Friday, August 31, 2012

6 Minutes For Safety: Hazard Tree Felling - Tips #1

 Felling a hazard tree requires accurate risk assessment and complexity
analysis, and demands the sawyer’s full situational awareness.

In all cases, remember to establish and maintain a secure felling area.

Do not bypass hazard trees without taking some action such as felling or
establishing a No-Work-Zone.

Degree of hazard varies with tree size, species, and type/location of defect:

  • Stem defects resulting in tree failure, i.e., collapse;
  • Weakened sapwood resulting in loss of control when falling trees & limits solid wood for wedging;
  • Overhead hazards, i.e., dead or hanging limbs falling on the faller. 
Indicators of potential felling hazards:

  • Dead Limbs: limbs of all sizes and species with decay evident cracking, or loose hung-up limbs. Avoid working under overhead hazards.
  • Witches Broom: caused by mistletoe infection, limbs can grow very large and heavy (200+ lbs).
  • Split Trunk: cracked trunk from frost, lightning or wind. Visible evidence of advanced decay indicates serious weakness where the tree could fail.
  • Stem Damage: caused by windfall scarring, fire, machine, and animal damage, as well as heart rot diseases.
  • Thick Sloughing Bark or Sloughing Sapwood: usually found on dead trees. Loose bark on Douglas fir or loose sapwood on wind snapped cedars can dislodge during falling.
  • Butt and Stem Cankers: usually found on deciduous trees but can occur on Douglas fir and pine. The infected areas weaken the stem.
  • Fungal Fruiting Bodies or Conks: found on stems may indicate massive interior rot 1 – 2 yards above and below conk. Excessive resinosis (resin flow) also indicates heart or root diseases.
  • Heavy Tree Lean: may be caused by damaged roots or lifting root mats, shallow or wet soils. In some cases, the tree may have corrected itself which can be determined by looking for corrected top growth.
  • Root Condition: look for any ground cracks around the base of the tree, signs of decay or fungal conks on the roots.
  • Cat Face: look for enough solid wood to construct an effective undercut and back cut.

References: Hazard Tree Safety Web Page - Link
.6 Minutes For Safety Task Group • 3833 S. Development Ave • Boise, ID
83705


SJFD: Firefighter Seriously Injured.

San Jose Fire Department Logo
 San Jose Fire Department Officials say a San Jose firefighter has been seriously injured while battling a three-alarm fire at a downtown church.

Capt. Mary Gutierrez says the injury to the 15-year veteran firefighter occurred before noon Thursday as crews were getting the blaze under control at St. Patrick's Cathedral located just blocks away from City Hall.

She says her injured colleague was unconscious when he was taken to a hospital. His name has not yet been released.

Gutierrez said firefighters were facing "blackout conditions" during the blaze inside the badly damaged dark, smoke-filled church. She said Some of the stained glass cathedral windows were broken and there was a hole in the sloped roof.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A crisis team has been summoned to help counsel the firefighters
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Quick Look California Wildfires Today 08-30-12

 Fire Weather: No Red Flag Warnings or Fire Weather Watches are Currently in Effect

National Fire Activity
Initial attack activity: Light (141 new fires)
New large fires: 2 (*)
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: ** 30
Area Command Teams committed: 1
NIMOs committed: 2
Type 1 IMTs committed: 9
Type 2 IMTs committed: 13
** Uncontained large fires include only fires being managed under a full suppression
strategy.

California Wildfires Today
California Fire Map showing location, perimeters and hotspots
California Fire Map showing location, perimeters and hot-spots
OSCC - South Ops
Summer Storm Brings Lightning, Causes Flooding In Southern California
Light initial attack although thunderstorms, initially dry, did cause several small fires in the far southern forests. Particularly strong cells caused some local freeway flooding:

ONCC - North Ops
Northern California Area (PL 4)
New fires: 15
New large fires: 0
Uncontained large fires: 8
NIMOs committed: 1
Type 1 IMTs committed: 4
Type 2 IMTs committed: 3

CA-SHF Bagley Fire. 37.582 acres. 24% contained.
 This fire is now being managed under a unified command - (Flores/McGowan).
 Isolated torching, short range spotting, and surface fire. Forest road closures remain in effect. The ICP was relocated from Big Bend to Cooley Circle Seven Ranch just south of McCloud.
Basic Information
Date/Time Started: August 18, 2012 10:00 am
Administrative Unit: Shasta - Trinity National Forest
County: Shasta County
Location: 7 miles west of Big Bend
Acres Burned: 37,582 acres
Containment 37, 582 acres - 24% contained
Continue to use the link above for information from the US Forest Service on this fire.
Threatened: 7 residences, 12 commercial buildings & 8 outbuildings
Injuries: 1
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: USFS, CAL FIRE, Sierra Pacific Industries, PG&E, OES, Shasta & Siskiyou County Sheriff's
Total Fire Personnel: 1,655 (650 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 85 (45 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 42 (32 CAL FIRE)
Helicopters: 10 helicopters
Dozers: 44 (29 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 22 water tenders
Major Incident Command Team: CAL FIRE is now in a unified command with the Forest Service.
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CA-MNF North Pass. 34,308 acres. 37% contained. 
 The fire is being managed under a Unified Command (Wakoski/Brown). Aggressive fire behavior with crown fire runs and short/intermediate range spotting. Evacuations have been lifted for the majority of the Bauer Ranch Subdivision.

