2011 Fire Season

[Ron Scott]

National Fire News

According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the week of April 11, seven new large fires were reported: three in Texas, two in Oklahoma, and one each in Florida and Colorado.

For the latest wildland fire statistics, visit the NIFC website.

The E-Forester

[Texas Ranger]

Over 500,000 acres in Texas, and growing daily.  Hope to see some of the other states boys here pretty quick. It is getting out of hand.  First fire fighting fatality was a volunteer killed in a wreck on the line.  Homes and lives destroyed on a wholesale basis. 

[sawguy21]

We have had at least one fire here. The snow line is higher than I thought.

[PAFaller]

Us PA guys are waiting on go!!! I just did my pack test and refresher last weekend. Didn't put up a hotshot time but got it done with 6 minutes to spare so I was happy with that. Had to turn down a trip last year because it conflicted with being the best man in my friends wedding, not much I could do about that. Hoping to get out west on assignment this year. We are in a monsoon pattern here, doubtful there will be much of a spring fire season here this year.

[Texas Ranger]

Fire fighters from 28 states here now, gonna be a long summer.

[Ron Scott]

We're usually in a high fire season at this time of year and our firefighters are on deck for the usual high fire danger situation here, but we're getting a snow storm right now. : Had one swamp fire along the Little Manistee river this past weekend on the Huron-Manistee. N.F.

Is Texas burning any timber land fuels?

[Texas Ranger]

All but two counties in Texas have fires, we have had 2 in the thousand acre class around us, one in the county south, one in the county north of us.  All timber land, one in the south is cut over replant.

The west Texas stuff is high plains, grass land and brush, but the homes destroyed are over the place.  So far, only one fire fighter fatality, hit by a piece of equipment in a brown out.

[woodtroll]

Wyoming snow is still at 120% for the state. NW part is still getting snow every day.
We will be ready to go where ever whenever...
After we get done with the sand bags.

[woodtroll]

All comments about snow aside.
Lets keep these firefighters in our thoughts and prayers.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Injured-Volunteer-Rescues-Fellow-Firefighter-120140164.html

And if you are on these fires keep your head up, and eyes peeled. Be safe.

[Texas Ranger]

·         Yesterday (Tuesday, April 19), Texas Forest Service responded to 10 new fires burning 2,184 acres.

·         Since Jan. 1, TFS has responded to 810 fires that have burned 1.4 million acres. More than 5,570 structures have been saved; 370 structures have been lost this year. 

·         The McPherson Fire in Sutton County has been contained at 2,300 acres.

·         The state now has four Incident Management Teams engaged in managing wildfire response; the Lone Star State IMT (Merkel), the Southern Area Blue Team (Midland), the Southern Area Red Team (Mineral Wells) and the Florida Red Team (Lufkin).

·         TFS has every heavy airtanker that is available nationally committed to Texas wildfires.

·         202 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.



New large fires from Wednesday:

MOSSY ROCK RANCH, Stephens County. 800 acres, 30 percent contained. Located 8.5 miles southwest of Caddo.

SOUTHWEST ROYALTY FIRE, Garza County. 2,000 acres, 40 percent contained. 10 homes are threatened. Heavy airtankers and single-engine airtankers assisted on this fire. This fire is 5 miles east of Wilson.



Uncontained fires from previous days:

PK COMPLEX, Stephens and Palo Pinto Counties. 147,065 acres total. PK West Fire is 89,715 acres, unknown containment. PK East Fire is 10,996 acres, 35 percent contained. Hohertz Fire is 40,575 acres, unknown containment. Jackson Ranch Fire is 6,687 acres, 50 percent contained. These fires are burning near Possum Kingdom Lake, Caddo, Strawn, and Bunger which all have had evacuations. 600-plus homes are threatened.

PK subdivisions: Sportsman World 56 homes destroyed, Gaines Bend 37 homes destroyed, Hog Bend 24 homes destroyed; additional assessments of Hell's Gate, Peninsula and Cliff area continue. TFS task forces and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) strike teams are actively fighting these fires. National Guard Blackhawk helicopters from Austin are assisting and heavy airtankers.

