CA WILDFIRE | CARTER FIRE | 2

April 4, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A 4-Alarm brush is burning off of Austin and Weaver Roads, south of Brawley (Imperial County) in California, that started earlier this afternoon.

COMMAND NAME(S)

With all of the confusing wildfire names, Social Media is reporting this fire as the CARTER FIRE but they are also using WEAVER FIRE and RIVER BOTTOM FIRE. To make it easier since there appears to be no PIO available, we will just keep it simple and call it the CARTER FIRE. For all intent and purpose, we will use all three hashtags when posting on our own Social Media channels which are @nwfireblog (Twitter & Facebook) and nwfireblog (Instagram).

CURRENT STATUS

The fire has been reported as 200 acres destroyed with an 8% containment status.

Four air tankers were deployed via Hemet, California.

Image may contain: mountain, cloud, sky, plant, tree, outdoor and nature

Photo Credit | Imperial County FD

RESOURCES

Units from Imperial County, El Centro, Brawley and Calipatria Fire Departments have been deployed. CAL FIRE was enroute to the scene at 2025 hours. Rural Metro Firefighters dispatched/arrived on-scene at 2055 hours PDT.

The Lead Agency is Imperial County Fire Department.

FIRE OPERATIONS

We have reached out to the Imperial County Fire Department for number of acres, containment status and other incident information.

Seattle Firefighters Battle Weeks of Large Fire Incidents

April 4, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

March and April has been a very long and busy month already for Seattle Firefighters and it does not appear to be slowing down any time soon.

I don’t know about you but there seems to be a pattern of fires breaking out spontaneously, or perhaps not but we won’t say. However, there appears to be more and more fires breaking out in abandoned structures in the same general area, but don’t take it from us. Social Media posters are also noticing the same fire trends.

Here are some fires that have lit up Seattle today and in the past weeks.

APRIL 4, 2020 | SATURDAY

Photo Credit | Seattle FD

On Saturday (today) morning, a full response was sent into action via the Seattle Fire Alarm Center at 0518 hours, sending a large number of Seattle firefighters and assets to an abandoned building located in the 800 block of North 50th Street off of Aurora Avenue North.

Responding units were: E9, B6, E31, L9, A25, AIR10, B4, DEP1, E17, E18, E21, L6, L8, M17, M44, MAR5, REHAB1, SAFT2, STAF10, E16, E20, E22, L1, L8.

Firefighters fought it from the exterior side, an obvious defensive fire . Using hose lines and Ladder pipe operations, water was sent through the partially collapsed roof over the fire building. It was deemed too dangerous for them to enter the interior of the structure during fire suppression activities.

The Seattle Department of Transportation shutdown the right southbound lane due to the fire and blocking Fire equipment.

Fire Investigators have not released the cause of the fire and say it is still under investigation.

There have been a host of other fires in the City today, which include the following by each time fire personnel and assets are dispatched via the Seattle Fire Alarm Center.

0723: 6100 block x 28th Avenue Northwest. Garbage Fire. Handled by a single engine response (E8).

1139 hours: 800 block of Maynard Avenue South. Illegal burn call. Handled by Engine 10.

1201 hours: 1600 block of South Lane Street. Illegal burn. Single engine response. Handled by Engine 6.

1223 hours: Southbound I5 to Corson. Brush fire. Dispatched were Engines 2, 13, 36 and Battalion 5.

1323 hours: 1700 block of Harvard West. Illegal Burn. Engine 25 dispatched.

1426 hours: 200 Wall Street. Illegal Burn. Engine 25 was dispatched to this call and resolved the situation.

1843 hours: East Madison Street and 31st Avenue East. Garbage Fire. Engine 34 dispatched.

1904 hours: Ballard Ave NW / NW Market Street. Engine 18 dispatched.

2122 hours: 4300 block on 29th Avenue South. Dryer Fire. (Fire in Building). Units dispatched: A14, Air10, B2, B5, Dep1, E13, E27, E28, E30, E6, L12, L3, M28, M44, MAR5, R1, REHAB1, SAFT2, STAF10.

MARCH 30, 2020 | MONDAY

1934 hours: 2221 42nd Avenue SW (West Seattle). Fire in Building.

