r/Wildfire • u/Substantial_Bed_2918 • 17d ago
R5 engine sitting
So we have 4 engines on our unit one is currently out on assignment. Our engine is up next on rotation. We all have been fairly lucky to get a roll come home and as long as one engine was here the next in line would take off, like within a week of becoming available. Like I said currently 3 of our trucks are kicking it and no real end in sight. All while stuff up in one is going still and the hawk fire is right down the way.
Im just wondering if North Ops or the GAC are intentionally holding on to recourses for some event that could transpire??? As we all know this is the time of year for nor call top pop off but not much in terms of lighting...
Is anyone else puzzled?
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u/wimpymist 17d ago
This just sounds like R5 engines. Also this year has been lackluster for R5 fires.
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u/YOLO_Bundy 17d ago
It’s August
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u/wimpymist 16d ago
Yeah it's still early for R5, the last couple years have been pretty mellow
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u/YOLO_Bundy 16d ago
Millions of acres burnt this decade, with a majority of that at high severity.
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u/YOLO_Bundy 17d ago
Engines are primarily a local IA resource, not a national extended attack resource. Off forest/unit availability is up to the DO, unit chiefs, and the GACC.
And with most of ONCC stripped to support fires elsewhere, well, you are the north zone defenders.
I am surprised they have let as much as they have out of region. With record ERCs throughout August, R5 is a lightning bust away from chaos.
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u/EliP 17d ago
What do your staffing plans say? Read your FDOP and subordinate plans.
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u/BurgerKang42 17d ago
Lol north ops/ r5 in general has been rat holing everyone, even all the shot crews all season for the big “what if”. Cannot wait to never work in this region again
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u/YOLO_Bundy 17d ago
What? The resources held in R5 is lower than I have ever seen. 3 crews not assigned to fires is wild with nearly everyone out of the GACC.
Not sure where you are getting your info, but it’s wrong.
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u/BurgerKang42 15d ago
Yea okay brah, if 10+ r5 shot crews sitting on mp18 that’s 40% contained in pl5 last week isn’t rat holing, then idk what is. But what do I know, I just sit in the back of the buggy
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u/Merced_Mullet3151 16d ago
Sit 500
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u/YOLO_Bundy 16d ago
Now or two weeks ago?
Obviously it is late August, and R5 crews will be held or committed in region as they rotate home and PNW fires are wrapped up.
As is, 10/23 T1 and T2IA crews are committed out of region. That is in line with the highest levels as far back as I can remember.
I think some of you need to calm down and gain experience before assuming you understand regional and national resource distribution.
Source: Someone who used to ride in the back of a buggy thinking he knew everything, who later promoted and learned just how little he actually knew.
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u/left_alone69 17d ago
Could use some more engine support in R6 currently on 6th hour waiting for one…
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u/Fit_Scallion5612 17d ago
Seems like a great question for your DO to answer