WILDCAT, Coke County.  150,000 acres, 30 percent contained. This fire is burning north of San Angelo. More than 400 homes have been saved.  The communities of Grape Creek, Quail Valley, Bronte, Robert Lee, Tennyson and Orient are threatened. Evacuations have been in effect for multiple communities. The C-130s w/ MAFFS, heavy airtankers and helicopters have continued to assist, and yesterday the DC-10 Super Tanker made five drops.

COOPER MOUNTAIN RANCH, Kent, Stonewall, Scurry and Fisher counties. 162,625 acres, 85 percent contained.  Four homes have been destroyed.  TFS task forces and TIFMAS strike teams have been actively fighting this fire.

ROCKHOUSE, Presidio and Jeff Davis counties.  191,066 acres, 75 percent contained.  23 homes and two businesses were destroyed in the Ft. Davis area. Burnout operations continued on the west side of the fire.  Ten 20-person hand crews continue to work the fire.  Eight TIFMAS Type 1 engines and four water haulers are assisting with the fire, as well as numerous airtankers and helicopters.  A base camp for hundreds of firefighters has been set up at the Fort Davis State Park.

SWENSON, Stonewall, King, and Knox counties.  122,500 acres, 90 percent contained.  The fire is burning near Swenson. A large slopover occurred yesterday on the southeast side of the fire. 

BRYSON COMPLEX, Jack County.  7,500 acres, 60 percent contained.  More than 150 homes were threatened and saved in the town of Bryson.  70 people have been evacuated. The complex is made up of the 5,300-acre 1191/Rockcreek Fire and the 2,200-acre Shanafelt Fire.

PIPELINE, Tyler County.  7,000 acres, 75 percent contained.  Forty homes are threatened on the fire burning in pine plantation 10 miles northeast of Kountze.  Two National Guard Blackhawks from San Antonio are assisting.

CR 4600 (Woodville 285), Tyler Co. 130 acres, 25 percent contained. Ground resources and helicopters responded.

SMITH, Young County.  2,000 acres, 85 percent contained.  The fire is burning 6 miles northeast of Graham. No other information was received.

CR 104, Eastland County.  2,000 acres, 85 percent contained.  The fire is burning two miles north of Cisco.  1,850 homes were threatened in the city of Cisco, as well as a church camp. Five homes and one vehicle destroyed.

WICHITA COUNTY COMPLEX, Wichita County.  11,785 acres, 90 percent contained.  The complex is made up of three fires – Iowa West, Holiday, Missile – burning around Wichita Falls.  Shepard Air Force Base was threatened, as were hundreds of homes and apartment complexes around the area.  Seven homes are destroyed. 

FRYING PAN RANCH, Andrews County.  80,907 acres, 80 percent contained. This fire is located 25 miles WNW of Andrews.  Numerous homes were threatened, but none have been lost. One excavator and one vehicle lost.

CANNON FIRE COMPLEX, Pecos County.  The complex of three fires is burning 50 miles east of Fort Stockton.  The Cannon Fire is 9,248 acres and 80 percent contained.  The DRH Fire is 26,284 acres and 80 percent contained. The Little Smokey Fire is 27,895 acres and 80 percent contained.

EAST SIDWYNICKS, Eastland County. 3,000 acres, 95 percent contained.  The fire is burning near Carbon City.  1,200 homes were threatened.   

SUTTON, Crockett County.  31,120 acres, 60 percent contained.  The fire is burning 20 miles southwest of Ozona. 

YATES FIELD (formerly Iraan), Pecos County.  300 acres, 80 percent contained.  The fire is burning 10 miles southwest of Iraan.

ENCINO, Tom Green County.  12,659 acres, 90 percent contained.  This fire is 13 miles west of San Angelo.  Ten homes threatened and saved. Two homes were threatened and received damaged.

