2025 Eastern Canada Wildfire Season: early August

August 6. 9:40 AM

Direct link to August 5th video from Global News on YouTube

Thanks to my friend in eastern Canada who told me yesterday about more fires in Newfoundland and sent me the video that I am sharing with you. 

 I just went to the Wildfire Dashboard on the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Website to check out the information (including a map) they have on wildfires in Newfoundland. According to the information that I saw as I posted this article (9:30 AM EDT on Aug 6) there are three out of control wildfires in eastern and central Newfoundland:

• Kingston Wildfire (eastern NF), reported on August 3rd with 721 hectares or 1,782 acres burned
• Holyrood Wildfire (eastern NF), reported on August 4th with 22 hectares or 54 acres burned
• Martin Lake Wildfire (central NF), reported on August 5th with 150 hectares or 371 acres burned

If hectares burned in any of these three fires changes, I will update this post below, just scroll down.

The Wildfire Dashboard defines an out of control fire as "a wildfire not responding or only responding on a limited basis to suppression action such that the perimeter of spread is not being contained."

A map of current and past wildfires in Nova Scotia may be found on this webpage

I understand from the video that Nova Scotia is on heightened alert for possible wildfire starts. Both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have banned outdoor wildfires. Information on Nova Scotia burn bans may be found here. More information about wildfire season in Newfoundland may be found on the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Website.

Aug 7, 6:15 AM

I made a serious error in my Aug 6th entry where I did not refer to hectares burned. I corrected that entry to refer to hectares burned with a conversion to acres burned for readers in the U.S. 

Latest figures from the Wildfire Dashboard on the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Website. The Kingston Wildfire has doubled in size and the Martin Lake Wildfire has a minor increase in size.

• Kingston Wildfire (eastern NF), reported on August 3rd with 1,432 hectares or 3,539 acres burned
• Holyrood Wildfire (eastern NF), reported on August 4th with 22 hectares or 54 acres burned
• Martin Lake Wildfire (central NF), reported on August 5th with 210 hectares or 519 acres burned

August 9, 6:51 PM

Latest figures from the Wildfire Dashboard on the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Website. The Kingston Wildfire has again doubled in size  and the Martin Lake Wildfire has a minor increase in size. 

The Wildfire Dashboard defines being held as follows: "With currently committed resources, sufficient action has been taken to prevent fire spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries on a percentage of the fire based on prevailing and forecasted conditions."

• Kingston Wildfire (eastern NF) remains out of control, reported on August 3rd with 3,001 hectares or 7,416 acres burned.
• Holyrood Wildfire (eastern NF), reported on August 4th with 22 hectares or 54 acres burned is now reported as being held.
• Martin Lake Wildfire (central NF) remains out of control, reported on August 5th with 245 hectares or 605. acres burned.

Dauntless Air on lightning

Direct link to August 4th post from Dautless Air on Facebook 

I saw these stunning photographs of lightning in the background with a Dauntless AT-802F Fire Boss aircraft in the foreground and could not resist sharing this with you. 

Airbus H125 Helicopter - Flagler County Florida

Direct link to video from Just Helicopters on YouTube 

Flagler County, Florida courtesy of Google Maps

I was reading the July/August 2025 issue of Aerial Fire - The Aerial Firefighting Magazine earlier this week, the cover story focuses on Flagler County Florida’s new helicopter, the Airbus H125 

For 22 years Flagler County Florida had an AS350B3 multi-mission helicopter. This helicopter was recently replaced with an Airbus H125. The H125 keeps the FireFlight name. According to Aerial Fire

The Airbus AS350 Écureuil series, alongside its modern successor, the H125, has become a cornerstone of aerial firefighting efforts across North America. As climate volatility intensifies, the frequency and severity of wildfires, particularly across the western United States and parts of Canada, are increasing. Consequently, the demand for highly versatile, reliable, and high-performance rotorcraft has never been greater. Among the platforms meeting this demand, the H125 has emerged as an undisputed leader, recognized globally for its exceptional capabilities in demanding mission profiles.

While FireFlight is used for aerial firefighting and prescribed burns, there are other uses for FireFlight. This includes but is not necessarily limited to search and rescue, taking accident victims to trauma centers, public safety flights, storm reconnaissance, and law enforcement.

Among the features of the H125 according to the Aerial Fire article:

• precision water and foam drops with a 210 gallon bucket
• in flight foam injection into the bucket
• crash resistant fuel systems improves pilot and crew survival
• FM radios to facilitate communication with ground crews
• alert sirens for discharge safety
• modern avionics
• interchangeable equipment for multi-mission uses.

After reading the article,  I was very impressed with Flagler County’s new H125 FireFlight helicopter. They are one of only two Florida Counties with their own helicopter, the other county being Miami-Dade. I don’t quite know how long the link to this article will be accessible, happens sometimes. If possible, I hope that you take the time to read this wonderful article. I commend Flagler County and the pilots, crews, and maintenance team for using FireFlight to keep their residents and business owners safe.

NWS Incident Meteorologist (IMETs) 97 Yrs Old, What IMETs Do

Direct link to 2021 video from NOAA Boulder on YouTube

Regular readers of my blog probably know that I am interested in the National Weather Service (NWS) Incident Meteorologist (IMETs) who are deployed to help with wildfire incidents. IMETs also help with hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters. When I saw the US NWS IMET office post this message on Facebook the other day stating they are 97 years old, I knew that I wanted to write about IMETs and to say thank-you for 97 years of service, What IMETs do is very important and I have a great deal of respect for them.

