Friday, May 31, 2013

Texas LODD: Four Houston Firefighters Killed Fighting Massive Five-Alarm Fire

Four Houston firefighters died from injuries suffered while battling a major blaze at a hotel and restaurant, mayor's office spokeswoman Janice Evans said.
Six other firefighters are being treated at local hospitals.

The following statement was released by Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association:

"Houston firefighters mourn the loss of our three brothers and our sister and will forever honor their sacrifices. Our association and the International Association of Fire Fighters are monitoring the conditions of the six injured firefighters and will be assisting them and their families in every way possible. This tragedy underscores the inherent dangers of our profession. Please keep Houston firefighters in your thoughts and prayers."

Captain EMT Matthew Renaud (35) of Engine 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 68, has served out of stations 51, 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35.

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee (41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner (29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since.

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan (24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68.


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Red Flag Warning Issued: Strong Winds Prompt CAL FIRE to Increase Staffing

CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE

Strong Winds Prompt CAL FIRE to Increase Staffing
Red Flag Warning Issued; Public Urged to be Cautious


Sacramento – With dry winds forecast for many parts of Northern California, CAL FIRE has
increased its staffing and is urging the public to be extra cautious due to the heightened fire 
danger. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning stretching form Shasta County down through the Sacramento Valley to San Joaquin County starting Friday morning for high winds and low humidity lasting through Saturday evening.

“Even with some recent rain in Northern California, conditions remain much drier than normal 
for this time of year,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “We have extra firefighters and equipment available to respond to new wildfires, but now especially is when we need the public’s help in preventing accidental wildfires.”

Since January 1 CAL FIRE has responded to nearly 1,900 wildfires across California that have burned approximately 45,000 acres. In an average year for the same time period, CAL FIRE typically responds to about 990 fires that burn around 7,700 acres. The significantly dry
conditions are a major factor in the 90 percent increase in fire activity.

During the Red Flag Warning CAL FIRE urges all Californians to exercise extreme caution
outdoors in order to prevent a wildfires. 

A few helpful reminders and fire prevention tips include:
  • Don’t mow or weed eat dry grass on windy days 
  • Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely 
  • Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets 
  • Be extra careful with all powered equipment outdoors including chainsaws, tractors and welders 
  • Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when its windy 
The public is also encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures when it comes to preparing for a wildfire at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

For more ways to help prevent and prepare for wildfires: ReadyForWildfire.org or fire.ca.gov
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Thursday, May 30, 2013

CA-ANF- POWERHOUSE FIRE 19,500 acres well-established north of Lake Elizabeth Rd [ IR MAP ]

CA-ANF-Powerhouse - CA-ANF-002297 San Francisquito Canyon Los Angeles Co.
FURTHER UPDATES AT http://calfire.blogspot.com/2013/06/powerhouse-vegetation-fire-19500-acres.html





Evacuations: Continued Evacuations due to the Powerhouse Brush Fire
Update: 6-1-13 Noon: LASD Deputies evacuating 41600 block of Lake Hughes Rd north of Mendenhall Probation Camp. Evacuation orders remain in effect for as many as 300 homes in Green Valley. 
CALIFORNIA: DRAMATIC PHOTO FROM AS ITS SPREADS TO MORE THAN 5,500 ACRES. EVAC ORDERED.
 The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department along with the LA County Fire Department are in the process of evacuating Camp Mendenhall Probation Camp and areas north of South Portal Road and West of San Francisquito Canyon and due to the “Powerhouse” brush fire. The fire has burned 1,400 acres and is now moving northbound toward Lake Hughes Road.  Approximately 600 Firefighters are on scene fighting the brush fire as well as assisting with evacuations. At this time the brush fire is 15% contained with no reported injuries or lost structures. 
 A Red Cross evacuation center has been set up at the Marie Kerr Park, located at 39700 30th St. West, in the City of Palmdale. The Evacuation for large animals has been set up at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Gate 3), located at 2551 West Avenue H, in the City of Lancaster.
 Check with Santa Clarita Sheriffs Dept. for information specifics at (661) 255-1121. 
Evacuation center located at Marie Kerr Park, 39700 30th st, Palmdale.

