Roost Air Lounge => Aviation related topics => Topic started by: Rooster Cruiser on October 23, 2007, 01:47:54 AM
Title: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 23, 2007, 01:47:54 AM
Hey everyone,
I was flying over all the fires in Southern California today. Simply amazing... First time I've ever heard of 250,000 people being evacuated for fires in this region. How many of you guys are being called up on these fires? I have read the the helos weren't flying on Sunday as it was too windy.
The first pic is of two big fires near Lake Arrowhead, in the mountains above San Bernadino. Second pic is a wildfire in the Santa Ana mountains. Third pic is the fires that were descending into Ramona in San Diego county. The entire city of 36,000 was evacuated.
All three pics were taken from Flight Level 230.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Frank N. O. on October 23, 2007, 02:03:18 AM
250 thousand people evacuated!? Wow that's a lot of people, I hope things go well. If I may ask, is it a common thing to have giant fires in socal? Are there fires in other parts of California too?
Frank
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on October 23, 2007, 03:38:28 AM
Heard I am headed down there tomorrow---Just waiting on the paperwork. These fires are probably bigger than normal. La Ninya---dry, strong Santa Ana winds and a spark--the perfect firestorm.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: airtac on October 23, 2007, 05:01:21 AM
HAVE FUN GORDY---BE SAFE----------Jim
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on October 23, 2007, 05:28:51 AM
You know it--thanks... If we get the resource order..I will be flying the infra red mapping system, (we have the STC for our aircraft), and may get poached out to do other stuff. Looking at the news, I am doubtful that my 144 gallon bucket will be able to help much..I'm thinking "helco" and lots of recons.. I'll wave as I fly over Healdsburg, well if I divert a little ::whistle:: ::whistle::
If you have access to AFF, I will be flying either N90301 or N988B.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 23, 2007, 05:57:41 AM
250 thousand people evacuated!? Wow that's a lot of people, I hope things go well. If I may ask, is it a common thing to have giant fires in socal? Are there fires in other parts of California too?
Frank
Frank, fires are common throughout the western United States due to the arid to semi-arid climate. Making the problem worse is the fact that the Western US is enduring a multi-year drought that has left all the vegetation in the area tinder-dry. California has had much growth into areas that were previously uninhabited, and people have built or bought primary residences or vacation homes that are surrounded by highly flammable trees and brush.
It is sad to see interviews of individual people who have lost everything, but it is a common occurance here. So long as people want to have a home in the countryside or semi-wilderness they will run the risk of losing everything to wildfires.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on October 23, 2007, 06:46:19 PM
You know it--thanks... If we get the resource order..I will be flying the infra red mapping system, (we have the STC for our aircraft), and may get poached out to do other stuff. Looking at the news, I am doubtful that my 144 gallon bucket will be able to help much..I'm thinking "helco" and lots of recons.. I'll wave as I fly over Healdsburg, well if I divert a little ::whistle:: ::whistle::
If you have access to AFF, I will be flying either N90301 or N988B.
Do you know where you will be going yet?
Nobu and John are in San Diego with N6516K and N498PT. Looks like I will be relief-ing Nobu on 498 on Thursday or Friday. Maybe I'll see you down there. It's a big mess and now FEMA is getting involved.
So far I only had the joy of organizing and ochrestrating things from up here. Good times.....
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Frank N. O. on October 23, 2007, 07:37:30 PM
Thanks for the information RC. I also just talked to my best friend Chey in Stockton and their only problem consists of floods due to being in the valley. Although in the giant storm a few years ago they did get damage to the roof.
My best wishes for all living things (humans, animals, trees etc.) to get this disaster stopped asap with as few losses as at all possible. Any idea if arson/stupidity is involved btw?
And now for the obligatory dumb question: What's FEMA? It's probably not related to SEMA (car-show).
Frank
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Fabo on October 23, 2007, 08:09:39 PM
Some kind of federal agency taking care of natural disasters I believe.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on October 23, 2007, 09:08:11 PM
So far I only had the joy of organizing and ochrestrating things from up here. Good times.....
