Space X Dragon launch and docking with International Space Station.

What can I say, I am a child of the 60s who grew up with manned flights in earth orbit and then to the moon. Enjoy these two videos. The video of the launch, from CNN, is a little over 11 minutes, the video of the docking with the space station is about two minutes. For more on this mission see this webpage from NASA.

direct link to video

direct link to video

Reflections on 10 Tanker Air Carrier's DC-10 tankers

Direct link to video on Youtube

Direct link to video on Youtube

If you are like me and you follow wildfires, for example those in the western United States of in Australia, than you have probably seen videos, similar to those I have embedded here,  of a DC-10 tanker working a wildfire. Carrying up to 9,400 gallons of retardant, they can do a lot of good to help wildland firefighters on the ground. Whether a DC-10 tanker makes one drop or multiple drops, they can do a lot of good. I have never seen a DC-10 tanker drop in person, so to speak, but I have seen them on live stream, it is truly awesome to when the drop either a full or partial load.

10 Tanker Air Carrier has a fleet of four DC-10-30 tankers. I am sure that some of you already know that these DC-10's used to be commercial airliners before they were acquired by 10 Tanker Air Carrier and converted for use as tankers (I got the specs and other information on the DC-10 tankers from 10 Tanker Air Carrier's DC-10 Fact Sheet where you may go for more information). 

The four DC-10 tankers are:

• Tanker-910 N612X
• Tanker-911 N17085
• Tanker-912 N522AX
• Tanker-914 N603AX

A crew of three flies the DC-10: pilot in command, second in command, and a flight engineer. A maintenance crew of seven follows the DC-10 with trailers to their assignments. 

Mission Specs:

• cruise speed of 300 to 350 knots to the fire.
• drop speed is 140 knots.
• going back to tanker base to load and return, 380 knots.

Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation provided an update on the 2020 US Forest Service Large Tanker Contracts on May 2nd. According to Bill's post 10 Tanker Air Carrier will have two DC-10s on this contract. These contracts may change during the fire season, and I expect that Bill will provide updates on Fire Aviation. 

Coulson-Unical CU-47 and UH-60 Helicopters

Last March I noted when Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation wrote about a partnership between Coulson and Unical Air, called Coulson-Unical. This partnership will add several UH-60 and CH-47 helicopters to Coulson's fleet of firefighting helicopters. Bill wrote about Coulson-Unical in a March 2019 post on Fire Aviation where he had this to say about the plans for the plans for the UH-60 and the CH-47 helicopters:

The capabilities of the helicopters will include night-vision, IFR navigation, and hover filling. At least some of the newly acquired CH-47s and UH-60s will be outfitted with RADS internal tanks. The basic design of the RADS was created by Aero Union decades ago and features steep slopes on the sides when space allows, to facilitate enough head pressure at the bottom to ensure quick and constant flow. The technology used will enable automated target drops for the night vision goggle firefighting program and will have the capability to adjust flow rates based on speed and altitude. A Coulson helicopter that has been certified in Australia for night drops has been used on a regular basis for the last several months during the country’s 2018-2019 bushfire season.

Bill interviewed Coulson Vice President Britt Coulson about the Coulson-Unical partnership in March 2019. You might want to take the three plus minutes to watch the video and learn about these helicopters.

Direct link to Youtube video by Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today

By August 2019, Coulson-Unical had converted a UH-60 Blackhawk and it was spotted at McClellan in California, see Bill's August 2019 Fire Aviation post for more details. 

Coulson has a nice Facebook page (go here) where they share photos and videos of their aircraft. On May 8th, Coulson posted some photos and a video (the first comment) of their converted CH-47, now known as a CU-47. Then on May 25th, they posted four photos of their new UH-60 Blackhawks. 

I was especially interested in Bill's reporting on the Coulson-Unical partnership and the purchase and planned conversion of CH-47 helicopters because I learned about the capabilities of the CH-47 from a friend of mine. I have actually seen a military CH-47 in the air while one of my pilot friends was taking me flying. Even from a distance of about five plus miles, I was impressed by its size. 

So, when I heard from Mike Archer's Wildfire News of the Day about the Vertical Magazine article about the new CU-47, a recently converted CH-47 by Coulson-Unical I was very interested and saw the May 26th Vertical Magazine article, "Coulson's CU-47 Ready for fire fight" This same article is in the May 22nd issue of Skies Magazine. The author of the article, Howard Slutsken, writes about this conversion, here is an excerpt:

In early March, the first Coulson-Unical CU-47 was flown from the company’s Port Alberni, B.C., base to the Aerial Firefighting North American 2020 conference in Sacramento, Calif.

Featuring a 3,000 gallon roll-on/roll-off internal tank and an advanced Garmin avionics suite, up to 12 CH-47Ds will be converted into next-generation heli-tankers, in a partnership with Unical Aviation that was announced a year ago.

“Unical provides us with the aircraft and a vast supply of parts,” explained Britt Coulson, president and COO, in an interview with Skies.

“They bought the entire Canadian Forces CH-47 parts inventory and were the largest purchaser of CH-47Ds from the U.S. Army.”

The twin-rotor Chinook is well known for its speed, size and payload. While the helicopter is often deployed on fire attack missions carrying a water bucket as an external load, Coulson wanted to give the CU-47 more flexibility and capability.

Slutsken's article on Vertical Magazine/Skies Magazine is freely available as I write this. I don't always know how long such articles will be freely available. 

Memorial Day 2020

I want to take a time out today and pause to remember all those who died serving your country. I remember the families that you left behind.


Direct link to video on Youtube

Women in wildland firefighting: Smokejumping

I have made some posts recently where I have shared some videos on smokejumping as well as offering some videos and my own reflections on the DC-3's long service as a jumpship. I think it only appropriate to share this short 2018 video on Smokejumper Naomi Mills. Enjoy.

