The Ratio Mountain wildfire burning near Whitehall has grown to cover an area of more than 1000 acres, as of Sept. 2. The U.S. Forest Service has implemented new technology to assist its firefighting efforts.
The fire began on Aug. 18, from an apparent lightning strike. The fire is presently burning in rugged terrain which has had several fires since 2018. Incident Commander Matt Racicot reported via Inciweb that “The entire area, including the previous fire footprints and the area immediately surrounding the Ratio Mountain fire, contains a large concentration of standing dead trees (“snags”) that pose challenges to ensuring firefighter safety and in responding to potential medical emergencies, jeopardizing the well-being of firefighters and other responders.”
Racicot and his teams have begun using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or “drones” to ignite backfires between control lines and the front of the fire. This work is often done by professional HotShot crews, which are specialized teams dedicated to putting out wildfires. The teams have been inhibited in controlling this fire due to the rough terrain and dangers from tree snags, often referred to as “widowmakers” by wildland firefighters. The tactical change helps prevent serious accidents to firefighters.
