Getting Started Protecting Your Home from Wildfires

Direct link to October 9th post from the U.S. Forest Service on YouTube While I don't live in an extremely wildfire prone area, wildfires do happen, one happened near me a couple of years ago that the NJ Forest Fire Service extinguished in short order. Point being that while I know that my house does not fit all of the fire safe characteristecs shown in this Facebook post from the U.S. Forest Fire Service and I have a lot in excess of 1.75 acres, I do try to pay attention to wildfire safety around my house as best I can. If I lived an area that was more susectible to wildfires I would have to follow the advice in this post from the U.S. Forest Fire Service more carefully.

2026 Wildfire Season: Henderson Fire (Camp Pendleton) in Southern California

Direct link to October 19th video from CBS8 SanDiego on YouTube I have family and friends who live in Southern California so I try to pay attention to wildfire activity in southern CA. I heard about te Henderson Fire and am happy that it is at 85% containment. Fortunately this. fire is not close to where my friends and family live.

2026 wildfire season: Helicopters Working

Direct link to July 2026 video on YouTube from Sláinte Farms

2026 Wildfire Season: Footage of Aerial Support for Bike Fire in LA County

Direct link to October 14th video of Bike Fire (LA County) from from 310 Fire

According to CAL FIRE on October 14th, the 172 acre Bike Fire in LA County, California is at 91 percent containment. I enjoyed the footage of tankers and a helicopter dropping on this fire in support of troops on the ground. Thanks to my friends at NJFFS Section B10 who shared this video on their webpage this morning, they share videos pertaining to wildfires daily, updated daily.

Oct 11-12 Rainfall

Obtained from National Water Prediction Service on October 12 Yesterday we had a decent rainfall here in New Jersey and environs. I measured about 2.35 inches in my rain gauge. As it had been several days since we had a decent rainfall I was starting to wonder about increased wildfire danger if the rain continued to hold off or if we only had light rainfall. While I know that soil can dry up and there is also a risk of wildfires, I am grateful for the rain.

Air Tractor Fire Boss Working a Wildfire

Direct link to September 25th video from Dawson Thomas on YouTube

As some of you know, I have a special affinity for all Air Tractors, perhaps because I have saw an Air Tractor flying a wildfire years ago and on another occasion got to see one up close and personal.

Winter Airtanker Maintenance is Very Important

Direct link to Bridger Aerospace on Facebook, posted on October 5th.

As I continue to write this blog and try to focus on all that is involved in flying airtankers and helicopters on wildfires, I know how important winter maintenance is to keeping airtankers and helicopters in safe flying condition. Maintenance is important for all aircraft and maintenance schedules should be adhered to. The importance of following aircraft maintenance schedules was driven home to me when I went on scenic rides several years ago. I hope that you can see the October 5th Facebook post from Bridger Aerospace that I embedded. If you cannot I hope that you can find Bridger Aerospace on Facebook and look for their October 5th post.

Aero Flite Tanker 160 Working Wildfires in California

Direct link to October 1st King's Aviation video on YouTube</a>

I do know about AeroFlite and the good work that their aerial firefighting tankers do working wildfires in the United States and globally. I am glad to be able to share this video with you of Aero Flite Tanker 160 working a wildfire in California in late September 2026

About Precision Helicopters Wildfire Fighting Operations

Direct link to August 5th video by Vertical Plus and Lloyd H Photography on YouTube

2026 Wildfire Season: Quiet Season in Alaska

Direct link to September 30th video from Alaska News Source on YouTube

I have never been to Alaska but I do try to follow their wildfire season. I am happy that so far Alaska has had its quietest wildfire season in 31 years. I hope that this quiet season continues. The quiet wildfire season is due to rain and a late frost. Unfortunately adjoining areas of northwest Canada had a significant wildfire season.

Airtankers: Tour of Coulson's Trailers and Vehicles

Direct link to September 27th video on YouTube from Coulson Aviation

Airtankers Flying at Night in California

Direct link to August 18th video from Airborne Firefighters on YouTube

Enjoy this video about airtankers flying wildfires at night in California. The aerial wildland firefighters receive training to safely fly wildfires at night. I am happy to know that airtankers fly wildfires at night in California, I do not know if other States have airtankers flying wildfires at night.

Airborne Firefighters, a documentary series, has other videos about wildland firefighting.

Airtankers at Abiliene Texas Tanker Base Responding to Wildfires on Sept. 17th

Direct link to September 17th video from KTXS News on YouTube

Decent Rainfall in My Area but Continue to be Aware of Wildfire Danger

Water supply indicators are currently not concerning due to decent to above average rainfall the last few weeks. However. I remain aware of wildfire danger. Anything can happen to bring on a wildfire of any size whether it be lightning or a untended campfire or arson; a small wildfire can grow into a large wildfire. I hope that anyone having a picnic with a campfire or camping out in early fall pays attention to campfire safety, being sure that any campfires are put out and cold to the touch.

Small Airtanker Used in Arizona During 2025 Wildfire Season

Direct link to May 2025 video from KGUN9 on YouTube

I saw the video that I am sharing here about how Arizona used small airtankers during their 2025 wildfire season. I enjoyed the video because it gave me an upclose look at the airtanker while hearing the pilot being interviewed.

Images of September 11, 2001 destruction

Direct link to September 11th post from the National Trust for Historic Preservation on Facebook

I found these images very moving.

Inside Three Airtankers

Direct link to April 15, 2026 video by "The Lookout and blancolirio" on YouTube

I always enjoy watching videos about different kinds of airtankers. I enjoyed this video by "The Lookout and blancolirio" and I hope that you do as well.

2026 Wildfire Season: 737 Tanker Ferry Flight from Australia to US

Direct link to September 13th video from Coulson Aviation on YouTube

I am greatful to read that a Coulson 737 tanker from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service received heavy maintenance before coming to California to help with their wildfire season.

In Memory of September 11th 2001 (Archive Footage of Destruction of WTC)

Direct link to September 10th video from Reuters on YouTube

Unions in Fire Depts in NYC Continue to Address Health Concerns from WTC Attacks

Direct link to September 9th video from CBS News New York

Many of us hold a special place in our heart for those who suffered (death or injuries) during the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept 11, 2001. I had moved from eastern NJ not far from the River adjoining NYC a few months before the attacks happened. So I can only imagine what it was like for those who could see the World Trade Center and the attacks. I was working on that day I remember the shock that I felt when I heard that planes had flown into the World Trade Center on the radio. I went around my office and told a couple of people, including someone who was raised in downtown Manhattan, at first they did not believe me but then the news began to filter around my office and they were in as much shock as I was. Like many of you, I continue to have a special place in my heart for all who were affected by these attacks. I have deep respect for the first responders who responded to the collapse. So as we approach the 25th anniversary of these attacks I will continue to remember and pray.