Sockeye Fire near Willow Alaska

June 17 at 4:20 PM EDT
Both Inciweb and Alaska Wildland Fire Information (report of June 17th) are saying that 7,555 acres have burned to date. Updates from KTVA 11 (maps, photos, etc) and KTUU. As many as 50 residences may have been burned in the fire. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Alaska)  continues to have special page devoted to the Sockeye Fire (I don't know how long the Borough will maintain this webpage once the threat to their community is over). Evacuations continue, and there will be a community meeting tonight.

June 16, 2015 at 3:10 PM EDT
I have read reports that the Sockeye Fire was grown to between 7,500 and 7,600 acres. For example Sockeye Fire information available on the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center's Fire Information Mapping page (I clicked on "Sockeye Fire") reported earlier this morning that 7,512 acres have burned. You might also want to see the reporting of two media outlets in Anchorage, AK: KTTU reporting on Sockeye Fire and KTVA11's report on the Sockeye Fire. By the way, both of these media outlets have done a good job of reporting on the Sockeye Fire.

As I write this update, Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Alaska)  has a special page devoted to the Sockeye Fire, they reported earlier today (June 16th)  that the Alaska Division of Forestry estimates that the Sockeye fire has burned 7,585 acres.

There are some freely available pages on Facebook that some of you might be interested that have information on the Sockeye Fire:

• A Facebook page for the Sockeye Fire
• The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team has a Facebook page. They report on the Sockeye Fire on their Facebook page as well as other wildfires in Alaska as well as other important news pertaining to wildfires in Alaska such as fire weather conditions.
• Alaska DNR of Forestry also reports on wildfires in Alaska including but not limited to the Sockeye Fire.
• Matanuska-Susitna Borough's Facebook page

direct link to video

June 15, 2015 2 PM EDT

The Sockeye Fire near Willow Alaska (35 to 40 miles north of Anchorage Alaska in or near the Mat - Su Area Forest) was first reported about 1 PM (local time) on June 14, 2015, quickly burning 6,500 acres. I understand that evacuations are in place According to information obtained from the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center's Fire Information Mapping page (I clicked on "Sockeye Fire") 45 structures have been burned including about 20 primary residences. Shelters for those who have evacuated have been set up. Helicopters with buckets, Single-Engine Airtankers (SEATs), and larger airtankers are working the fire. The latest information on the Sockeye Fire from inciweb may be found here.

CBS2-KTTU in Anchorage, AK is covering this wildfire. As I write this, their latest report (with a video and photographs) was posted on June 15, 2015 at 8 AM local time and may be found here. I found a report on the fire from NBC News dated June 15th (with video, photos, and updates), they report that crews from the lower 48 (United States) are on their way to Alaska to help fight this wildfire. Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today is reporting on the fire in a June 15th post.

NOAA's WP-3Ds undergoing major overhaul (6 of 6)

As I was scouring the doing my background research gathering information about NOAA's Hurricane Hunting aircraft I did various internet searches. Sometimes I do such searches and I luck out and find some good reliable information that I was not looking for. Such was the case a couple of weeks when I found a media report dated August 2014 from the Tampa (FL) Tribune reporting that both of NOAA's WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunters will be getting major overhauls over the next couple of years. As some of you may already know, the US Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (with their 10 C130-J Hurricane Hunters) does most of the reconnaissance work of flying into hurricanes and gathering data on the hurricanes.

Back to the overhaul, the Tampa Tribune reported on August 14, 2014 (and I later found a few other references from other media outlets) that the $35 million overhaul will include new wings, refurbished engines, radar upgrades and new avionics. Only one WP-3D will be out of commission at one time, leaving one in service (here is an excerpt from Harold Altman's August 14, 2014 article in the Tampa Tribune:

Aside from new, nearly 100-foot-long wings, the planes, which have each flown more than 10,000 hours a piece and into more than 80 hurricanes each, will be getting refurbished engines and upgraded radar and avionics, says McFadden (Jim McFadden is NOAA's chief of operations at MacDill Air Force Base where NOAA has its Aircraft Operations Center) 

The upgraded tail Doppler radar will have higher resolution data than the current system, while the lower fuselage will have better video processors. The combination will allow the planes to provide quality data, says McFadden. 

'The goal is to keep these planes flying for another 15 to 20 years,'  he says.

Before writing this article, I did another more focused internet search and came across a more current report on the overhaul of NOAA's WP-3D Orions reported on May 26, 2015 report on Bay News 9 (the article is by Tamara Lush of the Associated Press). Lush reports on the installation of the refurbished engines in "Miss Piggy" with photos. Meanwhile "Kermit" is getting new wings at at a Naval Station in Jacksonville. So, "Miss Piggy" will be flying this year (2015) while "Kermit" gets his new wings and next year (2016) it is "Miss Piggy's turn to get new wings.

_____________________

Now that I know a little more about Hurricane Hunters (from NOAA and the USAF Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron), I do plan on trying to learn even more about what these magnificent aircraft and their crew do as they fly into hurricanes. As I learn more I'll report back here.

Septeber 10, 2016: updated outdated links

Other articles in this series:
Part 1 (June 1): Hurricane Hunters: Introduction
Part 2 (June 3): From NOAA about the WP-3D, dropsondes, and the G-IV
Part 3 (June 5): A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission
Part 4 (June 8): more pictures and videos of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters
Part 5 (June 10): A small taste of how the NHC uses Hurricane Hunter aircraft data

A small taste of how the NHC uses Hurricane Hunter aircraft data (5 of 6)

If you have been following along on my articles on Hurricane Hunting aircraft then you know that Hurricane Hunters are flown by NOAA and those flown by the USAF Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.  In the course of doing background research for these articles, I got interested in how the National Hurricane Center (NHC) uses the reconnaissance data gathered by the NOAA and the USAF Hurricane Hunter aircraft when they fly into tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Before beginning, my focus in this article continues to be on Hurricane Hunting aircraft. If you are interested in learning more about what the work of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) you might want to check out NHC's virtual tour in eight parts. You might also want to look at the NHC’s 2015 Hurricane Preparedness Week presentations. If you are arriving at this article first and want a good overview about what NOAA's Hurricane Hunters do and to learn about the dropsonde instrument that is dropped from the belly of the plane into the hurricane to measure some weather perimeters go and watch this five and a half minute video produced by the City of Tampa (FL).

