Sunday, June 29, 2008

Indians Fire - LPF - Update 6/29

Headlines: On target for containment by July 3, 2008.

Current Status: Good progress yesterday combined with successful efforts last night, leaves only one half mile of open line south of the Arroyo Seco River on the Indians Fire. Interior burning will take place today to reduce unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter.
Highway, Road and Area Closures:

Arroyo Seco Road is closed to the public from the junction of Arroyo Seco Road and Carmel Road to the west.

All national forest lands north of the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road are closed to public access.

Arroyo Seco-Indians and Cone Peak Roads are closed.

Memorial Campground, Escondido Campground, and Arroyo Seco Campground and Day Use Area are closed.

Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is open, as well as coastal campgrounds and day use areas south of this road.
Closures are subject to change at any time based on fire conditions.
Evacuations:

The Arroyo Seco Road area is under MANDATORY evacuation above junction with Carmel Valley Road.

A fire evacuation ADVISORY is in effect for Carmel Valley Road from Arroyo Seco Road north to the Tassajara Road; the Tassajara Road south to the forest boundary and the Cachagua Road to Nason Road turnoff.

The evacuation for cabins in the Santa Lucia Tract remains in effect.
The Red Cross evacuation center is located at 490 El Camino Real at the Greenfield Elementary in Greenfield, CA. The SPCA for Monterey County will operate an emergency animal evacuation shelter for household pets (dogs, cats, etc.) adjacent to any American Red Cross evacuation site. Please contact the SPCA first at 831-373-2631 or at 831-646-5534 (after hours) for information on evacuating horses and livestock.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Fire Weather Watch - North Bay Mtns.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT. VERY WARM SURFACE TEMPERATURES THIS AFTERNOON WILL DESTABILIZE THE ATMOSPHERE BY LATE IN THE DAY. WITH SOME MOISTURE AVAILABLE AT THE MID-LEVELS RESULTING INSTABILITY WILL THREATEN HIGH-BASED THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY FOR THE HIGHEST TERRAIN IN THE NORTH BAY COUNTIES AREA. WITH THE HIGH TEMPERATURES AND SMALL AMOUNT OF PRECIPITATION THAT ACCOMPANIES HIGH-BASED THUNDERSTORMS...DRY LIGHTNING IS A POSSIBILITY FOR THE HIGH TERRAIN OF THE NORTH BAY COUNTIES OF NAPA AND SONOMA. 


Instruction:
A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE FORECAST TO OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS. 

Area: NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS- 

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

Sent: 2008-06-27T09:59:27-07:00 

Original Sender: KMTR@nwws.oes.ca.gov

Governor Declares State of Emergency- Mendocino, Shasta Counties

FIRE SEASON 2008
Governor Schwarzenegger Declares State of Emergency in Mendocino and Shasta Counties Due to Wildfires

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Mendocino and Shasta Counties as a result of lightning strikes that ignited more than 230 wildfires in these counties. The proclamation utilizes all resources consistent with the state's authority under the California Disaster Assistance Act.

Yesterday, the Governor visited the command posts for the Basin Complex Fire in Monterey County and the BTU Lightning Complex Fire in Butte County. He also announced $20 million for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to cover the costs of the Humboldt and Ophir Fires in Butte County earlier this month. Because the Governor declared a state of emergency for those fires on June 11, the state was able to immediately process the Executive Order and distribute the money. Also, to help the victims of the Ophir and Humboldt Fires in Butte County and the Martin Fire in Santa Cruz County, the Governor on Sunday signed an Executive Order to waive fees and assist with recovery efforts.

On Monday, Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Monterey and Trinity Counties as a result of the Basin Complex Fire, Gallery Fire and Lime Complex Fire.

On May 9, 2008, the Governor issued Executive Order S-03-08, which boosted the state's preparedness for wildfire season and directed CAL FIRE to immediately mobilize critical firefighting resources and personnel to save lives and homes statewide.

Click here to read the Proclamation

Red Flags, Fire weather watches: California

FIRE WEATHER WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
UPPER SMITH... INLAND PORTION OF THE SMITH RIVER DRAINAGE WITHINTHE SIX RIVERS NF.-LOWER MIDDLE KLAMATH... INLAND PORTION OF THE KLAMATH RIVERDRAINAGE WITHIN THE SIX RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST AND THE UKONOMDISTRICT OF THE KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST.-HUPA... THE HOOPA INDIAN RESERVATION AND THE LOWER PORTION OF THETRINITY RIVER DRAINAGE WITHIN THE SIX RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST.-VAN DUZEN / MAD RIVER... INLAND PORTION OF THE VAN DUZEN AND MADRIVER DRAINAGES WITHIN THE SIX RIVERS NATIONAL FOREST.-INTERIOR MENDOCINO... INTERIOR PORTION OF MENDOCINO COUNTY.-WESTERN MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST / EASTERN MENDOCINO UNIT.-TRINITY... WESTERN PORTION OF THE SHASTA TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST.-
Alert sent at 05:02 PDT on 2008-06-27
SMOKE TO CONTINUE ACROSS THE REGION THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS Actual/Future/Unknown/Possible
SHASTA LAKE AREA/NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY-BURNEY BASIN/EASTERN SHASTA COUNTY-NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY-SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA-NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-MOUNTAINS SOUTHWESTERN SHASTA COUNTY TO NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY-CLEAR LAKE/SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY-NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY-MOTHERLODE-WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY/LASSEN PARK-WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA-
Alert sent at 04:57 PDT on 2008-06-27
RED FLAG WARNING FOR DRY LIGHTNING IN EFFECT FOR THE SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE PARK SOUTH TO THE FRESNO/TULARE COUNTY LINE FROM 11 AM PDT TODAY THROUGH 8 PM PDT SATURDAY EVENING Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK-
Alert sent at 04:32 PDT on 2008-06-27
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT FOR SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS THUNDERSTORMS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MTSHASTA-MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY-UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST-WESTERN SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST-WESTERN ROGUE BASIN INCLUDING THE ILLINOIS VALLEY-SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS-EASTERN ROGUE VALLEY-SOUTHERN OREGON CASCADES-KLAMATH BASIN AND THE FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST-SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON DESERT INCLUDING THE BLM LAND IN EASTERNLAKE AND WESTERN HARNEY COUNTIES-
Update sent at 04:28 PDT on 2008-06-27
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT FOR SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS THUNDERSTORMS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
WESTERN KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST-CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY INCLUDING SHASTA VALLEY-SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST IN SISKIYOU COUNTY-
Update sent at 04:28 PDT on 2008-06-27
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MTSHASTA-MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY-UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST-WESTERN SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST-WESTERN ROGUE BASIN INCLUDING THE ILLINOIS VALLEY-SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS-EASTERN ROGUE VALLEY-SOUTHERN OREGON CASCADES-KLAMATH BASIN AND THE FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST-SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON DESERT INCLUDING THE BLM LAND IN EASTERNLAKE AND WESTERN HARNEY COUNTIES-
Update sent at 04:09 PDT on 2008-06-27
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
WESTERN KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST-CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY INCLUDING SHASTA VALLEY-SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST IN SISKIYOU COUNTY-
Update sent at 04:09 PDT on 2008-06-27
AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY FOR ALL OF INTERIOR CENTRAL CALIFORNIA Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
WEST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-EAST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHWESTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHEASTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-MARIPOSA MADERA AND FRESNO COUNTY FOOTHILLS-TULARE COUNTY FOOTHILLS-KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON-TULARE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-INDIAN WELLS VALLEY-SOUTHEASTERN KERN COUNTY DESERT-
Update sent at 23:17 PDT on 2008-06-26
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT FOR SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS THUNDERSTORMS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MTSHASTA-MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY-UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST-WESTERN SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST-WESTERN ROGUE BASIN INCLUDING THE ILLINOIS VALLEY-SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS-EASTERN ROGUE VALLEY-SOUTHERN OREGON CASCADES-KLAMATH BASIN AND THE FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST-SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON DESERT INCLUDING THE BLM LAND IN EASTERNLAKE AND WESTERN HARNEY COUNTIES-
Update sent at 17:32 PDT on 2008-06-26

