https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/stoneham/04231/weather-warnings/2258279
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Welcome to Maine, West Coasters. Hopefully you guys are safe and get this under control. Don't forget to give a little kiss, it will end up in Maine. Stay safe, sorry for all of you.
In my experience, local winds are usually most apparent outside the daily burn window (when the fire is most active, usually about 1400-1800). So in the early morning, you'll see down-slope/down-valley winds, until about 1100 or so when the winds will switch to up-slope/up-valley. These winds are usually pretty light and generally don't cause especially fast fire spread.
Then typically around 1400 or so, whatever general wind is for the day (SW 15-20 for example) tends to set up and that's the wind that'll be pushing your smoke. If you're in an exposed fuel type it'll also push your fire. But if your fire is in the understory of a sheltered forest canopy, very little of that general wind makes it down to the level of the fire itself, so your local winds will probably still be more prevalent.
When it says local winds become more prevalent when general winds are weaker, it's just because the local winds are stronger by comparison. That's my read anyway.
If you're really curious about it, skip ahead and read the slides to S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior, which goes into much more detail about the things you're asking about (local winds start on slide 28).
The other stuff in there, the cover roll stretch, is pretty great for non-foot hotspots, I tried it on my hips for my pack pads and my shoulder for my saw pad and it worked great.
I actually ended up buying a cheap pair on Amazon they were only like 90 bucks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RQFIF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ifnhzbY99ZX3R
They are working fine so far and at that price I could buy 4 pairs and still spend less than whites
As far as detailed, factual studies of historical fires goes, you can’t beat Annabeth Albert. And if you’re looking for more of an introduction to the overall culture, I’d suggest you check out Angus MacGregor. We’re truly lucky to live in a time with so many amazing resources.
I've got your inside scoop on some affordable wool-blend socks.
These were a godsend my first few years before I decided to invest in some Darn Toughs b/c of their warranty. Anyways, People Socks, available on Amazon. I bought 2 of their 4-packs (which way back in 2013 were $24) for my first season and just changed socks every other day. After a couple to three seasons (or sooner if like me you start wearing them all the time) you'll start seeing wear in the heels, but they can be re-darned if you're so inclined.
I have a 2pack of these bad boys that work quite well!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XFBN7HX?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I have a Reebok duffle bag that has suited me well. I also use this backpack to haul shower stuff (flip flops, change of clothes, shampoo and conditioner, brush etc.) What's nice about the backpack is it folds into itself to make it travelable. When I am not using it, I just fold it up and put in my duffle.
Coworkers have used osprey backpacks as well. They just pricey though. Quality but pricey I have heard. My duffle has done well because I just pack a change of clothes and some civvies in case I want to walk somewhere to eat (or go to a bar with the crew on the way back from an assignment) and some other stuff I like to call my last minute stuff.
Cowboy coffee and straining it thru a msr gold mesh filter is my go to. The only bad thing is the coffee comes out so strong, it makes your teeth vibrate.
Boy aren't you in luck... OSHA approved cowboy helmets for everyone! It's even in white so you can be "overhead". At least if your district does the whole helmet color indicates positions of authority.
It's strange casting for the TV adaption of the book "Fire Country: How Indigenous Fire Management Could Help Save Australia, but I'm excited to see how the actor from the hit TV show "Navy Seals" adapts this complex topic.
I've experimented with this. I recommend getting a loadable kettlebell and filling it with sand. Sits better in the rig instead of rolling around smashing things.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/CERBERUS-STRENGTH-Throwing-Bag-Adjustable/dp/B094NF5XBQ
I am here just for firefighter gift ideas. I'm going to buy my firemen a firefighter travel tumbler gift. well, I have chosen a not-bad product and am ready to gift. Giving this <strong>firefighter tumbler</strong> as a gift is certainly a good start.
I got an eighty-pound weight vest off of Amazon, it's been one of the best purchases. It was a daily deal for $80, but currently looks like it's listed at $160, must've been Covid home workout people driving up the price. I use it all the time even several years after training for rookie year. Sorta look like a terrorist walking around town but great for building some sort of accessory muscle base and cardio endurance that you really can't get from the gym, running, or skinning. Can take weights out to make 40, 60 ish pounds for the getups (so you don't blow out your knees).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AJ12MIW/ref=twister_B07CLVBH6R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Pullup bar I drilled a 2x4 into some ceiling joists beneath a deck. Bought a rubber band set from Amazon again to help when I hit failure.
Some brutal runs on ice and in blizzards in northern MT but hey gotta do whatcha gotta do. I can't stand treadmills.
As a formerly certified DOD consumer of crayons, and now on the wildland ff side of consuming crayons, I endorse your message OP, and I must advise these for anyone that really wants to enjoy the experience AND invest in their future of rainbows and sunsets.