HICKMAN, Midland County.  16,500 acres, 98 percent contained.  34 homes were destroyed, 62 homes were damaged on this fire south of Midland.

MIDDLE PEASE, Motley County. 400 acres, 90 percent contained. Single-engine air tankers responded. Located two miles northwest of Matador.

DAD'S CORNER, Archer County. 6,100 acres, 70 percent contained. Located 15 miles south southwest of Wichita Falls. Fifteen homes are threatened.

[Ron Scott]

Not good!

[woodtroll]

The burned fire fighter passed away.
Our sympathies and prayers are with the family and the other fire fighters.
Take your refreshers seriously this year, seriously.
Fight safely.

[Texas Ranger]

A little rain, higher humidity, lower temperatures, higher fine fuel moisture in west Texas have really helped the efforts.

Woodtroll, we haven't lost a fire fighter in a while, this year is the worse in over 75 years, our losses are not over, but hopefully, the fatalities are, with help now from over 30 state and federal agencies.

[woodtroll]

Texas Ranger, I hope this is a false story.
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/news/fullstory/newsid/134741

Do you all typically get spring rains? Is this what your summer is looking like?

[Texas Ranger]

Woodtroll, true, we now have two fatalities, one burns and one hit by equipment.  But the whole thing is slowing down a bit.

[Texas Ranger]

Fires a little better in Texas, winds are still running high, one fire next county over was 2000 acres last week, 7000 as of today.  Not contained.  Remote plantations and cut over areas.

Rain, we need rain.

[timerover51]

Texas Ranger,  looks like you got some rain tonight by you?  Will that help much?

[Ron Scott]

National Fire News

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of June 15, nine states-Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas-are reporting large fires and 1,206,589 acres have been burned by active fires.

For the latest national fire information, visit the NIFC website.

To read news articles about some of the nation's recent fires, see the following:

Arizona

Arizona Wallow Fire Largest in State History
Washington Post (June 14)

Colorado

Fire Crews Battling Wind, Wildfire in Southern Colorado
Denver Post (June 15)

Florida/Georgia

West Miami-Dade Wildfire 85 Percent Contained
United Press International (June 13)

Four Fires Burning in Big Cypress National Preserve
WINK.com (June 15)

Wildfires Destroy Home, Close Roads in South GA
Miami Herald (June 15)

New Mexico

Wildfire near Raton Burns at Least 1,500 Acres
Sante Fe New Mexican.com (June 13)

[Magicman]

We don't have any major fires, but are under a local burn band.  We are experiencing a 9" water shortage for the year.

[Ron Scott]

From CNN this morning, in part-----Firefighters across the southwestern United States on Sunday could face some of the worst weather conditions of the season for battling blazes currently raging across the region. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of Arizona, all of New Mexico, much of north Texas and portions of Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and Utah for Sunday. A red flag warning means weather conditions -- mainly high heat, low humidity and strong winds -- pose an extreme fire risk.

"The winds certainly will be very gusty and strong," said Ken Daniel, NWS meteorologist in Flagstaff, Arizona. "Any new fire starts would have the potential to have explosive growth."

The forecast calls for winds of 30 mph or more in some areas, with gusts of up to 50 mph, Daniel said.  There are currently dozens of active wildfires burning in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

"The conditions that we're dealing with here are as bad as we can get," said Tom Tidwell, head of the U.S. Forest Service, of the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, ample "fuel" and strong winds. "It just can't get any worse."

[Texas Ranger]

East Texas has been hit hard in the last few weeks, Bearing fire now 20,000 acres in Polk/Trinity County, 60% controlled.  Montgomery county, fire today at 3200 acres, 80 controlled. Grimes county 3500 acres, 40% controlled.

Good news, we had a little rain come through today, and maybe more the next 3 days.

Worse recorded fire season in east Texas history.

