Tanker video from Rim Fire.

[Cadillac Kid]

MAFFS 6 fighting a massive fire near Yosemite. Even the pilot is amazed. Watch the spotter mark the drop zone. It was smoky here this morning, but clear now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_eGiGG1B-Q#t=398

 

[JBL GUY]

Thanks for the link.

My prayers go out to all involved.

 

[68custom]

damn thats a big fire. I used to live in fresno wonder if it's visible from there?

 

[Rick Vestal]

That is insane.. MAN is that guy flying low. Almost gave me that rollercoaster feeling right before he marked the location...

After dealing with the CO fires over the past few years, I have a whole new respect for fire. Screw fire and the trees it rode in on...

 

[jsisk]

Kinda puts into perspective how massive these fires are.

 

[Cadillac Kid]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97BrYoq1ly0

 

[Mark W.]

Wait until Evergreen Aviation's 747 tanker is cleared for use. Its been sitting in AZ in the Desert for years because the US Forest Service has its collective head up its arse.

it can lay down a path of water and retardant 100 yards wide and 5 miles long on a tank. Or it can lay down multiple smaller drops. It actually does not drop the water it sprays it out in a controlled manner and can actually spray the sides of a canyon.

A $1.00 a gallon compared to a helo which runs $2.50 a gallon and can barely wet down a football field area.

Evergreen has had this aircraft available for the last 8 years and for the last 8 years the forest service has refused to sign a contract with Evergreen. It has been used over seas and in Mexico a number of times but not here. Its loaded weight is over 100,000lbs under what a 747 is rated for hauling freight. SO its got an amazing amount of power to handle any conditions it would encounter. And unlike the helos and the small plans it travels at over 400mph and can be back in the air in 30min.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreen_747_Supertanker

 

[jerrymrc]

Good friend of mine files MAFF 2 and others as needed. He has been a busy boy. Left three weeks ago to Idaho and then down to California.