Quick Look: California Wildfires today

 News and Notes:
 The National PL was increased to "4" on Aug 8 at 1600.
 Thirteen new large fires were reported nationally and eight were contained. Fifty-six large fires have currently burned a total of 917,662 acres. The number of fires are currently below the 10-year-average, but the acres burned are approximately 280,000 above the average.
 Four MAFFS C-130 aircraft and support personnel from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands (California Air National Guard), and the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs (US Air Force Reserve) are supporting wildland fire suppression operations out of Boise, ID.

2 SFFD firefighters injured in backdraft - 120 firefighters battled the fire, encountered explosion

Firefighters tackling a four-alarm fire in San Francisco narrowly escaped serious injury during a backdraft.
It took 120 firefighters about an hour to extinguish the fast-moving flames that quickly consumed a block of tightly-packed businesses Tuesday.
KGO-TV reported that nine firefighters entered a coffee shop that was believed to be the origin of the fire when they were hit by the backdraft.
One of the firefighters sustained a shoulder injury while the other reported an irregular heartbeat after the explosion. Both were taken to the hospital and expected to make a full recovery.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation

Weather: No Current Fire Watches or Warnings

NWS Current Fire Weather Watches / Warnings

California Wildfires Today

ONCC - North Op's

• No new large fires reported in the Geographic Area overnight (1800-0600). 
• Truett IMT II ordered (CA-ONC-007) for preposition to No Ops. 

CA-SHF Parks Wildfire, 17 acres, 85% contained.

 If the fire receives favorable weather conditions today, then full containment is expected by end of shift tonight.

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CA-TCU- Armario Wildfire -  30 acres and 65% contained  
County: Tuolumne County Location: north of Tuolumne Rd in Soulsbyville
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE - Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
Date/Time Started: August 7, 2012 6:30 pm
Location: north of Tuolumne Rd in Soulsbyville
Acres Burned: 30 acres
Containment 30 acres and 65% contained
Structures Destroyed: Two residential structures (A Frame, Stick Frame, one out building, one pick-up, one travel trailer, two vehicles, one recreational vehicle.
Total Fire Personnel: 232 (52 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 21 (5 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 7 (2 CAL FIRE)
Airtankers: 0
Helicopters: 2
Dozers: 2
Water tenders: 3

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CA-PNF- Chips Wildfire - 18,681 acres, 10% contained.

Crews made good progress with burn out operations on the northern side of the fire, from Div F towards Div Y. Approximately one mile of firing was completed until until the conditions became unfavorable. Crews continued to mopup, hold and patrol existing fireline.
County: Plumas County
Location: 2 miles northwest of Belden
Administrative Unit: Plumas National Forest  

Chips Fire Information - Phone: 530-283-3593 Hours: 8:00am-7:00pm
Date Started: July 29, 2012 1:57 am
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday July 29th, 2012 approx. 01:57 AM
Location 2 miles NW of Belden, CA
Incident Commander Jerry Mcgowan
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,018
Size 18,681 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date Friday August 31st, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - 10 Timber (litter and understory) low brush with numerous dead and down large, 1000 hour logs and standing snags.
Fire Behavior - Persistent fire spread is currently being observed. The fire is backing downslope with occasional torching.
Significant Events - Crews made progress with burnout operations on the northern flank of the fire. They will continue to mopup, hold and patrol existing fireline. 

 Road closures: Cal Trans continues to clean up debris that is falling onto the highway. USFS road 27N76 remain closed.  A one mile, one lane traffic closure remains in effect on Highway 70. Motorists should use caution on Hwy 70 in the fire area. Expect delays and traffic controls. 

 Campground Closures: Gansner Bar, North Fork and Queen Lily campgrounds, The Little Grizzly dispersed camping area and High Lake OHV Area are closed. Portions of the Pacific Crest, Yellow Creek, Ben Lomond, and Indian Creek hiking trails remain closed.

 Evacuations: The communities of Belden, Little Haven and Maggie's Trailer Park are on a precautionary evacuation notice. A voluntary evacuation notice has been issued for the Rush Creek area and the area south of Highway 89 that includes Butt Valley Reservoir and Humbug Reservoir. Residents along Highway 70 from Tobin to Twain are encouraged to begin developing evacuation plans.

Outlook/Planned Actions - Resources will continue to construct and improve containment lines and will conduct burnout operations if there are favorale conditions. Crews will also continue to hold and mop-up existing firelines, and provide initial attack response. Structure protection is currently being provided to communities in the Highway 70 Corridor and along Caribou Road. The communications site on Red Hill is also being protected.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme
Remarks: Traffic controls are being implemented on a 7 mile section of Highway 70 from Rock Creek to Belden. There are 9 miles remaining of fireline to build. 35 miles, or 80%, of planned direct and indirect containment lines have been completed. The acreage within the proposed containment lines includes 12,450 acres in the Plumas National Forest and 22,320 acres in the Lassen National Forest. An advisory from the Plumas County Sheriff's Office for potential evacuations is still in effect along Highway 70 between Tobin and Twain. Other voluntary evacuation notices remain in effect as well.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 25 mph SW
Temperature 102 degrees
Humidity 9%

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CA-LNU- San Antonio Wildfire -  35-40 acres and 100% contained  
County: Sonoma County
Location: eastside of Hwy 101, south of San Antonio Rd, south of Petaluma
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Date Started: August 8, 2012 2:24 pm
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CA-AEU- Hazel Wildfire, -  45 acres - 90% contained  
Name: Hazel Fire
County: El Dorado County
Location: Off Mormon Emigrant Trail, southeast of Pollock Pines
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit/Eldorado National Forest
Date Started: August 5, 2012 1:20 pm
Planned Actions - Today crews will continue mop up operations.
Terrain Difficulty - Road access near fire, steep difficult terrain
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CA-LNP Reading Wildfire, 3,700 acres, 5% contained.

 Nighttime fire behavior was moderate with low rates of spread, single tree torching.

Closures: The main park highway (Hwy 89) is closed for six miles from Chaos Crags to Summit Lake. Lost Creek and Crags campgrounds are closed.