Direct link to July 29th post by the US National  Weather Service IMET on Facebook 

The NWS has a page which I have referred to in my earlier posts on IMETs called "Eyes on the Sky: A Day in the Life of an Incident Meteorologist (IMET) on the Front Lines of a Wildfire"  It is a relatively short article discussing what IMETs do including a short discussion of the daily life of an IMET while deployed on a fire. They article says in part:

"Meteorologists from NWS work on the front lines to support agencies who prevent and fight wildfires, collaborating closely with state and local fire control agencies, as well as the Forest Service and other federal agencies.

Wildfires are not weather. However, weather conditions influence how easily a fire may start, how quickly it spreads and where the fire (and smoke) will move. Lightning strikes in dry areas are a common cause of these fires.

Incident Meteorologists (IMETs) help keep the fire crews safe by enabling responders to plan operations taking into account one of the most variable aspects of the incident — the weather. They are NWS Forecasters who have been specially trained and certified to provide weather support at a fire location.

IMETs keep firefighters safe by interpreting weather information, assessing its effect on the fire and communicating it to fire crews. Once on-site, IMETs become key members of the incident command teams and provide continuous meteorological support for the duration of the incident."

In the 12 minute video that I embedded at the beginning of this post you will hear Lisa Kriederman, who was Meteorologist and IMET in the NWS Boulder Colorado office when this video was recorded in 2021. She goes into a some more detail about what IMETS do with pictures. Among the topics she discusses: what IMETs bring to their deployment (all equipment, laptops, etc.), morning briefings, keeping up with weather forecasts, and working with incident managers and the community. This is only a brief list of Ms. Kriederman says IMETs do and I hope you take the time to watch the entire video.

2025 Canadian Wildfire Season: Final update, Musgrave Harbor and Chance Harbour Wildfires

 I just went to the Wildfire Dashboard on the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Website to check the size of the Chance Harbour (1800 hectares) and the Ragged Harbour (1,660 hectares) Wildfires. I wrote about these wildfires on July 21st  and July 23rd I am pretty certain, but I could be wrong, that the Chance Harbour Wildfire is what is also referred to as the Musgrave Harbour Wildfire as it does appear to be burning near Musgrave Harbor.

The good news is that the Chance Harbour Wildfire is under control at 1,820 hectares (4,497 acres). According to the Wildfire Dashboard under control means "A wildfire having received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire."

The Ragged Harbour Wildfire is being held at 1,589 hectares (3,927 acres). According to the Wildfire Dashboard being held means "With currently committed resources, sufficient action has been taken to prevent fire spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries on a percentage of the fire based on prevailing and forecasted conditions"

Friday Fun: Alaska Aviation Operations

Direct link to video from AlaskaDNRDOF on YouTube

You will hear Andy Jones, Alaska's statewide aviation manager discuss air tankers, air attack and helicopters used to help groundcrews fighting wildfires. Enjoy

2025 Canadian Wildfire Season: July 23rd update, Musgrave Harbor and Chance Harbour Wildfires

I just went to the Wildfire Dashboard on the Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Website to check the size of the Chance Harbour (1800 hectares) and the Ragged Harbour (1,660 hectares) Wildfires, there is no change in the size of either fire since I wrote about these wildfires on July 21st I am pretty certain, but I could be wrong, that the Chance Harbour Wildfire is what is also referred to as the Musgrave Harbour Wildfire as it does appear to be burning near Musgrave Harbor.

I understand from the July 22nd evening report on The Telegram  that there has been some rain in the area of these two wildfires. Mandatory evacuation orders for residents of Musgrave Harbour remained in place. Groundcrews continue to work these fires with the aid of aerial support. The Chance Harbour and the wildfire burning near Musgrave Harbour are only 100 kilometers apart, both fires are still considered out of control. 

According to this July 22nd news release on the Musgrave Harbor Wildfire from the Government of Newfundland and Labrador there continue to be road closures in the area and this report confirms that evacuations remain in place.

I have been doing my best to monitor these two large wildfires burning in Newfoundland, and I won’t post another update until conditions change. 

2025 Canadian Wildfire Season: Musgrave Harbour and Chance Harbour Wildfires (Newfoundland)

Direct link to July 16th or 17th video from CBC News on YouTube

Direct link to July 20th video from Peter Barfoot on YouTube

I was vaguely aware of wildfires burning in eastern Canada, and I have to thank a Canadian friend for making me aware of the Musgrave Harbour Wildfire that is still burning in Newfoundland, Canada, He sent me a July 20th article from The Telegram with good information on the Musgrave Harbour Wildfire which was first reported on Saturday, July 19th with mandatory evacuation orders in place. As of July 20th, that wildfire has burned abut 1,700 hectares or approximately 4,200 acres. As an added and unexpected bonus the article my friend sent me also referred to the Chance Harbour Wildfire which according to the article has burned about 1,700 hectares

I did have a link to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center in my bookmarks and they do have a good map with locations of wildfires burning in Canada and a daily situation report with summaries by province of wildfires, through the situation report I found a link to a website for Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. When I navigated to their wildfire dashboard, I saw that one of my browsers was not able to display their map but I was able to navigate to a list of active wildfires. I was able to find current acreage burned for the Chance Harbour Wildfire of 1,800 hectares (4,448 acres). I found no information for a wildfire named Musgrave Harbour but there was information for the Ragged Harbour Wildfire which has burned 1,800 hectares. 

