VCFD Firefighters are on the scene of a 2-alarm residential structure fire located in the 2000 block of Riverbirch Drive in Simi Valley, California, which broke out this evening.
Due to an impending partial roof collapse, firefighters are in a defensive fire strategy. A collapse zone has been established.
High winds are now making conditions challenging and dangerous, but are starting to make progress. Multiple hose lines were laid to protect exposure buildings on all sides of the fire building.
#StructureFire Simi Valley Update: High winds making conditions challenging for FF’s. Partial roof collapse resulting in “defensive” posture for @VCFD FF safety. All occupants accounted for. pic.twitter.com/AIvZ9XWMe4
It is unknown at this time what the preliminary cause of the fire is.
All occupants have been evacuated from the structure and are all okay.
About the Fire Building
This is a two-story single-family residence, which was built in 1987 as a 1,623-square feet home. It has three bedrooms and 1.5 baths with a two-car attached garage. It is assessed at $567,989 per the Ventura County tax records and valued in today’s market at $719,700.
Scanner feed via the Bernalillo County Police, Fire, and EMS frequency stated an NMSP Officer was shot at about 1915 hours PT on I-40 eastbound at exit 161. He or she did not sustain any injuries but their windshield is said to be cracked.
One of our favorite places to travel to, is small-town feel Ellensburg located in the eastern portion of the State where we often hang out in a nearby location to watch to see if WA DNR’s rotors are flying or outside their quarters to be captured in time.
Credit: City of Ellensburg
However, today, we are home safe and away from all of the chaotic snow mountainous activities. We would love to go up there but since passes are somewhat still closed – we will just wait until the coast is clear.
Here is what is happening in Ellensburg, located in Kittitas County, Washington.
SNOW OPERATIONS
The City is currently clearing massive amounts of unprecedented piles of snow berms, roadways, and from sidewalks. Graders, front-end loaders, and other pieces of equipment have been seen around town. Employees are working around the clock to clear snow as quickly as possible.
Crews will finish snow removal operations early next week.
Credit: City of Ellensburg
The City would like to remind drivers:
“If a road looks like it’s not accessible or hasn’t been plowed yet, avoid driving on it if possible. The large snow berms in the middle of the streets will eventually get picked up. Emergency services are still online. Please call 911 for emergencies. Stay off the roads if you can.” – City of Ellensburg
TRANSIT OPERATIONS
On Friday, January 7th, the Central Transit (bus service) had suspended all services. The City and HopeSource were working together to clear all bus stops and shelters cleared of snow, so the service could resume on Saturday.
Credit: CWU Emergency Management
LOCAL ECONOMY STUCK
Truck drivers trying to move freight have found themselves stuck in Ellensburg due to snow and road closures.
They have been stuck in the last three to five days and will get their opportunity at moving once again as Snoqualmie Pass has been reopened this evening at 1700 hours. They are considered priority traffic to help get the economy moving again.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Was your home damaged by snow and ice? Check out FEMA’s Disaster Assistance by either 1) going online, 2) go to the FEMA app or 3) call FEMA for assistance. Here is a PSA flyer for further assistance.
OPENED on 1/9/2022 at 1700 hours – Freight traffic will be Priority
Blewett Pass was reopened on Sunday at 1700 hours, with drivers required to reduce their speeds down to the minimum of 45-mph. Traction tires are advised. Lanes and shoulders are narrow.
WSDOT stated freight was the priority to get moving while encouraging all other recreational vehicles and general traffic should continue to delay their traveling.
SNOQUALMIE PASS
OPENED on 1/9/2022 at 1700 hours – Freight traffic will be Priority
After the pass has been closed for almost four days, the WSDOT reopened the roadway at 1700 hours today, which is great news for the freight operators. However, speeds have been reduced down to 45-mph with traction tires advised.
Snoqualmie Pass
The traveling public is strongly encouraged to DELAY their travels until roads are more cleared. Officials say they are allowing freight/cargo trucks as a priority to help get the economy moving again.
WSDOT officials are asking drivers to sloooooow down and try not to be INDY 500 drivers because due to narrow roadways and shoulders, you and everyone else is going to be stuck up there until help can reach you during your time of need.
Just imagine yourself being stuck inside the 99 Tunnel in Seattle, where the lanes are narrow and the shoulders are very narrow. Yikes!
STEVENS PASS
CLOSED until Wednesday
The WSDOT updated the reopening schedules for all four passes, but this one still remains closed until Wednesday.
There are still mounds of snow, they are working to clear while continuing to prepare to work around the clock another day.
