Videos

U.S. Wildfire prep, 2021: Alaska airborne Red Card

“If we didn’t do this training to get the federal Red Card certification, we wouldn’t be able to support the state in every possible scenario. This gives the state the full flexibility to use resources in the National Guard regardless of who’s managing the fire.”-Lieutenant Colonel Michele Edwards, Alaska Army National Guard

Alaska Army National Guard photo by Specialist Grace Nechanicky.

Red Card is also known as Incident Qualification Card, it is a type of fire fighting training that is accepted by various federal and state agencies.  Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 and UH-60 helicopter crews conducted Red Card training on 09JUN2021.

Alaska ANG photo by Specialist Grace Nechanicky.

1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, CH-47 Chinook dragging a 2-thousand-gallon Bambi bucket: “There are no civilian helicopters in state that provide the high-volume, heavy lifts that our CH-47s provide.”-Lieutenant Colonel Michele Edwards, Alaska ANG

Alaska Army National Guard Red Card promotional video by Victoria Granado:

Alaska ANG photo by Dana Rosso.

1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment UH-60 Black Hawk hoisting a 550-gallon Bambi bucket over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Video by Victoria Granado, Alaska ANG Bambi bucket ops:

U.S. Wildfire prep, 2021: CAL FIRE + CAL GUARD + PRISONERS

U.S. Wildfire prep, 2021: EVERGREEN STATE RED CARD

U.S. Wildfires, 2021: Sierra Fire

As expected, 2021 is turning out to big a big fire year for The Golden State, yet another U.S. military base evacuated due to wildfire.

Sierra Fire, 09JUN2021. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Kerstin Roberts.

Not even a month after attempts were made to reduce chances of wildfire, with prescribed burns and training, personnel onboard the U.S. Marine Corps’ Camp Pendleton had to evacuate due to the Sierra wildfire.

S-64E Skycrane. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Kerstin Roberts.

San Diego Sheriff’s Department Bell 205. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Kerstin Roberts.

U.S. Marine Corps video by Corporal Stephen Beard, 1-thousand acres (405 hectares) Sierra Fire, 09-11 June 2021:

The Sierra Fire came despite efforts in May, and early June, to reduce the chance of wildfires.

Prescribed burns, 14MAY2021. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Drake Nickels.

Camp Pendleton Fire Department, and other local agencies, burned more than 120 acres in what’s called prescribed burns, over two days in May.  Prescribed burn explainer video by  Lance Corporal Daniel Medina:

Then at the beginning of June, wildfire training was held for both military and civilian fire fighters.  Interestingly, the Wildland Fire School ended on the same day the Sierra Fire started; June 9th.

Wildland Fire School, 08JUN2021. USMC photo by Corporal Fatima Villatoro.

‘Nat-sound’ video of Wildland Fire School by Lance Corporal Daniel Medina:

U.S. Wildfires, 2021: INTANKO fire evacuates Beale Air Force Base

U.S. Wildfire preps, 2021: CAL FIRE + CAL GUARD + PRISONERS

Wildfire 2020: USMC SNO-CATS FLEE SLINK FIRE

East Idaho Wildfires 2012:

Gettin’ ‘er done!

MAINTENANCE DAY FOR SKYCRANE FIRE FIGHTER @ POCATELLO AIRPORT

U.S. Wildfire preps, 2021: Cal Fire + Cal Guard + Prisoners

HH-60 Pave Hawk practices water drops, 24APR2021. Cal Guard photo by Technical Sergeant Christian Jadot.

Already this year, between January first and April 25th, Cal Fire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) has responded to wildfires that have burned  2,219 acres (898 hectares).

Allen Helibase near Sutter Creek. Cal Guard photo by Senior Airman Melanie L. Nolen.

Between the end of April and end of May 2021, Cal Fire, the California Air and Army National Guard (Cal Guard), and even the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DepCor) joined-up for interagency fire fighting training at several locations through out The Golden State, however, this training was originally planned to take place in 2020: “We had to cancel the event last year due to the pandemic….”-Lieutenant Colonel John Allen, California Army National Guard

Cal Guard explainer video by Staff Sergeant Eddie Siguenza:

Cal Guard photo by Technical Sergeant Christian Jadot.

A California Army National Guard CH-47 about to strap-on a Bambi bucket.  

Allen Helibase near Sutter Creek. Cal Guard photo by Senior Airman Melanie L. Nolen.

Millerton Training Site in Friant, 12MAY2021. Cal Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Eddie Siguenza.

