Monday, August 6 Dale Snook piloted his aircraft over the massive wildfire in Luce County after more
than 14,000 acres burned. Crews from the Air Army National Guard in Grayling assisted by dumping
water they hauled with Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. Winds on the fireÕs second day carried
the smell of smoke into Antrim County, and as far south as Cadillac, as reported by several residents.
Snook circled the fire a couple of times and was able to spot helicopters dipping water from
the lakes, then hauling it to the fire and dumping it. The smaller Black Hawk carried loads up to 700
gallons, while the much larger Chinook helicopter hauled about 2,000 gallons per load.
Photo by Joanie Moore