Knowing that the NHC has an entry page for archives of past hurricanes, I scrolled to the section of the page for “Tropical Cyclone Advisory Archives.” I am using Sandy (2012) here. So I selected 2012 in the drop down box which lead me to the 2012 Tropical Cyclone Advisory Archive page. From the column reading “Atlantic”, I clicked on Hurricane Sandy. This leads me to a page with a full listing of all of NHC products for Hurricane Sandy: forecast advisories, public advisories, discussions and wind speed probabilities as well as a link to a graphics archive. The products that I am referring to here are found under “discussions” with a couple being "public advisory updates.”

What follows is a listing from some of the NHC discussions and a couple of public advisory updates referencing Hurricane Hunter aircraft observations (with links). I picked out NHC products that interested me because of the reference to the Hurricane Hunters. Some of the points that I was interested in were: a change in strength, a change in direction, land strike, etc. Sandy was not the strongest Hurricane that the Hurricane Hunters flew into, at her height she was a category two and that was bad enough. Sandy interested me because she made landfall in New Jersey (as a post-tropical cyclone) causing severe impacts region-wide. Certain aircraft observations from each NHC discussion or public advisory update referenced are indicated in red.

• Hurricane Sandy discussion #2 Mon Oct 22 2012, 5:00 PM EDT: "THE AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FOUND A BAND OF SURFACE WINDS NEAR 35 KT OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN QUADRANT OF THE CYCLONE...SO THE SYSTEM IS BEING NAMED AT THIS TIME."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #7 Tues Oct 23 2012, 11:00 PM EDT:  "REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT SHOW THAT SANDY IS STRENGTHENING.  THE AIRCRAFT REPORTED 850-MB FLIGHT-LEVEL WINDS OF 65 KT AND SFMR SURFACE WIND ESTIMATES NEAR 50 KT.  THE MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE WAS 989 MB.  BASED ON THESE DATA...THE INITIAL INTENSITY IS RAISED TO 50 KT.  THE AIRCRAFT ALSO REPORTED THAT A RAGGED EYE WAS FORMING."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #9 Wed. Oct 24 2012, 11:00 AM EDT:  "DATA FROM THE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE THAT SANDY HAS REACHED HURRICANE STRENGTH. THE AIRCRAFT JUST MEASURED A PEAK 700-MB FLIGHT-LEVEL WIND OF 86 KT...AND BLENDING THAT WITH THE PEAK SFMR WINDS YIELDS AN INITIAL INTENSITY OF 70 KT. THE CENTRAL PRESSURE HAS ALSO FALLEN TO 973 MB BASED ON DATA FROM THE PLANE."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #11 Wed Oct 24 2012, 11:00 PM EDT: "CUBAN RADAR DATA AND REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE THAT SANDY IS BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED THIS EVENING.  THE CENTRAL PRESSURE HAS FALLEN RAPIDLY TO 954 MB... AND A 20-25 N MI WIDE EYE HAS DEVELOPED."
• Hurricane Sandy public advisory update Thurs. Oct 25 2012, 12:30 AM EDT EDT: "RECENT REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT INDICATE HURRICANE SANDY HAS RAPIDLY STRENGTHENED...AND MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NOW ESTIMATED TO BE 110 MPH...175 KM/H. THIS MAKE SANDY A STRONG CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #12 Thurs. Oct. 25 2012, 5:00 AM EDT: "EARLIER THIS MORNING...SANDY MADE LANDFALL JUST WEST OF SANTIAGO DE CUBA AS A STRONG CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE. CUBAN RADAR DATA AND REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT INDICATED THAT SANDY HAD A WELL-DEFINED 20-24 N MI DIAMETER EYE WHEN IT MADE LANDFALL. THE AIRCRAFT REPORTED MAXIMUM 700-MB FLIGHT-LEVEL WINDS OF 117 KT AND BIAS-CORRECTED SFMR SURFACE ESTIMATES OF 91-92 KT."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #15 Thurs. Oct. 25 2012, 11:00 PM EDT: "REPORTS FROM A NOAA HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE THAT SANDY HAS WEAKENED A LITTLE THIS EVENING.  THE MAXIMUM FLIGHT-LEVEL WINDS AT 8000 FT WERE 90 KT...AND DROPSONDES IN WHAT REMAINED OF THE EYEWALL SUGGESTED 70 KT SURFACE WINDS.  THE CENTRAL PRESSURE HAD RISEN TO 968 MB."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #27 Sun. Oct 28, 2012, 11:00 PM EDT: "THE CONVECTION NEAR THE CENTER OF SANDY HAS BECOME A LITTLE BETTER ORGANIZED THIS EVENING...WITH A NOAA HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT REPORTING A 25-35 MILE WIDE EYE WITH AN OPEN EYEWALL.  HOWEVER...THE STRONGEST WINDS IN THE STORM ARE NOT OCCURRING IN THE EYEWALL...AS THE NOAA AND AIR FORCE RESERVE AIRCRAFT FOUND A LARGE AREA OF AT LEAST 60 KT SURFACE WINDS ABOUT 100-120 N MI SOUTHWEST OF THE CENTER.  IN ADDITION...THE AIR FORCE PLANE REPORTED 700-MB FLIGHT-LEVEL WINDS OF 102 KT. BASED ON THESE DATA...THE INITIAL INTENSITY IS REDUCED TO 80 KT...AND THIS COULD BE A LITTLE GENEROUS."
• Hurricane Sandy discussion #29 Mon Oct. 29 2012, 11:00 AM EDT: "SANDY IS MAINTAINING A SMALL AREA OF DEEP CONVECTION NEAR THE CENTER...WITH BOTH AIR FORCE RESERVE RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT DATA AND VARIOUS MICROWAVE SATELLITE DATA INDICATING A 20 N MI DIAMETER EYE HAS DEVELOPED SINCE THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY. … SANDY HAS BEGUN ITS ANTICIPATED LEFT TURN AND THE INITIAL MOTION IS NOW 335/11.  THE HURRICANE SHOULD CONTINUE A GENERAL NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS OR SO AS IT INTERACTS WITH A MID/UPPER-LEVEL LOW OVER THE FLORIDA STRAITS.  AFTER THAT...A DEEP-LAYER LONGWAVE TROUGH MOVING INTO THE EASTERN UNITED STATES SHOULD CAUSE SANDY TO TURN NORTHWARD AND NORTHEASTWARD. "
• Hurricane Sandy public advisory update Oct 29 2012, 8:00 PM EDT: "SURFACE...RADAR...AND AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT DATA INDICATE THAT POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SANDY MADE LANDFALL NEAR ATLANTIC CITY NEW JERSEY AROUND 800 PM EDT...0000 UTC...WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS OF 80 MPH...130 KM/H. NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE TIDE GAUGES HAVE RECENTLY REPORTED STORM SURGE HEIGHTS OF 11.9 FEET AT KINGS POINT NEW YORK...8.4 FEET AT THE BATTERY NEW YORK...AND 8.6 FEET AT SANDY HOOK NEW JERSEY. WITHIN THE PAST HOUR OR SO...A SUSTAINED WIND OF 49 MPH WITH A GUST TO 73 MPH WAS REPORTED AT JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN NEW YORK. A WIND GUST TO 71 MPH WAS RECENTLY OBSERVED AT FARMINGDALE NEW YORK. "

