Except right now. All four states seem to be under a permanent cloud of smoke. None more devastating than the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado, which has burned hundreds of homes. Firefighters here in Utah are trying to control 8 separate fires, and it is so dry, windy, and hot, more fires could pop up anytime, including in the dry brush surrounding my hillside home. It has made for a nerve-racking week, and you can rest assured we won't be celebrating July 4th with fireworks around here.
I saw this fire start and go from a small plume of smoke to ravaging in about five minutes. That was Wednesday. It is 15% contained today:
This barren land used to full of beautiful ranches and tree-laden hillsides:
And this is from the front of my home. Note the brown haze from behind one of the distant hills:
My job has taken me by several of these Utah fires, and I have seen the firefighters and their equipment in action.
So, as a tribute, today's Model of the Day post will feature my favorite Matchbox fire and emergency trucks. Yes, I know the posting pics doesn't help fight the fires, but I do have a newfound appreciation for the men and equipment that can get up so close and fight these monsters. I just hope they don't have to do it from my driveway.
Pierce Dash Fire Truck (Pasadena CA FD):
Hazard Squad (Gunnison CO Hazmat):
Ford F-550 Superduty Fire Truck (Forest Service):
Classic Seagrave Fire Engine:
And my two favorites:
Ford F-350 Super Duty Superlift Brush Fire Truck (SEMA exclusive):
International Workstar Brush Fire Truck (National Parks):