Credit: Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass began to have challenges as early as January 6th, when snow began to fall, forcing the closure of Highway 2. As of this afternoon, the pass is still suffering from continued roadway closures and power outages, therefore, closing the ski area until at least Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
WHITE PASS
CLOSEDuntil Monday Afternoon
White Pass snow clearing operations
Officials state White Pass is due to reopen late Monday afternoon as crews continue to clear heavy and deep snow from roadways.
Photo Credits | All photos in this post are not ours and we do not lay claim to them. Photo Credits: WSDOT, WSDOT-Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and Blewett Pass, unless otherwise noted.
Update 2 | Sunday, January 9, 2022, 1712 hours PT / 2012 hours ET
NEW YORK
FIRE RESPONSE
About 200 FDNY firefighters responded to a 19-story privately owned apartment building in the 300 block of East 181st Street in the Bronx, where firefighters arrived and were greeted by a fire on the third floor.
Credit: FDNY
During the course of the fire, alarms would be escalated during operations, which include the following:
2-Alarm Response (0804 PT)
3-Alarm Response (0820 PT)
4-Alarm Response (0822 PT)
5-Alarm Response (0859 PT)
Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office
The fire was brought under control at 1027 hours PT.
FIRE BRIEFING
The City thanked FDNY firefighters for going beyond the call of duty for their actions to rescue those from the fire building.
Thirty patients are in area hospitals in the Bronx, 19 have died including nine children.
According to the Fire Chief, the fire started in a bedroom in an apartment and the fire quickly consumed that unit spreading between floors two and three.
A fire door was open and therefore the fire and smoke traveled through hallways and throughout the building.
The cause was determined to be a malfunctioning space heater.
The City is working with various internal agencies including the Fire Departments to help prevent this from ever repeating itself.
RESOURCES FOR IMPACTED RESIDENTS
RECEPTION CENTER | The Angelo Patri Middle School (MS391) at 2190 Folin Street, Bronx, NY 10457.
ALERTS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES | A Notify NYC short code message service was established today where New Yorkers can TEXT 181STFIRE to 692692 for alerts in English, Spanish and French.
Credit: FDNY
VISUALLY IMPAIRED | Call NYC 311 at 212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service.
HEARING IMPAIRED | TTY Service, by calling 212-504-4115.
LIVING OUTSIDE OF NYC | Loved one can call 212-639-9675.
AMERICAN RED CROSS | Emergency Temporary Shelter, call the Red Cross in Greater New York at 877-733-2767.
PET ASSISTANCE | ASPCA at referrals@aspca.org and ACC by visiting their website online.
WASHINGTON STATE — As of Sunday early afternoon, Washington mountain passes were still closed even after WSDOT workers have been working around the clock to clear many feet of snow. Here is an update of the current situation on our roadways around the State.
BLEWETT PASS
WSDOT released a statement around 1315 hours PT on Sunday afternoon, that Blewett Pass is slated to be reopened later this afternoon but no ETA was given.
This is great news for freight companies and travelers!
SNOQUALIMIE PASS
Snoqualmie Pass
As of 1255 hours PT, the WSDOT states their main goal today is to get the pass reopened but they are still working to clear massive amounts of deep snow from sides of the freeway and roadways. They don’t have ETA as to when that will occur and they are asking drivers not to wait by gates for another update
STEVENS PASS
Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass WSDOT workers continue to try to clear out the deep snow that remains on roadways and are working through several additional challenges as well. In addition to trying to plow off snow, they are working to resolve their power and cell phone outages a slab of four inches of ice on top of cleared lanes.
They are bringing in extra equipment to knock down the slides before they can start clearing off the rest of the snow. They have been working tirelessly for the last several days.
An update by Officials says Stevens Pass and nearby Tumwater Canyon will likely not reopen before Wednesday of this week. Ice is about four inches thick on Stevens Pass with snow slides 60-70 feet high!
WHITE PASS
White Pass snow clearing operations
Officials state White Pass is due to reopen late Monday afternoon as crews continue to clear heavy and deep snow from roadways.
Photo Credits | All photos in this post are not ours and we do not lay claim to them. Photo Credits: WSDOT, WSDOT-Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and Blewett Pass.
LEAVENWORTH, WA — The Bavarian-themed town has received more than its fair share of snow and is overwhelmed with community requests on snow removal, welfare checks, but they are basically working around the clock to help those in need.
Credit: Chelan County Public Works
With so much snow, they are having storage issues among other things.
“We are getting creative with snow storage due to the huge amounts of snow we are clearing from the City. I know everyone is dealing with this same issue & we’re doing our best to help.” – City Officials.