Regarding the two videos that I shared above, the video on the Musgrave Harbour Wildfire is dated July 20th and the approximate date of the video on the Chance Harbour Wildfire is July 16th. You will see Scoopers working the Musgrave Harbour Wildfire. Evacuation orders for some residents living near the Chance Harbour Wildfire were in place at the time the video was shot, I do not know if these orders are still in effect.

I wrote an update on these wildfires on July 23rd

NJFFS Huey at July 16th Airshow in Atlantic City NJ

Direct link to July 16th video from Zinger Aviation Media on YouTube

I have been wanting to share a video with you of a Bell Huey helicopter used for aerial firefighting in support of the wildland firefighters on the ground. While this video does not show the bucket that the NJFFS Huey's carries you get to see the Huey up close and personal on the two passes it made at the July 16th airshow in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I believe that theThe New Jersey Forest Fire Service still has two of these helicopters which their website refers to as Bell 205 Hueys. To the best of my knowledge, the Bell 205 Huey is also known as the UH-1H Huey, see this website from Globalair for more information. In my wonderings around the internet on YouTube and Facebook, I have seen quite a few videos and photos of what appear to be Bell Hueys (exact model unknown) fighting wildfires, but without knowing for certain exact information I was reluctant to share. So, I am delighted to share this video of one of the NJFFS Bell Huey's which are used to fight many wildfires of various sizes in New Jersey.

My profound thanks go to my friends at the B10 New Jersey Wildfire Page for sharing this video on their website on July 17th. While I am at it, when you get a chance check out this website for their posting of videos relating to wildland firefighting as well as their photos of wildfires around New Jersey.

Good News: No Area in NJ and Adjoining Regions in PA and DE Falls Within Any Drought Categories

Direct link to July 17th Facebook Post from the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mt. Holly

2025 Wildfire Season: Madre Wildfire (CA) Final Update

 

Direct link to July 5th post by Neptune Aviation on Facebook

All things being equal, this is my final post on the Madre Fire that has burned 80,779 in and near the County of San Luis Obispo north of Los Angeles California. As I write this post, the wildfire is at 97 percent containment, wildland firefighting crews remain on scene to monitor the containment lines and put out any hotspots. I will continue to keep on eye on the Madre Fire on Inciweb for any significant changes in the status of this wildfire and if there are any such changes I will make another post. 

Here is a nice video from KSBY News on or about July 11th  on the role of airtankers and helicopters that took off from the Santa Marie Airtanker Base to fight the Madre Fire. I am sorry that I am not able to embed this video as embedding is disabled. I hope you take a couple of minutes to watch this video.

Here are links to my earlier articles on the Madre Fire: July 4th and July 9th

2025 Wildfire Season: Coulson Helos and 10 Tanker DC-10 Tanker in action

I do my best to follow Airtanker companies that contract with the US Forest Service or individual States on Facebook. Today I highlight 10 Tanker Air Carrier, 10 Tanker has a fleet of DC-10s, and Coulson Aviation. Coulson's fleet includes 

• CH-Helitankers,
• Blackhawk UH-60 
• Helitankers, 
• 737 Fireliner, 
• C-130 Hercules
• Sikorsky S-61 Helicopters

More information on Coulson's fleet may be found here, with some videos.

2025 Wildfire Season: NJ Forest Fire Service Deployed Out West

It means a lot to me to know that some New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) crews are deployed out west to help with western wildfires. I look forward to making this post each year and am grateful for the service that NJFFS crews, engines and other equipment are doing in other parts of the country. I am proud of the NJFFS and know that they will their best to be safe. I am always reassured to know from the NJFFS that they have more than enough crews, engines and equipment to fight wildfires in New Jersey while some of their crews are deployed out west.

2025 Wildfire Season: Madre Wildfire (CA) July 9th Update

Direct link to July 8th evening report from KGET News

This post updates the post I made on July 4th on the Madre Wildfire that is still burning in the County of San Luis Obispo that is a couple hours north of Los Angeles. According to the latest update from the Madre Fire Inciweb site (11:23 PM PST on July 8th) containment was at 55 percent, up from 35 containment reported in the video I shared. Acreage burned is now at 80,610 acres, a very marginal increase from 80,603 acres reported in the video. Acreage burned increased significantly from acreage burned on July 4th of 52,920 acres. 

Cal Fire has a page devoted to the Madre Fire that may be found here. As I write in their early morning update for July 9th (5:30 AM PST) they are reporting 62 percent containment and acreage burned of 80,610 acres and some evacuation orders are still in effect.

Links to my other articles on the Madre Fire: July 4th and July 16th

Billings Flying Service: CH-47 Helicopter

Direct link to video from Billings Flying Service on YouTube

I got interested in posting about the CH-47 helicopter when I came across a video by Earl Watters, a helicopter pilot for Billings Flying Service on Facebook a couple of weeks ago. In this video, which I will share later, Earl shares about Boomer, the CH-47 he flies. I contacted him and he gave me permission to share this video with you. In the meantime I checked out Billings Flying Service and liked the details that they provided on their webpage. For example, go to their home page where you will find the video that I embedded at the beginning of this post. Billings provides some good information about their fleet of helicopters: CH-47, Bell 206 and UH-60A. In fairness, I should note hear that there are other aviation companies that fly CH-47 helicopters such as Coulson Aviation USA.

