Paradise, Ca 'Camp' fire FLYOVER 

I started following you during the Oroville Dam crisis. It is very refreshing to still see journalism is alive in the wee-corners of the internet unlike main stream sources. Thanks for your efforts!!! Great stuff.

Thank you for taking me on a $175 tour. Better than any news cast production.

Pine needles ignite easily. It still looks messed up that houses burn but trees don't.

A few things. 1st this breaks my heart seeing all of this distruction. 2nd Juan thank you for the kind words of encourgement to my brothers and sisters in public safety. Disabled EMT here. I can tell you that you are right that they will be tring to think what could they done different and they will be mad also because in their hearts, the reason we do this job, Is to help and with BS top down stuff it ties their hands.

After this guy took that flight footage, he made that lengthy preface because he knew for certain what he was looking at, but still for whatever reason he didnt want to land on "that" band wagon. You can see early on where the fire started in the forest but its predominantly burnt grass and dirt, but as soon as the fire reaches the houses it consumes nothing other than man made objects, like a dogs first taste of Blood, it seeks it out. Once the houses are consumed it went back to burning the grass and dirt, occasionally a tree, until it reaches another town... 7:50 Could it be more obvious? 9:30 ? This is an AMAZING video. I dont know how anyone could honestly convince themselves that Fiberglass, Rubber, Plastics, Granite, Glass, Steel (which all go through some kind of fire safety regulations prior to being distributed to the public) are somehow all more flammable than the Trees and Vegetation that have been in a DROUGHT for several years now... Makes no sense...

Juan I would like to thank you for once again providing a concise and well put together debrief of this incident. As a former professional firefighter and private pilot this is a perfect platform to utilize for this overview. The use of sold facts and the explanation of wildland fire behavior helps to relieve some of the ambiguity and misunderstanding that will follow a event like this. Keep up the solid work.

My dad used to live in Paradise... I remember well that old sign, that said "You Are Ascending Into Paradise"... It's a darned shame, there won't be so many people up there in the future, for a very long time. Kudos to Juan Brown for his amazing coverage, without political agendas or finger-pointing... Better views of what went on and the aftermath, than other media will ever provide. Stay safe, guy!

Juan, I just learned more in a few minutes than in days worth of reports on the fire by "professional" media. Thank you for your work!

Catastrophe seems almost an inadequate word for all that has happened. Great seeing the flyover - sure shows the enormous scale - and the deceptive seeming survival of so many trees. Property loss is beyond belief. More super reporting Juan, thank you.

This really helped me understand how and why those people were trapped as they tried to evacuate.

As a member of a Colorado based incident mgmt team that works fires, this is the worst case scenario we talk about and even plan for. Your tour and description of the fire activity were very helpful. Godspeed to the assessment and recovery teams. Thanks for a superb job documenting what happened. The networks should take a lesson from you.

My question is...if the wind was so bad that it moved at such a crazy fast pace that it burned the house not so much the trees, why were garbage cans all standing up right? Not one was blown over from the wind and the streets had no debris on them other than the burned cars. I saw that from all the videos and pictures that was shown. So I’m a bit confused...very windy, homes burned to the ground with nothing left, but trash cans still standing! Fire Concentrate on the homes. Doesn’t make any sense! I do enjoy your reporting! 👍👍👍👍

Thanks Juan.I have seen allot of fire-storms and never seen that many dry pine trees not burn in a fire. All the houses next to those pine trees... very strange!

I was in the middle of this fire.We sprayed water for 6 hours, keeping the middle of the yard fire free. Then the outer bushes went up. Berry bushes 100 feet long went up for 10-15 seconds, gone no damage to anything. South side bushes gone 10 seconds. South side 200" tree crowned and was gone 10 seconds. We left after all roads to Skyway were empty with traffic. The house and property were standing 7+ hours into this fire. We had both sides of the street trees up in flames. Skyway down was impossible to see 10 feet, We made it down. The home we had is gone. God Bless us all. Keep in mind please, Paradise clean-up will take 12-18 month's, this is from the Mayor. Nothing can live on your Property.