Not yet and STILL waiting...I will be flying Tim Ball and his cameras IF we ever get the resource order---supposedly it was in the system 24 hours ago..Me thinks, I may not be going after all... ::complaining:
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Skid Kid on October 23, 2007, 09:27:07 PM
Best of luck and safe travels to everyone involved down here! |:)\ As of the moment all us chopper fixin jarheads are off work (except key personell) and on standby to evacuate. Translation: We're getting drunk at the barracks. Ya'll take it easy, I gotta go to roll call.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: TheSoccerMom on October 24, 2007, 12:15:16 AM
Hey all, sorry to be absent lately.. things have been busy. Despite the nasty wind reports, I admit I wish I was in California, but have been doing a (YES!) secret squirrel deal instead. It's always good to be in a Minivan, but hey, I just can't stop thinking about those poor people having to leave their homes. Talk about a tough situation! Wow. My heart goes out to them all... and all the dogs, cats, and horses too.
Have fun G-man, looks like every heavy A/T I know is down there already... I've had 4 phone calls today, asking if I was there... makes me feel like a real skater... I wish I could help. |:)\
In the meantime, I'll keep flying the brainiacs around, and trying not to listen to their secret conversations. Hope all is good with everybody!!!!!!!!!!!! |:)\
The Ole S'Mom*** 8)
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on October 24, 2007, 12:34:54 AM
Me and LaFawnduh leave first thing in the morning to join Panaca Jane on the Harris Fire in San Diego. My mechanics will be burning the midnight oil to get her back in one peice...
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: TheSoccerMom on October 24, 2007, 12:44:33 AM
Heyyyyyyy..... Cheers to you and LaFawnduh...... ::drinking::
I'm having one for you, dear.... |:)\ |:)\ |:)\ |:)\
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on October 24, 2007, 12:52:02 AM
Me and LaFawnduh leave first thing in the morning to join Panaca Jane on the Harris Fire in San Diego. My mechanics will be burning the midnight oil to get her back in one peice...
Actually, "Panaca Jane" is in Kentucky of all places because they have fires over there too, but you'll see all her sisters! ;) I'll be down there by Friday the latest! (Nobu HAS to be back, he's going on vacation, the lucky bastard)
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: PiperGirl on October 24, 2007, 06:55:31 PM
Best of luck to all of you down in SoCal. |:)\ we'll be looking for pics :) hope the winds die down for you a bit.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: spacer on October 24, 2007, 10:04:50 PM
FEMA is the bunch who will gladly turn away private help. After Katrina, there were a bunch of EAA flyers who were shuttling supplies in, while tractor-trailer rigs of ice and other stuff were sent away by FEMA and their roadside goombas.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: airtac on October 25, 2007, 02:39:21 AM
And now for the obligatory dumb question: What's FEMA? It's probably not related to SEMA (car-show).
Frank
FEMA is a government organisation that comes in after disasters to help "re-build"..It stands for "Find Every Mexican Available". ::whistle::
HAHA--I'll bring'em a few--harvest here is over and ya can't throw a cat without hitting 3 or 4 standing around ::knockedout::
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on October 27, 2007, 05:25:35 AM
Here are some pics, I am right on the border by Tecate, Barret lake and Potrero areas on the Harris fire. The structures lost were all in mountainous areas as opposed to home close together.
And the news reported we were grounded---right....This was during a slop over that started running towards the helibase---at one point we had upto 9 medium helicopters in a daisy chain....
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 27, 2007, 06:29:12 AM
Dang, G-Man! You're near Tecate? I just drove past you this evening returning my co-pilot to San Diego and back. If you weren't busy and if I didn't have family matters to attend to, I'd drive out to say hello this weekend. Afterall, I'm just down the hill to the east in the Imperial Valley. ::eek::
Quick question: That appears to be a Martin Mars. Might you know which one it is, and where are they mooring it??? That is an awsome plane, and I would love to have a closer look at it!
Now gimme a few minutes, and I'll post some pics of what I saw of the fires these past couple days from up above. I think about all you guys everytime I pass overhead...
