You being from Sunol may know this, but two railroads used to traverse the Altamont, starting many fires each year. So much so, and since there weren’t any ‘assets’ there, air tankers weren’t started unless requested by the SFR1…err BC.
I first worked in Sunol in 1970. Twig (SFR1, father of Mike) wouldn’t allow airtankers in the Altamont. He used to say the retardant wasn’t justified to save the cow pies. Chased a lot of fires into that canal.
Spent lots of time in the Altamont spitting and stomping cow pies. Greg Pisano was our SFR1 then.
As a MRN Seasonal FF back in the 70’s, I recall a 5-gallon bucket with a dash of detergent was standard equipment for “dunkin’ pies” - ah, the good ol’ days.
Worked with Greg in early 70’s. He was at Altaville and I was at San Andreas. Then in ALCO/COCO.
You worked with Clarence
Greg’s younger brother was in my FF1 class, which was held on the old Agnews State Hospital complex. Capt. Frank Curry, from BEU was our chief instructor. Frank later became B1620 in the SCU Prevention side.
We brought our engine down for the FF Academy at Agnew. I think Carlos was on Helitack with me in 83 or 84. Their sister worked with me at Los Banos in 81.
That’s back when Los Banos was part of the 5400 RU.
Yep…we planted all the new trees there when the station was new in '80 (it’s first full year).
One other factoid of that year. Steve Rucker was a FF1 at Sunshine that season.
Us San Diego folks will never forget Steve Rucker and his crews sacrifice for our community that day.