Incident Overview
On July 23, thunderstorms produced numerous lightning strikes within Lassen Volcanic National Park. One of the strikes ignited a fire approximately one mile northeast of Paradise Meadow between the Terrace Lake and Paradise Meadows Trails. This fire, named the Reading Fire, is currently being managed by Incident Management Team NorCal 1. At this time, the fire is approximately 3,600 acres and 5% contained. This fire is actively burning and causing spot fires which are challenging firefighters.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Monday July 23rd, 2012 approx. 05:09 PM
Location 14 miles south of Old Station
Incident Commander Paul Whitcome
Current Situation
Total Personnel 468
Size 3,600 acres
Percent Contained 5%
 Estimated Containment Date Saturday August 11th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
 Fuels Involved - The fire is burning in mixed conifer and red fir overstory with pine mat manzanita and a variable understory fuel loading of dead and down materials.
 Fire Behavior - Winds and low RH increased fire behavior with numerous single and group tree torching, burning through dense forest fuels. Long range spotting up to 1 mile.
 Significant Events - A spot fire on the north side of Badger Mountain got established today and was aggressively attacked with air tankers. Retardant drops were used on USFS lands. The main park highway continues to be closed for six miles from Chaos Crags to Summit Lake. Lost Creek and Crags campgrounds remain closed. Portions of the Pacific Crest, Paradise Meadows, and Terrace Lakes trails remain closed.
Outlook / Planned Actions - Continue direct and indirect line construction and scout for additional secondary control lines. Evaluate and prepare for structure protection.
Growth Potential - High
Terrain Difficulty - Medium
Remarks: NPS Acres = 3,375, USFS acres = 225
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 14 mph SW
Temperature 82 degrees
Humidity 18%
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CA-KNF Fort Complex. Wildfires, 115 total acres, 0% contained.

 Fires within the complex include: 

Goff Fire - 20 acres, 0% contained;

Hello Fire - 60 acres, 0% contained; 

Lick Fire - 30 acres, 0% contained; 

Fruit Fire - 5 acres, 0% contained. 

The growth potential for these fires is high.
 Incident Overview

The Goff Fire, burning on the Happy Camp Oak Knoll Ranger District of the Klamath natioanl Forest has been complexed with three other nearby fires. The Hello, Lick and Fruit Fires burning nearby in the Red Buttes Wilderness of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest together with the Goff Fire are now called the Fort Complex.

 These fires are burning in extremely steep and inacessible terrain approximately10 miles northwest of Happy Camp, California in California and Oregon. A type 2 incident management team arrived in Yreka, California yesterday to assess these fires and develop a suppression planExtreme topography is making access difficult; fires are burning in the 1987 Fort Cooper Fire.

Planned actions:  The Goff Fire will continue to be monitored until SoCal Team 1 (Walker) takes over; the OR-RSF fires will continue to go direct.

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CA-MDF- Lake Complex Wildfires, 1,666 acres, 80% contained.

 The Lake Complex fire is showing great progress. The fire has a line completely surrounding the perimeter and suppresion effort have paid off greatly. Resourses are starting to be demob and remaining crews are concentrating on mopping up hot spots. With stronger winds and higher temperatures expected this weekend personnel will continue to watch for interior flare ups to prevent potential spot fires.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Sunday August 05th, 2012 approx. 03:03 PM
Location 12 miles SW of Blue MT LO
Incident Commander Cross / Orr(t)
Current Situation
Total Personnel 207
Size 1,666 acres
Percent Contained 80%
Estimated Containment Date Thursday August 09th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved - Timber, Grass & Brush
Fire Behavior - There is no fire behavior occurring
Significant Events - Continue mop up within established control lines
Outlook/Planned Actions - Continue line improvement and mop up
Growth Potential - High
Terrain Difficulty - Medium
Remarks - Demob of resources expected after shift 8/9/12 and 8/10/12
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 4-8 mph SW
Temperature 92-102 degrees
Humidity 5-11%
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OSCC
Extremely hot temperatures continue throughout the GACC with temps exceeding 105 in Riverside expected tomorrow.

CA-SQF- Piute Complex wildfires, 1,799 acres; 50% contained.

CA-SQF-2476 

Forward fire spread has been stopped.

Location: Piute Mountain Area, Southeast of Lake Isabella
IC: Central Sierra Type-2 team (Cooper) remains in command. 

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Clear Wildfire, 1,449 acres, 50% contained.

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Heald Wildfire, 350 acres, 75% contained.

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CA-SNF- Bear Wildfire, 500 acres, 50% contained. 

 CA-SNF-1940 

Location: 10NM East Northeast of Huntington Lake, South of Edison Lake, John Muir Wilderness, Fresno County. 

Fire is burning in bear clover, heavy timber and brush.
No increase in size during this operational period, continue line construction while being vigilant for potential heat related injuries.
Values at risk: wilderness areas, public and private campgrounds, stables, 2 private resorts.
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CA-NOD- Indian, wildfire, 100+ 0% containment 

CA-000942

Location:  Mono County, South East of Mono Lake, near off Hwy 120 and Baxter Springs.

IC: Jurisdiction BLM.

Fire in sagebrush moderate to rapid ROS
Values at risk watershed, threat to Inyo National Forest
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Nevada - Northern California Resource Area Incident

CA-BLM-NOD Lost Fire wildfire 45,288 acres, 40% Containment  
NorCal 2 Type II Interagency Incident Management Team
Cedarville, California
Fire Information Office: 530-563-6045 Staffed 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Started: August 5, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Fire is burning in sagebrush, juniper, pockets of mountain mahogany, tall grass,
Estimated Size: 45,288 acres
Containment: 40%.
Expected Containment: August 12, 2012
Committed Resources: Approximately 305 people
Structures Threatened: 0
Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 0
Injuries: 0

 Lost Fire Bucket Work

Summary: Northern California (NorCal) Interagency Incident Management Team 2 (Joe Molhoek, Incident Commander) is managing Lost Fire for BLM. The fire is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Eagleville, California, in Northwest Nevada.
 The fire continues to burn northeast into the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (NCA) and has burned into the High Rock Canyon wilderness area.
 Resource concerns in the area include critical habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife, federally protected wild horses, and multiple cultural and historical sites. The fire is also impacting several livestock allotments, which are important to local ranchers and the economy of Surprise Valley. Fire managers are working closely with area resource protection staff to mitigate fire damage, and expect the fire to burn throughout the night with moderate activity with a slight increase in relative humidity recovery. Most of the fire activity will be confined to the NCA and the northeast fire edge.
Advisories and Closures: · Nevada State Route 34 is closed from Nevada State Route 8A (continuation of CA State Route 299) to the Lost Creek Road.
 The public is advised to leave recreation areas in the High Rock Canyon area and to be advised of fire activity and personnel.
Remarks: Fire Camp is located at the Modoc County Fairgrounds in Cedarville, California, and is currently closed for use by the public.
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.
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LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations

  California Fire News 2012 

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Social Media Emergency Management: Temporary FEMA Assignment

