Two San Francisco Fire Department Chiefs Suspended Amid Ongoing Criminal Corruption Investigation

Two SF assistant chief's suspended over DUI fire truck crash

The department's reasons for suspending the two assistant chiefs were not immediately known but evidence of ongoing corruption investigation in the San Francisco Fire Department.

Update: In addition to the DUI case against the firefighter, now another criminal investigation other firefighters, who may have tried to cover for him.(ABC)

SFFD Aerial Truck Involved In Accident
Credit: abc7news.

SAN FRANCISCO - Two top San Francisco Fire Department officials have been suspended for their handling of an incident last year in which an allegedly drunken firefighter struck a motorcyclist and left the scene before being tested for intoxication, sources said Wednesday.

The two assistant chiefs on duty the night of the crash June 29, Art Kenney, 78, and David Franklin, 48, were notified by letter this week that they were suspended for 10 and eight days, respectively, said sources with knowledge of the matter.

Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge had no comment on Kenney's and Franklin's status.

The department's reasons for suspending the two assistant chiefs were not immediately known. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White has said "better decisions" could have been made the night of the crash, but has not been more specific.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the suspensions are a confidential personnel matter. 

Source: San Francisco Chronicle link - http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Two-SFFD-officials-suspended-over-alleged-DUI-5511183.php
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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California Fire Foundation: LA Dodgers Firefighter Appreciation Game

LA Dodgers Host Firefighter Appreciation Night!

Proceeds Benefit the California Fire Foundation

Watch the LA Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres and show your support for the California Fire Foundation at the Firefighter Appreciation Night at Dodger Stadium

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 7:10 PM
Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, CA

Your special event ticket includes tickets to the Tuesday night game against the San Diego Padres, a VIP firefighter party at the newly renovated Unocal 76 Station in parking Lot 6 from 5 pm-7 pm which includes all you can eat food and drinks and a special edition Firefighter Appreciation Night-themed T-shirt. Proceeds from tickets sold will go to the California Fire Foundation.

More information on purchasing a ticket coming soon!

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Feel Good Story: Paying It Forward In Vacaville

 

Woman gives Vacaville firefighters a special thanks

Tri-tip steak, corn, watermelon; all ingredients for a Memorial Day BBQ left behind at Costco by a group of Vacaville firefighters on Saturday.

While shopping the crew received a medical emergency call and they left the store immediately. They returned a half an hour later to discover someone had already purchased their cart full of $123.25 worth of food.

“The note said ‘thank you firefighters for all you do have a good day’ and it was signed by an Air Force wife,” said Battalion Chief Jeff Ryder, Vacaville Fire Department.

Perhaps she was moved by the camouflage and American flag decorated shirts firefighters have been wearing in honor of the men and women who've sacrificed for our country.

“I think they are wonderful guys they do a great job. They’re great guys,” said Rich Wood, who was shopping at Costco on Tuesday.

Wood is a veteran. He said attitudes towards the military have changed greatly since he served in Vietnam.

“It’s amazing how many people just say ‘Thank you’ and come up to you nowadays,” said Wood.

The crew at Station 74 may never know why the woman covered the bill.

“We’re hoping that that person would come by and let us thank them for it,” said Ryder.

Firefighters pay for their own meals while on duty, about $25 each per shift, but they didn't pocket the money saved. Instead they plan to pay it forward.

Later in the day on Saturday the crew purchased the Memorial Day flowers an elderly couple was trying to buy. Tuesday night they’re cooking dinner for a WWII veteran from Vacaville.

Even before the random act of kindness the department had planned a fundraiser for Travis Air Force Base’s Fisher House, which assists the families of injured soldiers while they are in the hospital.

The Vacaville Firefighter’s Association will host dinner at Pietro’s #1 on 407 Cernon Street between 4-8pm Wednesday, May 28th. Half of the proceeds from the event will go to the Fisher House.

Source: KTVU http://m.ktvu.com/news/news/local/woman-gives-vacaville-firefighters-special-thanks/nf8Gb/

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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RED FLAG WARNING MODOC COUNTY AND WARNER MOUNTAINS

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEDFORD OR 844 AM PDT TUE MAY 27 2014

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY.
STRONG AND GUSTY WESTERLY WINDS WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY EVENING AHEAD OF A LOW. THESE WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND LOW HUMIDITIES.

