Location: Barrett Junction area. Bell Valley up towards the 94 south of Harris ranch Rd. south of Highway 94 near Buzzards Roost
Sizeup: Reported at 5:30 p.m Wednesday near Bell Valley consumed 40 acres as of 8 p.m. There are no structures threatened.
Resources: AA 330, 3 S2T's assigned, Eight engines, two fire crews, three air tankers and one helicopter, And at least one water tender
MVU BC 3313 is IC and CNF B32 is Operations.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Diamond Springs volunteer firefighter pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three felony arson charges
A 24-year-old Diamond Springs volunteer firefighter pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three felony arson charges.Benjamin Cunha, who has volunteered for several fire departments in El Dorado County and hails from a long line of career firefighters, is alleged to have started three fires within the past three weeks, according to the criminal complaint filed in El Dorado County Superior Court.
The complaint states that Cunha, of Placerville, set fire to a structure and forest land located at Sand Ridge Road in El Dorado on Aug. 21. Cunha also is alleged to have set fire to a structure and forest land at Big Cut Road near Excelsior Road in Placerville on Aug. 29 and to have set fire to a structure and forest land at Mosquito Road in Placerville on Sunday, the complaint states.
Cunha also faces a special allegation of arson with aggravating factors in regard to the three felonies. The arsons were caused by a device designed to delay ignition, the complaint states.
Cunha was arrested Sunday afternoon after an investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Amador-El Dorado Unit.
He is being held without bail at the El Dorado County Jail.
Cunha has been a volunteer firefighter for the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Fire Protection District since 2000. He has been placed on administrative leave.
Cunha also has worked as an apprentice firefighter for the El Dorado County Fire District and, from 2001 to 2003, was a seasonal firefighter for Cal Fire, said Phyllis Banducci, division chief for Cal Fire's Amador-El Dorado Unit.
Cunha's family members also have logged many years in fire service.
His father, Ed Cunha, worked for the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Fire Protection District for 23 years, retiring as a captain in 1997. He now serves on the fire district's executive board, said Marty Sanford, the fire district's assistant chief of operations and training.
Frank Cunha, Ed Cunha's father, retired from the fire district in 1985 after more than 20 years of service, he said
"The Cunha family has been an integral part of the fabric of the district for many years," Sanford said.
Cunha's next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
[EDIS] Red flag warning - EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY
[EDIS] Red flag warning in effect from 12 pm to 10 pm pdt thursday for gusty winds and low humidity
EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY
And parts of Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine counties
EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY
And parts of Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine counties
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM TO 10 PM PDT THURSDAY. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. LOW PRESSURE APPROACHING THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST WILL PRODUCE INCREASING WINDS OVER THE REGION ON THURSDAY. SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED BY MIDDAY THURSDAY...WITH STRONGER GUSTS ON EXPOSED RIDGES. IN ADDITION... RELATIVE HUMIDITY BETWEEN 10 AND 15 PERCENT IS EXPECTED IN THE AFTERNOON. WINDS WILL DIMINISH BY LATE THURSDAY EVENING. IN ADDITION...ISOLATED FAST MOVING THUNDERSTORMS MAY DEVELOP BY LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON OVER EXTREME NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND NORTHWEST NEVADA...MAINLY NORTH OF A GERLACH TO RAVENDALE LINE. WITH VERY DRY FUEL MOISTURES...ANY LIGHTNING STRIKES WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO START NEW FIRES.
Instruction:
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. CONTINUE TO CHECK WEATHER.GOV/RENO/FIRE FOR UPDATES.
Area: EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY-NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY-
Affected Counties or parts of: Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine,
Sent: 2007-09-12T15:25:40-07:00
Original Sender: KREV@nwws.oes.ca.gov
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV
CAMVU/CNF-PINE FIRE - Vegetation Fire - Rapid ROS - Heavy Commitment
Pine Fire header from Ramona Air attack baseCredit: HPWREN
Location:This fire is South of I-8, running east, near the community of Pine Valley at the Corte Madera Ranch
Sizeup: The fire started at 1:15 p.m - AA overhead..initial reports of 7-10 acres, moderate ROS, AA puts the fire at about 20 acres with a RAPID rate of spread requesting total of 6 ATs and lots of crews.
Potential for major fire. Large Column building,
Current weather: PV 97 degress, 15% RH, west winds under 10 MPH
Resources: Requested 6 airtankers, 2 S/T of crews from RRU enroute 1340 and a very large response from both CNF & CalFire.
Updates:
Sept 12
The Incident Command Post is at Old Highway 80 and Pine Valley Road at Pine Valley County Park. California Highway Patrol has closed Interstate 8 between Highway 79 and Sunrise Highway.