The Hurricane Hunters fed their data to the NHC. My local NWS office, the US National Weather Service at Mt. Holly got data (all of which is public data) on Sandy from the NHC and were in telephone contact with National Hurricane Center (NHC) as needed. Emergency managers heeded the warnings issued by the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly and issued evacuation orders for the barrier islands off the New Jersey Coast with roads to and from the barrier islands being closed well in advance of Sandy's landfall. Most businesses and schools in New Jersey and adjoining areas of New York were closed on the 29th. The New York City subway system was shut down on 7 PM on October 28, 2012. In New Jersey, Gov. Christie declared a State of Emergency in New Jersey on Oct. 27, 2012

I was well inland. I knew from the NHC advisories and forecasts from the NWS Mt. Holly that Sandy was a large storm with high winds (in excess of 58 mph) that would reach inland to where I was in the northwestern section of NJ. So on the 26th and the 27th I prepared and was glad that I did. We hunkered down and eleven days later we had our electrical power back (our power went out at 8:30 PM on the 29th). As most of you know, New Jersey and adjoining areas of New York were hit extremely hard by Sandy. It would have been a whole lot worse without the hurricane advisories and forecast discussions from the NHC as well as the forecasts and warnings from the NWS Mt. Holly. A lot of lives were saved because of the work of the Hurricane Hunters, the NHC, and the US National Weather Service at Mt. Holly.

Thank-you Hurricane Hunters!

Thank-you National Hurricane Center!

Thank-you US National Weather Service at Mt. Holly!

For those who are interested: The US National Weather Service at Mt. Holly has some archived data on Sandy:

• Summary and records (rainfall, peak wind, minimum pressure, storm surge)
• Radar images, storm summary, etc (includes links to still more information on Sandy)
• Link to Mt Holly Event Archive Page, click on 2012 under the graphic, then the link for Oct 29 - Super Storm Sandy (includes some of the information linked to above)

Septebmer 10, 2016: outdated links removed, other outdated links have been updated

Other articles in this series:
Part 1 (June 1): Hurricane Hunters: Introduction
Part 2 (June 3): From NOAA about the WP-3D, dropsondes, and the G-IV
Part 3 (June 5): A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission
Part 4 (June 8): more pictures and videos of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters
Part 6 (June 12): NOAA's WP-3Ds undergoing major overhaul

More pictures and videos of NOAA's hurricane hunters (4 of 6)

More videos of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters in Action. Articles on ll the Hurricanes referenced in these videos may be found on on the NHC page on notable Hurricanes in History. the National Hurricane Center maintains an extensive archive of hurricane data, advisories, tracks, maps, etc that you may access from the NHC Data Archives.

Flying into Hurricane Gilbert (1988) Wikipedia on Hurricane Gilbert

direct link to video

Hurricane Rita (2005) Wikipedia on Hurricane Rita

direct link to video

Hurricane Wilma (2005) Wikipedia on Hurricane Wilma

direct link to video


Other articles in this series:
Part 1 (June 1): Hurricane Hunters: Introduction
Part 2 (June 3): From NOAA about the WP-3D, dropsondes, and the G-IV
Part 3 (June 5): A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission
Part 5 (June 10): A small taste of how the NHC uses Hurricane Hunter aircraft data
Part 6 (June 12): NOAA's WP-3Ds undergoing major overhaul

A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission (3 of 6)

A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission through videos and pictures

About the WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunter from the City of Tampa

direct link to video

Flying into Hurricane Irene with ABC Action News (Tampa FL)

direct link to video

Two videos: flying through Katrina eyewall

In this video, from the Weather Channel, you will here a C130-J Hurricane Hunter pilot from the US Air Force 53rd Weather Squadron talk about flying into the eye of a hurricane, in this case Katrina. I am including it here because I like the discussion of some of the issues facing pilots of any Hurricane Hunter as the fly into the eye of a hurricane.

direct link to video

Short video showing the flight of one of NOAA's WP-3D's into Katrina’s eyewall.

direct link to video


Jim of Extreme Storms flies into Ophelia (2005) on NOAA’s WP-3D Hurricane Hunter “Miss Piggy”. He writes of his experience on this flight with pictures.