Cal Fire, Cal Guard and DepCor ground crews went through CAL FIRE Type II initial attack training, which included the use of fire shelters, creating fire safety lines, debris clearing, and long hikes with heavy loads into hard to get at areas (you know, infantry stuff).

Cal Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Eddie Siguenza.

Cal Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Eddie Siguenza.

Cal Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Eddie Siguenza.

Prison fire fighters with DepCor are indicated by their orange suits.

U.S. Wildfire preps, 2021:

EVERGREEN STATE RED CARD

Wildfires 2019:

RED BANK & SOUTH FIRE HELICOPTER OPS

Wildfires 2018: CALIFORNIA FIRES MAKE AT LEAST 1-MILLION TONS OF WASTE!

U.S. Wildfire preps, 2021: Evergreen State Red Card

“We have been actively responding for the past 15 months to the CoViD-19 pandemic. With vaccination rates improving and the state getting set to reopen in June, we are shifting our focus back to supporting our fight against summer fires.”-Major General Bret Daugherty, Washington National Guard

Washington National Guard photo by Peter Chang.

Now that (apparently) the pandemic-panic-attack is over (in the U.S.), more than 2-hundred Washington state militia personnel attended Red Card basic training towards the end of May, 2021.

Washington National Guard video report, by Peter Chang, Red Card training on Fort Lewis McChord:

Red Card is also known as Incident Qualification Card, it is a type of fire fighting training that is accepted by federal and various state agencies.

Washington National Guard photo by Joseph Siemandel.

More than 4-thousand-5-hundred Washington National Guard personnel have taken part in fire fighting since 2013.  Fire fighting authorities knew going into 2021 that it was going to potentially be a catastrophic fire year, due to massive drought through out the western U.S.

MAFFS prep, Wildfires 2021: CALIFORNIA

U.S. Wildfires, 2021: INTANKO

California: MAFFS prep wildfire 2021

California Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ulber.

During the first week of May 2021, California and Nevada Air National Guard C-130H and C-130J crews took part in Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) training on San Bernardino Air Tanker Base, California.

California ANG photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ulber.

California Air National Guard video ‘explainer’ interview, by Technical Sergeant Nieko Carzis:

California ANG photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ulber.

California ANG photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ulber.

California ANG ‘nat-sound’ video by Technical Sergeant Nieko Carzis:

California ANG photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ulber.

MAFFS prep, wildfire 2021:

 COLORADO

2017: IDAHO CONDUCTS MASSIVE MAFFS TRAINING, IN PREPS FOR HOT WILDFIRE SEASON!

2016:  Another C-130 converted to MAFFS, U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense expecting hotter fire seasons?

1977: My little brother, Ernie, enjoying his tour of a C-130 at Edwards AFB Open House.

45 YEARS OF C-130 MAFFS OPS. WHO WOULD’VE KNOWN WILDFIRES WOULD BECOME SUCH A PROBLEM?

MAFFS preps, Wildfire Season 2021: Colorado

Wyoming Air National Guard photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

U.S. Air Force Reserve and Wyoming Air National Guard C-130 crews took part in Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) training during the week of 10 thru 15 May, 2021.

Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

The weeklong training and certification took place out of U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service’s Jeffco Airtanker Base, with the C-130s conducting water drops on nearby Arapaho/Roosevelt and Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

Video by Technical Sergeant Justin Norton, ground test of the U.S. Forest Service’s MAFFS unit 10MAY2021 at Peterson Air Force Base (AFB), Colorado:

Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

Video report by Michael Dougherty:

Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

Video by Staff Sergeant Laura Turner, MAFFS training drop over Hayman Burn Scar:

Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

Wyoming ANG photo by Technical Sergeant Jon Alderman.

14JUN2021:  Cold Creek Fire, Idaho

2020: MAFFS BIRD FLIES VENTILATORS TO NEW YORK AND ALL POINTS EAST

2017: MAFFS BOMBS IDAHO!

Cold Creek Fire Near American Falls, Idaho, 20210614

©Satoita 2021

A fire began today on June 14th, 2021, this afternoon around 15:30, according to Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center. Deputies are asking residents to evacuate.

View from Chubbuck, Idaho. ©Satoita 2021

View from Chubbuck Road, with Simplot in the distant left. ©Satoita 2021

Heading towards American Falls. ©Satoita 2021

View SSE from Interstate 84 ©Satoita 2021

©Satoita 2021

©Satoita 2021

The smoke was screening the valley along Sunbeam Road. ©Satoita 2021

It seems that there were two fires when visiting the area, this is confirmed by other news reports.

