Red Flag Warning - May 4

Red Flag warning for New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, much of New York as well western Massachusetts, and non-coastal areas of Maine and New Hampshire.

Delaware, the portions of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Vermont, Northern New York and most of Long Island, Eastern Massachusetts (except for Cape Cod and the Islands), Connecticut and Northern Rhode Island while not under Red Flag Warnings will experience elevated fire danger.

I will be listening online to the scanner from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Division A later this afternoon I attend to some yard work.

Stay safe everyone!

From the Eastern Region Headquarters of the National Weather Service (obtained from Eastern Region - NWS on May 4, 2015). Red Flag Warnings (dark pink)

Red Flag Warning

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-
101>106-050000-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0002.150504T1600Z-150505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0003.150504T1700Z-150505T0000Z/
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-
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR ALL OF NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND ALL OF NEW JERSEY,
  EXCLUDING THE IMMEDIATE COAST.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL HAVE
  THE POTENTIAL TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
  RECOMMENDED.

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.

---

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
328 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-176>179-041730-
/O.UPG.KOKX.FW.A.0002.150504T1600Z-150505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.W.0003.150504T1700Z-150504T2300Z/
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-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
328 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR NEW YORK CITY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...THE
LOWER HUDSON VALLEY...AND NASSAU COUNTY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EDT
THIS EVENING.

* AFFECTED AREA...NEW YORK CITY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...THE LOWER
  HUDSON VALLEY...AND NASSAU COUNTY.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...25 TO 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

* IMPACTS...RAPID FIRE SPREAD IF IGNITION OCCURS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS WILL CREATE A SIGNIFICANTLY
ELEVATED FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

&&

---

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-027-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-
101>106-050000-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0002.150504T1600Z-150505T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0003.150504T1700Z-150505T0000Z/
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-
343 AM EDT MON MAY 4 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING FOR ALL OF NEW JERSEY AND EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND ALL OF NEW JERSEY,
  EXCLUDING THE IMMEDIATE COAST.

* WINDS...SOUTHWEST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL HAVE
  THE POTENTIAL TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
  RECOMMENDED.

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.

Tips to Reduce Wildfire Risk

As I write this New Jersey is experiencing high wildfire danger (halfway between low and extreme, go here and scroll down the page to see more information on wildfire danger ratings in New Jersey). I'm not quite sure what wildfire activity is happening in northern New Jersey as I accidently had my online scanner which was tuned to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Division A. I have since resumed the online scanner feed and if I hear anything of interest before I stop writing this article, I'll let you know.

Yesterday I know that there were four brush fires in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, thanks to this article from the Hunterdon Democrat. I expect that there may have been other smaller brush fires around the State, but I have no concrete information.

I was reminded about the importance of things that we can do to reduce wildfire risk by an April 29th Press Release from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection: Christie Administration Urges Caution During Wildfire Season, State Fire Officials Warn Dry and Windy Springtime Conditions Increase Fire Risks. Here are some tips on from this press release on how you can reduce wildfire risks:

Use ashtrays in vehicles. Discarding cigarettes, matches and smoking materials on the ground is a violation of New Jersey law.

Obtain necessary permits for campfires. Don’t leave fires unattended. Douse them completely.

Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach them about the dangers of fire.

People living in forested or wooded areas should maintain a defensible buffer by clearing vegetation within 30 feet of any structures. Also, make sure fire trucks can access driveways.

Report suspicious vehicles and individuals to authorities.

Be careful when using wood stoves and fireplaces, both of which can emit embers that can spark fires. Also, fully douse ashes with water before disposal.

While these tips are written with New Jersey residents in mind, I think that these tips, perhaps with some modifications for where you live, are a starting point for reducing wildfire risk. For example, many locations suggest 100 feet of defensible space around a home. Some people may want to have an emergency kit packed with essential items (food, water, clothing, money, important papers, etc) so you can make a quick get away. Then there may be the issue of where you evacuate to, a shelter or perhaps a friend a relative.

NJ: spring wildfire season, April 29

As I write this about 4:45 PM EDT, I have been listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A online scanner feed for just over an hour. It has been on the quiet side, but of course I may have missed something. Anyway, in an April 28th article, the Asbury Park Press reported on yesterday's (April 28th) enhanced fire danger, a small brush fire in Harvey Cedars yesterday, and the  marsh fire in Keyport on April 24th.  I spent about an hour or so yesterday afternoon listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A online scanner feed, hearing of at least a couple of what I assumed were smaller brush fires, one of which was near the Hunterdon/Morris County line.

In Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, there was a mid-day brush fire of unknown size that came withing 200 feet of a house according to the Hunerdon County Democrat. In a later article (with a photo gallery, the Hunterdon County Democrat (April 29th at 1:59 PM) reported that this fire destroyed a small shed.

As I finish up here, I am hearing about two brush fires in Division A while listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A online scanner feed. I believe that one is under an acre. I'm not sure about the size of the second brushfire, but I believe that it too is on the small side.

Enhanced Fire Danger on April 28th

The National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ and the National Weather Service at New York NY have issued special weather statments for an enhanced risk of wildfire spread this afternoon (April 28th). Copied below. Yesterday, April 27th, there was a brush fire in Hunterdon County, NJ (Lebanon), see this report from the Hunterdon Democrat (with photos) for more information. As always, I expect that the brush/wildfire activity in New Jersey and environs that I am able to report on is perhaps one of several such brush/wildfires that I do not know about.

Stay safe everyone, and thanks to all in the NJ Forest Fire Service and their mutual aid partners for all you are doing to keep us safe.

Special Weather Statement

---

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
1002 AM EDT TUE APR 28 2015

DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-
055-060>062-070-071-101>106-282200-
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
1002 AM EDT TUE APR 28 2015

...AN ENHANCED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON...

RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVELS ARE FORECAST TO DROP BETWEEN 30 AND 35
PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON IN MUCH OF OUR REGION AND A NORTHWEST WIND
IS EXPECTED TO GUST AROUND 20 MPH AT TIMES. FINE FUELS WILL
CONTINUE TO DRY RESULTING IN AN ELEVATED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD
IN MUCH OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE AND
NORTHEASTERN MARYLAND THIS AFTERNOON.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER, BURN RESTRICTIONS AND
WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION, PLEASE VISIT YOUR STATE
FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEB SITE.

$$

IOVINO

---

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
934 AM EDT TUE APR 28 2015

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-
290000-
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-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)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-
SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHERN QUEENS-
NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
934 AM EDT TUE APR 28 2015

...GUSTY WINDS AND DRY CONDITIONS TODAY...

NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS WILL GUST UP TO 20 TO 25 MPH TODAY...
WHILE RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FALL TO 30 TO 35 PERCENT. THIS WILL
INCREASE THE RISK FOR GROWTH AND SPREAD OF ANY FIRES
THAT DEVELOP.

Helicopter operations on wildifires

Here is a nice video from the National Interagency Fire Center on helicopter operations. Enjoy.


direct link to video

Central New Jersey marsh fire (Keyport)

I'd like to thank my friends from B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page for making me aware of a five to seven acre marsh fire in Keyport (Monmouth County) NJ yesterday afternoon, on an afternoon when there was yet again enhanced fire danger here in New Jersey. The brush fire extended into a forested area. Some commercial building were threatened early on. The SEAT, Bravo 1 made four drops on the fire. See the write up in the Asbury Park for more information and some photos (including some nice photos of the Bravo 1 dropping on the fire). A short video of Bravo 1 dropping may found on 943thepoint. Here is another article about the Keyport fire, this one from Newsworks.

Thanks to all the NJ Forest Fire Service Firefighters and Firefighters from Keyport for working the fire. Thanks for keeping us safe.

Flying with Bald Eagles

I love Bald Eagles and I have been privileged to see them from the air on a couple of occasions. Magnificent birds. For them it is just flying. So, I am taking a time out and sharing a video of Bald Eagles in flight. Enjoy.

direct link to video on youtube

Enhanced Fire Danger - NJ, eastern PA, DE, and eastern shore of MD

Enhanced Fire Danger for much of New Jersey, portions of eastern Pennsylvania, the eastern shore of Maryland, and Delaware today, Thursday April 23.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
919 AM EDT THU APR 23 2015

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
919 AM EDT THU APR 23 2015

...ENHANCED RISK OF FIRE SPREAD TODAY...

MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES WILL RANGE FROM 25 TO 30 PERCENT
THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS MOST OF THE REGION. WESTERLY WINDS OF 15 TO
25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE DAY.
DESPITE RECENT RAINS, FINE FUELS COULD DRY OUT ENOUGH BY THIS
AFTERNOON TO CREATE AN ELEVATED RISK FOR FIRE SPREAD. DRIER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TOMORROW.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER, BURN RESTRICTIONS,
WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION, PLEASE VISIT YOUR STATE
FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEBSITE.

2015 spring wildfire season elsewhere in Mid-Atlantic and New England

Yes, I have been focusing recently on the spring wildfire season here in New Jersey, I am always cognizant that it is also the spring wildfire season elsewhere in the Mid-Atlantic and in New England (USA). I am always appreciative of the work of Mike Archer who sends out his Wildfire News of the Day (WNOTD) six days a week via e-mail (see note at bottom) I found some of the links through Mike’s WNOTD. I’d also like to thank my friends at Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10 who link to some news stories highlight wildland firefighting and related issues (about two-thirds of the way down the home page. I found some news reports on Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10. The reports of the wildfires that I link to here are likely just a very small sample of wildfires that burned over the weekend.

In Pennsylvania:
A 400-acre wildfire on Blue Mountain in Carbon and Lehigh Counties, fortunately beneficial rains helped firefighters contain the fire on Monday
Wildfires burned in Lebanon County PA

New York
A wildfire in Erwin, NY (Steuben County)

Massachusetts
Three-acre brush fire in Ludlow, MA (western MA)

Connecticut
15-acre wildfire in New Hartford CT (Litchfield County)

Stay safe everyone. My thanks to all the wildland firefighters who are keeping us safe.

I am sad to say that the last edition of Mike Archer's Wildfire News of the Day (WNOTD) is Friday, October 30 2015. I have left the citation in this article because of the important role his newsletter played in helping me to easily find articles about the spring 2015 wildfire season in the eastern USA. I will miss his six-day a week newsletter.

NJ Wildfire Activity on April 18/19

I did not have much time over the weekend to listen to online scanner feed from the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A. I am therefore very thankful to a friend told me Saturday night that there were some small fires in Division A (northern NJ) and Division B.

Among the small wildfires in northern NJ (Division A) this past weekend were:

A small brush fire in Warren County NJ on April 18
Three small brush fires in Hunterdon County NJ on April 19

Another friend from Division C (southern NJ) told me that there were some small fires In Division C on the 18th and 19th.

My friends at B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page are reporting that a red and white SEAT - Bravo-1 —(Air Tractor?) is on contract covering Division B. Bravo-1 is based at Miller Air Park in Ocean County.

In addition, as I write this on the 20th, B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page reports on these two wildfires in Division B on Sunday April 19th:

1. A 10-acre wildfire in Willingboro (Section B1, Burlington County) on Beverly Rancocas Rd. behind Sportsman Fields was contained by 2 PM EDT on the 19th

2. Bravo-1 made four drops on a 2-acre fire near New Hampshire Ave Lakewood NJ (Section B8, Ocean County) that was reported under control by 3:30 PM EDT on the 19th. Here is a report from The Lakewood Scoop (TLS) with a video, the video embedded below shows Bravo-1 making a drop on the fire. You will see ground crews working the fire.


direct link to TLS video on youtube

Edited and revised on April 22, 2015

Red Flag Warning this afternoon

Red Flag Warnings issued by the NWS at Mt. Holly NJ for this afternoon in central and northern New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. The NWS at New York has also issued Red Flag Warnings for northeastern New Jersey, NYC, Long Island, southeastern New York and Connencticut. Stay safe everyone.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
312 AM EDT SAT APR 18 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015-PAZ054-055-060>062-103-105-106-190000-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0001.150418T1900Z-150419T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0002.150418T1900Z-150419T0000Z/
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-CARBON-MONROE-BERKS-LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-
WESTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-LOWER BUCKS-
312 AM EDT SAT APR 18 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING. IT IS IN EFFECT FROM 300 PM UNTIL 800 PM.

* AFFECTED AREAS...BERKS COUNTY, UPPER MONTGOMERY COUNTY, BUCKS
  COUNTY, THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND THE POCONOS IN PENNSYLVANIA, AS
  WELL AS MUCH OF NORTHWESTERN AND CENTRAL NEW JERSEY.

* WIND...WEST AT 10 TO 15 MPH FROM MID AFTERNOON INTO EARLY
  EVENING WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 OR 25 MPH.

* HUMIDITY...DROPPING TO 20 TO 25 PERCENT DURING THE AFTERNOON.

* TEMPERATURES...AFTERNOON HIGHS GENERALLY FROM 75 TO 80 DEGREES.