Other articles in this series:
Part 1 (June 1): Hurricane Hunters: Introduction
Part 2 (June 3): From NOAA about the WP-3D, dropsondes, and the G-IV
Part 4 (June 8): more pictures and videos of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters
Part 5 (June 10): A small taste of how the NHC uses Hurricane Hunter aircraft data
Part 6 (June 12): NOAA's WP-3Ds undergoing major overhaul

From NOAA about the WP-3D, dropsnodes, and the Gulfstream-IV (2 of 6)

This is some nice footage from the NOAA B Roll (credit to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration {NOAA}) focusing NOAA Hurricane Hunter Aircraft. You will see footage (inside and outside) of the WP-3D Orion including some footage shot from inside the cockpit. You will also see an animation showing an Orion's flight path and dropsonde deployments in the eye of a hurricane. In addition the crew talks about the deployment of the dropsondes. Finally there is some footage of the Gulfstream including footage shot from inside the Gulfstream (cockpit and meteorolgy stations).

As I understand it. the WP-3D Orions fly inside the hurricane at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 10,000 feet while the Gulfstream flys at high altitudes from 40 to 45,000 feet. The meteorological and science data from the Orion and the Gulfstream is transmitted (in flight, encoded) directly back to the National Hurricane Center where they interpret the data for inclusion in Tropical Storm or Hurricane advisories, forecasts, and forecast discussions.

This video is about NOAA's Hurricane Hunters. The C-130 Hurricane Hunters from the US Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron also transmit their data back to the National Hurricane Center while they are in flight.


direct link to video

Note: NOAA B Roll is footage of NOAA research and other activities produced and distributed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). See the about NOAA B Roll on Youtube for more information.

September 10, 2016: outdated links updated


Other articles in this series:
Part 1 (June 1): Hurricane Hunters: Introduction
Part 3 (June 5): A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission
Part 4 (June 8): more pictures and videos of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters
Part 5 (June 10): A small taste of how the NHC uses Hurricane Hunter aircraft data
Part 6 (June 12): NOAA's WP-3Ds undergoing major overhaul

NOAA's Hurricane Hunters: Introduction (1 of 6)

I recently wrote about the Hurricane Hunters of the US Air Force 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (see my May 20th article for more information and links). As some of you know, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has its own Hurricane Hunters. Today I start a multi-part series on NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters. Please take a few moments to watch this short video about NOAA's Hurricane Hunters.

direct link to video

NOAA's Hurricane Hunters are two Lockheed WP-3D Orions, known as “Miss Piggy” and “Kermit” and a Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV) based in Tampa FL at the NOAA’s Aircraft Operation Center on the Mac Dill Air Force Base.

Obtained on May 31, 2015 from http://www.noaa.gov/features/03_protecting/hurricanehunterstory_2012.html 

Recall that the  C-130s of the US Air Force 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron fly hurricane reconnaissance missions.  NOAA's two WP-3D does some hurricane reconnaissance missions but their primary mission during the hurricane season is hurricane research. The WP-3D Orions have four turbo prop engines and are equipped with special weather equipment. According to NOAA’s information page on the Lockheed WP-3D Orion, a typical crew consists of “2 Pilots, Flight Engineer, Navigator, Flight Director (meteorologist), 2 or 3 Engineering/Electronic specialists, Radio/Avionics specialist, and up to 12 Scientist or Media personnel”, this same link has more specs and a listing of the special weather equipment on the WP-3D.

The red mission badges represent the Hurricanes (name and year) she flew. The flags are the countries she has been to.
Obtained on May 31, 2015 from http://www.noaa.gov/features/03_protecting/hurricanehunterstory_2012.html (Note: link was active at time I obtained this photo, no longer active link as of 9/10/2016)

NOAA’s webpage on the Gulfstream IV-SP G-IV provides specs on this aircraft, equipment, and a listing of the crew positions. On a typical hurricane mission NOAA’s G-IV flies with a crew of nine: 2 pilots, 1 flight engineer/mechanic, 1 flight meteorologist (flight director), 1 High Attitude Profiling System (HAPS) system operator and 3 Engineering Technicians/Dropwindesonde (Sonde) system operators.

My understanding is that one of NOAA’s WP-3D and the Gulfstream IV-SP pair up while flying a hurricane mission. The G-IV will fly over the hurricane at a high altitude (the ceiling of the G-IV is 45,000 ft) while the WP-3D will penetrate the hurricane at an altitude of anwhere from 1,500 to 10,000 feet. The WP-3D will make multiple penetrations of the hurricane eye. Hurricane missions are of long duration, lasting for up to eight to nine hours. You might be interested in reading a nice short description of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters that may be found here.

Coming up:

Part 2 (June 3): From NOAA about the WP-3D, dropsondes, and the G-IV
Part 3 (June 5): A little more about the WP-3D Hurricane Hunter mission
Part 4 (June 8): more pictures and videos of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters
Part 5 (June 10): A small taste of how the NHC uses Hurricane Hunter aircraft data
Part 6 (June 12): NOAA's WP-3Ds undergoing major overhaul

June 12, 2015. Now that I know a little more about Hurricane Hunters (from NOAA and the USAF Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron), I do plan on trying to learn even more about what these magnificent aircraft and their crew do as they fly into hurricanes. As I learn more I'll report back here.

