Wednesday, September 30, 2009

CA-AFV-Highway - Wildland Fire 500 acres 90%

Vandenberg Air Force Base
launch web cam
Live picture from government-operated web camera at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This camera feed will switch between launch pads and processing facilities depending on where work is happening. Updated about once every 45-60 seconds. Refresh this page or click here to load the latest live image.

CA-AFV-Highway - Wildland Vegetation Fire at Vandenberg Air Force Base with a Rapid rate of spread, Red Flags weather, Low RH and gusty winds, High level response from Los Padres, Santa Barbara County and Base equipment.

View CA-AFV-Highway 400 acres 80% in a larger map

Update: 1730hrs - Highway Incident CA-AFV-003253 update fire now 400 + acres 80% contained, working to complete line around incident. Request for Type II team has been canceled as ground resources making good progress with the assistance of helicopters and air tankers. Threats / Values at risk to Lompoc Federal penitentiary, Air force Village West have been reduced. Incident will require heavy mop up due to anticipated weather condtions in the next operational period.

Update: 1700hrs - Per AA 400 acres 80% lined, Non-essential personnel are being asked to return to base housing.

Update: 1600hrs - Fire reported at 288 + acres 0% percent containment burning in grass and medium brush. Threats / Values at risk Lompoc Federal penitentiary, Air force Village West and a major electrical transmission line in the fires perimeter. There are reports that the power to Vandenberg Air force Base is out to a majority of the base proper with some sections of the base are on back up power or generators. A Request for a Type 2 CIIMT has been placed to the GACC. There are a number of VLATs (Very Large Air tankers) are assigned.

Update: 1230hrs: New fire(s), reported as possibly 3-4 fires on base. One inc. reported as 30 acres Rapid ROS. Multiple suplimental equiptment requests/ air tankers. Per A/A 300 structures threatned.

Initial sizeup: New fire(s), reported as possibly 3-4 fires on base. One inc. reported as 30 acres Rapid ROS
Location: Fire is burning toward the East, fire is located North of the prison and West of San Antonio rd.

Resources:
LPF units Enroute or on scene
AA 07
BC-31
EN
G-35, 37, 47
CREWS: Los Padres IHC
DZR-3
VLATS On order
Helitanker 708 enroute from Fresno Air Base
OES 1810A enroute from SLO County

Blue Sheet: Dozer 4242 Slow Roll Over last week

BLUE SHEET
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
CAL FIRE
Preliminary Summary Report of Serious CAL FIRE Injuries, Illnesses, Accidents and Near-Miss Incidents

Dozer 4242 Slow Roll Over
Vehicle Accident
September 23, 2009
Guiberson Incident– Wildland Fire
CA-VNC-054871
Accident Review Incident Number
CA-CSR-000083

This Preliminary Summary Report is intended as an aid in accident prevention, and to provide factual information from the first 24 hours of the accident review. To that end it is published and distributed within a short time frame. Information contained within may be subject to revision as further investigation is conducted, and other reports and documents are received.

SYNOPSIS

The following information is a preliminary summary of an incident that occurred during wildland fire suppression activities in which a CAL FIRE bulldozer slowly rolled onto its side into a drainage.

NARRATIVE

At approximately 0130 hours on September 23, 2009, CAL FIRE Dozer 4242 was operating on the Guiberson Fire in the Fillmore area of Ventura County. While widening and improving a fire access road, the dozer operator was working along side of an overgrown drainage when the embankment gave way causing the dozer to slowly roll onto its side. The operator was able to release himself from the dozer and climb up the embankment to the road.

There were no injuries. The operator was wearing all appropriate PPE and his seat belt restraints were in use.

The bulldozer was removed from the drainage later that day and inspected. There was no significant damage to the equipment and it was returned to service.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE REVIEW
  • Seatbelts and restraints must be utilized at all times whenever vehicles and equipment are in motion.
  • Operators of equipment must maintain situational awareness when working in unfamiliar surroundings
  • When visibility is reduced, operators should scout the area from the ground prior to proceeding into the area.

Earthquake - 3.0 M - Parkfield, Coalinga, CA


A minor earthquake occurred at 6:05:28 AM (PDT) on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.
The magnitude 3.0 event occurred 23 km (14 miles) NW of Parkfield, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 10 km ( 6 miles).

Magnitude 3.0 - duration magnitude (Md)
Time Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:05:28 AM (PDT)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 13:05:28 (UTC)
Distance from Parkfield, CA - 23 km (14 miles) NW (315 degrees)
Coalinga, CA - 25 km (16 miles) WSW (246 degrees)
San Ardo, CA - 26 km (16 miles) E (83 degrees)
Bradley, CA - 27 km (17 miles) NE (39 degrees)
San Jose City Hall, CA - 183 km (114 miles) SE (141 degrees)
Coordinates 36 deg. 2.9 min. N (36.048N), 120 deg. 36.9 min. W (120.615W)
Depth 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Location Quality Excellent
Location Quality Parameters Nst= 55, Nph= 55, Dmin=3 km, Rmss=0.12 sec, Erho=0.2 km, Erzz=0.4 km, Gp=86.4 degrees
Event ID# nc71289516
Additional Information 2-degree map
Google Earth KML (Requires Google Earth.)
Did you feel it?
NCSS First Motion Mechanism 1
Waveforms

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

News: Apple IPhone application for California Fire News

New: Free California Fire News is now Available at Apple-Overload! Link

California Fire News 1.0 Category: News Price: Free ( iTunes )

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic

Description: California Fire News keeps you informed about the current fires in California while you are on the road. The app tracks RSS feeds from several agencies that monitor fire development. The information includes descriptions of current fires, images as well as occasional firemaps if available.

Posted by Chris on Friday, September 18, 2009, 2:35
This news item was posted in iPhone Apps category and has 0 Comments so far.

Red Flags, Fire Weather Watch: Greater California

THE RED FLAG WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL CONTINUE MOVING THROUGH THE AREA EARLY THIS EVENING. STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH ARE EXPECTED.

