 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
FIRES BY NAME PHOTO DESCRIPTION PAGEGroveland Fire, CA, 1987This photo series scanned by my good buddy Pathfinder. Photos received from Terry O' as he did his job once again. This was on the Stanislaus NF, R-5, California in 1987. Big Bar Complex, CA, 1999In 1999, Mellie lived and worked on the Big Bar Complex of fires for 76 days. This is her story -- the beginning of her photo essay of the fires that burned around her ranch and the firefighters she got to know. As time goes on, she says she'll be adding photos to it. Ab. The complex of fires - Onion, the Megram, Fawn and Dees - was begun by lightning strikes in and around the Trinity Alps on August 23, 1999. Except for the Onion, the fires were located in the western part of the Trinity Wilderness Area. The Onion Fire began on the back side of Big Mountain that overlooks our ranch. This fire began somewhat near the community of Denny, upriver from us and not within the wilderness; thus, it was the first to be fought. The photos that follow were taken toward the end of the fire, when the Megram blew up and threatened many more communities to the west. I begin with these photos because Joe Stutler and Tom Hutchison have just retired and Lanky also, and that's where their photos come up in the whole collection. Thanks to them and to all of you who fought fire in my neck-of-the-woods. Mellie DP 49, Johnny, Rich and Lanky: Drop Point 49 on the Denny Road side of the fire was a regular gathering place for those fighting the fire or planning the next containment option - and there had been many. Johnny the DIVS and Lanky the Redding IHC Supt are in red helmets and Rich the Branch is in the California Incident Management Team 1 baseball cap. I don't know remember the names of the other two ff. (Does anyone know? The skinny guy worked with the dozer operator.) The fire was burning on the ridge above the Denny Road on Oct 10. We all were hoping to contain it there. Blowup & Low Burn: Taken on the Pookie fire camp (Hoopa Reservation) side of the fire toward the end in October. Stutler at Denny, Joe 'n Joy, Joe with Lasso: When Joe Stutler retired in January of 2003 as the Incident Commander of PNW Incident Management Team 3, I was motivated again to work on this photo collection. Joe and his team managed the Megram and operated out of Willow Camp in Willow Creek CA the last few weeks of October and the beginning of November. I got to know them there as I worked with them providing information to the Denny community. Pookie Camp: On the Hoopa Indian Reservation north of Willow Creek. Hutch 'n Steve, Hutch IAP, Flaps Down: California IIMT 4 managed the Megram Fire at the end. The rains came and shut it down. They operated out of Pookie Camp. Tom Hutchison was the Incident Commander and Steve Gage, the Deputy IC. I promised Hutch the "Flaps Down" photo would surface at some appropriate time. He retired in January and I think it's time to embarrass him. His retirement party is coming up soon. Manter Fire, CA, 2000This photo series is provided by three people: Hunter (an early regular reader/contributor) and David Johnson (of highdesertnews.com) and Dennis. Hunter took the first series from within the helicopter and on the ground, David took the pictures of the helicopters at work. Dennis was captain of Crew 31 an engine crew from the BLM South Fork Station. His crew was on the IA of the Manter Fire. They were also doing the firing operation at Kennedy Meadows during the Manter Fire shown in the last two photos with big flames. For a photo of the engine crew see Engines11 photo page. David says this: During the Manter fire on 8-13 of last year, I shot some video footage of some helicopters picking up water from the south fork of the Kern River in Kennedy Meadows. These stills are from that tape. The ones I am sending you are 350x237, however, I have them in 700x475 pixels also. I also have some pictures on my web site under the article that I wrote on 7-28-00. They can be viewed by going to www.highdesertnews.com/manter7-28-00.htm and are listed under Manter Photo Gallery. (Unfortunately, the larger ones of these photos were lost and there is no way at this time I can recover them until I can obtain a new video card.) The Manter Fire began 07/22/00 15 mi. NE of Kernville CA on the Sequoia National Forest, R-5. Images in the article include those of Manter Meadows, Kennedy Meadows and Division Y. Valley Complex, MT, 2000These pics