September 10, 2016 Outdated link on page removed and other links updated

Thank-you Hurricane Hunters!!

Crash of Conair T-692 (May 22, 2015)

Last Friday, May 22 2015, a Conair AT-802 Fireboss crashed in northern Alberta near the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range not far from the border with Saskatchewan. The SEAT’s pilot (and sole occupant), William Hilts (38 years old, recently from Cranbrook British Columbia) died in the crash. I understand that the SEAT was working a wildfire near Cold Lake last Friday when she went down.

Please join me in offering my condolences, thoughts and prayers to William’s family, friends, colleagues. and all who love him. William, I know that you are flying in favorable tail winds.

For more information:

• Fire Aviation (May 23rd) on crash
• Global News (May23rd) on crash
• Global News (May 25th) pilot identified

25 acre wildfire (Jackson Twsp) NJ under control

A 25 acre wildfire in Jackson Township NJ (Ocean County) that was first reported the afternoon of Monday, May 25th is at 100 percent containment and is under control as of noon on May 28th according to the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Section B10 website. Bravo 1 made a couple of drops on the fire. Media reports on this wildfire may be found here and here (with video report).

USAF Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sandy (2012)

Join an aircrew from the USAF Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron as they fly their C-130J into Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012. A day I’ll never forget as that was the day that Super Storm Sandy came ashore onto New Jersey. This video was uploaded to Youtube by Airboyd. The video is by Technical Sgt. J Wilcox of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron.

Thanks to the work of the Hurricane Hunters (from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron as well as NOAA’s P-3’s) we in New Jersey knew where Sandy would strike, and she came ashore where expected. A lot of lives were saved because of evacuation orders that were in place. And for those of us who were inland, well we were told what to expect. For many, living through it was another thing. We only lost electricity for several days and had some minor and easily repairable property damage. Others were not so fortunate.


direct link to video

I will resume posting on Hurricane Hunters on June 1st. Stay tuned.

September 10, 2016: updated outdated links

Interview with USAF Aerial Wx Reconnaissance Officer

Continuing where I left off a couple of days ago, here is Chrissy Warrilow, a Meteorogist from Georgia Public Broadcasting interviewing Captain Tina Smith, Aerial Weather Reconnaissance Officer with the US Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Hurricane Hunters). This two-part interview was published on Youtube in April 2012.


direct link to part 1 on youtube


direct link to part 2 on youtube

Next up: US Airforce Weather Reconnaissance Squadrom flies into Hurricane Sandy (2012).

Tour of USAF Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft

I am continuing to write about US AirForce Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft. The Hurricane Hunters recently finished up a week long tour [They stopped in several Atlantic Coast cities (Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada); Atlantic City, NJ; Norfolk, VA; Myrtle Beach, SC; St. Augustine, FL; and Marathon, FL.] I wrote about the tour stop in Atlantic City, NJ on May 12th.

If I understand the military designation correctly they are the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve (403rd Wing home page and on Facebook).

The C-130 Hurricane Hunter has a crew of five: two Pilots, a Navigator, an Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer, and a Weather Loadmaster/Dropsonde Systems Operator, go to the Hurricane Hunter Associations “People” Page for a description of what each crew member does.

Join Meteorologist Chrissy Warrilow with Georgia Public Broadcast on a tour of one of the USAF 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s C-130 Hurricane Hunter aircraft. She had an opportunity to tour this C-130 Hurricane Hunter when the aircraft was visiting Georgia on a tour. You will hear Captain Tina Smith, Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer discuss the plane and the mission. Master Sergeant Amy Lee, the Load Master/Dropsonde Officer talks about how the Dropsonde is deployed and the types of data it records. You will also meet the pilot, Lieutenant Jarod Hamblin, and Dan Darbe a NWS Forecaster. The video was published on Youtube in February 2012.


direct to link to video by Chrissy Warrilow on Youtube

Up next (Monday May 26) Chrissy Warrilow’s two part interview with Captain Tina Smith, Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer.

More on the US Air Force 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

As an aviation enthusiast and a weather enthusiast, I am interested in how aircraft our used to help forecast weather as well as other weather related uses. The June 1st official beginning of the east coast hurricane season is almost upon us, and we have already had one named tropical system (Ana). I can think of no better way to begin then to write about Hurricane Hunting aircraft. I first wrote about Hurricane Hunters on May 12th

I will continue by writing three posts on the US Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron:
May 22: Tour of USAF Hurricane Hunter Aircraft
May 25: Interview with USAF Aerial Wx Reconnaissance Officer
May 27: USAF Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sandy (2012)

I am in the process of working on other articles about Hurricane Hunters and will post more articles on Hurricane Hunters starting June 1st. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy this short video about the USAF 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron direct link to video

A look at the Maine Forest Rangers Helicopters

Continuing with the wildfire season in New England, here is an excellent video from WLBZ 2 in Bangor Maine. This is a video segment from Bill Green’s Maine focusing on the helicopters that the Maine Forest Rangers use to help ground crews fight wildfires in Maine. They have six Hueys with buckets. I know enough about Maine to know that there are vast stretches of forested areas in Maine and I for one am glad that the helos are there to help the ground crews. The Chief Ranger Pilot, John Crowley provides an excellent discussion on the use of helos in Maine as well as how the bucket works. I was especially interested in Mr. Crowley’s description of how the bucket works, something I have not heard described all that often. Please go to the link and llow about six minutes to watch this great video. Enjoy.

Direct link to WCSH6 Portland ME (Bill Green’s Maine)

The Maine Forest Rangers, a division of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has a freely available Facebook page (you don’t need an account) that may be found here.

