Above The Fireline

Some say you can't pay your bills on sunsets and views alone. They're not wrong. But here we are — just like everyone else drawn to this job.

The Commander. Quick fuel stop at Magic Valley Regional after working the Buckhorn Fire, Twin Falls District BLM. (2025)

Lead plane. Early morning checks at Redding Air Attack Base. The day is just getting started.

June 3, 2012. Tanker 11, a P2V air tanker, on the White Rock Fire — Captain Todd N. Tompkins and First Officer Ronnie E. Chambless.
Remembered.

(photo taken from previous fire, not the White Rock Fire)

Pilot and ATGS trainee, 12 miles out. About to make that first call in the blind to the fire traffic area. The radio stack on the right — on a busy fire, an ATGS is using 7 frequencies or more. Two UHF, five VHF. Every channel has a purpose. (2026)

Dollar Lake Fire, Bridger-Teton National Forest. Active fire running toward Green River Lakes campground, gateway to the Wind River Range. (2025)

Barron Fire, Rattlesnake Mountain, south Reno (2025). Urban interface — neighborhoods and a reservoir on three sides. Two SEATs and a Sky Crane working until hobby drone sightings shut down aerial operations.

Tanker 167 on the ramp at the Stead Air Attack Base. Late afternoon, waiting on the next dispatch. (2025)

Tanker 183 running a tag and extend on the left flank. Bell 2.0 Fire, west Texas (March 2026).

Tanker 912, one of nine air tankers working the Barber Fire, Winnemucca District, Nevada (2025). Supporting dozer operations on the ground -- retardant from the air, line construction below.