of the Valley Complex near Darby Mt, were taken by Doorsmaurer (PA 4 crew), summer of 2000. Sula Blowup 1 & 2: Blowup from the Sula Complex from over a mile away. This blowup caused the Sula complex and the Valley complex to join the next day. This was taken as we were being evacuated from whiskey gulch. Sula Blowup 3 & 4: We were evacuated to the Sula VFD station parking lot which just happened to be in the path of the blowup. Tanker Drop 1, 2, 3, 4: Retardant drop on another division of the fire the next day. Historical Outhouse: Structure protection on an historical outhouse. Being from Pa, we didn't see what was so historical about it!!! but the Div sup said it was. Proteus: First just referred to as a "forwarder" that had a 3000 gal tank and pump on it, we later determined this is the Proteus. As reported by Doorsmaurer, it was used on the Full Circle fire (Valley Complex) at the Lost Trail Pass ski resort. It was amazing to watch that machine work, Doorsmaurer said. To follow the story of discovery on theysaid check the discussion in the archive of the last days of July, 2001. Full Circle: Burning out at the Full Circle fire. Valley Plume: Quite an awesome sight. Structure Protection: Caring for people, their homes, and property. Breakin' Smoke, Barry & John, Matt & Tree: All photos of our crew working together in the smoke. Firefighting is hard work under adverse environmental conditions. An' that's an understatement. ThirtyMile Fire, WA, 2001These pics of the Thirty Mile Fire in the North Cascades in which fourteen fire shelters were deployed and four firefighters died, July 10, 2001. Thirtymile Fire is located 20 miles north of Winthrop, WA on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. Click for a map of the LOCATION. Photos were provided by AND THERE I WAS..... and members of Stutler's Region 6 Interagency Incident Management Team 3. AND THERE I WAS says: Here are a few pics of the 30 Mile fire on the Okanogan N.F. you might find interesting. They were taken from H3 which was on the eastern edge of the fire. (The Thirtymile Fire was located 20 miles north of Winthrop, WA on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests.) 30 Mile Origin and Large Version: 30 Mile Origin shows where it started, and Large Version of the Origin is a larger pic. You can see where it started, then crowned then ran up the side of the valley. The deployment site is at the lower left side where the river sandbar can be seen by the road. 30 Mile North: 30 mile North is the north part of the fire. 30 Mile South: 30 mile South is the south part of the fire. Please note: Except for the last few, the following photos were taken from the archived PNW Team 3 (Stutler) Thirtymile Fire Website. Photos were taken by team members. Since the site is transitioning to a new home and the photos are not yet readily available there, we are showing them here. We will provide a link to all the photos when they are available. Ab. Blowup: Thirtymile Fire blows up on July 11, 2001. Photo by Don Strand, FBAN, Libby South. Column: The column builds. Photographer unknown. Microburst: An extreme downburst of wind flattened trees in the foreground. Photo by Lonnie Williams, ATSS, 07/19/01. East Flank: East flank fireline. Photo by Randy Herrin, Situation Unit Leader, 07/16/01. Methow: View of the Methow Valley from the fireline. Photo by Mike Matarrese, Branch Director, 07/23/01. Memorial: PNW Team 3 members pay tribute to those lost in the Thirtymile Fire. Photo by Don Ferguson, IO, 07/19/01. Memorial 2: Fire Team members place memorial wreath and flag in memory. Photo by Don Ferguson, IO, 07/19/01. Sandbar 1 & 2: From theysaid discussion 10/15/01. The photo sender says - Here are photos of the sandbar. The shelter gives you an idea of size. There were additional sandbars nearby as this appears to be an old oxbow. The only reason I could think that the crew might not have considered it was the fire across the river to pushed them (radiant heat) away from it. Or as you say, and are probably correct, the time for considering alternatives had lapsed. Riparian: From theysaid discussion 10/15/01. Here is a photo of some willows in a large riparian area above the deployment site. I do not believe the live fuel moisture mattered. This is a good indication of the heat being pushed ahead of the flaming front. These were old growth willows and alders! 