This is an email I sent last night 6/29/11 to lots of influential folks about my work to get all the "safe" fire fighting resources for NM. I did not want history to repeat itself as happened during the 2000 Cerro Grande fire when USDA & FEMA officials gave former NM Governor Johnson information that such "advanced, safe" resources were not beneficial & timely for NM.
To: Steve Daniels of Evergreen Aviation;
I met with the federal Type 1 fire team, incident deputy commander, Pruett Small at tonight's Cochiti Pueblo public fire meeting re: Los Conchas fire near Los Alamos. I gave him more info about Evergreen Aviation's 20,000 gallon, content pressurized, B747 supertanker. Mr. Small initially only mentioned the DC10 tanker option. He said the super heavy air tankers (SHAT) are an option for him and can be called at anytime if needed.
However, I explained that Evergreen Aviation needs at least 48 hours to be on-site. I had to brief him on the B747 capabilities which as mentioned can be outfitted with non-toxic (food grade) Barricade (superabsorbent polymer slurry/gel) as opposed to his initial statement that NPE based foam was his first choice.
I then met with Governor Susana Martinez who after my briefing, (to include using BPA (blanket purchase agreements) for accessing 75% federal reimbursement for such fire fighting resources) stated her preference for using the non-toxic, food grade "Barricade" type fire gel. She also gave me the clearance to start working with NM Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Duvall on her preferences and concerns that NPE or petroleum distillate based fire suppression foams & gels are being used in NM.
I will get back with Sec. Duvall & Dep. incident commander Pruett Small on any other issues that might be necessary such as a LOI (Letters of Interest) or MOU (memorandum of understanding) to keep Evergreen Aviation "on deck".
I will be sharing this email with other New Mexicans & my blog, nmgovtv@blogspot.com not only to keep others informed but to continue asking citizens to exert influence so NM has access to all known "safe" resources needed to protect lives and property during this time of extended fire fighting.