Just today thanks to a May 16th article on Aerial Fire about Earl Watters and Boomer and that linked  to a short article from B105, The Northlands #1 for New Country. When I went to the B105 article about Boomer and Earl in early May I found some good information about Boomer and a little information about Earl. You will see a couple of videos of drops that Boomer made on a couple of wildfires in Minnesota in May. This article states that that it takes only 40 seconds for Boomer to fill up with 2,300 gallons of water, going on to say that Boomer has to refuel after two hours of flying. Earl contacted me to clarify Boomer's fuel consumption, Boomer consumes 50 pounds a fuel a minute (not 50 gallons).

Prior to writing this post, I checked my blog to see what other articles I had written about the CH-47 and found my November 18th 2022 post on the CH-47 with some of the same information about Billings that I used here. In addition, if you go that post, you will see a five minute from Earl Watters about aerial firefighting with a  Billings CH-47. Take a few minutes to go and watch the video.

Some information  from Billings on CH-47 performance and stats, go here for more details

• Range: 360 nautical miles
• Fuel burn: 340 GPH (gallons per hour)
• Cruise speed: 140 knot
• Maximum hook weight: 26,000 pounds
• Maximum engine horsepower for each engine: 5,000 hp

Billings CH-47 for aerial firefighting, go here for more details (with video)

• Buckets: 2,700 gallons maximum capacity, full load release in three seconds
• CH-47D tanks: 2,500 gallon capacity, fill rate of 4,000 gallons per minute. full load release in three seconds

Here is Earl Watters in his Facebook video from May discussing the performance of Boomer, the Billings CH-47 he flies.

2025 Wildfire Season: Madre Wildfire (CA)

7 PM, July 4th

At the time that I am writing this update, according to the Madre Fire Inciweb site the Madre Fire has burned 70,800 acres and is at 10 percent containment. It has been windy in the area that the fire is burning, accounting for some of the growth in acreage burned. I have a better map for you showing the location of the fire in northern California.

Links to my other posts on the Madre Fire:  July 9th and July 16th

Obtained at 6:50 PM on July 4th from https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/7/2/madre-fire

9 AM, July 4th

Direct link to video from News Channel 3-12 on YouTube

I learned about the Madre Fire through my newsfeed on July 3rd. The Madre Fire, first reported on the afternoon of July 2nd,  is currently burning near the Los Padres National Forest in San Luis Obispo County in California has burned 52,592 acres and is at 10 percent containment as of the evening of July 3rd. It is the largest wildfire to date in California. Evacuation orders as well as evacuation warnings are in place. Road closures are in place. Helicopters are working the fire to aid wildland firefighters on the ground. For more information on the Madre wildfire see this inciweb site. Cal Fire has a webpage devoted to the Madre Fire that may be found here.

Obtained at 9 AM EDT from Cal Fire at https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/7/2/madre-fire

Firefighter fatally shot at Idaho Wildfire Identified

Direct link to video from ABC& on YouTube

Rest in peace Battalion Chief Frank Harwood of the Kootenai County Fire & Rescue Department and John Morrison of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department. I have been praying for you and your families in the aftermath of this tragedy. 

I am praying for the healing of Engineer Dave Tysdal of the Coeur d'Dalene Fire Department who remains in critical condition 

2025 Wildfire Season: Two Firefighters Dead After Responding to Wildfire in Idaho

Direct link to June 29th video from KOMO News on YouTube

I saw a couple of articles last night about two firefighters killed by a gunman after responding to a wildfire in northern Idaho. It seems that the gunman, who was found dead by law enforcement personal, mau have set the wildfire to lure firefighters to the scene. The wildfire which has burned about 26 acres as I write this is still burning. I understand that the gunman was found dead and it is suspected that he was the lone gunman. I subscribe to the Washington Post and the New York Times and both newspapers are covering this fire. Unfortunately I can not easily gift either article to you, but here is CNN's coverage of this incident. Wildfire Today is covering this incident and has a good article that they just updated that you may find here where you may find a link to the 26 minute press conference by Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris that I am embedding below. As we all are, I am deeply saddened by the two firefighters who were killed and those who were injured. I have read about numerous wildfire that were intentionally set, but never something like this where firefighters were shot and killed. I am holding the families and colleagues of those who were killed as well as the injured in my prayers. I understand that the gunman was found dead and it is suspected that he was the lone gunman. 

Friday Fun: MAFFS Aerial Firefighting Training

Direct link to video from the Daily-Military on YouTube

Enjoy this video of C-130 Hercules planes equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (AKA MAFFS) doing training including working with a lead plane. The footage is from the Daily-Military

Air Tractor 802F Fireboss tankers from Dauntless Air.

