Above: Tanker 07, a P2V, drops on the Red Canyon Fire July 9, 2016. Photo by Bill Gabbert.
The lightning-caused Red Canyon Fire was reported at 12:45 p.m. MDT on Saturday 9 miles southwest of Pringle, South Dakota but an aggressive attack on the ground and from the air stopped it at 13 acres.
In addition to engines, and water tenders and four hand crews, at least 10 aircraft joined the battle. We were there for a couple of hours and observed one large air tanker, at least five single engine air tankers, one Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter, a lead plane, an air attack ship, and an Astar B3 helicopter.
With the assistance of dozers, firefighters had constructed a line around the blaze by 6 p.m.
The fire will be staffed all night. Breakfast for 60 people has been requested to be delivered to the fire scene at 6 a.m. on Sunday and the day shift will be briefed at 7 a.m.
Fire Aviation has a photo gallery of aircraft being used on the fire.
How close was the actual fire to the FLDS “compound” near there? Were firefighters prepared to enter the compound if the fire worsened and threatened the inhabitants? Had the fire grown in size, would the people of the compound allowed firefighters within their property boundaries?
With an earlier fire near there some time ago, it is understood that the members of the FLDS staunchly refused any entry by the authorities concerned with the welfare of the families living there.
The Captain on T-07 is Brad Ruble. Right after this drop he was dispatched to JEFCO. Brad also has a son named Gordon Ruble who is a smoke jumper with the BLM out of Boise.
Thank you, Bill , for the informative briefing in regards to the Red Canyon Fire….was good to wake up early this morning and gain current information about the fire status. My son is there on site working the fire line, reassuring to know the fire is controlled and the fire crew is safe……also , comforting to know he received a hearty breakfast this morning to start his day. Continue the good work , I will look for more of your wildfire articles.
Anonymous,
western Black Hills
Please thank your son for me. My parents live out there and the fire was really close to their property, it may have even burned some of it. I know all the hard work that goes in to firefighting, all the long hours and days away. My husband is a firefighter with the FS here in ND. I’m always thankful when he calls and comes home.