* IMPACTS...ANY WILDFIRES THAT DEVELOP DURING THE AFTERNOON WILL
  HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SPREAD RAPIDLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
  RECOMMENDED.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED 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.

&&

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
349 AM EDT SAT APR 18 2015

...ENHANCED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD LATER TODAY...

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-
181600-
/O.UPG.KOKX.FW.A.0001.150418T1600Z-150419T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.W.0002.150418T1600Z-150419T0000Z/
NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-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)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-
SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-NORTHERN QUEENS-
NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-
349 AM EDT SAT APR 18 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR THE TRI-STATE AREA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW YORK HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR THE TRI-STATE AREA...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON
TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...NORTHEAST NJ...NYC METRO...LONG ISLAND...
  SOUTHERN CT...AND LOWER HUDSON VALLEY.

* WINDS...SUSTAINED WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS 25 TO 30 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...20 TO 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...12 PM TO 8 PM TODAY.

* IMPACTS...RAPID FIRE SPREAD IF IGNITION OCCURS. A WIND SHIFT IS
  EXPECTED BY THIS EVENING THAT MAY CREATE ADDITIONAL HAZARDS FOR
  ANY ONGOING FIRES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS WILL CREATE A SIGNIFICANTLY
ELEVATED FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

A little frivolity on a so far quiet Friday afternoon in Northern NJ

Between being out and about for about three hours yesterday afternoon then setting up my new iPod nano, I did not have much time to listen to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A online scanner feed. Thanks to a friend, I know that Division A (northern NJ) had a busy day yesterday, and fortunately the brush fires were small. I also understand that there were only a few small brush fires in Division B (central NJ). I don't know about Division C (south Jersey). I have been listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A online scanner feed for about two hours so far. As I write this entry, at about 4:15 PM EDT, it has been a quieter afternoon in Division A.

On a more frivolous note, I leave you with a couple of links that you might enjoy.

For those of you who are Star War fans (the new Star Wars movie is due out on December 18), you might be amused by what Japan based All Nippon Airways (ANA) is doing by checking out this ANA special webpage. Yes they have a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that will have its first flight this autumn. Be sure to take a look around on the ANA special webpage.

Now I know that some of you are from New Jersey and I hope that you enjoy this nice photo gallery from the Star-Ledger of historic trains, trolleys, cars, and airplanes from locations around New Jersey. I saw a couple of photos from towns where I have lived or towns that I am familiar with. Those of you who are not from New Jersey I hope that you enjoy the photos as well. Especially if you like, as I do, old trolleys and trains. Most importantly and to the point of this blog, there are a few very cool photos of historic aircraft that I thought some of you might enjoy: Vintage photos of planes, trains and autos in New Jersey from Greg Hatala of The Star-Ledger.

Red Flag Warning - notes from listening to NJFFS online scanners

On this day of Red Flag Warnings in central and northern NJ, I've been listening to the online scanner from NJ Forest Fire Service Division A on and off all afternoon. I have noted during both of my listening sessions and I'm listening as I write this, that there is what seems to be some wildfire activity in northern New Jersey. Some of the fires have been quite small, for example I heard a report a short time ago that a 1/4 acre was contained.

While I have heard discussions involving smokes observed from fire towers as well as deploying trucks to the scene in both of my listening sessions, I am not in a position to be able to say more than what I am saying here. I continue to learn, and there is nothing like listening to scanner feed of wildland firefighting to learn. And I think that is one point that I am making with this article. That and saying that on this Red Flag Warning day it does seem to be busy as I write this.

In the meantime, I found reports of a small fire on April 14th in Holland Towship, Hunterdon County NJ and another fire the same day in Weymouth NJ (27 acres) in Atlantic County, NJ. And these are just two of what may well have been more brush fires that I don't know about.

Meanwhile, in Berks County, Pennsylvannia SEATs responded to a brush fire near homes on April 13th, see this article from wearecentralpa for more information.

Stay safe everyone!

Red Flag Warning in northern and central NJ

Red Flag Warning in northern and central NJ and portions of eastern PA issued by the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ at 9:32 AM through this evening at 7 PM. If I am not mistaken, this is the first Red Flag Warning of the season. The NY Office of the National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warning for northeastern NJ, NYC, Long Island and southeastern NY.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
932 AM EDT WED APR 15 2015


NJZ001-007>010-012>015-PAZ054-055-060>062-070-071-101>106-152300-
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0001.150415T1332Z-150415T2300Z/
SUSSEX-WARREN-MORRIS-HUNTERDON-SOMERSET-MIDDLESEX-
WESTERN MONMOUTH-EASTERN MONMOUTH-MERCER-CARBON-MONROE-BERKS-
LEHIGH-NORTHAMPTON-DELAWARE-PHILADELPHIA-WESTERN CHESTER-
EASTERN CHESTER-WESTERN MONTGOMERY-EASTERN MONTGOMERY-UPPER BUCKS-
LOWER BUCKS-
932 AM EDT WED APR 15 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR
EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW JERSEY.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING.

* AREAS AFFECTED... EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHERN AND CENTRAL
  NEW JERSEY

* WIND... GUSTS AROUND 20 KNOTS THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE DAY.

* HUMIDITY... FALLING TO BETWEEN 15 AND 20 PERCENT THROUGHOUT THE
  REMAINDER OF THE DAY.

* IMPACTS...ANY FIRES THAT DEVELOP MAY QUICKLY GET OUT OF CONTROL
  AND BECOME DIFFICULT TO CONTAIN.

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.

The NY Office of the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning at 11:03 for northeastern NJ, and the following counties in southeast NY: Putnam, Orange, Rockland, and northern Westchester.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
1103 AM EDT WED APR 15 2015

...ENHANCED RISK OF WILDFIRE GROWTH AND SPREAD TODAY...

NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>070-152300-
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.W.0001.150415T1503Z-150415T2300Z/
WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-
EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-
EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-
1103 AM EDT WED APR 15 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE
LOWER HUDSON VALLEY AND NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING.

* AREAS AFFECTED...LOWER HUDSON VALLEY AND NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY

* WINDS...GUSTS AROUND 25 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...15 TO 20 PERCENT.

* TIMING...THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS...RAPID FIRE SPREAD IF IGNITION OCCURS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND DRY FUELS WILL CREATE A SIGNIFICANTLY
ELEVATED FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Red Flag Warnings are also in place for areas of New England.

Stay safe out there.