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations remain in place for:
Indian Dick Road, east of the Town of Covelo, all residents on Indian Dick Road from the intersection of Mendocino Pass Road north, to the Trinity County Line and East to the Tehama County Line. This order includes all residences and USFS campsites at Howard Lake Campground, Little Doe Campground, and Hammerhorn Lake Campground and all USFS Wilderness Trailheads at Blands Cove, Hell Hole, Stick Lake, Foster Glade, Asa Bean, Rock Cabin, Georges Valley, Soldier Ridge, Smokehouse Ridge and Green Springs.
There is a Forest closure order for the northern two-thirds of the Covelo Ranger District.
Road closures: An area closure has been issued and posted for the area surrounding the North Pass fire. Please check www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino or inciweb.org for more information.
Smoke Conditions: An air quality alert has been issued for the Covelo/Round Valley areas through Monday, August 27. Smoke concentrations in these areas have reached levels considered to be “Hazardous” under state and federal air quality standards.
Basic Information
Date/Time Started: August 18, 2012 2:47 am
Administrative Unit: Mendocino National Forest / CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
County: Mendocino County
Location: Mendocino Pass Rd, northeast of Covelo
Acres Burned: 34,308 acres
Containment 34,308 acres - 37% contained
Current acreage is 72% Federal and 28% State Responsibilty Area (SRA)
Structures Destroyed: 5 residence and 7 outbuildings
Threatened: 23 residences, 5 commercial properties & 35 outbuildings
Injuries: 7
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, USFS Mendocino, BIA, Covelo Fire, CDCR, California National Guard, Mendocino Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Total Fire Personnel: 2,105 (786 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 155 (54 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 40 (20 CAL FIRE)
Airtankers: 2 air tankers
Helicopters: 11 helicopters (3 CAL FIRE)
Dozers: 26 (8 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 31 water tenders
Major Incident Command Team: CAL FIRE is in unified command with the US Forest Service
Conditions: Fire continues to spread north toward the Middle Fork of the Eel River, Hammerhorn Lake, Foster Glade and Asa Bean Ridge within the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, eastward toward Forest Road M2, and south toward Forest Highway 7.
Firefighters continue to establish and improve containment lines while defending structures.
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CA-PNF Chips Fire. 75,217 acres. 100% contained.
 Nor Cal Team 2 will shadow CIIMT4 today. Interior burning with low to moderate fire behavior.
Location: Plumas and Lassen National Forests
Summary
Date started: July 29, 2012 Cause: Under investigation
Size: 74,125 acres Containment: 91%
California Interagency Incident Management Team 4
Personnel: 1,398 (Crews: 6 Type 1, 17 Type 2; Helicopters: 2 Type 1, 3 Type 2, 1 Type 3; Engines: 119; Dozers: 14; Water Tenders: 42)
Fire Status: The burnout operation around Seneca was successful last night. Night crews began lighting off of hand constructed fire line as soon as they arrived on scene, finishing early this morning. This action has reduced fuels around the small mountain community and will give more security to homes and historical structures within the active fire area. Firefighters will begin mop-up operations around Seneca today, removing any trees that pose immediate hazards to structures.
Smoke will continue to be present over the fire area in the next several days as pockets of unburned fuels within containment lines catch fire. Crews continually monitor these fires to ensure they remain low intensity burns that meet firefighting objectives. Aerial resources will be utilized to support suppression efforts within the burn area when necessary.
Firefighters will resume mopping-up 300 feet into the fire area as well as patrolling the perimeter for spot fires. The probability of ignition remains high due to low fuel moisture and consistently high temperatures. Therefore, it is critical that firefighters mop-up at least 300 feet into the interior of the fire area so hot spots will not escape containment lines.
BAER: The US Forest Service has created a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team to address emergency soil stabilization actions to reduce the immediate risks of post-fire erosion. They will also evaluate long-term restoration and recovery of the burned forest ecosystem. 
A unit dedicated to repairing ground disturbances associated with fire suppression efforts will continue working today. They will be constructing water bars on bulldozer lines around the fire to prevent soil erosion as well as chipping vegetation along road systems. The division is also tasked with removing hazard trees along access roads.
Additionally, safety of the public and USFS employees in the post-burned area is of utmost importance so there may be a need to close some areas until hazards from dead trees along roads, trails and adjacent to administrative sites can be removed. Mid-term and long-term risks that burned trees pose will be considered during the evaluation of post-fire salvage options.
Evacuations and Closures: The Plumas County Sheriff's Department has issued an update to area evacuations effective at 10:00 a.m. August 29, 2012.
 The Advisement for Prattville has been lifted. 
The Mandatory Evacuation Order for Rocky Point Campground, Big Meadows, Almanor Boat Ramp, Almanor Day Use Area, Camp Connery and Canyon Dam has been lifted to Advisory. The Voluntary Evacuation Notification for Rush Creek has been lifted. Seneca remains under Mandatory evacuation.
The Plumas and Lassen National Forests continue to maintain area Closures within and surrounding the Chips fire area. This includes the following area of the Pacific Crest Trail: The PCT is officially closed from Three Lakes (in the Bucks Lake Wilderness) on the Plumas National Forest northbound to the Cold Spring trailhead at the Humbug Road (Plumas County Road 307) on the Lassen National Forest. Additionally, using the Caribou Road (Forest Route 27N26) is prohibited, as the area is also officially closed.
Hikers and equestrians are advised to avoid travel on the portion of the PCT from Bucks Summit, north to Hwy 36. In order to re-route themselves most expeditiously, at Bucks Summit, northbound trail users may travel on Plumas County Road 414 east to Quincy, pick up Highway 70/89 to Chester and then Highway 36 west to resume the trail. Southbound travelers may reverse the process.
Hikers may also use Plumas County Transit between Quincy and Chester, available weekdays only. The transit schedule can be found at http://www.plumastransit.com/qcy%20to%20chester%2023.html
Community Meeting: A community meeting will be held Friday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chester Memorial Hall, 225 Gay Street, Chester, California.
Additional Fire Information: Call (530) 283-3593 and (530) 283-3288 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday July 29th, 2012 approx. 01:57 AM
Location 20 miles NW of Quincy, CA
Incident Commander Rocky W. Opliger
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,207
Injuries: The three injuries were Cellulitus of the left leg; severe headache and nausea; insect bite.
Size 75,217 acres
Percent Contained 96%
Estimated Containment Date Friday August 31st, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - 10 Timber (litter and understory) low brush with numerous dead and down 1000 hour logs and standing snags. FM10 is most representative of the fuels and the observed fire behavior.
Fire Behavior - Significantly decreased fire behavior compared to yesterday. Still exhibiting a high resistance to control.
Significant Events - All evacuationslifted except for Seneca.
Outlook/Planned Actions - Mop up, fire suppression repair, patrol for spots outside the line.
Growth Potential - Medium
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme
Remarks
 Type 1 helicopters are essential to pick up spot fires and support ground troops in line construction and mop up around critcial infastructure. PG&E crews are repairing poles in the Caribou-Westwood line and the lines from Butt Valley dam to the North fork of the Feather river. Nor Cal team 2 is planned to inbrief Thursday at 1900, shadow on Friday and assume command at 0600 Saturday. Total burned acres are at 74,125. Plumas NF burned acres 47,122, Lassen NF 18,458, SRA burned acres 8545. 
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 25 mph SW
Temperature 96 degrees
Humidity 11%
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CA-KNF Fort Complex Fire. 19,474 acres. 28% contained
IMT3 will have a transfer of command at 1800. 
Backing fire with 4 to 5 foot flames.
Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued a six hour notification for immediate evacuation, which remains in effect as of Wednesday August 29. This notice includes closure of Seiad Creek Road and Seiad Oak Road and possibly additional roads depending on fire behavior. An evacuation center will be established Siskyou Golden Fair Grounds in 1172 Fairlane Road, Yreka Ca. 
The evacuation center will have the capability to house large and small animals as well.
For additional information contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff Department at (530) 841-2900, or the Goff Fire Information Center at (530) 493-1514
Closures: There is a current closure of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Highway 96 to Lily Pad Lake. Please visit the Klamath National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/klamath for complete closure information.
PUBLIC USE RESTRICTIONS AND TR AIL AND ROAD CLOSURES:
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Fire Prevention Public Use Restriction
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Trail and Road Closures
Klamath National Forest Trail and Road Closures
Pacific Crest Trail Closed Due to Goff Fire
The Goff Fire as of 8:00 AM August 31 is estimated at 18,091 acres and 16 percent contained. Management of the Goff Fire is being handled by a National Incident Management Organization or NIMO Team. Members of Pincha-Tulley's Type 1 Team have started to arrive and will be shadowing today for a transfer of command at 1800 this evening. 
 Command of the Hello, Lick and Fruit Fires has been transferred back to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. No additional updates on the Hello, Lick or Fruit Fires are expected unless conditions change. 
The total acreage of the four fires that are within the Fort Complex: The overall containment of the Fort Complex is 28 percent.
Goff Fire - 18,091 acres
Hello Fire - 977 acres
Lick Fire - 403 acres
Fruit - 3 acres  contained.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Sunday August 05th, 2012 approx. 07:00 PM
Location Seiad, California
Incident Commander Dan Kleinman
Current Situation
Total Personnel 667
Size 19,474 acres
Percent Contained 28%
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 15th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - The Fort Complex of fires are burning in brush, timber and timber understory.
Fire Behavior -Backing fire with some short uphill runs where alignment occurs, with 4 to 8 flame lengths.
Significant Events: Goff Fire - Pincha-Tulley's Type 1 Team will have transfer of command at 1800.
Outlook/Planned Actions:
Goff Fire - Patrol and mop up as needed north of Seiad Valley, the 48N20 road and Hwy 96. Pick up slopover to the west of hand line on fire line above Thompson Creek Drainage.
Growth Potential - growth potential for the Goff Fire is high.
Terrain Difficulty - The Goff Fire is burning in extreme terrain.
Remarks: There has been no change in the Lick, Hello and Fruit fires for 8 days and no new information has been received. No operational resources under our control are working these fires.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 3 mph SW
Temperature 54 degrees
Humidity 59%
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CA-NOD Rush Fire. 315,577 acres. 100% contained.
 The NRIMT will be transitioning with a local T3 organization.
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CA-TGU Ponderosa Fire. 27,676 acres. 99% contained.
 The transition meeting is scheduled for 1000 Saturday (9/1). The protection of life and property remain the foremost priority and concern.
Basic Information
Date/Time Started: August 18, 2012 11:37 am
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit
County: Tehama & Shasta Counties
Location: Off Ponderosa Way, southeast of Manton
Acres Burned: 27,676 acres
Containment 27,676 acres - 99% contained
Expected containment on Friday, 8/31.
Structures Destroyed: 52 residences & 81 outbuildings destroyed; 1 residence & 5 outbuildings damaged
Threatened: No further threat remains.
Evacuations: All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted.
Injuries: 7
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Tehama and Shasta County Sheriff, CHP, CDCR, CAL TRANS, SPI, PG&E
Total Fire Personnel: 1,122 (955 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 65 CAL FIRE
Fire crews: 31 CAL FIRE
Helicopters: 1 helicopter
Dozers: 8 (3 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 37 water tenders
Conditions: No additional spread or movement of the fire is anticipated.
Residents in the area will still see fire equipment driving throughout the communities to patrol and mop up the hot spots that may arise in the fire area. Repairs to damage caused by firefighting efforts continue to be made throughout the area affected. Fire damaged trees exist and continue to present a hazard. We urge the public to use caution on roadways in and around the fire area while fire crews are still present.
Phone Numbers (530) 528-0528 (Fire Information)
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LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations

