up and debris removal following the Camp Fire and other fires that burned in California in 2018. In particular, you may want to read my February 13, 2019 and my March 1, 2018 articles.

I had been wondering what was happening with the progress being made on the hazardous waste and debris removal in Paradise and environs following the Camp Fire. I got my answer in a November 19th report from ABC7 KRCR news Redding CA):

The State of California announced in Paradise Tuesday the completion of its structural debris removal operation following the November 8 Camp Fire. 

FEMA and CAL-OES and other entities teamed to clear nearly 11,000 properties of structural damage in nine months time from when they started the process.

Debris removal from 300 properties is not yet completed because the owners are using private contractors. Hopefully rebuilding can begin.

Here is an August 29th article (with a paywall) from the Mercury News on the progress of the post-fire clean-up after the Camp Fire as of late August 2019.

I am not going to underestimate the complexity of the process of hazardous waste and debris removal following a wildfire of the magnitude of the Camp Fire. It is complicated. And writing from New Jersey, I have no first hand knowledge of the process. My hat is off to all contractors who have been involved in the debris removal. My wishes for the residents and business owners who can now rebuild their properties is that the rebuilding goes forward as well as can be expected. As I write this the Town of Paradise Butte County Recovers website is still up chock full of a variety of information on the recovery from the Camp Fire.

Here is a video report from ABC 10 (Sacramento CA) on the rebuilding efforts in Paradise:


Direct link to video from ABC10

The Lives We Lost: Camp Fire, Paradise CA, one year later

On November 7, 2018 the Camp Fire burned through Paradise California, killing 85 people and destroying over 14,000 homes. Paradise and surrounding communities are still rebuilding, a process that may take years. This documentary from ABC 10 in Sacramento California, The Lives We Lost, gives us a glimpse into Paradise one year after the Camp Fire, but more importantly remembering those who died. It is a moving story focusing both on the emotional and psychological trauma of the survivors, but also of resilience. Some may not come back to Paradise, but others can not think of living anywhere else. Allow 22 minutes to watch the video.


Direct link to video from ABC10 in Sacramento California

Escaping the Camp Fire

Jon Mooallem (photographs by Katy Grannan) wrote a long article in the August 4 2019 New York Times Magazine on escaping from the Camp Fire that burned in Paradise California in the fall of 2018. The Camp Fire burned over 150,00 acres and killed at least 84 people. As for structures, over 13,500 single-family residences, over 280 multiple-family residences and over 510 commercial buildings were destroyed.

I subscribe to the New York Times, so I read both the print version and the digital version. The only difference is that the digital version has some videos, I’ll get to those in a moment. The New York Times has a paywall but you do get a few free views each month.

In this essay (that I link to at the end of this article, you will follow Tamara Fisher as she gets out of Paradise California the day the fire started. To say that her escape is harrowing, is an understatement. She drives a short distance before the traffic stops, and as she sits there the fire gets worse. As she is sitting in traffic not going anywhere the car starts to burn up so she abandons her car. She is terrified, fearing for her life. You will meet Larry Laczko, a contractor who was also trying to drive out of Paradise that morning. Larry sees Tamara get out of her car as her car is starting to burn and tells her to get in his truck. Larry and Tamaras finally do get out of Paradise but it is harrowing. There is Joe Kennedy, driver of a bulldozer who finds himself at the Camp Fire helping to clear the way for folk to escape. And there are others.

The essay is very intense, Tamara’s videos are graphic and very intense. I can see that this might upset some of you for a variety of reasons. And if you are one of those, perhaps you want to stop here and move on.

I spent a few days thinking about whether or not to share this article with you because of the intense and graphic nature of the the essay. It is also a long article. I am still a little hesitant. But I post the link to this article because I think it is an important story. Perhaps not so much for those who have lived through the Camp Fire whether you be residents of Paradise and environs or firefighters. From my seat through Moopalien’s writing, the videos and Grannan’s photos, I experienced the exodus from Paradise in a way that is not otherwise possible. For that reason, I am sharing this article with you, go here to read We Have Fire Everywhere: Escaping California’s Deadliest Blaze. Kudos to Jon Mooallem for his great reporting and Katy Grannan for her stunning photographs.

