Earthquake - 4.0 M - Border area, Calexico, El Centro

Version #C: This report supersedes any earlier reports of this event.
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

A light earthquake occurred at 11:27:31 AM (PST) on Monday, November 2, 2009.
The magnitude 4.0 event occurred 14 km (9 miles) WSW of Calexico, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 6 km ( 4 miles).

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Magnitude	4.0 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Monday, November 2, 2009 at 11:27:31 AM (PST) Monday, November 2, 2009 at 19:27:31 (UTC)
Distance from	Calexico, CA - 14 km (9 miles) WSW (256 degrees) Heber, CA - 15 km (9 miles) SW (229 degrees) Seeley, CA - 17 km (10 miles) SSE (166 degrees) Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico - 17 km (10 miles) W (268 degrees) Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico - 129 km (80 miles) E (84 degrees)
Coordinates	32 deg. 38.8 min. N (32.646N), 115 deg. 38.8 min. W (115.646W)
Depth	5.7 km (3.5 miles)
Location Quality	Fair
Location Quality Parameters	Nst= 54, Nph= 54, Dmin=8 km, Rmss=0.42 sec, Erho=0.6 km, Erzz=1.2 km, Gp=172.8 degrees
Event ID#	ci10489253
Additional Information	2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.) Did you feel it? ShakeMap shaking intensity maps Waveforms 24-hour Aftershock Forecast Map

--------------------AFTERSHOCK--------------------

A minor earthquake occurred at 12:18:23 PM (PST) on Monday, November 2, 2009.

The magnitude 3.2 event occurred 15 km (9 miles) SW of Heber, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 6 km ( 4 miles).

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Magnitude	3.2 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Monday, November 2, 2009 at 12:18:23 PM (PST) Monday, November 2, 2009 at 20:18:23 (UTC)
Distance from	Heber, CA - 15 km (9 miles) SW (230 degrees) Calexico, CA - 15 km (9 miles) WSW (255 degrees) Seeley, CA - 17 km (10 miles) SSE (167 degrees) Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico - 17 km (11 miles) W (267 degrees) Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico - 129 km (80 miles) E (84 degrees)
Coordinates	32 deg. 38.7 min. N (32.645N), 115 deg. 38.9 min. W (115.649W)
Depth	6.4 km (4.0 miles)
Location Quality	Poor
Location Quality Parameters	Nst=042, Nph=042, Dmin=7 km, Rmss=0.39 sec, Erho=0.6 km, Erzz=1.6 km, Gp=190.8 degrees
Event ID#	ci10489429
Additional Information	2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.) Did you feel it? Waveforms 24-hour Aftershock Forecast Map

Sierra Conservation Center - Gabilan Fire Camp inmate escapes

SOLEDAD, Calif. -- Law enforcement officials are looking for an inmate who escaped from Gabilan Fire Camp early Monday.
Prison officials said Anthony Phillip Lopez, who is serving four years for weapons and drug possession, walked away from the Sierra Conservation Center at 1 a.m. Monday.
Gabilan Fire Camp is considered a low-risk correctional facility.

Lopez, 40, was incarcerated in 2007 and is from Santa Barbara County.
Prison officials said Lopez is a member of the West Side Locos gang and is affiliated with other gangs in Los Angeles.
He was last at the camp, which is located on Highway 101 in Soledad.
Lopez is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. He is bald with brown eyes and has a tattoo on his right forearm with a woman who has a hat on.
Prison officials said Lopez may be wearing gray sweats or orange camp clothing with "state prison" printed in large black lettering.

Source: KSBW - Link

CA-CZU- Loma - Wildland Fire - 485 acres, 100% Contained - Mount Modonna

Loma Fire - Santa Cruz Mountains -

View CA-CZU- Loma - Wildland Fire in a larger map
Map courtesy North Tree Fire and U.S.G.S.

YouTube Video Loma Fire

Summit - Loma Fire in Santa Cruz - 10-25-09
Credit: Dan Dawson via Flickr

EVACUATIONS - Mandatory evacuations lifted that were in effect for the areas of Ormsby Cutoff and Highland Way. About 85 structures are threatened.

Road Closures: Maymens Flat Rd, Highland Way, Ormsby Cut, Loma Prieta, Mt. Madonna, Spanish Ranch.

Weather:

CAZ511-512-261130-
EAST BAY HILLS AND DIABLO RANGE-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-
422 AM PDT SUN OCT 25 2009
.TODAY...
SKY/WEATHER.........PARTLY CLOUDY. PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING.
MAX TEMPERATURE.....72-81.
24 HR TREND......4 DEGREES COOLER.
MIN HUMIDITY........25-35%.
24 HR TREND......10% DRIER.
20-FOOT WINDS.......
VALLEYS/SLOPE....NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
RIDGE TOPS.......NORTH WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 30
MPH.
CWR (>0.10).........0%.
LAL.................1.
MARINE LAYER........500 FT ASL.

.TONIGHT...
SKY/WEATHER.........CLEAR.
MIN TEMPERATURE.....53-62.
24 HR TREND......4 DEGREES WARMER.
MAX HUMIDITY........53-73%.
24 HR TREND......35% DRIER.
20-FOOT WINDS.......
VALLEYS/SLOPE....NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
RIDGE TOPS.......NORTH WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 30
MPH.
CWR (>0.10).........0%.
LAL.................1.
MARINE LAYER........500 FT ASL.

.MONDAY...
SKY/WEATHER.........SUNNY.
MAX TEMPERATURE.....72-81.
MIN HUMIDITY........25-35%.
20-FOOT WINDS.......
VALLEYS/SLOPE....NORTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.
RIDGE TOPS.......NORTHWEST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH. GUSTS UP TO 30
MPH IN THE MORNING.
CWR (>0.10).........0%.
LAL.................1.