GUSTS IN WIND PRONE AREAS COULD REACH 60 MPH. HUMIDITY WILL GENERALLY REMAIN AROUND 20 PERCENT. GUSTY AND ERRATIC WINDS COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE THROUGH THE EVENING AS THE FRONT EXITS THE REGION. WINDS WILL DECREASE BY 8 PM AND HUMIDITY WILL INCREASE.

Red Flags; Fire Weather Watches;

RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY ERRATIC WINDS ALONG A COLD FRONT Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-MONO-EASTERN ALPINE COUNTIES-WEST CENTRAL NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE-MINERAL AND SOUTHERN LYON COUNTIES-
Alert sent at 16:40 PDT on 2009-09-29
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
VENTURA COUNTY COAST-
Alert sent at 15:00 PDT on 2009-09-29
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE MALIBU COAST AND HOLLYWOOD HILLS DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES-
Alert sent at 15:00 PDT on 2009-09-29
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-
Alert sent at 15:00 PDT on 2009-09-29
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY-
Alert sent at 15:00 PDT on 2009-09-29
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-
Alert sent at 15:00 PDT on 2009-09-29
FIRE WEATHER WATCHES ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST-
Alert sent at 15:00 PDT on 2009-09-29

Tsunami Advisory: 6" to 8" waves starting around 9 pm

Update: 1600hrs - CA-SCR USAR TF-7 - Sacramento Fire Department USAR team is on Alert(Stand-by) for deployment to America Samoa.

Update: This advisory is in effect for Hawaii, California, and Oregon: A tsunami advisory indicates a tsunami which may produce strong currents and is dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected.
Large inundations are not expected in areas under advisory status.

Advisories will be canceled, extended, or upgraded to a warning depending on the event severity.

Advisories are issued when the expected tsunami amplitude is in the range of 0.3 to 1 meter.

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of California and Oregon from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-Washington border.
THREAT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FOR COASTAL SAN DIEGO & ORANGE COUNTIES AROUND
900 PM THIS EVENING - AMPLITUDES IN THE RANGE OF 6 TO 8 INCHES


THE TSUNAMI IS EXPECTED TO
BUILD AND REACH ITS MAXIMUM APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF HOURS
AFTER THE INITIAL ARRIVAL.

This message is for Information Only for coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Attu, Alaska.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

At 10:48 AM Pacific Daylight Time on September 29, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.0 occurred in the Samoa Islands region. (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.) This earthquake has generated a tsunami which could cause damage to coastal regions in a warning or advisory. The waves are expected to first reach Adak, Alaska at 7:25 PM AKDT on September 29. Estimated tsunami arrival times and maps along with safety rules and other information can be found on the WCATWC web site.

A tsunami has been observed at the following sites:

 Location                   Lat.   Lon.    Time        Amplitude
------------------------ ----- ------ ------- -----------

Apia West Samoa 13.8S 171.8W 1832UTC 0.70M/2.3ft
Pago Pago Amer. Samoa 14.3S 170.7W 1825UTC 1.57M/5.1ft
Rarotonga Cook Is. (NZ 21.2S 159.8E 1950UTC 0.54M/1.8ft
FORECASTS INDICATE THAT A TSUNAMI WITH AMPLITUDES IN THE RANGE
OF 20 TO 65CM IS EXPECTED ALONG THE CALIFORNIA AND OREGON COAST.
TSUNAMIS OF THIS AMPLITUDE CAN GENERATE STRONG CURRENTS DANGEROUS
TO THOSE VERY NEAR OR IN THE OCEAN. THE TSUNAMI IS EXPECTED TO
BUILD AND REACH ITS MAXIMUM APPROXIMATELY ONE AND A HALF HOURS
AFTER THE INITIAL ARRIVAL. FURTHER ARRIVAL TIMES AND OTHER

More Information: http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/

Monday, September 28, 2009

CA-SQF- Power IC - Wildland fire - 350 acres, 65%

Sequoia National Forest fire map

Start: Around 1900rs 9-27
Closures: Hwy. 190 is closed in both directions between PG&E powerhouse & Coffee Camp day-use area.
Location:
Tulare County, near near Coffee Camp & Hwy 190 Springville area,
IC: Johnson's Type II team assigned.

Staging:
Wishon Road. and Highway 190
Resources: High response including dozer strike team ST 9418L.
Handcrew reunion: Crane Valley HS, Kings River HS, Sierra HS,Horseshoe Meadow IHC, Mt Home Crews 2,3,4,5 ST 9484 G Salt Creek/Baseline Mt. Home Crews 2, 3, 4, 5
Weather:
Oak Opening RAWS: http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/meso_base.cgi?stn=OORC1


Sunday, September 27, 2009

CAL FIRE: Gold Country Stations to close - Madera County


Madera County Fire Department will close the Ahwahnee and Raymond Cal Fire stations.

Editor: How come a salary cut is never an option? It is always service cuts?

The story:

The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted last week to close the Ahwahnee and Raymond Cal Fire Stations at the end of the current fire season, probably in December.

When Madera County was forced to make a number of budget cuts last month, the Madera County Fire Department was not able to escape that process and the department was asked to research options for cutting costs by about $273,000.

Madera County Fire(link) Chief Dale Hutchinson presented three options to the supervisors last week and on a 3-2 vote, Option One was selected, which will close the Ahwahnee and Raymond Cal Fire stations.

Hutchinson told the board before the vote, "Based on our level of service and what we need to provide on a daily basis, we need every staffed Cal Fire station and every volunteer station," Hutchinson said. "Whatever we do, it's a dramatic impact to our service level. I know that this is an extremely difficult decision for the board."

"We don't want to do this but we have our backs to the wall. We could cut salaries but it wouldn't be enough," said Supervisor Ronn Dominici.

The Raymond and Ahwahnee Cal Fire stations will be closed seasonally with all calls handled by the few paid volunteer departments in those areas. Paid call firefighters typically have other full-time jobs or are retired, and may be out of the area at the time of an emergency.