Chelan County Public works sent out equipment to also help Cities Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Cashmere, Entiat, and Chelan road districts with clearing snow. The Leavenworth crew were successful in getting nearly every road re-opened. They are tired but feel pumped due to the community’s kind words, appreciation, and support for them.
A parking meter is covered snow. Credit: City of Leavenworth.
The WA National Guard will be showing up on Monday, January 10th with approximately 23 members to help with welfare checks, food distribution, and assisting with shoveling and moving snow that is in the right of way. The City states they will not be able to help rake/shovel roofs.
An emergency declaration was issued on Friday, January 7th by the City.
Here are some updates from the City regarding infrastructure and other important information:
SNOW REMOVAL
24-hour/day removal started on Friday, January 7th
Making progress clearing out alleyways, as of Saturday, January 8th
Any remaining alleys will be attended to when daylight arrives today (plowing alleys in the dark is not easy or a good idea since they are so technical and we are conscious of vehicles/sheds/etc), as of January 9th
Yet another surreal snow sighting in the Leavenworth area. Unfortunately the video stopped at 915 am and it was still snowing, but you get the idea. In any case the bridge might be out of action for a while. #wawxpic.twitter.com/qqysQb1KXw
Link Transit up and running with a slightly modified schedule
CLOSED
Leavenworth Recycling Center until further notice due to snow
Mountain Passes
On January 6th, the snow had already started to come down as you can see in this photo and the City had notably released a statement they were down to plow trucks. The city stated they weren’t likely to be back on the road anytime soon so, they were working with the equipment they have in service.
Credit: City of Leavenworth
This storm that occurred in 2022, is said to be compared to be the winter of 1996, but much worse than originally predicted by weather forecasters.
This town received 36 inches of snow under 24 hours and they, along with surrounding communities have been working to dig themselves out, which is taking longer than expected. City officials are asking their communities to be patient with them a little longer as they work on snow removal, welfare checks, and food distribution programs for their residents.
NEW YORK — About 200 FDNY firefighters are still on scene of a 150 x 75 foot, privately owned 19-story apartment building where a 5-alarm fire broke out this morning before 0800 hours in the 300 block of East 181st Street in the Bronx.
Credit: FDNY
There are currently 31 serious injuries with a total of 59 civilian injuries, fire officials released on Sunday. Several were reported after they allegedly were jumping from the building, while many others were found by firefighters in cardiac arrest on every single floor.
An unknown number of residents were killed, but City leaders are expecting a high amount due to the horrific conditions in which victims were found.
The GNY Red Cross was helping large numbers of displaced residents.
The cause of the fire is unknown and is still under investigation.
Follow us for updates on this fire and other news stories.
NEW HAMPSHIRE — Keene Firefighters and mutual aid from around the area and some about 30 minutes away responded around 2200 hours ET (1900 PT) to a Saturday late-night fire of a two-story mixed-use brick commercial structure in the 100 block of Main Street in the downtown Keene business corridor.
Incident Cooperators: Keene FD, Keene PD, Westminister FD, Keene City Public Works
First due units reported heavy fire on all three sides of the commercial structure. According to fire scanner feed from other sources, rescues were conducted and a Mayday was transmitted just before 2329. Then all of the crews were told to abandon the building with the evacuation tones being sounded. Command cleared the Mayday and all crews were deemed to be safely out of the fire building at 2329.
A collapse zone was established on the bravo side (2339) and charlie side (2340).
During the firefight, fire crews rescued an adult female from the second floor, who was transported by EMS for smoke inhalation. Two firefighters were also transported for minor burns and have since been released from the hospital.
Credit: City Councilor Philip Jones
Multiple people were said to be displaced.
The building has three storefronts including the Cobblestone Ale House, Dominos Pizza, Piazza Ice Cream on floor one, and seven apartments on floor two.
The Keene Police Department closed off area roadways from Marlboro Street to Eagle Court (northbound) and Emerald Street to Winchester Street (southbound) until Sunday morning.
Photo Credits: Keene FD
It was reported estimated property and contents loss was around $1,000,000.
About the Keene Fire Department
The Keene Fire Department HQ is located at 31 Vernon Street. The Fire Department has two stations, which are mainly staffed by career firefighters. The Department has no volunteers but does have about 45 full-time and 20 part-time paid firefighters.
WASHINGTON STATE — Us locals would hear all the time how about how much is rains in Seattle and not to go there because of too much rain. We would respond, we don’t melt, we rust.