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 wildfire season: Camp Fire post fire hazardous waste clean-up

After I finished graduate school, I spent some time on a job where I had to have a passing familiarity with remediation of household, commercial, and industrial hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is any type of waste that poses a risk to public health, animals and the environment. No I am not any kind of expert in remediation or in environmental science or engineering. But I had to know the lingo and have a passing familiarity with what was involved with remediating sites contaminated with hazardous waste. At the very least, I had to be able listen and understand. That was over fifteen years ago. So when I was perusing some recent articles on the Camp Fire that recently decimated Paradise California, I was interested to see an article from KQED about the hazardous waste clean-up from the Camp Fire, go here to read the article.

I know that this is not the first large fire where hazardous waste clean-up is necessary. However, I was paying attention this time and because of my background fifteen plus years ago, I knew that I had to write about the hazardous waste clean-up in Paradise following the Camp Fire. It is important to consider that the hazardous waste clean-up is ongoing in Paradise at the time I write this and will be for awhile.

The hazardous waste clean-up in Paradise started on or about Monday, December 3rd. However, evacuation orders had to be lifted before work could start in a specific neighborhood. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead agency. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) as assisting the EPA. Various agencies in Paradise are assisting including but not limited to the Police. My understanding is that the first phase of the post-fire debris removal program involves the cleaning up and removing household hazardous waste without cost to the homeowner. Commercial hazardous waste is also cleaned up in phase one. Household hazardous waste includes but is not limited to: asbestos, batteries (lead), paints, solvents, pesticides and herbicides, propane tanks, cleaners, etc. Once the household hazardous waste is removed that property will identified by means of a tag.

Only when the household hazardous waste has been removed, then part two, debris removal can begin. In part two the soil from the ash footprint will be scraped down to 3 to 6 inches with samples sent to a lab for analysis. If the soil testing indicates contamination, than more soil is removed and another soil sample is taken until the soil test is clear of contaminants. Go to this Butte County site on post-fire debris removal  for more information. As I write this, I am assuming that this site will be available until the debris removal is completed. It is my understanding that ash is removed in part 2, debris removal.

I don’t know exactly know how long the hazardous waste clean-up will take, and then there will part two, debris removal. I am also aware that there have to be other issues that homeowners whose residences are more or less intact after the Camp Fire may have to contend with, such as damage to private water wells and septic systems. Public water supplies are likely to be contaminated as well and residents should pay attention to any advisories regarding using their water, including but not limited to boil water advisories. Then there will be the health effects if any ash is left. And of course, the electric infrastructure is damaged.

2018 wildfire season: California wildfires (Nov 23rd) Camp & Woolsey Fires

The Woolsey Fire burned 99.949 acres and is at 100 percent containment. Three firefighters were injured and 3 civilians died. 1,500 structures were destroyed and 341 were damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As I write this, here are the stats for the Camp Fire:

• 153,336 acres burned, at 95 percent containment. 
• 13,672 single residences destroyed, 465 single residences damaged, 282 multiple residences destroyed, 514 commercial structures destroyed, 105 commercial structures damaged, 4,265 minor structures destroyed.
• Three firefighter injuries.
• 84 civilian fatalities to date.
• cause under investigation.

In the last couple of days, it rained in the area of the Camp Fire which helped firefighters to contain the fire.  Perhaps the rain has hampered or slowed down the search and rescue efforts as the search for the missing continues and the death count climbs.

I saw this video on the Sacamento Bee the other day and wanted to share it with you. In this five minute video you will hear Cheryl talk about how she survived the Camp Fire with her cat. She was rescued two days after the fire broke out.