I wish all the news media would report the way you do Juan. Very informative and the whole truth not just the truth that serves your purpose. One again a big thumbs up 👍

I’m just say’n but it still seems weird the way the fire burned

First off Juan,thank you for your coverage of this devastating disaster.By flying over,people can see the scale in which this fire had grown in just a short time.Your interview with Dean ,gives perspective of the chaos and people literally scrabbling for safety in which no one,knew which direction was a safe haven!We are very fortunate to be able to return,to our place of home but with heavy heart's.That day will forever be stamped in our lives.There are so many lives,turned up side down and we morn for those families who lost their family,may God Bless you all.Yes,Magalia has suffered too but not on a scale like Paradise.As you passed over Pine Ridge School,all I could think about,was our 8 yr old son,being there that morning.As you flew SW along Skyway and pointed out PDHS,that is where our 15yr old son,was that morning.The event's that unfolded that day,has effected our ridge community as a hole.I want other's to understand that,when I speak,I'm referring to all of us who have been effected by the Camp Fire.Lives were lost,families separated,people running for there life in total darkness,home's,businesses burning to the ground.Our community will never be the same,some will never come back and those who do,will forever be changed.I'll leave you with this everyone.While my family and I have been blessed with our lives,we feel guilt for having a home to come back to.God Bless you all First Responders and many thanks go out to our surrounding communities for your support.There is so much to be thankful for.Stay safe Juan and God Bless your family.Kudos

The speed and destruction caused by the Camp Fire in Paradise is very similar to the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm. The Oakland Hills is a wildland-urban interface area with packed homes on hilly terrain plus plenty of fuel in and around properties. Also, narrow winding roads caused horrendous traffic jams and people to loose their lives while trying to evacuate. Lessons from almost three decades ago unfortunately were not learned.

Thanks, Juan. I'm one of the witnesses who saw the start of Colorado's Hayman fire, an arson fire by a firefighter (head nod hand up), and the winds that picked it up. My group were the first to report this fire and we was told after they arrived to leave camp. This was the largest fire in CO history. The residents, though much less densely populated than those in your Camp fire, were warned about the possibility of a devastating fire for more than a decade before and were told to mitigate the potential fuels around their structures. Most of those structures were saved. This was in our Denver water supply and our water had a smoky taste and smell a few years afterwards.

You have answered many questions that have been running through my mind.

I'm glad you found the time to document this disaster, in this unique manner. You are a credit to professional pilots for your involvement in public civil affairs and in your responsible, and honest, documentation efforts.

I'm guessing the "traffic calming" measure you're referring to is the reduction of lanes in both directions on a lower portion of Skyway. In the past, there were two lanes in both directions. The city council reduced the lanes to a single lane both directions. The traffic in Paradise at "rush hour" times was awful given the population of the town itself. I was perplexed at the decision before the fire. After the fire I'm furious.

I had been waiting on this aerial view report and you pointed out everything that we all needed to know about the Camp fire. I had attempted to follow the situation on topographical maps but the aerial view really brought the whole thing into focus. Thanks so much for your accurate reporting as always.

I appreciate the series you have produced on this fire. My Mom's home was part of that last total burn in Magalia. You've provided the most balanced, indepth and rational analysis I've seen.

Great coverage as usual Juan. Lots of moment where your heart feels like it drops down to your stomach - poor people, the lives lost, and losing their homes. I really hope everyone gets taken care of.

Excellent reporting, your explanation of how a wind driven ground fire travels was clear and factual, seeing the patterns from the air was eye opening

Thanks for the overview and commentary, Juan. Such a huge disaster! The wind and consequent speed of the fire front really created much of the destruction, leaving first responders with little opportunity to even initiate planned protective measures. Many critical lessons to be learned. Very sad to see all those destroyed homes.

Do you think there will ever be any positive change, or just another layer of bureaucracy laid over the rest?

When smoke was first smelled at the hospital, there was no wind. Not long after, it got really windy. Where did the wind come from and why?

Thankyou sir for such a professional video flight & description as to how the fire moved & its speed generated by the high winds. My brother & his family are one of many who unfortunately lost their home to this devistation. All 5 family members, plus w horses, 2 dogs, 4 cats & a pet rat made it to safety. Their home was on Likens lane, off of Foster. I Lived there in Paradise for almost of 4 months, 2 yrs ago, while helping to take care of our dad during his terminal illness. Dad would stay with my brother & his family on 4-51D 6 month vacations to Paradise during the winter season to escape the harsh, bitter, cold, of the colorado winter season. This devistaion makes me so sad for the whole entire community there & also sad because it was my home for a short period of time! I fell in love with Paradise & the surrounding areas. God bless you in the future, praying for everyone involved still, & please fly safe.

Thanks for the fly over images of Paradise and surrounding area destroyed by the fires. Your presentation / reporting made more sense the all the "news" channels combined. In the 1960 - 1980's, I visited Paradise and my grandparents place on Quiet Lane many times and have fond memories of their forest home. Later on other family and many friends moved to Paradise. Sadly -- only 2 of the ~10 families we know - now have their home after the fire. I especially enjoyed your images of the Paradise Airport. My grandfather Vern West purchased the land and then flattened the ridge top using whatever money/time/talent/equipment he could scrap together to get the airport running. He installed the fence and the landing lights - digging the trenches, wiring the home made lights featuring glass canning jars. He later sold the property twice! when he retired. I know he would be amazed at what the Paradise Airport has become - also saddened by the terrible fire.... Thanks again for your reporting. Keep up the good work. Jay

Indeed, thank you first responders for everything that you do! Prayers to all of those involved and affected by this disaster. Thank you Juan for sharing this for us all.

