Quick Look: California Wildfires Today (Map)

Weather: Red Flag Watches and Warnings

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR 642 AM PDT FRI AUG 17 2012 / WESTERN KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST - CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY INCLUDING SHASTA VALLEY- SHASTA - TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST IN SISKIYOU COUNTY- SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MT SHASTA - UMPQUA BASIN - UMPQUA 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 

642 AM PDT FRI AUG 17 2012 

 RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING WITH DRY FUELS FOR FIRE ZONES 280. ..281. ..282. ..284. ..616. ..617. ..620. ..621. ..622. ..AND 623. .. 

 * AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONES 280. ..281. ..282. ..284. ..616. ..617. .. 620. ..621. ..622 AND 623. 

 * THUNDERSTORMS ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND ARE FORECAST TO CONTINUE OVERNIGHT WITH A FOCUS FROM WESTERN SISKIYOU COUNTY NORTHWARD ACROSS JOSEPHINE, JACKSON AND SOUTHERN DOUGLAS COUNTIES.

 COVERAGE OF THUNDERSTORMS IS FORECAST TO INCREASE SATURDAY FROM THE UMPQUA DIVIDE NORTHEASTWARD WHILE THUNDERSTORMS WILL TAPER OFF OR COME TO AN END WEST OF THIS AREA AROUND MIDDAY SATURDAY.  

 THUNDERSTORMS FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY WILL PRODUCE HIGHER RAIN AMOUNTS THAN THOSE ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 

 * OUTFLOW WINDS: GUSTY WINDS ARE POSSIBLE IN AND AROUND ANY THUNDERSTORMS.

 * IMPACTS: ABUNDANT LIGHTNING MAY START NUMEROUS WILDFIRES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:  A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH.

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URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR 642 AM PDT FRI AUG 17 2012 MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY - SOUTH CENTRAL OREGON DESERT INCLUDING THE BLM LAND IN EASTERN LAKE AND WESTERN HARNEY COUNTIES -

 642 AM PDT FRI AUG 17 2012

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING WITH DRY FUELS FOR FIRE ZONES 285 AND 625. 

 * AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONES 285 AND 625.

 * THUNDERSTORMS: ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE FORECAST TO DEVELOP THIS EVENING WITH ACTIVITY CONTINUING OVERNIGHT AND THROUGH SATURDAY. THUNDERSTORMS ON SATURDAY WILL PRODUCE HIGHER RAIN AMOUNTS THAN THOSE THIS EVENING. 

 * OUTFLOW WINDS: GUSTY WINDS ARE POSSIBLE IN AND AROUND ANY THUNDERSTORMS. 

 * IMPACTS: ABUNDANT LIGHTNING MAY START NUMEROUS WILDFIRES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW OR WILL SHORTLY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH.

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California Wildfires Location Map

- California Wildfires Today -

OSCC

Buck Fire; CA-RRU-080142, 2,681 acres, 100%.
Location: Community of Sage
Costs to Date: $2,500,000
Structures Threatened: NONE
Structures Destroyed: 4 PRIM
Total Personnel: 1,057
Significant Events: The ICP experienced a microburst with wind gusts of 60 mph.
Observed Fire Behavior: Interior creeping and smoldering.
Planned Actions: Continue to mop up and patrol.
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Vallecito Lighting Complex; CA-MVU-8747, 22,846 acres, 85%.
Location: Eastern San Diego County
Costs to Date: $5,470,000
Structures Threatened: 200 PRIM
Significant Events: Evacuation orders were lifted Friday for hundreds of Ranchita residents.

 Crews were successful with firing and holding operations in Divisions Golf, Hotel, and Bravo.

 Completed lines were tested today by significant winds and downdrafts.

Remarks: Completing the fire line in rocky areas is taking longer than expected.
Observed Fire Behavior: Observed fire behavior includes steady backing fire and flanking slope runs as a result of firing operations.

