Noon Report: California Wildfires Today - 8-21-12 (Map)

California wildfires locations, perimeter's and hot-spot map

California Fire Weather: Red Flag Warnings

NWS Current Fire Weather Watches / Warnings 



 URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE - LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA 945 AM PDT WED AUG 22 2012
WHERE: RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM TODAY FOR DRY LIGHTNING AND GUSTY OUTFLOW WINDS FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS OF LOS ANGLES COUNTY. 
DISCUSSION: LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM THAT THREATENED MUCH OF THE AREA WITH DRY LIGHTING WAS SITUATED FARTHER TO THE NORTHEAST THAN FORECASTED AND THE CONTINUED THREAT OF DRY LIGHTNING WAS SHIFTED TO THE NORTHEAST AS WELL. THEREFORE ONLY NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY REMAINS UNDER A CONTINUED THREAT. SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES AS WELL AS THE VALLEYS AND SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARE NO LONGER UNDER THE THREAT OF DRY LIGHTNING AND GUSTY WINDS.
 THE OUTLOOK BEYOND THIS AFTERNOON CALLS FOR AN END TO ANY THUNDERSTORM THREAT ALONG WITH SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES THROUGH THE WEEKEND.
LIGHTNING: ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS EXPECTED THROUGH LATE THIS AFTERNOON. THE STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE LITTLE RAINFALL RESULTING IN DRY LIGHTNING STRIKES. 
WINDS: GUSTY AND ERRATIC WINDS TO 40 MPH ARE LIKELY IN AND AROUND THUNDERSTORMS. 
OUTLOOK: THE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO PUSH EAST OF THE AREA TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY ENDING THE THUNDERSTORM THREAT. 
IMPACTS: THREAT OF DRY LIGHTNING AND GUSTY OUTFLOW WINDS COMBINED WITH HOT TEMPERATURES AND VERY DRY FUELS WILL INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR FIRE IGNITIONS. GUSTY WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS COULD MAKE INITIAL ATTACK DIFFICULT. ANY IGNITIONS THAT DO OCCUR COULD HAVE RAPID SPREAD THAT WOULD LEAD  TO A THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. 

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL. 

 PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING. 


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URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE - KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HANFORD CA 940 AM PDT WED AUG 22 2012

WHERE: RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR DRY LIGHTNING THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS.

WHY: A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO MOVE OVER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS MORNING AND WILL PROVIDE FOR A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE AREA THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

 THERE IS LIMITED MOISTURE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM AND ANY STORMS THAT DO DEVELOP WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR DRY LIGHTNING. GUSTY AND ERRATIC OUTFLOW WINDS WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE IN THE VICINITY OF THE THUNDERSTORMS.

WHEN: RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR DRY LIGHTNING FOR THE KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS

 FUELS IN THE KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS ARE VERY DRY AT THIS TIME MEANING THERE IS A HIGHER THREAT OF WILDFIRE STARTS DUE TO DRY LIGHTNING. 

AFFECTED AREA: FIRE WEATHER ZONE 295 / THE KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS NORTH OF HIGHWAY 58. INCLUDING SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST.

 THE RED FLAG WARNING IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT FOR AREAS SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 58 INCLUDING LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST. 

WINDS: WEST 5 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.  GUSTY OUTFLOW WINDS MAY CAUSE RAPID FIRE SPREAD. 

LIGHTNING: LAL 6. LITTLE TO NO RAINFALL EXPECTED.

IMPACTS: THUNDERSTORMS WITH DRY LIGHTNING COMBINED WITH VERY DRY FUELS WILL RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR NEW WILDFIRE STARTS.

  A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL. 

 PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING. 

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URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE - MODOC COUNTY

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR 328 AM PDT WED AUG 22 2012 

WHERE: MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY - 

WHEN: FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY EVENING FOR COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR FIRE ZONE 285.

AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONE 285 

WIND: AFTERNOON WEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 25 TO 30 MPH ARE EXPECTED THURSDAY. 

HUMIDITY: AFTERNOON RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OF 10 TO 15 PERCENT ARE EXPECTED THURSDAY.

IMPACTS: THE POTENTIAL FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES MAY RESULT IN EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO EARLY THURSDAY EVENING

.A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS

 LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.