CAZ285-280300- /O.CON.KMFR.FW.W.0002.140527T2100Z-140528T0300Z/ MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY- 844 AM PDT TUE MAY 27 2014 RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR THE COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285

AFFECTED AREA: THE SOUTHEASTERN HALF OF FIRE WEATHER ZONE 285. THIS INCLUDES ALTURAS, ADIN, LIKELY, AND THE WARNER MOUNTAINS.
WIND: SOUTHWEST TO WEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH.
HUMIDITY: 12-16 PERCENT.
IMPACTS: THE COMBINATION OF DRY CONDITIONS GUSTY SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES WILL CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR RAPID FIRE GROWTH.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR.

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-MMU- Hunters Fire 677 acres - 95% contained; full containment expected Monday

Hunters Fire CA-MMU-Hunter .CA-MMU-8974 #HuntersFire started as a structure fire, spread to vegetation  #CaFire 

Hunters Fire Plume
Credit: KCRA insider

Evacuations: Immediate Structure Threat Hunters Valley / Hunter Valley Rd. Evacuation center is located at 2820 Hwy 140, Cathey’s Valley, McKay Hall.

Update 5-30 1900: 677 acres - 95% contained; full containment expected Monday The fire burned two unoccupied homes, one smaller building and injured nine firefighters. Evacuation orders affecting more than 100 homes were lifted earlier this week.The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Update 5-30 0900: 677 acres, 90% contained; full containment expected Monday
Update 5-29 1700 677 acres, 60%
Update 5-28 1900 677 acres, Now 40% contained, Good progress made today on the #HuntersFire in Mariposa County. Reduction in size due to GPS mapping.

Update 5-28 0730 OSCC: 1300 Acres, 20% CALFIRE IMT 6 (Estes) Activated and will transition with Unit to assume command of incident by 1200 hrs 5/28.
Update 5-27 1730: 1300 Acres, 20% contained. Evacuations continue in effect., CALFIRE IMT 6 (Estes) Activated and will transition with Unit to assume command of incident by 1200 hrs 5/28.

Update 5-27 0930: 900 acres, 20%
Update 5-27 0730: 900 acres, 10%
Update 1930: 500 acres per AA
Update 1840: 400+ acres per AA.
Update 1800: Per Cal Fire 250 acres. IC requesting evacuations of Hunter Valley Rd which is west of fire origin.
Update 1730: 200 acres with potential for major fire, structures threatened Hunters Valley.
Update 1700: AA reporting over 100 acres with very difficult ground access

IA: Structure fire, spreading to vegetation 20 acres. State fire crews responded to the smoke and flames about 3:30 p.m.

Location: Near Lake McClure, off Hunters Valley Access Road in the Bear Valley 

Columbia webcam: http://www.pmlaa.org/columbia.htm

Crane Flat webcam: http://ssgic.cr.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/cam...ie=0&frame=571

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-LNU #IndianFire Lake County, east of Clearlake Oaks.Unified Command 175 acres, 75% FROSS.

Indian Fire CA-LNU-Indian Lake County, near Indian Valley Reservoir. East of Clearlake Oaks. Unified Command

Update 5-26-14 1700: 175 acres, 75% FROS. #CaFire

Incident Overview

The Indian Fire is located in Lake County, near Indian Valley Reservoir, east of Clearlake Oaks. It is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. The fire was discovered early afternoon, Sunday, May 25.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday May 25th, 2014 approx. 12:30 PM
Location Lake County, Near Indian Valley Reservoir
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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CA-FKU LODD: CAL FIRE Fresno-Kings Unit Firefighter II Roger Gonzales 32 Years Old [Photo] #CaFire

LODD: CAL FIRE Firefighter Roger Gonzales

CAL FIRE Local 2881 is saddened to report that Fresno-Kings Unit Firefighter II Roger Gonzales was found deceased in his home on Wednesdy, May 21, 2014.

Brother Gonzales had just returned from fighting the San Diego complex fires. He was only 32 years old. Brother Gonzales served over 8 year of service achieving the rank of Firefighter II and completing the Fire Firefighter Academy on November 16, 2013.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his crew as they grieve this tragic loss. 