Thursday, August 30, 2012

LACoFD: 2 "Super Scooper” firefighting aircraft added to wildfire toolbox




 Bombardier CL-415 Super Scooper


L.A. County Fire Department Announces Arrival of two ‘Super Scooper’ Water-Dropping Aircraft to Van Nuys Airport.


Two water-dropping Bombardier CL-415 “Super Scooper” firefighting aircraft, on lease to the Los Angeles County Fire Department from the Canadian Provence of Quebec, arrived today, August 30, 2012, at Van Nuys Airport. Aircraft crews will conduct preparation and familiarization checks over the next two days prior to the start of their 120-day contract on September 1, 2012.

An official press conference and “media day” will be held at Van Nuys Airport on September 4, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. The press conference will be attended by Board of Supervisors Chairman Zev Yaroslavsky of the Third District, Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, and Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby, each of whom will speak with the media. Fire Department representatives will also explain the firefighting roles that all of the Department’s aircraft will play during this year’s fire season. A demonstration of all four L.A. County Fire Department’s firefighting aircrafts’ capabilities to fight wildland fires will take place immediately following the press conference.

A media advisory covering all aspects of the September 4, 2012, contract air press conference and media day will be released in the coming days.


Location: Van Nuys Airport (VNY), 16461 Sherman Way, San Fernando Valley, CA 91406, USA
Contact: LACoFD Public Affairs (323) 881-2413

Quick Look: Cal Fire News Today 08-30-12

 National Fire Activity 
Initial attack activity: Light (99 new fires) 
New large fires:  6 (*) 
Large fires contained:  2 
Uncontained large fires: ** 34 
Area Command Teams committed: 1 
NIMOs committed: 2 
Type 1 IMTs committed: 10 
Type 2 IMTs committed: 12 
 ** Uncontained large fires include only fires being managed under a full suppression 
strategy. 

Four MAFFS C-130 aircraft and support personnel from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs (US Air ForceReserve), and the 153rd Airlift Wing, Cheyenne (Wyoming Air National Guard) are supporting wildland fire suppression operations out of Boise, ID. One MAFFS from the 145th Airlift Wing, Charlotte (North Carolina AirNational Guard), along with one MAFFS from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands (California Air National Guard) are supporting wildland fire suppression operations out of Sacramento, CA.



California Large Wildfires Today Map
California Large Wildfires Today Map
California Fire Weather: Increases in southwest gradient winds onto our eastern PSAs again this afternoon and Friday afternoon.
 Tightening mid level pressure gradients will lead to stronger SW winds again this afternoon for areas east of the Cascade/ Sierra crest. Maximum temperatures inland bumped upward Wednesday, and they are expected to remain a few degrees above normal into the weekend. 
 Humidity-wise, the north state interior will stay rather dry today, though we can look for some minor rises in RH to begin tomorrow or Saturday. 
 Cause for RH upticks in the west will be a weak low offshore, and a deepening marine layer, and in the east it will be a southerly feed having the western edges of the monsoon moisture. 
 The NW fringes of that monsoon moisture will brush our southeastern NOPS areas starting late tonight, and it might produce some isolated thunderstorm activity late tonight or early Friday.
 Then, the thunderstorm chances increase a little while spreading farther north, Friday p.m and/or night. A second threat period that concerns us is early to mid next week, when we see moisture from present Hurricane Ileana potentially being drawn northward into the Area.

OSCC - Southern California Ops
Light activity with fires picked up in IA.
SoCal Type II IMT team #1(Walker) is being mobilized to the ONCC CA-MNF- North Pass Fire.

ONCC - Northern California Ops
Northern California Area (PL 4)
New fires: 13
New large fires: 0
Uncontained large fires: 9
NIMOs committed: 1
Type 1 IMTs committed: 5
Type 2 IMTs committed: 3

CA-TGU Elk Fire was contained at 100 acres.

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CA-SHF Bagley Fire. 31,321 acres. 24% contained.
Isolated torching, short range spotting, and surface fire. Forest road closures remain in effect. The ICP was relocated from Big Bend to Cooley Circle Seven Ranch just south of McCloud.

 In the interest of firefighter and public safety, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued closure areas due to the fire's growth. The closures will remain in place until the area is safe for the public to enter.
Today's Update: Last night crews made progress with strategic burn outs along Forest Road 11 on the fire's north flank. Firefighters continue to use various suppression tactics to improve hand and dozer lines, and to patrol and mop up hot spots near containment lines.
 Reduced winds are expected to help firefighters take more aggressive actions, allowing them to work closer to the fire's edge on the western flank. Containment lines on the fire's east flank from Dutchman Peak south to Iron Canyon Reservoir are holding, and a successful burn out along the line was completed last night. Burn out operations were also successful on the fire's south flank. Crews will continue to hold and patrol control lines today.
 The Team has completed the construction of contingency containment lines from McCloud Reservoir to Grizzly Peak to protect private lands and critical power transmission lines. Crews are constructing additional contingency lines west of McCloud Reservoir to provide additional protection to resources northwest of the fire.
 Under Unified Command, Federal and CalFire resources are working together under a single, coordinated incident command structure to protect both National Forest and private lands.
Fire Behavior and Smoke: Winds are expected to remain light today, however conditions are still critical and capable of producing extreme fire behavior where winds align with canyons. Smoke is expected to hang over the fire and in the McCloud area again today.
Public Safety: Smoke will continue to pose health concerns for the public. Residents are encouraged to visit the "Protect Yourself from Smoke" website for smoke protection information at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/. Local air quality conditions and forecasts are available at http://airnow.gov/index.cfm
Community Meeting: A community meeting is planned for Friday, August 31, 2012 at 6 PM at McCloud Elemetery School, 332 Hamilton Way, McCloud, CA. Incident Management Team members from the Unified Command will be available to provide an update on the fire and answer questions.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Saturday August 18th, 2012 approx. 10:07 AM
Location 4 miles west of Big Bend, CA
Incident Commander Mcgowan
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,347
Size 31,321 acres
Percent Contained 24%
Estimated Containment Date Saturday September 15th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - Timber litter and understory, brush and hardwood stands intermixed. Fire area has conifer, brush, hardwood stands, logging slash, and pine plantations. High live to dead ratio in brush exists and conifer stands have a heavy loading of dead/down material.
Fire Behavior - Fire behavior included isolated torching, short range spotting, and surface fire spread.
Significant Events: Forest road closures remain in effect.
Outlook/Planned Actions: Crews will continue to patrol and secure direct and indirect containment line. Crews will also continue to improve existing containment line, and prep contingency lines, which includes the construction of contingency line along Bald Mountain Ridge to the McCloud River. Other contingency lines will be scouted northeast of the fire to help protect 500kv transmission lines. Additional burnout operations will be conducted if conditions are favorable.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme

Remarks: The fire is now being managed under a Unified Command with California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (McGowan)and CalFire (Flores). Estimated final costs and size of the fire are being re-evaluated due to changes in management objectives for the fire.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 4 mph SW
Temperature 63 degrees
Humidity 40%
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CA-MNF North Pass. 34,119 acres. 28% contained.

