Russian Forest Fires Devastating (Boston.com - The Big Picture)

I spent a few summer working with Conair Aviation DC-6's and other aircraft in the late 70's fighting fires in the Northwest Territories.  Great experiences for a teenager and good money for a summer job.  Our tankers held approximately 2000gal of Monsanto Fire Retardant - a high salt content gel that snuffed out the oxygen available for fire, and coated the fuel to further retard the fire's advance.  These photos from Russia, and the current challenges in British Columbia emphasize the real dangers of such intense and enormous wildfire.