Knowing Paradise as I do after six decades and growing up there, I am absolutely amazed that more people didn't lose their lives! Hats off to all those first responders, in my opinion they performed a miracle! Family and friends have described the horrendous conditions of their escape, terrifying!

New music was perfect! Thanks for the great coverage, Juan, you're the best!

Thank you Juan. As usual I'm able to turn to your channel for information w/o agenda. I'm very grateful that this flat-lander can find honest reporting through you. After seeing how close the fire came to the hospital my hat's off to your friend Nurse Dean Strait. There was such calm in his voice during your interview it belayed the urgency of his situation. I was a combat medic in the Navy, but never faced a horrific situation as that - Bravo Zulu to both of you. Thanks again for the report.

Thanks once again Juan for the report. You really fulfill our curiosity but can tell in your voice that it takes a toll on you as well. High honors for taking us along and prayers for those inflicted,,,,

Juan - As I have watched this from my perch east of the Mississippi, in a dense urban forest, chills run down my spine. It's terrifying to see the overwhelming scope of this disaster and not think about the property and people devastated - and lost - and how we might make our own communities safer. Thank you so much for the flyover. Also: Crosswind landing? Nice job!

Hi, actual Paradise resident here. RE: Traffic Calming measures. Skyway: From the corner of Pearson to the corner of Elliott. You can see it in reverse in the right side of the screen from 14:33-15:00. In Fact the still that you use at 15:26 shows the corner of Skyway and Pearson. Pearson: From the corner of Skyway to Clark Rd. Also, it didn't help that Skyway was on fire cutting the number of lanes out of Paradise in half. This was at the split where the fire dropped trees and power lines on the lanes people would normally take out of the town.

Excellent overview of the situation. So much better than most of the reporters I've seen. Thank you for your service!

As a former resident who lives out of state with lots of family still in Paradise I want to thank you for your in-depth reporting on this catastrophe. Between the Oroville Dam spillway of almost two years ago now and this horrific fire you provide information that no one else does. Bless you Juan!

I hope other similarly sites communities watch this and get prepared. My home is in a similar location. People don't want trees cut but there needs to be places people can shelter in place when egress is blocked. We need better plans for evacuating the elderly and handicapped.

You nearly made your turn over Magalia right over my place. I was lucky, upper Magalia/ Paradise Pines. My place and neighborhood were undamaged but definitely affected. Great video. Thank you.

Thank you for your time to follow this sadness of lost of life and lost of homes and knowing a lot of people who lost everything and my prayers go out to all . Juan Thank God for the rain and all the support from people who have worked hard together.

Juan thank you. We all appreciate everything you do to get us the correct information on all these disasters. My heart goes out to those who lost loved one and everything they owned in this horrible fire. I dont think we could thank the First Responders, Cal fire, the Sheriffs Dept., all the Police Dept's. The Medical Staff and all the citizens who escaped and helped with such a horrible disaster. God Bless everyone. 😭🙏🙏

I can't say it any better than Mike Apple did: "Juan, I just learned more in a few minutes than in days worth of reports on the fire by "professional" media. Thank you for your work!"

Thank you for showing us this perspective.

Thanks Juan....I knew it could be bad but this is just amazing how this fire burned. Hope those who live in similar situations take note. Fire burns worse the unprepared. And a brave smile and resolve to those lost so much in this fire. A lot of them had pulled into their final glide in life and their wings have come off.

Thank you Juan! You get a lot of information into this video. Editing is key to your excellence. Great photos!

There is no way to fight a fire that moves that fast, and there never will be. Only preparedness will matter in such events. Fuel reduction, fire brakes, defensible space, fireproof building materials and better escape routes are the elements of prevention that fall to every person and community in these wildland - urban interfaces.

Hi Juan, Another great job. Everything you said was spot-on. Until we review our past conflagrations, and make the necessary changes, we will continue to experience these tragic fire events. With the growth of Cal Fire, and OES, the mobilization of resources HAS slowed down. As a first responder, with 30+ years, I speak from experience. But people need to realize, California handles these types of events better than anyone. Since the inception of Firescope, in the 70’s, everyone has followed our lead. It takes time, to move and support, a force of 5000 firefighters. Few can imagine the logistics required for such an operation.