 Aggressive fire behavior with crown fire runs and short/intermediate range spotting. The fire is being managed in Unified Command (Wakoski/Brown). Current acreage is 72% Federal and 28% SRA.
Closures and evacuations are in effect for the following areas: Indian Dick Road (USFS Road M1), all residences in the Indian Dick Road (USFS Rd. M1), Mendocino Pass Rd. (FH7) north to the Trinity County line and east to the Tehama County line.
 This order also includes all residences and USFS campsites at Howard Lake Campground, Little Doe Campground, and Hammerhorn Lake Campground and all USFS wilderness trailheads at Blands Cove, Hell Hole, Stick Lake, Foster Glade, Asa Bean, Rock Cabin, Georges Valley, Soldier Ridge, Smokehouse Ridge, and Green Springs.
 Blands Cove Road from the start of the Traveler's Home Trail Head, north to the Trinity County line. Mendocino Pass Road (FH7), north and south of the highway from the Eel River work center east to the Tehama/Glenn County line, including Bauer Ranch subdivision and Forest Service campgrounds.
Road closures: An area closure has been issued and posted for the area surrounding the North Pass fire. Please checkwww.fs.usda.gov/mendocino or inciweb.org for more information. 
 Forest Highway 7 is a primary route between Willows (Sacramento Valley) and the inland communities of Covelo and Round Valley.
 There is a Forest Closure Order for the northern two-thirds of the Covelo Ranger District. The evacuation area will be re-evaluated during each afternoon.
Summary: The Pass Fire (now called North Pass) started on Saturday August 18, 2012 at approximately 2:47 a.m. The fire is in Williams Valley 10 miles north east of Covelo. The fire is actively burning in heavy timber moving northeast into the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness. Extreme fire behavior (crowning, torching and long range spotting) have been observed in the afternoons. Firefighters both on the ground and in the air are actively fighting the fire with 1,287 people committed to that effort.
Effective 6:00 a.m. on August 21, 2012, Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the fire. Current management of the fire is under Unified Command between CAL FIRE and US Forest Service. (USFS) The Incident Command Post is located at the Round Valley Airport. Please be aware of increased fire traffic in the area.
 Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Saturday August 18th, 2012 approx. 02:47 AM
Location 10 miles NE of Covelo in Williams Valley
Incident Commander Mike Wakoski / Norm Brown
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit / Mendocino National Forest
County: Mendocino County
Current acreage is 72% Federal and 28% State Responsibilty Area (SRA)
Structures Destroyed: 4 residence and 7 outbuildings
Threatened: 64 residences, 5 commercial properties & 65 outbuildings
Injuries: 5
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, USFS Mendocino, BIA, Covelo Fire, CDCR, California National Guard, Mendocino Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Total Fire Personnel: 2,024 (736 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 160 (58 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 41 (20 CAL FIRE)
Airtankers: 2 air tankers
Helicopters: 13 helicopters
Dozers: 29 (11 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 31 water tenders
Major Incident Command Team: CAL FIRE is in unified command with the US Forest Service
Conditions: Fire continues to spread north toward the Middle Fork of the Eel River, Hammerhorn Lake, Foster Glade and Asa Bean Ridge within the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, eastward toward Forest Road M2, and south toward Forest Highway 7.
Firefighters continue to establish and improve containment lines while defending structures.
Smoke Conditions: An air quality alert has been issued for the Covelo/Round Valley areas through Monday, August 27. Smoke concentrations in these areas have reached levels considered to be “Hazardous” under state and federal air quality standards.
Current Situation

Total Personnel 2,024
 Estimated Containment Date Monday September 10th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved: Fuels within the fire area include grass,logging slash, mixed conifer stands with an understory of shrubs, litter or grass. There are also areas of brush. There is no recorded fire history for the north side of the fire. ERC's and live fuel moistures are at critical levels.
Fire Behavior: Aggressive fire behavior with surface fire and occasional torching.
Significant Events: Crews continued burning operations in Divisions W, X, and Y (south and southeast part of the fire). Aerial ignition started around 6 p.m. yesterday and will continue this evening until sunset to strengthen control lines on Divisions W, X, and Y. Fire activity on Divisions C and D continued to back towards the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Fire alignment in Fly Creek could potentially impact Divisions W and X (east side of fire) during the next two operational periods. Divisions A/B/Z (west side of the fire) continue to be in mop up (cooling hot spots near the fire line) and patrol status. Assessment of structure losses is ongoing. The northern portion of the fire continues to burn towards Pothole Creek and Steel Bench.
Outlook/Planned Actions
Continue hand firing along Divisions W,X, and Y. Continue aerial ignition prior to sunset on Divisions W, X, and Y. Prep Road M-1 from Little Doe Campground to Beaver Glade for eventual firing and holding. Continue mop up in the western portion of Division C. Continue mop up (cooling the fire)and patrol of Divisions A/B/Z (west and southwest areas of the fire). Begin assessment and implementation of suppression damage repair on Divisions A and B.
Growth Potential Extreme fire behavior with continued spread to the North and East.
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme difficulty due to steep canyons and slopes.
Remarks:  The fire is being managed in Unified Command (Wakoski/Brown). Current acreage is: 72% Federal and 28% SRA. Change in critical need (Type 1 IHC) due to a crew that was enroute to the incident being returned home unit prior to checking in. (order placed). Reportable injuries - sprained ankle (1), bee sting and heat illness (1) requiring hospitalization.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 2 to 5 mph NE
Temperature 50 -55 degrees
Humidity 15-20%
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CA-PNF Chips Fire. 74,125 acres. 91% contained.

 Interior burning with low to moderate fire behavior with high resistance to control.
 Evacuations and Closures: The Plumas County Sheriff's Department has issued an update to area evacuations effective at 10:00 a.m. August 29, 2012. The Advisement for Prattville has been lifted. The Mandatory Evacuation Order for Rocky Point Campground, Big Meadows, Almanor Boat Ramp, Almanor Day Use Area, Camp Connery and Canyon Dam has been lifted to Advisory. The Voluntary Evacuation Notification for Rush Creek has been lifted. Seneca remains under Mandatory evacuation.
 The Plumas and Lassen National Forests continue to maintain area Closures within and surrounding the Chips fire area. This includes the following area of the Pacific Crest Trail: The PCT is officially closed from Three Lakes (in the Bucks Lake Wilderness) on the Plumas National Forest northbound to the Cold Spring trailhead at the Humbug Road (Plumas County Road 307) on the Lassen National Forest. Additionally, using the Caribou Road (Forest Route 27N26) is prohibited, as the area is also officially closed.
 Hikers and equestrians are advised to avoid travel on the portion of the PCT from Bucks Summit, north to Hwy 36. In order to re-route themselves most expeditiously, at Bucks Summit, northbound trail users may travel on Plumas County Road 414 east to Quincy, pick up Highway 70/89 to Chester and then Highway 36 west to resume the trail. Southbound travelers may reverse the process.
 Hikers may also use Plumas County Transit between Quincy and Chester, available weekdays only. The transit schedule can be found at http://www.plumastransit.com/qcy%20to%20chester%2023.html
 Community Meeting: A community meeting will be held Friday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chester Memorial Hall, 225 Gay Street, Chester, California.Additional Fire Information: Call (530) 283-3593 and (530) 283-3288 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday July 29th, 2012 approx. 01:57 AM

