Living with Fire ~ USGS on SoCal Burn Dynamics

io9's Mika McKinnon spots USGS video Living with Fire...

"Last year, the United States Geological Survey produced an educational video on just why fires in Southern California are so different than elsewhere, and how they're using data to develop new strategies in fire prevention and fire science."

Also, FYI, Birago says check out this Drought Map...

King's Cross Inferno ~ Learning From Disaster...

It was 25 years ago that the King's Cross Inferno killed 31 and maimed dozens more in the most deadly subway event in London Tube history. The most badly burned survivor is Kwasi Afari Minta who shares his painful story in the Daily Mail / Sunday Mirror...

"He has endured 30 operations in 25 years, procedures that have caused him immense suffering. With his 'claw-like' hands and debilitating pain every time he closes his eyes, he cannot cope with anymore operations. But despite his torment, he still regards himself as 'one of the lucky ones'. He told the Sunday Mirror: 'When I meet people I knew from before the fire, that's when the problems start, if they react badly and sympathise. I don't want tears or sympathy. But I'm still here. I have my son. Most of the time I feel lucky."

Here's short contemporary investigation report... Full docu from NatGeo's Seconds From Disaster... Finally, here's a Firetactics review and "trench effect" lessons.

Pulse of Fire ~ NASA MODIS Sees Earth Burning!

DailyMail spots NASA MODIS-enabled Earth Observatory visualization of annual Pulse of Fires!

Service Drones ~ Robots & UAVs Beyond War...

Interesting story of French firefighters using UAVs to scout flames... Orbit in Belgium over accident scene... Powerline inspection systems... Even ship at sea inspections (thanks gCaptain!)...