30mi Report: Cover of the ThirtyMile Report. Shows the valley. To download the entire large ThirtyMile Investigative Report in .pdf format (12MB), click: Thirtymile Fire Investigation Report, 09/26/01 (LARGE). For the list and links to other supporting material, go to our wildlandfire.com site-map. Especially good is the Lessons from Thirtymile (training) Lessons from Thirtymile (training) material (in html). -------------------------------------------------- Memorial Site: The rocky scree looking uphill. Karen & Devin: Karen FitzPatrick (18) from West Valley had just finished high school and Devin Weaver (21) was an engineering student from Yakima WA. Jessica & Tom: Jessica Johnson (19) from West Valley incorporated firefighting training into her studies at Central Washington University and Tom Craven (30) squad boss and father of two from Ellensburg WA. (Jason Emhoff another member of the crew was also badly burned in the blowup, but survived.) Plaque & Chewech River Memorial: Memorial path along the road at the memorial site. Creek Fire, CA, 2001The photos on this page were taken by Al Golub who was a photojournalist with the Modesto Bee for 35 years and shooting wildland fires since 1987. He got so interested in wildland firefighting that he took the Basic 32 course and gained some firsthand experience with the Stanislaus Hot Shots. To contact him directly about use of his photos for commercial purposes, email agolub@starband.net. When the Creek Fire broke out on Sunday, August 18, 2001, Al was heading to San Francisco to cover the 49ers and Raiders football game. It didn't take much to reverse him mid-stream: he decided to cover the fire instead - much to our viewing enjoyment. Thanks Al for letting us show your photos here. Ab. For a fine article on the Creek Fire, here's Anatomy of a wildfire: Vignette in yearly California drama. Creek Fire: The Creek Fire is burning several miles north of Coulterville. Fire is on both sides of Hwy 49. We're at Alan Haigh's ranch with fire burning in the background. (3a.jpg) Firing Action, Backfiring (photos 1-10.jpg) These photos show a firing action on the Alan Haigh Ranch. The dozer cut a fire break and firefighters from the Bear Valley Helitack Unit of CDF are burning directly into the oncoming fire to stop its spread. Air Support 1-4: Air tankers drop retardant on edge of fire during Creek firing operations at Alan Haigh's ranch. (2, 3, 6a & 5a.jpg) Window: Two edges of the fire come together at the top of a ridge behind the Haigh Ranch. (4.jpg) Dozer: Dozer driver is Doug White from Baseline CDF Unit. (8.jpg) Catchin' Zs: Firefighter Pete Rodroquez rests on the back of CDF Engine 4492 while an island of brush burns. He was actively putting out spot fires just a few hours before when the fire jumped Hwy 49. At this time his crew is watching a small fire so it doesn't get out of control. (8a.jpg) Jumped the Line: Creek Fire several miles north of Coulterville. Fire is on both sides of Hwy 49. CDF engine crews watch fire burn out on hwy 49. At 1100 the fire jumped Hwy 49 near this spot. (9a.jpg) Night Firing Operations: (photos 21-28.jpg) These photos show crews from CDF burning out a big strip along Priest-Coulterville Road. This burn out was to prevent the head of the fire from getting to Priest Grade. Head of Fire Is Out of Control: (photos 30-37.jpg) Out of control, the head of the fire comes over Jackass Ridge down Jackass Creek toward home. Fatigue: Steve Fulton takes a moment after cutting fire break on Cuneo Road. (52.jpg) Team: In the foreground, part of the incident management team, Kevin O'Meara (CDF- Tuolumne-Calaveras RD) and John Swanson (USFS- Stanislaus NF) discuss options at the Coulterville CDF station. (42.jpg) Hazards: Firefighters remove hazardous materials. (37.jpg) Skycrane Drop: Last minute helicopter water drop on spot fire below Al Longmore's house on Jackass Creek Road. Sun was going down and it was the last drop for today. (45.jpg) Creek Fire is on Cueno Road. (photos 48.jpg-end) Helo drop: CDF helicopter puts water on a hot spot. (48.jpg) Reassurance: Scott Barlow talks to residents of Cueno Road to tell them their houses are still alright at this time. (51.jpg) Thanks AT: One of the few air tankers that could put retardant on the hot spot on Cuneo Road. (54.jpg) Thanks S-Crane: Erickson Sky Crane put 2000 gallons of water on the hot spots on Cuneo Road. (66.jpg) Thanks Helo2: Close up of CDF Helo 106 coming back from a drop. (63.jpg) Thanks FFs: Firefighter Gabriel Agee from Carmel Valley, Cachagua FD put out one of the many hot spots on Cueno Road. (60.jpg) Moose Fire, MT, 2001These photos of the Moose Fire, late August, early September, 2001 came from a number of sources. TMN who sent in the first batch said, "The Moose Fire photos are from the CD that was created by the various overhead teams during their time on the Moose Fire, August, 2001. The camp was located in Columbia Falls MT and the fire reached a final ac. of 71,000, burning State, Private, Forest Service and Glacier National Park lands. Fire was actively burning for over 6 weeks with varied intensity. There were 4 big runs during the life of the fire with the largest being approx. 