Location: Plumas and Lassen National Forests, 20 miles NW of Quincy, CA
Personnel: 1,398
 Crews: 6 Type 1, 17 Type 2; Helicopters: 2 Type 1, 3 Type 2, 1 Type 3; Engines: 119; Dozers: 14; Water Tenders: 42)
IC Management: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4

Incident Commander Rocky W. Opliger
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,398
Estimated Containment Date Friday August 31st, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - 10 Timber (litter and understory) low brush with numerous dead and down 1000 hour logs and standing snags. FM10 is most representative of the fuels and the observed fire behavior.
Fire Behavior - Interior burning with low to moderate fire behavior with high resistance to control.
Significant Events: All lines held.
Outlook/Planned Actions: Mop up, patrol for spots and fire suppression repair.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme

Fire Status: The burnout operation around Seneca was successful last night. Night crews began lighting off of hand constructed fire line as soon as they arrived on scene, finishing early this morning. This action has reduced fuels around the small mountain community and will give more security to homes and historical structures within the active fire area. Firefighters will begin mop-up operations around Seneca today, removing any trees that pose immediate hazards to structures.

Smoke will continue to be present over the fire area in the next several days as pockets of unburned fuels within containment lines catch fire. Crews continually monitor these fires to ensure they remain low intensity burns that meet firefighting objectives. Aerial resources will be utilized to support suppression efforts within the burn area when necessary.
 Firefighters will resume mopping-up 300 feet into the fire area as well as patrolling the perimeter for spot fires. The probability of ignition remains high due to low fuel moisture and consistently high temperatures. Therefore, it is critical that firefighters mop-up at least 300 feet into the interior of the fire area so hot spots will not escape containment lines.
 A unit dedicated to repairing ground disturbances associated with fire suppression efforts will continue working today. They will be constructing water bars on bulldozer lines around the fire to prevent soil erosion as well as chipping vegetation along road systems. The division is also tasked with removing hazard trees along access roads.
 The US Forest Service has created a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team to address emergency soil stabilization actions to reduce the immediate risks of post-fire erosion. They will also evaluate long-term restoration and recovery of the burned forest ecosystem. Additionally, safety of the public and USFS employees in the post-burned area is of utmost importance so there may be a need to close some areas until hazards from dead trees along roads, trails and adjacent to administrative sites can be removed. Mid-term and long-term risks that burned trees pose will be considered during the evaluation of post-fire salvage options.
Remarks: Type 1 helicopters are essential to pick up spot fires and support ground troops in line construction and mop up around critcial infastructure. PG&E crews are repairing poles in the Caribou-Westwood line and the lines from Butt Valley dam to the North fork of the Feather river. Nor Cal team 2 is planned to inbrief Thursday at 1900, shadow on Friday and assume command at 0600 Saturday. Total burned acres are at 74,125. Plumas NF burned acres 47,122, Lassen NF 18,458, SRA burned acres 8545.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 15 mph SW
Temperature 94 degrees
Humidity 7%
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CA-KNF Fort Complex Fire. 18,148 acres. 25% contained.
 Backing fire with 4 to 5 foot flames.
Evacuations: Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office is issuing a Mandatory Evacuation Notice to the residents of Seiad Valley that live on Seiad Creek Road, Seiad Oaks Road and some portions of th
e west side of Highway 96 due to the threat of the Goff Fire. At this stage the wildfire is estimated to be 6 hours away from potential threat to private property. Sheriff’s Deputies along with Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue and Sheriffs Posse are going door to door to notifying residents that they must evacuate the area. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department will be patrolling 24 hours in the evacuated areas. At this time we do not know how long the evacuations will last, as soon as it is safe for residents to return to their homes notices will be given.
During the evacuation Seiad Creek Road will be closed and possibly additional roads depending on fire behavior.
An evacuation center has been established at the Siskiyou Golden Fair Ground, 1172 Fairlane Road, Yreka, California. 
Domesticated animals will be allowed at the evacuation center, however they will be the responsibility of the owner, there will not be staff to care for them. 
The Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds will be available to house livestock of those residents that have evacuated. The Sheriff’s Posse is available to assist in evacuating livestock from the threatened areas.
For additional information contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff Department at (530) 841-2900, or the Goff Fire Information Center at (530)493-1514

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTIONS: TRAIL AND ROAD CLOSURES:
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Fire Prevention Public Use Restriction
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Trail and Road Closures
Klamath National Forest Trail and Road Closures
Pacific Crest Trail Closed Due to Goff Fire: There is a current closure of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Highway 96 to Lily Pad Lake. Please visit the Klamath National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/klamath for complete closure information.

 The Goff Fire as of 6:00 AM August 30 is estimated at 16,765 acres and 16 percent contained. Management of the Goff Fire is being handled by a National Incident Management Organization or NIMO Team. Keep checking back here for Goff Fire information updates. Command of the Hello, Lick and Fruit Fires has been transferred back to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. No additional updates on the Hello, Lick or Fruit Fires are expected unless conditions change. 
Goff FireCredit: Siskiyou County Sheriff Department
 The total acreage of the four fires that are within the Fort Complex is 18,148 acres (Goff Fire - 16,765 acres; Hello Fire - 977 acres; Lick Fire - 403 acres; Fruit - 3 acres which has been contained). The overall containment of the Fort Complex is 25 percent.

A lightning storm that moved through the Northern California and Southern Oregon area on August 5th, 2012, started multiple fires on the Klamath National Forest and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Firefighters from both forests quickly contained many of the fires over several days. However the Hello, Lick, and Goff Fires are located in steep and rugged terrain. The Hello Fire in the Red Buttes Wilderness and the Lick Fire, about five miles east of the Red Buttes Wilderness, are in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Together with the Goff Fire, which is on both the Klamath National Forest and the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are being managed as the Fort Complex.


Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Sunday August 05th, 2012 approx. 07:00 PM
Location Seiad, California
Incident Commander Dan Kleinman
Current Situation
Total Personnel 642
Size 18,148 acres
Percent Contained 25%
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 15th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - The Fort Complex of fires are burning in brush, timber and timber understory.
Fire Behavior - The Goff fire continues to be a backing fire with 4 to 5 foot flame lengths.
Significant Events: Goff Fire - Fire reached parts of Highway 96. Fire also moved down to control lines in portions of the Seiad Valley.
Outlook/Planned Actions: Goff Fire - Mop up and hold fire north of Seiad Valley and Hwy 96. Crews will continue to construct fire line on the west flank above Thompson Creek Drainage.
Growth Potential - The growth potential for the Goff Fire is high.
Terrain Difficulty - The Goff Fire is burning in extreme terrain
.
Remarks: Last nights 1800 cost was adjusted due to an error in data entry. 

  •  Hello fire 977 acres 85%
  •  Lick fire 403 acres 97%
  •  Fruit fire 3 acres 100%
  •  Goff fire 16,765 acres 16%
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 2 mph SE
Temperature 52 degrees
Humidity 59%
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CA-NOD Rush Fire. 315,577 acres. 96% contained.

