A new analysis finds that dry air and record-breaking temperatures linked to climate change have led to more frequent severe fires in California Climate change is a primary driver of escalating wildfires in California, with extreme temperatures and dry air spawning more intense burning, according to a UCLA study released Tuesday. The study, published in […]
Climate Change Is Escalating California’s Wildfires Read Post »
The Sonoma ridgeline was a sunrise of flame as Sgt. Brandon Cutting led deputies up country roads to pound on doors, hollering “Sheriff’s Office!” Thirty minutes later, with Cutting huffing from exertion and choking in thick smoke, the evacuation of Redwood Hill was still playing out one door at a time. He followed the sound
California Wildfires Highlighted the Failures of Emergency Notification System Read Post »
The massive Thomas Fire in Southern California has consumed more than 230,500 acres, and the emergency has caused residents in fire-threatened areas to evacuate. Amateur Radio volunteers remain active supporting communication for American Red Cross shelters in Ventura County. More evacuations are likely, although the need for Amateur Radio assistance remains dynamic. Cal Fire said
Amateur Radio Volunteers Active in Latest Round of California Wildfires Read Post »
As wildfires sweep across the state of California, Russian Federation officials have offered their aid in the form of amphibious, firefighting airplanes called Be-200s, which could be mobilized in 72 hours, according to a Santa Maria airport official. If an agreement is finalized, Russia’s Beriev Be-200s would be utilized in the firefights and would be
Russia Offers to Help Fight Wildfires by Stationing Aircraft in Santa Maria Read Post »
When cell coverage goes down, it’s all ham radios and sirens to the rescue. Wildfires that killed nine people in a remote Northern California county last month also crippled landlines, cell phones, and internet service, the local sheriff said Thursday, saying the disaster shows old-fashioned sirens and ham radios have a place in emergencies. Failures
California Wildfires Show the Value of Old Tech Read Post »
An air tanker dropping retardant on a remote wildfire along the Utah-Nevada line crashed Sunday afternoon, killing both crew members, authorities said. The pilots were fighting the 5,000-acre White Rock Fire, which began burning Friday night after a lightning strike in eastern Nevada. The fire spread across the Utah line Saturday night, but most of
Air Tanker Crash Kills 2 at Utah Wildfire Read Post »
Flying C-130 Hercules aircraft and equipped with roll-on Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) which dispense retardant, U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard crews have been training around the country to help suppress wildfires this season. The highly specialized, critical training requires sighting and flying with a Forest Service lead aircraft, flying at
Air Force Reservists, National Guard, Fly to Fight Wildfires with Forest Service Read Post »