Ghosts of the Fire Ground by Peter M. Leschak. Quick read. It's equal parts autobiographical and historical. Peter was manager for a helitack crew in MN(?) so it talks about that some. Talks about landing to avoid storms, hurry up and wait, getting held at home, etc.m Then the other part is about the Peshtigo fire in 1871 that holds the record of deadliest wildfire in US history having killed 1500-2500 people. A lot of the history about it comes from a priest that survived the ordeal. Really enjoyed Leschak's writing style and his philosophy. He's written some other books too that I'd like to sit down and read. Highly recommended.
I got u Link
A facemask of this sort can help if breathing in the cold is uncomfortable. (notice the nose hole so the mouth portion doesnt get iced up)
Get a cheaper one than the one i posted, and layer up. You're an animal, and inside of you burns the demon heart of the great red dragon or some shit
PEOPLE SOCKS Men's Women's Merino wool crew socks 4 pairs 71% premium with Arch support Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CCRK8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FFRGXFE5Q5X7RA7ZJ1DF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 these are what I recommend. I have pairs from my first year in fire 6 seasons ago that are still going strong. Doesn’t hurt the wallet as much and you won’t cry if you lose a pair or two.
https://www.amazon.com/Jumping-Fire-Smokejumpers-Fighting-Wildfire/dp/0156013975
The background is in the book. The short version is he's an Alaskan smokejumper tradition.
FYI I have tested this method with a particulate matter sensor (PM2.5 / PM10) and it really does work, as long as :
1) You reduce the air coming from outside to a minimum. Which is a problem long term since you need to vent indoor spaces after some time. To vent, just vent once, and then filter again and let everything closed. Do not let a continuous trickle of outside air come inside.
2) Only use a MERV 13 filter or above. This is critically important. Also, change the filter once it's dirty, although from my experience, even a moderately dirty filter (slightly gray in color) will still be effective. I have tested and confirmed these filters do a great job. Try buying them outside of the fire season for the best price and availability.
Here is a cheep one I have used backpacking before.
A USB charger that operates on AA batteries. Like this one;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NHWF73W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_7Y2T09MRMPEQJREDAM0S
AA batteries are king on assignments. But also, don't be the guy always on your phone.
Also, a bulk box of emergen-c powder (effectiveness is debatable but I like it). Avoid camp crud and stay healthy.
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Desert-SmarTube-Hydration-System/dp/B000GM6LWS
This is the one I bought. I upgraded the mouth piece with one from a camelback. The straw/ hose things are a tad fragile so I took some old p-hose and cut a segment long enough to fit over it for proper protection .
I work on an engine and invested in a food warming tote that you connect to a 12v oulet(they all have one) Now a get to warm up my food an hour before lunch and it comes out got like if I put it in the microwave. Well worth the 30 bucks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TZKCCV/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_OazMFbZFJ7XDT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Maybe try something along these lines?
Baby wipes aren't going to help for shit. Get a bottle of orange goop or similar. Wash with that stuff, rinse with water. Keep your contacts rinsed with lens solution and the case clean if you're not using dailies (recommended). And like mentioned a couple of spare sets for when you tear or lose one or whatever
I definitely agree. I look at it more as a base fitness/mobility/injury prevention type of thing. I have a separate cardio program that I base off the book Run Faster which I highly recommend.
Ive also been doing this routine from the "hotshot fitness" website as a little experiment, but it also seems a little lacking so far.
All in all the best thing to do is all of the things.
I have this one which is rather lightweight and comfortable. It’s a small packed size that helps you use the smallest backpacking backpack possible. This roomy sleeping pad (78'' x 25'', 2.27lbs ) has increased the thickness of 2.4'' for super comfort; it adopts an ergonomic texture design to the surface, helping people sleep well with more support for better balancing.
It also features a built-in foot pump, allowing you to inflate it within just 3 min by simply pressing the internal inflatable sponge with your foot or hands-- saving your lungs from heavily exerting. This is one of the better sleeping pads on the market as it’s the Amazon choice of inflated sleeping pad.
Would like to try one of yours.
As a side note, myself and the guys on my crew use Repel lemon eucalyptus on ourselves and gear with good results. Link
Buy these pill towels! If you keep certain areas clean, you'll be thanking yourself by day 14.
Avoid fragrant deodorant, certain insects are drawn to the sweet smell, furthermore axe, ass, and body odor is a terrible combo.
Pack more water than you want, you'll never regret it.
Field dress your MREs prior to line work.
Keep your feet dry and pack extra socks. Dry feet = less chance of blisters.
EDIT: Just realized I sound like a MEDL now.