[Ron Scott]

Texas' Unprecedented Wildfire Season Gets Even Worse

Star-Telegram, June 15th
The record drought that is worsening with the onset of August-like temperatures is ratcheting up the wildfire danger in what has already been an unprecedented fire season in Texas. Large fires were burning across the state Tuesday, including a 2,500-acre blaze in Palo Pinto County about 60 miles west of Fort Worth. To read more of this article link to: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/06/14/3152612/texas-unprecedented-wildfire-season.html

The E-Forester

[WDH]

TR,

I wonder if any of my old property over there burned?

[Ron Scott]

New Mexico Fires

Las Conches now has 3 Type 1 IMTs assigned plus the Area Command team.

Most of the monsoon moisture is tracking west through Arizona but humidity is high everywhere so crews are making good progress on the campaign fires in New Mexico. Initial attack activity is high but crews are picking up most of the new lightning starts in the first operational period.

The weather pattern is predicted to remain the same for the next few days. New Mexico should see more precipitation by the end of the week.

Dave Killebrew PIO2 (FS retired off the Tonto NF, helping Mary Zabinski in SWCC)

=

[Texas Ranger]

Danny, have no report of any in the area I think your interest is in.

[Ron Scott]

National Fire News

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of July 6, 10 states-Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas-are reporting large fires. The number of acres burned by active fires is 1,168,533.
For the latest national fire information, visit the NIFC website.

The E-Forester

[WDH]

Heavy smoke pall here today and we are over 200 miles away from the big fire in the Okeefenokee Swamp.

[Ron Scott]

Arizona Wildfire Essentially Contained, but Concerns Shift to Flooding

The Associated Press, July 5th
With the largest wildfire in Arizona history all but contained, specialized units pulled out of eastern Arizona on Tuesday leaving authorities at the heavily-scorched sites of blazes around the state to shift their focus to a new vulnerability -- water. To read more of this article link to: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/07/05/arizona-wildfire-essentially-contained-but-concerns-shift-to-flooding/#ixzz1RS6dTkvm

The E-Forester

[Ron Scott]

Some monsoon moisture has moved into New Mexico but not enough to make a big difference yet. Tuesday is forecast to have the greatest chance of significant precipitation. After that we enter another drying spell through the end of the week.

Las Conchas is 50% contained. They will be scaling back to 2 Type 1 IMT's tomorrow.

MAFFS flew only 2 sorties to 2 new starts yesterday, one in AZ and one in NM.

[Ron Scott]

Canadian fires bring smoke to the U.P.

July 19, 2011

The Daily News

MARQUETTE -A heavy layer of smoke covering the central and western Upper Peninsula is the result of forest fires burning in Ontario, Canada, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Citizens across the affected area have been calling public safety officials with concerns about the smoke.

Michigan DNR spotter planes checked the area this morning for the source of the smoke. Pilots report that the smoke is coming from Canada and is blowing across Lake Superior and over the central and western Upper Peninsula.

There are no reports of any fires in the Upper Peninsula.

[chevytaHOE5674]

Yep every now you can see and smell the smoke rolling across the lake.

[woodtroll]

The Whoop Up fire is rapping up here. Started last Monday am from lightning. I have been learning how to run a D7 on it. I will post pics when I get more time.
The firefighters have done real well and contained it at 9000 acres.

All that winter/spring moisture has grown the grass thick. Now it is dry and very flammable.

[sawguy21]

We have had a cool wet spring and and although sunny temps are still below seasonal averages. No fires to speak of here in B.C. First time in many years.

[Ron Scott]

Destructive Toll of Texas's Bearing Fire Apparent from Aerial Tour

The Lufkin Daily News, Published by Jessica Cooley, July 18th
Spanning more than 20,000 acres, the Bearing Fire is now 100 percent contained but its destructive toll is clear and impressive from the air, according to local pilots. This week pilots Don Lymberry and Steve Reeves flew a Lufkin Daily News reporter and photographer over the fire ground, pointing out areas of importance inside the fire perimeter. To read more of this article link to: http://lufkindailynews.com/news/local/article_59f0b374-b0a0-11e0-8c7b-001cc4c002e0.html

The E-Forester

[Ron Scott]

National Fire News

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of July 27, 9 states-California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming-have reported large fires, and the number of acres burned by active fires totals 561,230.

