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Why Big, Intense Wildfires Are the New Normal
Posted by National Geographic: Melody Kramer on August 28th, 2013
National Geographic: The large wildfire burning in and around Yosemite National Park has already consumed more than 184,000 acres, and shows no signs of slowing down. The blaze, which has been dubbed "Rim Fire," is now the largest fire in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and one of the largest in California's history. elated: "With Rim Fire Near, a Look at Yosemite's History With Fire.")
The Rim Fire is one of more than 30 blazes currently churning across the West. And a combination of higher temperatures, untamed...
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Who Are The Hotshots? A Wildland Firefighting Primer
Posted by National Geographic: Melody Kramer on July 1st, 2013
National Geographic: The 19 firefighters who lost their lives battling a raging wildfire in central Arizona on Sunday were members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite crew of U.S. wildfire firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona.
Hotshot crews-there are roughly 107 in the U.S.-consist of 20 firefighters who have been specifically trained to respond to fires in remote regions with little or no logistical support.
"In the world of wildland firefighting today, the hotshot crews are similar to the Special Forces...