2021 summer fires

ponytug · Jul 13, 2021

The article did reference the supply being ok, just logistics. In fire fighting, as in many things, that last mile is important.

There is a shortage of truck drivers generally, but especially drivers trained and certified to haul hazardous loads. The average age of a US truck driver is about 47, life expectancy is 61, (75% of all drivers are over 40), and half of all drivers leave the profession in two years or less.

It isn't an easy job.

All the best,

Peter

Larry Caldwell · Jul 14, 2021

ponytug said:
The article did reference the supply being ok, just logistics. In fire fighting, as in many things, that last mile is important.

There is a shortage of truck drivers generally, but especially drivers trained and certified to haul hazardous loads. The average age of a US truck driver is about 47, life expectancy is 61, (75% of all drivers are over 40), and half of all drivers leave the profession in two years or less.

It isn't an easy job.

All the best,

Peter

Yeah, I went with a neighbor on a run once. I have rarely been so beat in my life, and he had an air ride cab. We pulled out of Portland and the next time we shut down was for a delivery in Denver. Then we ran until the diesel gelled up in Kearney, NE. Back on the road we made it to Elkhart, IN. The drive back was easier, non-stop from Elkhart to Portland, swapping off in the sleeper, including crossing Idaho in a blizzard. No way would I do that for a living.

Jchonline · Jul 14, 2021

Panik said:
I'm curious... exactly whose fault is it exactly for not planning ahead?.... The contract air suppression company, the BLM/Forest Service, or the airport's fault?

Whomever owns the airplane, unless it is rented or leased then it would be that entity. Just because they have 8 different hands in the pot doesn't absolve that collective org of planning ahead.

Jchonline · Jul 14, 2021

Larry Caldwell said:
Yeah, I went with a neighbor on a run once. I have rarely been so beat in my life, and he had an air ride cab. We pulled out of Portland and the next time we shut down was for a delivery in Denver. Then we ran until the diesel gelled up in Kearney, NE. Back on the road we made it to Elkhart, IN. The drive back was easier, non-stop from Elkhart to Portland, swapping off in the sleeper, including crossing Idaho in a blizzard. No way would I do that for a living.

I have a close friend that is a truck driver and has been for 17 years. Hard work, but he is happy doing it and was gainfully employed during the pandemic.

ponytug · Jul 14, 2021

Jchonline said:
I have a close friend that is a truck driver and has been for 17 years. Hard work, but he is happy doing it and was gainfully employed during the pandemic.

Yup. I know a couple of guys who drive professionally as well, who love it. To them, it seems to be an interesting mix of enjoying change, the challenges the changes bring, being self sufficient, and enjoying the mechanical aspects of the life. Different strokes for different folks.

"If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life"...

All the best,

Peter

bcp · Jul 14, 2021

Wednesday smoke.

Bruce

Jchonline · Jul 15, 2021

Blancolirio talked about it last night. It is basically because the airports love their just in time fuel deliveries (they can order per day instead of keeping more stored on hand). This is the way society has gone. One little hiccup and supply chain crumbles.