 #DHS - #FEMA #SMEM Update 

Support FEMA in its Effort to Build a Stronger, More Resilient Nation

Are you an employee of a state, local, or tribal government, institution of higher education, or a non-profit organization interested in lending your expertise to the Federal government in 2013 and then returning to your previous position? A temporary assignment has recently become available for individuals interested in working with states and local communities to prepare citizens for natural and man-made disasters. This year, FEMA is launching a national campaign to build and sustain disaster preparedness throughout the country, and is seeking expertise to assist this effort within the FEMA Regions. This posting is being made available through theIntergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program, which allows eligible applicants to work for the Federal government for up to one year and then return to their previous positions.  Salary is paid to your host agency or organization by the Federal Government.  Responsibilities include supporting drills and exercises that involve the public and non-government organizations, working with States and local communities to update preparedness messaging and communications to the public, helping grassroots preparedness programs to build more resilient communities, and engaging youth-serving, faith-based, private sector, disability advocacy, and other organizations in preparedness activities and programs.

The goal of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act mobility program is to facilitate the movement of employees, for short periods of time, when this movement serves a sound public purpose. Mobility assignments may be used to achieve objectives such as:

• Strengthening the management capabilities of Federal agencies, State, local and Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations;
• Assisting the transfer and use of new technologies and approaches to solving governmental problems;
• Facilitating an effective means of involving state and local officials in developing and implementing Federal policies and programs; and,
• Providing program and developmental experience which will enhance the assignee's performance in his or her regular job.

We are specifically looking for applicants from the following metropolitan area(s): 

• Boston, MA: robert.pesapane@fema.dhs.gov
• New York, NY: david.musick@fema.dhs.gov
• Philadelphia, PA: michael.hajdak@fema.dhs.gov
• Washington, DC: dante.randazzo@fema.dhs.gov
• Atlanta, GA: candace.burrell@fema.dhs.gov
• Chicago, IL: mary.rhedin@fema.dhs.gov
• Kansas City, MO: thomas.morgan5@fema.dhs.gov
• Denver, CO: daniel.nyquist@fema.dhs.gov   

Additional information on the IPA program, including eligibility, can be found here: http://www.opm.gov/programs/ipa/mobility.asp.Please note that while we are able to pay your salary, you will not be reimbursed for per diem or relocation expenses.   

If you are eligible and interested in this opportunity, please contact the name associated with the city above.  Please submit your resume by August 15^th.  Due to a high level of interest, we may not be able to reply to all applicants.  Selections will be made bySeptember 4, 2012.

California Fire News 2012 

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Quick Look: California Fires

News and Notes: 

• Walker IMT II ordered (CA-ONC-007) for preposition to North Ops

• Chevron Refinery fire in a catalytic cracking unit, injured 1 employee and sent dozens of citizens to local hospitals as a large black chemical laden smoke plume covered the San Francisco Bay Area. At this point, only half the refinery is closed down, Unit-2 still processing.
  
  Richmond Fire Department provided Mutual Aid to Chevron Fire Dept. with Albany Fire Department providing cover in City of Richmond. A shelter in place order was issued and lasted till late in the evening.
   Fire is now contained.
•  The U.S. Forest Service has modified its request for assistance for the MAFFS-equipped C-130s. The new request, received late yesterday, tasks an additional two C-130s using Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, to assist with fires in the Rocky Mountain area. The two aircraft from the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, CO, will supplement the two C-130s from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, currently operating from Boise Air Terminal, in Idaho.
• A trash fire at a marijuana grow grew out of control and burned nearly eight acres of wildland in the Las Cumbres Fire on Saturday, Cal Fire reported.
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In Memoriam: 

August 6, 1945 – Lemon Butte Fire
On August 6, 1945, Marvin Brown, a member of the “Triple Nickels” (the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion), was killed on the Lemon Butte fire in Oregon when he fell from a snag that his chute had become entangled with. The 555 PIB was stationed on the West Coast to combat any fire started by Japanese bomb-carrying balloons. Their mission was not publicized as to not panic the public. During the summer of 1945, the Triple Nickels made more than 1,200 individual jumps; Mr. Brown was their only fatality. For more information on Brown and the Triple Nickels, visit http://www.wlfalwaysremember.org/incident-lists/241-malvin-brown.html
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Weather: Dry lightning fires didn't materialize Saturday night, and CalFire announced Monday that its staffing levels are back to normal after being on "alert staffing" Saturday.

A ridge of high pressure will build over the region the rest of this week and into the weekend; the warmest temperatures are expected late this week and into the weekend. This will bring a warming trend to the Central California interior with the possibility of record high temperatures. Precautions should be taken to avoid dangerous effects of the heat.

Current Red Flags, Watches or Warnings

Red Flag Warning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEDFORD HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM PDT
THIS EVENING.

SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MT
SHASTA-MODOC COUNTY EXCEPT FOR THE SURPRISE VALLEY 

...GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES ARE EXPECTED TO IMPACT
MODOC COUNTY AND FAR EASTERN SISKIYOU COUNTY THIS AFTERNOON...
* AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONES 285 AND EASTERN 284

* WIND: AFTERNOON WEST TO SOUTHWEST WIND GUSTS OF 20 TO 30 MPH
  ARE EXPECTED.

* HUMIDITY: AFTERNOON RELATIVE HUMIDITIES OF 10 PERCENT OR LOWER
  ARE EXPECTED TODAY.

* IMPACTS: THE POTENTIAL FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE
  HUMIDITIES MAY RESULT IN EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH THIS AFTERNOON.

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.