NJ Forest Fire Service online scanners and a tanker video

I've spent an hour or so this morning and again as I write this listening to the online scanner feed from NJ Forest Fire Service Division A. This is always educational. For example, I heard some reports this morning from the guys in the fire towers in Division A and another report saying a fire (missed the location) was under control. There is online scanner feed for NJ Forest Fire Service Division B and Division C. I can pick up some of the feed from Division B on the Division A scanner. For example, I just heard a report from the firetower in Jamesburg (Middlesex County NJ) reporting on a structure fire in South Amboy (Middlesex County NJ).

Before going, I'd like to share a short tanker video. As I've been writing this blog for six years now, I believe that I have shared this video before. But I liked it, enjoying seeing a variety of tankers and some helos including some now historic videos of Aero Union's P-3 Orions. I never tire of watching tankers and helos in action.

direct link to video



For all my friends working fires on the ground or in the air as well as all those who support you, stay safe out there. And thanks for all you do to keep us safe.

Update on April 6th brushfire in Tewksbury NJ

I wrote about the April 6th brushfire in Tewksbury NJ the other day where two firefighters were injured. The Hunterdon Democrat reported on April 7th was released from the hospital later that same night. He returned for additional testing the next day and is reported to be fine. Thank goodness. There is no information available on the second firefighter that the Tewksbury Police reported was injured fighting the brush fire.

About Neptune Aviation in 2015

Neptune Aviation has submitted a bid for the current round of Next Generation large firefighting aircraft. They expect to have six BAe-146 tankers ready to fly fires by June. It is anticipated that awards under this contract will be awarded in early May witht the expectation that tankers under this contract will be ready to fly in the first day of the mandatory availability period. Please this April 2nd article from The Missouian for more information.

Neptune Aviation has six P2-V Neptunes and one BAe-146 tanker on contract under a Legacy Contract with the US Forest Service (Fire Aviation on March 25, 2015 and November 23, 2014

Here are two videos from Neptune Aviation that I thought you might enjoy looking at.

I shared this 2014 video from Neptune Aviation in a video of the week post sometime last year. I don't know about you, but I like reruns. Great airplanes with a nice soundtrack.


direct link to Neptune Aviation video on Youtube

And here is the 2015 video from Neptune Aviation, just published April 6, 2015


direct link to Neptune Aviation video on Youtube

NJ Forest Fire Service - Northern NJ (Div A) on April 6

After I posted my April 6th article on enhanced fire danger in New Jersey, I found out that the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Conducted a few prescribed burns in northern New Jersey (Division A) on April 6th (obtained from New Jersey Forests Facebook page):

Ringwood State Park, 33 acres grass
Waywayanda State Park, 150 acres grass
Kittatinny Valley State, 50 acres grass
Whittingham WMA, 200 acres grass
Six Mile Run State Park, 300 acres grass

Just yesterday I heard that there was a 21 acre brush fire in Hunterdon County NJ that came close to at least one home in Tewksbury on April 6th. Recall that there was enhanced fire danger on April 6th. Firefighters from Tewksbury and nearby towns along with firefighters from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service battled the blaze. According to a April 7th Hunterdon Democrat article (with photos)  the fire was started when a homeowner accidently dropped a blow torch that ignited some leaves. Two firefighters were injured. 

There have been showers in New Jersey yesterday afternoon and today. 

Enhanced Fire Danger continues in NJ

Knowing that it was somewhat windy yesterday and wondering about fire danger, I went to some local media outlets to see what was going on. It turns out that the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly had issued a warning for enhanced fire danger yesterday. I found an article on the Asbury Park Press website yesterday (April 5th) reporting on this warning along and some brush fires, some were small on Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th in Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, and Ocean Counties. I don't know about wildland (brush) fires in other parts of New Jersey.

Enhanced Fire Danger continues today, Monday April 6th. The National Weather Service at Mt. Holly, NJ issued this special weather statement at 10:46 AM on April 6th covering most of New Jersey, Delaware, the eastern shore of Maryland and adjoining areas of Pennsylvannia.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 1046 AM EDT MON APR 6 2015

DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054- 055-060>062-070-071-101>106-062300- 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 1046 AM EDT MON APR 6 2015

...ENHANCED RISK OF WILDFIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON...

LOW AFTERNOON RELATIVE HUMIDITY LEVELS, A GUSTY SOUTHWEST WIND AND DRY FINE FUELS WILL CREATE AN ELEVATED RISK FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES IN OUR REGION THIS AFTERNOON.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDFIRE DANGER, BURN RESTRICTIONS, WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION PLEASE VISIT YOUR STATE FORESTRY OR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WEBSITE.

The National Weather Service for New York, NY has issued a special weather statement for enhanced fire danger for northeast New Jersey and Staten Island (NYC) at 12:10 PM.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 1210 PM EDT MON APR 6 2015

NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ074-062300- WESTERN PASSAIC-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN- EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION- EASTERN UNION-RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)- 1210 PM EDT MON APR 6 2015

...ENHANCED RISK OF WILDFIRE GROWTH AND SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON IN NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY AND STATEN ISLAND...

SOUTHWEST WINDS GUSTING UP TO 20 MPH...RELATIVE HUMIDITIES DROPPING TO NEAR 30 PERCENT...AND DRY FINE FUELS WILL RESULT IN AN ENHANCED RISK FOR THE GROWTH AND SPREAD OF ANY WILDFIRES THAT DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON.

BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WITH ANY OUTDOOR BURNING OR DISCARDING OF SMOKING MATERIALS.

RIP: two dead in March 30th crash of USFS contracted Bell 206L-1

A Bell 206 L-1 Helicopter crashed on Monday afternoon March 30th while working an 800-acre prescribed burn 25 miles west of Biloxi, Mississippi. The crew of the Bell was performing aerial ignition operations on the prescribed fire in the DeSoto National Forest when the crash occurred. The Bell had one pilot and additional crew of two US Forest Service firefighters. Two died and one crew survived. The surviving crew member was flown by a Life Flight Helicopter to a Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama where is currently in serious condition. See Always Remember (includes links to media reports and other information) for more information.

Gone but not forgotten are:

Brandon Ricks, pilot, 40 years old from Blanchard, OK.

Steven W. Cobb, US Forest Service Engineering Technician, 55 years old from Wiggins, MS.

Brandon and Steven, I know that you are loved by your family, friends, and colleagues who miss you and mourn your loss. Please know that many of us who don’t know you join them in mourning your loss.  May you always fly in favorable tail winds. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, colleagues and all who love you.