Road Closures: Lake Hughes Road has been closed from Cottonwood campground on the
North to Lake Castaic on the South. San Francisquito Canyon Road remains
under a hard closure. Bouquet Canyon Road is under a soft closure open to residence only. Elisabeth Lake Road is under a soft closure open to residence only. 

Smoke: 
Local health officials warned that air quality in the Santa Clarita Valley and San Gabriel Valley mountains will be unhealthy for sensitive individuals throughout the weekend due to the fire, and they urged residents to take precautions and stay indoors if possible.

"In all areas of visible smoke or where there is an odor of smoke, all individuals are urged to be cautious and to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of public health for Los Angeles County.
Powerhouse Fire IR Map 6-2-13 Early Morning






CA-ANF-Powerhouse Wildfire  1500+ acres, 15%
Location, Perimeter and Hotspot  Map
CA-ANF-Powerhouse Wildfire  1500+ acres, 15%
Location and Perimeter Map
Santa Clarita #PowerhouseFire from SWA flight to San Jose. Smoke blowing far to east
photo credit Judy Darnell
PowerHouse Fire Santa Clarita fire from Southwest LA -SJC flight photo credit Judy Darnell
PowerHouse Fire Flames from #PowerhouseFire as seen from ABC AIR7 HD
Map Released 6-1-13 ANF Inciweb
Update 6-2 0900 19,500 acres, 20% contained Fire is threatening 1000+ structures
Powerhouse Vegetation Fire CA-ANF-002297 North West of Green Valley Los Angeles Co. Fire is in unified command (USFS Angeles National Forest, SOCAL T/2 IMT#1 (Walker) and Los Angeles County Fire) SOCAL T/1 IMT#5 (Carlton Joseph) is being mobilized to the fire with an in brief scheduled for 18:00 hrs 06-02-2013

Fire has burned 19,500 acres, 20% contained
Fire is threatening 1000+ structures including homes,
businesses, commercial property and out buildings.
Fire continues to be pushed towards 500kv power transmission lines
and other distribution lines. Communities of Hughes Lakes, Elizabeth Lakes
are being impacted.

Fire North of Elizabeth Lake in the area of Myrick Canyon could jump the Aqueduct.

Critical watershed and T&E species continued to be impacted.
Hikers on the PCT are being rerouted into the desert.
Green Valley, Cottonwood Campground and a youth probation camp
all remain threatened. Long range spotting and high intensity head fire runs
through developed sites caused damage.

Damage assessment teams will begin to assess the communities of Hughes Lake
and Elizabeth lake. SRA lands North of Elizabeth Lake are threatened.
Longer range planning and indirect lines will be implemented today
with the continued use of the VLAT and other aerial assets.
Evacuations will continue and law enforcement will provide road blocks
and security for the fire area.
Update 6-2 0001 POWER HOUSE FIRE - CA-ANF-002297 - 15,000 to 20,000 acres, jumped California Aqueduct well-established north of Lake Elizabeth Rd, LA County Fire Copters 14, 16, and 19 and LA City Fire 1 are night-flying on this fire right now. Air Attack stayed over the fire until 2330 hrs.
Update 6-1 2130  Rough assessment of 8 structures lost 50 still imeadiate threat.
Update 6-1 2030 Fire spotted and became well developed north of Lake Hughes Road. Some areas extreme fire behaviour LAC reporting Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Elem School and FS78 threatened. Requesting immediate need ST for protection.Josephs team IMT Type 1 team ordered pending ROSS. Rough assessment of 8 structures lost
The patch of brush currently burning last had fire in 1924 according to the CAL FIRE FRAP data.
Update 6-1 1930 Fire has charred more than 5,500 acres and is 20% contained; about 1,200 structures threatened, 2,000 people evacuated
OSCC Update 6-1 1640: 
Powerhouse Fire, CA-ANF-002297 San Francisquito Canyon Los Angeles Co. San Francisquito Canyon South of Lake Elizabeth road near powerhouse #1
SOCAL T/2 IMT#1 (Walker) in command
Fire has burned 3700 acres, 15% contained
Fire is very active with evacuations for the community of Lake Elizabeth
Approximately 1200 structures affected. Additional evacuations along Lake Hughes Road were put in place including two youth probation camps and Cottonwood campground.

