char

But it was impossible not to notice, beyond the cool splashing and camaraderie, a charred and empty landscape.

The risk of reignition has been so high that cleanup crews are just now beginning to remove the charred batteries.

Since it ignited Aug. 1, the fire has charred nearly 120,000 acres as of Monday, becoming the state’s largest blaze of the year.

“It’s like in forest fires where big, old-growth trees survive by charcoaling. The exterior chars, but the inside survives.”

Images purportedly showing the charred remains of the helicopter have been circulating on social media.