Excessive Heat Warning
Excessive Heat Watch
Current Fire Potential Map
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OSCC GACC

CA-SLU- Caliente Wildfire, 149 acres 100% contained. San Luis Obispo County. CA-SLU-006239 
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CA-SQF- Piute Complex Wildfire, 1500 acres 15% contained.
 (Heald Fire 1150 acres, Clear Fire 350 acres)  
South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team is assigned Piute Complex. The Incident Base Camp has been established at Camp 9. For current fire information about the fires involved in the Piute Complex, please call the Fire Information Unit at 951-297-3493.
CA-SQF-2476
Location: Clear Fire-6 Miles South of Lake Isabella Heald Fire-11 Miles East of Lake Isabella
Acres Burned: 

Clear Fire: 1,500

 Heald Fire: 350

 Structures Threatened: 20
Containment: 15% on both fires Structures
Destroyed: 0
Fire Started: August 4, 2012
Injuries: 0
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel assigned to the Fire: 929
Summary: Today fire crews continued working on building fire containment lines around both fires. Resources have been arriving to the incident throughout the day to help support firefighting efforts. Both fires are located in steep rough terrain with difficult access and long travel times to the fire. Multiple helicopters and air tankers assigned to the incident also helped support fire suppression operations on the ground. Fire crews will remain on the fire line overnight to help reduce long travel times back to the Incident Base Camp.
Clear Fire: The Clear Fire continues to be a priority for fire managers as it threatens homes in the Valley View Subdivision on Saddle Springs Road. Today the Clear Fire was actively burning to the east. Fire crews made progress on all other sides of the fire. A portable retardant mixing plant arrived at the incident today. The mixing plant will be placed in Havilah and be used by helicopters assigned to the Clear Fire tomorrow. By using fire retardant instead of water, the helicopters will be able to reinforce fire lines constructed by crews on the ground to further protect the structures threatened.
Heald Fire: The Heald Fire did not see any growth today but is proving to be difficult for fire crews on the ground due to the steep rough terrain. Some fire crews' hiked long distances to the bottom of the fire, while other fire crews were flown in by helicopter to the top of the fire.
Closures - Saddle Springs Road - between Bodfish-Caliente Rd and Piute Mountain Rd.
Camp 9 - Camp ground and day use closed to the public.
OHV Trail Closures due to the fires include: q Clear Fire: � Clear Creek Trail 33E45 � Cold Springs Trail 33E68 � Libel Peak Trail 33E65 q Heald Fire: � Dry meadow Trail 34E31 � Little Dry Trail 32E52 � Willow Gulch Trail 34E41
Fire Information: 951-297-3493 For additional information visit: www.inciweb.org
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 CA-BEU- Iverson Wildfire, 63.3 acres 100% contained.
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ONCC GACC

CA-STF-Wheats Wildfire, 3+ acres. Fire is in the Carson/Iceberg Wilderness Area near the Sword Lake Trail. Seven jumpers were dropped on the fire just before cut off time.

Fuels are sparse in this area.
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CA-NOD Lost  Wildfire,  9,000 acres 5% contained.

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CA-PNF Chips Wildfire . 15,334 acres, 10% contained.
Evacuations: The communities of Belden, Little Haven and Maggie's Trailer Park are on a precautionary evacuation notice. A voluntary evacuation notice has been issued for the Rush Creek area and the area south of Highway 89 that includes Butt Valley Reservoir and Humbug Reservoir. Residents along Highway 70 from Tobin to Twain are encouraged to begin developing evacuation plans. A one mile, one lane traffic closure remains in effect on Highway 70. Motorists should use caution on Hwy 70 in the fire area. Expect delays and traffic controls. Portions of the Pacific Crest, Yellow Creek, Ben Lomond, and Indian Creek hiking trails remain closed.

Chips Fire burning across the slopes of Eagle Peak
Credit: Rich Szlauko

 Problems / Concerns: Threatened critical infrastructure including the Red Hill communications site which services critical communications for various emergency services and related agencies continues to be threatened and resources are needed to prepare and defend communications site. Fuels treatments around the SW portion of this site are limited. Private timber lands and associated plantations are currently being impacted by. Other concerns continue to include the snag loading (50-100 per acre) in and near the fire perimeter; the large dead and down logs and debris, combined with very difficult access (road and foot travel) for resources reduces the ability of taking direct action on flanks.
 Firefighters will be challenged by critical fire weather conditions that are expected to push the Chips Fire in a north to northeast direction. Additional crews, engines and dozers are positioned to aggressively attack any spot fires that may occur. Helicopters and air tankers will be used to assist ground resources where needed, and as smoke conditions allow. Crews have begun mop-up of fire lines along Highway 70 in the Belden area where containment has been achieved. Crews will monitor for spot fires along the Feather River Canyon with the assistance of helicopters. Line construction on the fire's western flank continues.

A new fire near the junction of Highways 89 and 70 was suppressed last night by crews working the Chips Fire.

Containment objectives: keep the fire south of Humbug Summit Road, north of Highway 70 and Tobin, west of the Butt Lake transmission lines, and East of Phillbrook Reservoir.

Contingency lines beyond the primary containment lines are planned, and crews are starting to construct contingency lines on the fire's northern flank.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday July 29th, 2012 approx. 01:57 AM
Location 2 miles NW of Belden, CA
Incident Commander Jerry Mcgowan
Current Situation
Total Personnel 765
Size 15,334 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date Tuesday August 21st, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM

Fuels Involved - 10 Timber (litter and understory) low brush with numerous dead and down large, 1000 hour logs and standing snags.
Fire Behavior - The southern edge of the fire continued to back down slopes towards Highway 70. Low to moderate fire spread was observed on the northern edge of the fire.

Significant Events - Resources aggressively attacked numerous spot fires on private lands along the northern flanks of the fire. A burning operation was discontinued due to unfavorable conditions and fire behavior. Gansner Bar, North Fork and Queen Lily campgrounds and USFS road 27N76 remain closed. 

Outlook / Planned Actions: Crews will continue to construct direct and indirect firelines, and will conduct burning operations where conditions are favorable. Contingency planning to look for other potential containment line locations is underway. Engine crews will continue to provide structure protection in the Feather River Canyon area.
Growth Potential - Extreme
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme

Remarks: Resources are critical to achieving management strategies. Additional crews and other resources will be brought in to assist as needed. The Yellow Creek Base Camp will be relocated to Almanor Campground. An advisory from the Plumas County Sheriff's Office for potential evacuations is still in effect along Highway 70 between Tobin and Twain. Other voluntary evacuation notices remain in effect as well.
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CA-MDF Lake  Wildfire  1,600 acres 50% contained.
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CA-LNP Reading  Wildfire  - 1450 acres 5 % contained
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CA-KNF Dillon Wildfire. 318 acres, 90% contained.
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CA-STF- Parks Wildfire 10+ acres, 75% contained

The Parks complex on the Mount Shasta District consists of three separate fires burning in close proximity.
 It is burning in the Parks Creek drainage approximately 9 miles west of Weed, California. There is no road access to the fires so crews had to walk in. It is currently 10 acres in size and burning in heavy dead and down fuels. It is estimated to be 75% contained. Crews are working to plumb water in to the fire by the morning of 8/7. Currently 2 crews, one helicopter, 3 engine crews, 1 dozer, and 5 line overhead are working the complex.
 It was reported just before midnight on August 5. The cause is under investigation.
 A containment line has been completed all around the fire, and a lot of work is required to keep the fire inside the line. The fire is burning in an old fire scar with many snags, which complicates the work of firefighters and challenges the containment line by throwing burning material across the line.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday August 05th, 2012 approx. 12:00 AM
Location 9 miles west of Weed, California in the Parks Creek drainage
Incident Commander Kyle Tolosano
Current Situation
Total Personnel 80
Size 10 acres
Percent Contained - 75%
Fuels Involved - timber
Fire Behavior - low
Outlook / Planned Actions - The crews have made good progress in flanking the fire with the objective of establishing a perimeter for full control. A fire line has been constructed all the way around the fire but the fire is burning actively within this perimeter and spots are occurring outside the line.
Growth Potential - moderate
Terrain Difficulty - moderate
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CA-STF- Salt Creek wildfire, 980 acres, 100% contained.
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CA-ENF Hazel Fire 34 acres 100 % contained.

