Fire photographer Ryan Grothe sent over some eye candy from the Highland Fire south of Palm Springs, California, which forced evacuations of over 4000 people earlier this week.
“The Highland Fire was started on October 30 around 12:30,” wrote Grothe. “Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire was moving at a dangerous rate of spread. Numerous structures and houses have been destroyed, and one firefighter was injured while fighting the fire. As of now, the fire is 20 percent contained. Crews have been fighting the fire from both the ground and air.”
Ryan Grothe
Instagram: Palomar_airportfire_photo
Retardant drops were critical to the quick containment of the October 30 Highland Fire in southern California. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
Retardant drops were critical in the rough and steepo country where the Highland Fire burned in southern California. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
Retardant drops on the Highland Fire helped slow the fire spread, increasing both safety and effectiveness for the firefighters on the ground. Six crews and 52 engine companies responded. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
One of Neptune’s BAe 146 airtankers on the Highland Fire. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
One of the homes lost to the Highland Fire — on the east side, not far from the point of origin. The wind was causing all sorts of chaos out there and had destroyed just 7 structures out of more than 2300 threatened. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
Lead plane brings in another airtanker drop on the fire. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
One of Neptune’s BAe 146 airtankers drops retardant on the Highland Fire. October 30 photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
Neptune’s Tankers 1 and 2 were among the five airtankers responding to the Highland Fire in southern California. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
Erickson Aero Tanker: Md87 airtankers 106, 107, and 108 were a major part of the air show over the Highland Fire. Photo ©2023 Ryan Grothe
At least 5 helicopters also worked on the October 30 Highland Fire, pushed hard by Santa Anas, in southern California. Here Helicopter Transport Services 79R makes a drop over rough ground. Photo ©2023 Ryan GrotheCal Fire estimated containment at 25 percent by mid-day today, November 2, and said the fire, now just under 2500 acres, may be fully contained by November 8. More than 1200 personnel were working on the fire today, and it was hoped that power could soon be restored to powerlines that were shut down along Highway 79.
THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS, RYAN GROTHE!