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CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES TODAY



OSCC - Southern California Wildfires

News and Notes: 
08/22 - 0700 - SoCal ICMT #1 Walker released from the Fort Complex today.
08/21 - 1700 - Central Coast ICMT Smith prepositioned to North Ops. CA-ONC-0007.
08/21 - 0800 - SoCal ICMT #3 (Wakoski) will assume command of the North Pass Fire at 1800 today.

CA-RRU- Vista Fire; 500 acres, 100%.
CA-RRU-082309

CA-MVU- Vallecito Lightning Complex; 22,828 Acres, 100%

Basic Information
# CA-MVU-8747
Type: WF
Start: 08/13/2012 0930
Cause: L
Overhead Team Name: Michael
Organization: Type 1 Team
Est Contain:
08/19/2012
Location: Eastern San Diego County
GPS: Latitude: 33° 22´ 18" - Longitude:116° 44´ 50"
Costs to Date: $8,150,000
Structures Threatened: 0 PRIM
Structures Destroyed: NONE
Resources Committed:
Total Personnel: 239
Report Date: Aug 20, 2012 0600
Significant Events: CAL FIRE IMT #10 to transition back to MVU today at 1000 Hrs.
Observed Fire Behavior: None.
Planned Actions: Demob and transition back to MVU
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CA-CDD- Jawbone Complex, 1,218 Acres, 98%.
Basic Information
#CA-CDD-11542
Type: WF
Start: 08/10/2012 1301
Cause: L
Priority:
Overhead Team Name: SHAWN COMPTON
Organization: Type 3 IC
Est Contain:
08/22/2012
Location: JAWBONE RECREATION AREA
GPS: Latitude: 35° 20´ 31" - Longitude: 118° 14´ 18"
Costs to Date: $8,080,644
Structures Threatened: NONE
Structures Destroyed: 19 COMM
Resources Committed:
Total Personnel: 84 - Aug 21, 2012 0603
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CA-STF- Ramsey, 1,137 ACRES 95%
Basic Information
#CA-STF-002954
Type: WF
Start: 08/11/2012 1444
Cause: H
Priority:
Overhead Team Name: Lucas
Organization: Type 3 IC
Est Contain:
08/21/2012
Location: 8 miles east of Dorrington
GPS: Latitude: 38° 22´ 37" - Longitude: 120° 9´ 59"
Costs to Date: $4,000,000
Structures Threatened: NONE
Structures Destroyed: NONE
Resources Committed:
Total Personnel: 75 Aug 21, 2012 1630
Significant Events: Continued mopup. Continued demob of excess resources.
Remarks: Planning on switching to a Type 4 incident on friday.
Observed Fire Behavior: creeping and smoldering in the interior islands
Planned Actions: Continued mop up.
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ONCC - Northern California Wildfires

News and Notes: 
08/22 - 0700 - SoCal ICMT #1 Walker released from the Fort Complex today.
08/21 - 1700 - Central Coast ICMT Smith prepositioned to North Ops. CA-ONC-0007.
08/21 - 0800 - SoCal ICMT #3 (Wakoski) will assume command of the North Pass Fire at 1800 today.

CA-SHF- Bagley Fire. 4,130 acres. 0%.

 Active burning in heavy timber and brush fuels with moderate rates of spread, isolated single tree torching and short-range spotting were observed fire behavior..
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CA-PNF Chips Fire. 62,541 acres. 37%. 

Numerous spot fires were detected over the fire line. At this time all have been caught and lined. Crews continue to mop up, patrol and hold line where necessary.
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CA-NOD Nelson (W-1) Fire. 3,661 acres. 100%.
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CA-MDF Antelope Fire. 250 acres. 10%.

 High rates of spread with spotting and crown fire behavior in juniper were observed fire behavior. Poor access is a control problem.
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CA-TGU Ponderosa Fire. 24,323 acres. 50%.
50 structures confirmed destroyed. 200 homes still threatened.
 Highway 44 will be opened today. 
 Hard closure remains on Forward Road at Manton Corners and Wilson Hill Road at Digger Creek. 
 Evacuation warnings have been issued for Highway 36 from Ponderosa Sky Ranch to Lassen Lodge and Mineral communities.