.EXTENDED...
.MONDAY NIGHT...COLDER. MOSTLY CLEAR. WEST WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH WITH
LOCAL GUSTS TO 30 MPH. LOWS IN THE MID 40S TO LOWER 50S.
.TUESDAY...COOLER. MOSTLY CLEAR. NORTHWEST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH WITH
LOCAL GUSTS TO 45 MPH. LOWS IN THE 40S TO LOWER 50S. HIGHS IN THE
50S TO UPPER 60S.
.WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLEAR. NORTH WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS
TO 40 MPH IN THE MORNING. LOWS IN THE UPPER 30S TO MID 40S. HIGHS
IN THE 50S TO UPPER 60S.
.THURSDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. A CHANCE OF RAIN. WEST WINDS AROUND
5 MPH. LOWS IN THE 40S. HIGHS IN THE 50S TO UPPER 60S.

Update: 07214 10-27 - 485 acres. 75% - SCU Cal Fire Battalion Chief Darrell Wolf admits possibility that CDF started the #LomaFire.
Update: 0714 10-26 NOPS GACC - The Loma Incident, CA-SCU, is 600 acres with 20 percent containment.
This fire is under the command of Morris' Type 1 Team, with over thirty years of firefighting experience Chief George Morris Jr. has commanded some of the state’s largest and most complex emergencies.
Update: Noon - Per CAL FIRE 800 acres - 0% containment, 100 engines(25 CAL FIRE), 26 Crews, 12 dozers, 6 water tenders, 8 AT's, 5 copters
Strike Team (9110c) engine involved in Hit-Run non injury MVA in Oakland, other veh. took off
Update: 1130 hours - 800 acres, CAL Fire Team 3 (Morris) to transition this evening at 2000 hours.
Fixed wing still grounded (1130 hours), wind has increased to steady 20 with gusts to 50. 10 to 12 Golf ST requested.
Update: 1100hrs ICP currently being set up at Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds.
0630 local Command and Operations agreed that this fire will need a command team for logistic reasons, They are anticipating 4-5 days.
Update: 0900hrs 600+ acres, CAL FIRE Team 3 (Morris) is ordered. Aircraft resuming flights. Still fairly strong north winds at 30 MPH.
Update: 0800hrs - 400 acres, Mandatory evacuations were in effect for the areas of Ormsby Cutoff and Highland Way. About 85 structures are threatened, she said.
Update: 0700hrs - 300+ acres, *Evacuations* - Hundreds being evacuated this morning due to a wildfire burning in the Santa Cruz Mnt. area. Temporary Flight Restriction in effect for media aircraft over the fire.
Update: 0500hrs - 100+ acres, high winds, heavy fuels.
Update: 0330hrs - Summit IC - 5ac mod rate of spread, Fire has now burned thru a canyon burning up the other side of the canyon.

IA: Aprrox 0424hrs - E1768 reporting a 3 acre fire throwing spots down the hill, heavy fuel,
requesting a full wildland response Loma Prieta Wy x. Summit Rd./Mt.
Madonna Rd. Santa Clara/Santa Cruz County Line
Comms: TAC4 and TAC 2 are tactical, air show is on Air Tactics 5, Air Victor is 134.875, CMD 1 151.355, SCU Local 151.455 and CZU Local 151.370, CZU Sheriff RED 154.950
Location: Lat/Long is 37° 5'49.07"N 121°50'46.82"W
Staging at Burrell Station on Summit Rd.
Webcam: CZU- webcam: http://morganhillweather.co...
Resources: Large resource orders, dozers, and crews.
100 engines(25 CAL FIRE), 26 Crews, 12 dozers, 6 water tenders, 8 AT's, 5 copters
Casa Loma Volunteers Paged
B1613 E1663 E1672 E1762 E1768 E1673
TD1640 TD1744
ST9270L
2 Ben Lomond Crews
#LomaFire on Twitter
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Santa Cruz County FD, Santa Cruz County Sherrif's Office, CHP, Office of Emergency Services and Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation
More information
Phone Numbers:
(831) 335-6717 (Loma Fire Media Line)
(831) 335-6718 (Loma Fire Information )
CAL FIRE website Info: Link

*High Surf Advisory* Central Calif Coast - Long period High energy Northwest Swell

[EDIS] *High Surf Advisory* Central California Coast - Remains in effect until 11 pm pdt this evening.

Event: COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
Levels: Future - Severe - Possible
Expires: 23:00 PDT on 2009-10-22
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Headline: HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING

Description: A LONG PERIOD HIGH ENERGY NORTHWEST SWELL TRAIN IS FORECAST TO IMPACT THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COASTLINE EARLY THURSDAY MORNING TO THURSDAY NIGHT. A LONG PERIOD HIGH ENERGY NORTHWEST SWELL WILL ARRIVE AT THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COASTLINE TODAY AND PRODUCE DANGEROUS BREAKING WAVES WITH HEIGHTS AS HIGH AS 13 TO 16 FEET. THESE WAVES WILL CAUSE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS NEAR THE SHORE THROUGH LATE TONIGHT. SURFERS AND BEACH GOERS SHOULD BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS NEAR THE SHORELINE AS THESE WAVES ARE EXPECTED TO BE RELATIVELY STRONG AND CAPABLE OF GENERATING STRONG LOCALIZED RIP CURRENTS.

Instruction:
A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN THE ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH EROSION.

Area: SAN FRANCISCO-COASTAL NORTH BAY... INCLUDING POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE-SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA COAST-NORTHERN MONTEREY BAY-SOUTHERN MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COAST-

Affected Counties or parts of: San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Marin, Monterey, Contra Costa, Napa, San Benito, Sonoma, Santa Clara, Alameda

Wilder Ranch State Park VMP - Santa Cruz / Scotts Valley

Wilder Ranch State Park began a series of "vegetation management burns" on Monday that will continue for two weeks.