Backup for the Raymond area will come from Indian Lakes and Yosemite Lakes Park volunteer departments and the Oakhurst Fire Department will respond as backup to the Ahwahnee volunteers.

County residents at the meeting said closing stations could endanger lives due to the lengthier, volunteer only response time to 911 calls for fires or medical aid.

Former firefighter and author of the D.O.G. Report -- Demand Open Government -- Dale Drozen responded to the board saying, "First, which of the three options really doesn't matter. You are going to put people's lives in danger. Hopefully we won't lose lives over it, but you will be putting them in danger. The potential is there. Raymond and Ahwahnee have very few volunteers. There's only so much they can do."

"Twenty minutes or more response for a heart attack is too late," Ahwahnee resident Tony Ward said.

Dan Francoeur, current chairman of the Ahwahnee Community Council, addressed the supervisors with his concerns and suggested cuts be made for library services or administrative assistants or personal service contracts to ex-employees rather than "remove boots on the ground to protect people in the area."

"We are concerned it will increase response time to emergencies in the area and it could be life threatening to citizens," Francoeur said. "The county's job, in our minds, is to first protect public safety. In this case, we think they could have gone elsewhere than public safety. I am very disappointed in this decision but only time will tell whether it was a good or bad decision."

"This county has neglected the fire department and it's been cut to the bone," Drozen said. "There is no cut that won't affect people's lives. Can you say that about the arts council that you funded? The Arts Council doesn't affect people's lives."

Drozen said he thought supervisors has promised to protect essential services of fire and police in their campaigns while running for office.

Supervisors Tom Wheeler and Frank Bigelow did not vote for Option One.

"I think it's time that we try to do a public facility sales tax that goes to sheriff and fire protection so they can go on even in a down economy and I'd like to get it on the ballot in November," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said he suggested a 5% cut in wages. "Things like that could be done. We've cut back 100 employees already and we've got more to do. I don't like it but it's something we've got to do."

Valley Supervisor Vern Moss said the cuts were regrettable but the amount of the cuts to the fire department had been agreed upon by the board.

"I know the county is in tremendous financial need to reduce its budget," Hutchinson said. "I would like to keep all engines year round. I understand the current budget situation...we're concerned...we will monitor the situation and hope this is the only one (cut) we have to make."

The three options presented by Hutchinson were:

Option One: Eliminate one training captain, one fire captain and two fire apparatus engineers at the Cal Fire Amador stations at Ahwahnee and Raymond during the non-fire season.

Option Two: Eliminate one battalion chief and close one of the following fire stations: Bonadelle Station 19, Madera Acres Station 3, Madera Station 1 or Oakhurst Station 12.

Option Three: Eliminate one training captain or a battalion chief and close one of the fire stations on a rotating basis.

Source: Sierra star - Link
--------------------------------

Related info: The Madera County Fire Department is a full service fire department providing emergency services to all unincorporated areas of Madera County through a network of fire stations, personnel and equipment. This network is comprised of 17 fire stations, a fleet of 56 apparatus and support vehicles, and a personnel staff that includes 32 career fire suppression personnel, 175 paid call firefighters and 7 support personnel. The department is administered, and career suppression personnel are provided, through a contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Clerical and automotive support personnel are County employees. The department assists with fire protection to the City of Madera through a mutual aid agreement and also has a cooperative agreement with Central California Women's Facility for fire protection services in the North end of Madera County.

Madera County Fire Stations #1 (Madera Valley), #3 (Madera Acres), #9 (Rolling Hills), #12 (Oakhurst) and #19 (Bonadelle Ranchos) are staffed 24 hours a day by a full time career Fire Captain or Fire Apparatus Engineer and are augmented by paid call firefighters. Madera County Fire Station #8 (Indian Lakes) is staffed 24 hours a day by a full time career Fire Captain or Fire Apparatus Engineer and two Firefighters. Central California Women’s Facility Fire Station (#5) is staffed with a full time career CDCR Fire Captain and two to four inmates. Stations #2 (Chowchilla), #4 (Dairyland), #10 (Yosemite Lakes), #11 (North Fork), #13 (Coarsegold), #14 (Bass Lake), #15 (Raymond), #16 (Ahwahnee), #17 (O'Neals) and #18 (Cedar Valley) are staffed exclusively by paid call firefighters.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

USFA: Annual Report on Firefighter Fatalities in the United States

Emmitsburg, MD. – The United States Fire Administration (USFA) today released the report Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2008. The report continues a series of annual studies by the USFA of on-duty firefighter fatalities. The USFA is the single public agency source of information for all on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States each year.

"The causes of death among firefighters are well known and the steps necessary to protect firefighters have been studied and reported in numerous forums,” United States Fire Administrator Kelvin J. Cochran said. “We must take the necessary steps to ensure, as much as possible, all firefighters return from every call, safely."

The unique and specific objective of Firefighter Fatalities in the United States is to identify all on-duty firefighter fatalities that occurred in the United States and its protectorates during the calendar year and to present in summary narrative form the circumstances surrounding each occurrence.

An overview of the 118 firefighters that died while on duty in 2008:

  • The total break down included 66 volunteer, 34 career, and 18 wildland agency firefighters.
  • There were 5 firefighter fatality incidents where 2 or more firefighters were killed, claiming a total of 18 firefighters' lives.
  • 26 firefighters were killed during activities involving brush, grass or wildland firefighting, more than twice the number killed the previous year.
  • Activities related to emergency incidents resulted in the deaths of 75 firefighters.
  • 28 firefighters died while engaging in activities at the scene of a fire.
  • 21 firefighters died while responding to, and 3 while returning from, emergency incidents.
  • 12 firefighters died while they were engaged in training activities.
  • 13 firefighters died after the conclusion of their on-duty activity.
  • Heart attacks were the most frequent cause of death for 2008 with 45 firefighter deaths.

