A homeowner affected by a 1987 California forest fire, describes his experience. He is seen in a firefighting command post, with maps on the wall behind him and many voices conversing in the background. He states that when he was able to return to his home, it was still standing, although everything around it was burned. He is thankful and has nothing but highest praise for the efforts of the fire-fighting crews.
A uniformed U.S. Forest Service officer answers a telephone from a command post dealing with a forest fire in California in 1987. He informs the caller that the area of his interest is well outside the fire zone, but that the Stanislaus National Forest is completely closed due to the fire. Workers in the center pass information about closed areas to others by telephone. Copies of information bulletins are seen.
Views of community activities to assist persons fleeing from a forest fire in California, in 1987. A pickup truck parked on a road, loaded with personal belongings, including a stuffed deer head. A radio shown as an announcer speaks of the need at the Fair Grounds, for items related to animal care, such as dog food, etc. A food establishment worker speaks of taking care of 500 people a day with hamburgers, and other simple foods. View inside a building of people going through a food line staffed by volunteers. Large number of people displaced by wild fire are seated at tables eating.
The film chronicles events occurring during the California fire of 1987 in which 775 acres of forestry went up in flames and hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage was incurred. An official speaks to media about the severe fire of California which was extraordinary in nature. He says that many of the fires have been taken care of and many have not been. He states that there has been a major loss of valuable resources.
California forest fires in 1987. Trees burning in a forest. Aerial view of the smoking forest as seen from a helicopter in flight. A pickup truck drives past the burning fire. Firefighters in protective gear shoveling earth to extinguish flames and create a fire break. Numerous dramatic views of fire burning through forest. Background sounds of firefighters conversing on radios.
Interior of Fire Fire Command Center of the California State Department of Forestry. Staff in khaki uniforms with Department of Forestry patches on their shirt sleeves. They operate various stations in the center. One sits at a position above which are seen a map and sign reading: "Airtankers." Another control station is devoted to handcrews. Another maintaining status of fire engines. An official stands near a helicopter coordination station listening to a report that no more helicopters are available. The staff discuss resources needed to deal with ongoing forest fire.