West Fire, Butte Lightning Complex - Evacuations

Butte County Fire complex- 6-26 2000hrs - Precautionary Evacuation Advisory - The Butte County Sheriff’s Office has issued an “Precautionary Evacuation Advisory” for the North and South Coutolenc zones which encompass Coutolenc Rd. from Skyway to Hupp-Coutolenc Rd. and all cross streets.

The West Fire has moved south of Bean Soup Bar but is still on the east side of the West Branch of the Feather River drainage and poses a threat to the Coutolenc road area. If the fire crosses the drainage, the Precautionary Evacuation Advisory may be upgraded to an “Immediate Threat Evacuation Advisory”.
Residents are advised to prepare their home, animals, and family members and evacuate.
Large animals should be moved during the precautionary evacuation to prevent delays during an immediate threat evacuation. Communicate with neighbors to ensure everyone has the Advisory information.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Fire Information Centers - LOCAL FIRE INFORMATION

Northern California Joint Information Center - 530-226-2749
This Joint Information Center (JIC) is providing support to all the fire information centers and the CAL Fire state and Forest Service regional offices.

LOCAL FIRE INFORMATION CONTACTS FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES-
For Information on specific fires, please contact the Fire Information Centers as follows:

CAL FIRE - FIRE INFORMATION PHONE NUMBERS:

AEU - Amador Eldorado Unit - (530) 647-5218
BTU - Butte Unit - (530) 538-7826
CZU - San Mateo Santa Cruz Unit - (831) 335-6717 & 335-6718
Humboldt Unit - (707) 726-1225
LMU - Lassen Modoc Unit - (530) 257-9553
LNU - Sonoma Lake Napa Unit - (707) 967-1456
MNU - Mendocino Unit - (707) 467-6426, 467-2520
NEU - Nevada Yuba Placer Unit - Not staffed. Refer to Tahoe NF
SCU - Santa Clara Unit - (408) 779-0930
Shasta Trinity Unit - (530) 225-2510
SKU - Siskiyou Unit - (530) 842-3516
TGU -Tehama Glenn Unit - (530) 528-5193

U.S. Forest Service -FIRE INFORMATION PHONE NUMBERS:

KNF - Klamath National Forest - Complex
(530) 493-1518
Shasta Trinity National Forest
(530) 226-2500 ext. 2
MNF - Mendocino National Forest
(530) 934-3316
PNF - Plumas National Forest
(530) 283-7883
ENF - Eldorado National Forest
Not Staffed
TNF - Tahoe National Forest
(530) 478-6101
Six Rivers National Forest
(707) 441-3623
Whiskey National Recreation Area
(530) 242-3461
LNF - Lassen National Forest
(530) 257-9553

Cal Fire News: Morning Report - 1032 Fires burning

CWCG PL HAS BEEN ELEVETED TO LEVEL 5

1032 Fires burning in the State as of yesterday

Fires: 1,032
Acres: 132,235
Contained Fires: 232
Personnel Committed: 11,989
Water Tenders: 360

California (CFN) — Firefighters continued making progress against raging fires in northern California Wednesday as Cal Fire and the United States Forest service had achieved 100% containment on approximately 35% of the large fires burning in the State.

More than 149,000 acres (60,300 hectares) has been burned so far, destroying nearly 40 structures and forcing the evacuation of more than 900 people.

A total of 7,000 firefighters, 536 engines and more than 50 aircraft had been deployed to pummel the flames, most of which were triggered last week when dry lightning from thunderstorms struck drought striken tinder-dry forest land.