Lake Hughes Road has been closed from Cottonwood campground on the
North to Lake Castaic on the South. San Francisquito Canyon Road remains
under a hard closure. Bouquet Canyon Road is under a soft closure open to residence only. Elisabeth Lake Road is under a soft closure open to residence only. Evacuation center located at Marie Kerr Park, 39700 30th st, Palmdale

Update 6-1 1640: Moving rapidly up a canyon towards Lake Hughes, Header/Plume has icecapped EXPECT EXTREME FIRE CONDITIONS

Update 6-1 1635: Report from scanner listeners: 
Air Attack just clearly blamed loss of Castaic dip for the loss of Lake Hughes Rd and the fire getting away from them. Said, "We lost Castaic, had to redirect to Bouquet which created a traffic problem, and everything boiled up after that."Anyone else listening to the radio traffic. Air attack complained about rubberneckers in boats interfering with the helicopters picking up in Lake Hughes. Asked for a patrol boat to help shoo them away.What happened instead? Whoever is in charge of Lake Hughes forbade them from picking up water in the lake and they had to redirect all helicopters to Bouquet Reservoir. Splitting between the two bodies of water had allowed them to establish an orderly traffic pattern. Using only one reservoir creates a logistics nightmare. Bureaucracy run amok!!Update 6-1 1415: RRU ST 9310C responding.
Update 6-1 1230: LAC just dispatched Dozer Teams 2, 3, & 4, AA wants the helitanker to start using foam instead of strictly water, sounds lnot effective in criticaly dry fuels
Update 6-1 1100: Fire Pushing Hard, Per AA fire well established & burning to the southwest, running real hard no access for ground units, Air Tankers Dropping To The West Of Lake Huges Rd..  2 firefighters have been injured - one was struck by a rock and another was treated for heat exhaustion
Update 6-1 0700: Fire has burned 3662 acres, 15% contained.*Estimated Containment is June 5, 2013. Hot, dry weather & 500kv power lines pose concerns.
Update 5-31 2100: Per South Ops:
Fire made a major run to the west and north under moderate winds and very dry temperatures. Additional evacuations along Lake Hughes Road including two youth probation camps and Cottonwood campground.

Remarks: Areas along Lake Hughes Road were evacuated including Cottonwood Campground and two youth detention camps. Edison is very concerned about a 500kv transmission line that could be threatened by the fire. Due to heavy smoke unable to gather accurate fire perimeter estimated fire size could be 2000-2700 acres, fire will be flown by IR tonight and a more accurate perimeter will be available in the morning.
Observed Fire Behavior: Rapid rates of spread with a high resistance to control efforts. Fire exhibited moderate to long range spotting in receptive fuels and winds from the NE.
Update 5-31 1930: 1804 acres, 15% contained. 

Update 5-31 1630: 2500+ acres, 15% contained.
Current weather 1530 5-31: Temperature: 88.0 °F Humidity: 9% winds: 6 mph NNE Gusts: 16
 DISCUSSION...A BUILDING UPPER LEVEL RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE
AREA WILL CONTINUE TO BRING WARMING AND DRYING TO THE REGION ON FRIDAY. THE TYPICAL UP CANYON WINDS THIS EVENING ARE EXPECTED TO SHIFT TO THE NORTHWEST AND INCREASE BETWEEN 10 PM AND 4 AM. THE SURGE OF NORTHWEST WINDS IS EXPECTED TO KEEP CONDITIONS DRY ACROSS THE BURN AREA TONIGHT WITH POOR HUMIDITY RECOVERY EXPECTED. THE LOW LEVEL FLOW WILL WEAKEN AND TURN AROUND TO THE NORTH DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS...BEFORE SHIFTING TO THE NORTHEAST BY MID MORNING FRIDAY. THIS NORTHEAST FLOW WILL BRING RAPID WARMING AND SEVERAL HOURS OF SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES ON FRIDAY.
Update 5-31 0900: 1500+ acres, 15% Approximately 600 Firefighters are on scene
Update 2200: A Type 2 Fire Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage the fire. The Fire will be turned over to team est. 6:00 a.m.
Update 2100: Releasing 5 Alpha Strike teams and more at 2130 & 2200
Multiple resource orders throughout the region. SQF filled one T3 ST now en route.Update 2000: Hiker is one mile from his car, refusing ride out, far from fire fit adult in 20 yrs old, Copter 11 Bingo fuel
Update 1945: LAC Copter 11 located 1 hiker 3 mi west of Green Valley ranger station, moving WB fast out of canyon safe now. LASD Air 24 advising searching for 8 more hikers in area
Update 1845: 1000 acres evacuating community of Green Valley, fire moderating now backing 1/4 mi from South Portal Rd.Walkers type II team activated. LAC C-11 Searching for 4 hikers 7 mi east & 1 hiker 1 hr west of Green Valley area unsuccessful so far  
Total of 14 hikers in the  area. Five rescued, one not in distress. Search for eight more underway.

