Over the weekend, a NASA high-altitude research aircraft conducted flights above British Columbia’s wildfires to enhance understanding of weather phenomena triggered by large fires. The ER-2 plane was observed flying multiple times over B.C.’s southern Interior, embarking on a more than six-hour journey from Great Falls, Mont. Tracking data revealed that the aircraft spent approximately four hours at an altitude of 60,000 feet above the Clinton area, where the extensive Pear Lake wildfire is currently active. The plane also traversed east over Lake Revelstoke before returning to U.S. airspace.
NASA’s research mission with the ER-2 aircraft focuses on studying pyrocumulonimbus clouds, described as one of the least comprehended severe weather occurrences on Earth. The B.C. Wildfire Service noted that the Pear Lake wildfire, spanning nearly 1,500 square kilometers and the largest in B.C., has generated pyrocumulonimbus clouds resulting from intense smoke and heat, capable of producing rain, lightning, and fire tornadoes.
The ER-2 aircraft, a modified Cold War spy plane derived from the U-2, is renowned for its extreme altitude capabilities, surpassing typical commercial flight altitudes by up to twice as high. Fitted with advanced infrared wildfire tracking equipment, the aircraft aims to collect crucial data on pyrocumulonimbus clouds. NASA emphasized the significance of monitoring these unique storms in real-time to improve forecasting and mitigate potential risks for aviators and ground-level fire incidents.
The flight path of NASA’s ER-2 Earth Resources aircraft over British Columbia on the specified date was visually captured, showcasing the aircraft’s movements during the research mission. NASA’s proactive approach to studying pyrocumulonimbus clouds is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing preparedness for future wildfire-related weather events.