 Memorial Service

Please check with Cal Fire Fresno-King Unit by calling (559) 493-4300 for details of Brother Gonzales' services, they will be forthcoming as they are available.

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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LAST ALARM: CALFIRE FKU FFII Roger Gonzales, 32, Died After Returning Home From San Diego Wildfires

California Firefighter Dies After Fighting Wildfire

Roger Gonzales, 32, died at his home after returning home from fighting the San Diego wildfires

Roger Gonzales, a firefighter with the Fresno-Kings Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, died at his home Wednesday after returning from fighting the San Diego fires, department Capt. Ryan Michaels said Thursday.

The Fresno County Coroner's Office will determine the cause of death.

Gonzalez's family has not released much information, including funeral arrangements, Michaels said. No other information was available about how long Gonzales, 32, had worked for Cal Fire.

"We are supporting the family and his crew during this difficult time," he said.

Funeral arrangements are pending

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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USDA News: USFS Increases its Firefighting Aircraft Fleet as Fire Season Begins

U.S. Forest Service Increases its Firefighting Aircraft Fleet as Fire Season Begins

A C-130 uses aerial firefighting equipment known as the Modular Airborne Fire
Fighting System to drop red-colored retardant from the plane into the air over
a fire. MAFFS was established by Congress in the early 1970s to create a
national response system to better fight major fires. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2014 - In the face of what is shaping up to be a catastrophic fire season in the Southwest, the U.S. Forest Service is adding four additional aircraft to its next-generation firefighting fleet, bringing the total amount of aircraft to 21 large airtankers (with opportunities to add additional aircraft, if needed) and more than 100 helicopters. The new aircraft will enter service in the coming weeks and support over 10,000 firefighters for the 2014 wildfire season.

"We continue to increase and modernize the fleet of aircraft available for wildland fire suppression activities," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "These new planes will combine with our existing fleet to support to our heroes on the ground fighting wildfires to keep our resources and communities safe."

The Forest Service is bringing into duty the first time this fire season a second DC10, and three BAe-146s. The DC10 cruises at 430 mph and can carry up to 11,600 gallons of retardant. Both the BAe-146 and a C130 originally brought on last fall cruise at roughly 350 mph and can carry more than 3,000 gallons of retardant. Eight C130s equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) are also now completing their recertification and training for this season. The Forest Service will also bring additional large airtankers in from Canada if needed. Airtankers drop fire retardant that reduces the intensity and rate of spread of wildfires so that firefighters can construct firelines safely.

Climate change, pests and disease, and suburban sprawl have combined to portend more severe wildfire seasons in recent years. Over the last three decades, fire season lengths have increased by 60-80 days and annual acreages burned have more than doubled to over 7 million acres annually. In addition, growing housing development in forests has put more people and houses in harms' way, also making firefighting efforts more expensive.

Earlier this year, the Forest Service announced that it was projected to exceed its annual firefighting budget in July, two months before the end of the fiscal year. In its 2015 budget proposal, the Obama Administration proposed a special disaster relief cap adjustment for use when costs of fighting fires exceed Forest Service and Department of the Interior budgets. The proposal tracks closely with legislation authored by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, and Representatives Mike Simpson of Idaho and Kurt Schrader of Oregon.

Release No. 0095.14
Contact:
Forest Service Press Office: (202) 205-1134

Check out the Forest Service's Aerial Fleet for Wildland Fire Management 2014 infographic (PDF, 1.8MB)
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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#Yosemite N.P. Fire Managers Announced Yosemite Wildland Fire Season Started Today #CaFire

Yosemite National Park Announces Fire Season
May 19, 2014

Yosemite fire managers have announced that the 2014 Fire Season will begin on Monday, May 19, 2014.

 Fire season officially begins when seasonal firefighting equipment and personnel are in place, prepared and ready to respond. 

 Additionally, grasses and other vegetation at the lower elevations have begun to dry out.  

This year, vegetation is drying out faster than average due to the low snowpack the park received over the last three winter seasons, making for fire danger above average for this time of year.

The park is currently transitioning to fire season preparedness and fire resources will be available seven days per week for suppression efforts within the park.  In park fire resources for the season include: fire management officials, four Type 3 wildland engines, one helicopter, and one hand crew.  