When: Burning will take place on various days during the next two weeks depending on weather conditions, available resources and local fire activity.

Closures: Some trails in the park may be closed briefly during the burns.

Smoke: Heavy smoke from the controlled burns at Wilder Ranch State Park drifted through Scotts Valley yesterday.

Why: Controlled burns are one of the tools used to help maintain habitats and reduce of fire hazards.

For more information: California State Parks Department - 335-6318.

2007 Firestorm: Rice, Harris Fire, Witch, Guejito and Rice fires

Today in San Diego History - 2007 Firestorm: The Rice, Harris Fire, Witch, and Guejito fires burned northwest from near the border into San Diego, Burnig 350,000 acres and leaving in it's wake 10 people Dead, 350,000 acres and nearly 500,000+ people evacuated.
and more than 1,300 homes were destroyed by the fires.

Sierra Conservation Center inmate pleads guilty to Arson

Inmate pleads guilty to fire at ‘Big Whiskey’

A Sierra Conservation Center inmate who escaped from prison in July 2008 and set fire to a landmark home in Jamestown faces up to eight additional years in prison after he pleaded guilty Monday to arson and escape.

George Landecho Lopez, 36, entered his plea as part of an agreement with the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office.

Under the deal, Lopez faces up to eight years for escaping from custody by force and arson of an inhabited structure, Deputy District Attorney John Hansen said. Lopez will also have to register as an arsonist.

The DA dropped three other counts —first degree residential burglary, burglary and receiving stolen property, as part of the agreement. He could have faced nine years and eight months in prison if found guilty on all charges, according to Hansen.

Lopez will be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in Department 1 of the Tuolumne County Superior Court.

Lopez was slated for trial Oct. 28.

He pleaded not guilty at his first arraignment July 31 but had the option to change his plea Aug. 31, or take an eight-year cap deal offered by the District Attorney’s Office.

However, on Aug. 31 Lopez maintained that he was not guilty and a trial was scheduled.

The Tehama County resident escaped from a carpentry shop on July 16, 2008, by cutting a fence. On July 18, 2008, he burned down a large house at 6900 O’Byrnes Ferry Road that Clint Eastwood stayed at while filming the movie “Unforgiven.”

Eastwood dubbed the home “The Big Whiskey.”

The fire also destroyed a vast collection of antiques in the home at the time, appraised at about $500,000, homeowner Kari Faughnan has said.

Lopez was captured July 22, 2008. He was found hiding in a vacant firehouse in Chinese Camp. He was found with jewelry and an antique gun belonging to Faughnan, and wearing clothing taken from her home, court documents said.

Lopez has prior convictions in Imperial County for possession of marijuana for sale, and in Tehama County for being a felon in possession of a firearm, failing to appear while on bail, and evading an officer, court documents said.

Faughnan and her estranged husband, Steven Faughnan, sued Sierra Conservation Center Aug. 26 in the Tuolumne County Superior Court seeking $2 million in damages.

The suit claims SCC was obligated to search the area surrounding the prison for 72 hours but called the search off after only 24 hours.

The suit further alleges the Faughnan home is included in a checklist of mandatory homes surrounding the prison to be searched, but it was not.

Kari Faughnan said Monday she was happy Lopez pleaded guilty so she can begin to move on.

“The one thing I keep saying, you could build me 10 houses, you can’t give me back what was lost in the fire. It wasn’t replaceable,” Faughnan said, adding that both she and her son have seen a counselor since the fire.

Faughnan said many community members reached out to her family and that sheriff’s and fire investigators were exceptionally supportive.

“When it comes to him (Lopez), I’m just trying to find a place in my heart where I can forgive him ... and just move on with my life,” Faughnan. “I’m just so happy we don’t have to sit through five days of trial.”

Source: Union Democrat - Link

2003 Old Fire: Suspect indicted - Five counts of murder

A San Bernardino County grand jury indicted Rickie Fowler on five counts of murder in connection with a 2003 wildfire that resulted in the deaths of six people in the path of the blaze, The Los Angeles Times reported.

If convicted Fowler could face the death penalty, prosecutors said.

The investigation as been ongoing since the first day, but gained steam last year, and then new evidence surfaced a few weeks ago.

Prosecutors had until Sunday to file arson charges – that’s when the statute of limitations would have run out.

Fowler has been jailed since 2003 on robbery charges, district attorney Michael Ramos said.

Several witnesses told authorities ahead of the blaze that they saw a man they believed was tossing lit matches out of his truck in the area.

Investigators say Rickie Fowler and another man were seen driving a white van along the road where the “Old Fire” began, and one of them threw a road flare into dry brush. The man Fowler allegedly was with that day was shot and killed three years ago.

The fire burned 90,000 acres, destroyed a thousand homes near two mountain resorts, and led to the heart attack deaths of five people, the youngest of whom was 54. Because the deaths occurred as a result of arson, Fowler could face the death penalty, if he’s convicted. He’s currently serving time for an unrelated burglary conviction.

Earthquake - 3.3 M - Mt. San Gorgonio, CA

A minor earthquake occurred at 6:17:16 AM (PDT) on Wednesday, October 21, 2009.
The magnitude 3.3 event occurred 8 km (5 miles) W of Mt. San Gorgonio, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 8 km ( 5 miles).

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Magnitude	3.3 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 6:17:16 AM (PDT) Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 13:17:16 (UTC)
Distance from	Mt. San Gorgonio, CA - 8 km (5 miles) W (280 degrees) town of Big Bear Lake, CA - 15 km (9 miles) S (180 degrees) Yucaipa, CA - 16 km (10 miles) NE (54 degrees) San Bernardino, CA - 35 km (22 miles) E (93 degrees) Los Angeles Civic Center, CA - 123 km (77 miles) E (87 degrees)
Coordinates	34 deg. 6.8 min. N (34.113N), 116 deg. 54.6 min. W (116.911W)
Depth	7.6 km (4.7 miles)
Location Quality	Good
Location Quality Parameters	Nst=125, Nph=125, Dmin=3 km, Rmss=0.27 sec, Erho=0.2 km, Erzz=0.7 km, Gp=18 degrees
Event ID#	ci10483781

Backbone Incident: OSHA issues USFS "Serious" and "Willfull" violation notice

The Backbone Incident Heli-Base Accident Background

On July 21, 2009 Thomas Marovich, 20, of Hayward California incurred fatal injuries when he fell while performing routine rappel proficiency skill training at the Backbone fire Helibase in Willow Creek, California.

