2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Industrial Parkway Fire, Essex County (Livingston) Final update

A final update on the Industrial Parkway Fire in Livingston, Essex County NJ from the NJ Forest Fire Service. This wildfire has burned 192 acres and is at 90% containment. No structures are threatened. Direct link to NJFFS Facebook post shared below.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Industrial Parkway Fire, Essex County (Livingston) Oct 27th update

October 27th, 10:05 AM

See my Oct 26th post where I first reported on the wildfire that is still burning in Livingston NJ, Essex County. The Industrial Parkway Fire has burned 140 acres and remains at 60 percent containment, 10 structures are threatened and there are no evacuations. Road closures in the vicinity of the wildfire remain in effect until noon today. The NJ Forest Fire Service is in unified command with the Livingston Fire Department.

1:30 PM

No new updates from the NJ Forest Fire Service, but I am sharing three media reports on the Industrial Parkway Fire from local media. These reports came after a 10 AM press conference by the NJ Forest Fire Service. This news conference was not available virtually, but that did not matter as I was not home.

• News 12 New Jersey (with video)
• NJ Advance Media
• North Jersey News

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Industrial Parkway Fire, Essex County

There is a wildfire in Livingston in Essex County, the Industrial Parkway Fire. Earlier today this wildfire threatened 48 structures and six commercial businesses were evacuated, that number is now down to ten structures threatened. There are currently no evacuations. While some roads have reopened, other roads in the area of the fire remain closed as I write this. See this report from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook for the earlier update.

Per the last update at about 9 PM tonight, October 26th, the wildfire has burned 120 acres and is at 60 percent containment with ten structures threatened.

October 27, 7 AM No new updates on the Industrial Parkway Fire yet, I will make a post later today with updates. In the meantime. News 12 New Jersey reported on this fire on the evening of October 26, their report with a video may be found here. Their reporter who was in Livingston last night reported from the Livingston Shopping Mall which was evacuated earlier that day. By the way, I used to live about 30 minutes from Livingston over 20 years ago and was familiar with that shopping mall and that area. In addition, NJ Advance Media reported on the fire. The Livingston Fire Department with the assistance of the NJ Forest Fire Service and mutual aid from other towns responded to this fire. From what I understand the Livingston Fire Department was the first responder and then reached out to the NJ Forest Fire Service for assistance in fighting this fire. I first learned about this fire last night from checking out the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page  to look at their daily videos, a shout out to them for their great website with great daily videos and great reporting on major wildfires in New Jersey.

1:30 PM, see my Oct 27th post for the Oct 27th morning from the NJ Forest Fire Service as well as some media coverage

2024 Wildfire Season: Connecticut

Thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who do an excellent job providing important updates to the current wildfire situation in New Jersey. Among other things they post critical updates on wildfire danger from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly NJ, see Mt Holly's fire weather forecast for today, October 25th as we in NJ remain at an increased risk of wildfire danger. 

While I have been focusing on the high wildfire danger in New Jersey over the last few days, I have been aware of wildfire concerns in other parts of the country, including but not limited the mid-atlantic and the northeastern United States. Thanks again to my friends from the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who post videos every day focusing on wildfire concerns around the United States (including New Jersey) and internationally. In looking at the videos they have posted recently I became aware of the high fire danger in Connecticut and wildfires burning in Connecticut. Today, I am here to share a couple of videos about a wildfire, the Hawthorne Fire, that has been burning in Berlin, Connecticut. The fire is on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and is difficult to access. I have tried to find specific information, e.g. fire size and containment information, but so far have not been able to find a page to refer you to. However, I do know from this report from the NBC CT Weather Blog (updated October 25th at 7:10 AM) that the fire is reported to have burned 107 acres.

Unfortunately, one wildland firefighter has died in a rollover incident a couple of days ago. Wildland firefighters in the same vehicle were injured and have since been released from the hospital. Aerial resources have been deployed to work the Hawthorne Fire, included helicopters from the Connecticut National Guard.

1. Hawthorne Fire in Berlin continues to burn

Direct link to video from Fox 61 on YouTube

2. Wildland firefighter dies in rollover accident

Direct link to video from WPRI on YouTube

3. Connecticut National Guard helicopters working Hawthorne Fire

Direct link to video from WFSB 3 on YouTube

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Red Flag Warnings for Central and Southern NJ

The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings (extreme wildfire danger) for central and southern New Jersey starting at 11AM on October 24th. In addition, the NWS at Mt. Holly issued a special weather statement for the rest of their forecast area for an increased risk of wildfires today, October 24th.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE 

National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 352 AM EDT Thu Oct 24 2024 

NJZ012-013-015>023-027-242200- /O.CON.KPHI.FW.W.0002.241024T1500Z-241024T2200Z/ Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden- Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-Atlantic-Cape May- Southeastern Burlington- 352 AM EDT Thu Oct 24 2024 .

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHERN TO CENTRAL NEW JERSEY... The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM EDT Today. * AFFECTED AREA...Middlesex, Western Monmouth, Mercer, Salem,    Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean,    Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May and Southeastern Burlington.

* TIMING...From 11 AM to 6 PM EDT Thursday. 

* WINDS...North to Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to   30 mph. 

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 30 percent. * TEMPERATURES...In the mid to upper 60s.  

 * IMPACTS...The combination of very dry conditions, low relative   humidity, and gusty winds will result in favorable conditions   for the rapid spread of fires. Any fires that develop may     become difficult to contain, especially cross the Pine Barrens    region. 