Weather: Nor Cal - Dry Lightning will become a big concern by Thursday
Very active weather the next few days. The short term weather issue for the region will be the smoke shield across the area. The smoke should limit daytime heating, keeping temperatures 4-8 deg cooler than they otherwise would be, along with humidity levels 3-6% higher. The next change in the weather is expected Thursday, as an upper low begins to approach the Central CA coast. This system will shift the upper level winds to the S to SE, and make the atmosphere more unstable. An isolated Thunderstorm or two is possible on Thursday, mainly south of Lake Tahoe and along the Sierra Crest. Friday looks to be a more widespread thunderstorm day, as upper level moisture gets better organized. At the same time, low level moisture will be fairly dry, so Dry Lightning will become a big concern. With SE steering flow, a lot of the storms that initially form across the Sierra may move into the Sierra foothills and eventually into the Coastal Range. At this time, it appears that few, if any storms would reach the Bay Area, with the southern thunderstorm cut-off along the Coastal Mtns being around the Napa/Sonoma Valleys. Thunderstorms will continue for the weekend, generally trending wetter, but maybe not really wet until late Saturday or Sunday. Additional concerns, Thursday night-Early Friday for the West Slope of the Sierra for locally breezy nighttime NE winds of 10-20 mph. Also, by Saturday into Sunday there should be a fair amount of smoke ventilation, resulting in more daytime heating, lower RH and gustier surface winds. -Basil-

Weather: So Cal - ISOLATED TO SCATTERED MAINLY DRY AFTERNOON THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE SIERRA THROUGH SUNDAY -
A weak ridge of high pressure over the southwestern states will bring near normal temperatures to the region through Thursday. This ridge will strengthen bringing warmer temperatures to the region Friday through this weekend. Morning low clouds and fog will push into the coastal valleys through Thursday and then only make it over the coastal areas Friday through this weekend. Humidity will remain very low above the marine layer. Southeast flow aloft will bring isolated to scattered mainly dry afternoon thunderstorms to the Sierra through Sunday. The ridge of high pressure over the southwestern states will weaken bringing cooler temperatures and a little higher humidity to the region early next week. Morning low clouds and fog will push back into the coastal valleys early next week. END/Shameson

<-------------------------------------------------------------->

Safety Statement: Predictive Services, North Ops
Subject: Smoke, Inversions, and potential changes in coming days
Issued: 1900 PDT, Wednesday June 25, 2008

Current conditions: Smoke from the growth of our many lightning fires has now become widespread across much of northern CA. Since Sunday the 22nd the atmosphere has been generally stable which, along with shading caused by the smoke itself, has tended to limit smoke rise. In the most-affected areas inversions have lasted into the afternoon hours, and even where they break or lift, the vertical lapse rates have not become as steep as they could under totally sunny conditions. Due to these factors, some (or most?) of our fires have probably not yet seen the maximum fire behavior/ spread rate/ spotting potential that they could see.

What could change soon: We expect to see a trend toward less airmass stability over the next few days. It may well begin Thursday p.m. over the Sierra Nevada fires, from about the Plumas NF southeastward, and continue into Saturday. But for most other portions of northern CA the trend will start Friday and continue through the weekend. This will be due to a low pressure area west of CA slowly deepening and gradually expanding its area of influence toward the state. While the overall shift toward less stability might be gradual, the effects seen locally on a given fire complex could occur within one day’s burning period. In fact, the switch from barely stable to moderately unstable can occur in as little as 1-2 hours. A change like that could cause a fire to vent much better and become considerably more active (compared to previous days) in short order. [It’s not all negative – a couple of upsides associated with these type changes would be better air quality, and increased opportunity for Air Ops].

What you should do: For reasons varying from firefighter safety to aiding tactical success, we strongly recommend that you keep these things in mind:

  • Over the next few days, the atmosphere will trend toward being less stable than it has been the past few days.
  • Smoke will begin to lift better, and probably earlier in the day, in many areas on Friday.
  • On a given fire, the stability lid ‘could come off’ in rather short order, leading to rapid fire behavior increases, while also allowing for increased winds at the surface.

And take these steps:

  • If a vantage point exists, have someone monitor for changes in observed smoke behavior (such as the ending of smoke pooling /layering in your area, or increasing rates of smoke rise, with smoke thinning quickly).
  • Be aware of the possible indicators of increasing instability, which can include:

- winds begin to blow after a previous calm, or existing winds become more gusty
- indrafts to your fire begin to strengthen
- clouds (if any are present) become more vertically oriented
- faster-growing columns and/ or they are reaching greater heights
- increased up and downdrafts
- in some cases visibility starts to improve quickly.

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Northern California Wildfire Overview

Current Situation: State and Federal firefighters continue to battle hundreds of wildfires throughout Northern California. Priority of firefighting effort is for the protection of life, property and natural resources. Fire activity remains high due to weather and fuel conditions.
Download the latest fact sheet.

Total Fires: 1,032
Acres: 132,235
Contained Fires: 232
Personnel Committed: 11,989

Resources Committed:
Fire Engines: 941
Hand Crews: 271
Dozers: 291
Water Tenders: 360
Helicopters: 42
Air Tankers: 6

(These numbers are totals from state, local and federal firefighting agencies. Updated 6/25 at 11:45 p.m.)

Items of Interest:
Highway closures: State highways and local roads are closed throughout northern California due to wildfire activities. Closures are in place for state highway 32, 36, 70, 89, 96. Delays are in place for state highway 299. Numerous county and local roads are closed as well. Travelers are advised to check with law enforcement agencies prior to traveling.

Evacuations: Areas of Butte County and Shasta County are under evacuation orders at this time. Precautionary evacuation orders are in place for areas in Lassen, Modoc, Mendocino, Trinity and Shasta counties. Residents are advised to monitor the fire situation in their areas, check with local law enforcement agencies for information, and be prepared to evacuate when necessary.

Structures Destroyed: 17 residences, 1 commercial, 19 outbuildings.

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Current Situation Summary: State and Federal firefighters continue to battle hundreds of wildfires throughout northern California. Priority of firefighting effort is for the protection of life, property and natural resources. Fire activity remains high due to weather and fuel conditions. Please see summary of fire resources, closures, and evacuations below.

Fires: 1,032
Acres: 132,235
Contained Fires: 232
Personnel Committed: 11,989
Resources Committed: •Engines: 941, •Crews: 271, •Dozers: 291, •Water Tenders: 360, •Helicopters: 42, •Air Tankers: 6,
Incident Management Teams: 17
Management/Overhead Personnel: 2,447
Items of Interest:
Highway closures: State highways and local roads are closed throughout northern California due to wildfire activities. Closures are in place for state highway 32, 36, 70, 89, 96. Delays are in place for state highway 299. Numerous county and local roads are closed as well. Travelers are advised to check with law enforcement agencies prior to traveling.
Evacuations: Areas of Butte County and Shasta County are under evacuation orders at this time. Precautionary evacuation orders are in place for areas in Lassen, Modoc, Mendocino, Trinity and Shasta counties. Residents are advised to monitor the fire situation in their areas, check with local law enforcement agencies for information, and be prepared to evacuate when necessary.
Structures Destroyed: 17 residences, 1 commercial, 19 outbuildings.
Northern California Joint Information Center - 530-226-2749
This Joint Information Center (JIC) is providing support to all the fire information centers and the CAL Fire state and Forest Service regional offices.