As reported at California Fire News National Forest Service Firefighter Thomas Marovich, 20, had been taking part in required weekly rappelling training, in which people slide down a rope from a hovering helicopter when he fell about 200 feet to the ground, said Forest Service spokeswoman Robin Cole. FF. Marovich was a second year apprentice firefighter on the Modoc National Forest, she said. He was working with the Chester Helitack Crew from the Lassen National Forest that had been assigned to the Backbone Fire in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

The training was a routine part of the ongoing battle to contain the Backbone Fire, a Forest Service spokesman said. The training is conducted at least every 14 days, he said. The death is being investigated by a Forest Service accident investigation team and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Now the United States Forest Service(USFS) is in a fight with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration(OSHA) involving the release of the Backbone accident investigation documents.

USFS Charged with "Willful" violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA accuses the USFS failing to provide requested information about the accident. USFS continues to refuse to release documents related to the incident, and responds in writing that they would continue to not comply with OSHA's request.

USFS Charged with "Serious" violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The serious violations involving the unsafe methods and procedures for the use of the rappel equipment, was an somewhat expected development as problems were identified early after the fact with the securing of specific rappelling equipment.

See the whole document at: Google Document: Link

More information:

Related California News Posts: Fatal Accident During Routine Training at The Backbone Helibase

http://calfire.blogspot.com/search/label/Backbone%20Incident

Earthquake - 3.3 M - Spring Garden, CA

A minor earthquake occurred at 8:47:29 AM (PDT) on Sunday, October 18, 2009.
The magnitude 3.3 event occurred 7 km (4 miles) S of Spring Garden, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 3 km ( 2 miles).

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Magnitude	3.3 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 8:47:29 AM (PDT) Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 15:47:29 (UTC)
Distance from	Spring Garden, CA - 7 km (4 miles) S (181 degrees) Greenhorn, CA - 8 km (5 miles) SSW (212 degrees) Cromberg, CA - 8 km (5 miles) WSW (252 degrees) Susanville, CA - 65 km (40 miles) SSW (192 degrees) Sacramento, CA - 155 km (96 miles) NNE (22 degrees)
Coordinates	39 deg. 50.7 min. N (39.846N), 120 deg. 47.9 min. W (120.798W)
Depth	3.3 km (2.1 miles)
Location Quality	Fair
Location Quality Parameters	Nst= 39, Nph= 39, Dmin=13 km, Rmss=0.09 sec, Erho=0.2 km, Erzz=2.6 km, Gp=72 degrees
Event ID#	nc71296155
Additional Information	2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.) Did you feel it? NCSS First Motion Mechanism 1 Waveforms Waveforms for ShakeMap

Earthquake - 3.2 M - Oxnard, CA Port Hueneme, CA

A minor earthquake occurred at 9:53:44 PM (PDT) on Friday, October 16, 2009.
The magnitude 3.2 event occurred 6 km (4 miles) ESE of Oxnard, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 2 km ( 1 mile).

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Magnitude	3.2 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Friday, October 16, 2009 at 9:53:44 PM (PDT) Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 4:53:44 (UTC)
Distance from	Oxnard, CA - 6 km (4 miles) ESE (111 degrees) Port Hueneme, CA - 7 km (4 miles) E (80 degrees) El Rio, CA - 8 km (5 miles) SSE (155 degrees) Channel Islands Beach, CA - 10 km (6 miles) E (81 degrees) Los Angeles Civic Center, CA - 81 km (51 miles) W (279 degrees)
Coordinates	34 deg. 10.3 min. N (34.172N), 119 deg. 7.2 min. W (119.120W)
Depth	1.5 km (0.9 miles)
Location Quality	Fair
Location Quality Parameters	Nst=042, Nph=042, Dmin=9 km, Rmss=0.4 sec, Erho=0.8 km, Erzz=0.6 km, Gp=147.6 degrees
Event ID#	ci10482101
Additional Information	2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.) Did you feel it? Waveforms

Northern California Fire Season Winding Down

Burn ban lifted in numerous CAL FIRE Units, National Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands.

Fire season has ended in North Central California.

TCU - Touloumne Calaveras Unit has lifted the suspension of burning on private lands. The unit includes Tuolumne and Calaveras counties in addition to eastern portions of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
Burn permits are required:

• Burning is prohibited during high winds.
• Burn pile sizes must be a maximum of four-feet in diameter, all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile must be cleared.
• Water supply must be close to the burn site.
  
• The person conducting the burn must also stay there with a shovel handy until the fire is out.
  
• The burning of trash, tires and plastic is prohibited.

Cal Fire officials say to also avoid burning piles of pine needles as they smolder and often spread dense smoke. "Even though the danger of large and damaging wild land fires has diminished, a fire can still escape,” said Mike Noonan, fire chief of the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit. “It is critical that the person conducting the burn keep close watch on the fire at all times.
If the fire gets away, that person can be held liable for the damage and suppression costs.

MNU - Cal Fire's Mendocino Unit has declared that the 2009 burning suspension and fire season will end at 8 a.m. Friday. Cal Fire, in conjunction with the Mendocino County Fire Chief's Association and the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District, also rolls back a countywide suspension for door yard and large pile burning, Cal Fire stated.