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. && $$ OHara 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County): Oct 23rd Update

Unless there are significant changes to the status of the Microwave Fire, The New Jersey Forest Fire Service posted their last update on the Microwave Fire in Rockaway Township, Morris County the evening of October 23rd. Kudos to the NJ Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters and local mutual aid firefighters who worked on this fire. The fire burned 77 acres and is 90% contained and NJ Forest Fire wildland firefighters remain on scene. This is the final incident update from the NJFFS. Direct link to the NJFFS Facebook post shared below. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County): Oct 22nd update

The NJ Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters along with mutual aid responders continue to fight the Microwave Fire in Morris County. On October 22nd containment was up to 90% with no structures threatened. The update below was posted by the NJ Forest Fire Service about 8 PM on October 22nd.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season Elevated Risk of Wildfires: Oct 23rd

 

National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
349 AM EDT Wed Oct 23 2024

DEZ001>004-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-055-
060>062-070-071-101>106-232200-
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Kent MD-
Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-
Somerset-Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-
Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland-
Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-
Coastal Ocean-Southeastern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh-
Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester-
Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks-
Including the cities of Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown,
Rehoboth Beach, Chestertown, Centreville, Easton, Denton, Newton,
Washington, Morristown, Flemington, Somerville, New Brunswick,
Freehold, Sandy Hook, Trenton, Pennsville, Glassboro, Camden,
Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Mount Holly, Jackson, Millville,
Hammonton, Cape May Court House, Ocean City, Atlantic City,
Long Beach Island, Wharton State Forest, Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg,
Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, Media, Philadelphia, Honey Brook,
Oxford, West Chester, Kennett Square, Collegeville, Pottstown,
Norristown, Lansdale, Chalfont, Perkasie, Morrisville,
and Doylestown
349 AM EDT Wed Oct 23 2024

...Increased Risk of Fire Spread Later Today...

There is an increased risk of fire spread this afternoon. Relative
humidity values are expected to fall to around 30 to 40 percent across
much of the area. This will be combined with south to southwest winds
near 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph, temperatures in the mid
to upper 70s, and abundant sunshine. These conditions will support
the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult
to control.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish
or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials
such as cigarette butts. Refer to your state`s forest fire management
agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area.

Relative humidity values will be lower Thursday, with stronger winds.
Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions
and lack of any recent rainfall.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County): Oct 21st Evening Update

The Microwave Fire in Rockaway Township, Morris County continues to burn. The acreage burned remains at 77acres and containment has increased to 85 percent. Three houses are threatened, down from 30 houses on October 20th. Of note is that helicopters with a 350 gallon bucket made 15 drops on this fire on Saturday afternoon. There is one road closure in the area and no evacuations. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

There is a wildfire burning on Joint Base McQuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The fire is being fought by wildland firefighters from the Joint Base who are doing back burning to contain the fire. It is expected that the fire will remain on the Joint Base property. As I write this, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is not responding to this fire. Updates on this fire may be obtained from the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Facebook page that I will be monitoring.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Stage 3 Campfire Restrictions in effect

This morning the New Jersey Forest Fire Service implemented stage 3 campfire restrictions, see the Facebook post from the NJ Forest Fire Service that I embedded below. But first I want to share an image from the NJ Forest Fire Service with today's restrictions and fire danger. I wanted to point out that in addition to the Stage 3 campfire restrictions, the highest level of restrictions, there is no agricultural burning allowed today. In addition, you can see that today's fire danger is very high. I would think that the very high fire danger and the restrictions will continue until there is some rainfall. Today is the 21st day that I have not seen any rain except for .03 inches in the second week of October, I know because I have a rain gage and record rain measurements.

obtained on October 21st at 11 AM from The NJ Forest Fire Service Fire Conditions and Restrictions Page

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Microwave Fire (Morris County)

October 20th, 7PM

I just now checked the NJ Forest Fire Service's Facebook page and saw their post about the Microwave Fire that has burned 77 acres in Rockaway Township New Jersey, according to their post the fire is at 70 percent containment late morning on October 20th. Thirteen structures are threatened, as far as I know there are no evacuations in place. Thirty structres were threatened earlier today. For more information see this report from News 12 New Jersey and another report from NJ Advance Media. New Jersey is in a prolonged period of little rain with about three weeks with no rain in my section of New Jersey, so conditions are very dry leading to critical wildfire danger. This is the last update for this evening, the NJ Forest Fire Service is planning to make another update tomorrow, Oct. 21st at about 11 AM (or perhaps later).

October 21st, 1:15 PM

The New Jersey Forest Fire posted an update on the Microwave Fire, currently burning in Rockaway Township in Morris County. The status remains unchanged. The fire remains at 77 acres burned. The fire is at 70 percent containment with 13 structures threatened.

Drought Monitor (Oct 15th) for New Jersey

 I'd like to thank the anonymous poster who commented in the post I made on October 18th that there is a severe drought (D2) affecting portions of the Pine Barrens in NJ. I considered sharing the drought monitor map in yesterday's post but did not. Drought is one of the factors that can lead to an increased risk of wildfires. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Elevated Risk of Wildfires (Oct 18th-20th)

We continue to have dry conditions here in New Jersey with most of the State being under either abnormally dry conditions or a moderate drought. Among the factors contributing to an elevated risk of wildfires are these dry conditions, wind, and a low relative humidity are also factors. According to the Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service at Mt Holly this morning, the elevated risk of wildfires is forecast to continue through the weekend. The Facebook post from the National Weather Service at Mt. Holly New Jersey is a good reminder of what we can do try to prevent wildfires. Thanks to the New Jersey Forest who are on alert today to fight any wildfires that crop up.

