L.A. Wildfire
Wow, this is a devastating fire. So far, the fire has burned nearly 219 square miles (140,150 acres), cost 21 million dollars to combat, destroyed 5-dozen homes (with another 10,000 being threatened) and caused the line-of-duty deaths of 2 L.A. County Firefighters. It’s being called the Station fire and the smoke from this particular fire is obscuring the mountain views all the way in Denver, Colorado. Amazing.
Wildfire season out West usually is during October due to the winds but this one is being driven by the dryness of the brush due to drought like conditions. {L.A. Times}
Deputy Incident Commander Carlton Joseph (Forestry Service) reported on Wednesday that they believe the fire was started by human factors. No clarification of whether they think it was arson or accidental in origin. They also reported that 22% of the fire was contained. I guess that sounds hopeful and I’m not sure what that statement really means, but that’s what was reported. I’m sure to the men and women, who fight Wild fires on a regular basis, can understand that statement. It’s just that I have never heard fire containment used in those terms where I’m from. We just say whether it’s doubtful or under control.
Those wildfires out West are of a size and scope of which I am not familiar with. The Strategy and Tactics used are as foreign to me as another language is. My experience with fires has been limited to buildings, autos, dumpsters, and small (compared to out West) outside fires. There is a huge difference between Structural firefighting and Wild Land firefighting. Both are dangerous to operate at and cause numerous deaths and property destruction all the time. The thought of operating at a fire of this magnitude is unreal to me. I couldn’t even imagine being a Smoke Jumper. Jumping out of planes and landing in the middle of a huge fire with a tool and an aluminum blanket is not for me. I have so much respect for the men and women who perform these actions. Crazy arse MoFos as far as I’m concerned.
Captain Hall and Specialist Quinones
Fire Captain Ted Hall and Specialist Arnie Quinones died when the truck they were in crashed while trying to escape the flames. Rest in Peace.
After reading adhnas post on L.A.s fire, it made me call a friend of mine who happens to be a firefighter here on the East Coast. I asked him what he thought about this fire and while talking about it over coffee I asked him to write his thoughts on it. He informed me that structural fires and wildfires are totally different as far as working at one. But, he said he’ll pen something quick and fast. Sort of an East Coast firefighters perspective on a West Coast incident.
R.R.
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