Direct link to video from Dauntless Air on YouTube

One of the aviation companies I follow on social media is Dauntless Air, a company that flies the Air Tractor AT802F Fireboss airtankers. The AT802F Fireboss is a single engine air tanker that scoops water out of a water body to dump about 800 gallons of water and foam on wildfires. I wrote about Dauntless and their AT802F Fireboss three months ago, where I included the same video I embedded above. Dauntless is based in Appleton, Minnesota with hangers in Minnesota, Texas and Idaho. I applaud Dauntless and their fleet of over 20 AT802F Fireboss aircraft for the important work they do fighting wildfires. I love single engine air tankers so I write this post out of love and respect for these wonderful purpose built firefighting aircraft

Thank-you NSW Rural Fire Service for sending CA your 737 Tanker for the summer

 I follow the NSW Rural Fire Service (Australia) on Facebook. I knew that the New South Wales Rural Fire Service was sending their 737 large air tanker to California for the summer wildfire season where she will help other airtankers and helicopters in California flying wildfires in support of the ground crews. I believe that they loan California an airtanker most every year for our summer (their winter). I am very appreciative of the generosity of the NSW Rural Fire Service in helping my friends in California fight wildfires. The 737 air tanker has already completed five missions and the number of missions flown will multiply significantly as the summer wildfire season progresses. 

Direct link to June 19th post on Facebook by the NSW Rural Fire Service

2025 NewJersey Wildfire Season: Mines Spung Wildfire Final Update

Direct link to June 18th 1:08 PM post from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook

The Mines Spung Wildfire that burned 6,400 acres in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County and the NJ Forest Fire Service reported in their final update on Wednesday, July 18th that the wildfire is at 90 percent containment. All roads were opened on Wednesday, the Batona Trail in the area of the wildfire remained closed and five structures were still threatened.  NJ Forest Fire wildland firefighters will remain on the scene to monitor containment lines and address any areas that require attention. Please take a few moments to review the NJ Forest Fire Service's Facebook post and check out their photos of the wildfire.

I have a deep regard and respect for the NJ Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters on the ground and in the air. I am so glad that we have a State Forest Fire Service that addresses any size fire quickly. the small and the large. Kudos to the ground crews, bulldozer drivers, engine crews, and airtanker and helicopter pilots who worked to contain this wildfire. 

Lead Plane Training in Australia

Direct link to video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube

Lead Planes are an important part of many aerial firefighting operations, including but not limited to large airtankers. While the specifics of how different countries and forest fire services use lead planes and the like differ to guide airtankers and helicopters into wildfire areas for drops, training is important. In this short video from Coulson Aviation you will see lead plane training in Australia working with Tanker 131 in New South Wales, Australia. Thanks again to my friends from the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page for sharing this video on their website yesterday.

2025 NewJersey Wildfire Season: Mines Spung Wildfire (Burlington County): June 16th Update

The NJ Forest Fire Service continues to work on the Mines Spung Wildfire in Burlington County by walking the perimeter of the fire and putting out hotspots and the like. There is no change in the numbers since June 15th as the wildfire remains at 5,750 acres burned at 80 percent containment. The Lower Forge Campground is still under an evacuation order and the  portion of the Batona Trail in the wildfire area is still closed. Road closures remain and five structures remain threatened. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation/ I will continue to monitor the status of this wildfire and will post if there are significant changes in fighting the fire. New Jersey Advance Media has been covering this fire, here is their June 16th mid-day article which I hope is freely available.

Direct link to June 16th 11:54 PM post on Facebook  by the NJ Forest Fire Service

2025 NewJersey Wildfire Season: Mines Spung Wildfire (Burlington County): June 15th Update

Direct link to June 15th late evening video from CBS 3 Philadelphia on YouTube

I continue to follow the NJ Forest Fire Service as they are making significant progress in fighting the Mines Spung Wildfire in Burlington County. For my early posts on this fire see my June 13th and June 14th posts. As of 12 PM today the Mines Spung wildfire has burning 5,750 acres and is at 80 percent containment. Five structures are threatened. Road closures remain and the Lower Forge Campground remains under evacuation orders. The Batona Trail in the vicinity of the wildfire is still closed. New Jersey Forest Fire Service groundcrews, engines, and bulldozers continue to work the wildfire. 

Direct link to June 15th 12 PM post on Facebook from the NJ Forest Fire Service

2025 NewJersey Wildfire Season: Mines Spung Wildfire (Burlington County): June 14th Updates

 

June 14, 8:00 PM

Progress has been made! At 8:00 PM on June 14th the Mine Spung wildfire has burned 5,500 acres and is at 70 percent containment. Five structures are still threatened ant eh Lower Forge Campground remains closed. Road closures continued. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on the scene of the wildfire with ground crews, engines, bulldozers, and helicopters. Scroll down for the morning update.

Direct link to the June 14th 8:00PM post on Facebook by the NJ Forest Fire Service

June 14, 8:30 AM

I wrote about the Mines Spung wildfire on June 13. The wildfire, first reported early in the morning of June 13th by a private airplane has burned 4,200 acres and is at 40 percent containment. Road closures remain and the Batona Trail in the vicinity of the wildfire is still closed. Five structures remain threatened, and the Lower Forge Campground and the Phillip M Costello Preparatory Academy have been evacuated. Local fire departments are providing structure protection. New Jersey Forest Fire Service helicopters and a bulldozer are working with NJFFS wildland firefighters in working the wildfire.

 

Direct link to June 14th 8:30 AM post by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Facebook.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Mines Spung Wildfire (Burlington County)

June 13th, 8:40 PM

The Mine Spung Wildfire in Shamong Township, Burlington County has  burned 2,500 acres and is at 25% containment. Evacuations are in place for the Lower Forge Campground and the Phillip M Costello Preparatory Academy. An additional five structures are threatened and there are road closures in the area. In addition the Batona Trail is closed in the area where the fire is burning. Helicopters continue to work the wildfire in support of the firefighters on the ground. There are road closures in the vicinity of the wildfire. Scroll down for an earlier report on the fire.

