Eureka Times Standard (California)
Copyright 2006 Times - Standard
All Rights Reserved
It’s not just dangerous out there fighting the rash of fires engulfing tens of thousands of acres of Northern California — it’s gotten downright deadly.
Aviation officials are investigating this weekend’s crash of a huge Sikorsky Type I helicopter, which slammed into the Klamath River for reasons still being determined. Two people aboard the craft died.
Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the two who perished. Also, our appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice of those men, and for the ongoing sacrifices of the many still on the fire lines.
Meanwhile, lightning has touched off new blazes as firefighters struggle to contain fires already burning and nearby residents face a growing pall of smoke over their region.
Among the few bright spots in the situation is that area communities are not threatened so far, and that the fires are nature-caused. Campers and residents are apparently heeding warnings to be cautious with their use of fire, including cigarettes and matches, and that’s a good thing.
The current rash of blazes is bad enough, without a careless or thoughtless few literally adding fire to the fuel of dry tinder.
Again, best of luck to those who are battling the flames — and stay safe.