Note added on May 20, 2015: When I first wrote this post, I embedded a great video from WCSH6 in Maine (Bill Green's Maine) about how the Maine Forest Rangers use helicopters to fight wildfires. The embed code was set so that, depending on your browser settings, the video might play automaticially. Because I thought that autoplaying a six minute video might detract from your experience in enjoying this blog, in particular upcoming videos, I have deleted the embed code. But the above link should still work, and I encourge you to go to the link and watch this six minute video.

Wildfires in New England - videos

While I have been focusing recently on wildfires of various sizes burning in NJ (and one in southeast NY), I am aware that other areas in the northeast United States have seen wildfires. So in the spirit of remembering wildland firefighters on the ground and in the air who have worked these various fires, I share two videos that I just came across thanks to my friends for the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Video Page (updated weekly).


direct link to video on youtube (brush fire in Sandwich Massachusetts)


direct link to video on youtube (helicopter with bucket working Lubec Fire (Lubec, Maine)

Red Flag Warning - NJ, Southeast NY, and Southern New England

7:15 PM EDT, May 13

I spent about 3 1/2 hours (2:30 to 6 PM) listening to the NJ State Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed. I was able to hear some of the feeds channels from Northern New Jersey (Division A) as well. From what I could tell, there was some wildfire activity in central and northern New Jersey. I'm not sure of the size of these fires, I know that I listened to reports of some that were under 1 acre, and the others were of unknown size.

The Red Flag Warnings in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island And Vermont have expired. Red Flag Warnings remain up in New Hampshire until 8 PM EDT this evening.

7:10 AM EDT, May 13
Red Flag Warnings are up for all of New Jersey, southeastern New York, and southern New England. I'll listen to some online scanner feeds and try to follow the media to find out about any wildfire activity. Stay safe everyone!

National Weather Service Eastern Region, May 13 2015 7:02 AM. Red Flag Warnings in red.

Red Flag Warning

---

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
334 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

NJZ001-007>010-012>027-132200-
/O.UPG.KPHI.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.W.0004.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
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-
334 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING. IT IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON UNTIL 600 PM.

* AFFECTED AREA...NORTHWESTERN, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST AT 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY...27 TO 32 PERCENT.

* MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES...GENERALLY FROM 65 TO AROUND 70 DEGREES.

* IMPACTS...ANY WILDFIRES THAT DEVELOP 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 WEB SITE.

---

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
318 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

...CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD TODAY...

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-
132200-
/O.UPG.KOKX.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.W.0004.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
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-
318 AM EDT WED MAY 13 2015

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR THE TRI-STATE AREA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON
TODAY TO 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.

* AFFECTED AREA...LOWER HUDSON VALLEY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...
  SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT...NEW YORK CITY...AND LONG ISLAND.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...THIS AFTERNOON.

* 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.

---

Fire Weather Watch for Wed. May 13

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
324 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

.EXCESSIVELY DRY WEATHER SINCE ABOUT APRIL 23RD COMBINED WITH
GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY LOWERING TO NEAR 30
PERCENT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON HAS PROMPTED THE ISSUANCE OF A FIRE
WEATHER WATCH FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

NJZ001-007>010-012>027-131030-
/O.NEW.KPHI.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/
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-
324 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR ALL OF NEW
JERSEY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY HAS ISSUED A FIRE
WEATHER WATCH WHICH IS IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

* AFFECTED AREA...ALL OF NEW JERSEY.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* TIMING...NOON TO 6 PM.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* TEMPERATURES...MAINLY 65 TO 70 DEGREES, COOLEST READINGS IN THE
  HILLS OF NORTHWEST NEW JERSEY.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITIES...AND DRY FUELS. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS
AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.

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

&&

$$

GORSE/DRAG

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY

331 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

...CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD ON WEDNESDAY...

CTZ005>012-NJZ002-004-006-103>108-NYZ067>075-078>081-176>179-

130915-

/O.NEW.KOKX.FW.A.0003.150513T1600Z-150513T2200Z/

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-

331 PM EDT TUE MAY 12 2015

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE TRI-

STATE AREA...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER

WATCH FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD...WHICH IS IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY

AFTERNOON.

* AFFECTED AREA...LOWER HUDSON VALLEY...NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY...

  SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT...NEW YORK CITY...AND LONG ISLAND.

* WINDS...NORTHWEST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS

ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING THIS

POTENTIAL.

Hurricane Hunters - 53rd Weather Recon Squadron (Air Force Reserve)

Last week one of Hurricane Hunter Aircraft (C-130-J) that NOAA uses to fly into Hurricanes stopped in Egg Harbor Township NJ, near Atlantic City, one of five stops on an East Coast Hurricane Awareness Tour. In addition, a NOAA G-IV participated in this tour. For coverage see:

The National Weather Service, Mt. Holly NJ has two pages of photo with tour highlights that may be found here and here.

Press of Atlantic City (May 5) (with photos, video and nice graphic looking at the work of a Hurricane Hunter)

Asbury Park Press (May 5th) (includes a video interview with Dr, Rick Knabb, director of National Hurricane Center with a focus on the importance of evacuation in advance of Hurricanes).

From the Hurricane Hunters Association - 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (Air Force Reserve)
Frequently Asked Questions
The plane (C-130J)
The people

I have been doing some reading on Hurricane Hunting aircraft recently and hope to post more articles about these special aircraft who do their work to keep all of us safe from Hurricanes. Safety meaning have a good forecasted track of the Hurricane so that evacuation can be put in place so that people can get away from the storm.

Atsion Wildfire - Wharton State Forest - final update

I wrote an article on May 7th with updates about the Atsion Wildfire that has burned approximately 710 acres in Wharton State Forest (Shamong Township, Burlington County NJ). The fire was first reported on May 7 about 1 PM. An AT-602 SEAT, Charlie 1 from Downstown Aero, on contract with the NJ Forest Fire Service and at least one helicopter and bucket worked the fire yesterday in support of the wildland firefighers on the ground.