Basic InformationDate/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: 24,323 acres
Containment 24,323 acres - 50% contained
Structures Destroyed: 50 structures destroyed
Threatened: 200 residences, 10 commercial properties and 30 outbuildings remain threatened.
Injuries: 2
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Tehama and Shasta County Sheriff, CHP, CDCR, CAL TRANS, SPI, PG&E
Total Fire Personnel: 2,134 (911 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 278 (73 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 38 (26 CAL FIRE)
Helicopters: 11
Dozers: 53 (21 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 39
Conditions: The fire is burning in an East and Northeast direction in the Battle Creek drainage, extending into the Blue Ridge area. Water supply infrastructure for the community of Manton was damaged. Resources are still being ordered to strengthen fire efforts. Steep and rugged terrain is making access difficult for fire crews. Firefighters are working aggressively to build approximately 11 miles of line and strengthen existing containment lines. Structures damaged or destroyed continue to be assessed. As additional resources arrive, firefighters will continue to diligently defend structures, construct containment lines and build bulldozer perimeter lines.
Fire Information Phone Number: (530) 225-2510 
Ponderosa Evacuation Information
The Red Cross has opened up an Evacuation Shelter at Big League Dreams - 20155 Viking Way - Redding.  
Evacuations: Evacuations for the following areas in Manton, Shingletown & Viola:

• Canyon View Loop north of Hwy 36.
• Forward Rd at Graham to the C Line
• Forward Mill Rd from Rock Creek Rd to Forward Camp Rd
• Rock Creek Rd from Manton Rd to Long Hay Flat Rd
• All of Long Hay Flat Rd and Woodcutter Way
• Southside of Highway 44 from Viola to Brush Oak
• Northside of Hwy 44 from Viola to Alward
• Hazen Rd area and South Power House Rd south of Manton
• Hwy 44 at Brush Oak east to and including Viola, Plateau Pines, Starlight Pines and Lake McCumber area
• South side of Hwy 44 from Viola to Brush Oak and on the north side of Hwy 44 from Viola to Alward.

 Evacuation warnings have been issued for Hwy 36 from Ponderosa Sky Ranch to Lassen Lodge communities.
An Evacuation Warning was issued to the residents in the area of Hwy 36 at Oasis Springs Road to Lassen Lodge on both sides of the Highway, which includes Ponderosa Sky Ranch and Lassen Lodge of potential threat to life and property.

  Expanded evacuation warning is being issued for the areas on Hwy 36 from Lassen Lodge east to, and including, the community of Mineral. These warnings are being initiated due to the eastward spread of the fire in the Battle Creek drainage.  An evacuation warning considers the probability that an area will be affected and prepares people for a potential evacuation order.
Traffic on Highway 36 is intermittently impacted east of Paynes Creek to Ponderosa Way due to fire suppression operations. Please use caution while driving in this area.
Fire Information personnel are available in the community of Mineral to answer any questions citizens may have about the fire.

Road Closures: 

• Highway 44 from Brush Oak to Viola; Forward Road at Manton Corners and Wilson Hill Road at Digger Creek.
• Forward Road is now open from Manton Road to Yuen-Veritas Lane. 
• Forward Road residence previously evacuated west of Yuen-Veritas Lane, are being allowed to return to their homes.

School Closures: 
Manton School, Black Butte School in Shingletown, and Plum Valley Elementary School in Paynes Creek have been closed until further notice.
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CA-NOD Rush Fire. 313,911 acres. 60%.

 The northeastern flank of the fire was active with wind driven runs and short range spotting. The BLM has issued an emergency closure of public lands being affected by the fire area in eastern Lassen County, California and Western Washoe County, Nevada.

CA-KNF Fort Complex Fire. 6,444 acres. 37%.

 Operationally Branch I is now managed by a NIMO organization (Kleinman)and a local T3 and Branch II by a T3 Organization (Clayton). Support is still managed as a complex. The Goff Fire continues to make significant runs in the late afternoon and early evening.
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CA-BTU Mill Fire. 1,675 acres. 85%.

 Spotting and roll out potential still exist in Division C and across the Mill Creek drainage.
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CA-LNP Reading Fire. 28,079 acres. 100%. 

Resources will provide for initial attack assistance to neighboring units.
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CA-SHU SHU August Lightning Fire. 204 acres. 90%.

 Mop up and patrol continue with no significant events.
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CA-MNF North Pass Fire. 11,646 acres. 11% 

 The fire was formerly called the Pass Fire. Weather conditions, aggressive fire behavior, limited access and limited resources are control problems.
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CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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