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August 20, 2007

Zaca Fire From A Bird's Eye

 
Zaca Fire helicopter pilot Desiree Horton takes a moment before returning to 16 hour shifts to describe her activities as part of a combined assault on the mile wide flame front heading towards Hwy 33 on Friday the 17th;

"....A combined effort of the helicopters throwing fire from the dozer lines to burn towards the flame front, the water drops to stop the spots, and the ground guys who are the real heroes and in the most risky business of all slowed the fire that day. Every time a spot would cross over the line, guys on the ground would come in and attack the fire by hand, digging line around it and doing what they do down there. I even saw dozers run line right next to the spots, and these spots I’m talking are huge, taller than the dozer. I can only imagine the heat. While we flew next to the fire to throw psd balls down to stop it coming towards the line the heat was so intense even from the air. It was amazing to watch all of the ships but mostly those crews on the grounds with only their safety zones cut out by dozers to take shelter if the fire jumps the line and heads their way. The chills I experienced were from the satisfaction of getting into some risky areas and throwing fire to fight fire. It was truly amazing....." Continue reading at Desiree's Copter Chick blog.

Thank you Desiree, your unique perspective is an amazing contribution to the Zaca Fire story.


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