AZ Wildfire Support

[K2ZZQ]

Was just wondering if there is any emergency help that a newby ham radio station, with a mobile in a capable 4X4, can give to the Wallen (sp?) Fire. I am sure that some help would be appreciated but that help from a newby would/could be just a pain to the people in charge.
Doug
K2ZZQ

[AD7TI]

Doug,

This might be a bit of the blind leading the blind, but I think the answer to your question is a philosophical one and that is when you are ready to volunteer for such an assignment you will know the answer.

In the mean time:
- Join the Maricopa County Emergency Communications Group (http://www.mcecg.net/) for training and experience through supporting public service events.
- Join the Arizona section ARES (https://www.az-arrl.org/Secure)
- Join the AZHamServe group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/azhamserve/)
- Participate in the Arizona Emergency Net – Maricopa (http://www.aen-mar.org/) Monday nights at 9:00pm on the 147.240 repeater (and the 146.920 when the link is working).
- Consider becoming a National Weather Service Skywarn Weather Spotter. I believe there is still one class scheduled for this year (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/psr/general/spotter/index.php?wfo=psr)
- Consider volunteering with one of the fine service organizations like Red Cross or Salvation Army, etc. Many of these organizations use Amateur Radio in their operations.
- Join a local club that has a public service theme. Some clubs will affiliate with a local hospital or such to provide emcomm support.
- Look into CERT training. This varies quite a bit from city to city.
- Get to know the right people. If you do a few of these things, you will meet the right people.

Anyone else have anything to add to the list?

[K2ZZQ]

Great reply. Thanks for providing all that information. I think that several others, other than me, will also appreciate the effort you put into compiling the information. Have my work cut out for me! Thanks.
Doug
K2ZZQ

[K7VZ]

The current fire is the Wallow Fire and it looks like it's going to claim the #1 spot as the biggest fire in AZ history real soon.

Wallow Fire vs. Rodeo-Chediski (2002 fire currently holding #1 spot.) http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=769


Rodeo Chediski --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodeo%E2%80%93Chediski_Fire

The Rodeo–Chediski Fire was a wildfire that burned in east-central Arizona beginning on June 18, 2002, and was not controlled until July 7. It was the worst forest fire in Arizona's recorded history to date, consuming 468,638 acres (732.247 sq mi; 189,651 ha) of woodland.

They had it 100% contained in around 20 days. We're going on 10 days with this one and containment doesn't look good.

[N7IYT]

Anyone else have anything to add to the list?

I liked your reply Tom. The common theme in your bullet points was to join these various fine organizations to learn from their experience and participate in their activities.
The only thing I would add, especailly since the orignial poster indicated that he is a new ham, would be to get on the air as much as possible. It helps if you are familiar with your equipment and the capabilities and limitations of your particular station setup. The only way to learn this is through practice and use.

[K7DCL]

Date: 06/11/2011 Status: Open - 2
Event: MCECG TRAINING CLASS
Location: MARICOPA COUNTY EOC
Type: PUBIC SERVICE EVENT TRAINING
Coordinator: KE7EJF - Dennis Bietry - ke7ejf@cox.net

Notes:This dynamic class will teach you about proper operating procedures, battery management, antenna dynamics and the various roles which are routinely used in public service and emergency communications.

Class will be a mix of several training methods and is highly regarded. You will need to bring a vhf handheld radio and the radio's operators manual. This class is packed full of information that is valuable to both the new and experienced ham.

Class will begin at 8:00 am sharp, and wraps up at about 5:00 pm. There is no cost to the class, only a well spent day of learning ham radio! Class materials will be provided. Bring a pen or pencil for note taking.

Pack a lunch and drinks; you will not have time to leave the facility for lunch. .

The MCECG communications manual and copies of all the presentations will be given to each participant.

The class will be held at the Maricopa County Emergency Operations Center 5630 E McDowell Rd in Phoenix.

Sign up early if you want to attend this highly regarded training event. Seating is limited to 18 hams.

[K7DCL]

See http://web.mac.com/craiglud/AEN-MAR/Welcome.html