300-acres . . . No structures are currently threatened Currently 45 Engines, 3 Bulldozers, 8 Fire Crews, 3 Helicopters, 6 Air tankers, 4 Water Tenders, have responded which is about 350 firefighters.
Sept 13 0600:
Pine @1800 Acres 5% contained. Spread possible into Bear Valley and Pine Valley
Decent humidity recovery overnight
Woychak's T2 team was activated last night 2200
*According to Anabele Cornejo of the Cleveland National Forest Service, one firefighter suffered a burn injury and was flown to the UCSD burn center. Matt Streck of CalFire said the firefighter suffered moderate injuries to his leg and hand.*
Pine Fire Header from Grizzly peakCredit: HPWREN
CASCU- Lick Fire - 100% contained - 47,760 acres
Lick Fire
LARGEST FIRE IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY IN MANY YEARS...Maybe largest in history?
The Canyon Fire was 34,217 acres last year, back in the thirty's there was a big one I hear tell, seem to remember one in the Mines road area about 2001 burned a lot of grass, Anyone have the answer?
The Canyon Fire was 34,217 acres last year, back in the thirty's there was a big one I hear tell, seem to remember one in the Mines road area about 2001 burned a lot of grass, Anyone have the answer?
| Lick Fire Incident Information: | |||
| Last Updated: | September 11, 2007 7:45 pm | FINAL | |
| Date/Time Started: | September 3, 2007 1:45 pm | ||
| Administrative Unit: | CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit | ||
| County: | Santa Clara County | ||
| Location: | Henry Coe State Park, east of Gilroy | ||
| Acres Burned: | 47,760 acres | ||
| Containment | 100% contained - 47,760 acres Henry Coe State Park | ||
| Structures Destroyed: | 4 residences and 20 outbuildings | ||
| Injuries: | 9 | ||
| Cause: | Human | ||
| Cooperating Agencies: | California State Parks, South Santa Clara Fire Protection District, Santa Clara County Fire Department | ||
| Total Fire Personnel: | 868 (816 CAL FIRE) | ||
| Fire crews: | 30 CAL FIRE | ||
| Engines: | 46 CAL FIRE | ||
| Helicopters: | 3 (1 CAL FIRE) | ||
| Dozers: | 5 (1 CAL FIRE) | ||
| Water tenders: | 10 | ||
| Costs to date: | $10.2 million | ||
| Major Incident Command Team: | Incident Command Team #2 | ||
| Conditions: | The fire is burning within the Henry Coe State Park in a remote location which makes access difficult. Local camp grounds and trails have been evacuated. | ||
| Phone Numbers | (408) 779-0930 (Lick Fire Information) | ||
Inciweb: Elk Complex Wildland Fire - 17,684 acres - 90%
Elk Complex Wildland Fire
INCIDENT UPDATED 1 DAY AGO
NEWS RELEASE
Klamath River Access Opened
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Duane Lyon August 17, 2007Phone: 530 841 4485 Website: www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath Klamath National Forest Announces Changes in ClosuresYreka, CA - The Wingate River... more
Summary
The Elk Complex is 90% contained. Crews continue to monitor. Check www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/conditions/ or call the Fire Information Center at 530 841 4451 for current information on road, trail, and river access closures.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | 07/10/2007 at 2201 hrs. |
| Location | Happy Camp Ranger District |
| Incident Commander | Sue Daniels |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 114 |
|---|---|
| Size | 17,684 acres |
| Percent Contained | 90% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 10/30/2007 at 0700 hrs. |
| Fuels Involved | 10 Timber (litter and understory). Mature heavy timber overstory with brush understory, large quantities of dead fuels and snags. |
| Fire Behavior | Slow moving surface fire in green pockets within fire prerimeter with isolated torching, creeping and roll-out on steep slopes. |
| Significant Events | Continued to secure line burned on previous days. Patrol, mop-up, and repair activities. Fire backed down to the Klamath River on the west. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Continue to secure the line burned on previous days. Continue to perform fireline repair. |
|---|---|
| Projected Movement | 12 hours: Interior burning of unburn fuels. 24 hours: Potential for re-burn in areas wetted by previous rain event as drying continues. 48 hours: Potential for re-burn in areas wetted by previous rain event as drying continues. 72 hours: Potential for re-burn in areas wetted by previous rain event as drying continues. |