0934 hours: Rainier Avenue South x 23rd Avenue South. E30 dispatched.

MARCH 29, 2020 | SUNDAY

1547 hours: Dumpster Fire. 60 Diagonal Avenue south. Engine 36 is dispatched.

MARCH 28, 2020 | SATURDAY

1605 hours: Garbage Fire. Stewart Street x Westlake Avenue. Engine 5 dispatched.

1335 hours: Garbage Fire. 4th Avenue South x South Massachusetts Street. Engine 16 dispatched.

Heavy flames and smoke destroyed an abandoned building on the corner of Roy and Aurora Avenue North in the 600 block of Roy Street. Both directions of Highway 99 and Mercer Street was closed.

Roy Street Fire. Photo Credit: Seattle FD

MARCH 27, 2020 | FRIDAY

An extremely hot and fast-moving fire put the lives of many in danger, as firefighters raced to try to access the fire from the shore and had no choice but to shuttle personnel in fire boats to fire suppression from the water side. Multiple boats were reportedly lost.

MARCH 16, 2020 | TUESDAY

1334 hours: A resident acros the street on 8th and Weller captured video of extreme fire behavior of a homeless encampment going up in flames. He pleaded to the Seattle Mayor that we need to put our unhoused folks in better accommodations and decried their current conditions as inhumane. Saying additionally, we need to better protect them.

MARCH 15, 2020 | MONDAY

A fire breaks out underneath I5 and Boren Avenue bridge in the Chinatown International District. Seattle firefighters respond to a fire due to cooking at a homeless encampment gets out of control. this is what they have to deal with.

Story Photo, Article: Seattle Times. See story here –> https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/fire-in-chinatown-international-district-engulfs-homeless-camp/

We are still waiting for causes for most of these but we are patient while they work it out in the fire investigation unit.

We will keep you informed and provide an update as information is received.

Firefighters Respond to Dryer Fire in South Seattle

April 4, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Firefighters were called out on Saturday night at 2122 hours PDT to respond to a dryer fire in the building located in the 4300 block of 29th Avenue South in Seattle, Washington.

The call went out as a full response dispatching the following units: A14 AIR10 B2 B5 DEP1 E13 E27 E28 E30 E6 L12 L3 M28 M44 MAR5 R1 REHAB1 SAFT2 and STAF10.

Firefighters quickly egressed and ten minutes into the incident, it was determined the first arriving units could handle as a single response, lealving Engines 13 and 30, Ladder 3 and Battalion 5 on-scene.

Fire was reported as under control with no preconnect. A ventilation system was put into place.

Primary search of floor one was complete with nothing found (2141 hours). A search of a nearby exposure was also conducted and nothing found.

Engine 30 was working with the challenge of shutting off the continuous spray of fire sprinklers. They were finally shutoff at 2142 hours.

There were no reports of any injuries to citizens, residents or firefighters.

The cause is currently unknown at this time, as firefighters to continue with fire operations.

CA WILDFIRE | IMPERIAL COUNTY | 1

April 4, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A 4-Alarm brush is burning off of Austin and Weaver Roads, south of Brawley (Imperial County) in California, that started earlier this afternoon.

Around 1600 hours, it was reported at a 2-Alarm but would be later be escalated to a 4-Alarm fire. Fire behavior has been extreme with wind-driven runs and spotting.

Photo Credit | Imperial County FD

RESOURCES

The Lead Agency is Imperial County Fire Department.

EVACUATIONS

Media reported that the Tangerine Gardens Mobile Home Park on West Legion Road is under mandatory evacuation orders.

FIRE OPERATIONS

We have reached out to the Imperial County Fire Department for number of acres, containment status and other incident information.

LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Many citizens reported heavy smoke and flames could be seen from areas such as Malan, Parkside, Westmorland and Monterrey Park.

Wildfire Activity | NIFC Sit Rep | March 27, 2020

March 29, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Southern Area (MS and FL), United States

As of Friday, March 27, 2020, there were 226 wildfires that broke out with two of them being large incidents, Three Forks Marsh Fire and the Wildcat Fire. These two fires are located in the State of Florida.