BTU - Butte - A ban on residential burning will be lifted at 8 a.m. on Monday, Cal Fire-Butte County officials have announced. Burning is not permitted inside the Chico city limits at any time.
On land that Cal Fire is responsible for there were 245 fires in 2009, compared to 305 fires last year when 38,801 acres were burned. This year, 345 acres burned. The higher fire count last year can be attributed to the unprecedented lightning fires in 2008
Residents in the unincorporated areas of Butte County may burn without a permit until May 1, 2010, when permits will again be required.
Not all days are burn days, however, and residents must call the Butte County Air Quality Management District before burning at 896-2537 to check the status.

Cal Fire will not require burn permits again until May 1, 2010.

U.S. Forest Service

MNF - Mendocino National Forest: As of Wednesday, fire restrictions in Mendocino National Forest were lifted due to rain and lower temperatures. Those with a valid California Campfire Permit can have fires outside of designated campgrounds, including wilderness areas, Mendocino National Forest stated.

YNP - Yosemite National Park - Yosemite National Park announces the end of the fire season, October 16th, 2009.

Yosemite National Park experienced measurable precipitation earlier this week. The rainfall measurement, from park weather stations, varied from 9 inches of rain in the Mariposa Grove, to approximately 8 inches of rain in Wawona, to 5.5 inches of rain in Yosemite Valley. Measurable snow also fell at higher elevations.

Closure of the fire season occurs when there is a season ending precipitation event totaling 2 inches or more. Historically, there is a 90% chance that Yosemite will have a season ending weather event by October 31.

Helicopter 551, Yosemite’s helicopter that is contracted for the fire season, has now left the park. Additionally, seasonal fire personnel are completing their assignments and will soon also be leaving the park.

Forest Service Campfire Requirements:

• Clear flammable material for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
• Have a shovel handy.
• Have a responsible person in attendance.
• Extinguish the campfire with water, stirring the coals and ash, and feeling for heat or warm spots and continue until coals and ash are cold.
• Campfire permits are available free at any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management of Cal Fire office.

Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management has lifted fire restrictions on lands under jurisdiction of the Ukiah Field Office as well. Campfires can once again be had outside of developed campgrounds. Although fire dangers have decreased, it is still important to be careful with fire anytime, according to BLM fire mitigation speciali

To remain compliant with regulations, only clean, dry vegetative waste such as leaves, pine needles and yard clippings may be burned. Burning should be avoided on windy days, and debris piles should be no larger than four feet in diameter.

For more Cal Fire information: Cal Fire's web site at www.fire.ca.gov.

Earthquake - 3.5 M - Beaumont, CA

A minor earthquake occurred at 3:03:39 AM (PDT) on Friday, October 16, 2009.
The magnitude 3.5 event occurred 6 km (4 miles) NNE of Beaumont, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 13 km ( 8 miles).

---

Magnitude	3.5 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Friday, October 16, 2009 at 3:03:39 AM (PDT) Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:03:39 (UTC)
Distance from	Beaumont, CA - 6 km (4 miles) NNE (13 degrees) Banning, CA - 8 km (5 miles) NW (312 degrees) Yucaipa, CA - 10 km (6 miles) SE (126 degrees) Moreno Valley, CA - 25 km (16 miles) ENE (77 degrees) Los Angeles Civic Center, CA - 119 km (74 miles) E (94 degrees)
Coordinates	33 deg. 58.6 min. N (33.977N), 116 deg. 57.5 min. W (116.959W)
Depth	13 km (8.1 miles)
Location Quality	Good
Location Quality Parameters	Nst=143, Nph=143, Dmin=6 km, Rmss=0.31 sec, Erho=0.2 km, Erzz=1 km, Gp=21.6 degrees
Event ID#	ci10481781
Additional Information	2-degree map Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.) Did you feel it? ShakeMap shaking intensity maps Waveforms

Earthquake Drill - The Great California Shake-out

STATEWIDE DRILL: A major 7.8 earthquake: 10:15:00 PM (PDT) on 10/15. Loc: Calif. STOP, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! http://shakeout.org/

At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2009, millions of Californians will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever!

The purpose of the ShakeOut is to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes, and to get prepared at work, school, and home.

Everyone can participate! Use the map and links below to learn how.Participating Stations that will play one of the ShakeOut Drill Broadcasts at 10:15 a.m. on October 15.

All radio and television stations in California are urged to participate by playing one of the audio or video drill broadcasts.

Participating Radio Stations

• KOGO 600 AM (San Diego)


• KCBS 740 AM (San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose)


• KFWB 980 AM (Los Angeles)


• KNX 1070 AM (Los Angeles)


• KWDJ 1360 AM (Ridgecrest)


• KSBR 88.5 FM (Mission Viejo)


• KKDV 92.1 FM (Walnut Creek)


• KZIQ 92.7 FM (Ridgecrest)


• K-FROG 92.9 FM (Temecula)


• K-FROG 95.1 FM (RIverside/San Bernardino)


• KUIC 95.3 FM (Vacaville)


• KOLA 99.9 FM (San Bernardino/RIverside)


• KKIQ 101.7 FM (Livermore)


• K-FROG 103.1 FM (Victor Valley)


• KFRC/KCBS 106.9 FM (San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose)

Participating TV Stations

• KPIX TV 5 (San Francisco)


• KCSB TV 3 (San Bernardino)

http://www.scec.org/core/public/objects/13661.png

Earthquake: 3.7 M Sunol, Fremont area

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

A minor earthquake occurred at 8:27:41 PM (PDT) on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
The magnitude 3.7 event occurred 3 km (2 miles) NNE of Sunol, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 8 km ( 5 miles).