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Summary of Fires by Unit

Butte Unit: The Butte Lightning Complex consists of 31 fires burning 7,000 acres. The fires are evaluated each day to determine potential risk. Click Butte Lightning Complex for more specific information regarding the fires, closures and evacuations within this incident. The Butte Fire Information Number is (530) 538-7826.

Siskiyou Unit: All fires have been contained. The Klamath National Forest has the Siskiyou Complex which is near Happy Camp that is 2,000 acres with 5% containment. The Siskiyou Fire Information Number is (530) 493-1518.

Mendocino Unit: The Mendocino Lightning Complex has reported approximately 106 fires that have burned approximately 21,294 acres. 34 of these fires are contained. Incident Command Team #4 has been assigned to this complex. Click Mendocino Lightning Complex for more specific information regarding the fires, closures and evacuations within this incident. Evacuation Warning Issues. The Mendocino Fire Information Number is 707-467-6426.

Humboldt-Del Norte Unit: The complex has 56 fires that have burned for more than 973 acres. There are currently 13 active fires in this complex. The Paradise Fire is north of Shelter Cove and is 600 acres and 25% contained, The Redcrest Fire is 35 acres and 100% contained, the High Fire is in Humboldt Redwood State Park is 45 acres and 100% contained, the Carson Fire is 66 acres and 100% contained, the Hansen Fire is 6 acres and 100% contained, the Williams Fire is 40 acres and 100% contained, the Larabee Fire is 45 acres and 100% contained, the Lone Fire is 80 acres and 100% contained, the Williams Fire is 40 acres and 100% contained, and all the remaining fires of 5 acres or less have been contained. The Humboldt-Del Norte Fire Information Number is (707) 726-1225.

Shasta-Trinity Unit: Over 157 fires for a total of 12,000 acres. 68 of the fires have been contained. The Shingletown fire is 470 acres and 100% contained, the Venture fire is 1,200 acres, the Donkey fire is 3,000 acres and 60% contained, the Democrat fire is 500 acres and 20% contained, the Kirkwick fire is 2,400 acres and 80% contained, the Stien fire is 500 acres and 20% contained, the Withrow fire is 500 acres and 40% contained, the Moon fire is 2,000 acres and the Barkley fire is 1,000 acres. Incident Command Team #10 has been assigned to this complex. Shasta-Trinity Unit Information (530) 225-2510.

Lassen-Modoc Unit (including Plumas County): The Lassen-Modoc Lightning Complex consists of 49 fires burning more than 5,050 acres. Click Popcorn Fire for more information on this incident.

Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit: The Sonoma-Lake-Napa Lightning Complex consists of 6 fires. Two fires are still burning for a total of more than 12,686 acres. Click on Wild Fire Incident or Walker Fire Incident for more information on these incidents.

Tehama-Glenn Unit: The Tehama-Glenn Lightning Complex consists of 41 fires. 39 of the fires have been contained, while two remain active. The Antelope Fire is 4,200 acres and 20% contained and the Mill Creek Fire is 7,000 acres with no containment. Click Tehama-Glenn Lightning Series for more specific information on these incidents. The Tehama-Glenn Unit Information Number is (530) 528-5193.

Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit: 9 fires for a total of 153 acres. All fires have been contained. Currently the counties of Tuolumne and Calaveras are experiencing heavy smoke in low lying areas due to fires caused by heavy lightning activity yesterday. The Tuolumne-Calaveras Information Number is (209) 754-5527.

Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit: 15 fires have been reported for more than 6,000 acres. The Oliver Fire is located in the Ponderosa Basin and is 2,000 acres and 20% contained. Click Oliver Fire for more specific information regarding the fires, closures and evacuations within this incident. The Madera-Mariposa-Merced Fire Information Number is (209) 966-4784.

Santa Clara Unit: Click Whitehurst/Hummingbird Incident for more information on these fires.

San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit: All fires have been contained.

Amador-El Dorado Unit: All fires have been contained.

Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit: All fires have been contained.

Major Federal Incidents:

Basin Complex (Gallery and Basin Fires)

County: Monterey County
Location: 5 miles south of Big Sur
Administrative Unit: Los Padres National Forest
Status/Notes: Basin - 0% contained / Gallery - 5% contained - 12,000 acres
Phone Numbers:(805) 961-5770 (Basin Complex Information Number)

Lime Complex

County: Trinity County
Location: 5 miles south of Hyampom
Administrative Unit: Shasta National Forest
Status/Notes: 10% contained - 7,000 acres
Phone Numbers: (530) 225-2510 (Lime Complex Fire Information Number)

Indians Fire

County: Monterey County
Location: 10 miles west of King City in Ventana Wilderness
Administrative Unit: Los Padres National Forest
Status/Notes: 71% contained - 58,872 acres

A voluntary evacuation is in place for upper Pine Canyon and Arroyo Seco. An evacuation advisory is in place for lower Pine Canyon and Thompson Canyon. Reliz Canyon Road and upper Pine Canyon Road remain open to residents only. Although no evacuations orders have been issued at this time, decision points have been established. An evacuation center has been established at the King City High School.

Phone Numbers: (805) 961-5770 (Indians Fire Information)

For information on fires burning on the Sierra National Forest please call 559-877-2218.

