Sunday, August 30, 2009

LODD: STATION FIRE - LACoFD FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

TWO FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY - LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS KILLED IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Fire Captian Tedmund Hall and Specialist Arnoldo Quinones.














Station Fire LODD Update: IC / PIO Station Fire announced that 2 LACo Firefighters are LODD as a result of the vehicle they were in going over a cliff.

It has been reported the Firefighters were fleeing LACFD Camp #16 on Mt. Gleason as it was being over-run by extreme fire behavior. Four injuries have been reported.

Hall and Quinones worked at the remote prison Camp 16 supervising inmates trained in wilderness protection.

State corrections officials said it appeared the two firefighters may have died while searching for an escape route for three corrections workers, other fire personnel and 55 inmates who rode out the fire inside the camp's dining hall as flames fiercly approached the area.

Hall and Quinones were repositioning their truck on the small path near the camp when for some unknown reason it plunged some 800 feet over the side of the road into a canyon.

It's believed the truck may have been overrun by fire prior to the accident.

Memorial details will follow.

WFF honors those who have been killed protecting our lands, homes and family, Honor the Fallen www.wffoundation.org

Latest Inciweb media release: Sunday, August 30, 2009 @ 11:00 p.m.

Firefighter Line of Duty Deaths

It is with our deepest regret to inform you of the Line Of Duty Deaths for Fire Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones. These two members tragically lost their lives when the where overran by a fast moving fire which approached Fire Camp 16 on the "Station Fire" Incident.

Fire Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall was 47 years of age and was a member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department for 26 years and lived in San Bernardino County, California. Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones was 35 years of Age, and was a member of the Los Angeles County Fire department for 8 years and lived in Palmdale, California.

Funeral arrangements are pending and information relating to services will be made available in the near future.

For additional information, please contact Captain Mike Brown, Public Information Officer at (323) 881-2413.

Station Fire: Southern California Fire Donation and Volunteer Information

American Red Cross - Greater Los Angeles Area: 866-548-8226

Fire Stations that are accepting food and water donations:
FIRE STATION #11 2521 N EL MOLINO AVE
ALTADENA, 91001
FIRE STATION #12 2760 N LINCOLN AVE
ALTADENA, 91001
FIRE STATION #19 1729 W FOOTHILL BLVD
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, 91011
FIRE STATION #63 4526 N RAMSDELL AVE
LA CRESCENTA, 91214
FIRE STATION #66 2764 E EATON CYN DR
PASADENA, 91107
FIRE STATION #74 12587 N DEXTER PARK RD
SAN FERNANDO, 91342
FIRE STATION #82 - HDQTRS 352 N FOOTHILL BLVD
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, 91011

Human Shelters:

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
Verdugo Hills High School
10625 Plainview Ave
Tujunga, CA 91042

Marie Kerr Park
2723 Rancho Vista Blvd
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 267-5551

Golden Valley High School
27051 Robert C Lee Parkway
Santa Clarita CA 91350

La CaƱada High School.
4463 Oak Grove Dr,
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011-3797

Animal Shelters

Large Animals: Pierce College (Horses Only)Antelope Valley Fair Grounds

Small Animals: Augora Humane SocietyLancaster Humane SocietyPalmdale Humane Society

Incident Information

(Major updates at 6am and 6pm
Press Conference set for 7:30pm)

The Mt. Wilson Towers area is critical as of this time.

  • Containment: 5%
  • Acres: 42,500 acres at this time.
  • Direction of the Fire: North towards Acton
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Personnel
    • 2800 firefighters
    • 350 law enforcement
  • Red flag extend for 24 hrs, until 8/31/2009 8:30pm


View Station IC in a larger map

Evacuation/Road Closure Information

(Updated throughout the day)
  • Mandatory Evacuation are still in place (all immediate effected areas)
    • Acton
      • All residences to the south of Soledad Canyon Road from Highway 14 to Crown Valley Road
      • All residences in Aliso Canyon Road from Angeles Forest Highway to Soledad Canyon Road
    • La Canada/Flintridge
      • Homes east of Jensen Drive, northeast of Los Amigos St. east of Castle Road and east of Ocean View Road
      • Briggs Ave to Pennsylvania north of Harmony Place
      • Rockdale area - Briggs north of Rockdale
    • Altadena
      • North of Loma Alta between Lake and Canyon Del Drive. Total residencies evacuated - 2000.
    • Littlerock Resort Area
      • Cheseboro Road south of Mt Emma Road
  • Evacuations are lifted for RESIDENTS ONLY:
    • Vista Del Valle Rd west of Angeles Crest Highway and LA Canada Blvd. north to El Vago Street West to Linda Vista Dr. north to Alta Canyada Drive.
    • West of Arroyo Seco to Palm Drive, North of Olive Lane, La Canada
    • Riverdale and Alpine areas are declare safe

    Station Fire Notes: Communications Plan / Fire Map Division breaks

    Station Fire Communications Plan: Valid 08-30-09
    NIFC Cmd 2 168.100 Mt Lukens (linked to cmd9)
    NIFC Cmd 9 170.0125 Mt. Josephine
    NIFC Tac 1 168.050 Div A B Branch 1
    NIFC Tac 4 164.1375 Div C D Branch 1
    NIFC Tac 5 166.725 Div Z Y Branch 2
    NIFC Tac 6 166.775 Infrstructure, Clear Creak, Big T Protection Branch 3
    White 2 154.265 Alta, Harder Structure Group
    White 3 154.295 Canyon Crest, Chaney Structure Group
    Air Ground Primary 167.950
    Air Ground Secondary 169.1125
    ANF Admin 164.9735 Branch 4

    Station Fire Map Division breaks
    Starting from the north working south down the 210 and back up east then
    north

    Branch 1
    Div E Hwy 5/14 to Little T canyon
    Div D Little T to Big T canyons
    Div C Big T to about Blanchard Canyon
    Div B Blanchard Canyon to about Briggs Terrace
    Div A Briggs Terrace to Hwy 2

    Branch 2
    Div Z Hwy 2 to Lincoln Ave
    Div Y Lincoln Ave to Eaton Canyon Park area
    Div V Eaton Canyon Park area to Mt Wilson

    Branch 3
    Div S Mt. Wilson to Hwy 2 at Red Box Gap
    Div R Hwy 2 to Angeles Forest Hwy Singing Springs
    Div Q Singing Springs to Branch 3/4 break

    Branch 3/4 break Santiago Canyon

    Branch 4
    Div M Santiago Canyon to Acton (Hwy 14)
    Div L Soledad Canyon (Acton to Lang)
    Div H Hwy 14 Lang to Hwy 5/14

    CA-NEU-49 WUI Fire - 500+ acres, Wind Driven, Structures burning

    Evacuations: Code 3 immediate need ST dispatched from El Dorado County. Reports that a Elderly Care Home has been cut-off & needs evacuation.