According to the latest report from 6ABC in Philadelphia this wildfire is: "nearly 100% contained. They say moisture from dense fog in the area Friday morning (May 8th) has helped efforts to fight the fire."

B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page has been reporting on this fire about half-way down their home page, last updated this morning at 5:40 AM.

Unless there is a dramatic change in the wildfire, this is probably my last report on the Atsion Wildfire.

Just in - wildfire in NJ PIne Barrens - Wharton St. Forest

Latest update at top, scroll down to see earlier updates.

May 8, 8:30 AM EDT
The Atsion Wildfire remains at approximately 710 acres burned. The fire, which started on May 7th early afternoon in the Atsion Lakes area of the Wharton State Forest in Burlington County NJ (Shamong Twsp), is at 75 percent containment according to a report earlier this morning from MyFoxPhilly (updated at 7:42 AM EDT with photos and a video). Photos from 6ABC (Philadelphia).

FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF-TV
direct link to video

May 7, 8:55 PM EDT
I have learned from B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page that what I have been calling the Atsion Lake Wildfire is designated as the Atsion Wildfire. The Atsion Wildfire began this afternoon behind the Atsion Ranger Station in Wharton State Forest (Shamong Twsp, Burlington County NJ) east of US Route 206 and remains at 710 acres (including burnout operations). Aircraft operations have been suspended for the night. Scroll down for map and for photos taken from Charlie 1 (AT-602) earlier this afternoon.


direct link to aerial footage from NBC10 in Philadelphia of Atsion Lakes Fire taken earlier today

May 7, 6:20 PM EDT
Atsion Lake Fire remains at about 700 acres burned and zero containment.

report from 6 ABC with video (earlier this afternoon) and photos, updated 6:10 PM

Map of Atsion Lake Area Fire, NJFFS Section B1, May 7, 2015, Fire Activity detected by GOES Satellite

May 7, 5:22 PM EDT

Am hearing a report from the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed that the fire has burned about 700 acres and remains at zero containment. I just saw another live report from live stream from NBC10 (Philadelphia) confirming that the fire has burned in excess of 700 acres.

Photos taken by Ed Carter Jr., pilot of Charlie 1 (Downstown Aero's AT-602 under contract with the NJ Forest Fire Service) on the way to the Atsion fire. Photos shared with his permission. Thanks Ed for all you are doing to work this fire.

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ. Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ. Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ.  Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 2015 Wildfire burning in Atsion Lake Area of Wharton State Forest, Burlington County NJ.  Photo taken from cockpit of Charlie 1

May 7, 4:55 PM EDT

Well, I continue to listen to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed, taking a break periodically to watch live stream from NBC10 (Philadelphia). I just caught a live report about 10 minutes from NBC10, they are reporting that the fire in the Atsion area (Shamong Twsp) of Wharton State Forest has burned at least 100 acres and that residents have been allowed back to their homes. I just listened to another live report with video of the wildfire and the helicopter and bucket working the fire.
May 7, 4:30 PM EDT

This just in, there is a large wildfire (size not know at this time) burning near Wharton State Forest in the Atsion area (NJFFS Section B1) of Burlington County, NJ. A SEAT and a helicopter with a bucket are reported to be working the fire. Evacuations are in place and US Route 206 is closed between Route 30 and Atsion Road. For more information see: 6ABC (photos) and Philly dot com. The fire started earlier this afternoon and is of unknown origin.

I am listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division B online scanner feed as I write this.

I'll be updating this thread as I can, so stay tuned.

May 7th update on the Roosa Gap Fire (Ulster/Sullivan Counties NY)

1:00 PM EDT

In an update this morning, the Recordonline (Middletown NY) is reporting that the fire (known as the Roosa Gap Fire) has burned approximately 2,600 acres and is at about 90 percent containment. They are hoping that the fire will be fully contained today (weather conditions permitting). The concern is that it is both drier with a little more wind than yesterday. I'll update this thread if appropriate.

Update (May 6) on the Roosa Gap Fire (Ulster/Sullivan Counties NY)

The fire that I only recently learned is being called the Roosa Gap fire that I first wrote about on May 5th remains at 75 percent containment, having burned about 2,400 acres in and near the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest in Ulster and Sullivan Counties NY (see The Journal News, May 6 at 9:12 AM (with photos) and The Record Online (May 6 update, 12:29 PM).

I don't why I did not like at Bill Gabbert's Wildfiretoday yesterday, but I did today and saw that he started reporting on the Roosa Gap fire on May 4th with the last update being May 6 at 10:18 EDT, be sure to check out Bill's reporting on the Roosa Gap fire where if you scroll down a bit you will a map that he has done. I did some checking earlier today, and while I did see a that the Eastern Area Coordinating Center including the Roosa Gap fire in reports on their intelligence page (which is where I learned of the name of the fire), the stats about the fire on their large incident report was a couple of days old so I did not use it here.

While I have read other media reports that the cause of the fire may have been an illegal debris burn (for example: The Journal News, May 6 at 9:12 AM (with photos)  and  ABC7 in NYC (May 6 with video). However, The Record Online (May 6 update, 12:29 PM) is reporting that "The state Department of Conservation is still investigating the cause of the fire but has not released any other information regarding how it started and whether any tickets or violations will be issued."

According to report on Syracuse dot com (updated on May 6, 8:53 AM) our friends from the National Weather Office in Binghamton NY "sent a meteorologist to give on-the-scene forecasts to emergency crews."

The Record Online (May 6 update at 12:29 PM) reported that our friends from Canada (thank-you!!) sent an airanker to help. She worked the fire yesterday. NY National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and a couple of other NY State helicopters have been working the fire as well. I understand that wind and light rain may have shut down air operations this morning.