My thoughts and prayers are with the surviving crew member and his family and friends as he continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Enhanced Fire Danger for NJ this afternoon

From the National Weather Service Mt. Holly NJ, enhanced fire danger for Thursday, April 2 in NJ and portions of eastern PA (except the Poconos)

DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-
027-PAZ060>062-070-071-101>106-022100-
NEW CASTLE-KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-DELAWARE BEACHES-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-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...TRENTON...PENNSVILLE...
GLASSBORO...CAMDEN...CHERRY HILL...MOORESTOWN...MOUNT HOLLY...
JACKSON...MILLVILLE...HAMMONTON...CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE...
WHARTON STATE FOREST...READING...ALLENTOWN...BETHLEHEM...MEDIA...
PHILADELPHIA...HONEY BROOK...OXFORD...WEST CHESTER...
KENNETT SQUARE...COLLEGEVILLE...POTTSTOWN...NORRISTOWN...
LANSDALE...CHALFONT...PERKASIE...MORRISVILLE...DOYLESTOWN
411 AM EDT THU APR 2 2015

...ENHANCED WILDFIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS DELAWARE, MARYLAND`S
EASTERN SHORE, MUCH OF NEW JERSEY EXCEPT THE IMMEDIATE COAST AND
MUCH OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA EXCEPT THE POCONOS...

GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS TO 30 MPH THIS AFTERNOON WITH LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY AND RAPIDLY DRYING FINE FUELS WILL PROBABLY RESULT IN AN
ENHANCED RISK OF WILDFIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON.

BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WITH ANY OUTDOOR BURNING OR DISCARDING OF
SMOKING MATERIALS.

Prescribed Burns in NJ (New Jersey Forest Fire Service) - Images

Since I have been posting recently on prescribed burns that the New Jersey Forest Fire Service have been conducting in central and southern New Jersey over the last couple of weeks, I want to embed a couple of videos that came to my attention recently. I thank my friends at the NJFFS Section B10 webpage for bringing both of these videos to my attention.

I'm not quite sure when the first video from the Asbury Park Press was shot, but I believe that the footage was shot recently. In this short video from the Asbury Park Press, you will get a good idea of what prescribed burns in New Jersey are all about. Edit on May 19, 2015. I had originally embedded the video here which was set to play automatically when this page was loaded into your browser. As having a video play automatically might interfere with your experience on this blog (and I was unable to change the embed code) I have removed the embed code. The direct link to video still works. It is a nice short video, under two minutes, please take the time to watch the video.

The second video is a little over seven minutes of footage of a prescribed burn conducted by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Section B10 in Old Bridge NJ on March 30.


direct link to video by William Rashak on YouTube

Just in - Large (Marsh) Brush Fire in Edison NJ

I was alerted to a large brush fire that is currently burning in a march in Edison (Middlesex County), NJ near an industrial complex when I was just on Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10; as I write this, you will find information about this fire about half-way down their home page under current NJ wildfire activity.

As I write this, according to Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10, crews from Division A (northern New Jersey) as well as fire departments from nearby towns are working this marsh fire reported at 75 acres at 4:43 PM EDT. One derelict building is involved. Helicopter Delta 6 and her bucket are currently working the fire. In addition, there is an observation helicopter, Delta 3 that flew the fire. Press reports on this fire may be found at New Jersey dot com (with a slide show) and Eyewitness News 7 (ABC) in NYC.

7:15 PM EDT update

CBS New York is reporting that firefighters have made progress in fighting the fire.


direct link to video and article from CBS New York

April 2, 3 PM update

Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10 is reporting that approximately 130 acres were burned and the fire, known as the Olympia Drive Fire, is 100% contained. The cause of the fire was determined to be from sparks from a passing train. Two storage trailers and a road grader were destroyed.

Prescribed Burns in NJ (NJ Forest Fire Service): March 31 and April 1

New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews continued to conduct prescribed burns on March 31 and April 1. I'm still not quite sure when the prescribed burning season will end this year.

A small map of New Jersey by county with a listing of counties in each of the three New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) Divisions may be found here (scroll down a bit). A second map of New Jersey from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service shows the boundaries of the three NJFFS Divisions, with the location of each Division Section may be found here.

March 31 -- approximately 150 acres (New Jersey Forest Face book post on March 31)
Ocean County
B7 Whiting Wildlife Management Area, Manchester Township – 20 Acres Grass

Monmouth County
B8 Allaire State Park, Wall Township – 100 Acres Grass

Camden County
C6 Winslow Wildlife Management Area, Winslow Township – 30 Acres Grass


April 1 (New Jersey Forest Face book post on April 1)
Burlington County
B3 Wharton State Forest in Tabernacle Township

B6 Brendan Bryne State Forest near Rt 530 at Rt 70 on the Manchester Ocean County/ Pemberton Township lines,19 acres forest

Ocean County
B4 Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, Little Egg Harbor Township, near Route 539

Middlesex County
B10 Jamesburg County Park, East Brunswick, 50 acres forest

Prescribed Burns in NJ (NJ Forest Fire Service): March 29-30th

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to conduct prescribed burns in the central and southern sections of NJ.

A small map of New Jersey by county with a listing of counties in each of the three New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) Divisions may be found here (scroll down a bit). A second map of New Jersey from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service shows the boundaries of the three NJFFS Divisions, with the location of each Division Section may be found here.

March 29 (obtained from New Jersey Forests Facebook post of Match 29)

Ocean County
Section B5, Greenwood WMA 150 acres of grass.
Near Rt 539, in Lacey, Barnegat, and Manchester Townships

Gloucester County
C9, Glassboro WMA, Glassboro, Grass

Atlantic County
C7, Galloway, Private Land 46 acres


March 30 (obtained from New Jersey Forests Facebook post of March 30)

Middlesex County
B10 Menino Park Old Bridge Township , Old Bridge Town Park in and near Rt 516 Old Bridge, 100 acres forest

Monmouth County
B8 Allaire State Park near Brisban Area of the Park in Wall Township, 100 acres of grass
B9 Assunpink WMA in Upper Freehold Township & Roosevelt near Rt 571. 100 acres of grass

Ocean County
B6 Manchester WMA near Rt 539 in Manchester Township
B4 Stafford Fordge WMA near Rt 539 and Fordge Rd in both Little Egg Harbor and Eaglewoods Townships

Eaglet born to a pair of Eagles in New Jersey

On a rainy day when there is no prescribed burns going on in New Jersey, I got to watch something very special almost an hour ago. Thanks to the wonders of web cams with live streams available on the internet I got to watch an eaglet (baby Eagle) being hatched.