      "There are a number of homes in the area, and we're working with the sheriff's department to evacuate those areas," said Daniel Berlant, Cal Fire spokesman.
     
    Closures: Highway 49 is closed to traffic.  

    Update: 1715hrs - IC to Grass Valley advised to CANCEL the VLAT and that per AA the air equipment is sufficent. Continue the ordered ground resorces as there are massive amounts of structures that are still burning and are still being threatened. IC reporting the lines are holding. although AA has just sent a helo to hit a road side spot. AA is working the interior structures and the right shoulder. NEU reporting a new wildland fire, no details as yet. Sounds like locals picked it up and can handle per AA 230.  
    Update: 1700hrs - Air Tankers T-91 and T-22 are inbound, ALCO type I strike team en-route with units from Oakland, Alameda county Hayward and Fremontstarted about 14:20 and has grown to over 500 acres. Strong winds and very dry 50 Engines have been committed 8 air tankers and the larger air tankers are on order Evacuations are happening North and North East of fire Update: 1640hrs - 500 acres+ Evergreen 747 Air Tanker Has been ordered for this WUI fire entering the city of Auburn. Update: 1630hrs - AA reports multiple commercial structures involved in the 49 corridor from Locksley lane to Shale Ridge.Holding at Dry Creek. Hazard: Down power lines across 49, need Hwy shut down  
    Update: 1600hrs - AA reports 400 to 500 acres, Reports are at least 1 home & some commercial structure are involved, lumber yard and old Harley Davidson shop involved. sounds like they are holding the left flank and are working the head hard.  
    Update: 15:45hrs - Reports that Firefighter that lives off Shale Ridge road just lost his house!  
    Update: 1540hrs - CA-NEU-49 Air attack just advised fire is at least 50 acres & running thru structures. Multi residential and commercial structures on fire, Requested additional heavy AT and GVECC advised that the request has been put in for the VLAT.  
    Update: 1540hrs - Shale creek care home just called Grass valley and stated to them they are surrounded by fire and unable to evacuate the residences. Message relayed to IC via priority traffic requesting engines to respond to their location. Traffic impacted on Highway 49. CHP still not at CP and HWY 49 still with traffic. IC states once again multiple commercial buildings on fire. 1 burn victim (civilian) with AMR 254 responding to Rock Creek.  
    Update: 1435hrs - Just requested 2 Initial Attack Type III strike teams on top of the original requests. Puts the fire at 15 to 20 acres with heavy spotting. Added two additional crews for a total of four. Setting up IC at Quarts and Hwy 49. Shutting down HWY 49 IC just requested two additional air tankers for a total for four and one additional copter for a total of two, any type but would like Type II with crew if possible.  
    Location: Just North of Bell Road in Auburn. fire started just after 2 p.m between Highway 49 & the Auburn airport, according to Cal Fire officials, and is spreading quickly due to strong winds. Resources: Besides Initial attack:
    • Task force from Nevada County B5106, E2, E5266, E57, E88 and E45.
    • LNU strike team 9130C just dispatched immediate-need to the incident. That is the 10th strike team from Sonoma Lake Napa, hence the 1300 designator for the ST..
    • Immediate need strike team out of AEU 4079A code 3 to the fire.
    • E61 (Georgetown), E51 (Garden Valley), E72 (El Dorado Cnty FPD, Cool), E74 (El Dorado Cnty FPD, Coloma-Lotus) and E83 (Rescue FPD)..
    • LNU just sent immediate need S/T 9130 with E1456 (Wilber Springs) E1458 (leesville) E1455 (Brooks) E1473 (Clearlake Oaks) E1483 (Not sure where they were at) B 1416 as STL..
    • Sac Metro is sending a type 1 Strike Team E25, E23, E103, E28, E26, and BC13. .
    • LNU just sent Immediate Need S/T 9132C B1413, E1451, E1479, E1493, E1467, E1483 . TGU sending immediate need strike teams and single resources of dozers.
    • Crews - 9223G
    • Engines - 9251C (2515, 2573, 2572, 2554, 2566, 2561)
    • Dozers - 2542, 2544 .
    • Sac Metro just sent an immediate need S/T of type 1's. .
    • LNU Just sent Immediate need S/T 9131 Lema, T/D 1444 (Clearlake Oaks) T/D1448 (Middletown) .
    • ALCO type I strike team en-route with units from Oakland, Alameda county Hayward and Fremont
    Air Resources: AA: 230/ AT: 86,88,93, Evergreen 747/ Helos: 514,516,512,161KA, 123G  
    Weather: Secret Town RAWS @ 1428 - wind SSW 6 Gust 21 temp 90 RH 13% Fuel Temp 104 Web Cams: KCRA Link
    Scanner feed: Link

    Station Fire Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders

    Mount Wilson Webcam looking at Station Fire
    Link t0 Webcam
    Los Angeles County Station Fire Satellite Thermal Map
    Credit: GeoMac/CFN
    Residents keeping watch on fire
    Lawn chair Mandatory evacuation? Stay safe!
    Credit: Screenshot from ABC 10:00 8-30 video Link

    Residents in Acton were being urged to evacuate Sunday as the Station Fire moved closer to homes in the area. The fire has already burned more than 35,000 acres.

    Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the southern side of the city of Acton, including Aliso Canyon, as the fire moves to the northeast. The blaze was about 3 miles from the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway near Acton. People south of the freeway were being ordered to evacuate, officials said.

    Following is a list of other areas ordered evacuated due to the Station Fire;

    City of Acton, including Aliso Canyon, as the fire moves to the northeast. Officials said areas east of Soledad Canyon Road at Acton are in danger. The mandatory evacuation zone extends to areas south of Soledad Canyon Road as far east as the Angeles Crest Highway junction.

    La Canada Flintridge:

  • Starlight Drive north to Green Ridge Court, including Forest Green Drive
  • Big Briar Way at Haskel
  • Donna Maria Lane, Indian Drive, Hacienda Drive, Alta Canada Road north of Linda Vista, La Canada Boulevard north of El Vago Street
  • Meadows Tract, Canyon Ridge to Aralia Road, north of Loma Alta
  • Big Tujunga Canyon between county Camp 15 and the Ranger Station as well as Camp Colby
  • Ocean Boulevard north of Fairhurst Drive
  • Little Tujunga from Gold Creek to Osborne
  • Briggs Avenue to north of Shield Street between Goss Canyon and Canyon Side Road including Arroyo Drive and connecting streets
  • All camps on upper Big Tujunga Road from the Ranger Station at East Angeles Crest Highway north to Chilao
  • All homes north of Loma Alta Drive between Lake Avenue and Canyon Crest above the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including Camp Chiquita
  • Homes on Riverwood Drive near Big Tujunga Canyon Road
  • Alpine Village east of Big Tujunga Canyon Road
  • Residents only will be allowed back into the area of Vista Del Valle Road west of Angeles Crest Highway and La Canada Boulevard north to El Vago Street west to Linda Vista Driver north to Alta Canyada Drive
  • Altadena:

  • Canyon Dell Drive area, one mile northeast of JPL. The area includes houses on Canyon Crest Road, Aralia Road, Rising Hill Road and smaller streets accessed by those streets. This area is west of Millard Canyon, east of Arroyo Seco and north of Hahamongna Watershed Park.
  • Glendale:

  • Santa Carlotta north between Pennsylvania and Lowell
  • La Crescenta:

  • Briggs Terrace area off Shields Street, above Briggs Avenue
  • A voluntary evacuation was in effect for the Florecita neighborhood, in northwest Pasadena, including Florecita Drive, Florecita Way, Florecita Lane and Florecita Terrace, said city spokeswoman Ann Erdman.

