Shadow Lake Fire (Dial-Up WARNING)

[DemoTex]

The Shadow Lake fire, near Mount Washington in the Deschutes NF, blew up on Monday.
Yesterday (Tuesday) I was in Bend for my one day off in two weeks, and
I saw a steady stream of DC-4 and Convair tankers working on the
Shadow Lake fire. Shadow Lake was up to about 5500 acres early
Wednesday morning.

I was back at the lookout bright and early this morning. This
afternoon I spent six intense hours training a new relief lookout, in
the middle of a west-side lightning bust. There weren't many strikes,
but there were lots of fires. Our woods now carry the highest ERC
(energy release component) I've seen in three years: 74. The Haines
Index is 4, but could increase in the next day or two.

But, the good news is that I'm now back on a 5-on 2-off schedule.
Thank goodness!


The Three Sisters and Broken Top are to the left, and the smoke plume from the Shadow Lake fire is to the right.


Shadow Lake fire blow up (Monday 9/5/11)

[gateley]

1. My God - takes my breath away.

Keep safe! :pals:

[Poll_Blind]

2. Beautiful pics, man! Thanks for posting them!

:thumbsup:

PB

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear DemoTex!

These pics are so dramatic and amazing...

Your stuff is always good, but these are especially so!

Too bad it means the destruction of the forests we love, but still...

I'm thrilled to hear you're back on what passes for normal with your schedule!

:hi:

[stevedeshazer]

4. !

Mt. Washington. Wow.

Glad you have some relief.

Thanks for your excellent pics!

[pinboy3niner]

5. Congrats on your new schedule--that IS good news!

Too bad the fires have to spoil those beautiful, serene vistas. Keep your head down, Mac (when you're not fire-spotting).

:hi:

[pa28]

6. #2 is my new desktop image. n/t