©Satoita 2021

©Satoita 2021

©Satoita 2021

This is as far as anyone was allowed to drive, the Sho-Ban Fire Department was asking everyone to turn around. They were also visiting residences. Below is some footage of the fire as we drove away. About halfway in you can see the Fire Department vehicles. (Which oddly smelled like gasoline…)

2017: IDAHO CONDUCTS MASSIVE MAFFS TRAINING, IN PREPS FOR HOT WILDFIRE SEASON!

2012: POCATELLO BURNING! EVACUATIONS! SOUTHEAST IDAHO BURNING! BANNOCK COUNTY BANS FIREWORKS, DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY!

U.S. Food Crisis: “Exponentially bigger” “Ghosts in the land.”

Incomplete list of main stream news links announcing United States food supply shutdowns, emergencies, outbreaks and recalls as of 02 June 2021:

ARIZONA: Arizona National Guard video, by Specialist Thurman Snyder, of state militia food operations due to pandemic/private sector logistics failure, at Nogales warehouse, 01JUN2021:

CALIFORNIA:  Restaurant prices going up!

Oakland Athletics reveals how bad the food is that is being served to minor league players: “…this is far from an isolated incident in Minor League baseball. Each and every day, I hear directly from players about the myriad ways in which they are being mistreated.”-Harry Marino, Advocates for Minor Leaguers

COLORADO:  JBS Foods hacked, could cause food prices to rise!

SOUTH CAROLINA: Spartanburg food pantries, soup kitchen anticipate increased need.

TEXAS: Restaurant workers began fleeing the industry before the pandemic!

UTAH: Labor shortage for restaurants is ‘acute’.

WASHINGTON: King’s Command recalls meat products due to labeling problems.

Farmers excited about new pandemic rules for migrant workers!

Washington DC:  Politicians call for temporary emergency food program for children to become permanent!

U.S. Food Crisis, March 2021: MILITARY DISTRIBUTION SUCCESS PROVES THE MARKET SYSTEM HAS FAILED!

U.S. military global disaster prep/response, May 2021

ALBANIA: 

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Elizabeth O. Bryson.

Volunteers with the Albanian Red Cross put on public displays of their abilities to save lives, in Vlore.  This is in conjunction with the U.S. Army’s Defender Europe-21 wargames.

U.S. Army (USA) video report by Sergeant John Todd, about humanitarian road building project:

EL SALVADOR:

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Marleah Cabano.

The U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) 12th Air Force helped the USA conduct disaster response Resolute Sentinel-21, by providing medical personnel to treat 2-thousand-469 Salvadorans during a two weeks period.

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Marleah Cabano.

USA veterinarians also treated hundreds of farm animals: “We provided anthrax vaccine to the cattle, which is a disease of human and animal health concern. We also provided pasteurella and blackleg, which are cattle diseases of economic concern. Then we dewormed them for internal and external parasites, and we also provided them with a vitamin A, E, and D injection to help with their weight gain and feed conversion.”-Major Jeffrey Baravik, U.S. Southern Command’s Task Force Bravo

JAPAN: The USAF deployed RQ-4 Global Hawk ‘drones’ to Yokota Air Base on 22MAY2021.  Not only is the RQ-4 used for combat, it can also be used for reconnaissance of natural disaster areas.  USAF video by Yasuo Osakabe:

KENYA:

U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Daniel Asselta.

The USAF’s 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supported Horn of Africa disaster relief operations, while based on Manda Bay.

HONDURAS: U.S. Southern Command’s Task Force Bravo conducted a rapid response to a natural disaster exercise on Soto Cano Air Base.  The training was meant to increase co-operation between helicopter rescue units of the U.S., Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran militaries.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Lauren Brune.

After the rapid response exercise, on 20MAY2021 it was revealed that a new helicopter landing area was built in Tegucigalpa, to increase response time.

USMC photo by Sergeant Lauren Brune.

On 25MAY2021, U.S. funded CoViD-19 medical supplies were delivered to the Hospital Policlinico triage clinic in Siguatepeque.

USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Amanda Stanford.

The massive medical disaster response Resolute Sentinel-21 also took place in Honduras.

May 2021: U.S. FEMA REGIONS PREP FOR DISASTER & SPEND YOUR MONEY LIKE IT’S WATER

Pacific Ring of Fire: WARNINGS FOR ALASKA, HAWAII & WASHINGTON

FEMA Regions prep for disaster & spend your money like it’s water, May 2021

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has ten areas of responsibility.  The U.S. Department of Defense, state militias, and local emergency responders, work closely with FEMA to prepare for disasters.

