Some smoke is a good sign

There was good news from firefighters battling the Lookout Fire this week when they reported on Monday that although the fire now encompasses 11,174 acres, it has reached a 5% containment level. Over 1,000 personnel are involved in the operation, which includes 65 engines, 19 crews, 13 bulldozers 27 water tenders, 11 masticators, and 7 helicopters.

Part of their work has been focused on the fire’s southwest corner along USFS Road 700. There, crews are clearing hazardous trees and vegetation along Road 2633 and working toward the north. Officials report burning operations to secure those areas will take several days to complete.

Some of the smoke has impacted air operations involving scooper aircraft and helicopters. They have been supplemented by drones that can utilize infrared (IR) imaging as well as scouting out spot fires. The drones are also capable of dropping incendiary “spheres” resembling ping-pong balls. Unlike helicopters, drones can fly in areas of heavy smoke.