 Fires continue to burn with moderate intensity as the fires move across areas of heavy continuous fuels in areas with very little fire history.

 Fuels consist of Buckwheat, Sage, Sumac, and grass and are sampling at seasonally low live fuel moistures.

 All fuels are available to burn. Fires are burning in extremely steep inaccessible terrain. Thunderstorms and associated downdraft winds have the potential to cause extreme fire behavior. 

Extreme wind driven fire runs will cause long range spotting in areas that are very difficult to access by resources.
Planned Actions: Continuation of firing and holding in Division Bravo.

Closures: Most Roadways have been opened. Access to San Felipe will be for Residents only and will only be available via S2 at S22. S2 remains closed at Scissors Crossing.
Basic Information:
Date/Time Started: August 12, 2012 8:00 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE San Diego Unit
County: San Diego County
Location: eastern San Diego County
Acres Burned: 6 fires totaling 22,846 acres
Containment 6 fires totaling 22,846 acres - 85% contained
Evacuations: Evacuation orders have been lifted for the residents of Ranchita and San Felipe.
Injuries: 4
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Cal EMA, USFS, BLM, US Marine Corps, CDCR, CCC, San Diego County Sheriff's Office, CA State Parks, CAL TRANS, San Diego Animal Control, San Diego Humane Society, American Red Cross, San Diego County Public Works, CHP, San Diego County Fire/Rescue Operational Area Fire Depts.
Total Fire Personnel: 1,552 (1,108 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 85 (50 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 48 (34 CAL FIRE)
Helicopters: 14 helicopters
Dozers: 13 bulldozers (8 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 29 water tenders
Conditions: The Wilson and Stewart fires are close to merging.
Vallecito Fire: 519 acres 100% contained, located South-East of Julian
Wilson Fire: 11,691 acres 75% contained, located near Scissors crossing North-East of Julian
Stewart Fire: 10,630 acres 90% contained, located near Scissors crossing North-East of Julian
Cooper Fire: 3 acres 100% contained, located near Scissors crossing North-East of Julian
Wynola Fire: 3 acres 100% contained, Hwy 79 at Wynola
Shoots Fire: less than 1 acre 100% contained, eastern San Diego Co.
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CA-STF- Ramsey Fire; 1,155 acres, 45%.
Location: 8 miles east of Dorrington
Costs to Date: $2,000,000
Structures Threatened: 16 PRIM
Structures Destroyed: NONE
Total Personnel: 477
 Significant Events: Retardant line has been constructed within 400 feet of the Stanislaus River on Division A, crews and heavy lift helicopters will construct direct line in support of this retardant line. Direct line is near completion on Division Y. The Stanislaus River drainage continues to hold. Traffic control continues on Hwy 4. ICP is at Bear Valley Ski Resort.
 Remarks: Pre-evacuation of residents along highway 4, Big Meadow campground, Sand Flat and Camp Wolfboro continue in Division B. Fire actively during the heat of the day continues, producing small up-hill runs and single tree torching. Roll out of heavy materials continues to be a major concern on Division A. Steep terrain, heavy fuels, and large numbers of snags are still prevalent on all divisions. Infrared flights have been ordered and filled, with a map product scheduled for 0500 on 8/17/12.
 Observed Fire Behavior: Moderate ground fire with occasional single tree torching and short up-hill runs in unburned islands were observed
 Planned Actions: Continue line improvement with the support of aerial resources all Divisions. Continue line construction in Division A, improve line and mop-up on Divisions A and Y with hose lays. Fire retardant plant continues to support operations on the Ramsey Inc.
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CA-CDD- Jawbone Complex; 12,462 acres 85%
Location: JAWBONE RECREATION AREA
Costs to Date: $5,041,218
Structures Threatened: 1 OUTB , 4 PRIM , 100 COMM
Structures Destroyed: 19 COMM
Total Personnel: 818
Report Date: Aug 16, 2012 1800
 Significant Events: Crews and dozers continued work throughout the shift mopping up along the constructed line on the Jawbone and Rim fires. Improved line construction and initiated suppression repair efforts. The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from HWY 58 north to the Sequoia National Forest boundary. A soft closure of Jawbone Canyon Road access to recreational areas will continue for the next several operational periods.
 Remarks: Jawbone Fire is 1987 acres at 100% containment. Rim Fire is 10475 acres at 85% containment. California National Guard is assisting with helicopter support.
 Observed Fire Behavior: Isolated buring islands within the control line, smoldering.
 Planned Actions: Patrol and mop up of both fires, initiation of suppression repair.
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ONCC
Moderate initial attack in the Geographic Area yesterday; no new large fires reported (0600-1800). 