Edited on March 29, 2021. The video that I posted here is no longer available. I am sorry, that happens sometimes.

2020 New Jersey wildfire season: May 19 wildfire activity & enhanced fire danger

May 20th, 5:04 PM

The NJ Forest Fire Service Section B10 webpage is reporting that as of this morning the Big Timber Fire has burned 2,107 acres after burnout operations and was at 95% containment


May 20th, 10:10 AM

I understand from a couple of knowledgeable friends who keep me in the loop about wildfires here in New Jersey that there is a major wildfire currently burning in the Winslow Wildlife Management Area in Winslow Township (Camden County). The Big Timber Fire was reported about 1:30 pm yesterday by NJ Forest Fire Service Fire Towers. High winds yesterday exacerbated firefighting efforts. NJFFS Section C6 is working the fire, conducting burn out operations. No structures are threatened and no evacuations have been ordered. As I write this, the fire has burned about 750 acres. NJFFS Section B10 is currently reporting on the fire on their webpage. ABC6 in Philadelphia is reporting on this fire with a video, last updated about 8 AM this morning. I will update this post later as conditions change. Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today did is usual outstanding job on reporting on this fire, known as the Big Timber Fire, in his article of May 19, 2020.

My friend also told me that yesterday (May 19th) was a busy day for the NJFFS. I know no other details at the moment.

For the second day in a row, the NWS Mt. Holly has issued a Special Weather Statement for enhanced fire danger. I have copied today's Special Weather Statement below.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
320 AM EDT Wed May 20 2020

DEZ001-MDZ008-012-NJZ001-007>010-012-013-015>023-027-201700-
New Castle-Cecil-Kent MD-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-Somerset-
Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden-
Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-Atlantic-Cape May-
Southeastern Burlington-
Including the cities of Wilmington, Elkton, Chestertown, Newton,
Washington, Morristown, Flemington, Somerville, New Brunswick,
Freehold, Trenton, Pennsville, Glassboro, Camden, Cherry Hill,
Moorestown, Mount Holly, Jackson, Millville, Hammonton,
Cape May Court House, and Wharton State Forest
320 AM EDT Wed May 20 2020

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

Low relative humidity, gusty easterly winds, and dry fine fuels
will create and elevated risk for the spread of wildfires today
through early this evening across much of New Jersey and far
northern Delmarva.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions and
wildfire prevention and education please visit your state
forestry or environmental protection website.

$$

MPS

2020 New Jersey wildfire season: May17th wildfire activity

Thanks to a friend, I know of two wildfires that burned in New Jersey yesterday. These are just the wildfires that I know about, I suspect that there may be other smaller wildfires that I do not know about.

Roosevelt 99 Fire: first reported early Sunday morning, May 17th, in Manchester Township, Ocean County (NJ Forest Fire Service Section B5). Structures were near by and were not threatened. Ninety-nine acres were burned after firing operations, the fire was reported to be 100% contained at about 6PM on May 17th. See this post from the NJFFS Section B10 Facebook Page

Mt. Tammany Fire: first reported Sunday afternoon, May 17th, on Mt. Tammany in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Warren County NJ, burning about 1 acre near the junction of two popular trails on Mt. Tammany (see this Facebook post from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This small wildfire is near the area burned in the 80 acre Rock Face Fire on February 23, 2020. Later on May 17th, the Mt. Tammany fire was still reported to have burned about 1 acre and was at 90% containment. A NJFFS helicopter made bucket drops to aid the ground crews. See this article from Lehigh Valley Live and a second Facebook post (4:30 PM on May 17th) from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Crews from the NJFFS and the National Park Service fought this fire.

Thanks to the wildland fire crews from the NJ Forest Fire Service and the National Park Service for your work fighting these wildfires. Nice job.

2019 wildfire season: salmon helirappellers

While I have been considering other types of aerial wildland firefighting operations, it seems only appropriate that I share this short highlight video from the Salmon Helirappellers, based in Salmon Idaho. Helirappellers are specially trained to rappel from helicopters to remote locations to fight wildfires, they are an initial attack resource.

The Salmon Helirappellers have a nice photo gallery page with photos and additional videos (including a nice video on helirappelling training) that you may be interested in. According to their who we are page they have two type II helicopters used to deliver helirappelling firefighters and one type III helicopter.


Direct link to Youtube video from Salmon Helirappellers

2020 New Jersey wildfire season (May 13th update)

It is mid-May and while I have no official word about the dates of the spring wildfire season in New Jersey, nor do I have any figures on the number of fires and acreage burned to date, this is around the time of year when the spring wildfire season ends here in New Jersey. I don't take the dates all that seriously, because all it takes is a period of very dry weather to change things. What I can say, and this is by no means "official" is that I understand that in many parts of New Jersey there was been rain every two to four days which may have put on things fire wise. I do know a little about rainfall in part of New Jersey (up north) because I record rainfall in a gage. Since the end of March, I have recorded some rain in my gage every two to four days.

I only know of one major wildfire in New Jersey since the beginning of April, that is the Split Ditch Fire that burned 1,516 acres in early April. I know of some smaller fires, including the Rock Face Fire that while 80 acres in size, made local news because it burned in difficult to access terrain in the Delaware Water Gap off of Interstate 80. I am pretty sure that there have been other smaller wildfire activity across the state of varying acreage.

While perhaps the spring wildfire season in New Jersey has not been as newsworthy as some past spring wildfire season in New Jersey, I am assured and thankful that the great crews of the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) along with mutual aid responders have been and continue to be ready to keep us safe in New Jersey. Thank-you all NJFFS wildland firefighters for always being ready to fight wildfires to keep us in New Jersey safe.