Thank you for your spot on info about the urban interface and fire behavior. As a 34 year veteran of Cal Fire It is ingrained in us that its life safety first then property second.

So sad. Thank you Juan for showing us the devastation of such a wild fire, lessons will be learnt but sometimes not adhered to....my heart goes out to everyone who was effected .. peace be with you all 🙏🏼

This really is shocking to watch, the sheer scale of it is frightening. Hard to comprehend so many family homes being lost so quickly.

Saddest plane ride I've ever been on.

Beautiful terrain! So sad many ppl lost not only their homes, but also lives. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Juan for your time at lunch. Keep up the GREAT WORK, this world needs more people like you. Be safe, and happy flying. God Bless Us All.

We tend to fear the most that which we don't understand. Thank you Juan for passing along your knowledge. It really does make it easier to deal with.

True straight forward and intelligent reporting, really appreciate your passion and honesty, thanks Juan

Thanks for your reporting and letting me fly with you.

Juan, Thank you and the Mighty Luscombe for that great first hand report! Without your reports the average person would never really understand the scope and context of this entire catastrophe . It is truely a saddening view but one that must be seen and reported. God bless Paul

Thank you this puts into perspective so many things, one thing that stood out was how few places of refuge were available for that number of people...in Australia we have designated safe refuges ie sporting fields or airport runway or supermarket carpark....we all should make a plan of where our closest refuge is, how long to drive, walk or run there, practise going there day & night because in places like these they are the only safe place to be....and as pointed out the difference between a house standing or burning was what is around it - keep trees, bushes, outbuildings, wood piles well away from the home, have sprinklers all the way around yr homes, roofs and verandahs, have green grass, gravel or rocks around the house as a buffer zone....have a plan stick it on yr fridge and be prepared to defend or go within 15 min max

Thanks Juan and again... the right words !

Thank you Juan for your continued work, on the Oroville dam and now Paradise. Northern California is lucky to have your common sense reporting.

Thank you for conveying your opinion on the bureaucracy in an appropriate matter. I do agree with you. But I think your approach is one of the most constructive and mature things I have seen in awhile.

That first overview of Grass Valley caught my eye, in the right conditions that'll all go too. The thick vegetation with houses tucked in is frightening.

The scope of the devastation is still mind-numbing. There should be plenty of take-aways for any homeowner or business in the wildland-urban interface -a series of recommended retrofits. Simple things, from removing combustibles and potential fuel from around a house, to replacing siding with hardi-board (concrete siding), non-combustible roofing materials, reconstruction of roof eaves and vents. For those with pools, one well-documented home owner in southern Ca had a pump and fire suppression system hooked up to his pool, which helped save his house. However, don't rely on utility-served power and/or water supplies - as this fire showed, power lines burned and were lost; and in a major fire, there probably isn't enough water pressure left in the system in the event of widespread use. Thanks for your coverage, Juan!

As usual, very informative, especially for an east coast guy like me! Thanks Juan.

Another great reporting job, Juan! You get better & better at this!

Thanks Juan.

I think I am going to be sick. I live in Redding and only a few months ago we had the Carr Fire here and I wouldn't wish anything like that on my worst enemy. Too see the damage that fire did to that town makes our fire look so small. Its mind blowing to me in Redding we lost almost 2000 homes, that's a drop in the bucket compared to what Paradise lost. So sad I still pray every night for our towns to heal from these tragedies. Let's pray to God 2019 summer is more forgiving. But then you can't burn something that's already been burned.

Thank you for the update. Your reporting of this tragic event has been truly excellent

I appreciate you explaining before flying. I had many questions and you essentially answered them. Thank you.

Juan. Any chance you could interview a representative of a company that manufacturers personal fire shelters that would be placed on a home property and used to protect a family in case of a fire? So if you cannot evacuate or choose to stay home and try to protect your home from burning, when the fire gets too close, you crawl inside and allow the fire to burn and exit when it's clear.

All the stats on the structures, standing and destroyed, undoubtedly will/are being gathered and new building codes will most likely be made. The first responders were completely overwhelmed, showing again that during and after these catastrophic events we are on our own. Thanks Juan.

Just amazing the power of nature and fire... seeing the area affected and how fast you reported it spread... I’m just awe struck... prayers for the people of Paradise... thanks for another great report.... if a picture is worth a thousand words... your flyby and reporting is priceless....

Thank you for taking the time to document the heartbreaking destruction and loss.

Bbster Scott's RU-vid Channel uploaded some recent videos that document no wind or light breeze at his home, in the path of the Camp fire, when the fire started.