10,000 ac. in one afternoon."When the photos were first posted, Ab added that the photos were probably taken by someone on Humphrey's Type I Interagency Incident Management Team from R3 and asked that if anyone knew who the photographer(s) of these photos were for them to please fill us in so that we could give credit. UPDATE: We have learned the identity of one of the photographers of the Moose Fire photos. He's Buck Wickham, Ops Section Chief on Humphrey's Southwest IMT. Here's what he had to say: -------------- --------------- Flathead HS Signal: A Flathead Hotshot guides a pilot in for a bucket drop on the Moose Fire. Bucket Drop: The drop. Flathead HS: Members of the Flathead Hotshots await further instructions in their safety zone. 212 Drop: A 212 makes a bucket drop on the Moose. Huckleberry Lookout: All wrapped up. Inversion: This peaceful morning inversion shot is an ironic contrast to some of the intense fire behavior seen on the Moose Fire. Weather Station: Weather stations set up on the fire. Biscuit Fire, 2002 (Kalmiopsis Wilderness, OR)These photos of the Sour Biscuit/Florence/Biscuit Fire (Summer 2002) and of a fire on the Kalmiopsis Wilderness (in 2001) came from multiple sources-- from Firehorse, Kris (flamage), Dale Sandberg (Column, Meeting, Helo, Reeves), James D Isaacs ("Oregon Fire"), from Woody (Scarecrow and Thanks FF), from GreatWhiteNorth (Welcome, Chetco River Crossing, Chetco River Inn, Biscuit Fuel 1&2, Crew & Fuel, Biscuit Smoke, Lights of Thanks), and from DF (2001 Kalmiopsis Burn photos). "Oregon Fire" '02: The first name of this complex that ended up being called the Florence and then the Biscuit, Florence and Biscuit again. Jimmy Isaacs said, "I took this picture while working as a strike team leader on Division X." Florence Fire, 2002: Florence fire taken from Illinois Valley high school last
Sunday night (07/28/02) during the town meeting. The Sour Biscuit fire has burned 8 miles into California as of 7/31.
Taken by Firehorse. Biscuit & Tiller: Aug. 14, 2002 image from space taken by NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer. The NASA photo shows the Biscuit Fire (at about 400,000
acres, south) and Tiller Complex (at about 40,000 acres, NE). Meeting, Florence Meeting, Florence Column, Selma, Helo, Helo2, Landing, Crew, Firesun, Reeves: Taken from different locations in the Illinois Valley on the eastern side of the Florence Fire. Taken by Dale Sandberg. Biscuit Fire, 2002: These photos were taken by Kris with a little disposable camera about Aug. 13th, 2002. We were conducting a backburn in Zone 3 (map), Div. C. I can't seem to remember which crews were helping to hold the line. I do remember that we had some Canadians with us that day, as well as a Canadian camera crew following us for a documentary. The heat was so intense in some areas, it ended up melting a few straps off of people's goggles. That's about all I can remember as of right now. I am trying to find my maps to see if I can get the exact road we were on. Here's info from the briefing of that day. Info from Aug 13th: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Scarecrow Thanks and Thanks FF: These are two pictures expressing thanks. The second one speaks for itself. The first is a pic of a two-story scarecrow dressed as a firefighter outside of Caves Junction Oregon. This was there way of showing their appreciation to the fire fighters of the Biscuit Fire. The town’s people were very friendly and helpful and looked out for their hometown heroes Greyback Forestry. They did not want to be outdone by the gracious folks of Durango. The people from both towns came out each night to show their appreciation by offering free hair cuts, massages, meals, parties, as well socks and other necessities one might need on a fire line. Their kindness will long be remembered by all the firefighters fortunate enough to defend their homes and property. This outpouring of thankfulness makes what we do, well worth it. Photos and sentiment contributed by Woody. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here are a few pictures to add to the photo archives. A conglomerate of HS crews