CA-PNF- Chips Fire. 43,746 acres, 20%.
Yesterday, the fire spotted into the Clear Creek drainage in the early afternoon and is established in the drainage.The fire behavior moderated overnight with lower temperatures and higher humidity.
Basic Information:
Date started: July 29, 2012

Cause: Under Investigation

Cost to Date: $19,000,000
Number of Personnel: 1,154
Location: 2 miles Northwest of Belden, CA
Crews: 11
Size: 43,746 acres
Engines: 107
Percent Contained: 20%
Dozers: 29
Estimated Containment Date: August 31, 2012
Water Tenders: 30
Helicopters: 5 Type 1, 3 Type 2, and 2 Type 3
Air Tankers: Available
Injuries to Date: 10
Structures Threatened: 900 Residence; 4 Commercial; 36 Outbuildings
Today's Update: The fire in Clear Creek drainage southeast of Butt Valley Reservoir did not move overnight. Crews moved into the area, but were unable to establish control lines because of unsafe conditions. 

 Handline, dozer lines, and hose lays held on Red Hill last night.
 Crews completed the burning operation from Yellow Creek Campground to Butt Valley Reservoir. The line is holding well and firefighters have begun extinguishing hot spots inside the line. Fireline along the Humbug Road on the north perimeter remains secure.
 Large boulders and debris continued to roll down on to Caribou Road last night, forcing a closure of the road.

 The 940 structures that are considered threatened are in the following communities: Lake Almanor West, Almanor, Prattville, the Big Meadows subdivision, Canyondam, Belden, Rush Creek, and Seneca, and structures along Caribou Road. Residents in these areas will continue to see CalFire and Office of Emergency Services engines from various city fire departments moving through neighborhoods as they plan structure protection tactics. Bulldozers and other heavy equipment will continue building and improving contingency lines running southeast from Seneca Road.
 PG&E representatives are working closely with the fire management team, and are prepared to de-energize transmission lines as needed for firefighting efforts, including the use of aircraft.
Fire Behavior and Smoke: A monsoonal weather pattern is forecast for this afternoon and evening, increasing the potential for afternoon and overnight thunderstorms. Developed storms may produce brief heavy rain, gusty and erratic wind, and lightning.
Weather conditions increase the likelihood of significant fire activity.
Smoke: Smoke will continue to pose health concerns for the public.
Power Outages: To report and get updates on power outages please call PG&E's 24-hour emergency and customer service line: 1-800-743-5002.
Evacuations and Closures:
Mandatory Evacuations - The community of Seneca remains under a mandatory evacuation. The Caribou Road from the junction of Highway 70 to Butt Lake Dam as well the Butt Lake Dam, Ohio Valley Road, Butt Lake Road, Humbug/Humboldt and all additional secondary roads West of Highway 89 between Canyondam and the Humbug/Humboldt Road are under a "Hard Closure". Additional evacuations may be necessary depending on fire activity.
Sheriff's Voluntary Evacuations are now in place for Rush Creek, Canyondam, and Big Meadows. The Sheriff's Advisement for other communities along Highway 89 including Prattville, Almanor, and West Almanor and East Shore Residence (Hwy 147) remains in effect. Residents between Tobin and Twain on Highway 70 are under a Sheriff's Advisement to develop a family evacuation plan. This area includes Belden, Maggie's Trailer Park, and Little Haven. Planning to provide shelter arrangements for local residents will be based on the locations and extent of any new mandatory evacuations issued by the Sheriff's Office.
 Butt Valley Reservoir recreation facilities administered by PG&E (Ponderosa Flat Campground, Cool Springs Campground, Ray Adams Day Use Area and Boat Launch, as well as Yellow Creek Campground) are closed due to the fire. Gansner Bar, North Fork, and Queen Lily USFS campgrounds remain closed. The Little Grizzly dispersed camping area and High Lakes OHV area, are also closed.
 Communities west of the fire area including Paradise, Jarbo Gap, and Concow are not threatened at this time.
 In the interest of firefighter and public safety, the Plumas and Lassen National Forests have expanded the original closure areas due to the fire's growth. The closures will remain in place until the area is safe for the public to enter.

