Wed, Nov 05, 2003
Late Arrival Still Helpful, Appreciated
Wetter, cooler weather has helped firefighting efforts in
California so much that C-130 Hercules equipped with mobile
airborne firefighting systems have been released, Pentagon
officials said. The aircraft flew back to their bases in
California, Colorado, Wyoming and North Carolina on Sunday.
By Early Monday...
Officials said that 10
of the 12 largest fires have been 80-percent contained. Local
officials estimate that the Old fire in San Bernardino County and
the Paradise fire in San Diego County are 65-percent contained. The
progress is so good that the military Joint Task Force –
Firefighting will stand down in the next day or two.
The firefighting effort continues, and officials now are
requesting surveillance aircraft to ensure the fire does not
reignite. State officials requested military Predator unmanned
aerial vehicles to aid this surveillance effort.
Residents are starting to return to the stricken areas. Many are
returning to find their homes and other structures burned to the
ground. The wildfires were the most destructive in California
history, said state officials.
The wildfires have caused as many as 20 deaths in California,
officials said. President George W. Bush declared the counties of
San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Ventura federal disaster
areas October 27.
Current news reports show fires have burned more than 3,600
structures. State officials said thousands were evacuated as the
fires approached and that the fires have burned more than 800,000
acres.
[Thanks to Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service; photo by
Senior Master Sgt. Dennis W. Goff --ed.]
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]