Special Weather Statement National Weather Service 

Mount Holly NJ 302 AM EDT 

Fri Oct 18 2024 DEZ001>004-MDZ012-015-019-020-NJZ001-007>010-012>027-PAZ054-055- 060>062-070-071-101>106-182300- 

New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Kent MD- Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon- Somerset-Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Mercer-Salem- Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Ocean-Cumberland- Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic- Coastal Ocean-Southeastern Burlington-Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh- Northampton-Delaware-Philadelphia-Western Chester-Eastern Chester- Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-Lower Bucks- Including the cities of Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, Rehoboth Beach, Chestertown, Centreville, Easton, Denton, Newton, Washington, Morristown, Flemington, Somerville, New Brunswick, Freehold, Sandy Hook, Trenton, Pennsville, Glassboro, Camden, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Mount Holly, Jackson, Millville, Hammonton, Cape May Court House, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, Wharton State Forest, Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Reading, Allentown, Bethlehem, Media, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, West Chester, Kennett Square, Collegeville, Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale, Chalfont, Perkasie, Morrisville, and Doylestown

302 AM EDT Fri Oct 18 2024

 ...Increased Risk of Fire Spread through This Afternoon... There is an increased risk of fire spread through this afternoon. Relative humidity values are expected to fall to around 20% to 25% across much of the area. This will be combined with north to northeast winds near 10 to 15 mph, with sporadic gusts of 18 to 20 mph possible at times, temperatures in the mid 60s to near 70 degrees, and abundant sunshine. These conditions will support the spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts. Refer to your state`s forest fire management agency for more information on burn restrictions in your local area. Relative humidity values will remain low into the weekend, however winds will be much lighter. Burn restrictions may still be in place given the very dry conditions and lack of any recent rainfall. 

 $$ Staarmann

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Wildfire in Brendon T. Byrne State Forest (Burlington County)

October 16, 7:15 PM (posted Oct. 17, 7:15 AM)

Thanks to the NJ Forest Fire Service and Mutual Aid Fire Departments for responding to this fire yesterday bringing the fire to 60 percent containment by early evening on October 16th. This is the final incident update from the NJFFS. Nice job! Direct link to NJFFS Facebook post shared below

Thanks to the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page for sharing this eight minute from New Jersey Shore Fire Response of the response to this wildfire this morning. (added at 10:15 AM on Oct. 17th)

Direct link to video from New Jersey Shore Fire Response on YouTube

October 16, 2:30 PM

This just in, there is a multi-acre wildfire burning in the Brendon T. Byrne State Forest in Pemberton, Burlington County NJ. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate the road (Mary Ann Forge Rd.) cited by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service so I am unable to show you an approximate location for the wildfire. I expect another update from the NJ Forest Fire Service later this afternoon or this evening and will update this post at that time.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service: Helicopter Pilot Profile

 I pay some attention to New South Wales in Australia in part because I have acquaintances in New South Wales but also because as I can, I try to have an international perspective on aerial wildland fire fighting. While perusing the New South Wales Rural Fire Service's Facebook page the other day I came across their member profile of Mick Cantwell a helicopter pilot who is also a remote area firefighter. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Elevated Risk of Wildfires (Oct 15)

 

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
941 AM EDT Tue Oct 15 2024

NJZ001-007>010-012>027-152200-
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-
Including the cities of Newton, Washington, Morristown,
Flemington, Somerville, New Brunswick, Freehold, Sandy Hook,
Trenton, Pennsville, Glassboro, Camden, Cherry Hill, Moorestown,
Mount Holly, Jackson, Millville, Hammonton, Cape May Court House,
Ocean City, Atlantic City, Long Beach Island,
and Wharton State Forest
941 AM EDT Tue Oct 15 2024

...Increased Fire Weather Concerns for Tuesday through 6PM...

Fire weather risks are elevated for Tuesday, October 15th. Breezy
winds with occasional gusts near 20 mph, relative humidity values
near 30-35%, and dry fuels will combine to make conditions more
favorable for the spread of wildfires. Any fires that develop may
become challenging to contain.

Importance of Maintenance Checks of Aircraft

 Regular maintenance checks are important for the safety of all aircraft including but not limited to air tankers, firefighting helicopters, and support aircraft. Some shorter maintenance checks are done during the firefighting season that may only take an airtanker out of service for a night. Other maintenance checks take longer, such as the fall maintenance checks that Coulson is currently doing on their aircraft in advance of the fire season in Australia. 

NSW Rural Fire Service's Bomber 210, a Coulson air tanker, did good service in California during their summer fire season and is back in Australia for their fire season.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Medford Twshp Burlington County Contained

October 12, 7:05 AM

I saw this wildfire alert from the NJ Forest Fire Service last night. I have no other information. The NJ Forest Fire Service will be posting an update later this morning, stay tuned and I will update this post. At this time, the acres burned is not known, there is no containment and no structures are threatened. Direct link to Facebook post from the NJFFS shared below.

