Butler #2 Fire - Weather event could be troublesome

Severe Weather Alert

Wind Advisory

- SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS- SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS- COACHELLA VALLEY-SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS - 939 AM PDT WED SEP 19 2007 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY... A WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY. A STRONG LOW PRESSURE WILL BRING LOCAL GUSTY WEST WINDS TO THE DESERTS THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY. A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION

San Bernandino County (Cal Fire News) - Approaching Weather event could be troublesome, Winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph today and reach 45 mph tonight and Thursday.

Conditions continue to be very dry but this storm could bring localized thunderstorms and for the Butler 2 Fire Command and Crews no joy.

For Fire Command it means gusty erratic winds on the fire lines and possible flooding, mudflows and rock slides and it leaves the Containment Target date unknown until after the predicted wind event.

For the crews that arrived without proper cold and wet weather gear and shelter it could mean more than just discomfort it could affect the health of the crew members.

Fire Command has asked the local community to donate warm clothing such as sturdy coats for the crews, and is exploring better shelter than the dome tents most crews sleep in up at Snow Vallley.

In the meantime lots of preparation is needed to strengthen the lines, extend hose lays and add water bars and other erosion controls.

The North end of the fire has been an air show all along and without an actual containment line these predicted winds could cause serious flare ups along the North flank.