    Evacuation centers have been set up throughout the area to assists people forced from their homes.

    Evacuation Centers are located at:

  • La Canada High School, 4463 Oak Grove Drive, La Canada
  • Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta
  • Jackson Elementary School, 593 W. Woodbury Drive, Altadena
  • Pet Evacuation Centers for large or small animals:

  • La Canada High School
  • Pasadena Humane Society, 361 S. Raymond, Pasadena
  • Loma Alta County Park at Lincoln and Loma Alta, Altadena
  • Humane Society, 401 N. Verdugo, Glendale
  • East Valley Shelter, 13131 Sherman Way, North Hollywood
  • Baldwin Park Shelter, 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park
  • Pierce College in Woodland Hills is boarding horses and other big animals displaced by the Station Fire.

    The fire is also threatening the Santa Clarita Valley, broadcast facilities on Mount Wilson and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge.

    A slight drop in temperatures coupled with the additional fire is expected to bring some relief Sunday.

    Fire officials said the fire is about 5 percent contained and don't expect full containment until later next week.

    Three homes and about 30 cabins in the Angeles National Forest have been destroyed, with 10,000 other foothill homes and some 2,000 commercial buildings threatened.

    Three people were hurt Saturday -- two in the Big Tujunga Canyon area and one off Highway 2 near Mount Wilson.

    At a briefing Saturday, officials said about 1,800 firefighters were fighting the fire. In addition more crews are heading to the fire from other parts of the state and Arizona. Firefighters are also being helped by fire-retardant-dropping helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

    Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for L.A. County on Friday due to the fires in the area.

    Saturday, August 29, 2009

    CA-ANF-Station Wildland Fire - 35,200, acres 5% contained, Homes lost

    STATION FIRE CA-ANF-003622 35,200, acres 5% contained. Area remains under a red flag warning for very high temperatures and low relative humidity. Angeles Crest Hwy is still closed. A spike camp will be established today in Santa Clarita
    Station IC - Los Angeles County Wildland Fire today
    latest 209, Very Large Resource orders pending.
    Selected Incident Intelligence Summary (ICS-209)
    Incident Status Summary (ICS-209)
    1: Date: 08/29/2009
    2: Time: 1800
    4: Incident Number: CA-ANF-003622
    5: Incident Name: Station
    6: Incident Kind: Wildfire - (Full Suppression/Perimeter Control)
    7: Start Date Time: 08/26/2009 1520
    8: Cause: Under Investigation
    9: Incident Commander: Dietrich/Powers/Fender
    10: Incident Command Organization: Unified Command
    11: State-Unit: CA-ANF
    12: County: Los Angeles
    13: Latitude and Longitude: Lat: 34° 15´ 4" Long: 118° 11´ 41"
    Ownership: CA-ANF 14: Short Location Description (in reference to nearest town):
    4 miles north of La Canada on SR2 - Angeles Crest Hwy
    15: Size/Area Involved: 20,102 ACRES
    16: % Contained or MMA: 5 Percent 17: Expected Containment
    Date: 09/08/2009
    18: Line to Build: 98 Miles
    19: Estimated Costs to Date: $1,361,000
    20: Declared Controlled Date: Time:
    21: Injuries this Reporting Period:
    22: Injuries to Date:
    23: Fatalities
    24: Structure Information: 0 1 0 Type of Structure # Threatened # Damaged # Destroyed
    25: Threat to Human Life/Safety: Evacuations in progress
    Potential future threat: Residence 10,000 Commercial Property 500 0 0 Outbuilding/Other 2,000 0 0
    26: Projected incident movement/spread 12, 24, 48, and 72 hour time frames:
    12 hours: South toward the Cities of LaCanda-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Pasadena and Glendale. West toward the Yerba Buena Ridge. North toward the 14 Freeway and the Santa Clara Ridge. East toward Mt Disappointment and Mt. Wilson.
    24 hours: South toward the Cities of LaCanda-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Pasadena and Glendale. West toward the Yerba Buena Ridge. North toward the 14 Freeway and the Santa Clara Ridge. East toward Mt Disappointment and Mt. Wilson.
    48 hours:
    72 hours:
    27: Values at Risk: include communities, critical infrastructure, natural and cultural resources in 12, 24, 48 and 72 hour time frames:
    12 hours: Northern portions of the Foothill Communities of La Canada-Flintridge, Altadena, Glendale, Pasadena and Sunland-Tujunga. Mount Lukens Communications Facility, Edison 220 Kv Powerlines, Edison 33Kv Powerlines to Mt. Wilson, Gould Sub-station, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Arroyo Seco Residences, ANF Clear Creek Fire Station, Clear Creek School, Red Box and Mt Disappointment communication sites and the Mount Wilson Communications Facility/Observatory.
    24 hours: Northern portions of the Foothill Communities of La Canada-Flintridge, Altadena, Glendale, Pasadena,and Sunland-Tujunga. Mount Lukens Communications Facility, Edison 220 Kv Powerlines, Edison 33Kv Powerlines to Mt. Wilson, Gould Sub-station, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Arroyo Seco Residences, ANF Clear Creek Fire Station, Clear Creek School, Red Box and Mt Disappointment communication sites and the Mount Wilson Communications Facility/Observatory.
    48 hours:
    72 hours:
    28: Critical Resource Needs (amount, type, kind and number of operational periods () in priority order in 12, 24, 48, and 72 hour time frames):
    12 hours: S/T Type I Crews (5), Type I Crews (15), S/T Type III ENG (10), DIVS (12), Type II WT (5), Type II Crews, OPBD (8), Dozers (20), DOZB (20), LSC1 (1), PIO any type 15.
    24 hours:
    48 hours:
    72 hours:
    29: Major problems and concerns:
    Red Flag Warning for very high temperatures and low relative humidity remains in effect. The fire area is extremely steep and inaccessible. The fire is burning in burning in 40+ year old 15 to 20 foot high decadent vegetation. Fire is active during the day and night operational periods. The fire is currently making runs toward Mount Wilson, which is a major communications facility servicing all of Southern California.
    30: Observed Weather for Current Operational Period:
    Peak Gusts (mph): 15 Max. Temperature: 100
    Wind Direction: SE Min. Relative Humidity: 7 31:
    Fuels/Materials Involved: 4 Chaparral (6 Feet)
    Type 4 Chaparral
    32: Today's observed fire behavior:
    Extreme fire behavior observed including plume dominated fire behavior, spotting and major runs.
    33: Significant events today (closures, evacuations, significant progress made, etc.):
    The fire quadrupled in size driven by SE winds. Major fire activity drove the fire north across Big Tujunga Rd and west over Mt. Lukens. The SW portion of the fire extended causing new mandatory evacuations in the Foothill Communities of Altadena, LaCanada-Flintridge, LaCresenta and Glendale. The fire is now threatening the Mount Wilson Communications Facilities and Observatory. Unified Command was expanded to include Glendale and Pasadena.
    34: Forecasted Weather for next Operational Period
    Wind Speed (mph): 8-12 Temperature: 75-80
    Wind Direction: Downcanyon Relative Humidity: 10-20 35: Estimated Control
    Date and Time:
    36: Projected Final Size:
    37: Estimated Final Cost:
    38: Actions planned for next operational period:
    Triage, prepare, and protect structures when and where necessary. Construct handlines and dozer lines. Protect critical communication sites.
    39: For fire incidents, describe resistance to control in terms of:
    1. Growth Potential - Extreme
    2. Difficulty of Terrain - Extreme
    40: Given the current constraints, when will the chosen management strategy succeed?
    Current Strategy will succeed only if critical resource needs are met and the current weather conditions improve.
    41: Projected demobilization start date:
    42: Remarks: Angeles Crest Highway remains closed and is the primary access route for 18+ Camps/residences , numerous private residences, and the Mount Wilson Communication Facility and Observatory. Multiple evacuation centers have been established. The Mount Wilson Communications is now a major concern. This facility is a major communications hub for all of Southern California. 3 civilian injuries were reported today. A spike camp will be established in Santa Clarita.

