Orange County Fire Chief: "Had We Had More Air Resources, We Would Have Been Able To Control This Fire,"

"If the weather cooperates, maybe we can turn the tide," he said.

Crews were anticipating an injection of additional firefighters and equipment from other states, mostly throughout the West. Frustration over the firefighting effort began to emerge Tuesday when a fire official said not enough had been done to protect homes.

Orange County Fire Chief Chip Prather told reporters that firefighters' lives were threatened because too few crews were on the ground. He said a quick deployment of aircraft could have corralled a massive blaze near Irvine.

"It is an absolute fact: Had we had more air resources, we would have been able to control this fire," he said.

The fires have burned 410,000 acres, or about 640 square miles, causing at least $100 million in damage. Twenty-one firefighters and at least 24 others have been injured. One person was killed by the flames, and the San Diego medical examiner's officer listed four other deaths as connected to the blazes.

Read entire story here.

Comments

[VogonsCryptolect]

I was away for a while folks, can someone explain what this insane new format is about? It seems to reflect the fundamental lack of coherence exemplified by most of the posters and bloggers here at Huffpoo, not to mention the queen bee herself and her faithful followers.

It seems to turn the thread into an incoherent ramble of disjointed comments. Why would they purposefully design it this way???

Anyone?

[lornejl]

Create your own site if you are displeased, thats what a real strapping entrepreneur would do.I'm sure a repub such as yourself could create a much better website.

[lornejl]

Side note, there is a shitload of money in it, Arianna lives very well.

[repubesnivel]

Geez, Vogons, can't you take a frickin' hint?

This format was designed to people like you couldn't cope and would go away.

See ya.

[ownsthepodium]

That's hilarious seeing as it took repubesnivel three days to get oriented.

[VogonsCryptolect]

This post exemplifies the incoherence I spoke about above. I assume someone here can translate this gibberish into a clear statement for you.

[JamesR.]

They do it just to piss off pseudo-int­ellectuals as yourself. Maybe you could work up some code for HuffPo, in like the next minute and fix it to your liking. Then you could hop on your Lear and head to Valhalla and say to yourself. "Well that was easy."

[forpeace]

*

"VogonsCryptolect
I was away for a while folks.....­....."
==========­==========­==

You meant, you were away using this username, right?

..........­...but you were here under different names.

Do you really think people are Dumb?!

*

[VogonsCryptolect]

My only other valid username is listed below... errr ah above... errr ah sideways..­. oh forget it.

I was in Malawi, I sent a 'postcard' in one day when we were in town, it appears to have been to threatening to remain in my history, though for the life of me I cannot figure out why.

Oh well...

[Richard729]

Just like Hurricane Katrina, there will be plenty of recriminations and calls for more disaster preparedness. But, the truth is, Santa Ana winds this strong with record dry conditions in Southern California nothing can be done to stop the force of the fires. The idea that more water-carrying planes could have helped a little bit is true but the fact is you simply cannot staff and prepare for disasters of this magnitude.

If we had a government serious about responding to natural disasters we would have seen some positive results long ago. But, everything exists only on paper, just like food inspection, air quality, port inspections, highway safety, bridge reconstruction, tunnels, subways, sewer systems, all of which are deteriorating beyond the imagination. We can't even get this mob of Republicans who control our government to take care of millions of children and adults who are without health care.

And, anyone who thinks the Democrats are in the majority all they have to do is look at the record for the last year. Everything Bush and the Republicans have demanded, they’ve gotten -- mainly because of the total absence of leadership from the Democratic Party so-called leadership.

Just about every hospital is understaffed, under-funded and totally incapable of treating massive casualties which will inevitably happen due to man-made or natural disasters. How can we possibly think anyone really cares deeply enough to prepare for massive fires which will destroy property and lives when we can't even prepare for minor emergencies? The truth is, WAR is this government's priority and WAR above everything else, is Bush's raison d'être and his elixir.

As long as G. W. Bush has his underground bunker where he and his Gestapo can retreat to after he unleashes nuclear holocaust, what does he care if the rest of the country turns to ashes and cinders?

[PaceSetter]

Bush wants the perception of this disaster to be the "Anti-Katrina" solely because there is a huge rich white GOP voting base living in San Diego/Orange County area.

They're trying to get California to change how electoral college votes are distributed in the next election so that the votes of these very same folks who are now homeless will be cast for the GOP candidate. If they're unhappy with the response then regardless of how the votes are distributed, California goes Democratic in '08.