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Quick Look Large Northern Cal Fires:

Corral CA-LMU 250ac 5% containment

Popcorn CA-LMU 3100ac 25% containment

Hells Half Complex CA-SRF 1,142 ac 6% containment

Orleans/Ukonom CA-SRF 500ac 3% containment

MNF Complex CA-MNF 2998ac 20%containment

Peterson CA-LNF 2000ac 0% containment

Yuba River Complex CA-TNF1750 ac 5 % contaiment

American River Complex CA-TNF1300ac ac 5 % containment

Walker CA-LNU 14,000 ac 5% containment

BLUE CA-SRF 175 ac 5% containment

Whisytown Complex CA-WNP 750ac 0% containment

TGU Complex CA-TGU 4629ac 15% containment

IRON Complex CA-SHF 3,200 ac 5% containment

LIME Complex CA-SHF 7500ac 10% containment

SHF Complex CA-SHF 22 ac 60% contaiment

Canyon Complex CA-PNF 4,810 ac 0% containment

LNF complex CA-LNF 500ac 0% containment

LMU complex CA-LMU 50 ac 80% containment

SHU Complex CA-SHU 12,000 ac 5 % containment

Whitehurst CA-SCU 200 ac 95% containment

Mendocino Lightining Complex CA-MEU 19,200 ac 5% containment

Humbolt Complex CA- HUU 950 ac. 40 % containment

BTU Complex CA-BTU 5,000 ac 5 % containment

Mad Complex CA SRF 1000ac. 10 % containment

Yuba River Complex CA TNF 2095 ac. 10% containment

Cub Complex Ca LNF 2000 ac. 0% containment

Siskiyou Complex Ca KNF 2000ac 5% containment

Quick Look large Southern California Fires:

The "Oliver Complex" has been broken down to the “Oliver Fire” (CA-MMU-8107) and the “Silver Complex” (CA-SNF-0715). Both of these incidents together were originally called the “ABC Misc June Lightning” incident (CA-SNF-0715) on 6/22

Silver Complex (CA-SNF-0715) 818 Acres, 50% contained. Within the Silver Complex are the Star, Silverknob, Chiquito, and Westfall fires. The Westfall is contained while the others continue to burn at moderate rates of spread. The Star Fire is heading towards the Yosemite National Park and town of Wawona with potential to burn into heavy timber that has no burn history on record. These fires only have ground resources assigned with all area resources depleted. The Star fire is 180 Acres at 0% in a steep, rugged, inaccessible area complicating suppression efforts adjacent to a large unburned drainage. Silveknob is 480 Acres at 60%, Chiquito is 52 Acres at 60%.
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Smokejumper counts: As of 6/25 - 119 Jumpers Committed

20 Sierra
30 Shasta Trinity
42 Mendocino
10 Klamath
10 Plumas
7 Six Rivers

Boosters From
30 Redmond
30 Missoula
23 McCall
12 Grangeville
9 North Cascades-Winthrop

Total of 104 Boosters
RDD jumpers 38

YTD
31 Fires
182 Jumps

Since 6/20
30 Fires
177 Jumps

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.Team Commitments as of 6/24 1300

  • SHF - Lime Complex- T-2 Kaage/ T-1 Opiliger
  • SHF - Iron Complex - T-2 Swarztlander
  • SHF - Area Command Zimmerman
  • SHF – FUMT Ourada/Soper
  • LNF - Cub Complex – T-2 Batten
  • LNF – Peterson – T-1 Ruggiero
  • KNF- Siskiyou Complex- T-2 Paul
  • PNF- Canyon Complex - T-1 Pincha -Tulley
  • SRF – Ukonom/Orleans– T-2 Lund
  • SRF - Hells Hat Complex – T-2 Secrest
  • TNF - Yuba River Complex – T-2 Joseph
  • TNF – American River Complex – T-I Summerfelt
  • SHU - SHASTA COMPLEX – T-1 KERCHEN
  • BTU - Butte Complex – T – 1 Lewin
  • MEU - Mendincino Complex – T-1 Waterman
  • LNU - Wild Fire – T-1 Morris
  • ONC- NIMO - Gage
  • ONC – Order 1 T1 team staging Sac.

Evacuations: Eagel Fire - Junction City Area

The Eagle fire off of the Shasta National Forest is moving towards Junction City. Fire is less than a 1/4 mile away and mandatory evacuations are taking place.

North Op's: INCIDENT SITUATION

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER

INCIDENT SITUATION

06/26/08 @ 0600 hrs

Team Commitments

  • BTU - Butte Complex – T - 1 Lewin
  • SHU - Shasta Complex – T-1 Kerschen
  • MEU -Mendincino Complex – T-1 Waterman
  • TNF - American River Complex – T-I Summerfelt
  • TNF - Yuba River Complex – T-2 Joseph
  • SHF - Area Command Zimmerman
  • SHF - Lime Complex- T-2 Kaage/ T-1 Opliger
  • SHF - Iron Complex - T-2 Swarztlander
  • SHF – FUMT Ourada/Soper
  • LNU - Wild Fire – T-1 Morris
  • LNF - Cub Complex – T-2 Batten
  • LNF – Peterson – T-1 Ruggiero
  • LNF- Mill Complex – T-1 Larsen
  • PNF- Canyon Complex - T-1 PinchaTulley
  • MNF- Soda Complex – T-2 Heintz
  • KNF- Siskiyou Complex- T-2 Paul
  • SRF – Ukonom/Orleans– T-2 Lund
  • SRF - Hells Hat Complex – T-2 Secrest
  • ONC- NIMO - Gage
  • ONC – Order 1 T1 team staging Sac.


North Operations Preparedness – Level (
5)

South Operations Preparedness – Level ( 5 )

National Preparedness – Level (4 )

Weather Discussion:

Smoke will be another issue this morning, limiting the daytime heating and surface winds during the afternoon hours. However, later this evening and tonight winds will pick up across the far Northern Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills. These winds will be from the N to NE at 10-20 mph across many exposed areas, along with poor nighttime humidity recovery. Some areas in the Feather Drainages could see gusts over 35 mph late tonight thru Friday morning. Afterwards, by Friday afternoon all eyes will be on the next thunderstorm outbreak, moving in from the Sierra and shifting NW into much of Northern California through the weekend. Many of these storms could be dry.

FIRE INFORMATION SUMMARY (REPORT GENERATED FROM ICS-209).