    43: Committed Resources (Supplemental Committed Resources follow the first block)
    Agency CRW1 CRW2 HEL1 HEL2 HEL3 ENGS DOZR WTDR OVHD Camp
    Crews Total
    Personnel
    SR ST SR ST SR SR SR SR ST SR ST SR SR
    CNTY 3 1 6 2 24 244
    ST 1 3 1 6 26 214
    PRI 8 12 16
    USFS 20 3 6 3 2 8 2 10 85 702
    NPS 1 1
    DDQ 1 20
    BLM 1 1 10 37
    OTHR 3 5 1 3 214
    LGR 2 14 22 356
    Total 26 6 10 0 6 4 2 9 23 8 6 24 169 3 1,804
    Total personnel by agency are listed in the first section of committed resources.
    Agency HELTK FIXW TRKCO RESMD LGTAIR
    SR SR SR SR
    CNTY
    ST
    PRI
    USFS
    NPS
    DDQ
    BLM
    OTHR
    LGR
    Total 0 0 0 0 0
    44: Cooperating and Assisting Agencies Not Listed Above:
    LA County Fire, LA County Sheriffs, CHP, Edison, and Cal-Trans
    - - - - - = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = - - - - -

    CA-ANF-Station fire - Wildland Fire - 6,000 acres

    Satellite Photo of Southern California showing Icecap(PyroCumulus) cloud over Station Fire
    Source: NOAA Link
    *ALERT* Station fire Evacuations (1120am) of Big Tujunga Canyon has now been ordered / Western portion of the fire just north of Mt Luken

    Update: 15:30hrs -EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR - ICE CAPPING
    Update: 14:30hrs - Some evacuations in Glendale area.
    Update: Noon - "Green light" to utilize the Martin Mars and or the DC-10. Martin Mars is going to assist with supporting a retardant line. Official order for Martin Mars and 2 Additional Heavy ATs has been made.
    Update: 11:50hrs - LAFD Strike Team 1138 Alpha has just been formed under the command of BC 3 to respond to the Station Fire. Station Fire:
    CA-ANF- STATION FIRE PERIMETER MAP
    08-28-09


    Mount Wilson Web Cam Screenshot 11:40 hrs 8-29-09
    Web cam: Link
    Update: 11:40hrs - Reverse 911 calls with mayor asking for evacuations in La Canada / Flintridge area.

    Update: 10:00hrs - Launching AA now. Asking for Helitankers to focus above Vista Miguel". Structure protection is holding so far on Branch I.

    From the 0830 notes from OSCC: 5,500 acres @ 5% contained.

    Current threats/Problems: Northern portions of the City of La Canada-Flintridge, Altadena, Mount Lukens Communications Facility, Edison 220 Kv Powerlines, Edison 33Kv Powerlines to Mt. Wilson, Gould Sub-station, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Arroyo Seco Residences, ANF Clear Creek Fire Station, Clear Creek School, Red Box and Mt Disappointment communication sites and the Mount Wilson Communications Facility/Observatory are threatened.

    The fire area is extremely steep and inaccessible. The fire is burning in burning in 40+ year old 15 to 20 foot high decadent vegetation.

    Mount Wilson web cam: http://bit.ly/Wsbmd Header shows winds apparently blowing North, Yesterday straight up

    Earthquake 3.0 M - Southern California, Anza, Borego Springs, Indio CA

    Magnitude3.0
    Date-Time
    Location33.469°N, 116.471°W
    Depth5.4 km (3.4 miles)
    RegionSOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Distances
    • 21 km (13 miles) ESE (117°) from Anza, CA
    • 26 km (16 miles) NNW (340°) from Borrego Springs, CA
    • 28 km (17 miles) SW (215°) from La Quinta, CA
    • 36 km (22 miles) SW (218°) from Indio, CA
    • 40 km (25 miles) S (172°) from Palm Springs, CA
    • 99 km (62 miles) NE (39°) from San Diego, CA
    Location Uncertaintyhorizontal +/- 0.2 km (0.1 miles); depth +/- 0.8 km (0.5 miles)
    ParametersNph=127, Dmin=7 km, Rmss=0.34 sec, Gp= 25°,
    M-type=local magnitude (ML), Version=1
    Source
    Event IDci10456101

