WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 013010

An Op-Ed piece from Southern California argues for initial attack by Very Large Air Tankers like the 747 or DC-10 on future wildfires, in our first wildfire story today (1); and a member of CAL FIRE discusses the importance of mutual aid agreements between rural counties (2). The next article takes a look at the devastation being wrought by insects in Colorado's forests (3); where a number of prescribed burns are planned this spring to decrease the problem (4). Farmers and ranchers in parts of Texas are relieved that heavy rains have dampened the potential for wildfires (5); while an economist from The Wilderness Society weighs in on the debate over the virtues and vices of converting Montana's biomass (6). Another warning about the wildfire danger in Florida has reminded residents to keep a close eye on burning debris piles (7). Reports out of India indicate that mysterious 'volcanic eruptions' in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh have ignited forest fires there (8). A wildfire in Matawaia, New Zealand has finally been controlled after a stiff fight that required the assistance of a trio of heli-tankers (9); but limitations in communicating with Australian travelers in high bushfire risk areas pose a danger, according to some critics (10). The story of a family who lost their home in the Black Saturday bushfires reiterates the premise that hope springs eternal (11); but three new reports from the Victorian government show that citizens simply aren't taking the lessons of Black Saturday to heart in preparing for future bushfires (12). The DC-10 (affectionately dubbed 'Vicki' by Australians) demonstrated its capabilities to government officials at Melbourne's Avalon Airport this past week (13). The public will get a chance to comment on future bushfire strategies in Gosford, New South Wales (14); while a concert in Toodyay helped brighten the outlook of residents recently visited by a devastating bushfire (15). And finally, who does the US military turn to for emergency radios to help with communications in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake but the US Forest Service's National Interagency Fire Center!

(1) Letter: Supertankers could prevent mudslides

(2) No firefighter is an island: Mutual aid serves Nevada County

(3) Spruce beetles still head for the hills

(4) Prescribed burns planned for spring

(5) Storm's heavy rains leave wheat farmers optimistic

(6) Guest opinion: Forest biomass offers Montana promise, pitfalls

(7) Organization Warns Against Hazards of Outdoor Burning

(8) Volcano-like eruptions in Arunachal

(9) Firefighters have Far North forest fire controlled

(10) Fire zones lacking mobile warnings

(11) Hope grows as town is reborn

(12) Fire risk residents failing to heed deadly Black Saturday lesson

(13) 'Vicki' in the sky is ready to give fire the full load

(14) Chance to have say on bushfire strategies

(15) Toodyay benefit concert raises spirits

(16) Wildfire Radios Sent to Haiti