For 32 years, USFA has tracked the number of firefighter fatalities and conducted an annual analysis. Through the collection of information on the causes of firefighter deaths, the USFA is able to focus on specific problems and direct efforts toward finding solutions to reduce the number of firefighter fatalities in the future. This information is also used by many organizations to measure the effectiveness of their current efforts directed toward firefighter health and safety.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which worked closely with USFA on this report, also maintains a list of firefighters who die in the line-of-duty and are honored during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held each October in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Visit www.FireHero.org for more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and their assistance to the families of the firefighters lost in 2008 and beyond.

Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted on the USFA's Web site at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm.

Source: Link

Thursday, September 24, 2009

News and Notes: California Fire Situation 09-24-09

National Preparedness Level 2 (On a scale from 1 to 5)

National Fire Activity
Initial attack activity: Light (72 new fires)
New large fires: 2 (*)
Large fires contained: 1
Uncontained large fires : ** 8
Area Command Teams committed: 0
NIMOs committed: 1
Type 1 IMTs committed: 1
Type 2 IMTs committed: 2

Nationally, there are 62 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.

Wildland fire activity remains light throughout the states. Two new large fires were reported in Montana and the Pine fire was contained in northern California.

Weather:

A low pressure trough approaching the Pacific Northwest will weaken strong high pressure in place and shift it further inland, bringing a more moist onshore flow to far
western portions of Washington, Oregon and northern California today and diminishing gusty offshore winds across southern California. Fire potential will be temporarily reduced across the far west as a result, though no rainfall is expected and inland areas will remain very dry and warm with locally breezy conditions. Warmer and drier weather is expected Friday across the west as high pressure rebuilds.

[EDIS] Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 9 pm this evening for the mountains of Santa Monica & Santa Clarita valley Low RH, Hot temps
[EDIS] Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 9 pm this evening for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Low RH, Hot temps

Southern California

Crafton (BDU- San Bernardino Unit): 536 acres, 60% contained. Potential threat to the community of Mentone. CDF Should have a line around it by evening.

Guiberson (Ventura County Fire Department): 16,400 acres at an unknown percent contained. This fire is three miles southeast of Fillmore. Residences are threatened and evacuations are in effect. http://fire.countyofventura.org/Home...8/Default.aspx
Wiley Ridge RAWS: http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/rom....cgi?stn=WLYC1

Significant Events: The fire has slopped over control lines at Balcom Canyon Road, however firefighters were able to pick up and contain these spots. The fire continues to move to the east, where it has damaged high voltage lines causing power delivery issues and concerns. This problem has resulted in the ISO having to redistribute power at a large expense to Southern California Edison. Should the fire align properly with topography, the potential exists for large runs into the footprint of the Sheckel and Simi fires. Evacuations orders in some areas are currently being modified and in some cases, lifted.

Remarks: CALFIRE Team 10 (Lewin) is in unifed command with Ventura County Fire (Vanden Bosch). The Incident Command Post is located at Arroyo Vista Community Park in the city of Moorpark. An FMAG application has been filed and approved for this incident. Firefighting resources continue to arrive on the incident.

Observed Fire Behavior: Red Flag Warning conditions exist in the fire area until 1800 on 9/24. Extreme rates of spread and long range spotting. Fire behavior is being driven by winds and topography. Weather conditions are predicted to not improve until Sunday 9/27.

Planned Actions: Structure protection in threatened residential areas. Continue direct line construction and perimeter control where feasible. Protect public and private infrastructure and utilities in the fire area. Continue to provide for public and firefighter safety. Protect agricultural assets.

Station (Angeles National Forest): 160,557 acres at 94 percent contained. This fire is four miles north of La Canada. Observed Fire Behavior: Creeping Surface fire / Planned Actions: Patrol & Mop-up. Improve lines. Cont. fire suppression repair. Station Fire is showing zero Heat/Hot spots on Modis and HMS satellites... Information: Call 626-821-6700 or visit the incident website. Costs to Date: $88,020,514

Northern California

CA-KNP- Horse 422 acres WUF, Started 07/19/2009 1600, Est cont. 10-31-09
Total Personnel: 3
Location: 15 MILES DUE EAST OF THREE RIVERS, CA
Latitude: 36° 23´ 13" Longitude: 118° 38´ 38"
No Structure threat, No Structure damage

Observed Fire Behavior: Active burning on the South flank, mostly the SE and rate of spread approximately 1 chain per hour. Observations made of flame length at 2 foot on the southerly portion of fire. Isolated torching also observed on the west flank around 1300 today, but has now quieted down.

Planned Actions: Monitor fire behavior for resource benefit.

Pine (Sonoma-Lake Napa Unit, Cal Fire): The fire was contained at 300 acres.

CA-BDU- Crafton IC: Wildland Fire(Brush) 536 acres, 60%

CA-BDU- CRAFTON: 536 acres, 60% contained. Potential threat to the community of Mentone. CDF Should have a line around it by this evening.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

CA-VNC- Guiberson Fire (Ventura Co) *Brush* 17,500 acres; 75%

Guiberson Fire: Evacuations orders in some areas are currently being modified and in some cases, lifted.
CA-VNC-Guiberson
Satellite Perimeter and Hot spot map

Evacuations have been ordered in the Barnsdale area, which is south of Fillmore. And Meridian Hills area. Fillmore. And Meridian Hills area.

View Ventura County fire map 9/22/09 in a larger map
CA-VNC- Guiberson Fire (Ventura Co)

389-9736 GUIBERSON INCIDENT **FOR PUBLIC INQUIRIES ON THE FIRE**

Location: Approx start location: GUIBERSON RD & CALUMET CANYON RD Fillmore, CA -
Start:
1048hrs - Now 5 acres and running, Large potential, This fire appears to be going big in SRA... Large resource orders

Resources: Large resource orders
8 airtankers 4 heavy helitankers
Ground:
Cooperating Agencies: Ventura County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Ventura County Sheriff, CHP, Ventura County Animal Control, CalEMA, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Southern California Edison and Red Cross.
Total Fire Personnel: 864
Engines: 84
Fire crews: 18
Airtankers: 8
Helicopters: 12
Dozers: 9
Water tenders: 4

Update: 9-25 o600hrs - 17,500 acres; 75% contained; Personnel: 2,683; 1 outbuildings destroyed. 9 FF's injured.

Fire Situation report 09-24-09
Significant Events:
The fire has slopped over control lines at Balcom Canyon Road, however firefighters were able to pick up and contain these spots. The fire continues to move to the east, where it has damaged high voltage lines causing power delivery issues and concerns. This problem has resulted in the ISO having to redistribute power at a large expense to Southern California Edison. Should the fire align properly with topography, the potential exists for large runs into the footprint of the Sheckel and Simi fires. Evacuations orders in some areas are currently being modified and in some cases, lifted.

Remarks: CALFIRE Team 10 (Lewin) is in unifed command with Ventura County Fire (Vanden Bosch). The Incident Command Post is located at Arroyo Vista Community Park in the city of Moorpark. An FMAG application has been filed and approved for this incident. Firefighting resources continue to arrive on the incident.

Observed Fire Behavior: Red Flag Warning conditions exist in the fire area until 1800 on 9/24. Extreme rates of spread and long range spotting. Fire behavior is being driven by winds and topography. Weather conditions are predicted to not improve until Sunday 9/27.

Planned Actions: Structure protection in threatened residential areas. Continue direct line construction and perimeter control where feasible. Protect public and private infrastructure and utilities in the fire area. Continue to provide for public and firefighter safety. Protect agricultural assets.Update: 0830hrs 9-24 - 16,400+ acres & is 40% contained. large blow-up on the east side near Piru, w/ loss of ranch structures
Update: 1530hrs 9-23 - 16,100 acres & is 40% contained. Active growth on So. & West flanks.
Update: 1430hrs 9-23 - Guiberson Fire (Ventura County) is 16,000 acres & is 40% contained. Active growth on So. & West flanks.
Update: 0830hrs 9-23 - GUIBERSON FIRE CA-VNC-54871. CALFIRE IMT #10 (Lewin) assumed command as of 0600 today. Fire is currently 9700 acres with 20% as indicated by an IR flight of the incident. No mandatory evacuations in affect. 2 elementary schools (Campus Canyon Elementary, and Walnut Canyon Elementary) and Moorpark College are closed. Further incident information is available at http://local.nixle.com/alert/269427/
Update: 0430hrs 9-23 - Fire now 9500 acres per Ventura fire dept
Update: 2130hrs 9-22 - Fire currently at 8,500 acres & growing. Currently 10 percent contained. 4 firefighters have sustained minor injuries, The fire jumped the dozer line in Happy camp Canyon at about 2130 and is now moving into the Moorpark College area.
Update: 1600hrs CA-VNC- #Guiberson 1600hrs - now at 6000+ acres. 0% 200 homes evacuated. 300+ FF's on scene. Tanker 910 working the fire.
Update: #Guiberson 1500hrs - Ventura County now at 2300+ acres. 0% 200 homes evacuated. 300+ FF's on scene
Update: 1345hrs Guiberson IC* Fire in Ventura County now at 1500+ acres with 300+ FF's from multiple agencies including LACoFD, grew 1200 Acres in one hour
Update: 1345hrs Appears CALFIRE Team 10 has been activated for this fire
Update: 1320hrs 300 acres 0% Guiberson Rd & Calumet Canyon Rd, near Fillmore
Update:1300hrs 200+ acres Region 1 received 6 type 1 engine ST request. 2 sent from LACoFD, 2 from LAFD, 1 from LBFD & 1 from Verdugo.
Update: 1225hrs - LAFD Mutual Aid Ventura County; LAFD sent 1 Helitanker and assembling 1 strike team for 'Guiberson' incident near Fillmore
Update: 1120hrs - Ca-VNC-GUIBERSON Now 200 acres no containment, fire is over the ridge towards MPK 8 total airtankers 4 heavy helitankers

Weather:
12:30hrs - Ventura County Wiley Ridge RAWS: http://bit.ly/2heHWJ Wiley Ridge RAWS shows Temp: 94.0° F Winds: 31 mph from NE Gusts: to 54 mph RH: 4% Fuel temp: 98.0° F
Nearest RAWS: http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/rom....cgi?stn=WLYC1
LIVE VIDEO: Ventura County brush fire: AIR7 (no sound): http://bit.ly/10xOR

Monday, September 21, 2009

CA-LNU- Pine IC - Wildland Fire - 300 acres 100%

Incident started as two fires in the Geysers area. Both 2 acres, heavy fuels.
Large wildland response, Doubled the aircraft, for 4 tankers, 2 copters.
Remote area, little access.

Update: 0600hrs - The Pine Incident, CA-LNU, is 350 acres with 75 percent containment.
Update: 1400hrs - AT states that resources are making good progress on the fire. Spot fire and the slop over Pine Mountain Rd have been lined & contained.
Update: 1330hrs - Reports that the fire has jumped Pine Mt Rd already.
Update: 1300hrs - 150+ acres, Long range Spotting, no containment, Starting to put structure protection in place.

Location: Pine Flat road, near the Geysers & Calpine.

Comms: Switched to CMD-6
Tac: CDF Tac-6
Air Tactics 22, 151.2875
CAL FIRE A/G
Live audio here: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?ctid=231

Saturday, September 19, 2009

RED FLAG WARNING - FIRE WEATHER - SF NORTH BAY / EAST BAY CAL

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 6 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND OFFSHORE WINDS...

INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS WILL NOT BE A STRONG OFFSHORE WIND EVENT. HOWEVER GIVEN THE VERY DRY FUELS...HOT TEMPERATURES...AND OFFSHORE WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH...

A CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER PERIOD IS EXPECTED IN THE NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS FROM SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY.