Note: Per USFS PIO "They are having the sheriff's department lift the evacuation order for the residents of Green Valley  however all evacuation centers will remain open for the night"
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department in Palmdale confirmed that a limited 5:30 a.m. evacuation was ordered for a number of homes on San Francisquito Canyon Road in Green Valley and on Thursday, evacuations were lifted at 10 p.m. for about 200 homes in the area.
Update 1745: BC on radio said area has not burned in 30 years, ICP relocating to Camp 14, 
LAC Emergency Code 3 move ups, Large header visible in area.
Update 1730: Unified Command now with ANF and LAC, ROSS shows 10 type 1 STEN's on order and Type 2 team requested
Update 1700Fire jumped San Francisquito canyon again, now burning back on the east side. Spotting 1/4 mile out in front with large spots forming, BDF 6606C Immediate need. B31, E333, E32, E314, E31, E3637
Two type 1 strike teams to Green Valley structure protection group
Update 1645: 400 acres. Evacuations in Green Valley.

Location: San Francisquito Road near Powerhouse 1  San Francisquito Canyon Rd, northeast of Santa Clarita (LA County). [Angeles National Forest]
GPS: 34 37.213N 118 27.918W
Reported Date/time: Thursday May 30th, 2013 approx. 03:30 PM
IA: The blaze broke out at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday just north of Powerhouse No. 1, a hydroelectric plant near the LA aqueduct that has been operating for nearly a century.
ROS: Rapid extreme fire behavior with long range spotting.
ROC: Powerlines down, spotted across San Francisquito Road.
Fuels: heavy brush and chaparral
Structure Threats: Yes
Concerns: Threat to High Tension Power lines
Resources: 
Air Attack: AA-410 committed
Air Tankers: 41, 76, 72
Cooperating Agencies: *
Weather Info: *
Special Conditions: *
Other Comments: *
Radio Frequencies: Structure Protection Interoperability on VTAC11 now changed LAC VTAC-9 direct, Now longer using LAC Tac 2
Maps: *
Agency Website: *
Web Cams: *
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LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT HONORS ACTIONS ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY TONIGHT

  County of Los Angeles

Fire Department


 MEDIA ADVISORY
CAPTAIN TOM RICHARDS

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE (323) 881-2411

Date: May 30, 2013
FIRE CHIEF DARYL L. OSBY
1320 N. Eastern Avenue
Los AngelesCA   90063

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                Contact:  LACoFD Public Affairs
                                                                                                    (323) 881-2411

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT HONORS ACTIONS ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
                                                    

WHO:              71 members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and 4 private citizens will be honored with various response and service awards.  
                       
                        Dignitaries:   
                        Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich
                        Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
                        Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby

WHAT:            Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby will formally recognize 71 members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department for displaying exceptional bravery, courage, and dedication to save others by placing their own lives at risk during separate emergency incidents.  Fire Chief Osby will also recognize four members of the public for showing exceptional bravery during emergency situations, and announce three recipients of the First Responders’ College Fund Scholarship Awards.

WHEN:            Thursday, May 30, 2013    7:00pm.

WHERE:         Pasadena Convention Center300 East Green StreetPasadena
                        (TB 565, J-5)

CONTACT:     Please direct all inquires to the Public Affairs Office at (323) 881-2411

x x x
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Technology: Drone View Of Detroit Commercial Building Fire

 Two Detroit firefighters were hurt Wednesday evening when debris from a building fell on them.