For those of you who are interested, yes I have seen mention of the Roosa Gap fire on some NYC TV news outlets (online reporting) including:

ABC7 - May 6, 8:04 AM EDT, with video
MyFoxNY - May 5, 3:35 PM EDT
CBS2 NY - May 5, 4:07 PM
NBC4 NY - May 3 video and May 6 report

Stay safe everyone!

Wildfire activity in Ulster County NY - May 5

Thanks to my friends from Pete's NJ Wildland Fire Page: Section B10, I have learned about a 1,700 acre wildfire in and near the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest. According to reporting from the Recordonline (May 4, 10 PM EDT) the fire started Sunday, May 3rd. Fueled by winds it spread to 1,700 acres yesterday May 4th. Evacuations were in place yesterday night in and near Cragsmore. The fire may have been started by someone who burned debris outdoors in violation of a New York State burn ban.

I found some updates on this update page from the Recordonline; as of 11:06 AM they are reporting that fire has burned 1,800 acres and is at 75 percent containment with National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and an airtanker from Canada come to work the fire from the air.

Finally, here is a short video report with some images of Helicopters working the fire.


direct link to video from Recordonline

Thanks to the Recordonline for providing free coverage (no payware) of the wildfire burning in the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest.

Stay safe everyone.

Wildfire activity - May 4th

12:40 PM EDT

I posted earlier today that all of New Jersey (among other places in the northeast) are under a Red Flag warning. I just got in from attending to some errands and outside chores so have just started to listen to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A Scanner (online stream), so it is too soon for me to get a handle of what is happening on this Red Flag day in the northern part of New Jersey.

I did, however, check B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page (last updated at 11:52 AM EDT) and saw that they are reporting on multiple fires (about 50 acres total in the Pemberton Township-Whitesbog Village area (Burlington County, Section B6). Bravo 1 (AT-802) and Charlie 1 (AT-602) are currently staging at Miller Air Park. There are two news reports from Philadelphia at about 6-7 AM this morning, reporting on one of the fires, a four-acre fire: NBC10 (with video) and Fox29 (with photos).

I'll update this post as the day goes on if I receive any updates about the wildfires in the Pemberton Township-Whitesbog Village area or any other wildfire activity in New Jersey.

5:20 PM EDT

With the exception of a 30 minute break and having to duck out to take care of the plumbers who replaced a battery for my sump pump, I've been listening to the NJ Forest Fire Service Division A on line scanner feed for the last four hours. I know enough to know that Division A NJ Forest Fire crews have been busy this afternoon with at least a few wildfires of unknown size. I don't really know more than that at the moment.

Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex Regarding the multiple wildfires in the Pembertown Township-Whitesbog Village area of Burlington County,  there have been no updates from the NJ Forest Fire Service Section B10 website since midday. But I did see a couple of newspaper articles reporting on what I think are the same wildfires that the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page reported on earlier today. One article is from the Courier_Post (12:35 PM) reporting on at least eight wildfires, the largest being more than 25 acres.The second is from NJ dot com reporting that the multiple brush fires are under investigation and are being considered as suspicious, they referenced reports from the Pemberton Township Fire Department's Facebook page. Going to this Facebook page, I found a  mid-morning update, the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Department confirming that these wildfires are being investigated and are "listed as suspicious at this time." A video  is posted on the Pemberton Township Fire Department's Facebook page.

In a Facebook post from about 2:30 PM EDT today the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Department reported on five wildfires:

• Black's Bridge Fire (45 acres, 70 percent containment),
• Huckleberry Lane (25 acres, 80 percent containment),
• Rail Way (9 acres, 80 percent containment),
• Two fires in White's bog (4.4 acres) are 100 percent contained

In this same 2:30 PM EDT update, the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Deparments  reported that their Chief and one of their tenders is assisting along with a tender from Hampton Lakes. In addition the NJ Forest Fire Service had the following resources working the fires: 

• 40 personal
• 10 brush trucks
• 2 dozers
• 1 aircraft

5:55 PM EDT

The B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page is reporting that all fires in the Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex have been contained. Bravo 1 and Charlie 1 worked this fire earlier today.

In addition, B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page reported on a wildfire of unknown size in Manchester Township, Ocean County (Section B7). Structure proptection was needed early on, with tstructure protection engines released later. It sounds like good progress has been made on this fire, but I am uncertain if the fire has been contained Both SEATs, Bravo 1 and Charlie 1 worked this fire.

8:53 PM EDT
Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex
The folk with the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Company reported about 6:30 PM that all except three NJ Forest Fire Service (BJFFS) Brush Trucks have been released. The crews in the three NJFFS brush trucks will be patroling the fires and doing mop up work.

Here is a report from late this afternoon from ABC6 in Philadelphia confirming these wildfires are under investigation, that the cause is suspicious:



direct link to report from ABC6

Nice job everyone, stay safe.

May 5, 11:10 EDT

I understand from some friends in Southern New Jersey (NJ State Forest Fire Division C) that they had a busy day yesterday (Monday, May 4th) in Division C. A second Air Tractor 602, Charlie 2 was working in Division C yesterday while Charlie 1 was staged at Miller Air Park in Ocean County.

May 5, 4:28 PM EDT

Manchester Twsp Fire, Ocean County, Section B7 According to B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page, this three-acre that burned near some homes was contained yesterday afternoon. Bravo 1 and Charlie 1 dropped on the fire. Structure protection resources deployed early were later released when the homes were no longer threatened.

Pemberton-Whitesbog Complex, Burlington County, Section B6 According to B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page, these multiple fires (at least six) are at 100 percent containment. Total acreage burned is at least 80 acres and perhaps a little more.

__________________________________

Note B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page does update the current wildfire information on their main page every couple of days or so depending on when you are accessing this article, the information on this fire may no longer be there.

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.