About SEATS from a SEAT (Air Tractor) Fire Boss pilot

One of the very great pleasures that I have had over the last few weeks is that I have been doing a great deal of reading, thinking, and reflecting about aerial wildland firefighting. I love learning more about airtankers and helicopters and the pilot's who fly these magnificent aircraft. Enjoy this video from Air Tractor where you will hear Mike Young, Assistant Chief Pilot of Air Spray. At the time this video was produced, Mike was in charge of Air Spray's SEAT operations in Chico, CA.




Direct link to video from Air Tractor on Youtube

Reflections on the DC-3 (smokejumpers): part 2 of 2

Among the many types of service (see my May 6th article) that you and your military sisters have done is that of a smokejumper aircraft aka a jump ship. I believe that your first service as a jump ship was around the time that World War II ended. The last of your kind to serve as a jump ship in the United States was retired in 2015. That is about 70 years of service. I believe that it was sometime in the very early 1990s that the last two of you owned by the U.S. Forest Service had your round piston engines removed to be converted to a turbo prop along with other renovations. You were then sometimes referred to as a BT-67 after Basler Turbo Conversions, the company that did the conversion.

I wish that I knew how many of your kind flew for the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management or one of their contractors, but I do not. I think that the numbers may not really matter. What matters is that many of you flew smokejumpers. You served long and well, flying what could be tens of thousands of smokejumpers and their cargo to remote wildfires, mostly in the western U.S. and Canada. That is, many remote wildfires that thanks to you and other jump ships smokejumpers could reach the fire in a matter of hours as opposed to what may have been a day long hike in carrying heavy fire gear and rations.

It is my very great loss that I have not gotten to know you better in your service as a jump ship. Nonetheless, I love you and you have a special place in my heart. While other types of jump ships are flying the smokejumpers, you have a special place in my heart. Thank-you for your service.

In this 2005 video below at about 1:45 you will hear smokejumper Skodt Jones talk about the DC-3.


Direct link to video on Youtube


Direct link to video on Youtube

Reflections on the DC-3 (part 1 of 2)

This is the first of a two part reflection piece about the Douglas DC-3 aircraft. In part 2 to post on May 8th, I will focus on her service as a smokejumping aircraft.

The other day I took a look at the different types of air tankers and Helicopters that I have written about over the past four to five months. I have covered many, but not all, of the current and past air tankers and Helicopters. I was wondering what aircraft involved in wildland firefighting that I could write about next when I thought that I should try to write about some of the current and past smokejumping aircraft. I believe but am not certain that there are at least three smokejumper aircraft currently flying to choose from, the DeHavilland Twin Otter, the the Shorts Sherpa, and the Dornier 228. Rom my reading I heard of one of the variants of the Beech 18. And then there is the Douglas DC-3. I am starting with the Douglas DC-3, I will get to her in a moment. I hope that I will be able to write about the other smokejumping  aircraft in the future I have had some more time to scour the internet for information and to be sure that what I write will not be incorrect.

Before I get to the DC-3's service as a smokejumper aircraft, I want to pause and acknowledge that the DC-3 is among my favorite airplanes. I have seen her or her military cousins hanging on display in museums. but never up close and personal. Her military versions, the U.S. Army C-47, the U.S. Navy R4D, and the British Royal Air Force Dakota saw service as a military transport during and after World War II. Her civilian version, the DC-3 carried passengers on commercial flights (see this article from the Smithsonian Magazine).

Here are some articles that I wrote where you may learn a little more about the DC-3:

• 75th anniversary of the DC-3 (December 17, 2010)
• About the DC-3 
• DC-3 engine sound 
• Virtual tour of the DC-3 courtesy of the MAAM

I close with some videos about the DC-3/C-47.


The Douglas C-47 Military Transport from SleepingDogTV on Vimeo.


Direct link to video from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on Youtube 


Direct link to video from the Smithsonian Channel on Youtube

continued reflection for wildland firefighters during a pandemic

I wrote on March 30th that I am not going to write about the Covid-19 pandemic, this still holds true as I write this. However, as wildfire season ramps up in other parts of the country and we in New Jersey have a week or so more to go in our spring wildfire season, I continue to hold all of you who engage in wildland firefighting in any capacity in my daily meditations. This is nothing new as in the eleven years that I have writing this blog on aerial wildland firefighting hardly a day has passed when I did not think of all of you. What has changed for me at least is that I figure that there are two ways I can help you. One is to shelter-in-place, as I continue to do. The second and more to the point of this blog is to keep you in my daily meditations. So, to all of you who are in the wildland firefighting community in any capacity. this post is for you. I know enough to know that there are protocols being put in place for wildland firefighting during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those of you who are interested in this topic will find Bill Gabbert's reporting on Covid-19 on Wildfire Today to be good reading. Bill is doing is usual excellent job of reporting and he has written a great deal about Covid-19 over the last month. It was Bill's reporting that provided some motivation for this post. Highlights include but are not limited to:

• his interview with the Forest Service about changes in wildland firefighting during the pandemic (April 11th)
• US Forest Service, NW Region, Covid-19 protocols (April 15th)
• Covid-19 protocols issued by the National Geographic Area eastern region (April 16th)
• Simulation for managing Covid-19 during wildfires (May 2nd)

Thank-you all wildland firefighters (ground based and in the air) and all support personnel for keeping us safe from wildfires.


Direct link to video on youtube

2019 wildfire season: Wyoming Hotshots

Enjoy this 2019 season highlight video from the Wyoming Hotshots.


Direct link to video on Youtube

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds Flyover of NY/NJ/PA: videos

As many of you already know, On Tuesday April 28th, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds did a joint flyover of New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester County New York, portions of Connecticut, portions of central and southern New Jersey, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, and Wilmington Delaware. See my April 27th article for more information.

The flyover was to honor the frontline medical and other essential workers.

I am going to share some of my favorite video highlights of the flyover with regrets that I can not show videos from all the flyovers of all the areas.