| Growth Potential | Low |
| Terrain Difficulty | Extreme |
| Containment Target | Likely to meet objectives based on current weather projections. |
| Remarks | Fire finished backing into the Klamath River. Portions of the Elk fire, Humming Bird fire and King Creek to / Titus / Wingate fires are in confinement status which accounts for the 90% continement. Plan to transition to a type 3 team on 08/05/07. |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | 1 mph NW |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 52 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 75 % |
CA-SBC- MARIPOSA - Mariposa Fire - 100% contained - 176 acres
Mariposa Fire
| Mariposa Fire Incident Information: | |||
| Last Updated: | September 5, 2007 8:00 am | ||
| Date/Time Started: | September 3, 2007 8:00 pm | ||
| Administrative Unit: | Santa Barbara County Fire | ||
| County: | Santa Barbara County | ||
| Location: | Highway 101 and Mariposa Riena | ||
| Acres Burned: | |||
| Containment | 100% contained - 176 acres Highway 101 and Mariposa Riena | ||
| Phone Numbers | (805) 681-5546 (Mariposa Fire Information) | ||
CA- RRU-COLINA INCIDENT - Colina Fire -- 100% contained - 430 acres
Colina Fire
| Colina Fire Incident Information: | |||
| Last Updated: | September 12, 2007 10:00 am | ||
| Date/Time Started: | September 10, 2007 2:45 pm | ||
| Administrative Unit: | CAL FIRE Riverside Unit / Riverside County Fire | ||
| County: | Riverside County | ||
| Location: | Hills west of Temecula | ||
| Acres Burned: | | ||
| Containment | 100% contained - 430 acres Hills west of Temecula | ||
| Phone Numbers | (951) 940-6985 (Colina Fire Information) | ||
Incident Name: Colina Incident Number: CARRU-79386
Date Reported: 09/10/2007 Time Reported: 2:45 PM
Incident Type: WILDLAND TB 977 A1
Incident Location: Carrancho Rd and Calle Colina TB 977 A1
City: Temecula
Size/Type of Fuel/etc.: 430 Acres Brush, Grass
Cause: Equipment
Loss: $0 (STR): $0 (Contents): $0 Vehicle(s): $0
Save: $0 (STR): $0 (Contents): $0 Cost to Date: $0
Injuries:
Fatalities: 0 Critical: 0 Moderate: 0 Minor: 0 Non-Injury: 0
Transported Ground AMB: 1 Air AMB: 0
Containment Time: Control Time:
Resources Assigned
Engines: 62 Breathing Supp.: 0 Helicopters: 4
Truck Co: 0 Squad: 0 Air Attack: 1
Firefighters: 700 RVC Medics: 0 Air Tankers: 2
Overhead Personnel: 20 AMB's: 1 Fire Crews: 16
Haz. Mat: No Co. Health: No County OES: Yes Fire Prev.: Yes Water Tenders: 4
Electrical Co: No Gas Co: No Water Co: No Bulldozers: 4
Red Cross: No Chaplain: No Displaced Persons: No Adult: 0 Child: 0
Misc. Equip: Sheriff's Office: Yes CHP: Yes Office: San Diego
Cooperating Agencies: Los Angeles County Fire Dept
Supplemental
Comments:
Update 1800 hours: Fire is 75% contained. 100 percent expected 9/12 0800 hours. Control is expected 0800 hours Friday 9/14. 5 inmate firefighters have suffered injuries. 4 heat related, and 1 minor ankle injury. Carrancho road remains closed for public and firefighter safety. Update 0650 9/11/2007: Fire is 430 acres and 50% contained. 700 personnel assigned to the incident. No injuries reported and no structures damaged/lost. 100 percent containment is expected by Wednesday, 9/12/2007 at 0800 hours. Update 2000: 300 acres 10 percent contained.
Update 1907: 300 acres burning in an easterly direction. Heavy smoke into the Temecula Valley. Update 1642: 250 acres burning out of control in a north-west direction. De Luz Road at Carrancho Road is closed Currently no homes threatened. Update 1427: Units are on scene with 50 acres of grass and brush. Current Fire Perimeter: ICP: Tenaja Rd and Calle Bandido at the Polo Grounds. Road Closures: Carrancho Rd from County Line to Calle Colina.Residents will be allowed into the area with proper idenification.
Problems: Steep Terrain, Medium Brush. 9/10 Cause: Equipment.
A vehicle accident caused the fire, anyone with information on a black 4 door honda in the area at the time of the fire please contact the Riverside County Fire Arson Hot Line at 1-800-633-2836.
Evacuations: No Evacuation Comments:A vehicle accident caused the fire, anyone with information on a black 4 door honda in the area at the time of the fire please contact the Riverside County Fire Arson Hot Line at 1-800-633-2836.