Roads: Motorists are encouraged to use caution on roads within the vicinity of the fire, particularly on Highway 70 and Highway 89 due to increased fire traffic. Travelers should check highway conditions regularly at 800-427-ROAD or http://www.dot.ca.gov/.

Trails: Pacific Crest Trail hikers may bypass the affected area by hiking Highway 70/89 or catching a bus with Plumas Transit to Chester, CA (weekdays only).

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CA-NOD Rush Fire. 204,359 acres, 30%.

 The fire is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Northern California District (BLM-CA-NOD,) Eagle Lake Field Office, approximately 15 miles southeast of Ravendale, California. The fire is burning near a major natural gas line and transfer station, and power transmission lines that supply the Reno area.

 The fire pushed south and east over the top of Skedaddle Mountain as well as spreading east of Observation Peak. Firefighters made good progress to secure the northwestern fire edge. Fire crews will continue to construct handline, dozer lines, and complete burnouts operations as conditions permit in an effort to further contain the fire.

Significant Events: Dozers were able to make good progress on the north east end of the fire. Extreme fire behavior, fire whirls, and short range spotting slowed or hampered control efforts. Plans today include to hold and secure divisions that have control lines and continue to flank the northern and southern sides of the fire with dozers and crews; keep fire on the east side of Hwy 395 and coordinate with CHP and CalTrans to facilitate closures as needed.

 Evacuation and Closure Information: Area Closure Expanded for Rush Fire

Area and Road Closure in Place for Rush Fire: High desert lands and roads near the Rush Fire southeast of Ravendale have been closed by the Bureau of Land Management to protect public health and safety. The closure area was expanded today because the fire has increased in size.
The closure area is bounded by U. S. Highway 395 on the west, the Sand Pass Road on the east, the Juniper Ridge, Tuledad, Stage, Marr and Buckhorn Roads on the north, and the Wendel Road on the south.
Routes closed within this area include the Horn, Garate, Ryepatch, Ramhorn Springs, Shinn Ranch, Stoney, Deep Cut, Smoke Creek, Skedaddle Ranch, Dry Valley, and Brubeck roads. The Ramhorn Springs Campground also is closed.
The BLM and Lassen County Sheriff's Office are coordinating to enforce the closures.
 Voluntary evacuations of structures along eastern side of Highway 395. Structure protection is being implemented by fire crews. Residents along Mail Route/County Road 502 and Garate Road were notified that voluntary evacuations for that area are in effect. The fire is currently within � mile of US Route (Highway) 395. The public needs to be aware for the need of possible intermittent closures of Highway 395 due to fire activity and public safety.