I start with the only video that is a news report, this one from NBC 4 in New York City from April 28th. I share this video because you will some footage of flyovers of hospitals in New York City and Newark New Jersey.


Direct link to NBC 4 New York report on Youtube

Here are two videos of footage over New York City. The first video is shot from an area in Jersey City (across the Hudson River from New York City) shot from a neighborhood known as Jersey City Heights. This is great footage with sound of the flyover over the Hudson River. The footage is embedded from the HMag Twitter Account.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels & Air Force Thunderbirds Flyover (from a safe, socially distanced rooftoop in Jersey City Heights)@USNavy @usairforce @JerseyCity @NJGov @nycgov @BlueAngels @AFThunderbirds @CityofHoboken @TAPintoLocal pic.twitter.com/DZnC6JBZPe

— hMAG (@hMAG) April 28, 2020

The second video of footage of the flyover over New York City is from ABC News.


Direct link to ABC News video on Youtube

Some footage of the flyover over northern New Jersey from New Jersey Advance Media


Direct link to New Jersey Advance Media video on Youtube

I really enjoyed this footage from Penn Live, you hear great fighter jet sounds and there is great footage shot from the ground of the flyover over Philadelphia. From the point of view of an aviation lover, this is my favorite.


Direct link to PennLive video on Youtube.

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds: April 28th flyover of NYC/NJ/PA/DE to honor healthcare workers

Last week I heard rumors about a flyover of Philadelphia and environs by the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds to honor our frontline healthcare workers, these rumors are now confirmed. Our flyover in NewYork City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware (along with Westchester Count, Nassau County and portions of Connecticut) is on Tuesday, April 28th. I understand that there have been flyovers in other parts of the country and more flyovers of other cities are planned. See this press release from the Department of Defense and this report from the Washington Post. I am too far north and west to see the flyover, perhaps I can catch it on local tv news. But it does not matter to me that I won't see them. It is enough for me that they will be flying over hospitals.

About smokejumping: behind the scenes at the BLM Alaska smoke jumping base

When I wrote my April 15th post on smokejumping, I shared that I had been doing some reading. By coincidence, much of the reading to date has been about smokejumping. At the time, I had hoped that I might write some reflection pieces based on what I have been reading. For now, I have take that back as writing such a reflection piece does not feel right at the moment. Perhaps that will change in the future, and perhaps not.

Instead of a reflection piece, there have been various things that I have gotten interested in through my reading. Things that I wanted to check out to see what I could find. As I have read some on smoke jumping in Alaska and got curious. In addition, I was also curious about certain behind the scenes aspects of smokejumping such as the cubbies where the smokejumpers hang their jump suit and stash the gear, drying out and then repacking parachutes, the cache, weather forecasting, and aviation operations. And of course, the smoke jumping base itself. I got my answers to most of these questions in this video, just under 13 minutes, by Live Alaska. Live Alaska takes us on a tour of the Alaska BLM facilities.


Direct link to video on Youtube from Live Alaska

Happy Earth Day (2020): a tour through the New Jersey Pine Barrens

On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, please join me in taking a virtual tour of the New Jersey Pinelands (aka the New Jersey Pine Barrens thanks to Pinelands Adventures and the photography of Albert Horner. Allow about 13 minutes for the video.


Direct link to video on Youtube from Pinelands Adventures

2019 NJ wildfire season: civil charges filed for Spring Hill Fire

A little over a year ago, the Spring Hill fire burned 11,638 acres in the New Jersey Pine Barrens (aka as the Pinelands), for more information on this fire see my two articles (with links) from April 1, 2019 here and here, and my April 8, 2019 articles with some aerial photos of the fire. I am especially fond of the section of the Pine Barrens near where the Spring Hill fire burned, known as Penn State Forest. I have traversed a portion on sand roads in my old all-wheel drive Subaru and when my knees were better, I walked along another sand road. If memory serves, deeper in Penn State Forest are some small pines that I call Pygmy Pines. They grow no higher than about 3 feet and for reasons that are hard to explain, I am drawn to the Pygmy Pines are special to me. I have seen Pygmy Pines elsewhere in the Pine Barrens but have never seen the Pygmy Pines in Penn State Forest. I do not know the area well enough to know what has and has not come back in the year since since the Spring Hill Fire burned. Nor do I know if the Pygmy Pine Plains in Penn State Forest burned. I do know and have seen with my own that the pines in the Pine Barren can come back after a fire, see my April 2019 article for more information.

I found out late last week, that civil charges have been filed against five individuals with actions that lead to the Spring Hill fire (see this April 16th press release from the NJ DEP for more information):

The filing of civil charges comes one year after the fire burned 11,638 acres of land in Bass River and Penn State forests. A complaint signed Friday, March 20, charges five individuals with setting a fire without written permission, and failure to extinguish the fire and notify authorities. The court filing seeks approximately $50,000 in restitution. 

“The Forest Fire Service’s pursuit of those responsible for this devastating wildfire was necessary because they recklessly put lives and property at risk,” Commissioner McCabe said. “The Spring Hill fire burned for a month, closed roads and required extensive resources to keep the public safe. Thankfully, there were no injuries or personal property damage during the fire, but thousands of acres of the public’s natural resources were needlessly destroyed. 

The press release goes on to explain that the Pinelands ecosystem is especially vulnerable to fire:

The Pinelands ecosystem, which covers a large swath of southern New Jersey – including the area of the Spring Hill wildfire -- is especially vulnerable to wildfires because its predominant tree and shrub species are particularly flammable. In addition, this region tends to dry out quickly after rainfall because of its porous and sandy soils. 

That was the case with the Spring Hill wildfire on March 30, 2019, which resulted when embers from an illegal bonfire on private property escaped and set a nearby forest ablaze. Weather conditions fueled the spread. 

Please pay attention to any regulations involving camp or bon fires. Please do fully extinguish any fires with water where it is cool to the touch before leaving the area.