Crews continue improving line and mopping up today.
County: El Dorado County
Location: Off Mormon Emigrant Trail, southeast of Pollock Pines
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit/Eldorado National Forest
Date Started: August 5, 2012 1:20 pm
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California Fire News 2012 

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Quick Look California fires Today - Fire Weather

 News: Several Forest in the GACC is experiencing increased activity due to lightning.
Estimate seven to ten new lightning fires. All fires are staffed.

Notes: Fire Girl EBook To Benefit Wildland Firefighter Foundation Foundation: Jan Mendoza started fighting fire in 1978 when she was 18 years old in Northern California for the California Department of Forestry. Jan was 5'2", weighed 95 pounds, and surprised herself as well as her fellow firefighters in her abilities, stamina and determination. Over thirty years later she ...
Read More at http://www.wffoundation.org/News.asp?NewsID=204

Never Forget: 

August 5, 2008 – Buckhorn Fire (Iron 44)
Today marks 4 years since one of the worst wildland firefighting tragedies occurred in our Geographic Area - the "Iron 44" helicopter crash.
On August 5, 2008, a helicopter crash on the Buckhorn Fire, Shasta-Trinity NF claimed the lives of 9 firefighters: Grayback crewmembers Shawn Blazer, Scott Charleson, Matthew Hammer, Edrik Gomez, Bryan Rich, Stephen Renno, and David Steele, pilot Roark Schwanenberg, and USFS pilot inspector Jim Ramage. For more information, visithttp://www.wlfalwaysremember.org/incident-lists/202-iron-44.html

August 5, 1949 – Mann Gulch Fire
On August 5, 1949, a wildfire in Mann Gulch, Helena NF (MT) killed 12 Missoula Smokejumpers and 1 Fire Guard when the fire ran up a SW slope. The tragedy led to the study of fire behavior and the creation of wildland fire research centers in MT and CA. For more information, visit http://www.wlfalwaysremember.org/incident-lists/230-mann-gulch.html 

Weather: URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGERED FLAG WARNING - FIRE WEATHER - THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN NEVADA TODAY

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING
FOR THUNDERSTORMS AND STRONG OUTFLOW WINDS FOR EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY - THE SURPRISE VALLEY AND NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV
SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA - EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY - NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY 654 AM PDT SUN AUG 5 2012

 A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO BRING A THREAT OF THUNDERSTORMS TODAY. STORMS WILL MOVE QUICKLY AND THUS BE CAPABLE OF LIGHTNING WITH ONLY LIMITED RAINFALL.
GUSTY WEST WINDS ALONG THE SIERRA FRONT FROM RENO AND CARSON CITY TO SUSANVLLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON WILL BE CAPABLE OF PUSHING ANY HOLDOVER FIRES FOR A FEW HOURS.

 AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONE 270 SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA - FIRE ZONE 278 EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY AND FIRE ZONE 458 NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY. 

 THUNDERSTORMS: ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS.

 OUTFLOW WINDS: ERRATIC GUSTS OF 40 TO 50 MPH NEAR STORMS.

 IMPACTS: LIGHTNING MAY CREATE NEW FIRE STARTS AND COMBINE WITH STRONG OUTFLOW WINDS TO PRODUCE RAPID FIRE GROWTH. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. CONTINUE TO CHECK 

WWW.WEATHER .GOV/RENO FOR UPDATES.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE

 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV 654 AM PDT SUN AUG 5 2012

WESTERN LASSEN - EASTERN PLUMAS - EASTERN SIERRA - EASTERN NEVADA COUNTIES

 THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN NEVADA TODAY.  A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO BRING A THREAT OF THUNDERSTORMS TODAY.

 STORMS WILL MOVE QUICKLY AND THUS BE CAPABLE OF LIGHTNING WITH ONLY LIMITED RAINFALL. 

GUSTY WEST WINDS ALONG THE SIERRA FRONT FROM RENO AND CARSON CITY TO SUSANVILLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON WILL BE CAPABLE OF PUSHING ANY HOLDOVER FIRES FOR A FEW HOURS.

 URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE

654 AM PDT SUN AUG 5 2012 

 RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR THUNDERSTORMS AND STRONG OUTFLOW WINDS

WESTERN LASSEN - EASTERN PLUMAS - EASTERN SIERRA AND EASTERN NEVADA COUNTIES.

AFFECTED AREA: FIRE ZONE 271 WESTERN LASSEN - EASTERN PLUMAS - EASTERN SIERRA - EASTERN NEVADA COUNTIES. 

 THUNDERSTORMS: ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON MAINLY NORTH OF SUSANVILLE.

 OUTFLOW WINDS: ERRATIC GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH NEAR STORMS.

 IMPACTS: LIGHTNING MAY CREATE NEW FIRE STARTS AND COMBINE WITH STRONG OUTFLOW WINDS TO PRODUCE RAPID FIRE GROWTH. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. 

California Wildfires Today:

OSCC

CA-SLU- Piute Complex Vegetation Fire, 400 acres 0% contained.

CA-SQF-2476 - Piute Mountain, Lake Isabella, Kern County

Central Sierra (Coopers) Type 2 IMT assigned.

Central Sierra (Coopers) Type 2 IMT In Brief 0900 Kernville Dist. Office
ICP USFS camp 9, North of Kernville proper
Values at risk: Water Shed, recreation, and timber.

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CA-SLU- Caliente Vegetation Fire, 149 acres 100% contained.

CA-SLU-006239 San Luis Obispo County
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CA-SQF - Clear Wildfire 400 acres, no containment is estimated at this time.