Drone View: Detroit Building Fire
An overhead view of the fireground as seen from a remote control device

DETROIT - Two Detroit firefighters were hurt Wednesday evening when debris from a building fell on them.

The firefighters were battling a two-alarm building fire at East Ferry Avenue and Chene Street when what appeared to be bricks fell from the top of the building.

A firefighter on a ladder and a firefighter that was standing under the ladder were hit.

They were taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital for injuries to their neck and back. One of them has a severe concussion and a broken ankle.

It took more than 35 firefighters to put out the flames -- and sources say the firefighters were also battling broken trucks and issues getting water.

-Harry Arnold
Detroit Drone / iTVDetroit
contact me - itvdetroit@gmail.com
drones by - detroitdrone.com
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

VLOG: Tahoe Wildfire Awareness Week - Lots Of Familiar Fire and Fuels Faces

Wildfire Awareness Week in Lake Tahoe

Learn all about the threat of wildfire in the Tahoe basin, how agencies like CalFire and the US Forest Service fight wildland and urban fires, and what you can do to protect yourself from it with defensible space at http://www.livingwithfire.info/Tahoe/ 

Looking for someone? Click the time next to their name: 
Eric Guevin - Tahoe Douglas Fire Marshall (0:49)
Firefighter gear demonstration (2:24)
Pete Mulvihill - Nevada State Fire Marshall (4:22)
Emily - Generation Green (5:10)
Thaddeus Wilkinson - CalFire firefighter (5:46)
Kyle Jacobson - Fuels batallion chief, U.S. Forest Service (6:25
Lisa Herron - U.S. Forest Service (6:56)
Darya Vogt - Tahoe Master Gardeners (7:21)
Christy Daugherty - CalFire (8:50)
Chipping Demonstration (9:52)
Ed Cook - Tree Service (10:43)
Susie Kocher - U.C. Davis Cooperative extension Forester (12:33)
Kristi Boosman - Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (15:23)
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Video: Using Free USGS US Topo Map Products From New To Historical Topo Map Downloads [The National Map Viewer]

The USTopo podcast is a video tutorial series on how to use US Topo Gepdf's. Exploring US Topo GeoPDf's provides background information on the map product.


In this Video, We will learn about USGS US Topo map products. I will give you some background information about US Topo, show you where it can be accessed, and also show you the GeoPDF functionality and Terrago tools available for use with the GeoPDF. 

Digital USGS Topographic Maps are modeled on the standard 7.5 minute USGS quads. The newer digital maps are published using Adobe Systems Inc. Portable Document Format (PDF) with a geospatial extension called GeoPDF utilizing TerraGo technologies. GeoPDFs can be opened in Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Professional. 


The free version of Adobe is available for download on the Adobe website, www.adobe.com . USTopo maps are layered, and have an Orthoimage base. They are produced on a three year cycle so that the imagery you see in the map is never older than three years across the country. Most importantly, these maps can be downloaded for free on the web, or for a small fee, USGS will mail you a printed map. 


There are a couple of different ways that you can download a map. You can access USTopo GeoPDF’s through the USGS Map Store or by going to The National Map Viewer. The USGS Map store and TNM viewer allow you to download all the topographic maps ever produced by the USGS, including historic maps. The TNM Viewer additionally has the capability for downloading many of the data layers shown on the GeoPDF’s as GIS data. The difference between the two viewers is that the GeoPDF’s from the Map store are available for immediate download while the GeoPDF’s from the viewer will send you an email with the download ftp location. Once you download a map, you may wish to install the TerraGo Toolbar for enhanced geospatial tools, however you do not need the TerraGo Toolbar to use a map. 

You can download these free tools from the TerraGo website. [Link]


Details
Title: Exploring US Topo GeoPDF’s
Description:
The USTopo podcast is a video tutorial series on how to use US Topo Gepdf’s. Exploring US Topo GeoPDf's provides background information on the map product.

Location: Denver, CO, USA
Date Taken: 3/25/2013
Length: 6:20
Video Producer: Kathryn Isham , U.S. Geological Survey- NGTOC

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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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