STRONG HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD OVER THE REGION FROM SUNDAY INTO MONDAY. BY SUNDAY EVENING A LIGHT TO MODERATE NORTH TO NORTHEAST WIND FLOW WILL DEVELOP OVER THE NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS. AT THE SAME TIME LITTLE OR NO RELATIVE HUMIDITY RECOVERY IS FORECAST SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING.
NORTH TO NORTHEAST WINDS WILL CONTINUE AT LEAST THROUGH TUESDAY... ALONG WITH HOT AFTERNOONS FOLLOWED BY WARM NIGHTS WITH LITTLE OR NO RELATIVE HUMIDITY RECOVERY.


Updated: 20:39 PDT on 2009-09-19
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 6 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND OFFSHORE WINDS Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
EAST BAY HILLS AND DIABLO RANGE-
Update sent at 20:25 PDT on 2009-09-19
RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS AND EAST BAY HILLS SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND OFFSHORE WINDS Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS-
Update sent at 20:25 PDT on 2009-09-19
EQ 4.2 Guadalupe Victoria, Baja California, Mexico - PRELIMINARY REPORTActual/Past/Unknown/Likely
12 miles (19 km) WNW of Guadalupe Victoria, Baja California, Mexico; 22 miles (36 km) SSE of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico; 25 miles (40 km) SSE of Calexico, CA; 102 miles (164 km) E of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Alert sent at 17:39 PDT on 2009-09-19
HOT AND DRY WEATHER FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK Actual/Future/Unknown/Possible
ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL AREAS-SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS-SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS-THE INLAND EMPIRE-SAN DIEGO COUNTY VALLEYS-SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS-SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS-COACHELLA VALLEY-SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS-
Alert sent at 16:50 PDT on 2009-09-19
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT TO 5 PM PDT TUESDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
NORTHERN SIERRA INCLUDING THE TAHOE AND ELDORADO NF/S WEST OF THESIERRA CREST-
Update sent at 16:12 PDT on 2009-09-19
A POTENT OFFSHORE WIND PATTERN SETS UP LATE SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY WITH HOT TEMPERATURES... LOW DAYTIME HUMIDITY AND POOR OVERNIGHT RECOVERY VALUES OVER THE COASTAL RANGE TO INCLUDE MUCH OF SHASTA COUNTY AS WELL AS THE WEST SLOPE OF THE NORTHERN SIERRA DOWN THROUGH PORTIONS OF THE EL DORADO NF Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
EASTERN PORTION OF SHASTA/TRINITY NF-SOUTHEAST EDGE SHASTA-TRINITY NF AND WESTERN PORTIONS OF TEHAMA-GLENN UNIT-LAKE COUNTY PORTION OF LAKE-NAPA-SONOMA UNIT-NORTHERN SIERRA FOOTHILLS FROM 1000 TO 3000 FT. INCLUDES PORTIONSOF SHASTA-TRINITY AND BUTTE UNITS-NORTHERN SIERRA INCLUDING LASSEN NP AND PLUMAS AND LASSEN NF/SWEST OF THE SIERRA CREST (WEST OF EVANS PEAK-GRIZZLY PEAK-BECKWORTH PEAK)-EASTERN MENDOCINO NF-
Update sent at 16:12 PDT on 2009-09-19
RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT TO 5 PM PDT TUESDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
NORTHERN SIERRA INCLUDING THE TAHOE AND ELDORADO NF/S WEST OF THESIERRA CREST-
Alert sent at 14:48 PDT on 2009-09-19
A POTENT OFFSHORE WIND PATTERN SETS UP LATE SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY WITH HOT TEMPERATURES... LOW DAYTIME HUMIDITY AND POOR OVERNIGHT RECOVERY VALUES OVER THE COASTAL RANGE TO INCLUDE MUCH OF SHASTA COUNTY AS WELL AS THE WEST SLOPE OF THE NORTHERN SIERRA DOWN THROUGH PORTIONS OF THE EL DORADO NF Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
EASTERN PORTION OF SHASTA/TRINITY NF-SOUTHEAST EDGE SHASTA-TRINITY NF AND WESTERN PORTIONS OF TEHAMA-GLENN UNIT-LAKE COUNTY PORTION OF LAKE-NAPA-SONOMA UNIT-NORTHERN SIERRA FOOTHILLS FROM 1000 TO 3000 FT. INCLUDES PORTIONSOF SHASTA-TRINITY AND BUTTE UNITS-NORTHERN SIERRA INCLUDING LASSEN NP AND PLUMAS AND LASSEN NF/SWEST OF THE SIERRA CREST (WEST OF EVANS PEAK-GRIZZLY PEAK-BECKWORTH PEAK)-EASTERN MENDOCINO NF-
Alert sent at 14:48 PDT on 2009-09-19
EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA AND NORTHERN MONTEREY BAY FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN FRANCISCO-COASTAL NORTH BAY... INCLUDING POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE-NORTH BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS-NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS-SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE-SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA COAST-EAST BAY INTERIOR VALLEYS-EAST BAY HILLS AND DIABLO RANGE-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-SANTA CLARA VALLEY... INCLUDING SAN JOSE-NORTHERN MONTEREY BAY-
Alert sent at 13:56 PDT on 2009-09-19


CA-RRU- Vail IC - Wildland Fire - 217 acres, 100% 15 homes lost.

Vail Lake fire on Twitpic

Vail Lake Fire Header
Credit: twitpic / acuteenigma

Final Update: 1300hrs -VAIL CA-RRU-82718 217 acres, 100% containment. 15 homes have been destroyed. Fire was determined to be caused by a overheated vehicle catalytic converter.

Update:
0600hrs - 348 acres with 60% containment. 5 acre spot fire about 1/2 mile north of the main fire has been located this am.


Fire is mapped at 348 acres, the forward spread of the fire has been stopped. Full containment is expected by 0800 tomorrow morning. 12 structures were lost to the fire. We are still trying to confirm the type of structures.

