uh-oh . . . wildfires in the swamp now

[imperialreign]

just a quick background - NC has been battling a massive, and I mean massive (35,000+ acre, last I heard, it was about the size of the city of Richmond) wildfire for the last couple of weeks now (roughly 70 miles south of us). This is the second big wildfire the state has dealth with so far this year, and we're feeling the effects this far north (smell of smoke, haze, etc).

well, amidst that blaze, another fire broke out in the Great Dismal swamp in the VA side, and both NC and VA are fighting this one . . . although it's currently contained, unless we get some rain soon, it could continue to spread further . . . add into the fact that the swamp is mostly peat, if enough of it starts burning, spots within the swamp could continue to burn for weeks or months - this fire is about 35 miles SW of where I live, and it's been moving eastward. The swamp is not something we want burning right now . . .

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=8464365

[Kreij]

Good grief. Stay safe IR.
I would send you a ton of water if I could. We have plenty at the moment :/

[intel igent]

WOW! what's going on in USA? flood's on one end fire's on the other :eek:

what's next raining frog's?

i'm terrible at geography but is it possible to get the flood water to the dry zone's to help extinguish the fire's?

be safe man

[Kreij]

No, Intel, it's about a thousand miles away.

If this stuff keeps up GN will be so inundated we will have to create a section called General Disasters.

[imperialreign]

well, you would think with all the water we have around here it shouldn't be a problem :rolleyes:

but with the swamp now burning, if it gets way out of hand, it could turn into a long drawnout ordeal.

it sucks, though, you walk outside and all you smell is smoke, and you can't see any more than about half a mile down the street; and it all depends on which way the wind wants to blow.

we haven't had any major rainfall in over a month now :(


No, Intel, it's about a thousand miles away.

If this stuff keeps up GN will be so inundated we will have to create a section called General Disasters.

that's kinda funny, but sad, too :ohwell:

[intel igent]

i feel for you guy's man that totaly blow's

what are they doing to ease the flame's imperial?

[Skitzo]

No, Intel, it's about a thousand miles away.

hey man, you guys pump oil farther than that:)

seriously, fires are nasty too. I really hope everyone pulls through all this cranky mother nature business. She's pissed, what's that expresion about a woman scorned? What color is the sky? best of luck. how much gas do they figure is in the swamp, how long could it burn?

Be safe down there.

[imperialreign]

i feel for you guy's man that totaly blow's

what are they doing to ease the flame's imperial?

last I heard they had the swamp under control to about 130 acres or so, but that doesn't mean it can't spread if the wind picks up enough, and like I mentioned if the peat starts burning, they won't be able to put those hot spots out.

AFAIK, they've been fighting the fires on the ground and from the air - but I also heard the plane they've been using for water dumps has broken down and in need of repair before it can go back up. They've tried digging fire lines and all, but the swamp fire has already jumped their first attempt with that.

kinda odd - y'all don't typically hear of wildfires on the east coast.


hey man, you guys pump oil farther than that

seriously, fires are nasty too. I really hope everyone pulls through all this cranky mother nature business. She's pissed, what's that expresion about a woman scorned? What color is the sky? best of luck. how much gas do they figure is in the swamp, how long could it burn?

Be safe down there.

sky is typical blue, but there's so much haze in the air it's hard to really see the sky, much less down the street. they're calling for it to get worse as the day goes on - maybe I'll dig out the camera and take some pics to try and show just how far you can see . . . maybe if I get a wild-hair up my ass I'll drive out to rt17 and see just how bad it is :p

the swamp fire could burn for an unpredictable amount of time . . . y'know how some coal mine fires in PA have been burning for 30 years now? If enough peat starts burning in the swamp, she could start burning for years as well. :ohwell:

[Kreij]

Fires are nature's way of removing the old so the new can flourish.
After a fire, most forests regrow even better than before.
The swamps will be fine, it is just rather nasty having to deal with the smoke and smell.

On another note, the wind is picking up here and it looks like clouds are moving in. (sigh)

[Skitzo]

wow, i like fire but a 30 year burn is a little excessive even for me.
post in the general threads has made me realize i've had some shitty experiences and seen alot of shitty things: is there a quota or something?:laugh:

I got stuck in northern manitoba in 1989 when the top third of the province was burning. One road in and it was burning. Both sides were so hot the pavement was on fire. there was so much smoke, it was like looking through a smoked windshield. Everything was yellowish brown or had a dark yellowish tinge. If someone had respritory problems, their life was at risk from just the smoke.

[blkhogan]

Stay safe man!! WTF is going on these past few years? Really getting some crazy sh1t going on around the nation... hell the world for that matter.

[intel igent]

the fookin plane broke down!?!?!?

WTH they only have one?

arent there chopper's? can't other state's assist you guy's? (both VA + WI)

@ skitzo : the phrase is " hell hath no fury like a woman scorned "

well i guess mother nature is being a real b!tch

[btarunr]

Uncle Kreij battles water while you battle fire. C'mon guys, let's stand up to the environment (ill-effects of global-warming).