October 12, 1:30 PM

The NJ Forest Fire Service reports that the wildfire in Medford Township, Burlington County has burned 30 acres and is at 100% containment and no structures are threatened. No structures are threatened. Nice job! Direct link to NJFFS Facebook post.

Hurricane Hunter flies into Hurricane Milton Before Landfall

I have seen a video on various Florida media sites on YouTube of a hurricane hunter aircraft flying into Hurricane Milton the day before Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on the Gulf Coast of Florida at about 8:30 PM on October 9th. I spent some time looking at different versions of this video from media sites before settling on the one that I am embedding below because it shows the turbulence experienced as they were flying into Milton and some shots from the cockpit. The YouTube video is from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. The first couple of minutes of the video where they are showing the effect of some turbulence gave me a look into what the crews of the hurricane hunters go through as they fly hurricanes to provide information for the National Hurricane Center's hurricane forecasts and related information.

First Energy Sent Crews to Help With Electricity Restoration After Hurricane Helene

First Energy is my electric supplier. Thank-you First Energy for helping out with electricity restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service Deployed a Chainsaw Crew to Help With Hurricane Helene Recovery

 I am happy that the NJ Forest Fire Service has sent a chainsaw crew to help with Hurricane Helene recovery. The NJ Forest Fire Service honors all of us in New Jersey by helping out with this recovery. Thank-you to the chainsaw crew for helping out. 

Hurricane Hunters 2024 Edition Part 3

 I have a great deal of respect for the good work that hurricane hunter aircraft and their crew do flying into hurricanes to get information on tropical storms and hurricanes to help with hurricane forecast, information that can only be gotten from a hurricane hunter aircraft. I posted two articles on hurricane hunter aircrafts early in the hurricane season, one on June 3rd and the second on July 8th. After reading about Hurricane Milton that is currently churning in the Gulf of Mexico I wanted to find some videos to share with you about the work that hurricane hunters do. I want to thank the crews of the hurricane hunter aircraft for their dangerous work of flying into hurricanes in order that those in the path of a hurricane may take appropriate action to be safe.

I begin by sharing a Facebook post by the National Hurricane Center posted about 9:30 AM on October 7th.

Here are two videos, the first is a short video of a hurricane hunter flying into the eye of Helene. The second video is from The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (2019) that is a rerun so to speak

Direct link to video from WFLA News Channel 6 on YouTube

Direct link to video from The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on YouTube

Fire Camp May 2024: NJ Forest Fire Service and North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange

I enjoyed this video from the NJ Dept of Environmental Protection - Forest Fire Service highlighting the May 2024 four day workshop in the Pinelands. I always learn a lot from videos like this one. I appreciate what the New Jersey Forest Fire Service does to keep us safe as well as their partnership in this and other Fire Camps.

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Deleware Helping with Hurricane Helene Recovery

I am sure that many States are sending emergency workers and first responders to towns and states impacted by Hurricane Helene including but not limited to National Guard troops.

I know that the New York Army National Guard has deployed 17 soldiers and three CH47-Chinook Helicopters to support recovery efforts in North and South Carolina, see this September 29th press release from NY Governor Kathy Hochul for more information. Emergency workers and first responders from the Delaware Valley (Delaware, southern NJ, and southeast Pennsylvania) have been deployed to areas affected by Helene including first responders and utility workers, see this report from CBS news .

I want to share Facebook links from two groups of first responders from New Jersey who have deployed to areas affected by Helene; the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police Task Force 1. When you see these images, I am sure that they reflect what first responders from other states are doing to help communities affected by Helene.

Thanks to all the emergency workers and first responders including but not limited to Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York for your service. Stay safe. 

Airbus A400M (Tactical-Transport Aircraft): Development for Aerial Wildland Firefighting in Europe

Direct link to video from Safran on YouTube 

Direct link to video from Prop Clear on YouTube

I got interested in the Airbus A400M, a  large tactical airlift aircraft that is used in a few European countries after reading the July-August  2024 edition of Aerial Fire. Airbus has a webpage for the A400M with specifications that may be found on this webpage. The Aerial Fire article may be found here (I am not sure how long this link will be active). In addition to its use as a tactical aircraft, air to air refueling, medical evacuation, and carrying paratroopers, the aircraft can be used to fight wildfires with the addition of a modular tanking system similar to that used by MAFFS in the United States. The A400M drop tank, possibly still in the testing phase in Europe, can drop about 20,000 liters or 5,000 gallons. According to the July-August 2024 Aerial Fire article on the C130 and A400M

Many European Air Powers have selected the Airbus A400M as a replacement for their C-130 and other medium-lift tactical transport aircraft. Some of them including France and Spain suffer from massive wildfires annually, thus they intend to use their A400Ms in the way the MAFFS program utilizes them for the Forest Service in the US. An A400M can carry 81,570 lbs of maximum payload while this is 47,399 lbs for C-130J/J-30. This made it necessary for Airbus to design and develop a new firefighting module capable of carrying larger amounts of water and retardant to meet the needs of air forces already operating A400Ms.

With the growing need for firefighting capability of medium-lift cargo aircraft of the world’s air forces and as MAFFS II was integrated into Embraer C-390A Millennium for use by the Brazilian Air Force, Airbus decided to design and develop a special roll-in/roll-out module for installation on A400M. This not only could help some of its current customers and operators such as Spanish, German, and French Air Forces to utilize these aircraft for firefighting operations but also help marketing and selling it in the market.