Direct link to Sacramento Bee story and video

2018 wildfire season: California wildfires (Nov 19th)

Woolsey Fire (Thousand Oaks CA): 3 dead, 1,500 structures destroyed As I write this this 96,649 acre fire is at 94 percent containment,

Camp Fire (Paradise CA):As I write this, 77 people are dead, several hundred are missing, 11,713 homes destroyed, 277 multiples residences destroyed472 commercial buildings destroyed. The fire has burned 150,000 acres to date and is at 65 percent containment. Helicopters are working the fire in support of wildland firefighters on the ground. Search and rescue crews continue to search for the missing.

NPR report on the fires (November 19th)

To make matters even more uncomfortable for those who are homeless after the Camp Fire, there are outbreaks of the Noro Virus (aka stomach flu) at some of the shelters.


Direct link to video

Like a lot of people, I think about the residents of Paradise CA everyday, often multiple times a day as well as all the firefighters, search and rescue teams, and those supporting those who are homeless and perhaps sick from the Noro Virus.

I offer these videos as an act of remembrance for all those who have lost homes, have missing loved ones, whose loved ones have died, search and rescue teams, those supporting the victims of the fire, and all wildland firefighters on the ground and in the air. The first video is a video report from ABC News on or about November 13th reporting on survivors of the Camp and Woolsey Fires.The second video (from the Sacramento Bee)below may be a little hard to look at, they are describing how search and rescue teams look for human remains, The third video, also from the Sacramento Bee is an authorized drone fly over of Paradise CA on or about November 13th


Direct link  to video from ABC News (November 13th)


Direct link to video from Sacramento Bee (November 16th)



Direct link to video from the Sacramento Bee (November 13th)

2018 wildfire season: California wildfires (Nov 13th update)

Here is a CBS news report uploaded to Youtube on November. So, I assume that the information in the video is current as of November 13th. A CBS Meteorologist discusses how the weather is affecting the current wildfires burning in California, ending with a discussion on climate change. The video is about seven minutes long.

My thoughts and meditations are with all those affected by the wildfires. Condolences for the loved ones of those who have died. Thanks to all the wildland firefighters on the ground and in the air who are working hard in awful conditions to fight these wildfires.

Latest information from CAL FIRE
Camp Fire
Woolsey Fire
Hill Fire


Direct link to video on Youtube

2018 wildfire season: California wildfires (November)

At least 25 people dead, 23 from the Camp Fire and 2 from the Woolsey Fire.

Link to interactive map of the current Califonia Wildfires from CAL FIRE

2018 wildfire season: Camp Fire (Paradise CA)

The Camp Fire, one of three large wildfires burning in California. was first reported on Thursday, November 9th. Over 6,400 homes destroyed. At least 9 people are dead, 35 are missing. It has burned about 90,000 acres and is at 5 percent containmentSome of the deaths were people in their cars trying to evacuate this very fast moving fire. In however you reflect on these tragedies, please pause for a few minutes to remember the dead. And to remember the wildland firefighters on the ground working to fight this fire, that they be safe.

RIP, may you always fly in favorable tail winds.



Direct link to video from KPIX SF Bay Area

The Washington Post has some stunning photos from the Camp Fire and other fires burning in California

This just in, according to the Washington Post, the death toll in the wildfires burning in California is now 11.

Those of you who are interested in knowing more about the three wildfires burning in California, Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today is covering the fire, his latest article on the Camp Fire may be found here, and he also reported on the Woolsey Fire and an earlier article on the Hill and Woolsey Fires

2018 California Wildfires: fighting fire from a fire work train

I have always liked trains, and I was intrigued when I first came across a video a few years ago about how a train was used to fight wildfires. I did not know know the time period when the video was shot, but I loved the video so I shared it on October 31, 2014  along with links to other information on trains used to fight wildfires posted by Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today on August 24, 2010.

Just today, thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who shared a very cool video of a fire work train used on the Delta Fire on their Fire Videos of the Week Page on September 15th. I just had to share with you. Stay safe and enjoy.


Direct link to video by Dan Ryant

Carr Fire: one month later

The Carr Fire (link no longer available) was contained on August 30th at 229,651 acres. 1,091 residences, 503 outbuildings and 22 commercial structures were destroyed. Words escape me . . .

