Texas Heat!

[wroughtn_harv]

Some counties have now enacted no burning outside at all. You can now now be arrested for welding, grilling or smoking outdoors.

As it should be.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Here's a link with some photo's depicting the drought.
Picturing the American Drought, George Steinmetz - LightBox

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I think I heard a propane tank explosiong this morning around 5am. I also heard the helicopters this morning fighting the fire. The wind is still calm for now.

 

[charlz]

Also, if the contract was canceled just for maintenance reasons...............why hasn't a new contract with another operator been signed.:confused3: They are more than one fire bomber outfit out there.
hugs, Brandi

It is fire season, all the other firefighting aircraft are likely under contract already. TX would still have to make an interagency request for firefighting resources to get these aircraft. The way the article about Boise NF sending trucks and crew down was written it sounded like that just happened. Dunno if that is true or not.

 

[charliepff]

I know states on the east coast have been sending foresty crews out as aid. I am surprised they do not have the national gaurd involved. I am sure the governor of Texas (Perry was the main supporter. Google it.) is regretting his support on cutting the funding to wildfire study and aid. Have you all been taking pictures?

Eddie,
Aircraft that are fire bombers are subjected to more structural stress than an airplane that flies point A to point B. Also the chemical retardants they carry can affect the structures. Like making hay, they go all out in a short period of time. In the haste, scheduled inspections and maintenance can get short changed. I can see the Forest Service stopping contracts easily for a maintenance program that is found lacking.

Now, I wonder why the Forest Service stopped the contract and flying now, just when Texas needs them. Could it be that obama really doesn't like Texas.

Also, if the contract was canceled just for maintenance reasons...............why hasn't a new contract with another operator been signed. They are more than one fire bomber outfit out there.
hugs, Brandi

They are getting very strict on these plains. They have had a lot of line of duty deaths due to these plains crashing. It is the same with ground operating fire apparatus. Also, there are not that many contractors across the US that fly for wildfires. There has been a lot of agencies calling for assistance in coming up with a better plan for wildfires. The governent response as I said above was to cut back its funding and let the fires burn. The problem is when you let a fire burn it gains speed, volume and eventually makes its own weather which makes them unpredicatable. It may not be a threat now but three days later it is in position to devastate an urban area. If there would have been action taken in the begining there would have been a lot less chance of the effect snowballing.

Stay safe and hope things get better for everyone.

 

[jinman]

I just found this map online that shows the extent of the main fires.

 

[Western]

Caught a little of the news early this morning before passing out. They said they have the aircraft, but not the qualified pilots? (thinking out loud) Seems to me a stealth bomber pilot could work in a pinch, they seem pretty da## "qualified" to me! and been putting out "fires" for over 10 years:thumbsup:

I know there is probably "more" to it, but you'd think someone could step up to the plate.

Also, I don't think Gov. Perry, or anyone else for that matter, could have predicted this drought and the conditions that came with it, well maybe Al Gore.

 

[two_bit_score]

I know states on the east coast have been sending foresty crews out as aid. I am surprised they do not have the national gaurd involved. I am sure the governor of Texas (Perry was the main supporter. Google it.) is regretting his support on cutting the funding to wildfire study and aid."........................

It may not be a threat now but three days later it is in position to devastate an urban area. If there would have been action taken in the begining there would have been a lot less chance of the effect snowballing.

Stay safe and hope things get better for everyone.

it's incredible that you find the need to take cheap political shots in a thread like this.

You do make a point that early attack from the air may have made a difference. Wonder why that federal air power was grounded?

 

[schmism]

Caught a little of the news early this morning before passing out. They said they have the aircraft, but not the qualified pilots?

Austin news, sports, weather, Longhorns, business | Statesman.com

the pilots have to be certified on the specific plane.

another pilot was grounded with mandatory 2 days "off" for having worked to many hours.

also ive watched the number of houses burnt jump from 300-600 last night to, i saw 1600+ reported this morning.

 

[txdon]

"Feds take control of Bastrop wildfire, then turn away volunteers"

Firefighting-trained volunteers from all over the state converged on Bastrop and Smithville on Tuesday to aid worn out firefighters battling the Bastrop County Complex Fire - - only to be turned away as federal offifials arrived at the scene and took command.

Complete story here:

Volunteers upset after being sent back home | The Gonzales Cannon