U.S. Wildfires, 2021: Sierra Fire

As expected, 2021 is turning out to big a big fire year for The Golden State, yet another U.S. military base evacuated due to wildfire.

Sierra Fire, 09JUN2021. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Kerstin Roberts.

Not even a month after attempts were made to reduce chances of wildfire, with prescribed burns and training, personnel onboard the U.S. Marine Corps’ Camp Pendleton had to evacuate due to the Sierra wildfire.

S-64E Skycrane. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Kerstin Roberts.

San Diego Sheriff’s Department Bell 205. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Kerstin Roberts.

U.S. Marine Corps video by Corporal Stephen Beard, 1-thousand acres (405 hectares) Sierra Fire, 09-11 June 2021:

The Sierra Fire came despite efforts in May, and early June, to reduce the chance of wildfires.

Prescribed burns, 14MAY2021. USMC photo by Lance Corporal Drake Nickels.

Camp Pendleton Fire Department, and other local agencies, burned more than 120 acres in what’s called prescribed burns, over two days in May. Prescribed burn explainer video by Lance Corporal Daniel Medina:

Then at the beginning of June, wildfire training was held for both military and civilian fire fighters. Interestingly, the Wildland Fire School ended on the same day the Sierra Fire started; June 9th.