Rest in Peace:

Don Ray Smith, 81, volunteer bulldozer operator
Jeremy Stoke, 37, fire inspector, Redding Fire Department
Melody Bledsoe and her two grandchidren, Amy Roberts (4) and James Roberts (5)
An unidentified person (as of August 25th)
Jairus Ayeta, 21, PG&E apprentice lineman
Andrew Brake, 40, CAL FIRE mechanic

Thanks to all the firefighters on the ground and in the air, and their support crews.

Updated on December 20, 2020: the video that I shared when I first posted this article is no longer available. The link to information about the Carr Fire is no longer available.

NJ Forest Fire Service 2018 engine deployments (Sept. 5th): update

It has been several days since I posted my last update on the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) type-4 engines deployed in the western U.S. It is time to provide an update on where these engines are.

Engines A-45 and T-9 had been assigned to the Stone Fire (California) last week, they were demobilized from that fire, on or about August 28th with a possible crew rotation, see an August 28th post on Facebook from the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association. The Stone Fire is now at 100 percent containment, having burned 39,387 acres.

Meanwhile Engines A-29 and T-5 were demobilized from the County Line Fire near Carlin Nevada, for more information see my August 27th post. According to the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association in an August 31st Facebook Post, crew rotation occurred on August 31st with engines A-29 and T-5 being assigned to the Great Basis Task Force.

I was wondering where these four NJFFS engines are currently assigned. I got my answer from my friends at the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association in their September 4th update on their Facebook Page. Engines A-45 and T-9 are currently assigned to the Hirz fire, 18 miles northeast of Redding CA (46,051 acres burned at 70 percent containment. Meanwhile, engines A-29 and T-5 (part of Great Basin Task Force 18) are working the Gance Fire in northern Elko County, Nevada (4,500 acres burned, containment unknown).

I continue to be very proud of the good work the NJFFS crews have done helping out our friends in California and the Great Basin fight wildfires. Some of you returned home in time to spend part of the holiday weekend with your family and friends in New Jersey. Others were fighting wildfires. Thank-you for your service and your sacrifice. Stay safe.

NJ Forest Fire Service 2018 engine deployments (Aug 27th): update

The two New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) Type-4 engines, B45 and T9 continue to be assigned to the Stone Fire where they are engaged in mop-up,  patrol containment lines, and suppressing spot fires. The Stone Fire has burned 39,387 acres and is at 72 percent containment as I write this. My friends at the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association Facebook Page have posted two updates on their Facebook page that you might be interested, an update from earlier this morning, August 27th and on August 24th they shared some photos and a video of the Stone Fire, the camp, and a nice shot of a nearby train. Photos and video courtesy of Kenny Lunden Jr.

Meanwhile, NJFFS type-4 engines, A29 and T5, were demobilized from the Sheep Creek Fire on Sunday, August 26th and reassigned to initial attack at the County Line Fire (5 miles south of Carlin, Nevada). As I write this, the County Line Fire has burned 12,833 acres and is at 50 percent containment. See this August 26th update from the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association for more information on this deployment.

On August 27th, the Sheep Creek Fire had burned 59,789 acres and was at 100 percent containment.

NJ Forest Fire Service 2018 engine deployments (Aug 22th): new assignments

Thanks to my friends at the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association Facebook Page who have been posting updates on where the four New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) type-4 engines are currently deployed along with pictures and fire summaries.

On Monday August 20th, the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association shared that the two engines (A29 and T5) that are assigned to Elko District of the Bureau of Land Management where assigned to the Sheep Creek Fire about 15 miles northeast of Battle Mountain, Nevada (go here for the August 20th Facebook Post from the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association). According to their August 22nd post, the Sheep Creek Fire is at 59,789 acres with 70 percent containment. The inciweb incident page for the Sheep Creek Fire may be found here with some photos, a map and other information. According to an update on the Sheep Creek Fire available on their inciweb page there are three helicopters work the fire. The Elko Daily Free Press ---- thanks NJFFS A2 Firefighters Assoc for the link to the article -- has a nice article about the Sheep Creek Fire, burning in Landers County, published on August 21st.