For the latest national fire information, visit the NIFC website.

The E-Forester

[woodtroll]

My prayers to the friends and family of this young man.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/latest/hot-springs-firefighter-killed-in-coal-canyon-fire/article_eb43a854-c48c-11e0-83d7-001cc4c002e0.html

The fire season is picking up here, lets stay extra alert, make sure the values protected are worth the risk.

[Ron Scott]

Mule train supplies firefighters at the Lion Fire on the Sequoia National Forest 
     
A pack train of 30 horses and mules is helping to supply firefighters who are working to contain the Lion Fire in the Golden Trout Wilderness, Sequoia National Forest.  The animals are hauling food and supplies into the Lion Meadow area where 55 firefighters are based.  Animals from seven national forests in California are part of the packing effort, which is being coordinated by the Forest Service's regional pack stock program.  Hauling approximately 1,200 pounds per trip, the pack train can supply a crew of 20 people for three days.

Chief's Newletter

[clww]

We have the largest-ever fire burning for more than a week now in the Great Dismal Swamp. This is on the Eastern VA-NC border and so far has burned more than 6000 acres. Smoke has been blowing regularly into our area, about 50 miles away, depending on the wind direction. Due to the remote area and topography, only a hurricane is expected to extinguish it in the foreseeable future. :-\

[woodtroll]

http://wildfiretoday.com/2011/08/16/services-held-for-trampus-haskvitz/

There was an impressive showing for this young man.
We had to pull out off the procession just before it started, we had a fire call back at our home area, (go figure).
I hope I do not have to go to another one of these for a long time.

Be careful out there.

[Ron Scott]

A sad loss of a young firefighter.

[woodtroll]

clww
I know an engine from here that went there, The Swamp Fire.
I leave at 5 for my next in state.

[Ron Scott]

At Least 6 Fires Burning in Wyoming

The Houston Chronicle, August 24th
Six wildfires were burning in Wyoming on Tuesday, including one that has blackened about 8,500 acres of trees and grass 15 miles west of Wheatland. Authorities said the Wheatland fire destroyed a seasonal cabin and an outbuilding. The lightning-started fire is about 20 percent contained. About 200 personnel were on scene. A fire in the Gros Ventre Wilderness northeast of Jackson had burned about 3,600 acres by Tuesday. About 75 personnel were on the scene. Fire managers had not posted a containment figure. The lightning-caused fire was spotted on Saturday. To read more of this article link to: Link

[woodtroll]

I just got back from a fire tour. Twelve days of fun...
Today is a red flag day for most of Wyoming so I will likely leave again.

I was on the fire near Wheatland, it ended up at 14400 acres and the cabin was not lost (out house was).
My crew put the line around it, county 6x6's did a good job of protecting it.

My lesson from this fire was a hint at the politics between federal agencies and the state and county (local) agencies.

After that we assisted one of the poorer less populated counties, they had around 20 different fires for a total of 12000 acres.

When I have breathing room I will up load pics.

[Ron Scott]

Wildfire Update

An Estimated 30,000 Acres Burned in Cass County

News-Journal.com, September 7th
Texas Forest Service officials estimated that as much as 30,000 acres of timber and pasture in Cass and Marion counties had been scorched by wildfires by Tuesday evening. Dozens of residents, along with weary firefighters, friends and onlookers gathered at various points along U.S. 59 and other roadways in the Linden area on Labor Day and into Tuesday. By Tuesday morning, the damage was estimated to be at least 7,000 acres - with zero containment. Estimates of the amount of damage in Cass County grew to 14,000 acres by noon Tuesday. To read more of this article link to:Link