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Magnitude	3.7 - regional moment magnitude (Mw)
Time	Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 8:27:41 PM (PDT) Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 3:27:41 (UTC)
Distance from	Sunol, CA - 3 km (2 miles) NNE (24 degrees) Pleasanton, CA - 5 km (3 miles) S (172 degrees) Dublin, CA - 10 km (6 miles) SSE (160 degrees) Fremont, CA - 14 km (8 miles) NE (44 degrees) San Jose City Hall, CA - 32 km (20 miles) N (3 degrees)
Coordinates	37 deg. 37.9 min. N (37.631N), 121 deg. 52.5 min. W (121.875W)
Depth	8.1 km (5.0 miles)
Location Quality	Good
Location Quality Parameters	Nst= 84, Nph= 84, Dmin=6 km, Rmss=0.2 sec, Erho=0.2 km, Erzz=0.4 km, Gp=28.8 degrees
Event ID#	nc71299286

North state update: over 1200 acres burning in NOPS

HIA-0221Mill Creek #4 IC: Current Situation
Size 1,109 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date Saturday October 17th, 2009 approx 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved: Old growth timber, timber plantations
Fire Behavior: Moderate. Lateral spread to the west due to strong east winds, The fire has crossed Hopkins Creek to the North, (and burned onto the SRF Orleans R.D.
Terrain: High difficulty. Very steep terrain and downhill line construction is making progress going in to hopkins Creek slow. The use of helicopters is keeping the fire in check.
Significant Events Continue line construction on the west; hold existing lines
IC: Type 3 Fire, Unified Command with Kent Swartslander (Six River National Forest), and Gary Risling (Hoopa Tribe) as Joint Commanders. A team has not been committed.
Total Personnel 495
Ground: Numerous Type 3 Strike teams & Crews, many hotshots.
Aircraft: Heavy tankers and helicoptersworked fire all day.
Structure/resource threats: No houses or other improvements threatened now, and cultural Advisors are assigned to protect cultural sites.
Inciweb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1911/


HUU- Wilson IC #1, 2: Total of 2 fires (Wilson 1&2) 150 acres, 40% contained. 5 Miles North of Klamath, East of Hwy 101

Wilson #1 in the Wilson Creek Drainage, SRA. Started 10/9/09 at 2300 hours
• - 20 acres of heavy timber in steep terrain
• Moderate rate of spread
• No Threats.

Wilson #2 - Wilson Creek Drainage, SRA Started 10/9/09 at 2300 hours
• 125 acres of heavy timber in steep terrain
• Moderate rate of spread
• No Threats

Related post: North state update: over 800 acres burning in NOPS

North state update: over 800 acres burning in NOPS

HIA-0221Mill Creek #4 IC: Approximately 685 + acres, still only 25% contained.
IC: Type 3 Fire, Unified Command with USFS and HIA. Tom Annand (USFS) and Greg Moon (HIA) are the IC's.
Behavior/Fuels/Terrain: Very heavy fuels, diffucult access, The fire has crossed Hopkins Creek to the North, (and burned onto the SRF Orleans R.D. ).which is something no one wanted to happen.
Ground: Numerous Type 3 Strike teams & Crews, many hotshots.
Aircraft: Heavy tankers and helicoptersworked fire all day.
Structure/resource threats: No houses or other improvements threatened now, and cultural Advisors are assigned to protect cultural sites.

HUU- Wilson IC #1: 5 Miles North of Klamath, East of Hwy 101 in the Wilson Creek Drainage, SRA. Started 10/9/09 at 2300 hours
• 20 acres of heavy timber in steep terrain
• Moderate rate of spread
• Temp 57, RH 29%, Wind ESE at 9 with gusts to 29
• No Threats.

HUU- Wilson IC #2: 5 Miles North of Klamath, East of Hwy 101 in the Wilson Creek Drainage SRA Started 10/9/09 at 2300 hours
• 125 acres of heavy timber in steep terrain
• Moderate rate of spread
• Temp 57, RH 29%, Wind ESE at 9 with gusts to 29
• No Threats

HUU- TALL:
Redwood National Park
National Park Service
Started 10/10/09 at 0400 hours

• 3 acres of heavy timber, hose lay around fire
• Slow rate of spread
• Temp 51, RH 50%, Wind N at 1 with gusts to 7
• No Threats

Handy list: CAL FIRE Radio Frequencies & Nets by ICS ID

CAL FIRE ICS - Radio - by Name and Use

California CAL FIRE - Command Nets
(3-7 use Tone 103.5 for RX)
CDF Command #1 - 151.355 - Statewide
CDF Command #2 - 151.265 - Statewide
CDF Command #3 - 151.340 - Southern California
CDF Command #4 - 151.400 - Central Coast and
Lower San Juaquin Valley
CDF Command #5 - 151.370 - Lower Sierra/Alpine
CDF Command #6 - 151.250 - North Bay - Wine
Country
CDF Command #7 - 151.460 - Upper Sierra -
Sacramento Valley
CDF Command #8 - 151.445 - North Coast
CDF Command #9 - 151.175 - North Sacramento
Valley
CDF Command #10 - 151.190 - Northeast

California CAL FIRE - Tactical Nets
CDF Tac #1 - 151.145 - not normally used
CDF Tac #2 - 151.160 - used by MEU, NEU, SCU,
SNU
CDF Tac #3 - 151.175 - used by HUU, LMU, MEU,
CZU, TGU
CDF Tac #4 - 151.190 - used by SKU, TGU
CDF Tac #5 - 151.250 - used by BTU, LNU, NEU,
SNU
CDF Tac #6 - 151.325 - used by MEU, CZU, SCU,
SNU
CDF Tac #7 - 151.340 - used by HUU, SKU
CDF Tac #8 - 151.370 - used by SKU
CDF Tac #9 - 151.385 - used by BTU, NEU, SCU,
SHU, SKU
CDF Tac #10 - 151.400 - used by HUU, LMU,
CZU, SCU, SKU, SNU
CDF Tac #11 - 151.445 - used by BTU, MEU,
SHU, SKU
CDF Tac #12 - 151.460 - used by BTU, SHU, SKU
CDF Tac #13 - 151.475
CDF Tac #14 - 159.225
CDF Tac #15 - 159.270
CDF Tac #16 - 159.285
CDF Tac #17 - 159.315
CDF Tac #18 - 159.345
CDF Tac #20 - 159.375
CDF Tac #21 - 159.390
CDF Tac #22 - 159.405
CDF Tac #23 - 159.450