From the NJ Forest Fire Service: no drones in fire zones

obtained on April 17th from a NJ Forest Fire Service April 17 Facebook post

As we are near the peak of the wildfire season here in New Jersey (see this April 16th press release from the NJ Dept of Environmental Protection) I want to urge all operators from the general public of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones not to fly your UAS or drone around a wildfire of any size. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has this to say in an April 17th Facebook Post:

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service would like to remind you, please do not fly your 

UAS or Drone near or around a wildfire, no matter how large or small.
Your actions may have devastating effects to firefighting aircraft and personnel on the fire. 

In addition, we would like to remind you that drones are not permitted to be flown from any lands managed by the New Jersey State Park Service.

The full drone policy on lands managed by the New Jersey State Park Service may be found here.  Note that exceptions are made for search and rescue, firefighting, law enforcement and other governmental first response who request permission from the State. Emergency uses of drones and UAS (e.g. firefighting) are immediately approved).

About smokejumpers: McCall Smoke jumpers

During the time that I have been sheltering in place during this pandemic, I continue to spend time on this blog. Part of this time includes catching up on some of my wildland fire related reading. I have been reading books by smokejumpers about their experiences fighting wildfires. I have learned a lot. I am still trying to figure if I can incorporate what I am learning into this blog. Perhaps some kind of reflection piece that is not necessarily a book review. I don't claim that reading will make me any kind of expert, rather through their words, I am given a peak into their world.

In the meantime, as I am not quite ready to write any kind of reflection piece based on what I have been reading, I went online to look at videos about smoke jumping. I found these two that I looked, both about McCall Smoke jumpers. I like the videos because I can see some pictures of what I have been reading about. Enjoy.

The first video is about rookie training. If you get an error on trying to play this embedded video, click the link below, it should work.


Direct link to video on Youtube by the Interagency Fire Center


The second video is a more general introduction to the McCall Smokejumpers that includes rookie training.


Direct link to video by On Final Productions

2020 NJ wildfire season: update on the Split Ditch Fire

I wrote about the Split Ditch Fire on Friday, April 10th  that had burned over 1,000 acres in the Millville Wildlife Management Area in Downe Township, Cumberland County New Jersey. The fire was reported contained on Saturday, April 11th at 1,518 acres. The fire, which started on Thursday April 9th, was caused by lightning. For more information see this Facebook Post from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and an April 12th article from NJ Advance Media.

An observation, if I may. Now I am no expert in wildfire starts in New Jersey. However there were some rain storms that passed through the State on Thursday afternoon, some accompanied by lightning. I believe that this type of thunderstorm is called a wet thunderstorm because if is raining. As opposed to the dry thunderstorms (with little or no rain) that occur out west.  I believe that lightning from these dry thunderstorms do cause a number of wildfires in western parts of the country.

What some of you may not know is that the New Jersey closed the state and county parks, forests, recreation areas, etc effective Tuesday, April 7 at 8 PM see this article from NorthJersey for more information. Knowing this, I was wondering how this wildfire got started. I figured that arson or an unattended camp fire was only a remote possibility because of the closure. I wondered about lightning but I know that lightning caused wildfires in New Jersey do not happen that often It turns out that according to the NJ Forest Fire Service the Split Ditch Fire was caused by lightning. Interesting. It is contained now and with last nights and today's rain fall, I would think that any remaining hot spots are out.

Oh, by the way, the State of New Jersey was under a Red Flag Warning on Saturday, April 11th. I have not heard of any larger wildfires that may have started on Saturday, at least none that I am aware of through my local news sources. If I hear of anything, I will report back.

2020 NJ wildfire season: Split Ditch Fire burns over 1,000 acres

I only found out today that the Split Ditch has burned over 1,000 acres in the Millville Wildlife Management Area in Downe Township in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Cumberland County is located in NJ Forest Fire Service Division C in southern New Jersey. The fire was first reported on Thursday afternoon, April 9th. Windy conditions have no doubt contributed to this wildfire. For more information on the Split Ditch Fire go to:

NJ Advance Media article (April 10th)
NJFFS Section B10 Twitter (April 9th)
Wildfire Today (April 9th) with video links

Friday Fun: P-51 Mustangs "My Little Friends"

Enjoy these videos of P-51 Mustangs.


Direct link to video on Youtube


Direct link to video on Youtube

Coulson Aviation's B-737 Fireliner Air Tanker

A few years ago Coulson Aviation began building an airtanker from a Boeing 737 commercial jet liner. The conversion of the passenger jet liner to air tanker configuration took about three years. After testing and various approvals. Coulson’s 737 air tanker, dubbed the Fireliner, T-137, was ready to fly her fire while on contract in New South Wales, Australia. For more information see the following articles from Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation: July 14, 2018, November 15, 2018, and November 22, 2018. 

Coulson now has built two 737 Fireliners, one was sold to New South Wales Australia, see this press release from Coulson Aviation for more information. The Fireliner can carry 4,000 gallons 05 15,150 liters of retardant. In addition she can carry up to 72 persons, useful for deploying firefighters.

I believe that T-137 may have been on a call-when-needed contract with the U.S. Forest Service in 2019. In 2020, T-137 will be on the first year of a a multi-year contract with the U.S. Forest Service. See this press release from Coulson Aviation and this March 26th article from Fire Aviation for more information.

I am looking forward to seen T-137 in action, albeit in news reports and perhaps videos of her in action during the upcoming fire season here in the United.States. I know that she and her pilots will make a difference.