Firefighting Plane's Use in Texas Wildfire Delayed

The Associated Press, September 8th
Firefighters can't use one of their biggest weapons against a devastating wildfire in Central Texas because they don't yet have the tanks and pipes to fill a converted jetliner with fire retardant nor a pilot to fly it over the blaze. The Texas Forest Service says the DC-10 arrived from California on Wednesday, but it won't be used until at least Friday to battle the fire that's destroyed nearly 1,400 homes. Agency spokeswoman Holly Huffman says the state doesn't have the equipment to fill the plane and is awaiting the shipment from California. To read more of this article link to: Link

The E-Forester

[Ron Scott]

The Federal Government Grounded Half Its Firefighting Planes Just Weeks Before The Texas Wildfires

Business Insider, Published by Robert Johnson, September 7th
A fleet of P-3 Orions, vital to the nations ability to control forest fires, were put out of service by the Obama administration following a contract dispute just five weeks ago. According to Human Events, this leaves the federal government with only 11 tankers to battle the more than 50 large uncontrolled forest fires burning nationwide -- including the Texas fires that killed a mother and her child. This is 40 tankers less than was available to the Forest Service just 10 years ago. Aero Union, the largest supplier of heavy-duty air tanker support to the government had their contract cancelled after disagreements over their maintenance plan. Aero CEO Britt Gourley said he and his crews were prepared to fly and instead he was forced to put 60 people out of work with virtually no explanation. To read more of this article link to: http://www.businessinsider.com/grounded-firefighting-planes-texas-wildfires-2011-9#ixzz1XO3g07E0

The E-Forester

[Texas Ranger]

Fires go on, no rain in the sights, at least two more weeks before there is any hope of significant rain.  Homes lost approaching 2000 along with other structures.  Bastrop fire still only 30% contained.  DC 10 on line, but limited, because of nature of the aircraft and crew, to one drop every two days.  Only 2 fields in Texas can handle the fully loaded aircraft, fortunately, one is San Antonia and less than an hours flight to Bastrop.   It can drop 11,000 gallons of retardant over an area a quarter mile long, and 500 feet wide, only slows, does not extinguish.  Don't know if the feds have released the Orions that were shut down due to contract disagreements, but, fed burro's seem to be slow and unresponsive to the need.  Obama did call it a disaster.

I said some where else, the old fire dog in me raises his head every now and then, and I have to pat him back down, this is a young man's job, and it is making old men out of them.  Long hours.

[thecfarm]

I can not imagine all the miles of fire and the destruction the fire has left. I've been involved with 2 fires just about ½ miles from my home. They were both small fires,only burned about 5-10 acres.,no homes.I hope that relief is coming to your area soon. You all need it.

[Texas Ranger]

Bastrop fire supposedly 50% contained, at around 35,000 acres, Tri County fire supposedly 50% contained at around 25,000 acres. 

Idiots still burning debris and letting it out.

Multiple new fires daily.  This thing will take us well into winter.

[Texas Ranger]

http://www.click2houston.com/news/29139408/detail.html

[Ron Scott]

THE BWCA IS ON FIRE, AGAIN

Smoke from a large wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area can be smelled across much of the U.P. and the odor has been strong, at times, in Wisconsin's Fox Valley. 

Twin Cities Pioneer Press article from yesterday (Tuesday).  http://www.twincities.com/ci_18888969

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

PAGAMI CREEK FIRE, some numbers

80,000 size of the fire in acres Tuesday. It is still growing.
28 days the fire has been burning
1 structures burned
0 Injuries
200+ firefighters
11 Aircraft fighting

[beenthere]

And I just heard that the fire wasn't from the Vikings burning the old #4 jerseys.

Smoke was in Milwaukee last night, and the Brewers stadium was closed. People were told by the health dept. to stay indoors with the air conditioner running.  Wow. Like wood smoke was a new thing.