Direct link to June 13th post at 8:40 PM on Facebook from the NJ Forest Fire Service

Direct link to video from CBS3 Philadelphia on YouTube

June 13th, 1 PM

Thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildfire Page who alerted me to the Mines Spung Fire that has burned 100 acres in Shamong Township in Burlington County. The fire is at 0 percent containment. The fire was first spotted by a private airplane this morning. In addition to NJ Forest Fire Service wildland firefighters working the fire on the ground and a bulldozer, there is at least one helicopter with a bucket working the fire. There are road and trail closures in the vicinity of the fire.

Direct link to video from CBS3 Philadelphia on YouTube

Direct link to June 13th 10:54 AM report from NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook.

2025 Wildfire Season: Hilger Fire Montana June 13th Update

 I wrote about the Hilger Fire on June 11th that is still burning near Helena Montana. The good news is that this fire is now at 77 percent containment according to Inciweb's update the evening of June 12th. Acreage burned has been reduced to 295 acres based on the latest mapping of the fire. Two helicopters continue to make bucket drops as firefighters continue with mop up operations. See this June 12th news report with video from KTVH in Helena Montana for more information.

This will be my last article on the Hilger Fire unless there are significant changes in the status of this wildfire.

2025 Wildfire Season: Hilger Valley Fire (Montana)

Direct link to June 10th video from KRTV3 News in Central Montana on YouTube

Thanks to my friends at Wildfire News of the Day , a five day a week e-mail newsletter that I receive for letting me know about the Hilger Valley Fire that is currently burning near Helena in the Gates of the Mountains region. 

According to this June 10th update on the Hilger Valley Fire from Inciweb the wildfire was first reported on June 9th and has burned 318 acres and is 15 percent contained. Air resources include four helicopters, three large airtankers and one very large airtanker. The fire is burning in rugged terrain.

In addition to KRTV3 another Montana outlet, KTVH, is covering the fire. I am sure that there are other news outlets in and around Montana covering the Hilger Fire.

Firefighters Deployed to Western Canada to Help Fight Massive Wildfire Outbreak

Direct link to Facebook post by VICEmergency

Direct link to June 2nd video from Oregon Central News on YouTube

I wrote about the massive wildfire outbreak in Western Canada on May 30th with a follow-up post on June 4th. I am here today to share what agencies have been sending firefighters to western Canada to help with this devastating wildfire outbreak. This is not meant to be an all-inclusive listing of who is helping. I suspect that there are agencies unknown to me both in the United States and outside the United States that have sent firefighters. The point I am hoping to make is that firefighting agencies want to help western Canada.  

As you can see from the material I embedded above, Australia has responded to the call for help from Canada sending 96 firefighters including 14 from Victoria. Within the United States, the Oregon is sending14 firefighters. 

According to this June 2nd article from WBIA in South Central Indiana, The US Forest Services has deployed an airtanker along with 150 firefighters to Australia.

Friday Fun: CL415 Bombers from 2013

Direct link to 2013 video from JetPremierAviation on YouTube

An oldie but a goodie, I love this 2013video, shot when the CL415 was being manufactured by Bombardier

Massive Wildfire Outbreak in Western Canada - June 4th Update

Direct link to June 3rd video from CTV News on YouTube

I suspect that many of you are aware of the massive wildfire outbreak in Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Western Canada. I first wrote about this outbreak on May 30th. Thousands of people have been evacuated and equipment and resources are stretched thin, requests for additional firefighters and equipment from outside Canada have been made. Smoke from these fires is going into the United States with many National Weather Service offices putting out air quality alerts, see this article from EarthSky. In the map below from the National Weather Service (June 4th at 4:15 PM EDT) air quality alerts are in grey.

I am embedding some videos describing the pleas for international assistance, and drivers left stranded in Manitoba. You also might want to read this May 31st article on Wildfire Today and a June 4th report from CBS News

Direct link to June 2nd video from CBS News on YouTube

Direct link to June 4th video from CBC News on YouTube

Direct link to June 3rd video from CBC News Manitoba on YouTube

Airtanker History: Tribute to P-3 Orion

Direct link to post by Scorched Sky Productions on YouTube

A tribute to Aero Union's P-3 Orion. In late July of 2011, the US Forest Service cancelled their contract for Aeo Union's  P-3 Orions. See my July 30, 2011 and August 17, 2011 posts. Gone but not forgotten

2025 Wildfire Season: Massive Wildfire Outbreak in Western Canada

Direct link to May 28th video from CBC News on YouTube

Direct link to video from 13 On Your Side on YouTube

I have been aware of the large wildfires in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Manitoba for a couple of days but had not not posted on these fires. When I saw two articles about these wildfires on my newsfeed this morning I knew that ir is past time for this post. The best way to start is with the two videos that I shared above, again with thanks to my friends at the B10 New Jersey Wildfire Page for sharing these videos on  their website. I hope that you take the time to watch these videos. As you can see, smoke from these wildfires will be impacting Canada and the United States today and tomorrow.