Disney Institute Joins FEMA on Whole-of-America Response to CoViD-19

FEMA Issues Public Notice under disaster declaration DR-4595-KY

FEMA Updates State-Specific CoViD Funeral Assistance Information

FEMA Announces Operational Guidance for Disaster Response and Recovery in Pandemic Environment

On 06MAY2021, FEMA mass-vaccination sites in Region 4 & 7 claim to have administered 1-million doses of CoViD-19 drugs.  FEMA mass-vax sites are actually run by U.S. Army Northern Command and utilize personnel from the different branches of the military.  Slideshow by Technical Sergeant Megan Floyd:

Region 1: Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program Receives Grant for More Than $1.9 Million

Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut Seeks more FEMA Reimbursement

FEMA Reimburses Bridgeport Hospital $8 Million for CoViD-19 

Department of Housing and Community Development Receives Nearly $7 Million FEMA Grant

More Than $41 Million Grant Provided to Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for CoViD-19

Massachusetts Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Sara Kolinski.

Army and Air National Guard personnel, and local emergency responders, took part in a ‘downed aircraft’ emergency on Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, 13MAY2021.

Region 2:

Pennsylvania Air National Guard photo by Master Sergeant Brandy Fowler.

New Jersey and New York National Guard personnel traveled to Pennsylvania’s (Region 3) Fort Indiantown Gap to conduct Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear response training, 19MAY2021.

Puerto Rico Army National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant Marimar Rivera Medina.

Puerto Rico National Guard fought real wildfires near Cayey, on 22MAY2021.

Region 3: Greenbelt Metro Vaccination Center in Maryland will Close

FEMA halted its operations at a mass-vax site in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ANG photo by Master Sergeant Brandy Fowler.

On 22MAY2021, Pennsylvania National Guard personnel conducted HAZMAT training, on Fort Indiantown Gap, for visiting National Guard units from other states/FEMA Regions.

Region 4:  $6.6 million for Orange Beach debris removal after Hurricane Sally

$6.5 Million Approved to Acquire 31 Flood-Prone Properties in Pender County

FEMA Approves 22 Additional Counties for Individual Assistance

Photo by Jenn DeHaan.

In Kentucky, Fort Knox fire fighters took part in an open manhole victim rescue training put on by Hardin County Water District-1.

FEMA Issues Public Notice for 29 Tennessee Counties

Tennessee Air National Guard photo Master Sergeant Mike R. Smith.

On McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, in Tennessee, a class was given on how to respond to an ‘active’ shooter (as opposed to an inactive shooter?).

U.S. Army photo by Scott C. Childress.

The U.S. Army has been experimenting with something they call a Speed Bag, on Fort Rucker, Alabama.  It is intended to allow fast delivery by helicopter of medical/emergency supplies.  I don’t know how much taxpayer money has been spent on the Speed Bag, but it looks like your usual insulated foam cooler box to me.

Town of North Topsail Beach Awarded $4.5 Million for Emergency Measures for Hurricane Florence

Town of Oak Island Awarded $1.3 Million for Debris Removal After Hurricane Isaías

FEMA Awards Indian River County $2.33 Million for Hurricane Dorian Beach Renourishment

FEMA approves $1.3 million for Gulf Breeze Hurricane Sally debris removal

FEMA Awards City of New Smyrna Beach $2.5 Million to Rebuild, Elevate Flood-Prone Homes

FEMA approves $2.27 million for Hurricane Michael recovery expenses

FEMA approves $36.3 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants

FEMA approves $11.4 million in Hurricane Michael Public Assistance grants

FEMA Awards $17.6 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery

FEMA Awards Miami-Dade County $1.46 Million for Hurricane Irma Repairs

FEMA Awards $2.67 Million for Hurricane Irma Recovery

FEMA approves $2 million for Bay County emergency bypass pump

Photo by Sergeant First Class Carmen Fleischmann.

Florida Army National Guard learn to use the Tampa Microwave 95cm satellite antenna while training on Camp Blanding, for disaster response.  The antenna is part of the Joint Tactical Expeditionary Kit that allows phone communications for emergency responders during natural disasters.

