Thursday morning jolt: hiking, firefighting, and community organizing

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  But don't let the occasional fire scare you: LAist puts Eaton Canyon on their must-hike list.
• Supv. Antonovich's office has announced that the county fire department has renewed its lease for an S-64E Helitanker from Erickson Air-Crane.With a 2,500 gallon tank that can drop water, retardant, or foam mix, the  Helitanker is one the world’s most versatile and powerful, aerial fire suppression tools.   A ram scoop hydrofoil allows the Helitanker to refill from fresh water and sea water sources in less than 45 seconds.  A flexible hose snorkel features a high pressure impeller and can draw water from any water source 18 inches or deeper as fast as 45 seconds.  The Helitanker will begin operations on Mon., Aug. 16 out of the Department’s Van Nuys Airport Tanker Base.
• And in yet more related news, PSN's editorial takes a stick to the National Forest Service for withholding information from investigators, reprisals against employees, etc., all related to the Station Fire (thx Monica!)
• In NON-fire news, the Palm St. Area Residents Association has started a new neighborhood association website, http://www.altadenapsara.org/, and urge you to check it out.