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The Martin Mars on Trinity Lake - August 19, 2008 In an effort to stop the progress of the Miller Fire that started on Sunday in the Tangle Blue drainage, the USFS called in the "big gun" — the Martin Mars. This converted amphibian the size of a 747 can scoop up 7,200 gallons of water as it skims along the lake water surface. The Mars arrived today about 11:00 a.m. Her first pass came in from the southeast. She turned headed for Halls Gulch and circled left to make an approach into the southwest wind. Prior to her approach, a small safety plane flies the Mars path and sounds a loud siren to move boaters away.
Throughout the day there was also support helicopter activity between the airport and the fire. Her second pass started up the lake and she was still taking up water as she disappeared from sight behind the runway and mountain.
Her third and final pass was the same as the second.
The Mars overhead:
Then the Mars came in for a rest, maybe a lunch break. She floated around as curious boaters nudged up for a look.
The Mars had to abort her takeoff run because of a boat in her path despite the safety plane making two passes by the boat to chase it way. When the path was clear, the Mars took off for home base. A short video is at the end of the picture series.
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