The U.S. Air Force conducted Ready Eagle disaster response training on Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, 21MAY2021. Video report by Paul Wenzel:

Region 5: FEMA Awards $1.5 Million to Jefferson County, Wisconsin

FEMA Awards $4.1 Million for Community Safe Rooms

FEMA Provides $3.7 Million to City of Alton, Illinois

FEMA Provides $17.9 Million to NorthShore University Health System

FEMA Provides $1.3 Million to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer Second Class Brigitte Johnston.

U.S. Naval Station Great Lakes Police, Fire, and Emergency Services training during Citadel Gale 2021.  It is a disaster exercise held in Illinois every year.

FEMA Provides $16.3 Million to Michigan for CoViD-19

FEMA Provides $4 Million to Northwood University

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Charles T. Fultz.

U.S. Air Force personnel practiced large scale medical transfer of disaster victims on Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, 24MAY2021, during Mobility Guardian 2021.  The training involved transferring victims from C-17 cargo aircraft to busses.

USAF photo by Airman First Class Matthew Porter.

Mobility Guardian 2021 also tested the use of robots (semi-autonomous quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle).

New York National Guard Photo by Sergeant Sebastian Rothwyn.

National Guard/Army Reserve’s Guardian Response 2021 disaster response exercise was held April 12th to May 8th at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, in Indiana.  4-thousand-2-hundred personnel from U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard units from across the U.S. took part.

Photo by Staff Sergeant Eric W. Jones.

Military veterinarians also took part in Guardian Response, training with animal simulators (robots) to learn how to care for pets and farm animals: “We were clipping goat hooves and testing for parasites when we got a call from the decontamination line that a dog needed treatment for potential exposure to toxic chemicals. The dog had a temperature of 106 degrees [F] and was breathing heavily, and had a fast pulse. We started cooling measures by putting water on his paw pads and gave him room temperature fluids, reducing his temperature and then moved him to the veterinarian for treatment.”-Specialist Emily Zygarowski

FEMA Provides $4.7 Million to the Minnesota Department of Health

FEMA Provides $8.5 Million to the Minnesota Department of Health for Vaccine Distribution

Region 6: Oklahoma Air National Guard joined with local emergency responders to conduct a 72 hours training event, responding to natural and human made disasters. Video report by Leanna Maschino:

Region 7: FEMA Awards $50 million to Nebraska for Spencer Dam Project

Region 8: FEMA Supported Community Vaccination Site in Pueblo Will Close

FEMA Provides an Additional $1.8 Million to Thornton for CoViD-19

FEMA Sponsored Art Installation Opens in Denver

FEMA Provides an Additional $3.1 Million to Montana for COVID-19 Response

FEMA Provides Nearly $1.9 Million in Additional Funding to Montana for CoViD-19

FEMA Provides an Additional $3.4 Million to North Dakota for COVID-19 Response

FEMA Provides $1.6 Million to Stutsman County for Flood Recovery

South Dakota Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Taylor Solberg.

South Dakota’s Air National Guard 114th Fighter Wing tested its Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer (DRMKT) by having militia personnel eat their meals from the DRMKT, 27MAY2021.

South Dakota ANG photo by Senior Airman Taylor Solberg.

The DRMKT is a customized trailer.

FEMA Provides an Additional $13.3 Million to Utah for CoViD-19 Response

Region 9:

Arizona Army National Guard photo by Specialist Thurman Snyder.

More than a year later, Arizona National Guard is still conducting food distribution operations under the guise of CoViD pandemic-panic-attack!

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Spur Fire

It seems the California Air National Guard, and other emergency responders, have been experiencing electronic attacks/problems on its communications systems during wildfire season, as $45-thousand were awarded to ‘innovators’ who took part in the National Security Innovation Network’s Beat the Blaze competition.  The ‘hackathon’ competition revealed there are problems with disaster response communications and data sharing: “This is helping us tackle a very important operational problem of data integration and dissemination….”– Lieutenant Colonel Michael Baird, California Air National Guard

Region 10: FEMA Awards $22 Million to Idaho for CoViD-19

FEMA Awards $7.5 Million to Alaska for CoViD-19 Response

USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Benjamin Wagar.

On Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, U.S. Air Force and local fire fighters conducted a week long training event, called Super Drill.  It included scenarios like responding to high-rise building fires and clearing roads of downed trees.

 

Pacific Ring of Fire, May 2021, FEMA Regions 9 & 10: WARNINGS FOR ALASKA, HAWAII & WASHINGTON

FEMA Region 3, January 2020: U.S. ARMY DEPLOYS!

July 2019: THE U.S. MILITARY TRAINS TO SAVE YOUR PET FROM DISASTER!