REPORT
We just came down from watching a helicopter start backfires on a
ridge to the East of Madera Canyon. Another helicopter was dumping
water on some naturally-started hot spots E and N of Jack Mtn. as we
watched. We were on the ridge and at the microwave site. There was
some fairly light smoke drifting over from the backfires. We didn't go
into any building. So we don't have an ultimate answer. Last Friday,
when the smoke was very thick, there was a strong smell of smoke
inside the 60, 48 and PAIRITEL chambers or the HAT shed, and I expect
the same for the MMT. But there was no apparent damage. I expect there
will be soot inside tels and instruments, but we won't get to inspect
those closely, at least until Wednesday and perhaps later.
PHOTOS:
Backfires on ridge E of Madera Canyon 1.
Backfires on ridge E of Madera Canyon 2.
Backfires on ridge E of Madera Canyon 3.
Burn patterns on Wrightson (estimate: 40% of W face burned), Jack Mtn. in
foreground.
Helicopter resting after "ping-pong" backfire drops.
Truck loading water for firefighters on the ridge. Note the name below
the radiator grille.