Thanks Juan! Once again factual reporting. Bravo!

Thanks for your report, Juan. So sad to see the scope of the destruction. I can't imagine living through such an event. May God bless those affected by this horrible fire and help them to make sense of it. Thanks for your report and God bless you.

I bet they will not allow logging the dead trees. Thank you for this video update.

I live in the San Jacinto Mountains in So Cal. I have been through 3 fires. Most notable are the Esperanza and Silver fires. If it weren't for fire fighting air craft we would have been burned out completely both times. Ground force response was inadequate an noneffective. Too many managers and not enough workers. They spent their time chasing the fires and mopping up the aftermath. Many of the residents and property owners must take the blame for not maintaining their properties. That is a big problem up here. So hats off to those men and women flying those aircraft. They deserve respect for their bravery and dedication.

As always you have the best video of the aftermath of this devastating event! Thanks for your diligently keeping us informed

Thank you for this video, really shows the devastation. So very sad for the homes but more so the lives lost as well as businesses. Praying for everyone affected.

Yesterday we thought it was a great idea to go to the Chico mall and get an In and Out burger. Little did we know, the flash flood warning issued had effected hwy 99. Water was running off the eastern slope and completely flooding hwy 99 in both directions. Traffic was at a total standstill till the water ran off to the West. It took us a hour and a half to make a twenty minute drive....yikes.

the traffic calming methods you mention on Skyway are real - the skyway used to be 2 lanes in each direction all through most of the town - the town changed that to make downtown safer for pedestrians - by widening the parking lane and changing it to a single lane in each direction with a turn lane in the middle that could be used in either direction in case of emergency

The devastation is absolutely incredible. It is unbelievable the fury that mother nature can unleash when the conditions are right! In this case, the conditions were optimal which left the fire fighters at a distinct disadvantage. It was extremely difficult to view the devastation from the air. My sympathies go out to all of the residents whose lives were interrupted and may never be the same again as a result! Great presentation done by Juan in his video and commentary!

Thanks for the bird's eye view. Helps to show the immensity of this terrible tragedy.

Thanks Juan. I come to your site for good data and the common sense attitude I hear.

More cool fly over so thank you again.

so sorry to see such horrible devastation! but, on the other hand, it felt like I was in the front seat flying in real-time along with you, thrilling ride, Juan!

Can't understand how your equipment stayed so steadily focused to the ground while the plane moved around like that, but bravo for that. I can't imagine a better summary of the incident. My sympathies to the people affected by the fire.

This may be aircraft blasphemy, but maybe you should look into a reliable wing strut mount for the go pro. I know there would have to be some real precautions made, as I'm sure the FAA doesn't like the idea of go pros falling from the sky. Just a thought..... that you probably already had. Thanks again for these videos. You sir are a true journalist.

Such devastation and what a horrible thing for those residents to go through. I ask myself what would I do if I lived there? Do you rebuild or not? It’s mind boggling. I send prayers to all 🙏 Juan, Thank you for your time and be well. ✌🏻

#1 News Reporter of the year right here.

First the Oroville Dam and now the Camp Fire. Two years ago, our town in Oregon was in the path of a fast moving fire that doubled in size four days in a row, and we hoped the first responders would be able to protect the town, but they told us not to depend on them. Then, California started to burn, and we realized how foolish we were. Thanks, Juan, for the advice to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Too often those charged with reporting are little more than advocates for their position, and ignore everything else. Mainstream media people could learn a lot from Mr. Brown. Juan studies his subjects, and reports what he finds. As a result, we get the facts and the whole story. Great reporting, and thanks for the good work you do.

I can’t thank you enough for your reporting. I always look forward to seeing what Juan B has to say and show us. Chico was my home but I’m living in Tennessee now. Hard to put into words how sad this makes me feel. For all those lives lost, homes lost, etc. But it is heartwarming to see how the people pull together in support of each other. Looking forward to the next video!

Thank you so much for showing us what really happened to our neighborhoods. My wife and I are now back in our home in Magalia with no damage to our home. You have shown us more information than all the "News Channels" combined. The stupid "Officials" kept telling us to go to their website, Twitter Page or Facebook Page on the news channels but, the power was out the cable was out, the internet was out and the radio coverage was useless to no coverage for help at all. If my daughter didn't work at Feather River Hospital and got evacuated then drove to us to tell us to evacuate we would have never known there was anything going on. No authorities came by to warn us of the impending doom. Our daughter saved our lives. Again, thank you for your work. Cheers, Jay

Great work. Thank you for taking the time to pull this together for us.

thanks for this footage. very helpful. do you have any plans to fly over the area where the fire is believed to have started?