In closing, I have a couple of videos that I want to share with you. The first video is from Coulson Aviation, and the next two are about New South Wales new B-737 Fireliner, the Marie Bashir

Direct link to video on Youtube from Coulson Aviation

Direct link to video on Youtube from Nine News Australia

Direct link to video on Youtube from 7 News Australia

Welcome to April and the 2020 spring wildfire season in New Jersey

This is the time of year that the spring wildfire season here in New Jersey kicks in. While I have no official word that we are in the spring wildfire season, I know from the years that I have been writing this blog that the spring wildfire season begins around the first week of April, give or take a few days. Last week we were a bit chilly with some days of rain.

We are in a new world with Covid-19. As I am always thinking and meditating on my friends who fight wildfires here in New Jersey on the ground and in the air, I am also wishing that all of you stay as safe as you can be during these times. While I know that you are dedicated to what you do, to keep us here in New Jersey safe from wildfires, please stay safe and well. At least as much as you can during these times. I know that you will respect whatever you are told to do on the fireline to adhere to any infectious disease protocols.

Today is a high fire danger day here in northern New Jersey. No special weather statements have been issued yet for increased wildfire danger in New Jersey nor have any red flag warnings been issued. I will post about it here if and when such watches and warnings are issued.

Fire Danger in New Jersey: April 6, 2020 (info in link below changes daily)
Obtained on April 6. 2020 from https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/fire/firedanger-restrictions.htm

Reflections on Neptune Aviation's BAe-146 Air Tanker

Direct link to video on Youtube

I wrote a reflection piece the other day (April 1st) on the Lockheed P2-V air tanker, where I wrote that Neptune Aviation was the last contractor in the United States to have the P2-V on national contract. It seems appropriate to transition from Neptune Aviation's older fleet of P2-V's to their new fleet of BAe-146 air tankers. Neptune Aviation first flew a BAe-136, T-40, on a wildfire in Texas in November of 2011 and T-40 first went on a national contract here in the United States in 2012, see my January 2012 article, note Minden no longer has a BAe-146 program, (see Bill Gabbert's Bill Gabbert's December 2018 Fire Aviation article article on Fire Aviation).

Over the past eight years, I have seen a few videos and read of the fine work that Neptune's BAe-146 tankers have done flying wildfires. Neptune now was nine BAe-146 tankers. four of whom will be on an exclusive use contract in 2020. Neptune had four BAe-146 tankers on exclusive use contracts and four on a call when needed contract (see December 11, 2019 and March 26th articles on Fire Aviation for more information on the 2019 and 2020 tanker contracts). Neptune's BAe-146 tankers carry 3,000 gallons of retardant. Neptune has a nice photo gallery from the 2018 fire season that may be found here.

Here is a video from the AOPA where you may learn a little more about Neptune's VAe-146 tankers.


Direct link to AOPA video on Youtube

Reflections on the Lockheed P2-V Air Tanker

In regards to large air tankers, especially early on, I cut my teeth watching the Lockheed P-3 Orion and the Lockheed P2-V fly fires, for specifications see this April 2009 article. I have benefitted from have the chance to correspond with a couple of former pilots of the P2-V. Through watching videos of the P2-V tankers in action along with my correspondence with a couple of her former pilots, I gained a little familiarity with these air tankers. Through my correspondence with P2-V and other tanker pilots, I grew to appreciate how complicated it is to fly air tankers.

Neptune Aviation was the last contractor to have P2-Vs on national contract here in the United States. The last of their P2-Vs were retired from aerial firefighting in 2017, many are in museums, see Neptune Aviation Yesterday for more information. Neptune Aviation has a nice photo gallery, called P2V retirement, that you may enjoying viewing.

To the P2-V air tankers and your pilots, your sacrifices and service in fighting wildfires from the air in aid of the wildland firefighters on the ground will not be forgotten.


Direct link to video from Scorched Sky Productions on Youtube

Reflections on wildland firefighting and other emergency responders during a national emergency

As I write this post today, with the exception of essential trips, I have been sheltering-in-place for the last three to four weeks. I started this to be sure I was healthy for a cataract surgery earlier this month. Then Covid-19 cases ramped up in the United States, including my part of the country, so I took sheltering in place more seriously.

I did think about trying to write something about how the Covid-19 pandemic might affect wildland firefighting. I finally decided that such an article would be time consuming to research to try to get the best information for you. But more important, writing such an article is beyond my knowledge and capabilities. I suspect that all or most of you have seen various federal and local websites devoted to Covid-19 along with local journalism. Those of you who are wildland firefighters may, undoubtedly, know more than I about where to find information on how you handle Covid-19 and other infectious diseases on the fireline. So, If you are here looking for such information, I leave you to your own devices to find the information you are looking for. 

So, why am I mentioning Covid-19 at all? I mention this virus to provide a context for this post that I am writing in the middle of this pandemic.

I write this post for wildland firefighters who are considered essential workers along with structure firefighters, law enforcement personnel, EMT’s and ambulance drivers, medical personnel, National Guard troops, and other first responders.

I want all of you who are first responders, including but not limited to wildland firefighters to know that I am paying attention. I can only imagine the additional risks that wildland firefighters might be taking as you fight wildfires during a pandemic in order to keep us safe. I suspect that your training covers measures you can use to safe as you fight wildfires, whether it be on the ground, in the air, or the various support staff.

Wildfire season occurs at different times in different parts of the United States. The same may be true in your country. However, in some parts of the United States, the wildfire season never really ends.

I thank you, who are wildland firefighters and other first responders, for all you are doing, at added risk to yourself and your families, to keep us safe.

I thank the first responders in my town and elsewhere for your service, in my case some of you are volunteers for what you are doing to keep us safe.

To all wildland firefighters, on the ground and in the air, I think of you daily and will continue to keep you in thoughts and meditations as this pandemic continues.

Friday Fun: Ag Aviation

I want to end this week on a light note. Many of you know that I have a great deal of respect for all who are involved in Ag Aviation. I have seen these special Ag Planes up close and personal, including watching spraying operation in the New Jersey Barrens spraying our New Jersey Cranberries (see my March 13th post featuring Downstown Aero Crop Services. What a treat that was. Here are some fun video of Ag Planes in action. 