Information Center: 951 940 6985 OR:
Prepared By: Cheri Patterson Prepared Date/Time: 09/11/2007 1758
Inciweb: Moonlight Wildland Fire - 64,271 acres - 58%
Moonlight Wildland Fire
9/13/07 | 0640 | Update: Moonlight Incident - CA-PNF, 64,997 acres with 77 percent containment. The red flag warning event will test the containment lines today and possible the next few days. If the containment lines hold through the event, large scale fire suppression repair and resource demobilization will be able to begin. Resource advisors are working with Operations to formulate the fire line suppression repair plan. |
ANNOUNCEMENT
Evacuation contact information
Large animal evacuations: Plumas-Sierra Co. Fairgrounds, contact Dennis Miller 283-6211 or 394-7762 Domestic animals can be taken to the Animal Shelter in Quincy, contact Lisa McKee 927-7714Red... more
Summary
North Arm Evacuation Partially Lifted: 9-11-2007
Evacuees only are being allowed to return to areas in the Diamond Mountain/North Arm Road area. Diamond Mountain Road from North Valley Road (Deadfall Lane) to Moonlight Valley road intersection is open. The mandatory evacuation order is still in place for the North Arm Road to the Fire Station. Taylor Lake, Franks Valley, and the Antelope Lake areas are still under mandatory evacuation. Voluntary evacuation remains in place for residents of Genesee Valley.
Winds from the southwest will continue today, becoming progressively stronger through the day. Winds will be 4 to 8 mph this morning and increasing 5 to 10 mph with possible gusts to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. A low pressure from the coast is moving into the area and will create stronger winds on Thursday. There is a fire weather watch posted for Thursday, with southwest winds 12 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph.
The most active part of the fire today is expected along the northeast and southeast perimeter. Predicted winds over the next few days will be coming out of the southwest. The northern perimeter from Red Rock Lookout area east to Wildcat Ridge will have increased resources. The fire is still active along the south perimeter. Crews were successful at tying in the large portion of line from Kettle Rock area to Hungry Creek. The burned areas from the Stream Fire and the Antelope Fire are helping crews control the fire spread to the east.
Extreme fire behavior is possible given the low fuel moisture levels combined with steep terrain, heavy fuels, and the winds which will challenge firefighting efforts. A northeast wind is predicted this morning and then shifting to a southwest wind which may affect the southern and eastern portions of the fire. Air support will continue to be available and will be critical to slowing the advance of the fire.
Indian Valley residents will see smoke clearing from the area. However, smoke will increase in the Susanville and Janesville area.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Under Investigation |
| Date of Origin | 09/03/2007 at 1424 hrs. |
| Location | Moonlight Valley T27N R10E Sec 3 |
| Incident Commander | Unified Command |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 3,371 |
|---|---|
| Size | 64,271 acres |
| Percent Contained | 58% |
| Fuels Involved | Heavy timber & slash, 80% slopes |
| Fire Behavior | The fire was actively backing until the morning hours in Division R & N with single tree torching. The fire continued burning towards the Antelope fire burn scar. |
| Significant Events | Line has been completed and continues to hold in the southwest, west and northwest portions of the fire. Significant progress was made in constructing line on the east portion of the fire. Evacuees only are being allowed to return to areas in the Diamond Mountain/North Arm Road area. Diamond Mountain Road from North Valley Road (Dead fall Lane) to Moonlight Valley road intersection is open. The mandatory evacuation order is still in place for the North Arm Road to the Fire Station. Taylor Lake, Franks Valley, and the Antelope Lake areas are still under mandatory evacuation. A voluntary evacuation order remains in place for the residents Genesee Valley. The Forest closure is in place to ensure safety in the vicinity of the fire. All major highways remain open, however most Forest roads in the area are closed to access. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | The W and NW continue to hold and mop up 100 feet from control lines. The SE perimeter construct direct & indirect line, improve and hold established line. Provide structure protection. The SW perimeter construct direct and indirect line, improve and hold established line. Provide structure protection in the Diamond Mountain, North Arm, Indian Valley and Wilcox areas. |
|---|---|
| Projected Movement | Moderate fire spread is predicted to be towards the northeast due to the southwesterly wind pattern |
| Growth Potential | Extreme |
| Terrain Difficulty | 80% slopes; extreme |
| Containment Target | Indirect and direct attack is succeeding, but potential fire behavior and changing weather patterns are preventing establishing a containment date. |
| Remarks | Low humidity & critical fuel moisture levels are causing the fire to remain very active well into the night. Resource advisor's are working with operations to begin fireline suppression repair. Hwy 36 and all other major routes open. |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | 3 mph SW |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 76 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 33 % |
Editor - Cal Fire News back online after fire assignment
The Editor apologizes for the lack of updated postings I was assigned to both the Stevens incident and the Lick Incident back to back and was unable to update the the blog, I hope I did not lose many loyal readers.
Please check back shortly as we resume normal Fire News reporting.
Thanks, Bob
Editor California Fire News
Please check back shortly as we resume normal Fire News reporting.
Thanks, Bob
Editor California Fire News
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