Credit: NOAA
Unfortunately, it has all come to light as the truth but not just in Seattle, but everywhere in Washington. First, it was the snow and now the rain. It is way too much of a good thing for our roadways, ground, and other areas where flooding is now the new trend.
Here is a recap of what has been happening and what areas, hillsides, and roadways are currently impacted. Tips by local agencies are also included in this post.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE | 3 Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid | Online, DisassterAssistance.gov, FEMA App by downloading the free app and/or Call 800-621-3362 (FEMA)or TTY 800-462-7585. – FEMA Region 10
LEWIS COUNTY
Chehalis
A portion of I-5 was closed on Friday at the exit of 77 near Chehalis due to the Chehalis River overflowing its banks and reaching the freeway.
Credit: WSDOT
As you can see in the image (left) most of the lanes on the right side of the image are blocked and this is very dangerous, so WSDOT officials had no choice but to close the roadway to protect motorists.
The National Guard and US Army Corps of Engineers put together free sandbags for residents in Chehalis and Centralia on January 7th.
Would you be able to recognize a hillside, which may be ready to slide at any minute? Do you have an emergency preparedness kit and evacuation plan? How about recognizing the risks to your home, property, or valued assets? Here are some tips on what can help you with recognizing if you, your family, and your home are in the danger zone and how to mitigate the risks.
If you suspect active landslide movement, evacuate and contact your local fire, police, emergency manager, or public works department.
The Yard Birds Mall located in Chehalis was closed on January 7th, due to store owners could not get into the parking lot safely due to area flooding.
GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY
City of Cosmopolis
One resident in this small town is said to have been inside his vehicle, about 100 yards from his driveway was swept away by strong moving floodwaters and quickly submerged into deep water, according to the Sheriff’s Department. When waters receded, his vehicle was pulled from the water and the driver was pronounced as deceased. Firefighters from Grays Harbor Fire District 15 and the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident on Saturday, January 8th at 0900 hours.
Note: Firefighters with the Cosmopolis VFD are no longer providing fire suppression, EMS, and HAZMAT services due to a dispute with their current city mayor, resulting in the last 12 volunteer firefighters resigning their positions on December 31, 2021. The City Mayor declared an emergency proclamation and is currently contracting with outside agencies for services to its residents.
Ocean Shores
On Saturday, just before 0800 hours PT, SR109 was closed due to standing water north of Ocean Shores in Grays Harbor County.
KING COUNTY
Credit: KCFD2
Burien
King County Fire District #2 were on the scene on Friday of a landslide at SW 175th and in the 2100 block of Sylvester Road SW, which blocked both directions of the roadway on Friday, January 7th.
South Park
Flooding occurred in the South Park area on January 7th, prompting multiple streets to be closed.
Credit: WSDOT
THURSTON COUNTY
Near Rochester
Just after 1420 hours on Saturday, WSDOT Tacoma Maintenance workers and local fire agencies in the area were reporting vehicles and semis on I-5 NB at the Lewis County Line and I-5 SB at Maytown instead of using US 12 near Rochester as getting stuck and unable to turnaround. US 12 is closed at Moon Road and WSP requests you use alternate routes. They are urging drivers not to go around road closures and barricade signage.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Reiter Foothills State Park
WA DNR closed the popular Reiter Foothills State Park in the County of all rec park users due to snow and ice. Officials said the parking areas were inaccessible and the county road is impassable at this time.
The park was closed on Friday, January 7, 2022.
Reiter Foothills State Forest
Capitol State Forest
WA DNR also closed the A-line entrance to Capitol State Forest at the Straddleline ORV Park Entrance/A just off of SR8 due to road damage caused by flooding. The area is accessible via the Rock Candy Trailhead entrance.
WHATCOM COUNTY
Forecasted King Tides along with wind, melting snow and continued heavy rain arrived higher than expectations and caused area flooding. Roads were closed while others had “water over roadways” signage alerting drivers were seen in impacted areas. on Friday.
Credit: Whatcom County
WASHINGTON STATE LANDSLIDE HISTORY
North Fork Stillaguamish River, Snohomish County.
March 2014: SR530, OSO. 262 acres of landslide and debris at the North Fork Stillaguamish River in Snohomish County. 43 deaths, partially dammed river, destroyed 49 homes. Cut off access for nearly two months. Estimated property loss and damage at over $80,000,000.
2006: Hazel Landslide. OSO. 1,000 feet long and 1,000 feet wide with approximately 2 million yards of volume which would partially dam the river. No fatalities. The same thing occurred but was less significant and with the same name for the landslide but this occurred in 1988.
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