    CA-LMU-Day - Wildland Fire - 853 Acres 50% Contained

    Day Fire:
    County: Lassen County
    Location: Near Day Road/Hwy 299E
    Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit
    Status/Notes: 853 acres - 85% contained
    Full containment expected: August 30, 2009.
    Date Started: August 27, 2009 2:00 pm

    more info...
    From last night (Date: 08/28/2009 Time: 1800) 209: Incident Status Summary
    1: Date 08/28/2009 2: Time 1800
    4: Incident Number CA-LMU-004366
    5: Incident Name: DAY
    6: Incident Kind: Wildfire (Full Suppression/Perimeter Control)
    7: Start Date Time: 08/27/2009 1327
    8: Cause: Under Investigation
    9: Incident Commander: Jerry Burke
    10: Incident Command Organization Type 3 IC
    11: State-Unit: CA-LMU
    12: County: LASSEN
    13: Latitude and Longitude: Lat: 41° 5´ 47" Long: 121° 15´ 53" Ownership: CA-LMU
    14: Short Location Description (in reference to nearest town): 10 miles NE of McArthur
    15: Size/Area Involved 853 ACRES
    16: % Contained or MMA 50 Percent
    17: Expected Containment Date: 08/30/2009
    18: Line to Build 0 Miles
    19: Estimated Costs to Date: $650,000
    21: Injuries this Reporting Period:
    22: Injuries to Date:
    23: Fatalities
    24: Structure Information
    0 0 0 Type of Structure # Threatened # Damaged # Destroyed
    25: Threat to Human Life/Safety:
    Evacuation(s) in progress ----
    No evacuation(s) imminent -- XX
    Potential future threat --------
    No likely threat --------------- Residence 25 0 0
    Commercial Property 2
    Outbuilding/Other 30 0 0
    26: Projected incident movement/spread 12, 24, 48, and 72 hour time frames:
    12 hours: Minor spot fires are being picked up by suppression crews.
    24 hours:
    48 hours:
    72 hours:
    27: Values at Risk: include communities, critical infrastructure, natural and cultural resources in 12, 24, 48 and 72 hour time frames:
    12 hours: Big Valley Repeater Site within 1/2 mile and Intermountain Conservation Camp within 1 mile of fire. Private commercial timberlands involved.
    24 hours:
    48 hours:
    72 hours:
    28: Critical Resource Needs (amount, type, kind and number of operational periods () in priority order in 12, 24, 48, and 72 hour time frames):
    12 hours: Helibase Manager.
    24 hours:
    48 hours:
    72 hours:
    29: Major problems and concerns (control problems, social/political/economic concerns or impacts, etc.) Relate critical resources needs identified above to the Incident Action Plan.
    Advisory Evacuation for Foothill Road is being lifted at 2000 hours this evening. Foothill Road area will be open to local residents only. Big Valley Memorial Hall has been closed as an Evacuation Center. Handlines and dozer lines have been completed around the fire, however, spot fires have been located outside those control lines today. Crews are widening control lines.
    30: Observed Weather for Current Operational Period
    Peak Gusts (mph): 11 Max. Temperature: 82
    Wind Direction: SW Min. Relative Humidity: 23% 31: Fuels/Materials Involved: 10 Timber (litter and understory)
    Eastside timberlands and plantations.
    32: Today's observed fire behavior (leave blank for non-fire events):
    Some isolated interior torching was observed today. Numerous spot fires have been picked up outside the control lines. Crews are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions today.
    33: Significant events today (closures, evacuations, significant progress made, etc.):
    Handlines and dozer lines have been completed around the fire. Advisory evacuations will be lifted tonight and the Evacuation Center has been closed. Revised acreage due to better mapping.
    34: Forecasted Weather for next Operational Period
    Wind Speed (mph): 5 Temperature: 75
    Wind Direction: SW Relative Humidity: 30% 35: Estimated Control
    Date and Time:
    36: Projected Final Size:
    37: Estimated Final Cost:
    38: Actions planned for next operational period:
    Widening and improving control lines, mopping up, finding and suppressing spot fires.
    39: For fire incidents, describe resistance to control in terms of:
    1. Growth Potential - Medium
    2. Difficulty of Terrain - Medium
    40: Given the current constraints, when will the chosen management strategy succeed?
    41: Projected demobilization start date: 08/30/2009 1000
    42: Remarks:
    43: Committed Resources (Supplemental Committed Resources follow the first block)
    Agency CRW1 CRW2 HEL1 HEL2 HEL3 ENGS DOZR WTDR OVHD Camp
    Crews Total
    Personnel
    SR ST SR ST SR SR SR SR ST SR ST SR SR
    LGR 4 2 5 54
    USFS 1 2 2 2 4 1 8 98
    BLM 1 1
    ST 4 9 1 8 5 4 44 634
    PRI 13 12 7 57
    Total 5 9 2 0 2 3 0 16 7 18 0 17 60 0 844
    Total personnel by agency are listed in the first section of committed resources.
    Agency HELTK FIXW TRKCO RESMD LGTAIR
    SR SR SR SR
    LGR
    USFS
    BLM
    ST 1
    PRI
    Total 0 1 0 0 0
    44: Cooperating and Assisting Agencies Not Listed Above:
    Big Valley FPD, Adin FPD, Canby FPD, Cal Pines FPD, Alturas Rural FPD, Susanville City FD, Siskiyou County and Shasta County Operational Areas, Lassen County Sheriff's Office, CHP, CDCR, LNF, MDF, SHF, NOD and CalTrans.
    45: Prepared by:
    S. Peterson 46: Approved by:
    J. Young 47: Sent to:NOPS by: S. Peterson

    Phone Numbers (530) 257-9553 (Day Fire Information)

    CA-BEU-Gloria Wildland Fire - San Benito County - 6,000+ acres, 60%

    Gloria Fire Incident Information:
    Evacuations Remain in affect for the area of Highway 146 and Bryant Canyon.

    Date/Time Started: August 27, 2009 2:57 pm
    Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE San Benito - Monterey Unit
    County: San Benito County
    Location: East of Gonzales
    Acres Burned: 6,000 acres
    Containment 6,000 acres - 60% contained
    Structures Destroyed: 1 residence destroyed
    Threatened: There are approximately 100 homes threatened by the fire.
    Evacuations: Evacuations continue along Hwy 146 east from Metz Rand Bryant Canyon and Hwy 146 east of Metz.
    Injuries: 1
    Cause: Under Investigation
    Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Multiple Monterey County Fire Departments, Monterey County Sheriffs Office, CHP, Red Cross, CalEMA and City of Soledad
    Total Fire Personnel: 1,083
    Engines: 110
    Fire crews: 32
    Airtankers: 3
    Helicopters: 5
    Dozers: 26
    Water tenders: 8
    Costs to date: $1.5 million
    Conditions:
    Evacuations:
    Remain in affect for the area of Highway 146 and Bryant Canyon. There are approximately 100 homes threatened by the fire. If conditions allow, repopulation of affected areas could begin as early as tomorrow evening. An evacuation center has been set up at the Soledad High School. This center is also open for large and small animals needing shelter.