 The fire is expected to be contained at 1800 on 8/30. acres).
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Sunday August 12th, 2012 approx. 06:42 PM
Location 15 miles SE of Ravendale, California
Incident Commander Turman
Current Situation
Total Personnel 497
Size 315,577 acres
Percent Contained 96%
Estimated Containment Date Thursday August 30th, 2012 approx. 06:00 PM
Fuels Involved: Grass, sagebrush, junipers (5 Brush - 2 Feet)
Fire Behavior: On Wednesday, only creeping and smoldering seen.
Outlook/Planned Actions: On Thursday, crews will continue to go after hot spots. Supression repairs will continue.
Growth Potential - Low
Terrain Difficulty - High

Remarks: Officials hope to call the fire "contained" by 6 p.m. on Thursday. The fire has burned 271,911 acres in California and 43,666 acres in Nevada. The following resources are assigned to the fire: 497 firefighters and support people, 2 helicopters, 14 engines, 6 bulldozers, and 21 water tenders. The California acreage figure makes the Rush fire the second largest in modern California history.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 8 g23 mph SW
Temperature 86 degrees
Humidity 2%
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CA-TGU Ponderosa Fire. 27,676 acres. 99% contained.
 The protection of life and property remain the foremost priority and concern.
Conditions: Residents in the area will still see fire equipment driving throughout the communities to patrol and mop up the hot spots that may arise in the fire area. Repairs to damage caused by firefighting efforts continue to be made throughout the area affected. Fire damaged trees exist and continue to present a hazard. We urge the public to use caution on roadways in and around the fire area while fire crews are still present.
Phone Numbers (530) 528-0528 (Fire Information)
Basic Information

Date/Time Started: August 18, 2012 11:37 am
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit
County: Tehama & Shasta Counties
Location: Off Ponderosa Way, southeast of Manton
Acres Burned: 27,676 acres
Containment 27,676 acres - 99% contained
Expected containment on Friday, 8/31.
Structures Destroyed: 52 residences & 81 outbuildings destroyed; 1 residence & 5 outbuildings damaged
Threatened: No further threat remains.
Evacuations: All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted.
Injuries: 7
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Tehama and Shasta County Sheriff, CHP, CDCR, CAL TRANS, SPI, PG&E
Total Fire Personnel: 1,382 (1,189 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 86 (80 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 40 CAL FIRE
Helicopters: 1 helicopter
Dozers: 8 (3 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 37 water tenders
-----

6 Minutes For Safety: UNFAMILIAR WITH WEATHER AND LOCAL FACTORS INFLUENCING FIRE BEHAVIOR 
  • Ask questions of local experts! What kinds of questions would you ask? 
  • Does the operational period plan give you adequate weather and information? What kinds of weather forecasts can you get? What other weather or local information do you look for in the shift plan? 
  • Can you get information from resources that have been on the fire? What questions will you ask of the crew that you are replacing? 
  • Is there any other way to obtain information? Common sources of information on weather and local factors (Examples: Web based weather Activity Planner, Point Forecast Matrix, NOAA Internet Briefing) 
To reduce risks: 
  • Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior.  
  • Post lookouts.  
  • Establish escape routes and safety zones.  
  • Take extra caution! Discuss a fire where you relied on information from the local unit (perhaps where your fire knowledge and experience was very different from how they did 
  • things—southeast or Alaska).  
  • Recognize and report visual indicators (clouds, WX obs., cold front passage, inversion breaking.)
LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations



Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Baby Bobcat "Chips" Rescued By Hot-Shots

Burned Baby Bobcat Rescued By California Firefighters, Doing Well.

Chips right after rescue on Chips Fire Division M
Credit USFS
What: A female bobcat kitten apparently abandoned by mother during the chaos of a California wildfire has been rescued by firefighters and taken to a shelter for treatment of burns. There was no adult bobcat in the area, so the injured animal was taken to the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care for treatment of second-degree burns on her paws.
Chips was found in Division M by Madriver Hand crew Superintendent Tad Hair (pictured here holding the cat). Photo by the USFS 























Who: Members of the Mad River Hand Crew were patrolling the north end of the 74,000-acre Chips Fire in Plumas National Forest when they found the bobcat on Saturday.
 Crew superintendent Tad Hair says the animal is about the size of a domestic kitten and was walking in circles near a stump.

Quick Look: California Wildfires Today 08-29-12

 National Fire Situation: 
IMSR Summary
August 29th, 2012 
National Preparedness Level 4


National Fire Activity
Initial attack activity: Light (82 new fires)
New large fires: 12 
Large fires contained: 3
Uncontained large fires: 30
Area Command Teams committed: 0
NIMOs committed: 2 
Source:
Incident Management Situation Report


National Fire Weather: Strong winds and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather conditions across the northern Great Basin and the northern Rockies. A cold front moving through the region will bring cooler weather from the Northwest to western Montana. Isolated afternoon thunderstorms will form over the higher terrain of the Great Basin and the Southwest but conditions will generally be warm and dry over most of the West. High pressure over the Ohio valley will keep conditions relatively mild and quiet over most of the East. Hurricane Isaac will weaken as it moves across Louisiana. Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain will spread across most of the Gulf region. 


Predictive Services Discussion: Strong winds and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather conditions across the northern Great Basin and the northern Rockies. A cold front moving through the region will bring cooler weather from the Northwest to western Montana. Isolated afternoon thunderstorms will form over the higher terrain of the Great Basin and the Southwest but conditions will generally be warm and dry over most of the West. High pressure over the Ohio valley will keep conditions relatively mild and quiet over most of the East. Hurricane Isaac will weaken as it moves across Louisiana. Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain will spread across most of the Gulf region.


California Fire weather: No Red Flags, No current Fire Watches or warnings.
NWS Current Fire Weather Watches / Warnings
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENINGActual/Future/Unknown/Possible
KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON-TULARE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-INDIAN WELLS VALLEY-SOUTHEASTERN KERN COUNTY DESERT-
Alert sent at 10:49 PDT on 2012-08-29

OSCC - Southern California Ops
Light activity with fires picked up in IA.

ONCC - Northern California Ops
Northern California Area (PL 5)
New fires: 3
New large fires: 0
Uncontained large fires: 9
NIMOs committed: 1
Type 1 IMTs committed: 5
Type 2 IMTs committed: 2

California Wildfires:
CFN - California Fire News 2012 - California wildfires Today 08/29/12
California wildfires Today
Locations, Perimeters and Hot-spots
CA-SHF Bagley Fire. 31,321 acres. 24% contained.
Bagley, Shasta-Trinity NF. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (Whitcome) to IMT 1 (McGowan) will occur today.
Location: Seven miles west of Big Bend, CA. Timber. 
Fire behavior: Active fire behavior with torching and spotting. Fire was active overnight below inversion in burnouts and main fire with some spotting.
Concerns: Structures and high voltage power lines threatened. 
Road closures: Forest road closures remain in effect.
Area Closure: In the interest of firefighter and public safety, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued closure areas due to the fire's growth. The closures will remain in place until the area is safe for the public to enter. Please see the Forest Orders and closure maps on InciWeb (address above). 
Incident Summary: Big Bend, CA - The Bagley Fire is now being managed under Unified Command with CalFire . Federal and State resources are being managed under a single, coordinated incident command structure to protect both National Forest and private lands. Today the Incident Command Post will be relocated from Big Bend to McCloud to better serve firefighters as fire activity moves north. Crews remaining on the fire's south flank will continue to be supported at Big Bend.
 Last night, crews made continued progress to strengthen containment lines on the fire's east flank from Dutchman Peak south to Iron Canyon Reservoir. Fire lines are holding from Iron Canyon Reservoir south to Bagley Flats. Today crews continue to improve containment lines along the fire's southern and western flank from Bagley Flats toward North Fork Mountain. On the fire's north flank, primary containment lines are being improved from the McCloud River east to the Dutchman Peak area along Forest Road 11. Several contingency lines are also being prepared and improved.
 CalFire has initiated construction of contingency containment lines on the fire's north flank to protect private lands and the critical power transmission lines. Lines are in place and being improved between Grizzly Peak and McCloud Reservoir. Additional containment lines are being planned west of McCloud Reservoir.
 The incident management team is working closely with cooperators including PG&E, Western Area Power Authority (WAPA), the timber industry, Nature Conservancy and other private interests with lands and infrastructure that could be impacted by the fire.
 (Editor's Note: Bagley Fire Information Phone Number: (800) 923-7316; Temporary number during move (leave message): 530-710-8627; InciWeb:http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3188/; Twitter:https://twitter.com/info ciimt1) 
Fire Behavior and Smoke: The fire remains active, conditions are still critical and capable of producing extreme fire behavior where winds align with canyons. The fire will continue to move northeast towards containment lines along Forest Road 11. Smoke is expected to hang over the fire area for the early part of the day. As smoke lifts later in the day fire activity will increase and unburned islands of vegetation are expected to burn and produce large columns of smoke, as has occurred over the past several days.
Public Safety: Smoke will continue to pose health concerns for the public. Residents are encouraged to visit the "Protect Yourself from Smoke" website for smoke protection information athttp://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/. Local air quality conditions and forecasts are available athttp://airnow.gov/index.cfm action=airnow.main.
 For tips on how to prepare for a potential evacuation and what to do if you are evacuated, residents in and near evacuation areas are encouraged to visit the "Ready, Set, Go" website at:http://www.inciweb.org/incident/article/3052/15480/.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Saturday August 18th, 2012 approx. 10:07 AM
Location 4 miles west of Big Bend CA
Incident Commander Mcgowan
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,354
Size 31,321 acres
Percent Contained 24%
Estimated Containment Date Wednesday September 05th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - Timber litter and understory, brush and hardwood stands intermixed. Fire area has conifer, brush, hardwood stands, logging slash, and pine plantations. High live to dead ratio in brush exists and conifer stands have a heavy loading of dead/down material.
Fire Behavior - Active fire behavior with runs in heavy timber and brush fuels and moderate rates of spread, torching, spotting and roll-out.
Significant Events: Forest road closures remain in effect. California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (McGowan) has assumed command of the Bagley Fire and working in Unified Command with CalFire.
Outlook/Planned Actions: Continue to scout, construct, burnout and hold direct and indirect line.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 4 mph SW
Temperature 63 degrees
Humidity 55%
-----