[Kreij]

Uncle Kreij battles water while you battle fire. C'mon guys, let's stand up to the environment

I would rather take on my pitbull one-on-one. Nature always wins one way or another.

[Skitzo]

Uncle Kreij battles water while you battle fire. C'mon guys, let's stand up to the environment (ill-effects of global-warming).

how would you suggest we do that seeing as we are most likely the problem?

[Skitzo]

I would rather take on my pitbull one-on-one.


lol I tried that, it ran away....:)

sorry for the dual post action...

[intel igent]

lol I tried that, it ran away....:)

well that dog is a pu$$y then

[imperialreign]

the fookin plane broke down!?!?!?

WTH they only have one?

arent there chopper's? can't other state's assist you guy's? (both VA + WI)

@ skitzo : the phrase is " hell hath no fury like a woman scorned "

well i guess mother nature is being a real b!tch

yeah, it broke down

but - how often do you hear of wildfires on the east coast, y'know? At least VA and NC are working together on the swamp fires, but they can only do so much.

It's just been a beast with our lack of rain, and we've been under drought conditions for months now.

although, we'll start seeing relief in the next month or so as hurricane season winds up - we're well overdue for getting tagged by one. Last storm to brush this area was Isabel 4 years ago.

[Skitzo]

it was homeless and in really rough shape, I just wanted to help it but it was too scared. i thought it was gonna rip me apart but at the last second it bolted. Chased the thing through blackberry bushes in shorts and t-shirt. Afterwards I though about the smell of blood and the hungry dog ... maybe I need to change my screen name to dumbass :laugh:

I don't know anything about swamps, what kind of gases are present, and what exactly is burning?
The coal mines that are burning, are they open pit or shaft. If shaft, couldn't the shafts be plugged?

[btarunr]

I would rather take on my pitbull one-on-one. Nature always wins one way or another.

It's Nature's way of saying "Greedy bas****s! be content with 8800 GT, you don't need a 9800 GX2".

[Kreij]

it was homeless and in really rough shape, I just wanted to help it but it was too scared. i thought it was gonna rip me apart but at the last second it bolted. Chased the thing through blackberry bushes in shorts and t-shirt. Afterwards I though about the smell of blood and the hungry dog ... maybe I need to change my screen name to dumbass :laugh:


NEVER, EVER chase a scared dog. When you confronted the dog it chose between fight or flight and chose flight (run away). By chasing it you could possilby force it into fight (self defense). Not good for you ;)

[Skitzo]

NEVER, EVER chase a scared dog. When you confronted the dog it chose between fight or flight and chose flight (run away). By chasing it you could possilby force it into fight (self defense). Not good for you ;)

Yep, the funny thing is I knew that at the time. My desire to help the dog (didn't matter it was a pitbull) overwrote any logic telling me I could pay dearly for the attempt. Helping others is something I seem to think is more important than personal safety. Yes I could be injured but what could happen if I do nothing.

[Kreij]

California is burning too.
Fires on both coasts and floods in the middle.
If I have to choose, I'll take the floods. A serious fire could wipe out our entire county as it's all wooded.

[Thermopylae_480]

Swampland is vital for flood control and water purification. If that swam burns expect to see massive flooding and landslides when it finally does rain.

[imperialreign]

Swampland is vital for flood control and water purification. If that swam burns expect to see massive flooding and landslides when it finally does rain.

anywhere else in the country and I'd agree with ya 100%, but this region is mostly sea level or just below it, so no landslides . . .

but flooding, though, is a major issue around here with all of our waterways and swamp lands; just for comparison, this is our regions hurricane storm surge and flooding map:

http://www.vdem.state.va.us/threats/hurricane/surgemaps/StormSurge_CityOfVirginiaBeach.png

all the areas in are at risk of flooding from a category 1 hurricane or a tropical storm; extremelly heavy rainfall could also potentially flood many of the areas marked in read as well. If we were hit by a category 4, this whole region could potentially be flooded out. Areas in grey or white are either military installations, or areas that haven't been assessed.

[intel igent]

my thought's go out to all of those affected by these severe weather weather conditions :respect:

i'm simply speechless at this point.

[Kreij]

Yeah, landslides are not an issue in the non-moutainous regions.
The problem is that all the wildlife from IR's swamp is going to come here becuase we have tons of water.
Oh wait, I like frog legs !! LOL

Be safe and keep us updated.

[intel igent]

so true Kreij the wildlife situation is going to be affected tremendously :shadedshu

hopefully it all end's soon

[btarunr]

hopefully it all end's soon

How pessimistic :shadedshu

jk

I know what you meant.

:toast:

[blkhogan]

We have fire in the east
We have fire in the southwest
We have floods in alot of different places
We have deadly stroms and tornatos going on
We have hurricane season starting up
We have had 80+ mph wind storm in the pacific northwest
and snow in the mountains
WTF!!! What else could possibly happen now? Good grief.