Evacuations:
Evacuating residents in the area of Vail Lake north to Sage Road. 50-100 residents were evacuated through the Early Warning Notification System (REVERSE 9-1-1) Two evacuation centers opened and staffed by the Red Cross, at the following locations. 1. Temecula community center 30875 Rancho Vista Rd. 2. Rancho California RV Resort Hwy 79 X Hwy 371

Road Closures: Hard road closures are in effect for Hwy 79 from Jerry Hal Rd to Woodchuck Rd. and SR3 to Sundance Meadows. These closures will remain in effect throughout the night and will be evaluated tomorrow morning.

Update: 20:30 - Fire is mapped at 348 acres, the forward spread of the fire has been stopped. Full containment is expected by 0800 tomorrow morning. 12 structures were lost to the fire. We are still trying to confirm the type of structures.
Update: 20:15 - 348 acres 50% contained.
Update: 19:35 -The fire is still holding at 217 acres and 12 structures involved
Update: 19:15 - IC estimates the size at 200 acres
Update: RRU Official Link http://bit.ly/1IX05v
Update: 1800 hrs - Hard Road closures in place on Hwy 79 S at Anza Road & North to Hwy 371.
Update: CA-RRU-Vail Hwy 371 near Vail lake Large column showing, 2 structures involved. Evacuations- Rapid ROS-potential for 400 to 600 acres

Incident Name: Vail Incident Number: CARRU-82718
Date Reported: 09/19/2009 Time Reported: 3:52 PM
Incident Type: Wildland Fire
Incident Location: Hy 79 S X Vail Lake City: Vail Lake Area
Size/Type of Fuel/etc.: Cause: Under Investigation
Loss: $0 (STR): $0 (Contents): $0 Vehicle(s): $0
Save: $0 (STR): $0 (Contents): $0 Cost to Date: $0
Injuries:
Fatalities: 0 Critical: 0 Moderate: 0 Minor: 0 Non-Injury: 0
Transported Ground AMB: 0 Air AMB: 0
Containment Time: Control Time:
Resources Assigned
Engines: 18 Breathing Supp.: 0 Helicopters: 2
Truck Co: 0 Squad: 0 Air Attack: 1
Firefighters: 115 RVC Medics: 0 Air Tankers: 2
Overhead Personnel: 12 AMB's: 1 Fire Crews: 1
Haz. Mat: No Co. Health: No County OES: Yes Fire Prev.: Yes Water Tenders: 2
Electrical Co: No Gas Co: No Water Co: No Bulldozers: 2
Red Cross: No Chaplain: No Displaced Persons: No Adult: 0 Child: 0
Misc. Equip: Sheriff's Office: Yes CHP: Yes Office: San Diego
Cooperating Agencies: American Medical Response, CAL FIRE/Riverside, CAL FIRE/San Diego, California Highway Patrol – San Diego, MVU/CAL FIRE (San Diego), March ARB, Riverside County Fire Dept, Riverside County OES, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Temecula PD (RSO), USFS – Cleveland
Supplemental
Comments: Firefighters are on scene of a wildland fire in the area of SR 79 South and Vail Lake. The fire is approximately 10 acres with structures involved. Riverside County Sheriff's are evacuating residents in the area of Vail Lake north to Sage Road. Fire Captain and Public Information Officer Fernando Herrera is at the scene and can be reached at 760-250-9881. Updates will be posted as infomation becomes available. Please refer to the CHP website at www.chp.ca.gov under "Traffic Information" on updates regarding road closures in place on Hy 79 S at Anza Road and North to Hy 371.
Problems:
Evacuations: Yes Evacuation Comments:
Information Center: 760-250-9881 OR:
Prepared By: Jody Hagemann Prepared Date/Time: 09/19/2009 1552
Fire PIO Capt. Fernando Herrera at the scene 760-250-9881

CA-PNF- Silver IC Wildland Fire (Timber) 300 acres - 100%

Update: 18300hrs 9-20-09 -300 acres with 80 percent containment.
Update: 1900hrs - Rev. 150 acres, NorCal Team 1 is scheduled for 1200 hrs, Fire camp will be at the Plumas County Fairgrounds
Update: 17:00 hrs - Northern California Incident Management Team 1 has been activated.
Incident Commander: Kent Swartzlander
Update: 1645hrs - Air Attack reporting 150+ acres with spotting and very little containment.
Update: 1540hrs - ST9210C requested immediate need from BTU to this incident
Update: 15:20hrs - 20 acres rapid ROS, Large Grey Smoke showing from Penn Valley

Location: 24n 8e s16 high potential
Topo map here - section 16
http://terraserver-usa.com/image.asp...=5528&Z=10&W=3
Resources:
DIVS: PNF-2
BC: PNF-21, 31, SHF-51
ENG: PNF-11, 12, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 34, LNF-12, 82, SHF-12, 21, 31, 42, 62, TNF-ST4660C BTU-2170, 2154, 2160, 2165, 2169
CREWS: Beckwourth Crew 1, Pumas HS, Feather River HS, Tahoe HS, Shasta HS
PT: PNF-23, 24
DZR: SHF-29, 79
H-512

Fire Weather Watch: SF. Bay Area, East Bay Hills and Mount Diablo Range

FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE EAST BAY HILLS FOR LOW HUMIDITIES AND OFFSHORE WINDS

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.
SF. Bay Area, East Bay Hills and Mount Diablo Range

UNSEASONABLY WARM TEMPERATURES EXPECTED
ACROSS NORTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK
Actual/Future/Unknown/Possible
REDWOOD COAST-MENDOCINO COAST-NORTH COAST INTERIOR-UPPER TRINITY RIVER-MENDOCINO INTERIOR-
Alert sent at 05:25 PDT on 2009-09-19
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE EAST BAY HILLS FOR LOW HUMIDITIES AND OFFSHORE WINDS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
EAST BAY HILLS AND DIABLO RANGE-
Update sent at 04:51 PDT on 2009-09-19
FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR THE NORTH AND EAST BAY HILLS SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND OFFSHORE WINDS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS-
Update sent at 04:51 PDT on 2009-09-19
EXTENDED PERIOD OF HOT AND DRY WEATHER EXPECTED FOR MUCH OF SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY Actual/Future/Unknown/Possible
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA YNEZ VALLEY-SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-CUYAMA VALLEY-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST-VENTURA COUNTY COAST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES-VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE-ANTELOPE VALLEY-CATALINA ISLAND-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN GABRIEL VALLEY-
Alert sent at 04:09 PDT on 2009-09-19
LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM PDT THIS EVENING Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
Update sent at 02:48 PDT on 2009-09-19