CA-MNF North Pass. 32,675 acres. 35% contained.
IC: North Pass, Mendocino NF. IMT 2 (Wakoski).
Location: Twenty-five miles northeast of Covelo, CA. 
Fuels: Timber and logging slash. 
Fire behavior: Active fire behavior with occasional torching. Active with crown runs and spotting. Structures and communications site threatened. 
Concerns: Fire continues to spread north toward the Middle Fork of the Eel River, Hammerhorn Lake, Foster Glade and Asa Bean Ridge within the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, eastward toward Forest Road M2, and south toward Forest Highway 7.
 Firefighters continue to establish and improve containment lines while defending structures.
Road closures: An area closure has been issued and posted for the area surrounding the North Pass fire. Please checkwww.fs.usda.gov/mendocino or inciweb.org for more informationEvacuations and area closures in effect.
There is a Forest closure order for the northern two-thirds of the Covelo Ranger District.
 Mandatory evacuations remain in place for: Indian Dick Road, east of the Town of Covelo, all residents on Indian Dick Road from the intersection of Mendocino Pass Road north, to the Trinity County Line and East to the Tehama County Line. This order includes all residences and USFS campsites at Howard Lake Campground, Little Doe Campground, and Hammerhorn Lake Campground and all USFS Wilderness Trailheads at Blands Cove, Hell Hole, Stick Lake, Foster Glade, Asa Bean, Rock Cabin, Georges Valley, Soldier Ridge, Smokehouse Ridge and Green Springs.
Smoke Conditions: An air quality alert has been issued for the Covelo/Round Valley areas through Monday, August 27. Smoke concentrations in these areas have reached levels considered to be “Hazardous” under state and federal air quality standards.
Basic Information
Date/Time Started: August 18, 2012 2:47 am
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit / Mendocino National Forest
County: Mendocino County
Location: Mendocino Pass Rd, northeast of Covelo
Acres Burned: 32,675 acres
Containment 32,675 acres - 35% contained
Structures Destroyed: 4 residence and 7 outbuildings
Threatened: 64 residences, 5 commercial properties & 65 outbuildings
Injuries: 3
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, USFS Mendocino, BIA, Covelo Fire, CDCR, California National Guard, Mendocino Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Total Fire Personnel: 1,815 (855 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 156 (83 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 24 (23 CAL FIRE)
Airtankers: 2 air tankers
Helicopters: 12 helicopters
Dozers: 26 (12 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 29 water tenders
Major Incident Command Team: CAL FIRE is in unified command with the US Forest Service
-----

CA-PNF Chips Fire. 74,125 acres. 87% contained.
"This has been a tough fire," said Incident Commander Rocky Opliger in a morning briefing to firefighters. "It takes a lot of work to get to 100% containment on a fire this large and it really is about mop-up now. We appreciate the great work and let's continue to be diligent."
IC: Chips, Plumas NF. IMT 1 (Opliger). 
Location: Twenty miles northwest of Quincy, CA. Plumas and Lassen National Forests
Fuels: Timber and brush. 
Fire behavior: Moderate fire behavior, decreasing overnight with mostly interior burning. Firelines held throughout the night.
Concerns: Communities threatened. Evacuations in effect.
 Evacuations and Closures: The Plumas County Sheriff's Department has issued an update to area evacuations effective at 10:00 a.m. August 29, 2012.

  •  The Advisement for Prattville will be lifted. 
  •  The Mandatory Evacuation Order for Rocky Point Campground, Big Meadows, Almanor Boat Ramp, Almanor Day Use Area, Camp Connery and Canyon Dam will be lifted to Advisory. 
  •  The Voluntary Evacuation Notification for Rush Creek will be lifted. 
  •  Seneca remains under Mandatory evacuation.

The Plumas and Lassen National Forests continue to maintain area Closures within and surrounding the Chips fire area. 
This includes the following area of the Pacific Crest Trail: The PCT is officially closed from Three Lakes (in the Bucks Lake Wilderness) on the Plumas National Forest northbound to the Cold Spring trailhead at the Humbug Road (Plumas County Road 307) on the Lassen National Forest. Additionally, using the Caribou Road (Forest Route 27N26) is prohibited, as the area is also officially closed.
 Hikers and equestrians are advised to avoid travel on the portion of the PCT from Bucks Summit, north to Hwy 36. In order to re-route themselves most expeditiously, at Bucks Summit, northbound trail users may travel on Plumas County Road 414 east to Quincy, pick up Highway 70/89 to Chester and then Highway 36 west to resume the trail. Southbound travelers may reverse the process.
 Hikers may also use Plumas County Transit between Quincy and Chester, available weekdays only. The transit schedule can be found at http://www.plumastransit.com/qcy to chester 23.html 
Fire Status:  Firefighters continue patrolling for spot fires and mopping-up containment lines 300 feet into the interior of the fire. Crews will be cold trailing miles of fire line and cooling off hot spots in areas that continue to hold heat like stumps, roots and rocks. With this fire spreading by throwing embers and creating spot fires, this buffer around the perimeter will be critical in securing the line.
 While structure protection crews have worked in the area of Seneca, covering buildings with fire -retardant gel and leaving sprinklers on historical buildings, a more aggressive approach will be taken today. Crews will be constructing hand lines around Seneca in preparation for a backfire that will be executed during the night shift. This will reduce fuels around the community and offer more security to buildings in the active fire area.Fire damage repair: A power pole on the Caribou-Plumas line was consumed in the fire yesterday. Firefighters worked closely with PG&E to address the issue and escorted a team of linemen into the active fire area to replace the pole. The PG&E crew arrived on site at 1:00 a.m. and had a new pole in place and on line by 3:00 a.m. to minimize the impact on area residents.
Fire suppression repair: The repair and recovery unit continues to work on fire suppression repair. Brush and saplings along roadsides are chipped and spread onto the forest floor. Crews also rehabilitate bulldozer lines by putting in waterbars to reduce erosion. The team will continue removing hazard trees within the burn area that have the potential to hit roads, trails or infrastructure.
BAER:  The US Forest Service will be evaluating options for addressing dead and dying trees in the burn area. This will include mid-term and long-term risks that burned trees pose to public safety while also include consideration for post-fire salvage options to help supply local jobs to local communities as well as the development of estimates of lands requiring reforestation.
Additional Fire Information: Call (530) 283-3593 and (530) 283-3288 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Basic Information