from Alberta, Canada, on export to the Biscuit Fire in Oregon. We were there
for 17 days, from August 4th to the 21st (or thereabouts), based first in Gold
Beach, and then Brookings. Our first assignment was structure protection in
the settlement of Wilderness Retreat where we were very warmly welcomed. We
were amazed by the treatment we received from the locals, and were touched to see Canadian flags flying from their houses and even some businesses in
Brookings. We spent the latter part of our tour cutting line, setting up pumps, and
laying hose (bloody threaded couplings!), in preparation for burnouts that we never got to see,
unfortunately, because we timed out. Photos compliments of GreatWhiteNorth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kalmiopsis Burn, 2001: These photos were taken on a fire in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness late in the 2001 fire season and have been included until we get more Biscuit Fire photos. They show the extreme terrain, the heavy fuels and snags - basically what firefighters are up against fighting fire in this part of the world. Thanks to DF for some nice shots of AT and helo drops, hotshot briefing, and coyote tactics of the crew on that fire last year. Grand Prix, Old & Simi Fires, 2003 (Southern CA)Photos from the Grand Prix Fire and Old Fire on the San Bernardino National Forest and of the Simi Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. San Bernardino National Forest written archive Grand Prix & Old Fires Series: I took the first photo on initial attack of the Grand Prix fire on October 21, 2003 as I arrived on scene and started to set up the command post with Darrell Mincey and Clyde Chittendon. The other 4 were taken on the Old when we were protecting City Creek Station. Photos compliments of Ken Kempter. Two articles from the Press Enterprise. (Requires a simple sign-in but well worth it.) Devastation of Inland forests fulfills predictions of tragedy and Fire crews get help in Crestline. Old at I-15: The Old Fire running through Devore and turning north up the I-15. Contributed by Todd Meeker. Old Firewhirl: The Old Fire hitting Devore from another direction. (second day of it hitting this community). Contributed by Todd Meeker. Grand Prix Crane, Fire Camp, Glen Haven: The Grand Prix Fire. Skycrane dipping. The next four were taken at Glen Helen Park ICP. Winds were blowing 45 plus... houses burning...... fire burned around and to the ICP. Photos compliments of Tom Caves. Satellite photos of SoCal Fires: More NOAA Satellite Views. STF-YNP E46, STF-YNP E46 Again: Here are some pictures of our engine at the Grand Prix Fire. We are an Interagency Engine (Yosemite NP and Stanislaus NF). The first photo was taken at the Green Mountain Camp near Lytle Creek. The second was taken from Highway 18 in the beginning stages of the Grand Prix. Photos compliments of Ron Brewer. Grand Prix Fire: San Bernardino NF October 25th 2003...This photo shows how great the the Santa Ana's were pushing the fire into the urban interface. The hills in the lower part of the photo would be the point of origin of the Old fire in just one hour. I took this picture just before heading into my station...little did I know we would be fighting to save thousands of homes in sixty minutes.
Photo compliments of FF Eric. Firestorm: This picture was sent to a theysaider who sent it in. It is of the "Old" fire. It has "Old Waterman Cyn" and Marshall Peak in the picture for reference. A recent email says it was one of the photos collected by Chuck Gibbs at the Del Rosa Work Center. Skip down for Simi Fire Info. A more recent bit of research says it was taken by Chris Doolittle. (contact Judith) Old Fire at 0200: I took this photo after being awakened at 2-am the meet this on the Old Fire. I was there. Photo compliments of KC. Grand Prix Fire Information (CA-BDU-11262): Began: 10/21/2003 1422, human origin
Where it burned: Fire burned through or around Fontana, Rancho Cucamungo,
Upland, San Antonio Heights, Mt. Baldy Village, Claremont and Lytle Creek,
Silverwood Lake and numerous other communities. So Cal Edison power grid was at
risk as was an essential public safety communication site on San Servaine Mountain.