 12 Miles South of Lake Isabella the Clear Fire is believed to be a lightning fire. Multiple lightning strikes occurred in the surrounding area late Friday night August 3. The fire was initially reported the following day, Saturday August 4, around 12:30 pm. The fire is burning near the Clear Creek Drainage in the Piute Mountain area of the Sequoia National Forest, south of the town of Lake Isabella.

•  It was initially sized up to be 2 to 5 acres in brush and grass moving at a moderate to rapid rate of spread. As of 5:30 pm it is estimated to be 300 acres in size.
• Firefighters are actively fighting the fire, with ground and air resources.
• No containment is estimated at this time.
• Structure protection will be in place for the community of Valley View.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Saturday August 04th, 2012 approx. 12:30 PM
Location 12 Miles South of Lake Isabella
Incident Commander Steve Griffin
Current Situation
Size - 400 acres
Fuels Involved - 5 Brush (2 Feet) GRASS, BRUSH AND TIMBER IN THE HIGHER COUNTRY
Fire Behavior - Short Runs with Spotting
Outlook / Planned Actions - Continue direct line construction
Growth Potential - Medium growth potential
Terrain Difficulty - High difficulty of terrain
Remarks - LIGHTNING FIRES STARTED TO OCCURE AT 0700 THIS MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF 8 FIRES. THE LARGEST 2 ARE THE CLEAR FIRE AND THE HEALD FIRE AT, OTHER FIRES RANGE IN SIZE FROM .1 AC TO 15 ACRES.
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SQF- Heald - New Lightning Start
 Central Sierra (Coopers) Type 2 IMT In Brief 0900 Kernville Dist. Office
ICP - USFS camp 9, North of Kernville proper
Values at risk - Water Shed, recreation, and timber.
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FKU- Ridge 10 acres, 0 % Contained SRA

 CA-FKU-009857 Los Gatos x Derrick, San Joaquin Ridge Area B-15, N of Coalinga)
Mod to Rapid Rate of Spread
Values at risk: No Threat to communities, power lines, valued resources
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FKU- Creek  5 acres, 0 % Contained
 CA- FKU-009845
Jacalitos Creek x Dead Man Canyon, South of Coalinga SRA
Slow Rate of Spread
Unable to make access with Engines
Hiking crews in with air support
Values at risk: No threat to communities, power lines or valued resources
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CA-KNF Dillon Fire. 330 acres, 80% contained.

 CA-RRU- Volcano Fire, 355 acres, 95% contained.
CA-RRU-075254, , Riverside County, Tenaja Road and Via Volcano, Northwest of Murrieta
Structures Destroyed: 1
Cause: Equipment use
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE/Riverside, CAL FIRE/San Diego, Los Angeles County Fire Dept, March ARB, Murrieta Fire Protection District,
Total Fire Personnel: 327
Engines: 39
Fire crews: 11
Airtankers: 6
Helicopters: 7
Dozers: 3
Water tenders: 4
Conditions: Day assignment is on scene working toward constructing containment lines and patroling fire area for hot spots.

CURRENT SITUATION
Update 8/5/2012 8:45 a.m. : Fire remains 95% contained and 355 acres. 2 engines and 1 fire crew assigned today. 
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ONCC

CA-PNF- CHIPS Wildfire, 9,231 acres, 0% contained 

Firefighters made good progress today on the indirect line construction on the Chips fire. Due to the safety considerations related to the extremely steep, rocky, and inaccessible terrain, fire crews are not able to safely construct direct fire line.
Ten miles of indirect hand line and seven miles of indirect dozer line have been completed.

 The objective is to suppress the fire.
 Crews are doing everything they can to safely suppress the fire as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

 Crews are available to assist the Plumas and Lassen National Forests with initial attack for any new fire starts around the fire area. 

 Tonight, firefighters will continue to patrol along Highway 70 and Caribou Road and provide structure protection for residences and businesses around and near Belden. 

 Yesterday, the fire moved steadily to the northeast underneath the smoke layer and continued backing down into the Indian and Yellow Creek drainages.
 Threatened critical infrastructure including the Red Hill Communications site which services critical communications for various emergency services and related agencies continues to be threatened; fuels treatment around this key comm site is limited 

 critical resources identified in block 28 are necessary to complete planned containment lines as well as prepping and protecting the infrastructure.

 Private timber plantations and stands of timber are currently or soon will be impacted. 

 Problems/concerns: concerns continue to include the snag loading (50-100 per acre) in and near the fire perimeter; the large dead and down logs and debris, combined with very difficult access (road and foot travel) for resources reduces the ability of taking direct action on flanks.
hips 

  Chips Fire Information Phones: (530)283-7882/-7883/-7884

CA-STF- SALT Wildfire, 980 acres, 100%

The fire is located on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (Shasta Lake Ranger District) approximately 20 miles north of Redding along Interstate 5.

NorCal Team 2 (Joe Molhoek, Incident Commander) continues to manage the Salt Creek Fire. Fire line has been established completely around the Salt Creek Fire, meaning it is 100% "contained". The public will continue to see smoke from the fire. Isolated pockets of unburned vegetation may ignite, producing columns of smoke visible from surrounding areas. Firefighters and equipment will remain on the fire to mop up and strengthen and secure fire lines. When there is no longer a foreseeable threat of the fire escaping the containment lines, the fire will be called "controlled".

Fire suppression repair has been initiated and additional needs continue to be identified with the local Forest Resource Advisors. A significant lightning and thunderstorm event is predicted through Sunday afternoon which may bring strong down drafts and erratic winds. Firefighters are prepared for potential increased initial attack due to the predicted lightning activity. For additional fire information, visit http://www.inciweb.org/.

Fire Investigators are interested in your help. If you have any information about the cause of the fire, please call the tip line at 530-226-2766.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Wednesday August 01st, 2012 approx. 01:38 PM
Location Along I-5 in the Salt Creek & Gilman Road area
Incident Commander Joe Molhoek

Salt Creek Incident Command Post
Phone: 530 242 5546
Hours: 8 am to 8 pm
Current Situation
Total Personnel 526
Size 980 acres
Percent Contained 100%
Estimated Containment Date Saturday August 04th, 2012 approx. 06:00 PM
Fuels Involved - Hardwood litter with mixed conifer and chapparal.
Fire Behavior - Fire behavior is creeping and smoldering.
Significant Events - In all divisions, fire crews continue to patrol. Suppression resources remain available to assist the Shasta Trinity National Forest with initial attack of any new fires.
Outlook / Planned Actions - Actions planned include continued mop-up 300 feet and patrol in all Divisions. Resources will be available to the Shasta Trinity National Forest to assist and respond for initial attack of any new fires.

