planet p wrote:
So tragic. Luke, can you explain what the conditions must have been like/what happened to cause these mass casualties?
Don't know too many details. It's really dangerous work and those reflective blankets are not much help. Really only if the fire blows right over you.
It's very different work from what I do.
Basically, they are trying to remove the fuel from the fire by cutting down trees, removing brush, etc in a line to contain the fire. Always do so leaving an escape route. Someone on a high point a ways away keeping an eye out for changing conditions. I'll need to read up to see if what happened is known but something like a sudden change of wind direction or gusts blowing up the fire. Minimal time to dig a ditch and deploy the fire blanket. and if the fire hangs over you for any time at all, you're [expletive]. They were [expletive].
Man, I can't imagine how the surviving lookout feels right now.
It must have been awful.
A couple of recommended readings on wildfire and hotshots
Hot enough to fry an egg? Don't try it in Death Valley
(AFP) – 59 minutes ago
WASHINGTON — Death Valley National Park has asked tourists not to test out the reputation of the world's hottest spot by frying eggs on the ground, citing a growing litter problem at the popular US landmark.
"An employee's posting of frying an egg in a pan in Death Valley was intended to demonstrate how hot it can get here, with the recommendation that if you do this, use a pan or tin foil and properly dispose of the contents," the park said on its Facebook page last week.
"However, the Death Valley NP maintenance crew has been busy cleaning up eggs cracked directly on the sidewalk, including egg cartons and shells strewn across the parking lot.
"This is your national park, please put trash in the garbage or recycle bins provided and don't crack eggs on the sidewalks," it said.
jim wrote:It was 75-80 with rain showers and cloud cover that provided excellent trout fishing in the 60 degree water in Southwest Wisconsin all weekend.
You guys sure do [expletive] alot about the weather. It's wonderful.
I think the ultimate jim post would have to be about different pooping options depending on the weather based on where you are fishing and the type of beer (six packs only!) you've had. Oh, and the Cardinals.
jim wrote:It was 75-80 with rain showers and cloud cover that provided excellent trout fishing in the 60 degree water in Southwest Wisconsin all weekend.
You guys sure do [expletive] alot about the weather. It's wonderful.
I think the ultimate jim post would have to be about different pooping options depending on the weather based on where you are fishing and the type of beer (six packs only!) you've had. Oh, and the Cardinals.