There is a pair of Eagle that are nesting at Duke Farms located in Somerset County NJ. The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey in collaboration with Duke Farms has a webcam, known as the Eagle Cam, mounted over their nest.

Link to Eagle Cam

Two eggs were layed a little over five weeks ago. Egg # 1 hatched today at about 3:37 PM EDT. I was fortunate to be watching when the egg hatched. Words escape me. All I can say is that it was very special and a privilege to watch something so awe inspiring. I took some screen grabs as I was watching the live stream which I'll share with you.

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 3.21.43 PM

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 3.22.07 PM EDT

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 3.36.44 PM EDT

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 3.36.57 PM EDT

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 3.36.58 PM EDT

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 3.37.00 PM EDT

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 4.09.09 PM EDT

Duke Farms (NJ) Eagle Cam March 27, 2015 at 4..18.14 PM EDT

Prescribed Burns in NJ (NJ Forest Fire Service): March 24th & 25th

Prescribed burns conducted by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continue this week. There has been some light rain this afternoon up in north Jersey, where the NJFFS are not conducting prescribed burns. I don't know if the rain reached to the areas where prescribed burns were planned and if so whether the burns were able to continue or had to be postponed. Rain is forecast the next couple of days, so I don't know if there will be any more prescribed burns this week.

A small map of New Jersey by county with a listing of counties in each of the three New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) Divisions may be found here (scroll down a bit). A second map of New Jersey from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service shows the boundaries of the three NJFFS Divisions, with the location of each Division Section may be found here.

March 24 (316 acres)
Obtained from New Jersey Forest Facebook on Tuesday, March 24

Monmouth County
Section B-10, Manalapan, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 100 acres grass.

Atlantic County
Section C-5 Estell Manor City, Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area, 10 Acres Grass
Section C-5 Estell Manor City, Maple Lake Wildlife Management Area, 1 Acre Grass
Section C-8 Hamilton Twp, NJFFS Strawberry Field, 100 acres grass

Camden and Gloucester Counties
Section C-6 Winslow Twp/Monroe Twp, Winslow Wildlife Management Area, 100 Acres Grass

Cumberland County
Section C-4 Maurice River Twp, Peaslee Wildlife Management Area, 5 Acres Grass

March 25 (at least 285 acres)
Obtained from New Jersey Forest Facebook on Wednesday, March 25

Middlesex County
Section B10 Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in South Brunswick

Ocean County
Section B5 Pancoast Fuel Break in Barnegat Twp.

Cape May County
Section C-1 Beaver Swamp Wildlife Management, Middle Township, 40 Acres Forest
Section C-2 Belleplain State Forestt, Dennis Township, 95 Acres Fores

Cumberland County
Section C-3 Buckshutem Wildlife Management Area, Lawrence Twp and Fairfield Twp, 150 Acres Forest

Prescribed Burns in NJ (NJ Forest Fire Service), March 18th & 19th

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service conducted more prescribed burns last week before it snowed last Friday. The figure for acreage burned is mine from adding up each days burns.

A small map of New Jersey by county with a listing of counties in each of the three New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) Divisions may be found here (scroll down a bit). A second map of New Jersey from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service shows the boundaries of the three NJFFS Divisions, with the location of each Division Section may be found here.

March 18
Prescribed burns 744 acres
see the March 18th Facebook post by NJ Forests

B1 Burlington County Park, Hainesport
20 Acres Grass

B6 Brendon Byrne State Forest
672 Acres Forest

B7 Double Trouble State Park, Berkley Township
52 Acres Forest


March 19
Prescribed burns 1,636 acres
see the March 19th Facebook post by the NJ Forests

B-1 Wharton State Forest, Shamong
200 acres forest

B-2 Wharton State Forest, Washington
60 acres forest

B-4 Stafford Forge, Little Egg Harbor
12 acres grass

B-5 Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, Lacey/Manchester
150 acres grass

B-7 Whiting Wildlife Management Area, Manchester
100 acres forest

B-9 Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, Jackson
400 acres grass

B-6 Brendan Byrne State Forest, Woodland
400 acres forest

B-10 Pigeon Swamp, Jamesburg
20 acres forest

C2 Belleplain State Forest, Dennis
67 acres forest

C5 Atlantic County Park, Hamilton
25 acres forest

Strawberry Fields Airport, Mays Landing
100 acres grass

C7 Stockton University, Galloway
52 acres forest

C9 Glassboro WIldlife Management Area, Glassboro
50 acres grass

DC-7: present and 61 years ago

On a snowy March day in New Jersey I want to pause a bit and share two videos about the DC-7.

I came across the one below today and don't quite remember if I have seen this one before. If I have shared this one before, well enjoy the re-run. You will see DC-7 Tanker-66 on a take off roll in 2012 before Butler was acquired by Erickson Aero.


direct link to video

While I was looking at this video on youtube earlier today, I found this video from 1954 starring one of American Airlines DC-7 on a NY to Los Angeles flight. Allow about 29 minutes to watch this video. Thanks to Classic Airliners and Pop Culture for finding and sharing this video.


direct link to video

Enhanced fire danger for portions of NJ & more on prescribed burns

Enhanced fire danger

On a somewhat chilly yet blustery March day, the National Weather Service Forecast Office at Mt. Holly NJ (Philadelphia) has issued a special weather statement for enhanced fire danger for central and southern New Jersey for today. Depending on when you arrive at this post, the special weather statement may have expired, so I am copying it below. I believe that this is the first day of enhanced fire danger this year.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 932 AM EDT WED MAR 18 2015
NJZ009-010-012>027-182000- 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...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
932 AM EDT WED MAR 18 2015

...ENHANCED FIRE DANGER ALONG AND JUST SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 78 OVER SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW JERSEY TODAY...

GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS TO 30 MPH COMBINED WITH HUMIDITY LOWERING TO NEAR 20 PERCENT THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CAN LEAD TO A MORE RAPID RATE OF SPREAD OF ANY FINE FUEL FIRES THAT MAY DEVELOP.

EXTRA CARE IS ADVISED TO MAINTAIN OUTDOOR FIRE SAFETY TODAY.

$$

I'll do my best to see if there is any wildfire activity today, and I'll share any updates that I might come across. However, there is a chance that I won't hear any news about wildfire activity.


Prescribed Burns

As some of you know I wrote about prescribed burns in New Jersey on March 13th and March 16th. I came across an article on prescribed burns in NJ on Philly dot com (March 16, 2014). The article discusses the prescribed burns that were conducted by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service last Friday (March 13th). Of note is a reference in the Philly dot com article of March 16th saying that the end date for prescribed burning is not yet known:

Just how long the burns will continue is unknown, said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna. The end date "is a moving target because of the rain and snow," he said Friday. "We were trying for a few weeks to get this launched."