Here is a listing of wildfires that have since been 100% contained.

4 Point Fire : National Forests in Mississippi. 1, 858 acres. 100% contained. 2 total personnel remain on one engine. The cost-to-date is $35,000.00 in fire suppression and containment expenses.

Lee Cook Road (46) Fire: Florida Forest Service. 537 acres. 100% contained. 1 person on an engine remains. $5,000 cost-to-date.

Three Forks Fire: This fire started on March 26, 2020, from an unknown cause. 570 acres in the Florida Forest Service owned/managed lands. 100% contained. 4 personnel remain on three engines. $2,000 cost-to-date.

Wildcat Fire: This fire also started on March 26, 2020 on Eglin Air Force Base, owned by the Department of Defense. 500 acres. 100% contained. 8 personnel are on-scene with three engines. $5,000 cost-to-date.

Community News | West Coast | March 29, 2020

March 29, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

COMMUNITY NEWS is our newest launched daily post that includes Alerts, Public Service Announcemtns and Community Needs gleaned from those across Social Media channels.

We will be posting these under this new column by each region due to the influx of massive messaging, until all of the needs have been met and/or this is all over and done with.

We ask that you partner with us by sharing this post with others in your network, friends, family, employer and other people who can be helped by this post. This is how we know to help our West Coast peeps.

Thank you and Be Safe all.

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NATIONALLY SPEAKING

NEW! | CDC Health Alert

CDC has now issued an Alert on the severe illness associated with using Non-Pharmaceutical chloroquine Phosphate to prevent and treat coronavirus disease. They are warning those who take this without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare provider, can cause serious health consequences, including being fatal.

2 cases reported to the CDC who ingested this drug, a chemical in it is uded for aquarium usages that is commercially available for purchase at stores and through internet websites. One of the individuals died shortly after the arrival at the hospital. The second patient is critically ill with severe gastrointestinal symptos and cardiac conduction abnormalities. After the patient recovered, he reported that he saw on TV the usuage of this product to provent COVID19.

The product was in his possession in a powder form inside a 2.2# container labeled “for Ornamental Fish Only”. The CDC is aware of unconfirmed reports of this product being out-of-stock due to an alarmingly increased rate of public demand.

There is currently no approval by the FDA for use of this unprescribed chemical for prevention or treatment of the COVID19 virus.

Details here —-> https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/han00431.asp?deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM24285 (Source: CDC)

NEW! | National Flood Insurance

FEMA is granting those who pay flood insurance in the National Flood Insurance Program, an 120-day grace period. Details here —> https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2020/03/29/fema-extends-grace-period-flood-insurance-renewal-premiums (Source: FEMA)

NEW! | Seniors Day

Walgreens has introduced a new service to keep Seniors Safe, supplied and connected. Every Tuesday is now Seniors Day with all-day discounts and seniors-only shopping from 8 am – 9 am. Pharmacy hours may vary. Details here: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/seniorday.jsp?ext=twad_COV2a (Source: Walgreens)

NEW! | Mental Health/Illness Awareness

The National Alliance on Mental Health/Illness has a free helpline: NAMI Helpline Monday – Friday, 1000 hours – 1800 hours (10-6) EST. Call 800-950-6264. (Source: NAMI)

HUMANITARIAN GROUPS

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is looking for monetary donations, in addition to non-perishable items such as: baby food, supplies, hygiene products, cleaning and santizing items, paper products. Check with your local Salvation Army site to learn what’s needed. Details can be viewed on their website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid19/.

Have lots of time on your hands and you are busy cleaning out your garage, room(s) or the whole house? It is okay to drop off to your nearest location but the Salvation Army asks that you not dump and run during the pandemic. (Source: Salvation Army)

# # #

WASHINGTON STATE

NEW! | Drivers License and ID Cards

Effective March 23, 2020, customers can renew their drivers licenses an ID cards online. Those who require a visit to a driver licensing service office will be served upon appointment only.

Go to dol.wa.gov for information as your first step. Persons under age 24 and over 70 may renew online for the next 30 days, longer if deemed necessary. They are also suspending the requirement to visit a licensing office every other renewal thereafter.

