No easy way getting out of those places. If you have ever driven over Kaiser Pass you get it.
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Actually the Blackhawk can carry 14-17 seated passenger or 11 troops. Since the Blackhawks don’t have civilian passenger seats, and aren’t carrying troops, 20 civilian passengers is very possible , if rather uncomfortable. The F-Model Chinook is only rated for 33-55 troops, earlier versions were rated at 33 troops, but has carried more civilians in emergency evacs, including just a couple days ago. The thing to remember, troop carrying capacity is lower than civilian passenger capacity, since the troops include their weapons and gear, so they are heavier.
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We can sit here and argue the capacity of different ships all night long the fact of the matter is the first mission at mammoth pools 805 lifted with 53 on board and that’s what he told ops that night. We fail to realize that the amount of fuel onboard also affects the capacity of the ship therefore they could have burned enough fuel on the way up that it allowed for the extra people that night
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Agreed. The most important thing to keep in mind is flight weight, not just volumetric space. A Chinook can carry 50 people without gear, or 35 firefighters with gear
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To tag onto that elevation also plays apart in what the allowable is for that ship as well and being that most of the distance to FYI was down and toward the valley it was a easy decision to allow the extra people.
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Correct. They were able to bring up a group of people from Edison, Florence, Ward etc and because of the fire they stopped at China Peak last night. They were unable to go further due to command concerns that they wouldn’t be able to get down further due to fire activity. Aircraft NG were deployed but due to thick smoke, were unable to complete the mission. They sheltered at China Peak for the night with the remainder of the evacuees. So to be clear there was multiple trips to Mammoth Pools and multiple attempts at China Peak.
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Surprised that LG and Cal Fire have any resources to offer up and with the feds loosing guys to the state I know there short too.
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Exactly what I was talking about. Density Altitude dictates an aircraft’s capabilities. Just because they have the physical space to hold 15 souls, doesn’t mean they physically can carry that many souls with a full belly tank or Bambi bucket.
That being said, I sincerely hope everyone is safe and accounted for. We are all in this to help people and the environment. Stay safe out there!
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From a retired medical corpsman: Yes, casualty includes wounded / injured. Who are these reports coming from, anyway?
Yes, a properly - configured UH-60 can carry max 20 people.
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I would guess the media and social media reporting theses things just a long shot…
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On a local list it was reported the first extraction of 13 souls landed in the Valley. No more details available, where they landed or where they extracted from. This around 5 am local time.
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This news article says they were extracted from China Peak Ski Resort. Also states that more missions will be conducted (or at lest attempted) today at Lake Edison.
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Just saying, the Army helos only have 16 seats for people but we have only been getting 11-17 people depending on hiking gear and children on each helo this morning. A total of 4 helos brought in people this am. The chinook landed to evacuate a family and they denied the evacuation and came back empty due to fuel. Another chinook just lifted off about 20 ago. They anticipate another 100 people still need to be evacuated. There are both Army and Navy helos working the evacuation. They will also be flying down 1fatal victim who died from a medical issue, They doing a great job.
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https://www.facebook.com/FresnoSheriff/posts/3391255477662761?cft[0]=AZWtNLKvswitt2vjqnnh9wnJfBNXu3_64TRS1dy3M0m6SrPLEnZOd5wxHZruMJZz1faduqMkM3zypkmCrwEKOO2mHxs0vEfL-yi6f_zVAPd10hzTwBJZqjhOhSfRLGnFGdrGNmhNvQc34ppvGZs_4WYo&tn=R]-R
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High Sierra Pack Station JC’s are good. The stock was taken to Florence and the crew is sheltering at Edison. VVR crew also sheltering in place. At this time, it’s the safest place to be. All communications are down except for the occasional satellite call from the VVR with updates. You’ll get a personal call when the coast is clear! …this was posted on facebook yesterday.
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I know and agree, just pointing out the difference for those on here who may not understand
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Yes near Barnes mountain I believe I heard!
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What is that heat signature to the north west way long range out?