Photos: Leander, TX Major Brush Fire 6-16-11

[x635 4,066]

Fire in a diffficult to access wooded ravine in a mountainous area. Note Texas is in an exceptional drought and current tempature is 100 and dry with a moderate wind in that area currently. Large amount of fuel compounded by brush clearing dump site for large local residential subdivision (which this fire was in). Numerous local, county, and state resources on scene or responding. Evacuation of 900 homes is in progrss of a nearby developed portion of subdivision, shelter being opened at local HS.

More on the incident, which at the time of this writing is still going:

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/06/16/brush_fire_forces_evacuation.html

[mfc2257 464]

Loving the fill site for the bird!

[FFEMT150 214]

Loving the fill site for the bird!

Adapt and overcome! I liked that too! Great shots Seth. Any details? size, # departments involved?

[x635 4,066]

Loving the fill site for the bird!

It was quite efficient. Due to the exceptional drought, this was the best and quickest water source they could get. That one helicopter made over 50 drops.

Adapt and overcome! I liked that too! Great shots Seth. Any details? size, # departments involved?

Thanks!

Here's a pretty good summary:

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/60-acre-fire-in-leander-mostly-contained-evacuated-1544999.html

[FFEMT150 214]

Did you get a chance to get some shots of those task force brush trucks in action?

[x635 4,066]

Did you get a chance to get some shots of those task force brush trucks in action?

No, the area was really difficult to access and with the winds, terrain, and erradic fire behavior, I wasn't putting myself or any of the firefighters on scene in any danger trying to hike in to get any photos. The brush and terrain also blocked any view of ground operations even from a distance. Not worth it.

But, for example, this is one of the brush trucks that responded:

http://www.x635photos.com/displayimage-233-53.html

[FFEMT150 214]

No, the area was really difficult to access and with the winds, terrain, and erradic fire behavior, I wasn't putting myself or any of the firefighters on scene in any danger trying to hike in to get any photos. The brush and terrain also blocked any view of ground operations even from a distance. Not worth it.

But, for example, this is one of the brush trucks that responded:

http://www.x635photos.com/displayimage-233-53.html

I hear ya. No point in taking the risk. Saw the rigs when you posted them on here a while back, kinda hoped to see some shots of them in action. What can I say... I'm a buff! Again great shots seth. Hope everyone stays safe out there!

[Task Force 7 65]

Nice shots, Seth!! I also love the shot of the STARFLIGHT refilling with water.

[LineCapt 134]

I hate brush fires, this is 100x bigger then anything I would have to deal with probaly ever! Great job on the photos.

[HubEng21 14]

Doesnt seem like a major brush fire now that I have seen what Arizona is going through... These guys have it rough.

[Txfirephoto 19]

I've got a some brush trucks pics from the fire but no action shots tho. If you want I can post some of them?

Did you get a chance to get some shots of those task force brush trucks in action?