Direct link to video on Youtube

Direct link to video on Youtube

Reflections on CL-215.415 amphibious air tankers

I first became acquainted with the CL-215/415 amphibious  air tankers in the spring of 2009 (e.g, see my April 2009 article) shortly after I began writing about aerial wildland firefighting. The CL-215 was built by Canadair, first flew in 1967, This amphibious airtanker scoops water out of a waterbody. The CL-215T was a turboprop version of the CL-215 resulting in an increase in power. In 1986 Canadair soled the manufacturing rights to Bombardier. Based on the success of the CL-215T, Bombardier introduced the CL-415, with two turboprop engines. The CL-415 is often referred to as the “super scooper.” Many of the videos that you might see of these amphibious air tankers around the internet are likely to be CL-415s. I love watch these videos of the CL-215/415 aircraft in action. I have seen videos of these aircraft scooping and working fires, often in pairs, inU.S., Canada, and in Europe. Scoop and drop, scoop and drop.

In November 2016 Bombradier sold the manufacturing rights to Viking Air, see Bill Gabbert’s November 2016 Fire Aviation article for more information and this 2016 press release from Viking Air. Viking’s page on the 415 may be found here. For a discussion of the CL-215T vs the CL-415 including information about the CL-415EAF go here. Bill Gabbert wrote about Viking's CL-415EAF  upgrade in this March 2020 article.

Here is a nice article from yubanet on the visit of one of Aero-Flite’s CL-415s to Grass Valley Airport in June of 2019. I believe that this aircraft was on a call-when-needed contract with the USFS.

Among the operators of the CL-415 that I know of in the United States and Canada are Air Spray, Aero-Flite , and Babcock. In 2016 the United States Forest Service awarded a five year exclusive use contract to Aero-Flite for two of their CL-415s for five years, that contract was cancelled in after the 2017 wildfire season, see Bill Gabbert’s November 29, 2017 Fire Aviation article for more information . I believe, but am not sure, that a couple of Aero-Flite’s 415’s have been under a call-when-needed contract with the USFS in 2018 and 2019.

The Province of Quebec has a fleet of CL-415s, they have leased two of this amphibious aircraft to Los Angeles County each fall for over 25 years, go this September 2019 press release from the County of Los Angeles for more information.

Here are a couple of short videos of CL-415's working fires in Europe:


Direct link to video on Youtube


Direct link to video on Youtube

Helitack: Oregon Department of Forestry (2015)

Even though I have to wait for my second cataract surgery until May, I am  getting used to working at the computer. This means that I am starting get back to doing the background work I need to do write more of what I am calling reflection articles on air tankers and helicopters. I hope to post one this Wednesday. Along those lines, I want to share a video showing helitack where helicopters deliver wildland firefighters to remote areas to fight wildfires. Here is a 7 minute video of an ODF helitack team fighting wildfires in 2015. This is probably a rerun, if so it so it is worth seeing again.


Direct link to video on Youtube

Friday Fun: Fun airplane videos

I don't know about you, but in light of the Novel Corona Virus pandemic and how that this is impacting the lives of some of us, myself included, I feel like doing something fun and aviation related in this post.

So I am posting two of my favorite fun aviation videos.

The first one, slightly more serious, shows two beautiful restored WW II era aircraft, a B-17 and a B-25 flying over Arizona. If you are accessing this post on a computer, for full effect click on the link to go to Vimeo to watch in landscape mode.


H5 - WWII Bombers over Arizona Landscape from H5 Productions on Vimeo.

Prescribed Burn Season in New Jersey ended

I had been aware of the prescribed burning (RxB) season in New Jersey, I do not quite recall when the season officially starts. This year it may have started a little earlier because of the warmer winter. The first post I made about the RxB season in New Jersey was on February 3rd, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) issued a press release about RxB on February 25th saying that the RxB season was officially underway. I usually make more posts about the RxB season here in New Jersey. but distractions due to my recent cataract surgery, I made fewer posts then normal. But, I do want to assure all that I was aware and paying attention.

A friend of mine gave me a heads up the other day that the RxB season in New Jersey officially ended on March 15th. I think that this is the normal date when the season ends. But sometimes the RxB season is extended. Not so this year because of recent dry conditions. Kudos to the NJFFS for a job well done.

The NJFFS received national accolades for their Prescribed Burn program in 2019, the 84th year that they have done Prescribed Burns, here is a copy of the 2019 press release announcing these national accolades. This year makes 85 years.

On a personal note and 2019 wildfire season: Middlefork Ranger District (OR) Crew 501 crew video

On a personal note, yours truly the author of this blog had cataract surgery on one eye a week ago, and the second cataract surgery is scheduled for next week. The surgery is being done in outpatient surgery center devoted only to eyes, so hopefully that will bode will during restrictions from Covid-19. Even with only one eye done, corrected for distance and mid-range, my vision is better. The eye surgeon cleared me to drive, which is great. Yes, I am staying close to home and practicing social distancing. And with my eye drops, I don't need to tell you how many times a day I am washing my hands.

I had planned last week's articles prior to my cataract surgery but had not prepared ahead for this week.

Working on the computer is a bit of a challenge until I get my second cataract surgery. I am getting used to where I have to see to see the computer. But it is a bit of a strain, so I try not to overdue.

I had something else planned for today's blog article, but I was feeling somewhat tired and decided to chill out this afternoon. So, this post is coming late in the day. Better late then never.

With that being said, I leave you with this 2019 crew video from Crew 501 from the Middlefork Ranger District in the Williamette National Forest in Oregon. 

Update on August 14, 2020: The video I shared when I first posted has since been deleted. 