California CAL FIRE - Local Nets
1100 - MEU - Mendocino
"Howard Forest" 151.385
1200 - HUU - Humboldt-Del Norte
"Fortuna" 151.250
1400 - LNU - Lake-Napa-Sonoma
"St. Helena" 151.340(east) 151.460
(west)
1500 - MRN - Marin
(Contract County, Mutual Aid Net)
"Woodacre" 151.040
1600 - SCU - Santa Clara
"Morgan Hill" 151.445
1700 - CZU - San Mateo-Santa Cruz
"Felton" 151.370
2100 - BTU - Butte
"Oroville" 151.400
2200 - LMU - Lassen-Modoc
"Susanville" 151.250
2300 - NEU - Nevada-Yuba-Placer
"Grass Valley" 151.325(west) 154.130
(east)
2400 - SHU - Shasta-Trinity
"Redding" 151.160
2500 - TGU - Tehama-Glenn
"Red Bluff" 151.370
2600 - SKU - Siskiyou
"Yreka" 151.325
2700 - AEU - Amador-El Dorado
"El Camino" 151.190
3100 - RRU - Riverside
"Perris" 151.385(west) 151.175
(command) 151.130(east)
3300 - MVU - San Diego
"Monte Vista" 151.190
3400 - SLU - San Luis Obispo
"San Luis" 151.325(command),
154.385(dispatch)
3500 - BDU - San Bernardino
"San Bernardino" 151.445(net1)
151.325(net2) 151.250(net3)
4100 - TUU - Tulare
"Visalia" 151.190
4200 - MMU - Madera-Mariposa-Merced
"Mariposa" 151.460
4300 - FKU - Fresno-Kings
"Fresno" 151.385(west), 151.160(east)
4400 - TCU - Tuolumne-Calaveras
"San Andreas" 151.175
4600 - BEU - San Benito-Monterey
"Monterey" 151.250

California CAL FIRE - Air Tactical Nets
Air Tactics 4 - 151.280 (originally called "blue net")
Air Tactics 5 - 151.295 (originally called "green net")
Air Tactics 6 - 151.310 (originally called "yellow
net")
Air Tactics 21 - 151.2725 (narrowband)
Air Tactics 22 - 151.2875 (narrowband)
Air to Ground - 151.220 (originally called "red net")
CDF Chief Net
Coast Cascade Chief Net - 31.180
Sierra South Chief Net - 33.800

North OPS: WX Discussion - Severe Weather on the way Monday

California North OPS Daily Weather Discussion - Prepared 0740 PDT Saturday Oct. 10, 2009

A high pressure ridge off the west coast will pass over the North Ops region on Sunday. On Monday low pressure following the ridge will begin to affect the region. Winds will increase out of the S-SW, gusting to 30-40 mph over higher terrain and wind-prone areas. Humidity will be higher and clouds will increase over the area, and by late afternoon scattered rain showers will develop in coastal areas. Rain and high elevation snow (6000 ft or higher) will spread across the entire region Monday night, and continue into early Wednesday before breaking up into scattered to isolated showers. A cool and humid SW-West flow will continue over the region through the weekend with a chance of rain each day in far NW CA.

Source: http://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/weather/wxdisc.htm

Newport Beach firefighter suspected of killing of girlfriend's dog

LA HABRA – A Newport Beach firefighter is suspected of being responsible for the death of a girlfriend's dog Thursday evening.

The firefighter, who lives in La Habra with his girlfriend in the 300 block of Oakland Drive, is suspected of punching a 6-pound Chihuahua named Bella after it bit him.

Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Steve Lewis said that a private party had notified him of the situation concerning firefighter Aaron Reed, but that no action would be taken until official word comes from La Habra police.

Officer Rick Van Vleet of the La Habra Police Department, who handles animal control issues, would not identify the firefighter by name.

"We've confirmed that a Chihuahua bit a young man and that apparently he struck the dog," Van Vleet said. "The dog was injured and the vet put her to sleep. It's still under investigation."

At this point, Van Vleet said, it's still a dog-bite investigation, so the dog's body is being examined for rabies. After the rabies test, there will be a necropsy to determine cause of death.

Original source article: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/dog-firefighter-habra-2601251-vleet-investigation

More information: http://www.justice4karley.com

CAL FIRE Forestry: Magalia Reforestation Center seedling program

Tree Seedlings Available for Post-Fire Forest Restoration

Sacramento - California’s forest landowners are again experiencing the impacts of wildland fires on their property.
To assist those affected by wildfires, CAL FIRE has an assistance program that offers tree seedlings for reforestation.

The Tree Seedling Nursery Program grows and sells tree seedlings for reforesting burned-over
and understocked lands of small forest ownerships. CAL FIRE is growing a good inventory of
seedlings, but because of last year’s exceptionally severe fire season, demand may outpace the
supply.

Therefore, CAL FIRE is advising landowners to first check with the nursery staff to
determine what seedlings are available and to submit their orders early. The nursery will start
accepting orders on November 1, on a first-come, first-served basis. CAL FIRE staff also can
direct landowners to private nurseries that may have appropriate planting stock to meet their
needs.

The CAL FIRE Nursery Program has a staff of foresters who can provide free reforestation
advice to landowners. Additionally, CAL FIRE has Forestry Assistant Specialists at many local Unit Offices who can also provide free reforestation advice or direct individuals to the type of professional consultant they need to assist them.
These specialists also can provide information on State or Federal cost-share funding that may be available.

