Latest news with #VLAT
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
South Carolina has a Very Large Airtanker fighting fires from above for first time
South Carolina is bringing in the big guns to fight the rapidly expanding Table Rock wildfire. Very Large Airtankers, a type of water-dropping airplane, are on the scene to help first responders. This is the first time in South Carolina history that this type of aircraft has been used in the state, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. The VLAT is just one of five types of aircraft fighting the raging Table Rock Fire, which grew expansively on Thursday, charring nearly 8700 acres as of Thursday evening. The Table Rock Fire continues to rage on Friday, creeping north to burn in Transylvania County as well as the Upstate. Burn bans are in place across the two states and evacuation orders have been mandated for the affected counties. Table Rock Fire is the largest, but not the only, fire burning North Carolina. First responders are also battling a large fire in Polk County, the Deep Woods and Black Cove fires; Swain County, the Alarka Fire; and Haywood County, the Rattlesnake Branch Fire. Very Large Airtankers can deliver thousands of gallons of fire retardant at one time, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. It's the largest type of fire fighting airplane and can hold around 9,400 gallons of flame retardant. The aircraft can hover at least 250 feet above the burning land and deliver the retardant. This airtanker worked to contain the northeast end of the Table Rock fire on Thursday, March 27, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission. There is a lot of air power in South Carolina Friday to help contain the wildfires. In addition to the VLAT, at least four other types of aircrafts are helping first responders dull the fire's rapid blaze. Large airtankers are on the scene. This plane can hold between 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant or water to suprress wildfires. Single-engine airtanks offer additional support, with the capibility to carry 800 gallons fire retardant or water. Additionally, the South Carolina Law Enforcment Division and South Carolina National Guard are operating helicopters to fight the fire from above. See up-to-date information about the active wildfires in the region. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Fighting South Carolina wildfires: What airplanes first responders use
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Live updates: Table Rock wildfires continue to grow, Persimmon Ridge modest expansion
The Table Rock wildfires grew significantly Thursday, while the Persimmon Ridge Fire saw only modest expansion. The Table Rock Fire is now estimated to be 8,679 acres, growing almost exclusively on the northern and western sides of the fire, according to infrared data obtained from a surveillance flight at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The fire burned up the North Carolina state line in several places. The Persimmon Ridge Fire grew to 1,992 acres Thursday, but according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, most of the additional acreage was the result of burnouts that crews could conduct between existing firebreaks and the active fire. The weather conditions that created dramatic fire activity Wednesday were much milder Thursday, allowing crews to strengthen firebreaks along key expanses of both fires, according to the SCFC. According to SCFC, no new evacuation calls were necessary. Existing evacuations remain in place for the same areas east of the Table Rock Fire announced on Wednesday. According to the SCFC, Friday's weather conditions are a concern for increased fire activity. Relative humidity is expected to fall to 23%, and wind gusts could reach nearly 30 mph. A complex incident management team (CIMT) has been shadowing with existing incident command staff all day Thursday to ensure a smooth transition Friday and throughout the next few weeks as the overall response effort grows, according to SCFC. Aviation support was strong on Thursday, as one air tanker (VLAT) and four LATs dropped retardant on the fire's northern edge, according to SCFC. SLED and SCNG helicopters also dropped water on both fires Thursday, as did the Forestry Commission's contracted single-engine air tankers (SEATs), according to SCFC. Thursday was the first drop by a VLAT in South Carolina history. The containment lines on the fire's eastern side are holding very well, as are those on the south, which were fortified by burnouts in and around Table Rock State Park, according to the SCFC. The eastern containment is good news because many homes lie beyond the existing firebreaks. Crews will continue strengthening these lines in the coming days. On Friday, firefighters hope to complete burnouts of unburned areas and focus on improving and holding existing firebreaks. According to the SCFC, Sassafras Mountain Overlook in Pickens County and the road leading up to it, F Van Clayton Memorial Highway, are closed. The Table Rock Public Information