A lightning strike started a forest fire that immediately created problems for fire fighters. Terrain and smoke inhibited the ability to fight the fires.

How are fire behaviour specialists going to analyze a fire they can not see? One of the very basic applications in training fire departments 25 years ago is to allow those professionals to see through smoke. Resources can be maximized, investigations have sight through smoke, rekindles can be seen, lives saved, damage minimized, forests saved and less damage environmentally which includes all life.

Provincial Forestry Department and Fire Departments reporting smoke prohibiting fire fighting. As the Category 5 forest fire was approaching housing development awaiting evacuation, here is what was seen through smoke as the fire moved 300 feet per minute.

The above information was edited from a public fire inquiry because it embarrassed the ruling government. The Premier’s Office told us directly that this public inquiry was based on audio and wasn’t accepting pictures or images. Due to the fact they lost the audio feed during our presentation for the public inquiry, the decision was made to delete our contribution as well as the presentation.

The unfortunate result is being felt today with forest fires out of control and resources effectively blind when they could track the direction of the fire through the smoke giving immediate sight to first response.

For those under evacuation orders, be prepared to follow instruction. Here is a time-lapsed thermal radiation video showing a forest fire building through the smoke. Look at the embers flying miles in front of the fire starting other fires.

Copyright © 2014 Thermoguy. All rights reserved.

Okanagan Mountain Park Fire 2003

Edwin Paynter, Published on 22 Aug 2013

Video of events from the fire and unanswered questions.

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a time where the world’s community can recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on 4th May. On this date you are invited to remember the past firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all