Seedling prices vary by age (one or two year old), how they are grown (bare root or in
containers) and by the quantity purchased. Seedlings grown cover the majority of California’s
timberland conifer species. Additionally a few hardwoods and non-native species are grown for specific landowner objectives.

All seedlings grown are from seed that is well adapted to the various climate zones, growing conditions and elevations found within the state. The seedlings are grown at the Magalia Reforestation Center east of Chico.

The 2009-2010 order form and price list will be available on line or by request after October 15, 2009.

For more information: please contact the Magalia Reforestation Center at 6640 Steiffer
Road, Magalia, 95954, Phone: (530) 872-6301, email: cdfnursery@fire.ca.gov.

To order seedlings go to www.fire.ca.gov and click on “Resource Management,” then “State Nurseries.”
News Release PDF Info: http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/newsreleases/2009/NurseryNR.pdf

To contact a Forestry Assistance Specialist in your area click on “Forestry Assistance” then “Contact a Forest Advisor.”

CONTACT: Rich Eliot - Division Chief - Nursery Program
530-872-6301

Earthquake - 4.1 M - Lone Pine swarm continues

A light earthquake occurred at 11:06:34 AM (PDT) on Tuesday, October 6, 2009.
The magnitude 4.1 event occurred 8 km (5 miles) SSE of Keeler, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 0.2 km (0.1 miles).

---

Magnitude	4.1 - local magnitude (ML)
Time	Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 11:06:34 AM (PDT) Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 18:06:34 (UTC)
Distance from	Keeler, CA - 8 km (5 miles) SSE (166 degrees) Cartago, CA - 19 km (12 miles) NE (55 degrees) Olancha, CA - 22 km (14 miles) NE (37 degrees) Lone Pine, CA - 27 km (17 miles) SE (133 degrees) Las Vegas, NV - 237 km (147 miles) W (277 degrees)
Coordinates	36 deg. 25.1 min. N (36.419N), 117 deg. 51.0 min. W (117.851W)
Depth	0.2 km (0.1 miles)
Location Quality	Fair
Location Quality Parameters	Nst=036, Nph=036, Dmin=15 km, Rmss=0.32 sec, Erho=0.6 km, Erzz=2 km, Gp=79.2 degrees
Event ID#	ci14523676

CA-BEU- Ft. Ord (Rx Burn) Very Large Header, Prescribed burn on Fort Ord

CA-BEU- Ft. Ord (Rx Burn) Very Large Header, Prescribed burn on Fort Ord -> Cam link http://bit.ly/3fncCw

A prescribed burn on Fort Ord today was curtailed after less than two hours.

An Army information line said the burn in Burn Unit 14 started at 9:45 a.m.

A compliance officer with the Monterey Bay Regional Air Pollution Control District said the Army decided to shut the burn down about 11:15 a.m. "It is now in suppression mode," said Teresa Sewell of the air district.

There were unconfirmed reports that a shift in wind direction prompted the move to tamp down the burn.

The fires are used to clear brush in areas on the former base where there may be unexploded ordnance.

Sewell said the air district hadn't received any complaints about this morning's burn.

U.S.F.S Ranger loses homes, and animals in fires

One of the homes lost in Sheep fire was owned by Bobby Wright, the US Forest Service worker who was assaulted last month in Lytle Creek

Contributions may be made to the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, 1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek, CA 92358. For more info call 909-382-2851
---------------------------

Friends say Bobby Wright is relying on faith to get him through his loss.

He doesn't have much else left.

The U.S. Forest Service employee lost his home Saturday during the Sheep Fire northwest of Lytle Creek.

The 20 dogs he had rescued died in their kennels as the flames roared up Lone Pine Canyon.

Less than a month ago, he was attacked and beaten while writing a parking citation in the course of his duties.

Six years ago, he lost his previous home in the Grand Prix Fire. That time, he was able to rescue the dogs before it was too late.

Wright, 63, had been living in a mobile home east of Lytle Creek for about two years. The property is at the end of Swarthout Canyon, a winding dirt road in High Desert terrain.

He had been helping with evacuations Saturday as the fire rampaged through thick brush toward his mobile home, his dog kennels and his co-worker's horse stable.

Wright tried to get home to rescue the animals, but his co-worker and friend, Forest Protection Officer Jack Kennedy, decided it was too dangerous.

"I was tempted to let him go back in there, but the flames were moving so fast, we both would have been killed," Kennedy said. "The flames were swirling like a tornado and sounded like a railroad."

A helicopter was able to douse Kennedy's barn, sparing the horse, but Wright's dogs couldn't be saved.

"This was the second time he lost everything he owns," Kennedy said.

Kennedy, who lives in Wrightwood, offered him a place to stay Saturday night, but Sunday the town was evacuated.

Wright returned to the charred rubble of his property Sunday to bury his dogs. He could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Six years ago, Wright was living in the Middle Fork area of Lytle Creek when the Grand Prix Fire swept through and left his home in ruins.

Kennedy said Wright then lived in a church until two years ago.

After losing his Lytle Creek home, Wright got a job as a Forest Service recreation technician, patrolling forest land and checking for violations, Kennedy said.

On Aug. 31, Wright was writing a $5 citation for illegal parking at Applewhite Campground near Lytle Creek when he was hit from behind, kicked and beaten. He didn't realize he had been mugged until he arrived at the hospital, Kennedy said.

One man has been arrested in the attack, and warrants have been issued for two others.

As a seasonal employee, Wright had been scheduled to be laid off in the coming weeks, but the Forest Service has guaranteed he will have a year-round job.

"He doesn't know what to do. He has nowhere to go," Kennedy said. "Right now he's holding on to his faith."

Forest Service employees are taking donations to assist Wright in recovering from the fire.

Contributions may be made to the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, 1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek, CA 92358. For more information, call 909-382-2851.

Source: PE.com - Link