Todays AM report: Unit, Fire Name, IC/IMT, Acres, Critical Needs, Major Concerns

Unit/Fire name: BTU-Lightning - 7,000 acres
IC/IMT: Lewin
Critical Needs: Type 3 Engines, Type 1 Fire Crews, Dozer Bosses, Aircraft
Problems / concerns: Fires are immediately threatening communities. The air was stable last night, so fire activity was minimized. The inversion layer still dominates the incident area. If the inversion layer lifts, fire intensity will greatly increase, causing additional evacuations and significant fire spread. Some of the fires are in remote areas making containment difficult and will require large numbers of hand crews.

Unit/Fire name: SHU- Lightning - 20,000 acres
IC/IMT: Kerschen
Critical Needs:47) Type I Handcrew ST, (26) Type III Engine ST, (36) DIVS, (17) Type II Dozers, (2) Type II Dozer ST, (5) Type I helicopters, SOFR, FOBS, DOZB, (9) Type III engines.
Problems / concerns: Continued heavy resource commitment continues across the SHU unit. Evacuation orders have been lifted for Shingletown and Burney. Increased fire activity in new locations is causing control challenges in addition to structure threats. Critical region drawdown is resulting in numerous outstanding resource orders. IR flight is critical to success of the incident. New fires have begun in Branches V and VI, west of Redding, which are not staffed , inaccessible and have large growth potential. Approaching weather system for the weekend will challenge control lines and potentially increase size of newer fires.

Unit/Fire name: WNP - Whiskeytown complex - 3,000 acres
IC/IMT: Chapman
Critical Needs: (1) 2-strike team type 1 handcrews, (2) 1- type 1 helicopter (3) 2-type 1 handcrews (4)2 DIVS
Problems / concerns: Commercial) on Shasta Bally are fairly severe from fire damage, the powerline is not In order to protect the powerlines the use of heavy lift helicopters would be needed to contain the spread of fire to the powerline structures. These towers are used by television, radio, and numerous public and private agencies and companies for two-way radio communications in the greater Redding area. Protection of power lines to the communication site is critical for them to maintain operations. WAPA high voltage transmission lines will be threatened if fire 5-3 (Boulder) continues backing downhill and merge into the 5-2 (Bally fire). The extreme terrain and need to contain the fires with indirect lines requires the use of experienced type 1 or type 2IA rated crews.

Unit/Fire name: MEU- Mendocino Lightning Complex 21,294 acres
IC/IMT: Waterman
Critical Needs: AIRCRAFT: 3 Type I and 3 Type II helicopters, Air tankers any type or amount, and 2 Air Attack. Strike Teams Type I Crews and Engines any type or amount. OVERHEAD: 6 OPS2(Branch Director),10 DIVS, 10 FOBS, 2 RCDM
Problems / concerns: Multiple fires with minimal staffing with evacuations in place or imminent: Red Mountain: 1500 acres, 0% contained,200-300 structures threatened, Lat/Lon 39 51’52” -123 39’53” Jack Smith: 700 acres, 0% contained, 20 structures threatened, Lat/Lon 39 16’ 20” -123 19’ 24” Orr Series: 600 acres, 0% contained, 50 structures 1 resort threatened, Lat/Lon 39 41’1” -123 23’52” Navarro: 3,000 acres, 0% contained, Lat/Lon 39 12’ 43” -123 37’ 60” All fires need fixed wing and rotary aircraft, fire crews and engines. Heavy resource drawdown is leaving 2/3 of the fires unstaffed. Inaccessible, steep terrain. No Unit coverage, all stations are unstaffed. Private timber companies are contracting to implement additional suppression activities.

Unit/Fire name: TNF- American River Complex - 1,750 acres
IC/IMT: Summerfelt
Critical Needs: 5 Type 1 Crews; 2. 3 Type 2 IA Crews; 3. 1 RADO; 4. 2 Type 1 Helicopters, 2 Type 2 Helicopters; and 1 Type 3 Helicopter
Problems / concerns: Lack of resources continue compromising control objectives. Air quality health issues are currently affecting the I-80 corridor from Reno to Auburn. Communities affected by smoke include Auburn, Navada City, Grass Valley, Foresthill, Colfax, Truckee, Reno, as well as numerous other smaller communities. Smoke inversions continue to make it difficult to determine fire size. Potential for rapid fire growth exists when inversion lifts. Threats to significant values along the I-80 corridor exist with fire spread to the north and west on the Government Springs Fire. No resources currently available for implementation of suppression actions.

Unit/Fire name: TNF- Yuba River Complex - 2,680 acres
IC/IMT: Joseph
Critical Needs: 2-T1 Helicopters, 3-T2 Helicopters, 3 T3 Helicopters, 5 Type 1 Hotshot Crews, 15 Type III Engines, 2- Division Supervisors.
Problems / concerns: Lack of crew resources are limiting the effectiveness of suppression tactics, lack of critical air support to provide fire intelligence, situational awareness, water support and fire fighter safety. Hwy 20, Hwy 49 and numerous communities are potentially threatened. Lack of resources is compromising control objectives. Fires continue to pose a public health hazard to local communities within the fire areas due to smoke. Areas of dense smoke could pose a potential road hazard. The closure of high use camping/recreational areas that will continue through the 4th of July weekend will affect the local tourist based economy. SPI lands in the area of the Celina are now threatened.

Unit/Fire name: SHF- Lime Complex - 11,200 acres
IC/IMT: Oppliger/Kaage
Critical Needs: 5 Type 1 IHC, 5 Type 2 IA crews, 3 ST Type 3 eng, 5 DIVS, 5 DOZB, 2 sets fallers, 3 FELB, 4 OPBD, 2 SEC 1, 2 SEC 2.
Problems / concerns: The Lime Complex was comprised of approximately 70 fires ranging in size from spots to several over 2,000 acres in size. Of the original 70 fires 17 are contained, a number of fires have merged in the area south of Hyampom. The Noble Fire is approximately 2 miles south of Harrison Gulch, 2 miles S/W of Platina. The Noble Fire has become established in the Beegum Gorge and is approaching alignment with the community of Platina. Numerous fires are in remote areas with steep terrain and limited access. Priority fires have been identified and include four that pose a significant threat to life and property: Fisher, Handy Gap, Telephone, Noble, Deadshot, Slide, and Miners. Projections in the 24 to 72 hour time range show the communities of Widwood, Hyampom and Platina to be directly impacted by the Slide and Noble fires respectively. A critical priority in maintaining the integrity of Highways 36 and 3. Highway 36 has the potential to be closed due to activity of the Telephone fires.