On Monday August 20th I shared some photos taken by one of the crew of the two NJFFS service engines (B45 and T9) that were then deployed as a part of strike team on the Carr Fire. According to the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association in an August 21st Facebook post engines B45 and T9 were released from the Carr Fire and deployed to the Stone Fire, and they posted an update on August 22nd about the Stone Fire. There is an inciweb page for the Stone Fire, as of today's update on inciweb, the Stone Fire has burned 29,504 acres at 20 percent containment with four helicopters working the fire and air tankers as needed.

I continue to be so very proud of the engine crews and their support vehicles for all the good work they are doing helping with the wildfires out west. Stay safe.

NJ Forest Fire Service 2018 engine deployment (Aug 20th): Carr Fire

Two type-4 engines from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continue to be assigned to the Carr Fire (near Redding and Shasta/Trinity California). As I write this the Carr Fire, burning in and near the National Park Service Whiskeytown National Recreation area. As I write this the Carr Fire has burned 229,651 acres and is at 88 percent containment. According to post on Facebook from the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association on August 19th, the two NJFFS type-4 engines are a part of strike team with engine crews from: New Jersey, Oregon, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, and a firefighter from New Zealand.  I thank all of the members of this strike team for the work you are doing fighting the Carr Fire. 

My friend, Ed Seifert from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for sending me several great photos from the NJFFS engine crew. All the photos are courtesy of Kenny Lunden.  I believe that the photos were taken on or about August 18th. These are great photos and will take you inside and up close to the Carr Fire as seen by the NJFFS engine crews. Thanks to Kenny for the great photos. Thank-you Ed Seifert from sending me these photos so that I can share them with you here.

I am so very proud of the whole strike team with a special shout out to the the NJFFS wildland firefighters from New Jersey. Thank-you for your service and stay safe.

NJ Forest Fire Service 2018 engines deployed (Aug 17th)

As I write this post, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues to have four type-4 engines and two support vehicles deployed out west.

NJFFS engines A29 and T5 along with car 37 are assigned to the Wells Fire Station in the Elko District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). I understand from a post that the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association made on their Facebook Page on August 16th that these two engines were deployed to the Thousand Springs Fire north of Wells, Nevada on August 15th along with an airtanker. As of yesterday afternoon, the Thousand Springs Fire had burned 31.99 acres. Containment information is not known. More photos are available at an August 15th Facebook post by the NJFFS A2 Firefighters Association.

I understand that NJFFS engines B45 and T9 continue to be assigned to the Carr Fire (217,598 acres burned at 75 percent containment) burning near Redding California.

Thank-you to all of the NJFFS crew of the engines and support vehicles working out west. Stay safe. We appreciate what you are doing to help crew out west fight wildfires.

2018 California Wildfires: firefighter fatalities

I suspect that many of you know that as of the date I am writing this post that six firefighters have died fighting wildfires in California so far this fire season.


Transcript available here.

The identity of the sixth fire fighter was not known at the time of the NPR report, he was later identified as Matthew Burchett (42) from Utah, a battalion chief with the Draper City Fire Department, see this August 14th report from KQED for more information.

Please pause for a moment and offer your thoughts, meditations, prayers, and reflections for the following firefighters and their family, friends, colleagues and all who love them.

• Braden Varney, killed in the Ferguson Fire.
• Brian Hughes, killed in the Ferguson Fire.
• Andrew Brake, killed in auto accident on way to Carr Fire.
• Don Ray Smith, killed in the Carr Fire.
• Jeremy Stoke, killed in the Carr Fire.
• Matthew Burchett, killed in the Mendocino Complex Fire.

May your rest in peace Braden, Brian, Andrew, Don, Jeremy, and Matthew. Your service and sacrifice won't be forgotten. I pray especially for all of your loved ones who are mourning your passing.