Yes Wunwing I have seen them and it was around the time you did. I have read people seem to think that ITAR's limit the Trackers to scrap.
Armchair experts abound, every one has an answer.
Despite what you say there is a limit to what Governments/Organisations have to spend.
As far as particular fire events every one is individual, the people tasked (Paid or volunteer) to fight fires do so to the very best of their ability.
There are weather events that when occur influence fires in such a way that we are just observers.