Unit/Fire name: SHF- Iron Complex - 4,500 acres
IC/IMT: Swartzlander
Critical Needs: 10-Type I crews, 4-Type II IA crews, 1-Type 2 helicopters, 1-FBAN, 1-Aerial Sphere despenser operator, 1-SEC 1 or 2, 1-SECM, 12-single resource engines-any kind and type, 2-RADO.
Problems / concerns: Unstaffed fires continue to grow. Accessibility is a problem due to difficult terrain along with many forest roads being closed by blow down. Approximately 11 of 36 fires are in the Trinity Alps Wilderness area. Many of the fires will require type 1 crews and air support. Several groups of fires are burning together and consolidating specifically on the Ironside Mtn., and the Green Mtn. Inversions and smoke in the canyons are limiting the use of air resources. Suppression action is occurring on the Eagle Fire, the Cedar Fire, Canadian Fire, and the Dedrick Fire. Point protection is occurring on the Ironside and Ziegler fires. The Half fire from the Six Rivers has come onto the Shasta T and Six River resource are taking suppression actions. One new fire was Initial attacked, 3 miles west of Junction City on Hwy. 299, the Cutthroat fire was contained at about 50 acres. Within the next 12 to 72 hours a total of 6 residential area will be threatened.

Unit/Fire name: LNU- Walker - 14,000 acres
IC/IMT: Morris
Critical Needs: Crews, Type 3 engines
Problems / concerns: Rapid ROS, long range spotting, resource drawdown

Unit/Fire name: LNF- Peterson - 1,200 acres
IC/IMT: Ruggiero
Critical Needs: None listed
Problems / concerns: Threat to Little Valley and resource threats

Unit/Fire name: LNF- Antelope - 600 acres
IC/IMT:
Critical Needs: None listed
Problems / concerns: None listed

Unit/Fire name: LNF- Mill - 1500 acres
IC/IMT:
Critical Needs: None listed
Problems / concerns: Fire is burning in the Ishi Wilderness, structures and land holdings threatened. Fire is reported to be approximately 7000 acres but only 1500 on the forest.

Unit/Fire name: LNF- June Lightning Complex- 150 acres
IC/IMT: T3
Critical Needs: None
Problems / concerns: In inaccessible area, lack of resources causing fires to increase in size. Social/political concerns are smoke in communities.

Unit/Fire name: LNF- CUB Complex - 2,000 acres -
IC/IMT: Batten
Critical Needs: 2 Type 2 Helicopters, 6 Type I crews, 2 FOBS, 2 STLC, 2 ENGB, 1 COML, 6 Type 6 Engines, 3 FELB, 4 DIVS, 2 OSC2, and FBAN.
Problems / concerns:
The Onion Fire has high potental to close Cal Highway 32 in the next 1 to 3 days, which is the primary link between Chico and Chester. The Cub fire has a high potential to grow into a long duration (multiple team rotations) incident. High probability of significant public health issues to the communities in the Lake Almanor area. Economic impacts on local communities will be high. The window of opportunity to take direct suppression on this fire is closing. Type I crews are critical due to the terrain and coyote tactics needed to take direct action. Aviation resources will be critical to support the operation.

Unit/Fire name: LMU- June Lightning Complex - 50 acres
IC/IMT:
Critical Needs: None listed
Problems / concerns: None listed

Unit/Fire name: LMU- Popcorn - 3,000 acres
IC/IMT: Burke
Critical Needs: None listed
Problems / concerns: None listed

Unit/Fire name: LMU - Corral - 1,740 acres
IC/IMT: Berry
Critical Needs: Overhead, engines, crews, dozers, in addition, helicopters and aircraft
Problems / concerns:The fire is now burning in small to medium sized commercial timber. Heavy spotting over the line in dry fuels is occurring under gusty winds of 16 mph during the afternoon.

Unit/Fire name: HUU - Humbolt Complex - 1,050 acres
IC/IMT:
Critical Needs:
None
Problems / concerns: Spotting potential. Holding the line. Firing operations suspended due to wind.

Unit/Fire name: PNF - Canyon Complex - 5,291 acres
IC/IMT: Pincha-Tulley
Critical Needs: 10-DIVS; 1-ATGS; 1-OSC1; 3-OSBD; 12-T1 Crews; 5-T3 ST Eng.; and 2-STAM.
Problems / concerns: Heavy fuel loading with very steep and inaccessible terrain. Extreme dry fuel moisture at levels normally not found until late August. Multiple mines posing a hazard to firefighters. National/Congressional interest in fuels management pilot project (Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery Act) for intensive forest management. Economic effects to communities dependent on timber industry and tourism. Planned music festival in Quincy next weekend. Lack of sufficient suppression resources. Limited communications due to terrain and large incident area. Possible threat to Hwy 70 in the Cold Fire area.

Unit/Fire name: MNF - Soda Complex -
IC/IMT: Heintz
Critical Needs: 16 T2 Crews,3T2 Helo,s,6 dozers7WT,11 Overhead
Problems / concerns: Big Incident has structures within fire area

Unit/Fire name: TGU - Lightning - 11,881 acres
IC/IMT: Sisneros
Critical Needs: 6 STRIKE TEAMS OF TYPE 1 HANDCREWS, 2 STRIKE TEAMS OF TYPE 2 HANDCREWS, 2 STRIKE TEAMS OF TYPE 3 ENGINES.
Problems / concerns: PRIORITY'S 1. 1-8 LAT 40 14.13 LNG 121 54.7 ANTELOPE CRK FIRE 4,200 ACRES 20% CONTAINED 2. 1-1 LAT 40 08.74 LNG 121 51.74 MILL CRK FIRE 7500 ACRES 0% CONTAINED. 3. 3-9 LAT 40 14.65 LNG 122 40.23 VESTAL FIRE 181 ACRES 95% CONTAINED 4. ASSIST SHF WITH THE NOBLE INC TO KEEP FIRE FROM ENTERING TGU DPA PRESENT FIRES ARE LOCATED IN THE AREAS OF THE FINLEY AND CAMPBELL FIRES, THEREFORE THEY HAVE LARGE GROWTH POTENTIAL. ACCESS PROBLEMS INTO THE MILL INC, LONG SLOW TRAVEL FOR GROUND RESOURCES.

