OAUSA Net - September 6, 2018 - Wildland Fire Driving

[kevinhum55]

checking in
W6RIP
Thank you
Kevin

[lrsrngr]

This is a great audio of a Keller Peak radio event that involved a group on the John Bull Trail near Holcomb Valley, Big Bear, CA. Lengthy but worth the experience of hearing amateur radio used as it was intended on the emergency side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnJUqiTUOfI&t=207s

Also, know your radio. The FT-250, by Yaesu, is a single band/receive, 2m radio and a trusted moderate to heavy use HT I use quite frequently. I was out with a two vehicle, four-person hiking party in Holcomb Valley when the Pilot Fire became visible from our location. We were on a simplex internal frequency and that left out hearing what was going on with the fire. I was able to monitor, with this radio, the local repeater as the "Priority Frequency" without sacrificing our hike communication plan. There are other radios that have dual band and dual monitor but there is a way with even the most basic single band/receive models. Again, know your equipment. By the way, one of the hikers on this trip suffered a heart event and was driven directly to the hospital and there again, all the more reason to have a radio at your side during outdoor activities.

How to get your fire permit: It is easy and only takes a few minutes. You are still subject to the rules of the area you will be using but at least you will have it and it is very easy to obtain...wait for it...for FREE from the comfort of your home!

http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/

Great topic OAUSA.