The burns will continue beyond the usual March 15 cutoff. "But we can't go too late into the season," Hajna said. "We go as long as we can safely do it."

The controlled fires are generally conducted during the winter months to minimize the amount of smoke produced, and when weather conditions tend to be safer for them.

I'll do my best to keep on eye on any future prescribed burns in New Jersey and post updates in future articles.

A little more about prescribed burns in New Jersey

Last Friday, March 13th, I wrote about several prescribed burns that were done that day. I have since heard from some friends in the NJ Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) that those prescribed burns that were done last Friday the 13th were the first prescribed burns of the season. A list of those burns that I listed on March 13th may be found in this NJFFS Facebook post.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service released a press release about the 2015 Prescribed Burning season in New Jersey on March 13th that may be found here.

A couple of points from the press release that I'd like to highlight here.

1. Why do prescribed burns? I like what the press release says:

The Forest Fire Service, part of the DEP’s Forestry Services, expects to burn about 10,000 acres of forests and grasslands this season. These fires burn brush, leaves, needles and debris but do not reach the canopy of the forest or cause significant tree loss as wildfires do. They improve forest health by removing thick undergrowth and competing non-native trees that can harm the overall health of the forest.

2. The New Jersey Forest Fire Services warns that residents in areas where prescribed burning is happening may see smoke and suggest that if residents are in doubt about the source of the smoke that they may contact 9-11 or 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

3. I know from first hand experience that roads near or adjoining areas where prescribed burns are taking place are indeed clearly marked. In my experience the signage is clear and you will know before you drive through an area where prescribed burning is occuring.

I don't know what effect our colder than normal winter and only recent snow melt has had on the prescribed burning season here in New Jersey. But I do know that I can check the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page for updates. And I'll share any updates I find here.

Prescribed burns in New Jersey (2015)

I have to admit that with the recent cold weather that we have had in New Jersey it has been a little hard to believe that our spring fire season is coming up. And even if there was no snow, it was hard for me to imagine to prescribed burning in the frigid temperatures that we have experienced this winter in New Jersey. Even with the more normal (for us temperatures) in Northern New Jersey this week, a snow pack still lingers. In my case, the snow pack is minimal, a couple of inches, covering about one-half of my property. But north of me, the snow pack will be deeper. South of me, as you can see from the Snow Depth graphic from the National Snow Analyses from the U.S. National Weather Service’s National Operation Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center, there is no snow pack.

Obtained on March 13, 2015 from

NOHRSC Ntl Snow Analysis 

While I am hardly an expert in such things, I know that once the snow pack is gone the potential exists for the ground to dry out pretty quickly. And with that the start of the spring wildfire season.

In advance of the spring fire season here in New Jersey, prescribed burning is done. I suspect that the persistent snow pack through much of January into late February/early March has resulted in fewer prescribed burns. The lack of snow cover in central and southern New Jersey means that they are able to do prescribed burning. Unfortunately, I don’t quite know when prescribed burning started in the central and southern part of New Jersey (Sections B and C). However, thanks to my friends at the NJFFS Section B-10 website  I know that  there is prescribed burning going on today in the following areas in New Jersey (what you see when you access tPete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10
will differ depending on when you accessing their page):

NEW JERSEY FOREST FIRE SERVICE DIVISION B


• Section B2 — Burlington County, Washington Twp. Warton State Forest, 50 acres, grass

• Section B4 — Ocean County, Eagleswood Twp, Stafford WMA, 50 acres, grass
• Section B6 — Ocean County, Manchester Twp, Manchester WMA, 50 acres, grass
• Section B10, Monmouth County, Monmouth Battlefield, 203 acres, grass

NEW JERSEY FOREST FIRE SERVICE DIVISION C

• Section C3 — Cumberland County, Commercial and Downe Twp., Milleville and Buckstutem WMA, 90 acres, grass
• Section C4 — Cumberland County, Maurice Twp. Peasley WMA, 100 acres, grass

It is supposed to rain tonight into Saturday and possibly into early Sunday which probably means no prescribed burning anywhere in the State this weekend.

Smokejumping: Reflections

When I first got seriously interested in wildland firefighting I got in touch with a former professor with whom I studied a little about forestry (among other things) while I was in graduate school. I told Marc about my interest in wildland firefighting. He suggested that I read Young Men and Fire by Norman McLean about Mann Gulch . A short time later, I read Jumping Fire, by Murray A.Taylor about his life as a smokejumper. So you could say that one of my introductions to wildland firefighting was through smokejumping.

One of these days on one of my treks out west, I’ll have an opportunity to visit a Smokejumper Base or two. I’d love to see up close and personal some of what I’ve seen in videos about what happens at a Smokejumper Base. Perhaps I’d be able to visit one of the smokejumping aircraft up close and personal.

Over the last several days, I have grown to appreciate the complexity of all that is involved in smokejumping. I don’t know if what I have posted previously or plan to post in the capture will adequately capture all that is involved in smokejumping from training to practice jumps to getting the call to a fire to jumping to the fire to working the fire.

As I continue to write this blog on the different aspects of aerial wildland firefighting, I hope that some of my respect for all wildland firefighters whether the be on the ground or in the air as well as their support staff comes through in what I share.

Before I leave, I do hope to continue the series on smokejumping 101 (see articles from March 3rd, March 4th, and March 9th). I have some queries out to get some more information on smokejumping to share with you. But this process may take a several days. So stay tuned, I'll be back with more articles in my series on smokejumping as soon as I can.

Added on May 29, 2015: I spent some time thinking about how I will approach any future articles on smokejumping. I'm not sure at this point when I'll be making more posts on smokejumping. Over the course of the current wildfire season (2015) I will be looking to try learn more about smokejumping. Because I do not live in close proximity to any Smokejumping bases, this will be difficult. However, I am hoping that I might be able to learn something about smokejumping that I can share with you.

Smokejumping 101 part 3: More on Smokejumper Aircraft

Here are some videos and or pictures of four smokejumper aircraft. Later this week I'll be back with more in this series

Twin Otter
8 smokejumpers


direct link to video

Casa 212
10 smokejumpers

Practice jump Casa 212


direct link to video

Shorts Sherpa
10 smokejumpers

I believe that the aircraft you are seeing in the video from KQED on the California Smokejumpers that I embed below is a Shorts Sherpa. If the embed code doesn’t work, the direct link should work. I first shared this video in August 2014, but it is approrpriate to share it again.

direct link to video

I shared some links to photos and videos of the Sherpa on February 27, 2015. (I was having trouble with this link, and if it doesn't work just scroll down a bit on the main page of my blog and you should find the post).