Date started: July 29, 2012 Cause: Under investigation
Incident Type: Wildfire
Cause: Under Investigation
Date of Origin: Sunday July 29th, 2012 approx. 01:57 AM
Location: 20 miles NW of Quincy, CA
Incident Commander Rocky W. Opliger
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,527

Personnel: 1,527 (Crews: 10 Type 1, 17 Type 2; Helicopters: 2 Type 1, 3 Type 2, 1 Type 3; Engines: 97; Dozers: 14; Water Tenders: 42) 
Estimated Containment Date Friday August 31st, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - 10 Timber (litter and understory) low brush with numerous dead and down 1000 hour logs and standing snags. FM10 is most representative of the fuels and the observed fire behavior.
Fire Behavior - Moderate fire behavior decreasing overnight with mostly interior burning.
Significant Events: Fire lines held throughout the night.
Outlook/Planned Actions: Mop up in all divisions. Fire suppression repair and equipment recovery where possible.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme

Remarks: Type 1 helicopters are essential to minimize fire spread and support ground troops in direct line construction. PG&E crews are repairing poles on the Caribou-Westwood line and the lines from Butt Valley dam to the North fork of the Feather River. Total burned acres are at 74,125. Plumas NF burned acres 47,122, Lassen NF 18,458, SRA burned 8545.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 20 mph SW
Temperature 55 degrees
Humidity 18%
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CA-KNF Fort Complex Fire. 17,173 acres. 25% contained.
Fort Complex (4 fires), Klamath NF.
IC: NIMO (Kleinman) and IMT 1 (Pincha-Tulley).
Location: Ten miles northwest of Happy Camp, CA. 
Fuels: Timber. 
Fire behavior: Backing fire. The roll-out of burrning materials on steep slopes and uphill runs continue to be control problems.
Concerns: An evacuation notice was implemented in Seiad Valley. Structures threatened. Road and trail closures in effect.
Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued a six hour notification for immediate evacuation, which remains in effect as of Wednesday August 29. This notice includes closure of Seiad Creek Road and Seiad Oak Road and possibly additional roads depending on fire behavior. 

An evacuation center will be established Siskyou Golden Fair Grounds in 1172 Fairlane Road, Yreka Ca. The evacuation center will have the capability to house large and small animals as well.
For additional information contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff Department at (530) 841-2900, or the Goff Fire Information Center at (530) 493-1514.

 PUBLIC USE RESTRICTIONS AND TR AIL AND ROAD CLOSURES:
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Fire Prevention Public Use Restriction
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Trail and Road Closures
Klamath National Forest Trail and Road ClosuresPacific Crest Trail Closed Due to Goff Fire 
Incident update: The Goff Fire is now 15,797 acres and 16 percent contained. Management of the Goff Fire is being handled by a National Incident Management Organization or NIMO Team. There is a current closure of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Highway 96 to Lily Pad lake. Please visit the Klamath National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/klamath for complete closure information. Keep checking back here for Goff Fire information updates. Command of the Hello and Lick Fires has been transferred back to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. No additional updates on the Fruit or Lick Fires are expected unless conditions change. The total acerage of the three fires that are within the Fort Complex is 17,173 acres (Goff Fire - 15,797 acres; Hello Fire - 977 acres; Lick Fire - 403 acres). The overall containment of the Fort Complex is 25 percent.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Sunday August 05th, 2012 approx. 07:00 PM
Location Seiad, California
Incident Commander Dan Kleinman
Current Situation
Total Personnel 662
Size 17,173 acres
Percent Contained 25%
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 15th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - The Fort Complex Fires are burning in brush, timber and timber understory.
Fire Behavior - The Goff fire continues to be a backing fire accelerated by rollout of down logs and slope driven runs.
Significant Events: Goff Fire - Resources worked throughout the night protecting structures in Seiad Valley.
Outlook/Planned Actions - Goff Fire - Structure protection implemented for Seiad Valley. Utilization of tactical firing operations to keep the fire from impacting structures. Type 1 crews will begin working on the northwest side of the Goff Fire trailing between and around fingers of the fire to keep the fire from crossing into Bear Valley Creek.
Growth Potential - The growth potential for the Goff Fire is high.
Terrain Difficulty - The Goff Fire is burning in extreme terrain
.
Remarks: New containment date calculated on an 80 percent chance of a season ending event, such as a snow shower or rain, by October 15th. Acres for the Goff Fire were split Wednesday August 29 to reflect acres on the Klamath and Rogue River Siskiyou National Forests.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 5-8 mph SW
Temperature 86 degrees
Humidity 22%
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CA-NOD Rush Fire. 315,577 acres. 82% contained.

 The new acreage figure is the result of more precise mapping. The fire has burned 271,911 acres in California and 43,666 acres in Nevada.
The California acreage figure makes the Rush fire the second largest in modern California history.
 Crews will continue to hold existing containment lines and mop up. Difficult terrain along the southern portion of the northeastern flank continues to hinder containment.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Sunday August 12th, 2012 approx. 06:42 PM
Location 15 miles SE of Ravendale, California
Incident Commander Turman
Current Situation
Total Personnel 533

 The following resources are assigned to the fire: 533 firefighters and support people, 3 helicopters, 13 engines, 9 bulldozers, and 23 water tenders.  
Size 315,577 acres
Percent Contained 82%
Estimated Containment Date Thursday August 30th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - Grass, sagebrush, junipers (5 Brush - 2 Feet)
Fire Behavior - On Tuesday, only creeping and smoldering seen.
Significant Events: There were strong winds over the fire on Tuesday.
Outlook/Planned Actions: On Wednesday, crews will continue to go after hot spots. Supression repairs will continue.
Growth Potential - Medium
Terrain Difficulty - High
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 14 g28 mph SW
Temperature 84 degrees
Humidity 4%
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CA-TGU Ponderosa Fire. 27,676 acres. 96% contained.

IC: Tehama-Glenn Unit, Cal Fire. Cal Fire IMT 1 (Kaslin). 
Location: Two miles east of Manton, CA. 
Fuels: Timber. 
Fire behavior: Minimal fire activity
Notes: No additional spread or movement anticipated. 
Concerns: Hazard and fire weakened trees are present through out the fire area, which is a safety concern for fire fighters and the public. Two private bridges along Rock Creek Road were damaged by the fire.----- 
Basic information
Date/Time Started: August 18, 2012 11:37 am
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit
County: Tehama & Shasta Counties
Location: Off Ponderosa Way, southeast of Manton
Acres Burned: 27,676 acres
Containment 27,676 acres - 96% contained
Structures Destroyed: 52 residences & 82 outbuildings destroyed
Threatened: No further threat remains.
Evacuations: All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted.
Injuries: 7
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Tehama and Shasta County Sheriff, CHP, CDCR, CAL TRANS, SPI, PG&E
Total Fire Personnel: 1,648 (1,458 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 92 (86 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 55 CAL FIRE
Helicopters: 2 helicopters
Dozers: 8 (3 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 38 water tenders
Conditions: Residents in the area will still see fire equipment driving throughout the communities to patrol and mop up the hot spots that may arise in the fire area. Repairs to damage caused by firefighting efforts continue to be made throughout the area affected. Fire damaged trees exist and continue to present a hazard. We urge the public to use caution on roadways in and around the fire area while fire crews are still present.
Phone Numbers (530) 528-0528 (Fire Information) 

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LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations

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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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