Friday, September 18, 2009

Station Fire IC gearing up for wind event

Station Fire Prepares for Hot, Dry and Windy Weather

Incident: Station Fire Wildfire - Inciweb - Link
Released: 32 min. ago

Station Fire News Release

For immediate release

September 18, 2009

On Scene Contacts: Stan Bercovitz, Fire Information Officer

Marc Peebles, Fire Information Officer

Station Fire Information Center (626) 334-7582

Station Fire Prepares for Hot, Dry and Windy Weather

Irwindale Calif.- Due to an anticipated increase in temperatures, wind, and a decrease in humidity over the next few days, Station Fire Incident Commander Mike Wakoski has ordered additional aircraft which include 4 heavy helitankers. In addition, a tactical water tender equipped with fire retardant has been ordered to treat fuels on the north slope of Mt. Wilson.

The intent of helicopters and the tactical water tender is to extinguish remaining interior hotspots and reduce the risk of embers igniting additional fuels, both prior to and during the anticipated hot, dry and windy weather. These hot spots are located in steep and rugged terrain, which is inaccessible by ground crews.

Helicopters are scheduled to begin the aerial assault mid-morning on Saturday, September 19, 2009 and will continue daily through the weekend and into next week as needed. As a result, residents and visitors may see increased helicopter and ground force activity in the Mt. Wilson area. The tactical water tender will participate in pre-treatment as soon as Sunday morning, September 20, 2009.

As with all fire activity, residents may see an increase in smoke and aviation activity in the fire area over the next few days.

What will you be doing tomorrow in L.A. County

Los Angeles County Fire Museum & Classic Car Show Sept 19th
All proceeds go to the recent fallen firefighters-


*Tomorrow* Fireman's Brew & Firefighter Chefs W/ Bands.*BBQ*

LAFD: Home fire - Civilian and 3 dog's dead

LAFD News & Information: http://lafd.blogspot.com/2009/09/civilian-and-three-dogs-found-deceased.html

On Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2:35 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Duca responded to a structure fire with civilian fatality at 18424 West Saticoy Street in the community of Reseda.

Firefighters quickly responded to the address and initially reported a three-story apartment building, which later became the exposure to a small single family dwelling located to the rear. Firefighters extended hose lines and made access to the roof via ground ladders, completing a well-coordinated attack on the flames.

The fire was subsequently knocked down in just 13 minutes, and contained predominantly to one room. Unfortunately, a 16 year old male and his three beloved dogs were found deceased within the structure. No smoke alarms were noted in the structure. The Mayor's Crisis Response Team along with LAFD Arson units was dispatched. The dollar loss totaled $145,000 ($125,000 for the structure and $20,000 for the contents). The cause remains under investigation.
Submitted by Melissa Kelley
Los Angeles Fire Department

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Earthquake: 3.1 M Calistoga, CA


Version #1: This report supersedes any earlier reports of this event.
This is a computer-generated message. This event has not yet been reviewed by a seismologist.

A minor earthquake occurred at 6:02:17 PM (PDT) on Thursday, September 17, 2009.
The magnitude 3.1 event occurred 11 km (7 miles) WNW of Calistoga, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 8 km ( 5 miles).


Magnitude 3.1 - local magnitude (ML)
Time Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 6:02:17 PM (PDT)
Friday, September 18, 2009 at 1:02:17 (UTC)
Distance from Calistoga, CA - 11 km (7 miles) WNW (298 degrees)
Windsor, CA - 13 km (8 miles) NE (45 degrees)
Larkfield-Wikiup, CA - 14 km (9 miles) NNE (20 degrees)
Santa Rosa, CA - 20 km (12 miles) N (2 degrees)
San Francisco City Hall, CA - 98 km (61 miles) NNW (346 degrees)
Coordinates 38 deg. 37.7 min. N (38.629N), 122 deg. 41.9 min. W (122.698W)
Depth 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
Location Quality Good
Location Quality Parameters Nst= 70, Nph= 70, Dmin=8 km, Rmss=0.15 sec, Erho=0.2 km, Erzz=0.6 km, Gp=46.8 degrees
Event ID# nc71282711

Greater Alarm Structure Fire - LA Mansion

Greater Alarm Structure Fire
2047 N Sunset Plaza Drive
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TIME: 6:32 AM
INCIDENT #: 0192

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 6:32 AM, 13 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 3 Urban Search and Rescue Units, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 Helicopters, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, and Los Angeles County Fire Department under the direction of Assistant Chief Mark Stormes responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 2047 North Sunset Plaza Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

The owner of a five level multi million dollar home reportedly awoke to the sound of breaking glass, and stated he rushed upstairs in anticipation of a burglary to find the upper level of his home engulfed in flames.

Engine and Rescue 97 responded up the curvy hill on Sunset Plaza Drive in less than eight minutes to find fire blowing out the windows and skylights of an approximate 7500 square feet hillside home. Firefighters immediately utilized a wagon battery to quickly knock down the bulk of the flames from the exterior, making the structure tenable for an interior attack with well coordinated attack of handlines. Truck Companies then went to the roof and started vertical ventilation to assist in the attack, control, and extinguishment the structure fire.

It took 109 firefighters just 38 minutes to obtain a knockdown, however an extended overhaul and detailed salvage operation took place to minimize damage to precious pieces of art and protect luxury automobiles inside the structure. No injuries were reported.

The fire loss has been estimated at 7,000,000 dollars, (one million for the structure and six million for the contents). The cause of the fire is still under investigation.


Erik Scott
Firefighter/Spokesman

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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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