I think the AirBus A400 can play an important role in aerial firefighting in Europe and other countries where the A400 is being used. I look forward to learning more about the A400.

Friday Fun: Conair Dash 8 Q400 and Avro RJ85

While catching up on my reading yesterday I read in the May- June 2024 edition of Aerial Fire that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is in the process of upgrading their fleet. This year they will be getting delivery of two Dash 8-Q400AT and two Dash 8-Q400MRE aircraft, for more information see this April 23, 2024 News release from the SPSA. The Q400AT is configured for wildland firefighting while the Q400MRE is designed for multiple roles such as air evacuations, hauling cargo and being configured for wildland firefighting. I believe that both aircraft are from Conair Aerial Firefighting who supplies air tankers to Canada and other countries. Conair's specification page for the Q400AT may be found here. Conair has a specifcation page for the Q400MRE. The maximum tank capacity for the Q400MRE is 9,274 litres or 2,450 US gallons. The Q400AT has a slightly larger maximum tank capacity of 10,000 litres or 2,640 US gallons.

I wanted to find a video to share with you of the Dash 8-Q400 series and was in luck when I found a video of water bomber training in the spring of 2024 at Bendigo Airport (Victoria?). You will see a Dash 8-Q400 and an Avro RJ85. The video is about nine minutes long. Enjoy.

Direct link to video from JB Aviation on YouTube

Prescribed Burns; Benefits and Addressing Myths

 

Direct link to video from CBS Evening News on YouTube

While the video I shared above is shot in California, I think that the report has good information that applies across the United States and elsewhere. I want to thank my friends at the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Section B10 Webpage for sharing this video on their webpage the other day. They post a few videos daily and I try to go and look at them at each day. As the folk behind the NJFFS Section B10 webpage are wildland firefighters and I am not, I always consider that the videos they share have reliable information. 

I am aware that there are  misconceptions and myths about prescribed burns and this video report addresses some of the myths. For example, while accidents can happen, Governments do not start prescribed burns to start wildfires.

I suspect that the exact specifics of when and what agencies conduct prescribed burns in your area will vary from the what you see in the video report in northern California. The US Forest Service has a page describing their prescribed fires (aka burns), they say in part: "Did you know fire can be good for people and the land? After many years of fire exclusion, an ecosystem that needs periodic fire becomes unhealthy. Trees are stressed by overcrowding; fire-dependent species disappear; and flammable fuels build up and become hazardous."

In New Jersey, prescribed burns are conducted between October 1 and March 31, with many prescribed burns conducted in late winter and early spring. The NJ Forest Fire Service has a nice webpage that may be found here where they discuss what prescribed burns are:

What is a prescribed burn? Technically, a prescribed burn is: "the skillful application of fire under exacting conditions of weather and fuel in a predetermined area, for a specific purpose to achieve specific results."

Since 1928, the Fire Service has used fire as a tool to protect the lives and property of our residents living near the forestlands of New Jersey. We do this by setting fires under exacting conditions to reduce the underbrush (the "fuel" for a fire), in areas that are prone to fire, or that may be located in a position where we feel we can defend against an oncoming wildfire. The use of fire in this way requires a level of skill and competence that we encourage through extensive, ongoing training.

The primary purpose of prescribed burning in New Jersey is to reduce the hazardous accumulations of forest fuels. This aids in the prevention of wildfires, reduces the intensity of the fires, and also provides a foundation for safer, more effective fire suppression and protection operations.

They then go on to give a short history, and discuss the steps they follow in conducting a prescribed burn: planning, preparation, execution, and smoke management. I believe that the information on the NJFFS prescribed burn webpage is inline with prescribed fires conducted by the US Forest Service.

Prescribed burns are an important tool to reduce the risk of wildfires. Thanks to all the wildland firefighters whether they are on the ground or in the air doing prescribed burns.

Wildfires in Portugal

I became aware of the wildfires in Portugal a few days ago through Mike Archers Wildfire News of the Day newsletter and other newsfeeds. These wildfires are a reminder that wildfires are an international problem. Late last week that were as many as 100 wildfires burning about 37,000 acres in Portugal with at least three wildland firefighters perishing and four others who died in the fire. Many residences have been destroyed. Aerial resources from Portugal and surrounding countries are helping the wildland firefighters on the ground. France 24 has a nice 2 minute video report (dated on or about September 20th) covering the wildfires in Portugalat this France 24 site. I found a slightly different version of France 24's video report on the fire on YouTube which I am embedding below.

Direct link to video from France 24 on YouTube

For additional information see two reports from BBC News, a September 19th report with a short video of fire footage and an earlier September 17th report. Finally here is a September 19th report from  from NPR.

No drones in fire zones

Direct link to video from KCAL News

While I understand the popularity of drones and they have many valid uses, flying drones (aka unmanned aircraft systems) over fire zones is not one of them. In most areas in the United States flying drones over fire zones is illegal. Flying drones over a fire zone poses hazards to any aircraft working a fire, the possibility of a drone striking an aircraft is a real threat. In some cases, as discussed in the video I shared above, aircraft operations are shut down over the Line Fire in California because of drone activity and while air operations were shut down the fire came close to threatening other areas.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Tea Time Fire (July 5) Burning in Duff Layer

 On September 16th I wrote about smoke conditions continuing from the Tea Time Fire because the fire is burning in the forest duff layer. I regret that I did not take the time to share a little about what a forest duff layer is. I am sure that some of you reading this already know what a duff layer is, but some of you may not. 