Following the fire, communities are further threatened with landslide and
potentially with pollutants in their water supplies. Burned Areas Emergency Rehabilitation
(BAER) is a necessity. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Old Fire Information (CA-BDF-10329): Began: 10/25/03 0917, human origin
Where it burned: Fire burned through or around San Bernardino, Old
Arrowhead Springs Resort, Highland, Waterman Canyon, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Rim of
the World and numerous other communities. It threatened Big Bear. Many of the communities threatened
or burned were densely populated with limited ingress and egress. Following the
fire, communities are further threatened with landslide and potentially with
pollutants in their water supplies. BAER
(Burned Areas Emergency Rehabilitation) is a necessity. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Simi Fire Series: These photos were taken with a Sony MVC-CD400 digital
camera by Battalion Chief Keith Burson, South Placer Fire District. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Simi Fire Information:
Where it burned: This fire that began in Ventura Co. and progressed into
LA Co. burned through or around Simi Valley and Moorpark. It threatened
Ronald Regan's ranch and library. Cedar Fire, 2003 (San Diego area, Southern CA)Cedar Fire Series: Cedar Fire, Engine thru Smoke, Confer, Cedar Flames, Drip Torch, Waiting
& Watching, Cedar Burnout, Burnout 2, Cedar Fire Front: These photos
were taken off of HWY 79 near Julian and in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, shot last
October, 2003. Sorry I don't have the crew name. There was a strike team from S. Cal, and a CDF team helping a local FD.
Photos compliments of Al Henkel, a Producer for NBC News who covers a lot of fires all over the west. He's a Red Carded FFT2. More info on these pictures and I added one Brett sent entitled Military Eng Task Force: Good morning, I was just scanning your photo pages of the cedar fire and I
saw the pictures of the crossing Cuyamuka Lake and Crossing 2 pics. I just
wanted to update you all on the who and where those engines are from. We were a
task force from Northern California: task force # XSN2376C. The 1st engine was a
type 1 from Fort Bragg; 2nd. Was 7471 a type 3 from Anderson Valley; I was in
the 3rd, 9870 a type three from the U.S. Coast Guard Petaluma; and the engine
way in the back was 7562 from Rincon Valley. Sincerely Christopher "Brett"
Callahan, U.S. Coast Guard Fire Dept. "Red Sun" was taken at 9:30 am the morning of 10/26 about 10 minutes from my house at an open park where the view of the
Cedar Fire was perfect. It was real hard to get the flames due to the fact that the smoke was so thick like
glue. Contributed by Chief
Boots. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pine Hills: The Cedar fire 2003. This pic was taken at 10:30 on the third day of the fire Pine Hills Fire Station.
Photo compliments of wildland capt. CedarFire, CDF at Mt Laguna, Mt Laguna & Harbison
Canyon 6: They were taken on 10/26/03 and 10/29/03. All photos are compliments of
Mario. Cedar Fire Information (CA-CNF-003056): Began: 10/25/03, 1737, human origin
Where it burned: Fire has burned through San Diego Country Estates, Barona Indian Reservation, Lakeside, Santee, San Diego City, parts of Lakeside, Alpine, Crest, Cuyamaca State Park,
Julian and numerous other communities. It also burned or threatened Volcan, Laguna Mountain and Pine Valley.
Many of the communities threatened are densely populated with limited ingress and egress.
In the end, lower temperatures, light precipitation and light winds assisted in fire fighting
efforts, allowing firefighters to maximize line production. Following the fire,
communities are threatened with landslide and potentially with pollutants in
their water supplies. BAER is a necessity. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Statistics on the San Diego Region Fires, all 4 of which were burning on
October 26, 2003: Tuolumne Fire, Stanislaus NF, CA, September 2004All but one (Helitack 404) of the photos on this page were taken by Al Golub, a photojournalist with the Modesto Bee for 35 years and shooting wildland fires since 1987. He got so interested in wildland firefighting that he took the Basic 32 course and gained some firsthand experience with the Stanislaus Hot Shots. To contact him directly about use of these photos, email agolub@starband.net. Tuolumne Fire Photos: Buck Meadows On Cherry Oil Road, taken 9/15/04. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Tuolumne Fire These photos were taken after the
burnover that claimed Eva's life and injured 5 of her helitack crew during
Initial Attack on the fire. CDF Helitack 404: L-R Back row: Fire Captain Dean Chambers, FF1 Isaac
Rushdoony, FF1 Eva Schicke, Fire Captain Bruce Lodge, FF1 Jeff Boatman, FF1 Patrick
Ousby, FF1 T. J. Fraser, and Pilot Thomas Eggleston. L-R Front row: FF1 Nick Webb,
FF1 Nathan Gorham, Fire Apparatus Engineer Edward Palacios, and Pilot George A.