    Road Closures: 146 is closed east of Metz Rd

    Fire behavior: The fire actively burned on the north east flank within the perimeter. Overnight, firefighters made good progress building containment lines and will continue to work on securing the eastern flank. Very Large Air Tankers 910 and 911 whch are DC-10 jets known as VLAT's have made numerous large sustained drops on this fire since day 1.
    Weather: Temperatures are forecasted in the high 90’s for Saturday with low relative humidity with the winds picking up in the afternoon from the North West.
    Comms: Air to Air Fixed Wing for this incident is 135.975
    Notes: Crews will be inspecting properties to mitigate any life hazards, such as downed power lines, before residence are allowed to return.

    Information: Phone Numbers (831) 647-6257 (Gloria Fire Information)
    Phone Numbers (831) 333-2672 (Gloria Fire Information)

    Friday, August 28, 2009

    RED FLAG WARNING - EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNINGS

    UPDATE: RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING. HUMIDITIES WILL DECREASE INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS AGAIN THROUGH THE AFTERNOON ACROSS MUCH OF THE KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS. THESE LOW HUMIDITIES WILL PERSIST IN MANY AREAS INTO THE EVENING HOURS. THE LOWEST HUMIDITIES WILL OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF LAKE ISABELLA... WALKER PASS AND JAWBONE...AND ALSO IN THE VICINITY OF FRAZIER PARK. IN ADDITION...THERE WILL BE POOR HUMIDITY RECOVERY TONIGHT...WITH MAXIMUM HUMIDITIES ONLY BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PERCENT IN MANY AREAS. WITH SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES EXPECTED TO LAST FOR 10 HOURS OR MORE AT MANY KERN COUNTY MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS... THE RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING. WITH A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE ANCHORED OVER THE WESTERN UNITED STATES... DRY AIR WILL REMAIN IN PLACE THROUGH SATURDAY. HUMIDITIES WILL AGAIN DROP INTO THE SINGLE DIGITS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING AT MANY KERN COUNTY MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS. THE SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES ARE NOT EXPECTED TO LAST FOR 10 HOURS OR MORE... THEREFORE RED FLAG WARNING CRITERIA WILL NOT BE MET. CONDITIONS WILL REMAIN VERY DRY HOWEVER... AND CAUTION SHOULD STILL BE EXERCISED REGARDING FIRE DANGER.

    THE RED FLAG WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT. GUSTY NORTHERLY WINDS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE MORNING HOURS...DECREASING BY EARLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THE COMBINATION OF POOR RELATIVE HUMIDITY RECOVERIES OVERNIGHT... VERY LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES THIS MORNING... GUSTY NORTHERLY WINDS THIS MORNING...AND LONG TERM DROUGHT CONDITIONS ACROSS THE REGION WILL CREATE A DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER SITUATION THROUGH NOON PDT FRIDAY.
    RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT TODAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
    MOUNTAINS OF SAN BENITO AND INTERIOR MONTEREY COUNTY INCLUDINGPINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT-
    Alert sent at 04:24 PDT on 2009-08-28
    RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT TODAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
    SANTA LUCIA MOUNTAINS AND LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-
    Alert sent at 04:24 PDT on 2009-08-28
    NEAR RECORD TO RECORD TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE REGION TODAY AND SATURDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Likely
    LAKE HAVASU AND FORT MOHAVE-NORTHWEST DESERTS-LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK-WESTERN MOJAVE DESERT-EASTERN MOJAVE DESERT-MORONGO BASIN-CADIZ BASIN-SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY-UPPER COLORADO RIVER VALLEY-NORTHEAST CLARK COUNTY-WESTERN CLARK AND SOUTHERN NYE COUNTY-LAS VEGAS VALLEY-SOUTHERN CLARK COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... LAKE HAVASU... TOPOCK... KINGMAN... GOLDEN VALLEY... HUALAPAI RESERVATION... DOLAN SPRINGS... VALENTINE... WIKIEUP... FURNACE CREEK... STOVEPIPE WELLS... SHOSHONE... TECOPA... BARSTOW... DAGGETT... FT IRWIN... BAKER... MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE... MORONGO VALLEY... YUCCA VALLEY... JOSHUA TREE... TWENTYNINE PALMS... NEEDLES... MESQUITE... OVERTON... MOAPA... PAHRUMP... INDIAN SPRINGS... DESERT ROCK... AMARGOSA VALLEY... LAS VEGAS... NORTH LAS VEGAS... HENDERSON... BOULDER CITY... LAUGHLIN... BULLHEAD CITY... HOOVER DAM... PRIMM... JEAN... SEARCHLIGHT... CAL-NEV-ARI
    Update sent at 04:22 PDT on 2009-08-28
    RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS DUE TO LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
    KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
    Update sent at 04:06 PDT on 2009-08-28
    EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM MST /10 AM PDT/ THIS MORNING TO 8 PM MST /8 PM PDT/ THIS EVENING... ... EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM MST /10 AM PDT/ TO 8 PM MST /8 PM PDT/ SATURDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
    LOWER COLORADO RIVER VALLEY AZ-WEST CENTRAL DESERTS-YUMA/MARTINEZ LAKE AND VICINITY-SOUTHWEST DESERTS-LOWER COLORADO RIVER VALLEY CA-RIVERSIDE COUNTY/EASTERN DESERTS-IMPERIAL COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... EHRENBERG... PARKER... QUARTZSITE... SALOME... FORTUNA FOOTHILLS... YUMA... TACNA... WELLTON... BLYTHE... CHIRIACO SUMMIT... DESERT CENTER... BRAWLEY... CALEXICO... EL CENTRO
    Update sent at 02:03 PDT on 2009-08-28

    6 minutes for safety: Wildland/Urban Interface -- Structure Protection

    The primary consideration of any operation is to assure firefighter and public safety. It is a must to assess potential fire behavior, ingress/egress routes, nature of the threat, hazardous materials, and available water supplies before engaging in the protection of any structure.