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 27, 2007, 07:02:30 AM
The major winds that fanned the flames of all these fires died down a few days ago. However, the fires are still there, and the pall of smoke from them is lingering over one of the largest population areas in the United States.
Smoke 1: Yesterday (Oct 25) I needed to fly into John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA. When I got near, the smoke was so thick I had to get an IFR clearance and shoot an ILS approach into SNA. I took this picture of what is locally called Saddleback mountain, which is the largest peak of the Santa Ana mountains, gloomily looming through all the smoke.
Smoke 2: Being vectored to final approach course at SNA. I could barely see the ground, even though surface visibility was being reported as 4 miles. I could see way farther than that in this pic, but I certainly couldn't see very many landmarks!
Smoke 3: After departing SNA and getting back up on top of the smoke at 9000ft, I took this pic of the plume of smoke rising above the Santa Ana mountains.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 27, 2007, 07:29:04 AM
I took these on Oct 26 in the afternoon...
Smoke 4: Fire threatens the world famous Palomar Observatory, including the Hale Telescope which is encased in the biggest dome visible in this pic.
Smoke 6: An unidentified airliner flies northeast over Mount San Jacinto, a.k.a. Mount Baldy to the locals of Ontario, CA
Smoke 7: Another view of a smoke-shrouded Mt San Jacinto
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: airtac on October 27, 2007, 02:11:32 PM
HEY!, When did they bring the Martin mars down---I'd love to see that--wondering where they could have been scooping?
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: TheSoccerMom on October 29, 2007, 12:18:07 AM
From the tanker website, it sounds like one Mars is down in the states, and is in Lake Elsinore....
Hope you have your Halloween outfit all picked out.....
is it true you're dressing up as an AIR ATTACK PILOT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? ::rofl::
Nope--gained a couple of pounds so I'm thinking Jaba the Hut ;D ::rofl::
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Frank N. O. on October 30, 2007, 04:42:22 AM
I've read some news about a fake FEMA press conference and now someone has lost their job, is that directly related to the fires or something else? http://news.aol.com/story/_a/briefing-costs-fema-spokesman-new-job/20071029163509990001
Frank
P.S. I actually thought that plane in one of the pictures was a Hercules, man am I embaressed since I've never heard of one being a firebomber in the first place, but I just looked at the tail and proportions.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 30, 2007, 02:06:32 PM
Actually Frank, the C130 Hercules or its civilian equivilant, the L188(?) have been used extensively in firefighting. Hawkins and Powers in Greybull Wyoming had one that had a spectacular crash on video some years ago.
Only four Martin Mars aircraft were ever built. They are flying boats with no landing gear, and they were built for the US Navy during WWII by the Glenn L Martin aircraft company. They were the largest production flying boats ever built. The Navy used them primarily to run high priority parts between the mainland US and Pearl Harbor naval station in Hawaii during the war. Only two of them are currently operated by the Coulson Flying Tankers company in British Columbia. http://www.martinmars.com/ Those two are the Phillipine Mars and Hawaii Mars. Go to their website for more info.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Fabo on October 30, 2007, 05:16:53 PM
Only four Martin Mars aircraft were ever built. They are flying boats with no landing gear, and they were built for the US Navy during WWII by the Glenn L Martin aircraft company. They were the largest production flying boats ever built. The Navy used them primarily to run high priority parts between the mainland US and Pearl Harbor naval station in Hawaii during the war. Only two of them are currently operated by the Coulson Flying Tankers company in British Columbia. http://www.martinmars.com/ Those two are the Phillipine Mars and Hawaii Mars. Go to their website for more info.
Those are pretty cool airplanes. how come only 4 were built? Sounds like they can do a lot of "damage" to the fire. I wonder what the opperating cost is on a plane like that...
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Baradium on October 31, 2007, 07:28:45 PM
You're right Fabo. I don't know what the civilian equivilant is called. Maybe the L130?
L100, as stated above ;)
I heard Lockheed started offering the L100 again... anyone know if there have been any orders for the L100J?