[intel igent]

We have fire in the east
We have fire in the southwest
We have floods in alot of different places
We have deadly stroms and tornatos going on
We have hurricane season starting up
We have had 80+ mph wind storm in the pacific northwest
and snow in the mountains
WTF!!! What else could possibly happen now? Good grief.

like i said earlier; it hasn't started to rain frog's yet has it?

@ bta : :p

:toast:

[Kreij]

We don't worry about raining frogs, that happens occasionally.
It's the locust plagues that keep us on edge ;)

[imperialreign]

We don't worry about raining frogs, that happens occasionally.
It's the locust plagues that keep us on edge ;)

and around here, we don't worry about the locusts - but the raining frogs will stir some shit up :p

[intel igent]

keep an eye out for the seven horned beast's too :)

[russianboy]

My region is seeing daily storms, tornadoes everywhere as well.

Pardon my language, but humans fucked up big time.

[blkhogan]

Well were ever you are stay safe. We don't need to attend any efunerals here @ TPU. :toast:

[imperialreign]

little update -

we finally had a strong thunderstorm move through the region last night - but didn't do much except for making things worse . . . the winds from the storm caused the flames to scatter a second fire to start:

http://www.wavy.com/global/story.asp?s=8494569&srvc=developing

the smoke this morning was horrible - you could barely see a 1/4 of the mile down the road. I might take my camera in to work tomorrow and nab some pics if it's bad again

[Kreij]

Yeesh, that doesn't sound too healthy.
You may want to consider a vacation somewhere for a couple of weeks. :toast:

[imperialreign]

Yeesh, that doesn't sound too healthy.
You may want to consider a vacation somewhere for a couple of weeks. :toast:

defi considering it . . .

having to work in a shop has really been bothering me; I woke up this morning with my throat feeling dry and scratchy, like if you've hung out around a campfire for too long.

I don't have much choice at work than be subjected to the air, but damn if I ain't trying to think of something to do over it . . .

[intel igent]

You may want to consider a vacation somewhere for a couple of weeks. :toast:

canada is nice! :D

[Kreij]

canada is nice! :D

It sure is Intel. So is Minnesota and Wisconsin.
We northern rednecks have to stick together. ;)

[intel igent]

It sure is Intel. So is Minnesota and Wisconsin.
We northern rednecks have to stick together. ;)

c'mon over we've got like 85% unused soil up here!

that mean's fishin' n' huntin' aplenty ;)

not to mention better beer :p

:toast:

[imperialreign]

It sure is Intel. So is Minnesota and Wisconsin.
We northern rednecks have to stick together. ;)

there's such a thing as northern rednecks? :p


TBH, I'd love to live further north - I can't stand the summer heat down here . . . too effin humid (our average humidity is about 90%+ . . . average summer temps are 95F+ . . . heat index is usually 110F or better).

I'd like to move to NH or VT, or one of the other new england states . . . but this area is a trap, and it's hard to get out of.



Anyhow - the smoke out today is horrible . . . I have to run some errands in a bit, I'll prob take the camera with me.

[imperialreign]

still going: http://www.wavy.com/global/story.asp?s=8574325&srvc=latest

this smoke is really starting to take a toll on this area, though - people have been realy . . . loopy :wtf:

[Kreij]

Probably lack of oxygen. The upside is that the fire will replenish the swamp.

Air is clean here in Cheeseland, IR. Need directions?

[imperialreign]

Probably lack of oxygen. The upside is that the fire will replenish the swamp.

Air is clean here in Cheeseland, IR. Need directions?

:laugh:

If it weren't for money being a bit tight right now, I'd take ya up on that - between the smoke and the constant 95F+ heat and insane humidity; it's taking a toll on me for sure.

Hell, I ended up crashing around 9 or so our of exhaustion; breathing smoke all day makes your throat hurt and causes you to start feeling short of breath.

[Kreij]

All you need is gas to get here. The rest is on the house :toast:
If I can't help a fellow TPU'er in need, what good am I?

Today was about 85 and sunny, nights are about mid 50s.
Very nice.
Fishing looks good for the holiday weekend.
There is room on the boat ;)

[intel igent]

you guy's still under fire?

[imperialreign]

All you need is gas to get here. The rest is on the house :toast:
If I can't help a fellow TPU'er in need, what good am I?

Today was about 85 and sunny, nights are about mid 50s.
Very nice.
Fishing looks good for the holiday weekend.
There is room on the boat ;)

if it gets any worse, I might just have to take you up on that - besides, I could use a decent break from work and this heat :p


you guy's still under fire?

yep - not sure how the big one in mid NC is going, but the swamp is still burning. Everytime we get a strong storm move through, it flares it back up. We're getting one a week or so, and it doesn't bring much rain, just a ton of wind and lightning.

[intel igent]

that sux0rz dude, we goin' fishin then?

:toast: