OK, This is REALLY getting OLD!!

[olroy2044]

While spring is just under way in many parts of the world, here in the north valley of California, the skies are already filled with smoke, fire camps are set up in the parking lot of the local race-track and fairgrounds, choppers are clattering overhead, and the heavier thrum of fire bombers is clearly heard over the area. 


FIRES!  ALREADY!  This is the earliest that we have had major wildfires in this area.  Those of you who have been here on this forum for a while know that wildfires are an annual problem here, and that Chico is a major hub for aerial and ground attacks.  The worst summer on record was in 2008.  At one point over 2000 (yes that's correct, 2000!) fires were burning at the same time in N. Calif.  That season did not get really going until much later in the summer.  This summer has the potential to be worse.

Fortunately, we got some rain yesterday, and the firefighters were able to get the Panther fire stopped.  I have hiked and fished all over that area and it is some of the most beautiful and rugged country around.

Here are a few pictures:

The fire camp: These show about 1/3 of the engines involved.  Crews and equipment rotate on and off the lines, with approx. 2/3 on the lines at all times  Canon 20d Viv TX 28mm  As shot





Heli-tanker:  The largest chopper in fire service, and the only one to be classified as a "tanker" 20d 35-80 kit lens post in GIMP





California Division of Forestry's (now known as Cal Fire) Huey on final approach to the Chico Air Attack base at Chico Muni Airport 20D Tamron 103a 80-210 as shot





Keeping fingers crossed that this is not a harbinger of things to come!

Roy


 

[Doug T.]

Hi Roy!

I pray that they get things under control out there, and that the fire season doesn't get any worse.

Doug

BTW, This might not be entirely on topic, but doesn't Chico also have stones that fall from the sky?

[mickeyobe]

May 7, 2013 18:31:21 GMT -5 Doug T. said:

Hi Roy!

I pray that they get things under control out there, and that the fire season doesn't get any worse.

Doug

BTW, This might not be entirely on topic, but doesn't Chico also have stones that fall from the sky?

I think that was Harpo. That's what curled his hair.

Mickey

[olroy2044]

Under Control! Dodged a bullet for now. 3 minor injuries and no structures lost.
 6800+ acres burned, but could have been a lot worse. Cause has not as yet been determined. I hope this serves as a wake-up call, and that people use extreme caution. The forests and wild lands are an absolute tinder box this year.

Roy