In preparation for the fire season, the park will begin defensible space inspections throughout Yosemite’s communities, including Aspen Valley, Hodgdon Meadows, Foresta, El Portal, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona starting on Monday, June 9.

 Residents and homeowners are urged to clear a defensible space of 100 feet or to property lines around homes and other structures in an effort to reduce the risk of fire hazards.  

With the official declaration of fire season, pile burning will be discontinued throughout the park until further notice.

The fire potential is elevated statewide and has moved peak fire season conditions earlier than predicted. 

 Yosemite National Park urges local residents and visitors to “Please be Fire Safe,” when residing and visiting the park and other public lands.  Special attention should be given when departing campgrounds, backcountry camping sites, and picnic areas to make sure all campfires have been appropriately doused with water.

For more information about fire in Yosemite National Park, please visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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MOBEX Drill: 2014 Western Region Multi-Task Force 2-day Exercise Starts Today #CaSAR

LOS ANGELES - On May 20 & 21, 2014, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services(CalOES) will be testing the Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) System through a multi-team deployment exercise. 

The 2014 Western Region Multi-Task Force exercise, commonly referred to as the MOBEX (mobilization exercise) Drill, is a real time deployment exercise designed to test the readiness and effectiveness of the US&R response system within our State of California.

Local, state and federal emergency responders are preparing Tuesday for potential disasters in a 2-day drill.

The 2014 Western Region Multi-Task Force exercise, known as MOBEX Drill, is designed to test the readiness of the state's response system.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Orange County fire Authority, Sacramento Fire Department, Federal Emergency Management Agency and California Office of Emergency Services teams were among the groups involved.

In Sherman Oaks, K9 teams were practicing early Tuesday morning finding victims in the event of an earthquake. A dog searched through debris piles and barked when it found a live person. Teams also practiced using a drone to gather real-time information.

"It's a chance for us to evaluate our personnel, our equipment and our capabilities," LAFD Fire Capt. Rick Godinez said. "We get new team members all the time, so we need to be ready."

The official drill was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. with an earthquake scenario set in Los Angeles. First responders and search and rescue teams are expected to be deployed.Other disaster exercises were scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Universal Studios, Castaic Lake, a Los Angeles Fire Department station in Sherman Oaks and Del Valle Training Center.

The following agencies are participating in the 2014 MOBEX Drill: 

• CA-TF1 (Los Angeles Fire Department)
• CA-TF2 (Los Angeles County Fire Department)
• CA-TF5 (Orange County Fire Authority)
• CA-TF7 (Sacramento Fire Department) 
• FEMA Incident Support Team (IST) 
• FEMA Main US&R Office Heads
• Cal OES (California Office of Emergency Services) Chief Officers
• LAFD Field Incident Management Team

Disaster exercises will be conducted throughout the day, starting at 11:00 am on May 20 and continue until 2:00 p.m. on May 21, 2014. This drill will take place at four separate locations requiring US&R technical rescue operations:

1. LAFD Fire Station 88
2. Universal Studios
3. Castaic Lake
4. Del Valle Training Center

More Information: http://lafd.blogspot.com/2014/05/californias-first-responders.html

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Quick Look: Large Southern California Wildfires(4) 23,676 total acres to date, 88% #CaFire

Southern California Large Wildfires

LARGE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES EVENING 5-19-14

Basilone Complex Fires CA-MCP-001363;Tomahawk, Pulgas and Combat incidents. Incident managed as a complex as of 0600 05/17 by Federal Type 2 IMT Garwood. 21,240 total acres to date, 88% contained.

Tomahawk Fire CA-MCP-001554; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County, Update 1430hrs: 5,367 acres, 100% contained. Fire lines are cold. Remains in patrol status.
Location: Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, San Diego County

Jurisdiction: FRA (MCP).

 Pulgas Fire CA-MCP-001556; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County,

Update 1430hrs: 14,416 Acres, 87% contained

Crews continue to mop up to achieve 300 feet where safe to do so.

Location: NB I-5 at Las Pulgas Rd., Oceanside, San Diego County

Jurisdiction: FRA (MCP)

Combat Fire CA-MCP-001589; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County,

Update 1430hrs: 1,457 Acres, 99% contained.Completed handlines around the perimeter with exception of the perimeter that is around the impact area. Fire is in patrol status.

