Tag Archives: wildfire
Severe summer wildfire season could be in store
Wildfires are increasing across the state as drought intensifies in some areas and accelerated drying of native grasses and forage occurs in others. Typical summer drying has accelerated this year, according to Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services department head. Rainfall predictions for the next month-and-a-half indicate the situation is likely to continue. Translation? A severe summer wildfire season could impact the Lone Star State. “The dryness we are currently seeing across portions of the state is generally what we would be experiencing in mid- to… Read More →
Drones and Wildfires
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), generally called drones, are gaining in popularity. Although drones are fun to fly, they can be deadly if flown near wildfires. Drones can interfere with wildland fire air traffic, such as air tankers, helicopters, and other firefighting aircraft that are necessary to suppress wildland fires. Aerial firefighting missions including aerial supervision, air tanker retardant drops, helicopter water drops, and smokejumper paracargo occur between ground level and 200 feet above ground level, which is the same altitude that many hobbyist drones fly. Hobbyist drones and… Read More →