    Factors that may make an attempt to save a structure hopeless or too dangerous include:
    • The fire is making a sustained run and there is little or no clearance between the structure and the fuel.
    • The fire behavior is extreme; spot fires are numerous and the spread is outpacing containment.
    • Water supply will not last as long as the threat of the fire.
    • The fire’s intensity dictates that you leave the fire area immediately.
    • The structure is constructed of wood and has a wood, shake roof.
    • The roof of the structure is more than one-quarter involved.
    • There is fire inside of the structure or windows are broken and there is no way to quickly repair them.
    • You can’t safely remain at the structure because your escape route could become unusable.
    When implementing a plan to protect structures, consider the following:
    • Don’t enter a burning structure unless you are trained, equipped, and authorized. Firefighter safety and survival is the number one priority.
    • Always stay mobile and wear all of your PPE.
    • Back in equipment to allow for a quick escape.
    • Coil a short, 1½”, charged line with fog nozzle on your engine for safety and quick knock down capability.
    • Don’t make long hose lays. Keep at least 100 gallons of water reserve in your tank.
    • Check the road system before the fire approaches. Know bridge limits, alternate access routes, and turnarounds for your vehicle and other support vehicles.
    • Determine if residents are home. Leave on the inside and outside lights, regardless of the time of day. Close the garage door.
    • Place the owner’s ladder at a corner of the home on the side with the least fire threat.
    • Coil and charge garden hoses.
    • Check and mark hazmat; e.g., LPG, pesticides, and paint storage.
    More at: http://www.nifc.gov/sixminutes/dsp_sixminutes.php

    News and Notes: California Fire Situation 08-28-09

    Currently being updated at 10:00 am

    National Fire Activity

    Initial attack activity: Light (115 new fires)
    New large fires: 10 (*)
    Large fires contained: 1
    Uncontained large fires : ** 12
    Area Command Teams committed: 0
    NIMOs committed: 1
    Type 1 IMTs committed: 2
    Type 2 IMTs committed: 2
    Nationally, there are 100 large fires being managed with minimal or no resource
    commitment that are not shown on today’s report.
    ** Uncontained large fires do not include confine/contain and resource
    benefit incidents. **


    Southern California Area (PL 3)
    PREPAREDNESS LEVEL for Southern California Operations has been elevated to LEVEL 3 due to significant fire activity today.
    New fires: 28
    New large fires: 4
    Uncontained large fires: 6
    Type 1 IMTs committed: 2
    Type 2 IMTs committed: 1


    View SO CAL Wildland fires 08-28-09 in a larger map

    GLORIA CA-BEU-2830; San Benito-Monterey Unit, Cal Fire. 5,000 acres, 15% contained. Four miles east of Gonzales, CA. Brush and grass. Active fire behavior with long-range spotting. Residences and major transmission lines threatened. Highway 146 closed. Evacuations in effect.
    The fire continues to spread to the southeast and Hwy 146 is closed. 100 homes and 50 commercial properties are threatened, and one resident was destroyed. The fire is threatening the 230 KV transmission lines that provide power to the King City Basin and the San Ardo Oil Fields. It could reach the Pinnacles National Monument within the current operational period.

    STATION CA-ANF-3622, Angeles NF. IMT1 (Dietrich). Four miles north of La Canada, CA. Chaparral. Active fire behavior. Residences threatened. Road closures and evacuations in effect. 500 acres, 0% contained. 510 total personnel. DIETRICH (TEAM 5) CIIMT Type I Incident Management Team has been mobilized to the STATION incident with a transition scheduled for 1800 hrs. last night and a tentative in-briefing scheduled for 1000 hrs. today at 1000 hrs. in Arcadia, CA.

    PV Fire; Los Angeles County Fire, Rancho Palos Verdes 230 acres - 70% contained.

    Phone Numbers (323) 881-2411 (Los Angeles County Fire Public Information Line) BIG MEADOW CA-YNP-3660, 1700 acres, 0% contained. McGowan’s CIIMT Team 1, a Type 1 Incident Management Team, is being mobilized to this incident.Yosemite National Park, NPS. Transfer of command from IMT2 (Johnson) to IMT1 (McGowan) will occur today. Two miles northeast of El Portal, CA. Brush. Active fire behavior with sustained crown runs and spotting. Residences threatened. Road closures and evacuations in effect.

    COTTONWOOD CA-BDF-11578, 1,000+ acres, 5% containment Forella’s SOCAL TEAM 3 is being mobilized to this incident.
    Mandatory Evacuations--for Willow Brook Rd. in the Val Vista Area east of Hemet. Voluntary Evacuations--A dozen homes (five people) were evacuated under voluntary evacuation in Bee Canyon Thursday.,
    C3101 requested 10 closest engines for Structure Protection in the area of wellington and 74 this AM. The Fire is approximately 1 mile east of Cranston and 10 miles east of Hemet in the San Jacinto Mountains and is currently at 1000 acres. Overnight, the fire grew in the north and northwest corners.
    The Big Bear Hotshots completed a successful firing operation on the eastern flank of the fire, which is holding, preventing growth toward Idyllwild. Additionally, crews worked throughout the night with dozers and firing operations to reduce the risk to the homes along Highway 74.
    The western flank of the fire is showing the most activity, burning in 11-year-old fuel type with a lot of dead component. Firefighters face the challenge of very rocky and steep terrain. Webcam link

    MORRIS FIRE CA-ANF-3616, Angeles NF. IMT2 (Woychak). 2068 acres, 60 % contained. Five miles north of Azusa, CA. Chaparral. Creeping with isolated torching. Residences threatened.

    RIDGE CA-MCP-2601,Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, DOD. 250 acres, 10% contained, Nine miles west of Fallbrook, CA. Timber and chaparral. Moderate fire activity with short-range spotting. Fire is located on Camp Pendelton Marine Base 11 miles north of the City of Oceanside. Fire is in vegetation only in steep terrain. Temperatures are around 100 degrees, RH 12%, Winds west @ 12 MPH. Growth potential is MEDIUM.

    BRYSON 2 CA-BEU-002816; Started 08/26/09 at 1326 hours. San Benito-Monterey Unit, Cal Fire. The fire has burned 2,754 acres and is 60% contained. Twenty miles southwest of King City, CA. Brush. Moderate fire activity. The fire is expected to be contained 08/28/09. At this time the forward spread has been stopped, personnel are working to complete control lines, little spread is expected.

    Northern California Area (PL 3)
    New fires: 33
    New large fires: 1
    Uncontained large fires: 2
    NIMOS committed: 1
    Type 2 IMTs committed: 1

    DAY FIRE, CA-LMU Klamath NF. Lassen-Modoc Unit, Cal Fire. Five miles northeast of Pittville, CA. Day Road near Highway 299E in heavy Timber. Active fire behavior. Residences threatened, currently is 1250 acres with 10 percent containment.
    • Foothill Rd area evacuated
    • Fire ½ mile from Big Valley Repeater and Com site, 1 ½ miles from Intermountain Camp
    • Predicted winds may increase threat to Intermountain Camp and other structures
    This was as of 0600 this AM

    RED ROCK, CA-KNF Klamath NF. NIMO (Custer) and IMT2 (Paul). The teams are also managing the Harrington incident. Fifteen miles west of Fort Jones, CA. Timber with heavy dead and down fuels. Moderate fire activity with isolated torching. Structures threatened, currently is 1277 acres with 75 percent containment.

    HARRINGTON Incident, CA-KNF is 165 acres with 80 percent containment.