Location: Telaga Ridge, MCB Camp Pendleton, San Diego County

Jurisdiction: FRA (MCP)

 

San Diego Complex Fire CA-MVU-010242; Cocos and Highway incidents

Cal Fire IMT – 4 is in Unified Command with San Marcos Fire Dept., Escondido Fire Dept., and Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove Fire Departments

Update 1430hrs: 2,436 acres, 89%  contained

Cocos Fire, CA-MVU-010212; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County,

Update 1430hrs: 1,995 acres, 87% Containment

Reinforce perimeter control lines, mop up and fire suppression repair.

Location: Twin Oaks Valley Road x Craven, San Marcos, San Diego County.

Jurisdiction: LRA / SRA

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Quick Look: Southern California Wildfires 23,709 Acres [MAP]

Southern California Wildfires 23,709 Acres

Basilone Complex CA-MCP-001363

 Tomahawk, Pulgas and Combat incidentsIncident managed as a complex as of 0600 05/17 by Federal Type 2 IMT Garwood 21,273 total acres to date, 70% contained.Tomahawk Fire CA-MCP-001554; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County 

Update 0800 5-18-14: 5,400 acres, 97% contained
Location: Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, San Diego County FRA (MCP).
Pulgas Fire CA-MCP-001556; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County

Update 0800 5-18-14: 14,416 Acres, 55% contained
Location: NB I-5 at Las Pulgas Rd., Oceanside, San Diego County
FRA (MCP)
Combat Fire CA-MCP-001589; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County,
Update 0800 5-18-14: 1,457 Acres, 65% contained
Location: Telaga Ridge, MCB Camp Pendleton, San Diego County FRA (MCP)
San Diego Complex CA-MVU-010242

 Cocos and Highway incidents, Cal Fire IMT – 4 is in Unified Command with San Marcos Fire Dept., Escondido Fire Dept., and Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove Fire DepartmentsUpdate 0800 5-18-14: 2,436 acres, 85% contained

Cocos, CA-MVU-010212; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County

Update 0800 5-18-14: 1,995 acres, 85% Containment

Location:Twin Oaks Valley Road x Craven, San Marcos, San Diego County LRA / SRA
Highway, CA-MVU-010173; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County, 

Update 0800 5-18-14: 441 acres, 100% containment

Location: Interstate 15 at Old Highway 395, Deer Springs, San Diego County SRA

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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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Quick Look: Southern California Wildfires 24146 Acres [MAP]

Southern California Wildfires 5-18-14 2030hrs

Southern California Wildfires Aerial Map

Basilone Complex CA-MCP-001363;Tomahawk, Pulgas and Combat incidents 21,240 total acres to date, 92% contained. Incident managed as a complex as of 0600 05/17 by Federal Type 2 IMT Garwood

Tomahawk Fire CA-MCP-001554; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County, Update 5-18-14 2030: 5,367 acres, 100% contained
Location: Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, San Diego CountyJurisdiction FRA (MCP).
Pulgas Fire CA-MCP-001556; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County,Update 5-18-14 2030: 14,416 Acres, 97% contained

Location: NB I-5 at Las Pulgas Rd., Oceanside, San Diego County
Jurisdiction FRA (MCP)
Combat Fire CA-MCP-001589; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County,
Update 5-18-14 2030: 1,457 Acres, 100% contained
Location: Telaga Ridge, MCB Camp Pendleton, San Diego CountyJurisdiction FRA (MCP)

San Diego Complex CA-MVU-010242; Cocos and Highway incidents
Cal Fire IMT – 4 is in Unified Command with San Marcos Fire Dept., Escondido Fire Dept., and Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove Fire Departments
Update 5-18-14 2030: 2,906 acres, 80% contained.

Cocos Fire  CA-MVU-010212; Vegetation Fire, San Diego County

Update 5-18-14 2030: 2,520 acres, 80% Containment

Location: Twin Oaks Valley Road x Craven, San Marcos, San Diego County Jurisdiction LRA / SRA
Highway Fire 441 acres, 100% containment 5-17-14

Previous related post: Quick Look: Southern California Wildfires 23,709 Acres [MAP]
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CFN - California Fire News 2013 

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