The Northwest Fire Consortium writes about three types: ground fires, surface fires and crown fires: "Ground fires burn mostly in decayed roots below ground and in the duff layer. The duff layer is made up of compacted dead plant materials such as leaves, bark, needles, and twigs." 

As I understand it, in the case of the Tea Time Fire which burned approximately 4,300 acres in the Wharton State Forest (see my July 8th update for more information), while the fire is contained within the fire perimeter and the fire lines seem to be holding, the fire continues to burn in the duff layer. In the case of this fire, it is creating smoke conditions and the fire in the duff could burn for awhile.

I was looking around for some graphic information to show you the duff layer and came across this short 30 second video from Will Boyd's Science and Stewardship.

Direct link to video from Will Boyd's Science and Stewardship on YouTube

I close with a video report from KOIN 6 out of Portland Oregon. I like this video because they are reporting about a large wildfire (that burned three years) that could of affected the larger community who was in the process of returning to their homes. This is because the fire was continuing to burn in the duff layer. While this scenario is different from the Tea Time Fire in the Wharton State Forest, I share the video because the report mentions a wildfire that was continuing to burn in the duff layer after wildland fire fighters had made significant progress containing the wildfire.

Direct link to video from KOIN 6 on YouTube 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Smoke Conditions from Tea Time Hill Fire (July 5)

 Smoke conditions continue from the Tea Time Hill Fire that burned in New Jersey at Wharton State Forest near the Batona Campground in early July of this year. Crews from the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service continue on site to mop up and monitor this fire. The fire is burning the duff layer as often happens in summer fires. Visitors to Wharton are advised to stay away burned areas. Nearby communities may experience smoke conditions.

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Fishers Pit Fire Contained

 In a Facebook post late in the afternoon of September 11th, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that the Fishers Pit Fire in Berkley Township, Ocean County had burned 189 acres and was at 100% containment. No structures were threatened nor were there any road closures. Thanks to all the crews of the New Jersey Forest Service for your continued service in helping us stay safe from wildfires.

Remembering September 11, 2001

 

Direct link to video from NJ dot com on YouTube

Here is a link to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Fishers Pit Fire (Sept 10th)

September 10th, 8 PM

New Jersey Forest Fire crews have made progress on the Fisher's Pit Fire as it has burned 189 acres and is currently at 70 percent containment. Thank-you NJ Forest Fire Service for keeping us safe!

September 10th, 11:10 AM

NJ Forest Fire Service crews worked over night making progress last night using back firing and burn out operations to help reinforce containment. As I write this the Fishers Pit Fire has burning 150 acres and is at 20 percent containment. No structures are currently threatened and there are no road closures in the vicinity of the fire.

2024 NJ Wildfire Season: Just in - Fishers Pit Fire (Ocean County)

September 9, 10:30 PM update

I am writing this at about 6:45 AM on September 10th. At the time of this update (embedded below) there are no road closures and no structures were threatened. There is no information on the size of the Fishers Pit Fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

September 9, 8:30 PM

This just in, thanks to a friend from the NJFFS for alerting me to check the NJ Forest Fire Service Facebook page for their alert, posted at about 7:30 PM, for the Fishers Pit Fire burning near Northern Blvd in Berkley Township, Ocean County NJ. No other information is available at this time. Be advised some of the comments in the Facebook post may contain spammy links, do not click.

Nevada National Guard's Blackhawk dropping on the Davis Fire (Reno, NV)

Various State and regional National Guard Units, and other military reserve unit play crucial roles during busy fire seasons be sending their aircraft and crews to help fight wildfires. The Nevada National Guard deployed one of their UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters to provide crucial air support to the Davis Fire currently burning near Reno Nevada. At the time I am writing this entry the Davis Fire has burned 6,500 acres near Reno, Nevada. 

The fire was first reported on September 7th. Mandatory evacuations are in place along with road closures in place in the vicinity of the fire and power outages. At least 14 homes have been impacted in some way. The Nevada National Guard Black Hawk was one of eight aircraft deployed to the fire as of Sunday evening, September 8th. Additional information may be found at this September 8th 7 PM news release reporting on the Davis Fire on Inciweb. KOLO8ABC out of Reno Nevada is covering the Davis Fire at the time of this writing, here is a link to their September 8th evening coverage.

Friday Fun: 2024 Blue Angels

 I am overdue for Friday Fun. Today I am embedding a short video of the Blue Angels team accompanied by a rendition of Van Halen's Dreams. I always enjoy watching the Blue Angels and I hope you do as well. If you are interested in more Blue Angels videos, including longer videos from their shows all you have to do is go to YouTube and search on Blue Angels 2024, this is how I found this video that I am sharing. Enjoy.

Direct link to video from Crazy John on YouTube

About Women in Wildland Firefighting

It has been awhile since I have written about women in wildland firefighting, for a review of what I have written see these tagged posts, most recent is first. I was intrigued by a Facebook Post by the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington that I saw recently on the Bureau of Land Management Fire's Facebook page. I enjoyed this brief but good post where they shared about two female wildland firefighters. 

I care a lot about wildland firefighters and have a special place in my heart for female firefighters and want the best for the female wildland firefighters. I understand, as pointed out in this March 2024 article, Women in Fire: Blazing Through Barriers by Danielle Knight, Southern Region (US Forest Service) Office of Communication, that women in wildland firefighting face have faced gender discrimination among other issues. Knight says that "currently, the fire workforce in the Forest Service is about 87% male and 13% female. Often, women face being the only female in a unit, or being one of the few." 