Johnson. Not shown: FC Frank Podesta. Photo taken by Richard Imlach, Battalion Chief / Prevention Officer for the Tuolumne Calaveras
Unit, CDF. It After the Burnover - Sad Job: Area near Lumsden bridge on the Tuolumne River, Stanislaus National Forest where Firefighter Eva Schicke died and 5 other firefighters from of Columbia CDF Helitack Crew 404 were injured. First photo is of the Plumas Hot Shots who march in double line through area where the burnover occurred. Second photo shows tools left in the area. Shovel like tool, the Rhino is a combination of a shovel and a scraper. Also pictured is a portable hand water pumper. You can see the steep terrain with the river at the bottom. Third photo is of an unidentified Forest Service investigator at work on the very steep hillside. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Memorial Service: On 9/20/04 following engine and walking procession, about 3,000 people gathered at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds to pay their respects to Eva Schicke, age 23, of CDF Columbia Helitack 404 who died the week before in the line of duty when fire overran the crew's position at Buck Meadows, Tuolumne River Canyon. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Sonora Start: Engine 4447 bearing Eva's body begins in Downtown Sonora, heading to Angles Camp for her memorial service and her final return flight to her resting place. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Colors & Honor Guard: Hundreds of firefighters walk in during the processional into the funeral at Angles Camp, Frog Town. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Walking Procession & Bagpipes: An estimated 4 thousand people attended the service. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Helicopter Flyover & Airtankers Flyover: Eva's Memorial Service, a CDF helicopter passes in review, as do two CDF air tankers and a lead plane. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Carrying: Fire engines from Oakdale City, Oakdale Rural and Ceres Fire Department travel trough downtown Angels Camp Monday 09/20/04 in Eva's honor. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Honoring - Flag Draped: During the memorial for Eva, Ebbetts Pass Fire Crew take her casket from Engine 4447 while passing in front of Helitack 404's crew. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. To Eva's Mom, We Will Never Forget: Joyce Schicke, Eva's mom, holds her helmet and American flag. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. 404 Carries Her Home: This was Firefighter Eva Schicke's last flight home in CDF Helitack 404 after the ceremony. Her casket was loaded into her helicopter by her Helitack crewmembers. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Amazing Grace: God's speed, Eva. Firefighter Jon Andahl, on crutches, was injured during the fire. Al Golub/Modesto Bee. Modesto Bee article describing the Memorial
Service (reprinted here with permission) Catalina "Island" Fire, CA, 2007This photo series is provided by two people:
Fletcher Fire, Lakeview OR, 2007 ~~Extreme Fire Behavior~~The Fletcher Fire exhibited extreme fire behavior between 3:27 and 4:10 PM on July 16, 2007, a period of 43 minutes! Thanks to Don Smith, Retired Oregon Department of Forestry Unit Forester, and Kellie Carlsen, Oregon Department of Forestry, for capturing these images and sharing them. (Kellie took the 3 "landside" fire tornado photos at 1545; Don took the rest.) Kellie said, "What came off of Dry Creek Rim into the Goose Lake Valley was a phenomenon that many long-time fire fighters have never seen (or heard)." She also reported that the IMT Fire Behavior Analyst and Meteorologist estimated the winds to be Category 2 on the Fujita Scale, based on the evidence on the ground. That would be a "Significant Tornado" with wind speeds from 113 - 157 mph. (0707) At the end of the page are 5 photos of the "Significant Tornado" damage the fire left behind. These last photos are compliments of Jim Mackensen.(0707)From the Fire Behavior Analyst: The Fletcher IncidentOn the afternoon of July 16th, as the Fire Behavior Analyst for the IMT taking over the incident that evening, I thought it would be good to see what the actual fire behavior was doing and where the fires location was in relationship to what was briefed at the in briefing. Upon approaching the fire from the south, it was obvious that the perimeter had advanced significantly to the NE by the predominately SW winds and was either about to or had actually started down the escarpment towards Goose Lake, just southeast of Lakeview, Oregon. Upon my arrival, it was apparent that the fire behavior was extreme. The in draft could be described similar to a helicopter landing in close proximity. There were numerous fire whirls and debris being sucked into the column. I went to where there were a group of civilians and a deputy sheriff who were watching and taking pictures. I advised the deputy that the time for evacuation of the citizens was immediate and he acted accordingly. Realizing that my escape route was going to be compromised very shortly, I left by the route I came in on. At this time the fire behavior became more extreme with numerous spot fires ahead of the fire front, area ignition in some places and a whirl wind, as the IMET later described it. As it turned out, this whirl wind was the equivalent of an F-2 tornado as was evident by the damage after the fire had been suppressed. The fire to me was not the scary part. I had an escape route, knew
what I was looking at, and acted according. The part that really scared
me was that there were civilians in harms way who didn’t know what they
were looking at. Fortunately in this case, no one was injured or died.