Camp Pendleton officials are recommending that military members and their families pack personal belongings and water in anticipation of an evacuation. This fire was said to have been started by firefighters setting back-fires.

Sending troops into harms way in Iraq while burning down their houses and not looking after their families back home ain't gonna endear these voters to Dear Leader nor the Grand Oil Party party even if Rove was still sitting in Washington working on full spin-cycle.

[godlessclif]

Barbara Boxer is retarded. She said the fire would contribute to Global Warming.

Burning wood does not add to global warming. Only FOSSIL fuels. Does Boxer understand what a fossil is? Does she grasp Global Warming is cause by adding CO2 to the atmosphere LONG TERM not short term.

[NewRiver]

The answers to your questions would be no and no.

[JackSlappyNotYourPappy]

.

And yet she is still intellectually light years ahead of any her repug counterparts!

Dont that just chaff your fat flabby ass?
.

[ownsthepodium]

but...but.­..but...Re­publicans!

[repubesnivel]

Oh, hiya JackSlap..

I've been wondering how you're doing, and did your family get out okay?

[realpolitic]

To Conservativealist who doubts global warning: How about the fact that most of the south is undergoing a severe drought. Most of the water supply of Atlanta comes from two lakes and they may be entirely dried up in three months time. Do conservatives drink water, too, or just kool aid?

[MEM71]

Last I heard Kool Aid is made with water so I guess they drink water. Although I'm not sure they know where drinkable water comes from,
ooh ooh I know, I bet they will say Wal-mart..­...

[SpookyTooth]

Have you people no shame?

How sad that people spend so much time trying to show their 'greatness' by arguing about who speaks French better, about who is or isn't a fascist, about who is using which phony name or is more of a puppet, while thousands are homeless and sleeping in shelters and stadiums because of the fires. And thousands are putting their lives at stake trying to help their fellow man, but your mindless arguing is more important to you.

No wonder we have gone from being the most respected country in the world to being the most laughed at. Meanwhile, all you small, uncaring, unconcerned children squabble like 2 year olds.

But this post, just like the fires, the homes lost, the LIVES lost, the people putting their lives on the line, all the thousands of volunteers, will still be ignored - better to one-up the other poster just to make yourself SEEM important.

Shame on you people!

[sarcasticennui]

"How sad that people spend so much time trying to show their 'greatness' by arguing about who speaks French better, about who is or isn't a fascist, about who is using which phony name or is more of a puppet,.."


None of that was discussed on THIS thread.

Piss off, purity troll.

[SpookyTooth]

It WAS on there last night. I tried to post this but the HuffPo shut down for nightly repairs. Looks like they removed all those posts in French and the ones about fascism and other crap having nothing to do with the fires. But your post shows I struck a nerve, doesn't it?

Again, nice show of concern for your fellow man. Obviously, people who care aren't welcome on 'your' blog. Piss on you, you pitful little underachieving nobody.

[SpookyTooth]

Is this what you prefer?

Neoknot2u (See profile | I'm a fan of Neoknot2u)
I have been on the blog all day with a different name. It has been great fun watching you fools trash demsrnuts thinking it was me, while I post away as someone else. You idiots are an entertaining lot. Keep up the good work, I laughed my butt off.
Have a great day assholes!

Reply | Favorite| Flag as abusive | posted 02:44 pm on 10/24/2007

[SpookyTooth]

Maybe THIS is what you prefer:

Neoknot2u (See profile | I'm a fan of Neoknot2u)
I have been on the blog all day with a different name. It has been great fun watching you fools trash demsrnuts thinking it was me, while I post away as someone else. You idiots are an entertaining lot. Keep up the good work, I laughed my butt off.
Have a great day assholes!

Reply | Favorite| Flag as abusive | posted 02:44 pm on 10/24/2007

[SpookyTooth]

Or this:

Firaxis (See profile | I'm a fan of Firaxis)
The many would be libruls. They are party of perpetual victimhood and government largesse.

Reply | Parent | Favorite| Flag as abusive | posted 02:39 pm on 10/24/2007

[JamesR.]

(ruler smacks knuckles) Thwaaaaaack!

Thank you Sister Mary Elephant.

[sarcasticennui]

Probably the shop teacher, Sister Mary Black and Decker.

[MEM71]

No wonder we have gone from being the most respected country in the world to being the most laughed at. Meanwhile, all you small, uncaring, unconcerned children squabble like 2 year olds.

This Country has lost the respect it used to have because of BUSH! Plain and Simple!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRunnL8Kk9c

[eastearll]

All of our fire fighting aircraft are in Iraq dumping water in the desert! What an idiot!