 Demobilization of excess firefighters and support personnel continues.

 Suppression repair will begin.
Growth Potential - Low
Terrain Difficulty - High
Remarks - The Shasta Trinity National Forest Type 3 organization will shadow today. There will be a transition meeting with NorCal Team 2 and the Type 3 organization at 2 p.m. today.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 20 mph SE
Temperature 70 degrees
Humidity 52%
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CA-CZU- Las Cumbres Fire, 7 acres - 100% contained
County: Santa Cruz County
Location: Off Deer Creek Rd in Las Cumbres, west of Los Gatos
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit
Date Started: August 4, 2012 7:17 am

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 LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations 

California Fire News 2012 

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Quick look: California Wildfires Today -

 No Current Fire Weather Watches or Warnings
NIFC News and Notes: The Northern California Geographic Area has now moved to Preparedness Level 3 . - Per the National Interagency Coordination Center: Effective immediately the National Preparedness Level is being elevated to 3.

• Initial attack and large fire activity is increasing or expected to increase in many geographical areas due to predicted weather and current fuels conditions. 
•  There are currently 7 each T2 IMT’s, 1 each Type T1 IMT and a NIMO assigned to incidents in the 3 geographical areas. 
• There is a significant commitment of national resources with additional support being ordered through NICC

California Wildfires today: 
ONCC GACC: 


CA-SHF Salt Creek Fire. 900 acres, 30% contained. 
Last night's fire behavior had moderate rates of spread with slope-driven runs and isolated torching in areas of continuous ladder fuels. NorCal Team 2 (Molhoek) is assigned.

CA-PNF Chips Fire. 4,352 acres, 5% contained.
Early evening fire activity was moderate, with decreasing fire behavior throughout the night. CA IMT 1 (McGowan) assumed command of the fire at 0600 this morning.

Chips fire infrared map: 

Chips fire infrared FLIR heat location map

Chips fire infrared Fire Cobra Flyover:

CA-LNU- Dunnigan WildFire:  204 acres - 100% contained
Name: Dunnigan Fire
County: Yolo County
Location: Off County Road 6, west of Dunnigan
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Date Started: August 2, 2012 3:01 pm

OSCC GACC:
Volcano CA-RRU-075254, 355 acres, 75% contained.

Wildland Vegetation Fire, Riverside County, Tenaja Road and Via Volcano, Northwest of Murrieta

South Fire, CA-CND-002404, 271 acres, 100% contained.

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LCES - 10 Standard Fire Orders - 18 Watchout Situations 

California Fire News 2012 

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LPF: Preserving Sacred Sites After The Zaca Fire

Los Padres National Forest Seeks to Preserve Remote Sacred Native American Sites

Posted by Joe Pasinato, Los Padres National Forest, on August 2, 2012 at 2:51 PM

Deep inside the San Rafael Wilderness, employees from the Los Padres National Forest are working to inventory centuries-old Chumash sacred sites impacted by devastating wildfires.

Despite closure orders that restrict public access in America’s first congressionally designated wilderness, forest officials are concerned that site barriers and interpretive signs charred in the fires no longer adequately protect these vulnerable sites from further degradation.

Los Padres Tribal Liaison Pete Crowheart and Forest Archaeologist Loreen Lomax recently led a team of resource specialists on a 10-mile, nine-hour hike to evaluate two sites scorched in the 2007 Zaca Fire. They documented the extent of the damage and developed ideas for repairing the barriers and signs. One of California’s largest wildfires, the Zaca burned 237,000 acres over nine weeks. Fire-cost recovery funds recently secured by the forest are fueling restoration projects within the Zaca’s massive footprint.

“The native Chumash left an amazing legacy that opens a window for us to better understand their culture and their way of life before the arrival of Europeans,” Lomax said. “We have an obligation to ensure these sites are managed in a way that preserves them for future generations.”

The trail leading to these remote locations is riddled with washouts and infested with legions of western black-legged ticks, rendering the sacred sites nearly inaccessible. Crowheart demonstrated an uncanny ability to maneuver through the dense vegetation and streambeds as he guided his colleagues through the maze of new growth whenever the trail vanished.

The ancient Chumash people drew pictographs inside caves found throughout the Los Padres. Photo credit: Forest Service photo

Many of the Chumash sacred sites contain cave paintings that depict their culturally significant images such as the California condor, deer and other wildlife. It is unknown exactly what these mysterious symbols meant to the shamans, the Chumash priests, who painted them. Some historians contend they represent mythic figures, natural phenomena or abstract concepts. Estimates vary on the exact age of the paintings, but the historical importance of these cultural treasures is not in doubt.

In addition to fire damage, some of the rock art sites have been vandalized by careless visitors, and forest resource officers do not divulge their precise locations so as to preserve these irreplaceable cultural heritage.

“These sites are sacred to the Chumash, and the threats to their existence are very real,” Crowheart said. “We’re working with the tribe to maintain the integrity of these special places, and wherever possible we’re improving the safeguards we have at these locations.”

California Fire News 2012 

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Quick Look: California Wildfires Today

Smoke limits visibility - Please help protect our firefighters and emergency support personnel drive carefully. Slow for the Cone Zone - Slow for the Smoke Zone - Slow for the Firefighters! 

Motorists need to anticipate firefighting personnel and apparatus on the road in the vicinity of Wildland fires. 

In Memoriam: August 2, 1962 – Timber Lodge Fire  On August 2, 1962, USFS engine crewmembers Thomas W. Foley, John Vaun Rasch and Raymond St. Pierre, along with Martin Georgi of the U.S. Conservation Service, were fatally burned on the Timber Lodge Fire, Sierra National Forest. For more information, visit http://www.wlfalwaysremember.org/incident-lists/170-timber-lodge.html.

Weather: Red Flag Warning or Fire Weather Watch in Effect for All or Portions of this ECCDA Zone...Eastern Lassen and Modoc Counties - West of the Sierra Crest -East of the Sierra Crest

Weather Discussion: 512 AM PDT THU AUG 2 2012 HIGH PRESSURE OVER NEVADA WILL PRODUCE HOT AND VERY DRY CONDITIONS THROUGH FRIDAY. POOR OVERNIGHT RECOVERIES WILL OCCUR WITH THE USUAL AFTERNOON AND EVENING BREEZES. MOISTURE AND INSTABILITY WILL INCREASE THIS WEEKEND WITH A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. STORMS MAY PRODUCE DRY LIGHTING STRIKES SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT THEN TRANSITION TO WETTER STORMS FOR SUNDAY.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT DUE TO DRY THUNDERSTORMS AND GUSTY OUTFLOW WINDS TODAY. 