Reflections on smaller SEATs Part 3 (300 to 799 gallon tanks) Downstown

I wrote on March 4th about Downstown and I want to continue with some more reflections about the wonderful folk at Downstown. My friends at Downstown have always answered my questions about wildland firefighting or ag aviation. What I do on my blog as I try to focus on wildland firefighting in New Jersey is easier because of Downstown. I have visited their airport and base of operations three times.  In May of 2012, they flew me down to their base in Vineland New Jersey for the afternoon. I had a great time and got to see their base and their planes up close and personal.

Here are some highlights from my visit, there may be some minor changes such as the designation of the SEATs and perhaps some newer equipment. But you will get an idea about what is involved in using a SEAT in southern New Jersey for wildland firefighting:

• dispatch
• loading area
• direct attack
• indirect attack

In addition to wildland firefighting, Downstown is an aerial agricultural operator. They provide a number of services including but not limited to crop fertilization, insect control, and winter cover crop seeding. 

In the fall of 2012, I drove down to the Pine Barrens while they were spraying cranberries. I saw them load the aircraft and spray the fields. It was wonderful. The also introduced me to some cranberry growers to see their operations. Nice to see where those very special New Jersey Cranberries come from and how they arrive at our tables for the Fall holidays. 

I will start with a few shots I took on Downstown’s airstrip in the Pine Barrens showing the fertilizer and and loading into the Air Tractor 602.

I will close by sharing to videos (combination of stills and videos) that I took during this visit.

Direct link to video 0f AT-602

Direct link to video of Ag Cat

El Grupo 43 from 2012

This is one of my favarite videos from El Grupo 43 (2012) scenes of their water scoopers, aka Bombardiers CL-415 working wildfires in Europe.



Direct link to video on Vimeo

Air Tractor 602: spraying wheat in South Africa

Air Tractor 602 can fight wildfires, but they also do ag aviation. Here is a nice video, almost 12 minutes of an AT-602 spraying wheat in South Africa. You will watch and listen to her while she and her pilot are working.

Enjoy!


Direct link to video

Reflections on smaller SEATs Part 2 (300 to 799 gallon tanks)

Over the years, I have come across Thrush aircraft as both Ag Aircraft used for crop dusting and insect control as well as as a SEAT for wildland firefighting, albeit with a tank under 800 gallons. A SEAT such as one of those built by Thrush may be used by state or local agencies during their wildfire season, either under contract or purchased out rightThe Georgia  Forestry Commission purchased two dual cockpit Thrush 510G aircraft with a switchback gate in 2017. The tank or hopper can hold up to 510 gallons. The switchback gate can be easily and quickly converted from firefighting operations to agriculture operations within a matter of minutes. While not something that Georgia will use the switchback configuration will add to the resale value. The benefit of the dual cockpit is that the Thrush can be used for training. See Bill Gabbert's December 2017 Fire Aviation article for more information about Georgia's Thursh 510G aircraft.

Here area two short videos of Georgia's Thrush 501G aircraft.

Direct link to video

Direct link to video

Reflections on smaller SEATs Part 1 (300 to 799 gallon tanks): Downstown

It has been my very great privilege to get to know the folk at Downstown Aero Crop Services out of Vineland New Jersey over the last 9 years or so. Downstown has had contracts with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) since 1967 up to and including 2019. That is forty-two years. As I write this, I am not sure about the status of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service contracts for aerial wildland firefighting for 2020.

With the exception of a visit to Ramona Air Attack Base in 2011, the only tankers that I have met up close and personal have been Downstown's SEATs.

Downstown started using Ag Cats for wildland firefighting under contract with the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service in 1967. When I visited the Air Attack Base in northern New Jersey in 2013, Downstown had some Ag Cats on contract with the NJFFS for the spring 2013 wildfire season, and I would like to show you a couple of photos from that visit. I do love the Ag Cats.

Ag Cats at  the NJ Forest Fire Service Air Attack Base in 2013

Ag Cats at  the NJ Forest Fire Service Air Attack Base in 2013

Since I took these photos in 2013, Downstown no longer uses Ag Cats for aerial wildland firefighting, but they continue to use Air Tractors. Here are a couple of photos of a Downstown Air Tractor 602 that I took in 2012.

Finally here is a short video of one of Downstown's Air Tractors dropping on a wildfire in the Cape May area of New Jersey area in 2013.


Direct link to video

I hope to be writing more reflections about smaller SEATs, stay tuned.

2020 New Jersey Forest Fire Service prescribed burns -March 2nd

As I wrote about on February 28th, it is prescribed burning season here in New Jersey, New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews from around the state were busy today doing prescribed burns. Not only do prescribed burns burn away brush, fallen leaves that can help ignite forest fires, they have benefit the ecosystem, see my February 28th article for more information.

Here are the locations of today's prescribed burns announced earlier today by the NJ Forest Fire Service on their Facebook Page:

DIVISION A
Sussex County

- Vernon - Wawayanda State Park

DIVISION B
Burlington County

- Shamong - Wharton State Forest

- Woodland - Wild Wings Hunting Club

- Tabernacle - South Park Gun Club

- Woodland - Brendan T Byrne State Forest
Monmouth County

- Wall - Allaire State Park

Ocean County

- Eagleswood - Sahara Sands

- Eagleswood - Stafford Forge WMA

- Lacey - Lacey Road

- Ocean - Pharo-Brookville Road

- Manchester - Whiting WMA
- Brick
- Manasquan WMA

- Jackson - Colliers Mills

DIVISION C
Atlantic County

- Estell Manor - Maple Lake WMA

- Hammonton - Wharton State Forest

- Galloway - Stockton University

Camden County
 
- Winslow - Winslow WMA

Cape May County
 
- Dennis - Belleplain State Forest

Cumberland County

- Maurice River - Belleplain State Forest

- Maurice River - Peaslee WMA

Gloucester County
 
- Glassboro - Glassboro WMA