WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 071609

First up in wildfire news today, a few home movies of the Martin Mars and Firewatch S-76 currently residing at Lake Elsinore, California, awaiting wildfires in the area. These videos were shot on 7/13/09 and present an interesting dichotomy: some very old technology being mated up with some very new technology. Wayne Coulson, owner of the aircraft, had the following to say: We are now through the final hoop with the USFS and card the pilots on Friday morning and will be mission ready Friday afternoon.

Boat ride and camp video
Mars Guided Tour, Part 1
Mars Guided Tour, Part 2
Mars Guided Tour, Part 3
S-76 Guided Tour, Part 1
S-76 Guided Tour, Part 2

Elsewhere in today's news, wildfire preparedness in the seaside California community of Malibu is the topic; followed by a story about a sparking big rig that caused a small wildfire near Tehachapi. A wildfire burning in Northern California's Trinity Alps continues to spread; and firefighters tackled a 150-acre wildfire near Yakima, Washington. Interior Secretary Salazar will discuss current logging practices and other related matters for forests in the Northwest in a conference today; and an update on wildfires in New Mexico is up next. Firefighters in Nevada were busy with a couple of wildfires that scorched over 3,000 acres; and a wildfire near Norwood, Colorado, has passed the 500 acre mark. The Bridge Fire has expanded to 1,500 acres as it crossed the border into Bryce National Park in Utah; followed by an update on wildfires burning in Montana's Bitterroot Mountains. Southern Illinois University hosted a wildfire planning session with participation by representatives of several agencies. An update on Alaska's wildfires is provided by a USA Today article. The wildfire in Spain has been contained, but not before it burned over 10,000 acres in a nature park. Firefighters in Lebanon had several more wildfires to deal with yesterday. Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia, is implementing a bushfire plan that could be adapted for use elsewhere.

Prime season for wildfires

Hart Flat fire held to 9 acres

Trinity Alps wildfire 40 percent contained

150 Acre Fire Along Highway 12

Interior secretary to address Northwest forests

New fire ignites 14 miles northeast of Silver City

Crucial Day For Crews On Trailer and Red Rock Fires

Subdivision Evacuated in 500 Acre Wildfire

Fire spreads to Bryce Canyon

New wildfires crop up in Bitterroot

Ball rolling on wildfire protection plan

Alaska's largest wildfire continues to grow

Almería forest fire under control

Forest fires break out in northern Koura region due to strong winds

New bushfire plan for KI