    Wednesday, August 19, 2009

    News and Notes: California Fire Situation 08-19-09

    National Fire Activity - National Preparedness Level 3

    Initial attack activity: Light (82 new fires)
    New large fires: 1 (*)
    Large fires contained: 1
    Uncontained large fires : ** 14
    Area Command Teams committed: 0
    NIMOs committed: 0
    Type 1 IMTs committed: 4
    Type 2 IMTs committed: 2
    Nationally, there are 101 large fires being managed with minimal or no resource
    commitment that are not shown on today’s report.
    ** Uncontained large fires do not include confine/contain and
    resource benefit incidents. **
    Link to Geographic Area daily reports.

    National Notes: A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Molumby) is assigned to the Terrace Mountain fire north of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
    Twenty smokejumpers are assigned to Fort St. John, British Columbia.

    Type I IMT - National Rotation
    * 2 hr. California
    * 8 hr: Northwest
    * 24 hr: Rocky Basin

    Type II IMT - Regional Rotation
    * 2 hr: SC Woychak
    * 8 hr: NC

    Type I IMT - Regional Rotation
    * 2 hr: Dietrich
    * 8 hr: McGowan
    * 24 hr: Opliger

    Type II IMT - Local Rotation
    * 2 hr: Woychak
    * 8 hr: Wakoski


    Southern California Area (PL 2)

    LA BREA
    CA-LPF-002631 88,661 acres [793 is SRA], 75% contained. Due to successful suppression actions there was very little fire activity last night. There was some slow fire spread in the southern part of the fire near the top of the Sierra Madre Ridge where active backing and flanking occurred along isolated sections. Total personnel are 1,505.

    Northern California Area (PL 4)

    New fires: 12
    New large fires: 0
    Uncontained large fires: 3
    Type 1 IMTs committed: 2
    Type 2 IMTs committed: 1

    WX: HOT SPELL CONTINUES TODAY- SISKIYOU COUNTY AND MODOC COUNTIES

    The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,243 acres with 80 percent containment. San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit, Cal Fire. Cal Fire IMT1 (Hutchinson). Four miles northwest of Boulder Creek, CA. Timber and brush. Moderate fire activity.

    The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU, is 3,811 acres with 50 percent containment. Yuba, Nevada-Yuba Placer Unit, Cal Fire. Cal Fire IMT1 (Lewin). Three miles northeast of Dobbins, CA. Timber, chaparral and grass. Active fire behavior. Residences, powerhouse and transmission lines threatened. Incident commander Rob Lewin, a division chief with Cal Fire in San Luis Obispo, said conditions improved enough for the agency to lift voluntary evacuations on several roads in and around Dobbins.

    The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF, is 220 acres with 60 percent containment. Plumas NF. IMT2 (Swartzlander). Twenty-five miles north of Oroville, CA. Timber. Moderate fire
    activity.

    Monday, August 17, 2009

    Yuba Base Camp at Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds

    I found out this morning that the base camp for the Yuba Fire was set up at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City rather than somewhere up the hill towards the town of Dobbins. My guess is that they've put the base camp at the fairgrounds because there's a lot more room for the trucks and the firefighters and the equipment to house and feed them. From what I understand, there is a staging area up in the town of Dobbins, but I decided not to go up there and get in the way.

    The first few pictures are of the entrance to the fairgrounds and some of the tents that have been set up on the lawns for use by the crews. I'm not going to "narrate" all the images... I'm sure you folks can figure out what the pictures are of... Especially if you are part of the crews that I spoke to out there.











    And to the Reno crew on the truck above; Next time I spot you fellows, I'll make sure I have my boots with me... lol



    After leaving the fairgrounds I found another strike team.. This one found a local coin operated car wash across the street from a fuel stop... I couldn't resist taking some shots of the trucks and the fellows there.
    They really wanted to make sure that I got a shot that showed their engine number... And they wanted me to be sure to show off their new engine.


    Thank you to all the folks out at the fairgrounds (and at the car wash). I am sure you were all tired and hungry and ready for relief, but you took the time to talk to me, and to smile and joke around with me. You're all heros in my book.............

    Sunday, August 16, 2009

    California Fire News and Notes: 22 new fires

    National Fire Activity
    Initial attack activity:
    Light (129 new fires)
    New large fires:
    0 (*)
    Large fires contained:
    2
    Uncontained large fires :
    ** 19
    Area Command Teams committed:
    0
    NIMOs committed:
    0
    Type 1 IMTs committed:
    5
    Type 2 IMTs committed:
    3

    Nationally, there are 101 large fires being managed with minimal or no resource commitment that are not shown on today’s report.

    ** Uncontained large fires do not include confine/contain and
    resource benefit incidents. **


    A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Molumby) is assigned to the Terrace Mountain fire north of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Twenty smokejumpers are assigned to Fort St. John, British Columbia.

    Northern California Area (PL 4)

    New fires: 22
    New large fires: 0
    Uncontained large fires: 6
    Type 1 IMTs committed: 2

    Lockheed - The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 6,843acres, and 50 percent contained, San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit, Cal Fire. Cal Fire IMT1 (Hutchinson). Four miles northwest of Boulder Creek, CA. Timber and brush. Active fire behavior with torching and spotting. Residences threatened. Evacuations in effect.
    SHU Lightning (3 fires) - The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 90 percent contained., Shasta-Trinity Unit, Cal Fire. Cal Fire IMT1 (Wenham). Three miles northeast of Burney, CA. Timber. Smoldering and creeping.
    Corral - CA-SCU is approximately 12,500 acres, and 85 percent contained. Santa-Clara Unit, Cal Fire. Eighteen miles east of Pleasanton, CA. Oak, brush and grass. Active fire behavior.
    Yuba - The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 2,200 acres, and 15 percent contained., Nevada-Yuba Placer Unit, Cal Fire. Three miles northeast of Dobbins, CA. Timber, chaparral and grass. Active fire behavior with torching and spotting. Powerhouse and transmission lines threatened. Communities of Dobbins and Oregon House threatened. Evacuations in effect.
    The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,400 acres, and 30 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benefit

    Southern California Area (PL 2)
    New fires: 22
    New large fires: 0
    Uncontained large fires: 1
    Type 1 IMTs committed: 2


    La Brea - LA BREA CA-LPF-002631 85,686 acres [848 is SRA], 60% contained. increase in acreage due to burnout operation. Two structures destroyed., Los Padres NF. Unified Command between IMT1 (Pincha-Tulley) and Cal Fire IMT1 (Lewin). Twenty one miles east of Santa Maria, CA. Chaparral and grass. Active fire behavior. Numerous structures threatened.

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    ****REMINDER**** Every fire has the ability to be catastrophic. The wildland fire management environment has profoundly changed. Growing numbers of communities, across the nation, are experiencing longer fire seasons; more frequent, bigger, and more severe, fires are a real threat. Be careful with all campfires and equipment.

    "I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer." --Abraham Lincoln

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