Thanks to the National Wildland Fire Situation Report from Natural Resources Canada they also have a tFire Weather Maps Page that you might want to check out.. I found links for the  Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Manitoba Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures.and Alberta Wildfire

• According to the May 30th update from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (URL leads to a file to be downloaded) there are 16 active wildfires with seven showing no containment. The largest of these is what the agency is calling the Shoe Fire (Lower Fishing Lake) at 305,343 hectares or 754,519 acres. The second largest is the 25lA-PISEW wildfires (west of La Ronge) at 61,205 hectares or 151,241 acres. Thousands of people have been evacuated in Saskatchewan.
• According to the May 28th Fire Situation Report from Manitoba there 372,338 hectares have burned or 920,067 acres.
• Alberta Wildfire has a May 30th information page showing information on several out of control wildfires, two are over 15,000 hectares or 37.066 acres, many are out of control. Please take a look at this page to see a listing of these wildfires.

For more information see this article from CNN and another article from USA Today

2025 Wildfire Season: Minnesota Wildfires (Final Update, May 28th)

Direct link to video from KSTP 5 Eyewitness News on YouTube 

Thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildfire Page who shared this video on their website a couple of days ago.

I wrote about the wildfires burning in Minnesota on May 19th, and May 21st you may want to review my post.  I am writing today to follow-up on those wildfires. Significant progress has been made in fighting these wildfires as the three are nearly contained. Evacuation orders have been lifted. This will be my final update on the wildfire unless there are significant developments

As I write this on May 28th at about 11:20 AM EDT, here is the latest information from Inciweb:

• The Munger Shaw Fire (first reported May 12th) has burned 1,259 acres and remains at 95 percent containment
• The Camp House Fire (first reported May 11th) has burned 12,071 acres and is at 90 percent containment. At least 144 structures were destroyed
• The Jenkins Creek Fire (first reported May 12th) has burned 16,089 acres and is at 84 percent containment

Kudos to the wildland firefighters on the ground and aerial support for doing a good job working these wildfires.

Memorial Day: Remembering Vietnam Veterans

Direct link  to video from McAffee & Taft on YouTube

This year is the 50th anniversary of the end of the War in Vietnam. Plrase join me in remembering all who died in Vietnam and other wars.

Deployment of Bridger Super Scoopers to Minnesota and How Scoopers Fly Wildfires

Direct link to video from WCCO - CBS Minnesota on YouTube 

When U.S. State Wildfire Agencies want to use more aerial resources to fight wildfires, they may request that the U.S. Forest Service send some of their contracted aerial assets, e.g. Airtankers, to come to help the crews on the ground fight wildfires in their State. This was the case in Minnesota, when Minnesota officials made such a request to the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service sent two CL 215/415 Super Scoopers Airtankers from Bridger Aerospace. The Super Scoopers take advantage of the 10,000 Lakes in Minnesota providing them close proximity to scope water from the Lake and then proceed to the wildfire to make a lot of drops before their fuel runs out. 

In the video I embedded you will hear the CEO of Bridger Aerospace, Sam Davis, talk about their CL 215-415 Super Scooper aircraft and how Super Scoopers and other airtankers and helicopters fight wildfires and work with local state resources. He adds a caution about the dangers of flying unauthorized drones over wildfires.

The video that I embedded above refers to wildfire statistics on May 21st for the three wildfires burning in Minnesota, see my May 21st post for more information.

2025 Wildfire Season: Minnesota Wildfires (May 21st)

Direct link to video from F0x 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Minnesota on YouTube

I wrote about the wildfires burning in Minnesota on May 19th, you may want to review my post.  I am writing today to follow-up on those wildfires. 

As I write this on May 21at at about 11 AM EDT, here is the latest information from Inciweb:

• The Munger Shaw Fire (first reported May 12th) has burned 1,259 acres and remains at 95 percent containment
• The Camp House Fire (first reported May 11th) has burned 12,071 acres and is at 73 percent containment
• The Jenkins Creek Fire (first reported May 12th) has burned 16,748 acres and is at 13 percent containment, expected containment on or about June 15th

The above information on these fires from Inciweb is updated as conditions warrant so if you arrive at this post later, you will see different information from what I have posted here. I will continue to look at the status of these fires will write another follow-up later as conditions warrant.

2025 Wildfire Season: Minnesota wildfires (May 19th)

Direct link to video from Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul MN on YouTube

Earlier this afternoon. I came across some information about wildfires that have been burning in Minnesota for a week. As sometimes happens I moved on to something else without bookmarking or otherwise saving the page.  I admit that I had known about these wildfire for a few days now and decided it was time to make a post on these wildfires. I did my own searches to find good information to share with you. 

There are three wildfires currently burning in Minnesota (all references are to InciWeb

• The Munger Shaw Fire (first reported May 12th) has burned 1,259 acres and is at 95 percent containment
• The Camp House Fire (first reported May 11th) has burned 12,177 acres and is at 40 percent containment
• The Jenkins Creek Fire (first reported May 12th) has burned 16,631 acres and is at 6 percent containment

Evacuations orders are in affect for some areas near the Jenkins Creek and Camp House Fires and at least 146 structures have been destroyed by the Camp House Fire and two structures are reported to be destroyed by the Jenkins Creek Fire. For more information see this May 19th report from Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul MN

Direct link to video from Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul MN on YouTube (Thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildfire Page who shared this video on their webpage recently.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Danny's. Fire at 100% Containment

Direct link to May 14th, 12:25 PM post from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Facebook

The Danny's Fire was first spotted by a fire tower on April 18th in the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area in Vineland Cumberland County. The fire burned 1,327 acres and is at 100 percent containment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Thanks to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's ground crews and their helicopter and bucket and any local fire companies who responded to work this fire. Thanks for keeping us safe.

