MUST SEE: Striking timelapse video captures historic wildfire in California
theweathernetwork.com
Thursday, August 29, 2013, 8:30 AM -
The battle between forest fires and firefighters continue this summer in Yosemite National Park.
Fortunately, there is some good news for those in the area. The fire is now reportedly 30% contained – up from 20% the day before – and new, innovative tactics are being employed to help aid in the extinguishing of the fire.
The California National Guard deployed a predator drone this Wednesday in an effort to help fight the fire. Although the drone will not be used to directly put out the fire, it will be able to scout ahead and help provide greater insight for ground commanders. The drone will be remotely piloted in order to safely get closer to the fire.
Luckily for the firefighters, the weather has been mildly cooperative as of late and appears to continue to be. Despite the hot afternoons, the nights through to the next morning have been cooler with temperatures under 20°C and some slightly higher humidity as well.
Of course, the biggest help in putting out this forest fire would be finally getting some rain.
In an interview with the Associated Press, regional ecologist of the U.S. Forest Service, Hugh Safford, predicted “[the forest] will burn until we see rain.” Unfortunately for Tuolumne, CA – in which some of Yosemite National Park is based – there is no precipitation in sight over the next two weeks.
The fire has thus burned 192,737 acres – almost 780 square kilometres. The fire has now also cost $39 million. Full containment is expected sometime between September 10 and September 20.