I do know that there is at least one special wildland fire training program for women out of the US Forest Service, see this January 2024 article by Julianne Nikirk (Colville Ntl Forest) where Nikirk discusses the competition to get into the program, a little about the training program, and the goal to get a more inclusive wildland firefighting force.

There is nothing in my experience that directly compares to what female firefighters go through. I want all women wildland firefighters to know that I care about what you do and the sacrifices you make in time away from your family and loved ones. 

Labor Day

 On this day when we honor workers, I want to thank all wildland firefighters, first responders, and other workers who are working today. Thank-you. In honor of Labor Day I share this video on the history of Labor Day from Ted-Ed

Direct link to video from Ted-Ed on YouTube

First of Seven C-130s Ready to Fly Fires for Cal Fire

Direct link to Cal Fire video on YouTube

I have know for a few years that Cal Fire took delivery of seven C-130s that were retired from other government service. These C-130s will be converted to fly fires along with other repairs, see for example this March 2024 article on Fire Aviation. I try to monitor various pages on Facebook of air tanker contractors as well as some state and federal agencies. I noted this Aug 26th post from CAL FIRE reporting that the first of seven C-130H airtankers went into service that day, sharing the video that I embedded above from Cal Fire's YouTube page. 

I thank Mike Archer from the Wildfire News of the Day newsletter for sharing this August 26th news release from Gov. Newsome's office on the C-130H air tankers that includes the above video as well as a link to a C-130H fact sheet as well as a video (not on YouTube) of the first drop of the C-130H. The first C-130H will be based at McClellan Airtanker base.

Some facts about the C-130H:

• range loaded of 800 miles, no load of 3,000 miles
• tank capacity of 4,000 gallons of retardant
• four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops. Each turboprop produces 4,300 horsepower
• requires a pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: 30 acre wildfire in Burlington County NJ contained

When I last checked the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's Facebook page either Monday evening or Tuesday morning of this week I did not see any alert about a small wildfire burning near Coyle Field (NJ Forest Fire Service Division C air base). By the time I checked their Facebook page yesterday evening not only did I learn about this fire but I also learned the fire was contained. The NJ Forest Fire Service's wildland firefighters were aided by a substantial rainfall on Tuesday Afternoon, August 27th. Thanks to the NJ Forest Fire Service who were on the ball as usual fighting this wildfire so that we might be as safe as possible. To the best of my knowledge there were no evacuation orders issued. I have driven by this area a number of times in past years and know that wildfires always have the potential to grow in size, very thankful that this did not happen. 

2024 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Smoke Advisory for Burlington & Ocean Counties (Aug 25th)

On Sunday, August 25th the New Jersey Forest Fire Service issued a smoke advisory for Burlington and Ocean Counties due to smoke from the Tea Time Hill Fire from July 2024 in Wharton State Forest. While the fire is 100% contained, the fire is burning unburnt pockets within the boundaries of the fire as well as burning into the duff layer in the soil. Both of these conditions cause smoke. I do not normally see smoke advisories from the NJ Forest Fire Service for New Jersey wildfires and while I am posting this a day late, I am sharing this because of the concerns that smoke can present and also to acknowledge the work of New Jersey Forest Fire crews that often stems well beyond the date the fire was contained. 

Thanks to the NJ Forest Fire Service for your work in keeping us safe from wildfires.

Drone Safety Wiildfires

When drones, aka unmanned aircraft systems fly over fires aerial wildland firefighters can not fly. Please don't fly your drones over or near wildfire zones.

 

Hawaii Mars in New Home

On Aug 16th I shared that Coulson's Hawaii Mars was retired and flew to her new home at the British Columbia Aviation Museum in Victoria, British Columbia.Enjoy these photos. You may read this Facebook Post from the British Columbia Aviation Museum to learn more about the preparations for the official grand opening of the Hawaii Mars display on September 28th.

   

2024 Wildfire Season: Western Oregon (Aug 19)

Direct link to August 17th video from KEZI 9 on Youtube

Last week a friend of mine contacted me saying that they are following a couple of wildfires in Oregon, the Middle Fork and Diamond Complex Fires because they will be traveling in that area in September. As my friend is following these two wildfires and knowing that Oregon is having a bad wildfire season, I wanted to write a little about some of the wildfires in Oregon. Wanting to know a little more, I found KEZI 9 on YouTube, this station has frequent wildfire updates. I am sharing their August 17th update below and using that as jumping off to list the wildfires they are reporting on with what I hope are the correct links to inciweb with acreage and percent containment at the time of this post. This listing is only a partial list of the current wildfires burning in Oregon. 

• North Willamette Complex comprised of the Ore Fire (3,132 acres, 14% contained) and the Pyramid Fire (1,320 acres, 14% contained
• South Willamette Complex: 13,005 acres, 48% contained
• Cottage Grove Lane 1: 25,250 acres, 61% contained
• Diamond Complex: 10,984 acres, 33% contained
• Middle Fork Fire: 5,222 acres, 0% contained
• Homestead Complex: 5,832 acres, 31% contained
• Dixon Fire: 1,970 acres, 47% contained

The State of Oregon has a page with current wildfire information that may be found here, their listings will include some wildfires that are not listed on inciweb. 