 Area and Road Closures in Effect: On August 16, the BLM issued a closure order for public lands in the fire area to protect public health and safety. The closed area is bounded by Highway 395 on the west, the Sand Pass Road on the east, and the Wendel Road on the south. The new northern boundary for the public land closure is the Juniper Ridge, Tuledad, Stage Road, Marr Road, and Buckhorn Road extending to Nevada Highway 447 in Washoe County. Routes closed within this closure area include the Ramhorn Springs, Rye Patch Road, Shinn Ranch, Stoney, Deep Cut, Smoke Creek, Skedaddle Ranch, Dry Valley, and Brubeck roads. The Ramhorn Springs Campground also is closed.
 Travelers along the Highway 395 corridor, please use caution near the fire crews and equipment working in the fire area. Highway 395 may be closed due to fire activity. Please check for current road conditions with CalTrans at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi%20or%20800-427-7623.
 Remarks: Fire officials remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions are in effect for public lands and national forests in northeast California. Campfires are permitted only in posted recreation sites. Chainsaws may not be used after 1:00pm daily.
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 Molhoek
Current Situation
Total Personnel 468
Size 204,359 acres
Percent Contained 30%
Estimated Containment Date Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - Grass, sagebrush, junipers (5 Brush - 2 Feet)
Fire Behavior - Extreme fire behavior, fire whirls, and short range spotting slowed or hampered control efforts. Fire conitinues spread rapidly to the northeast and southeast.
Outlook / Planned Actions - Firefighters will hold and secure divisions that have control lines and continue to flank the northern and southern side of the fire with dozers, helicopters, and fire crews.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - High
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CA-LNU Wye Fire. 7,934 acres, 90%.
Continuing to mop up and improve existing lines today and demob excess resources to support other large fires.

CA-LNP Reading Fire. 27,167 acres, 28%.
Minimal fire behavior with smoldering and creeping was observed last night. Crews mopped up 50 feet in from Hat Lake north to the Fantastic Lava Beds (approximately 10 miles of line).

CA-KNF Fort Complex. 4,140 acres, 35% contained.
A full suppression strategy continues on all fires. Firefighters removed from the lines overnight due to extremely steep terrain and extreme hazard from falling trees. Work tomorrow will concentrate on strengthening indirect lines and allowing fire to reach these lines. The Goff Fire is predicted to continue it's movement north and west towards the Pacific Crest Trail. The Hello Fire may reach indirect fire lines. The Lick Fire is under heavy mop up and suppression repair. Goff Fire - 2,858 acres, 15% contained. Hello Fire - 878 acres, 25% contained. Lick Fire - 403 acres, 95% contained. Fruit Fire - 1 acre, 100% contained.

CA-BTU-Mill Fire. 1250 acres, 20% contained.
Erratic canyon winds pushing the fire to the northeast during daytime. Spotting, isolated torching and roll out. Fire in pockets of logging slash mixing with ladder fuels, producing higher flame lengths. Due to increased fire behavior in Div C containment line had to be adjusted farther northeast. Crews made good progress constructing direct line in DIV M and DIV L.
Basic Incident Information:
Last Updated: August 17, 2012 7:30 am
Date/Time Started: August 13, 2012 6:46 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Butte Unit
County: Tehama County
Location: Highway 32 in the Mill Creek drainage, northwest of Butte Meadows
Acres Burned: 1,250 acres
Containment 1,250 acres - 20% contained
Cause: Under Investigation
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, USFS, CDCR, California National Guard, CHP, Sheriff's Office, Silver Dollar Fairgrounds
Total Fire Personnel: 942 (673 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 82 (25 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 26 (All CAL FIRE)
Airtankers: 1 air tanker
Helicopters: 3 helicopters
Dozers: 13 bulldozers (7 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 21 water tenders
Conditions: Crews continue to work around the clock to build and reinforce containment lines. The rugged terrain and remote area continues to hamper firefighting efforts. The fire is burning actively to the northeast. Due to the increase in fire equipment traffic, we ask that the public drive with caution.

CA-NEU- Sand Fire; 24 acres - 60% contained
Name: Sand Fire
County: El Dorado County
Location: Hwy 49 and Sand Ridge Rd, south of Diamond Springs
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit
Full containment expect by noon on Friday, 8/17
Date Started: August 16, 2012 3:54 pm
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LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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