Also, since all the current L100s were the original model, there was apparently a conversion to stretch them (Lyndon Air Cargo's hercs are this type). ATC uses a different model number for them.
Lyndon operates two of these hercs in AK, with others spread around the world. Their number is like L-1090 or something weird like that. I got this story after I asked why they weren't being referred to as "L-100s."
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- A boy playing with matches started a Southern California wildfire that scorched more than 38,000 acres, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday.
The Buckweed Fire, which destroyed 21 homes on its rampage, began October 21 in the Agua Dulce community.
"Our arson explosive detectives, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fire Department investigators, immediately began their investigation, and during the course of the investigation, it led to a juvenile suspect," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Tony Moore told CNN's "American Morning" Wednesday.
"After talking with that juvenile, he admitted to playing with matches, and accidentally starting the fire in that area," he said. Watch what's next for young suspect »
The boy, whose name and age were not given, is home with his parents, police said. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney for possible charges.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Buckweed Fire burned 38,526 acres.
Sixty-three structures, 21 of them homes, were destroyed, and three civilians and two firefighters were injured.
As of Tuesday, 18 of 23 wildfires in Southern California were completely under control, and the remainder were at least 70 percent contained, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The fires are blamed for 14 deaths and charred more than 508,000 acres, destroying about 1,600 homes.
Five people were arrested in arson probes last week, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Saturday vowed to "hunt down" people responsible for setting wildfires.
Authorities said Saturday they were following 1,700 tips about a white Ford F-150 pickup seen near the origin of the sprawling Santiago Fire in Orange County.
Witnesses reported seeing the 1998-2004 model truck with chrome tubular running boards on Santiago Canyon Road on October 21 at about the time the Santiago Fire started.
Authorities said last week they had found evidence at the scene, although they declined to describe it.
"If I were one of the people who started the fires, I would not sleep soundly right now, because we're right behind you," Schwarzenegger said, urging the culprits to turn themselves in
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Frank N. O. on November 01, 2007, 12:54:45 AM
We got the story of the child-play with matches in the danish news too, where are the parents these days?? Curiousity is human but for crying out loud.
Frank
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 01, 2007, 04:05:32 AM
Something positive in this thread for a change: G-man and I just talked about it at dinner:
There are a few houses within this whole devestation that got spared where a few people wrote things like "Thank you fire crews" on their roofs. You can see them all over when you fly around. Makes you feel good about your job.....
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: PiperGirl on November 01, 2007, 12:40:51 PM
That's a cool change in the job. Always nice to know that someone appreciates you. |:)\
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 03, 2007, 04:32:15 AM
Here's a funny fact:
In the news I just saw a little thing on how firefighters are getting prepaed for the new winds coming in and the new tactics they will test... and so on.
Here is how we prepared at my job: We bought RC-cars to keep us busy! HAHA
gotta have fun while you're waiting for the next "big one" .... ;D
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on November 03, 2007, 09:08:54 PM
Something positive in this thread for a change: G-man and I just talked about it at dinner:
There are a few houses within this whole devastation that got spared where a few people wrote things like "Thank you fire crews" on their roofs. You can see them all over when you fly around. Makes you feel good about your job.....
Here is one from the 4 corners area on the Harris Fire:
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Frank N. O. on November 16, 2007, 10:39:03 PM
Works for me, looked hectic but the radio-calls were calm and clear (much better than several ATC calls I've heard :D ) |:)\
Frank
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: TheSoccerMom on November 16, 2007, 10:53:03 PM
I hadn't noticed that Frank, but come to think of it, when I think of all the really bad days and events, they all sounded pretty calm over the radio... even the real bad ones. :'(
I guess it's just 2nd nature, when there is so much ongoing, overlaid radio traffic. I don't really know..... |:)\
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: airtac on November 17, 2007, 08:40:35 AM
I've only listened to one shelter deployment---didn't go that smoothly and made me a little anxious, no injuries though---those ground troops do a hell of a job |:)\ |:)\ |:)\ |:)\ Makes me appreciate my job :)
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 17, 2007, 06:21:08 PM
I am glad they got through it ok. The guys on the fire I was on weren't as lucky . . .
