January's edition of CQ Magazine

Wildfire relief efforts detailed in CQ Magazine

The story of the role played by radio amateurs during last Octobers devastating Southern California wildfires is described in great detail in the January issue of CQ Magazine.

Penned by Public Service editor Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, the article titled Firestorm tells of the heroic efforts by radio amateurs all across the Southland as Santa Ana winds swept across the region pushing along 12 wildfires - fires that consumed over 500,000 acres, destroyed 3100 structures including 2200 homes and left 7 dead.

The article not only tells of the role played by ARES and RACES members during the fire emergency. It also details the refusal of the American Red Cross to deploy radio hams who had not gone through the extensive background check now required by that relief agency.

Even in the case of this massive firestorm and the need by the Red Cross for more ham radio manpower, Josuweit's article says that the agency stood firm and said it would not accept help from volunteers who had not completed its background check.

Bob Josuweit's story Firestoirm is a serious must-read for all radio amateurs and especially those involved in emergency communications. It begins on page 44 of the January issue of CQ Magazine.

For more information visit www.cq-amateur-radio.com

Source: ARNewsline™