It was close, very close. At the briefing for each shift, I encouraged
the fire fighters to go see what extreme fire behavior can to when they
had the opportunity. I hope they did. After the Fire Tornado (photos After Fletcher 1-5): Jim Mackensen Bray Creek Ranch Rx Fire, AZ, 2005Abs: I am an Assistant U.S. Attorney who teaches a Fire Law course, and a former wildland firefighter. November 2005 we completed much of the pile and broadcast burning on my private land and the adjacent Forest, Payson Ranger District, under an MOU. Ice cold night winds falling off the Mogollon Rim added some excitement, but it was very successful in reducing dead fuels which were 30 tons per acre in places. The fire environment is the same as the Dude Fire, but better now than in June. Many firefighters are familiar with my place from other fires as well, Kehl Ridge, Bray, December, Packrat and Webber.Burning started 10 feet from my Ranch House with the Globe Inmate Crew assisting. They had no hot food for next breakfast, or shelter when I arrived, and were going to bed down outside. I opened up the Ranch House and Bunk House and made sure everyone had a bed or a couch or a cot, and hot water then went back to town for snacks and breakfast food. One of the inmates was an early riser and cook so I had him get me up early from my couch near the fire and we cooked up a huge breakfast. The Navajo Scouts replaced the Globe crew and I had a chance to visit with them as well, many of whom had been on the Dude Fire. So far, this thinning and burning project has been a major success considering my 25 acres surrounded by Forest in a box canyon under the Rim had been at serious risk for a catastrophic and dangerous situation. Thanks are due the Forest Service, the Arizona State Land Department and the firefighters who have worked so diligently to complete this project. Here are some photos of the burning operations. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After we completed this prescribed fire in November, 2005, in February 2006 a campfire blew off the Mogollon Rim and raced toward the Ranchhouse as a crown fire until it reached the fuel break. The treatment done by us, the State Land Department and the Forest Service made it safe enough for firefighters to work and saved the historic structures and orchards. The February Fire eventually burned over 4,000 acres around us. You should link to the attached paper which received National/Congressional attention as one of the success stories of fuel treatments under the National Fire Plan. Mike Johns Here's a 1472K pdf file of maps, etc:
Bray Creek Ranch Rx treatment CALFIRE Engines Burned-over on the Inyo Complex, Seven Oak 2007On July 7, 2007, two CalFire Engines were burned over on the Seven Oak Fire, Inyo National Forest. Firefighters were injured. Three were transported immediately to a burn hospital, while others had lung injuries that were not discovered until 72 hours after the burnover.Lightning Fires, Iron Complex, June 20-21, 2008(Beginning narrative, under construction.) On June 20 in the afternoon, starting around 1640 hours, and again in the middle of the night at 0230 on June 21, 2007, lightning and thunder storms hit a large area of Northern California starting many fires. This is the story of one of the complex of lightning fires that started. It has since come to be called the Iron Complex and is located on the western side of the Shasta Trinity National Forest. The photos were taken be a number of people in Mellie's extended family and 4 from the Buckhorn fire were taken by TN. (0708)Dozer Rollover, Buckhorn Fire, Burnout, Fire: The D-8 cat rollover occurred as Rick was cutting containment line on a steep ridge on the Zeigler Fire. He was seriously injured and evacuated to a Redding Hospital. The Buckhorn Fire was originally 4-5 lightning starts that burned together near the Ironside Fire. The fire was lined and at this time is contained to the west. 4 photos compliments of TN. (0708) ( If you have photos you want to share, send them in! ) |