A local home owner talked his 15 year old son in staying with him and trying to save the house. He also managed to rope in a young engine crew (I won't display numbers and names) to help him save the house promising the fire in his area isn't all that bad. Well, they got over there, pulled in his driveway behind the guys car and the fire was a lot worse than expected. They got the engine stuck and couldn't further reverse it because they hit a pole they didn't see in the smoke. Eventually they panicked and got burned over hiding out in their engine. They all got massive burns and are, as far as I know, still in the burn ward. The homeowner died during the burn-over since he and his son tried hiding underneath a solar panel. His son is still alive but will day any day. He already had his legs and his arms amputated. Sad story. And all for what? --> to save a house?
I just wish the guy would have survived long enough to see what he did to his young son . . .
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Frank N. O. on November 17, 2007, 06:27:48 PM
My condoleces :(
Frank
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: airtac on November 17, 2007, 11:12:41 PM
A house is just stuff and you don't take chances to save stuff---whether it's your own stuff or someone else's stuff :( ----show me a situation where lives are at stake and I'll take chances--- then and only then Remember, fires are just a job, not an emergency (unless, of course, it's the airplane that's on fire ::eek::),
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 18, 2007, 02:12:40 AM
Yeah, I hear you.
That's what makes the story so sad and upsetting . . . a house!
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: G-man on November 18, 2007, 08:21:49 AM
Know it well--Harris Fire..I flew over this house on a daily basis-I have tried for an hour now to make sense of it, and write some poetic words. It was not worth it. I flew by the burnt out engine every day for 8 days before it was finally removed, I have a picture of it, but would rather not show it...it would serve no purpose.
When will they ever learn. How many more people have to die.
No smileys for once..
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Fabo on November 18, 2007, 02:47:37 PM
Well... maybe it would... for such jackasses as the homeowner was. Poor firefighters.
Brought this to me: Do you donate blood? I would but I have to wait until I am 18. Then here I go. My father has some 20-30 donations, and he claims for it to have helped him in health point of view. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_donation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_donation)
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: PiperGirl on November 18, 2007, 04:57:19 PM
Wow... there were some pretty awesome pictures there. I had a firefighter friend that got burned over once, but he didn't come out as well as these guys did. It was a fire in Northern Cal several years ago. He spent a year+ in the burn center, and has serve scars from the ordeal.
Sad story about the other crew and the home owner. It seems that there is always someone who values stuff over life... So sad.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 20, 2007, 08:57:54 PM
some more pics:
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: PiperGirl on November 21, 2007, 02:12:41 AM
::eek:: ::eek:: ::eek:: I hope all the homes were evacuated in the last pic. I know I'd be out of there in a huge hurry... Wow.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: AirScorp on November 21, 2007, 02:14:21 AM
::eek:: ::eek:: ::eek:: Last pic is just.... UNREAL!
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 21, 2007, 02:39:29 AM
Yes, they all got evacuated.
And half of them are gone now.... But the ones that are in the middle of the shop actually got saved.
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: PiperGirl on November 21, 2007, 02:10:55 PM
And half of them are gone now.... But the ones that are in the middle of the shop actually got saved.
Thats cool that some of them got saved. Good job to you and the other guys working the fire. |:)\
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Mike on November 24, 2007, 06:52:10 PM
Well, here we go again!
Malibu is once again on fire. We usually don't go to those (although one of our ships is flying the news around right now) but the Santa Anas aren't blowing just in Malibu. My flightsuit is already in the dryer, and the suitcase is almost packed.....
Title: Re: October 07 Socal Fires
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on November 25, 2007, 12:27:42 AM
You took the words right out of my mouth, Mike... Here we go again! That's what I said this morning when I shot these pics.
Why is it that I am airborne at the beginnings of these wildfires??? I imagine some people are gonna start insinuating things about me... ::complaining: ::complaining: ::complaining:
