Northern Lancaster County Forest Fire Company

12/06/2026

DROUGHT UPDATE

08/06/2026

04/06/2026

🚨✈️ EVER WONDER WHAT IT COSTS TO FIGHT A WILDFIRE FROM THE AIR? ✈️🚨

From the nimble S-2T Airtankers that launch on lightning-fast initial attack missions to the massive DC-10 Very Large Air Tankers capable of laying down nearly a mile of retardant in a single pass, aerial firefighting is one of the most powerful tools we have in the battle against wildland fire.

This chart breaks down the capabilities, estimated mission costs, payload capacities, and tactical uses of some of the most commonly used federal and state firefighting aircraft. While there is no fixed “cost per drop,” these aircraft represent millions of dollars in aviation resources working to protect lives, homes, critical infrastructure, and our natural resources.

The most important airtanker isn’t always the biggest one… it’s often the one that arrives first. Rapid initial attack remains one of the most effective strategies for keeping fires small and preventing them from becoming tomorrow’s headline.

🔥 800 gallons to 9,400 gallons
🔥 Initial Attack to Campaign Fires
🔥 Structure Protection to Long Retardant Lines
🔥 Federal & CAL FIRE Aviation Resources

A huge thank you to the pilots, air attack supervisors, mechanics, dispatchers, ground crews, and firefighters who make these operations possible every day.

🚒✈️🔥🌲

03/06/2026

01/06/2026

🔥🚒 THE TRUE COST OF PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES 🚒🔥

When you see a wildland firefighter on the fireline, you’re looking at far more than a yellow shirt and a hard hat.

You’re looking at thousands of dollars of specialized safety equipment designed to bring that firefighter home alive.

From fire shelters and Nomex clothing to radios, helmets, boots, gloves, eye protection, packs, and life-saving communication equipment, every piece of gear serves a purpose. Every dollar invested is an investment in survival.

Most people never realize that outfitting a single wildland firefighter today can cost between $5,500 and $8,500+ before they ever step foot on a wildfire.

The boots protect their feet on steep terrain.
The Nomex protects them from heat and flame.
The radio keeps them connected when seconds matter.
The fire shelter is their last line of defense.

These men and women willingly run toward danger to protect lives, homes, forests, and communities.

The next time you see a firefighter on the line, remember: behind every firefighter is a commitment to safety, training, readiness, and sacrifice.

🔥 Every tool has a purpose.
🔥 Every piece of gear can save a life.
🔥 Every firefighter deserves to come home.

Please take a moment to thank the wildland firefighters, dispatchers, mechanics, pilots, support personnel, and families who make this mission possible.

🇺🇸 Courage. Commitment. Community.

29/05/2026

Humans are responsible for nearly 9 in 10 unwanted wildfires. While some causes are easier to recognize (like an unattended campfire), it's important to be cautious and thoughtful whenever your area has hot, dry, and windy conditions.

State forestry agencies are often the first responders to nearly all wildfires across the country. Help keep them safe by doing your part to prevent wildfires! 🔥

29/05/2026

Updated map of drought in Pennsylvania

29/05/2026

If you’re looking to join the pack of responsible campers, here’s your starter kit. It’s got the essentials I look for before we get a campfire rolling. 🐻