So Cal Fires

[lenny]

Wow thoughts and prayers for all the friends and families out there who are going through this rough time .....Surely with all the new improvements we can find a way to stop the fires but it hasn't happened yet ...it sure is one of natures mightiest forces

 

[beej]

Surely with all the new improvements we can find a way to stop the fires but it hasn't happened yet ...it sure is one of natures mightiest forces

Tragically, that is exactly the problem. We've been putting all the fires out for decades rather than letting them burn as nature would. Now the forests are full of dead wood and other fuel at that's easily ignited, and the fires get bigger and bigger every year because of our approach to fire fighting over the past decades.

My heart goes out to all the families that are affected by this tragedy.

THe arson and looting just bring out the worst human nature has to offer.

So true, and so sad.

 

[Quarter]

Things are looking a little better in my area today, still lots of trouble all over though.

Today should see more air assets up. And we have one of Canada's finest coming down to help, the Martin Mars Water Bomber

.

This beast is a converted sea plane that can on the fly, skim a lake and scoop up 7,200 gallons a shot.

Another positive thing is that we finally have the military choppers cleared to fly.
It took 3 California Congressman to "explain" to some dim witted California Fire official that his life and carrier would be miserable if he didn't listen to reason and quit blocking the military assets from flying.

My best guess, and a little reading between the lines, is that Cal Fire has a cozy relationship with the private contractors they use for fire fighting.
These contracts are worth millions, so I have no doubt they don't want the military doing their job for them.

 

[Luc]

Wow I'm glad my sister isn't in the San Diego area anymore! Terrible news..

 

[Jimmyb]

I'm just watching a news report (UK) on this. It's unbelievable.

Hope everyone is safe over there.