Western Fires

[Jim Franklin]

Since Boise is the location of the National Interagency Fire Administration, I thought it might be well to update those who might not get full information about the situation in this area. There are 72 major fires burning in 11 Western states with 25 or more in Idaho alone stretching the firefighting resources beyond thin. Some lightening strikes in remote areas are controlled by sending a plane with fire retardent drop without sending in manpower so that the manpower can be devoted to fighting the bigger ones near populated areas. After 7 days straight of over 100 degrees for highs we had a high of 89 yesterday which is both good and bad news. Good in that fires don't burn and spread as fastly in cooler temperatures. Bad because the weather front that brings in the cooler temperature also brings dry lightening strikes starting more fires. This week we had fire fighters from Kentucky come in. Some years fire fighters from Australia have been brought in. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most severe and dangerous conditions we are now at a 5 rating. In previous years while working at clothing stores I have delivered need workwear to the NIFC. It becomes a real beehive of activity through this time of year.

[Dave McClung]

Since Boise is the location of the National Interagency Fire Administration, I thought it might be well to update those who might not get full information about the situation in this area. There are 72 major fires burning in 11 Western states with 25 or more in Idaho alone stretching the firefighting resources beyond thin. Some lightening strikes in remote areas are controlled by sending a plane with fire retardent drop without sending in manpower so that the manpower can be devoted to fighting the bigger ones near populated areas. After 7 days straight of over 100 degrees for highs we had a high of 89 yesterday which is both good and bad news. Good in that fires don't burn and spread as fastly in cooler temperatures. Bad because the weather front that brings in the cooler temperature also brings dry lightening strikes starting more fires. This week we had fire fighters from Kentucky come in. Some years fire fighters from Australia have been brought in. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most severe and dangerous conditions we are now at a 5 rating. In previous years while working at clothing stores I have delivered need workwear to the NIFC. It becomes a real beehive of activity through this time of year.

My company, Triton Marine Construction, built two of the Forest Service camps for fire fighters in Idaho. The projectes were done during the summer time so our crews were there during the fire season. I visited the camps a few times. All I can say is that the fire crews don't seem to get much time for sleep. They would drive into the camp, shower and sleep for a couple of hours then rush back out to another fire.

[Jim Franklin]

Just in Idaho alone we have had area burned equal to the whole state of Rhode Island. Some are in such extremely remote, steep and dangerous areas that they will be allowed to burn until October rains and snows put them out unless they come close enough to threaten properties. Except for Alaska, Idaho has more federally administered forests and public land than any other state.