Thread by @pyrogeog

I'm very cautious about effectiveness of aircraft on #wildfires -- they are fantastic under certain circumstances, and just a huge waste of money in others. Was able to watch the air show streaming on #Airola fire this afternoon and took some screenshots for an explainer. 1/10

First, the set up for an airshow on this fire was basically ideal. Why?
➡️ Minimal wind and excellent visibility
➡️ Terrain was perfect for approach and drops
➡️ Top of the ridge was a grass-covered lava cap
➡️ Columbia airport 2 min away for reload
➡️ Reservoir RIGHT THERE
2/10

Retardant works best in light fuels where it can penetrate all the way to the surface, and where the flames will reach the pink line before it dries out. A fast-moving fire in grass is perfect. Here, the line in the grass stopped the fire's forward progress on the lava cap. 3/10

North/west of the lava cap, on the back side of the ridge, the heavy chaparral was less ideal for drops. The dozer here is for scale; this brush is thick and 6-8 ft high. It was producing 30-50ft flames coming up the hill. More retardant is needed to penetrate the canopy. 4/10

The fire also got into the oak/timber mix, where a very thick line was needed, and we still saw some breakthroughs. Helios came in with water to nip the hotspots. 5/10

This was in tough country to access by foot/vehicle, in the WUI, close to several towns. The CALFIRE tanker pilots are absolutely amazing, and were able to take advantage of the conditions to corral this thing. Not out yet, but looking good. Here's the thing, though... 6/10

(Because you know I have to put this in context, not just post a bunch of pics of fire)...7/10

I've just described that this air show worked well bc it was partially in light, flashy fuels and lower density of trees. Imagine if more of our landscapes were managed to produce a lower density of fuels, with open woodland mosaics, via brush removal and prescribed fire. 8/10

When new fires start in more remote places, they could burn w/out much danger, and be herded into natural breaks like rivers and rock outcrops. When they start in the WUI, they would be contained quickly through much more effective suppression, including targeted air shows. 9/10

Indigenous people steward the land to maintain open country, and we can follow their leadership. We will always have fire, but we can reduce damage, increase suppression effectiveness in the WUI, & manage beneficial wildfires in more remote areas. This is #livingwithfire. 10/10