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Jones Rd. Fire at 100% Containment

Direct link to video from CBS Philadelphia on YouTube

On Monday afternoon, May 12 the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) reported that the Jones Rd. Fire that burned 15,300 acres in Ocean and Lacey Townships in Ocean County is at 100 percent containment. Thanks again to the NJFFS, local fire companies who responded through mutual aid, and aerial resources including NJFFS helicopters and New Jersey National Guard Blackhawk helicopters for responding to working this fire and keeping us safe. Thanks to my friends at the B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page for sharing the video from CBS Philadelphit on their website on March 13th.

Direct link to May 12th 2:53PM Facebook post from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service

Coulson Converts Ex-Military C-130H to Airtankers

Direct link to video by Skies Magazine on YouTube

A common occurrence in the Airtanker business is in converting military or commercial aircraft into airtankers. Coulson Aviation is not the only contractor that does these conversions, most contractors flying airtankers will convert aircraft to an airtanker configuration as necessary. I liked this video by Coulson because it highlights the conversion of an ex-miliatry C-130H aircraft into an airtanker.  While specific to the C-130H that Coulson uses, I'd like to think that this video gives us an idea about how these conversions work. For example, any size airtanker needs a retardant tank which may involve reconfiguring the interior of the aircraft, controls have to installed for the pilots to make a drop, the aircraft has to be configured to refill the tank, obtaining any necessary FAA certifications, and inspections&maintenance.

About Lead Planes from Coulson Aviation

Direct link to video from Britt Coulson on YouTube 

I have gained some idea about how lead planes work over wildfires in the years that I have been writing this blog. I learned something about what lead planes flown by Coulson Aviation do and I think that what Coulson does is similar to what other contractors flying lead planes do. I enjoy videos like these because it takes me up close to operations that I would not be able to see in person.

Thanks to my friends at B10 NJ Wildland Fire Page who shared this video on their website today.

Life at a Wildfire Camp in British Columbia

 Direct link to video from the BC Wildfire Service on YouTube

I always like to learn thing and I enjoyed this video where I learned something about wildfire camps in British Columbia. The video was shot in 2021. Hopefully this wildfire camp is representative of other camps for larger incidents across Canada and the United States.

No Unauthorized Drones in Wildfire Zones

 

Direct link to post from the US Forest Service on Facebook

Every so often I am reminded about the danger poised by unauthorized drones (aka unmanned aircraft systems) flying near or in wildfire zones. Such was the case when I saw an April 25th post on Facebook from the NJ Forest Fire Service that I embedded below. Tankers and Helicopters fly at an altitude where many drones are flown and often the only way a pilot knows that a drone is nearby is to see the drone. This is hard to do at the low altitude they fly at, often in smokey or hazy conditions. Accidents were a drone strikes an airplane can happen poising a risk to the pilot and possibly to ground crews. In addition, I understand that the FAA may seek action against a drone pilot flying their drone in or near a wildfire zone. So, please, to not fly your drones in or near a fire zone. 

I want to point out that many firefighting agencies may have access to a drone that they can legally fly in or near a wildfire zone. I am not talking about these drones, which I consider authorized drones. I am referring to unauthorized drones. 

Direct link to April 25th 8:01 AM post on Facebook by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Route 46 Fire (Final Update)

 The Route 46 Fire that burned 100 acres along Route 46 in Hackettstown, Warren County NJ is at 100 percent containment. Two outbuildings were damaged. All roads have been reopened. The NJ Forest Fire Service will remain on the scene for the next several days. Smoke is expected until there is significant rainfall.

Direct link to May 3rd 8:18 AM NJ Forest Fire Service Facebook post

2025 New Jersey Wildfire Season: Route 46 Fire

May 2nd, 8:09 PM 

There has been much progress made in fighting The Route 46 Fire. The Fire remains at 100 acres burned with containment at 75 percent. All roads, including US Route 46 have reopened. One structure is threatened, down from 25. One outbuilding is destroyed and another outbuilding is damaged. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene with engines and groundcrews. Scroll down to see the afternoon update.

Direct link to May 2nd, 8:09 PM post from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook

May 2nd, 3:44 PM

This just in, there is a 100 acre wildfire burning in Hackettstown, Warren County, NJ. The fire was first reported at about 1 PM on May 2. The fire is not contained. US Route 46 is closed near the fire area along with two local roads. Twenty-five structures are threatened and there are no evacuations. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) is on scene with engines, bulldozers, and groundcrews. A NJFFS helicopter with a 300 gallon bucket is working the fire. I understand that there are a few local fire companies who responded when the call went out for mutual aid.

Direct link to May 2nd, 3:44 PM post from the NJ Forest Fire Service on Facebook

Direct link to Facebook Post from Fire & EMS Alerts of Hunterdon & Warren County NJ

Friday Fun: Firefighting Helicopters Working a German Wildfire

Direct link to video from HD1080ide on YouTube

Enjoy this video of helicopters including three Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters and other helicopters working a wildfire in Germany. Allow about nine and half minutes to watch the video. Enjoy.