Line, 864-467-3428, remains open for wildfire evacuees. The line will be monitored from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have an emergency, call 911. Greenville County Emergency Management and Pickens County, SC are providing more information on Facebook and Instagram. State Fire had 31 brush trucks, 39 engines, 10 UTVs, 11 tankers and 236 firefighters on the incident Thursday. This brings State Fire's overall contributions to the Table Rock Complex to: • 546 firefighters • 30 support staff • 87 engines • 99 brush trucks • 18 battalion chiefs • 12 tankers • 15 UTVs • Total of 255 apparatus • 1 HART Mission (COMMS) • 2 SC-TF1 Comms Techs • 2 SC-TF1 plans team managers A statewide burning ban issued Friday, March 21, remains in effect, according to SCFC. A State Forester's Burning Ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning, campfires, bonfires, and other recreational fires in all unincorporated areas of the state. The ban remains in place for several reasons: Fire danger will be elevated over the next several days as most of the state is forecast to have low relative humidities and higher-than-normal winds, coupled with drying fuels from a lack of significant rain. The ban also helps ease the strain on statewide firefighting resources with so many personnel from the Forestry Commission and local fire departments committed to the Table Rock Complex. Table Rock Fire: 8,679 acres, with a perimeter of 34.8 miles Persimmon Ridge Fire: 1,553 acres, with a perimeter of 12.3 miles Table Rock Fire: 0% containment Persimmon Ridge Fire: 0% containment This is what we know so far about the Table Rock Complex and Persimmon Ridge wildfires, according to the City of Greenville. --A single command center manages the Table Rock Complex Fire and Persimmon Ridge fires. --The wildfires are growing from every angle, according to Emergency Management. --Between Table Rock and Permission Ridge, near Caesar's Head, more than 6,000 acres have burned. --The fire is zero percent contained. --The combination of low relative humidity, gusty winds, and dry fuels will keep the potential for increased fire danger in place Friday and possibly Saturday. --On Saturday, wind gusts will pick up again, ranging from 20 to 25 mph. Read the complete forecast here. Nina Tran Table Rock State Park is closed, and some roadways are closed in Greenville and Pickens counties. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office has issued a closure on Highway 11 between West Gate and Pumpkintown. Traffic will be routed from West Gate to Hickory Hollow Road. This will provide a detour that ensures emergency vehicles have clear access to the wildfire area. From the north, drivers will be redirected to the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 8, connecting to Highway 288. This route will eventually bring travelers back to Highway 11. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has closed Geer Highway (US 276) in both directions from Echo Drive Extension to SC Highway 8. Click here to read the story. Travis Rose The South Carolina Forestry Commission explained how a burnout operation works. According to their post, burnout operations have been used at the Table Rock Complex. In this video, Russell Hubright explains how they work as crews initiated more burnout operations this morning. FAQ: HOW DOES A BURNOUT OPERATION WORK?Burnout operations have been a strategy used at the Table Rock Complex. Russell Hubright explains how they work as crews initiated more burnout operations this morning. Posted by The South Carolina Forestry Commission on Thursday, March 27, 2025 Read the article here. Wildfires in Western North Carolina and South Carolina are prompting evacuations and emergency declarations. Residents are advised to prepare for evacuation by gathering essential items like prescriptions, important documents, and personal needs. During a wildfire, it's crucial to follow instructions from authorities and evacuate immediately if ordered. Did you know that the firefighters fighting the Table Rock and Persimmons Road fires continue fighting the wildfires at night? They do, according to the City of Greenville's social media pages. "The job of fighting wildfires doesn't stop when the sun sets," they wrote. "While we sleep, crews are protecting homes and working against the elements to contain two mountainous fires that continue to grow. Winds are blowing the fire north expanding evacuation zones." See the video below: Although there have been many moments of devastation, there have also been moments of hope mixed in. The City of Greenville shared a story on social media of Greenville City firefighters rescuing a horse. "During his owner's emergency evacuation, Duke ran free," according to the post. "He stayed close to home and returned when the fire was defeated. Firefighters, including Ian Anderson, treated him to apples and head rubs. Crews informed the family that Duke and their home were safe." This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about Table Rock, Persimmon Ridge wildfires, weather