[trapper]

We had the smoke by me yesterday and the moon was red from it last night.  Clear today.
Marv

[Ron Scott]

Bastrop Texas Fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2EY82lqErQ&sns=em

[Ron Scott]

Minnesota Wildfire Spreads to 100,000 Acres

Reuters, Published by David Bailey, September 14th
An out of control wildfire has charred 100,000 acres of a northeastern Minnesota wilderness area popular for canoeing and camping, though cooler temperatures and some rain slowed its growth on Wednesday. The new estimate of the scope of the fire's unprecedented growth from Monday to Tuesday came after a U.S. Forest Service flyover Tuesday afternoon gave a better view through the smoke, forest service spokeswoman Lisa Radosevich-Craig said. "There was so much smoke that they couldn't get a good parameter of the fire line," Radosevich-Craig said. To read more of this article link to: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/14/us-minnesota-forestfire-idUSTRE78D59O20110914

The E-Forester

[Ron Scott]

Texas Wildfires Largely Controlled, but Risks Remain

LA Times (September 19) - The Texas Forest Service says wildfires that began more than 2 weeks ago in Bastrop County have been 95 percent contained. Across the state, other major fires had also been brought under control by [September 19], but risks remained, fire officials said.

Texas Forest Service Suspects Wildfire Started with Power Line Sparks

Associated Press (September 20) - According to fire officials, sparks from electric power lines likely started the blaze that became the most destructive wildfire in Texas history.

The E-Forester

[Texas Ranger]

I had a job to do damage appraisal in the Bearing Fire, in Polk and Trinity counties here in Texas.  It was only about 24,000 acres, mostly plantations.  It is the biggest burn I had ever worked around, and the damage was staggering.

[Ron Scott]

U.S. Forest Service Looks to Add More Air Tankers to Fight Wildifres

Missoulian, Published by Rob Chaney, October 22nd
Fighting fire from the air will remain a major tactic for the U.S. Forest Service, and the skies could start to get crowded soon. "We want to have more than 11, but probably less than 44 large air tankers," U.S. Forest Service national fire director Tom Harbour said in a recent interview with the Missoulian. "I think ultimately we'll have between two and three dozen large air tankers." Eleven multi-engine retardant bombers remain under contract with the Forest Service, down from a fleet of 44 in 2004. Missoula-based Neptune Aviation has nine of those tankers, while Minden Air of Arizona has the other two. Fighting fire from the air will remain a major tactic for the U.S. Forest Service, and the skies could start to get crowded soon. "We want to have more than 11, but probably less than 44 large air tankers," U.S. Forest Service national fire director Tom Harbour said in a recent interview with the Missoulian. "I think ultimately we'll have between two and three dozen large air tankers." To read more about this article link to: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_7d2ed3b8-fd1f-11e0-8aa3-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1bcjnNMg5

The E-Forester

[Ron Scott]

Firefighters Continue to Patrol 5,000-Acre Wildfire

Rolla Daily News (November 7) - Mark Twain National Forest firefighters continue to patrol and check the 5,000-acre Minninghaw wildfire near Salem, Missouri.

The Minninghaw Fire, which is 5,025 acres in size, started November 1, and is located in southern Dent County near the Shannon County line, approximately 7 miles west of Bunker.

The E-Forester

[madhatte]

Saw the Wallow fire from the air on the night of June 2, as I flew into Phoenix from Tampa.  Watched it make at least three runs as I passed at 36,000 feet.  Absolutely amazing.  I'm pretty sure nobody else on the plane even noticed. 

It was a pretty chill fire season here.  We were busy enough with the "usual suspects" but there were no really memorable events. 

[woodtroll]

Just a note for the guys traveling for fire. The US Forest Service is not going to be the banker for all fires.
So what does this mean? (as I understand it)

If you get sent out as a county volunteer or a contractor make sure you have an agreement for who will pay if it is not a fed fire.

For example, if I get sent out with from a local county to Texas for a fire there, I would need to know if there is an agreement for payment in place, and who will pay it. Other wise I may be waiting awhile for pay.

I guess TX owes (owed?) around $500 million for their fun fire season to the USFS.