[heardingcats]

umm...the fire fighting aircraft can not fly in high wind or at night. SoCal has the planes it needs to fight the annual fires, just not this many at one time.

As to your last part of the comment - I agree.

[Ping]

Because they fly low and slow, which is the most dangerous situation for a pilot. Those guys have balls, cause if they have to take their plane down it's in the middle of a raging fire.

[Gumby123]

Comparisons between Katrina and this disaster -

First, instead of Democrats (Nagin and Blanco) we have Republicans (Sanders and Schwarzenegger).

Second, the locals (Cities and County) had a plan that was implemented. At times it was strained but it worked. You could deduct points since there was only a 4 year period from the last major fire event (Cedar). They learned lessons there, corrected and implemented. There was also a lot of discussion between the locals and the State.

Third, California Democrats are not as dumb as Louisiana Democrats.

Fourth, the people here understood the BS that the Democrats were trying to pull in NewOrleans

[JackSlappyNotYourPappy]

.

Snore ...
.

[ManipulatedByMedia]

Zzzzzzz

[fourex]

Lord save us from Republican successes.

[GrouchoMarxist]

I don't know if we can survive too many more of them.

[Ping]

I'm so tired of this effing right wing stupid RePUBlican BS.

California has earthquakes stupid. This is not the worst natural disaster they prepare for. Hopefully we will never see the disaster they really prepare for. It's years of preparedness and training by a Democratic state that is paying off now.

[Gumby123]

And Louisiana wasn't run by a Democratic Governor? You just inserted your foot in your stupid mouth.

[realpolitic]

The article says "Bush stated his concern for those caught in the fire" or words to that effect. Does he ever do anything, besides state a concern? Is he the stater-in-chief?" Why doesn't he ever actually do anything? The president is a complete non-entity!

[rwe]

What a twist , it is usually because of all his heinous crimes and actions that you hate him so much.

[JackSlappyNotYourPappy]

.

People can be so giving!!

Several guys from my American Legion post went on hose patrol yesterday.

That's where you follow (safely behind) the fire crews and roll up the hoses that they leave when they split for next area. Those hoses are then picked up and moved to new areas.

Never heard of that before ... I've signed up for tomorrow ...
.

[ManipulatedByMedia]

You rock Jack! Be careful out there buddy!

[JackSlappyNotYourPappy]

.

Thanks but ... if I get anywhere near fire all you'll see of me is assholes and elbows from me running away from it!
.

[Firaxis]

Well, good for you. I mean it and I wish you well.

How 'bout you Groucho? Sounds like this man's got a plan.

[HumeSkeptic]

Hey! That sounds like fun. I'm out of town, but I'll let some friends know about this.

[GrouchoMarxist]

Yep. sounds like a good idea.

[ownsthepodium]

LOL
Couldn't get to the last big protest because of a sore back from surfing. Can't help out with this crises because you're conveniently out of town.
You're a model huffkid you are.

[HumeSkeptic]

I found out about the fires in San Diego while in Europe. My family had to evacuate. But, fortunately, they had to pick and choose as to which of our friends' houses they liked the most to spend a couple of nights. They chose a high rise apartment building in downtown San Diego.

I just heard that they are back in our house and doing fine.

My family volunteered in two shelters while being "evacuated" themselves. They said it gave them something to do rather than just sitting around.

Of course, I missed all the fun.

Ah! an illegal immigrant friend of ours showed up with a truck, un-annonced and without being asked, to help my family pack and move valuables - family pictures pictures, videotapes, etc. The following day, he showed up with nice home-cooked meal for all.

I'm sure I'll hear more nice things later.

:-)

[sarcasticennui]

Glad to hear everyone is all right.

Nice story about your friend.

:)

[HumeSkeptic]

Thanks.

[SaviourMachine]

Hume,

Was thinking of you,good to hear your families alright.

Oh, and thanks for the story about you're friend,it revived my faith in humanity.

Allbest

[HumeSkeptic]

Thanks. If I recall, you are also from the SD area. Hope all is well with you and your family and friends.

[NewRiver]

It's nice to know that a family friend showed up with a truck to help and to later bring food. I'm seeing and hearing a number of stories of people helping other people, just because they need the help.

It's too bad you choose to politicize it by referring to him/her as "an illegal immigrant friend".

[Firaxis]

He's aiding and abetting a criminal too. But I guess that never occurred to Hume.