Unit/Fire name: KNF- Siskyiou complex - 4,000 acres
IC/IMT: Paul
Critical Needs: Airtankers,Helo1(2),Helo2(2),Helo3(2), HC1,(10),HC2,(8),Helm (5), Hecm (10)
Problems / concerns: Steep, inaccessible terrain fires are well established and due to access, fuels, topography will have significant growth over an extended timeframe before containment/control can be achieved. Air support and type 1 crews are essential to any success. Continued burnouts will be initiated over the next week,Helicopters could provide critical support.

Unit/Fire name: SRF - Mad Complex - 1400 acres
IC/IMT: Hays
Critical Needs:Safety Officers-Helicopters-Type 1 crews-Logistics-Misc. Operational overhead
Problems / concerns: Limited resources. Swim, Bonanza and Nielson are over 100 acres and the Travis is over 600 acres. Unable to staff all fires.

Unit/Fire name: SRF - Hell’s Half - 1,142 acres
IC/IMT: Johnson
Critical Needs:Helicopter 2, Overhead ICT3, SOFR, DIVS, TFLD, DOZB,STRC,TYPE 1 CREWS, LOGISTICS, BCMG, ORDM,SPUL,FOBS,RESL/SITL
Problems / concerns: Fire activity for 6/24 included major acreage increases. Increased perimeter sizes resulted in less area effectively staffed due to overhead and crew shortages. Smoke contribution in the North Coast Air Basin was and will continue to be substantial. Plantation loss on 6/24 was significant, with more expected. Habitat loss for key fisheries and faunal species is expected. Concerns over the lack of available suppression overhead, and aircraft limit options for any aggressive suppression strategies. Associated support functions not filled have resulted in limiting the amount of support the district resources can handle. Continued inability to fill orders results in the fire's potential to enter into residential areas, expected later this week.

Unit/Fire name: SRF - Ukonom - 1,250 acres
IC/IMT: Annand
Critical Needs: Communications Repeaters (2 each); Type 2 Helicopters (2 each); Type 1 Crews (5 each); Type 2 Crews (5 each)
Problems / concerns: Lack of repeaters hinders significant actions due to safety concerns. Steep terrain with roll outs causing ignitions outside containment lines. Access issues related to steep terrain and heavy fuels, with few natural barriers. Unable to take significant actions without aerial support. Helicopter support is a high priority for safety. Jake fire has merged with the Portuguese fire and continues to threaten structures within the Salmon River drainage. Mountain, Merrill, and Jake fires are threatening important Cultural resources and impacting fisheries. Wooley Creek historical cabins (used by President Hoover) are in danger in addition to private property in the area. Timber resources and watersheds are of concern.

Unit/Fire name: SRF - Blue - 225 acres
IC/IMT: Rakish
Critical Needs: None listed
Problems / concerns: Fire is inaccessible, in very steep and rugged terrain. Type 1 crews and T2 copters are needed to check fire spread in the drainage in order to keep fire within the headwaters area.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

El Dorado County: Suspicious Death wildland fire near Kelsey

For Immediate Release - El Dorado County Sheriff Office Suspicious Death / Fire
Suspicious Death located in wildland fire near Kelsey

Summary: June 25, 2008, approximately 0530 hours, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Cal Fire regarding suspicious circumstances they had located while
fighting a wildland fire on highway 193 near the town of Kelsey. Cal Fire reported they
had located a single vehicle at the based of the ravine. The vehicle had been
completely burnt and it appeared that human remains were in the passenger compartment.

Sheriff Deputies and California Highway Patrol responded to the area. During the initial investigation it appeared that the vehicle had left the roadway, crashed down the ravine and started the wildland fire.
As the investigation progressed CHP noted suspicious blood markings on the roadway. Further investigation by Sheriff Detectives located additional evidence, which lead the Sheriff’s Office to believe that foul play had a part in the death of the occupant.

Sheriff Coroners recovered the remains from the vehicle, however due to the fire
damage the occupant sustained, identification will be delayed. A forensic autopsy will
be conducted to determine the cause of death. The investigation is on going.

Anybody with information should call the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office:
(530) 621-
5655.

Attached pictures are of the involved vehicle and wildland fire area.
Source: 06-20-08 Mosquito Bridge .pdf - Link
Author: Sgt. Bryan Golmitz

Fires Burning in California - Image of the day

Satellite map of California wildland fires June 25th 2008
Fires in California-Satellite map of California wildland fires Image used for Spacing Purposes

This natural-color image from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on Monday, June 23

Red outlines shows the places where the sensor detected actively burning fires.

The Northern region of California has experienced record low levels of rainfall this spring, leaving dry vegetation throughout the State ready to burn when approximately 6,500 lightning strikes hit the Northern area of the State in less than a 24 hour period which ignited more than 800 Wildland fires. A rare example of 'dry lightning' that brought little or no rain but plenty of fire to the state's parched forest and grasslands.'

The dry vegetation, rough terrain, windy weather, limited access, and firefighting resources slow to arrive has made firefighting efforts very difficult and dangerous.

Credit: Jeff Schmaltz
MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC

Birth of a Firestorm - Pictures show Clouds to Fire

With pictures of the cloud that started it all in Butte County to the fire plumes on the forest,
great little series of photos at the bunker hill mine website. - link
The pictures on the site shows the contrast in weather as it came in over about a 30 minute period just before the California lightning series started in the County.

This is looking East into Plumas county. At least 5 plumes starting.
Credit:
bunkerhillmine.com/Looking_east.JPG


This is looking North towards Concow. The West branch fire is on the
left side, concow fire in the middle, and the Rim fire on the right.
Credit: bunkerhillmine.com/North.JPG

This is the Rim fire Sunday morning. Highway 70 can be seen just
below it.
Credit:
bunkerhillmine.com/rim_sunday.jpg

See all the great pictures of the start of the Butte county lightning caused wildfires at: bunkerhillmine.com

and check out their webcam - looking south over North Fork Feather River.

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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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