Hawaii Mars Retired to British Columbia Aviation Museum

Back in late 2009 when I first started writing about aerial wildland firefighting, I was watching live stream of wildland firefighters on the ground and in the air working a large wildfire in the Los Angeles area. I was mesmorized when I first saw the Hawaii Mars working the fire. My friend Tom Janney was available over e-mail and the telephone he told me about the Hawaii Mars, one of two Martin Mars still active at the time and owned by Coulson Aviation. I watched the stream for several minutes. I recall that she went around once or twice before starting her run to drop on the wildfire. Watching her was one of the most incredible experiences, something I remember to this day almost 15 years later.

Coulson announced several months ago that the Hawaii Mars would be donated to the British Columbia Aviation Museum, the preparatory work was done ahead of schedule prepare her for the flight and to be sure she was in good shape was completed ahead of schedule, see this June 24th news release from Coulson.  Once the museum has the Hawaii Mars up and running at the end of September 2024 visitors will be able to see her up close in person. I understand that the Province of British Columbia is providing a $250,000 grant to the museum to protect and preserve the Hawaii Mars. For more information see this article from CBC Canada (with video). She departed Port Alberni on August 12th for the flight to Victoria, British Columbia near where the museum is located. Unfortunately I am not able to embed the video that I found on Coulson Facebook Page, but I can link to the video reel on Coulson's Facebook Page

As she neared the museum in Victoria, she was accompanied by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Hawaii Mars and all that flew you and maintain you to help fight wildfires, thank-you for your service. Hawaii Mars, I miss you and am very happy that you have a home at the British Columbia Aviation Museum.

Smokey Bear Turned 80

Direct link to video from Smokey Bear on YouTube

Happy 80th birthday Smokey Bear! Smokey turned 80 on August 9, 2024.

I have a memory from my childhood, probably when I was under the age of 12, of seeing Smokey Bear on TV, perhaps a commercial or perhaps a cartoon? Anyway, I think the message of "only you can prevent forest fires" hit home because our family vacations when I was a child were camping along the northern New England coast in a campground in a forest. Between watching my Dad safely build a camp fire in a ring on our campsite and remembering Smokey Bear I knew that I had a role in preventing forest fires. I recall my Dad putting out the camp fire with water, stirring the ashes, dosing the fire with water and then doing it again until the ashes were cool and there was no smoke. This was during the time before the internet, now we can go to the SmokeyBear website to learn about fire safety, they have a page on camp fire safety, most of which I recall my Dad teaching me.  They also have pages on backyard debris burning as well as how to properly maintain and use equipment (including chains on vehicles) as both can lead to forest fires if not done safely. There is other good information on this sight, worth checking out, bookmarking and discussing with your family and friends. In addition, NPR has a nice report dated August 9 on the history of Smokey Bear, it is a nice read.

In keeping with the times, over twenty years the slogan was changed to "only you can prevent wildfires."

2024 Wildfire Season: Wildfires in Western Canada

 I owe a friend of mine from Canada a thank-you for giving me a gentle kick a couple of days reminding me about a bad wildfire in Jasper in Alberta. My friends were traveling in Alberta in late July, spending one night in Jasper around the time evacuation orders were issued. Thankfully, my friends got out of Jasper safely and without too much difficulty. 

The wildfire in and around Jasper started on or about July 22nd. I believe that my friends were there 2 to 4 days later. Many houses in Jasper were lost to the wildfire and residents are only recently being allowed to return. Roads in the area of the wildfire were just reopened on or about August 9th and 10th.Jasper National Park is still closed as I write this. The fire was at 80 percent containment on August 10th. There are many photos of the fire along with information on emotional and mental health,  rapid damage assessment and more at website from Parks Canada that I linked to earlier in this paragraph. The video that I have embedded below is from Sky News in late July.

Direct link to video from Sky News on YouTube

While some progress has been made on the Jasper Fire, wildfire danger remains in western Canada. An example is a warning off extreme wildfire danger in British Columbia for the weekend just past. Revised at 3:25 pm on August 12th with some information on wildfire starts over the weekend.

Direct link to video from CTV News on YouTube

British Columbia's Wildfire Service webpage may be found here and it looks like this page (with a map) is updated at least daily. According to their dashboard (dated August 12th, probably updated daily) there are 414 active wildfires of which 34 were started in the last 24 hours and 328 were started by lightning. Of the 414, five are consider a wildfire of note. A wildfire of note "are wildfires that are highly visible or post a potential threat to public safety." At least four of these were started since July 19th.

The Kamloops Fire Center in British Columbia reported 30 new wildfire starts from August 9 to 11th, most if not all of these wildfire starts can be attributed to lightning.

As for specific wildfires that were started over the weekend, CBC Canada reported on one, a wildfire that was first reported on Saturday, August 10 burning close to the village of Valemount in British Columbia, known as the Canoe Road Wildfire. An evacuation order was issued Saturday morning and later lowered to an evacuation alert. 

One Year After Wildfires in Lahaina on Maui

 I want to pause and remember the devastating wildfire that tore through Lhaina on Maui in Hawaii on August 8. 2023. I was horrified when I learned of this wildfire and the devastation it left. People affected by this wildfire are still recovering. I am glad to hear that some of the debris has been moved off the island. My heart goes out to the people of Lhaina as they continue to recover.

Direct link to video from PBS on YouTube