[HumeSkeptic]

Is "illegal immigrant" now a political term that common people like me can't use?

You are hilariously stupid. What I should have said 's "ILLEGAL immigrant friend". I have noticed that, for some reason, bigots and Right Wingers always capitalize the word "illegal".

[GrouchoMarxist]

Glad to hear that you and yours are safe, Hume. :)

[HumeSkeptic]

Thanks, Groucho. And looks like you also managed to stay alive. :-)

[francoise]

I'm glad you and your loved ones are all fine.

And if someone here knows where money can be sent for California, please do tell. Usually I send to the American Hospital in Paris but they told me they had nothing organized currently.

[HumeSkeptic]

Thanks, francoise. And that is very thoughtful of you. I'm sure they'll set up something soon to receive donations. My guess is that it would be people in the south part of San Diego and some inland who would need most monetary help. Someone told me that there is now a web site set up to make donations.

[NewRiver]

http://www.redcross.org/

[NewRiver]

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

See upper right hand corner box stating: Help the Victims of the San Diego Wildfires

[realpolitic]

I agree with the post by Nonamnesiac! I remember when moronic Joe Scarborough had on as a guest a county official in New Orleans who spent two days on his rooftop after the Katrina flood. The official had the temerity to blame the federal government for a lack of response. Joe did nothing but lambast the man and loudly scream epithets at him for the next several minutes. In Joe's rock-solid mindset, only New Orleans' officials were to blame. Scarborough ended the interview by insisting that being from southern Florida, he had been through many more hurricanes than had his guest, who probably wasn't aware it was a contest. The interview was a parody of journalism. And Willie Geist is a complete blank slate with no personality.

[Firaxis]

Let me guess? The victim was a person of color.

[JaneC]

Onward "christian" soldier. LMAO

[Galvestonians for Dr. Ron Paul]

Jeremy Skahil Reprted that Black Water had dipatched 6oo guards to "restore peace and stop looting."
They were ther with in 24 hours. With no authorization except from Eric Prince.
It was reported by Jeremy that a week later the Dept. of H.S wrtote a contract to black Water and it was issued through the State department.
Also, Jeremy stated he had an actual conversation with Israeli Commandos that were supposedly guarding a private residence.
They were fully armed with weponry he has never seen.
He approached them and was in awe of the weapons.
One commando stated " You Americans always are amazed at the weapons we carry on your streets. The Palestinians are used to them, they usually walk right up to us!!" (this was not a direct quote, but very close.)

Please watch.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/

[Galvestonians for Dr. Ron Paul]

sorry. 180 BW guards not 600. correction

[loki]

I dont think global warming [though I am a believer in it and it is being expedited by humans polluting for profit] is a major contributor to this problem. It happens every year in California but mostly in smaller degrees of damage. What I see as a problem is people living in known places of disaster and expecting the State, Fed, and tax payer to flip the bill every single year fighting fires in areas they built their homes in.

If I were to knowingly make my home in the most dangerous part of my city, and I was robbed every week and my my property vandalized all the time, should I expect the state, fed, and taxpayer to fix my property and replace my stolen items each time? Or would I be considered a dumb ass because I refuse to move from the area?

If I built my house on top of the a active volcano, and every year it would burp and my house would be destroyed. Should the State, Fed, taxpayer rebuilt it for me? Should the masses feel sorry for me each year when it happens?

But year after year people build and rebuild homes in very dangerous and well known repetitive fire hazard zones. On beach front properties that are hit at least once a year hard by hurricanes , destroying the same homes year after year. This is always seen as ok and even totally acceptable. Why? I will never know, but the State, Fed and Taxpayer forks over billions every year protecting and replacing these dwellings. And many of these people in the fire zones and beach front properties can afford to live anywhere in the US, or the world they wanted to, and they keep choosing the worst areas because they know someone will flip the bill and do the work that allows them to live in these places.

Doesnt make a damn bit of since to me. But many think its fine.

[ManipulatedByMedia]

Arrogance is bliss!

[drblack]

It is obvious that more equipment would help fighting these fires. More planes and copters means more area doused with water and less fire.
This is obvious. Only a politician would disagree with basic common sense.

[JackSlappyNotYourPappy]

.

"Orange County Fire Chief: "Had We Had More Air Resources, We Would Have Been Able To Control This Fire,"
__________­__________­__________­_______

It looks like Hell from the air!

Just got back from a plane ride from Santa Barbara to Chula Vista inland to the Big Bear area!

It's frightening and sad as hell ... and deserves all of your support and well wishes!!!
.