California Wildfires Today Location Map

Active California Wildfires:

CA-PNF Chips Wildfire 2,541 acres 5% contained. 

Evacuations: The Caribou Road (Forest Service Rd No. 27N26) corridor, Maggies Trailer Park and Little Haven (several residences) are under a mandatory evacuation order (August 1, 2012) as is the Butt Lake area. Communities of Meadow Valley, Chester, Canyon Dam, Greenville, and Susanville area are not threatened nor are those to the far west including, Paradise, Jarbo Gap, Concow, etc. Structure protection continues for residences/businesses around and near Belden, including the Caribou Road corridor. 

Closures: A fire closure area has been established and will be in place until the area is safe. Please see the Forest Order and closure map on this site under closures. 

Forest Trail Closures: Pacific Crest trail hikers may bypass the area by hiking Highway 70/89 or catching a bus with Plumas Transit to Chester, CA (weekdays only). Travelers should check highway 70 conditions regularly (800-427-ROAD / http://www.dot.ca.gov/.

The Chips Fire, http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3052/ now about 2,541 acres, has spread down to Highway 70; there is controlled traffic on about 3 miles of highway. The fire itself burned very aggressively to the east/northeast today as temperatures soared, humidity dipped and winds picked up. Steep rocky and inaccessible terrain, low afternoon relative humidity and diurnal wind shifts, heavy fuel loading with 50-100 snags per acre, limited access to fire, Power lines along canyon bottoms near water sources. Snags and large dead fuels combined with difficult access limit most resources to handcrews and aircraft. IMT 1 McGowan assigned.

Fire Behavior: Wildfire is burning in the footprint of the 13 year old Storrie fire; heavy smoke/ash are the result of dense, heavy brush and dead wood from that burn. The fire is established in the Chips Creek drainage on the west and close to the Yellow Creek drainage on the east. The head of the fire will continue to spread in the Indian Creek drainage to the northwest, north, and northeast. A 300 acre spot fire is burning on the ridge above Caribou Road about 1.5 miles up and 1.5 miles ahead of the main fire. 

Objectives for the day: Include keeping the fire : 1) south of Humbug Summit Road, 2) north of Highway 70 and Tobin, 3) west of CAribou RAod (FSRD 27N26) and 4) east of Philbrrok Reservoir. 

Weather: Prevailing winds (out of the southwest blowing to the northeast) pushed smoke and ash in a northeast direction filling Honey Lake Valley in Lassen County and all points along the way. Heavy smoke and ash settled in surrounding valleys overnight.

CA-SHF Salt Creek Wildfire 500 acres 20% contained . Fire is burning in mixed ownership within the Shasta Lake NRA with significant impacts to I-5, private residences and recreation businesses. A Type 2 Incident Management Team IMT2 Molhoek has been ordered and will assume command of the fire approximately 6 pm August 2. http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3075/

Evacuations: Evacuations are in effect.Road Closures: Check for road conditions by calling Cal Trans at 800-427-7623 or visit their web site athttp://www.dot.ca.gov/.

Incident Overview: Wildfire is burning along I-5 between the O'Brien and Salt Creek exits and South of Gilman Road in the Shasta Lake area. The fire is approximately 500 acres. US Forest Service, CAL FIRE and local government resources are on scene and engaged in extended attack fire suppression operations. 

Cooperators: Shasta County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, PG&E, and Caltrans are fully engaged in supporting the suppression efforts and providing for public safety.Resources: Fire crews are being supported during day shift operations by air resources including helicopters and air tankers. Resources Assigned: 36 Type 3 Engines, 10 Type 2 Engines, 5 Watertender, 5 Dozers, 6 Handcrews, 3 Helicopters, 1 Air Attack Aircraft, 4 Air Tankers and 20 Overhead. Problems/Concerns: Multiple structures threatened, one confirmed outbuilding destroyed. Major KV power transmission lines are threatened and have been impacted. 

Volcano Wildfire, 400 acres, 10% contained.CA-RRU-075254, Vegetation Fire, Riverside County, Tenaja Road and Via Volcano, Northwest of Murrieta. 1 structure destroyed. six air tankers, 39 trucks and four helicopters were aiding the firefight, as well as 327 firefighters. 

South Wildfire, 271 acres, 100% contained.

GACC Notes:  The Northern California Geographic Area has now moved to Preparedness Level 3. (PL-3)
Mill Creek Hotshots and Palomar Hotshots are being mobbed to the Northern Rockies for an assignment.
California Fire News 2012 

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FIRE WEATHER WATCH: DRY LIGHTNING PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV

IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND NORTHWEST NEVADA DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS AND STRONG OUTFLOW WINDS

WHAT:  FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT - :DRY LIGHTNING POSSIBLE FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND NORTHWEST NEVADA THIS WEEKEND

WHY:. MOISTURE FROM THE SOUTH WILL MOVE NORTHWARD DURING THE DAY SATURDAY THIS MOISTURE WILL INTERACT WITH LOW PRESSURE MOVING NORTH TO PRODUCE ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS SATURDAY

WHEN: AFTERNOON AND SATURDAY NIGHT. 

 MOST STORMS LOOK TO BE DRY NORTH OF HIGHWAY 50 WITH ONLY LOCALIZED WETTING RAINS UNDER STORM CORES.

 THE STORMS MAY TRANSITION TO WET SUNDAY

WHERE: FIRE ZONE 271 WESTERN LASSEN - EASTERN PLUMAS - EASTERN SIERRA-EASTERN NEVADA COUNTIES - FIRE ZONE 272 GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA- FIRE ZONE 278 EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY- FIRE ZONE 450 WESTERN NEVADA SIERRA FRONT - FIRE ZONE 453 WEST CENTRAL NEVADA BASIN AND RANGE AND FIRE ZONE 458 NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY. 

 THUNDERSTORMS:  ISOLATED TO SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE SATURDAY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT. THE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE MAINLY DRY WITH LOCALIZED WETTING RAINS UNDER CORES ONLY. 

 OUTFLOW WINDS: WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE NEAR ANY THUNDERSTORMS. 

 IMPACTS: LIGHTNING MAY CREATE NEW FIRE STARTS AND COMBINE WITH STRONG OUTFLOW WINDS TO PRODUCE RAPID FIRE GROWTH. 

 A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE. CHECK WEATHER.GOV/RENO FOR UPDATES AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG WARNINGS.

California Fire News 2012 

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