Dornier 228
8 smokejumpers
picture from California Smokejumpers Aircraft page (bottom of page)

Alaska Smokejumpers

I was hoping to write a little more about the different types of smokejumper aircraft. As sometimes happens, I have to take a little more time to do some more research before I write my article. Sorry about that. I’m not going to take too long on this phase of my research, and it is my intention to post a second article next week, either on March 9 or March 11.

In the meantime, I have previously shared videos about Alaska Smokejumpers on December 28, 2012 (SJ training) and on January 2, 2013 (2012 season). I found some more videos about Alaska Smokejumpers that I want to share with you to share with you from the Alaska Film Archives. They have a collection of nine videos showcasing Alaska Smokejumpers, I am sharing three with you.

Air to air video of Alaska smokejumpers jumping from a Volpar aircraft (1986)



direct link to video


Alaska smokejumpers exiting airplanes (2005)



direct link to video


Wildfire and retardant drops from Alaska Smokejumpers collection (1985-1996)



direct link to video

Smokejumping 101 - part 2: About Smokejumper Aircraft

Just as the Interagency Airtanker Board approves Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB) Multi-engine Tankers, SEATS, Helitankers and Retardant tanks the Smokejumper Aircraft Screening and Evaluation Board (SASEB) evaluates and approves

smokejumper/paracargo aircraft and related accessories, initiatives, proposals and issues. SASEB will provide guidance for standardization, when evaluating new interagency smokejumper/paracargo aircraft and related aircraft accessories (Smokejumper Aircraft Screening and Evaluation Board (SASEB)).

There is a list of SASEB approved aircraft dated 2004 on the Smokejumper Aircraft Screening and Evaluation Board (SASEB) website, but if you click on the 2004 Meeting Approved List the resulting document is dated August 2, 2000. It isn’t quite clear to me if the SASEB approved aircraft list has been revised since that time.

What I do know is that I found a listing of Smokejumper Aircraft 2015 from the National Interagency Coordination Center’s aviation page. Of course, if you are landing here sometime after 2015, I’m not sure what will happen when you click on the link that I gave. Anyway, the listing of smokejumper aircraft that will be used in 2015 includes some useful information. such as the tail number, aircraft type, aircraft identifier and assigned base.

Four types of smokejumper aircraft will be used in 2015: Twin Otter DHC-6, Sherpa, Dornier, and Casa 212. I will write more about these four aircraft types on Friday, March 5.

Looking to the future, Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation has been reporting about 15 Sherpa C-23B aircraft that the U.S. Army is transferring to the U.S. Forest Service, his latest article was written on October 28, 2014. He asked Jennifer Jones, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson for an update:

As of 9/11/14, a total of 10 C-23B+/SD3-60s have been transferred from the DoD to the U.S. Forest Service and the remainder are scheduled to be transferred within the next few weeks. . . . 

The U.S. Forest Service will locate one aircraft in Ogden, Utah to serve as the prototype aircraft for FAA Civil Certification as an SD3-60 Sherpa and will then conform the rest of the C-23B+ aircraft to that standard. One of the three aircraft located in Redmond, Oregon will be used to complete the Smokejumper Aircraft Screening and Evaluation Board (SASEB) approval process and to develop pilot familiarity and training. The other aircraft will be progressively certified, configured for wildfire suppression missions, and brought into service. 

The U.S. Forest Service expects to begin bringing the aircraft into service incrementally (two to four aircraft per year) beginning in 2016 . . .

For more information on the 15 Sherpa C-23B aircraft read Bill’s October 28, 2014 article. I expect that Bill will continue to report on this as new developments arise so you might check out Fire Aviation every so often.

Stay tuned for my next article in this series where I’ll continue to write about smokejumper aircraft.

Smokejumping 101 - part 1

Some of you might have guessed that I am working on a series on Smokejumpers. I am still developing this series as I write this. I hope to present either some different information from that I have presented in earlier articles or else (hopefully) present some additional information about subjects that I have already written about.

I thought that I’d begin with an article, which will be a review of sorts, listing the Smokejumper Bases. In one article that I wrote on Smokejumping, on July 15, 2009, I listed the nine Smokejumper Bases. To review, these bases are:

US Forest Service
McCall, Idaho
Grangeville, Idaho
Redding, California
West Yellowstone, Montana
Missoula, Montana
Winthrop, Washington
Redmond, Oregon

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Boise, Idaho
Fairbanks, Alaska [note smoke jumpers in Alaska are a branch of the Alaska Fire Service and the BLM]

The USFS maintains a webpage listing the current Smokejumper Bases along with locations and contact info that I obtained from here.

The National Smokejumpers Users Guide-2011 (SJ Users Guide) is an easy to read document with a lot of basic information. I found some useful information that answered some questions that I had. On page 5 of the SJ Users Guide I found the same listing of USFS and BLM Smokejumper Bases this time listed by region with the number of personnel at each base, along with a map. According to the SJ Users Guide (2011), page 5 there “are about 325 Forest Service smokejumpers” based at the seven USFS bases (at least when the SJ Users Guide was printed in 2011), and 145 BLM smokejumpers. USFS and BLM smokejumpers are interchangeable.

I had read that smokejumpers sometimes operate out of other bases, these bases are listed on page 5 of the SJ Users Guide and are also included in the map. Unfortunately I can not reproduce the map here, so I hope that you will take a few moments and look at the map.These other bases that have been used are referred to as “spike bases:”

Vernal, Utah
Price Utah
Moab, Utah,
Pocatello, Idaho
Salmon, Idaho
Santa Fe New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Prescott, Arizona
Cannon City, Colorado
Durango, Colorado
Elko Nevada

I will continue with this series on Smokejumpers tomorrow or Thursday where I’ll write a little more about Smokejumper aircraft.

A little about the history of California smokejumpers and their aircraft

Between going outside and working on some ice that is or was blocking the underground pipe that drains one of my gutter downspouts I have been reading more about the Smokejumper program. I had been hoping to make a post today, perhaps the first of a few posts, but I am running out of time today. I will return tomorrow with some more information.

But in the meantime, I thought you might enjoy reading some information that I found on the California Smokejumpers-Redding wepage. They have a lot of great information, and I have spent at least one hour, perhaps more, looking at various pieces of information. I will point you to three items that I read this afternoon:

Development of Smokejumping in the U.S.
How the California Smokejumpers Began
California Smokejumper Aircraft