Most vehicle renewals can also be done online, by mail or over the phone.

See more information here —> https://licensingexpress.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/dol-takes-steps-to-protect-the-health-and-safety-of-customers-and-employees/

NEW! | Funeral Guidelines

The Governor has issued guidelines on funerals and licensng to funeral homes and cemetaries.

Details here — > https://licensingexpress.wordpress.com/2020/03/28/governor-inslee-issues-additional-guidance-on-funerals/ (Source: Gov. Jay Inslee’s Office)

NEW! | Groceries/Take Out Food Orders

There is misleading information that the virus is spreading through foods in the grocery stores and via drive-thrus at restaurants. This is FALSE, but it is recommended after going to the grocery store to WASH YOUR HANDS. (Source: WA DOH)

Photo Credit | WADOH

PPE Arrives in Snohomish County

County receives 9 pallets of PPE and will be distributed shortly. Thanks VPOTUS from sending them from the National Stockpile. (Source: Snohomish County government).

State Call Center

A Washington State Call Center is taking calls regarding COVID19 related questions, information on how it spreads, what to do if you have symptoms. Call 1-800-525-0127 and press ” # “.

OREGON

We are searching for information for you, Oregon!

CALIFORNIA

Free Virtual Health Care Visits

Free Virtual Care visits for those who have mild COVID19 symptoms through Dignity Health.

We’re here for you during this challenging time of increased coronavirus cases. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is to stay at home. To encourage this social distancing as well as continue to support your health and well-being, we’re offering free virtual care visits. If you or a family member have mild COVID-19 symptoms such as low-grade fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you can speak with a healthcare provider on your phone or device for free. Here are your options for accessing a virtual visit:

If using your computer desktop, please go to https://www.dignityhealth.org/cov19-video-visits.
If you have an Android device, please download the app here.
If you have an Apple device, please download the app here.

Once you register, enter the code COVID19 to waive the fees and proceed to your FREE visit.

Please note, we have been receiving a high volume of requests at this time. We apologize for longer than usual wait times. (Source: Dignity Health)

Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Coronavirus Virtual Town Hall Meeting. Tuesday, 3/31/2020. 7-8pm Livestreaming via the NorCalPublicMedia.org , TV KRCB Channel 22 and siulcast on La Mejor, KJOR 104.1 FM, in Spanish. Submit your questions prior to the broadcast to viewer@norcalpublicmedia.org (Source: County of Sonoma)

image with tv, computer and radio for march 31 town hall

Lacey Firefighters Respond to Huge Vacant Structure Fire

March 29, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Lacey, Washington —-

Fire personnel and equipment were dispatched from Lacey Fire District #3 and #8, and Olympia Fire just before 0500 hours on Sunday morning, March 29, 2020, to a structure fire.

The fire was located in the 5000 block of 15th Avenue NE in Lacey, Washington.

Photo Credit | Lacey Fire District #3

Image may contain: night and outdoor

Fire District #6 staffed up Lacey’s stations and responded to fire calls for Lacey Fire District #8.

Firefighters quickly egressed the situation and knocked down the fire. Primary and secondary searched were conducted with no occupants located inside.

There were no reports of injuries to firefighters or bystanders.

There is no cause released at the time of this report and is under investigation by Fire Investigators.

UPDATE | Puget Sound Firefighters Fight SeaTac Fire

March 29, 2020March 29, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Seatac, Washington —

Firefighters and resources from Renton RFA, Tukwila Fire Department, Puget Sound Fire and Zone 3 Fire Rehab were dispatched on Sunday, March 29, 2020, in the early evening to a structure fire in the 2400 block of South 146th Street.

Additional fire mutual aid resources dispatched from Skyway Fire, Burien Fire and Medic One.

All occupants self-extricated themselves from the home.

This was a fire in the home’s kitchen. The fire is now out and there were no reports of injuries to the occupants or to firefighters.

A Fire Investigator is en route to the fire scene.

US Navy Medical Facilities Arrive in New York, California

March 29, 2020March 29, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

New York and California

The United States Navy’s Comfort, a Military Sealift Command hosital ship has arrived to New York City on Sunday, March 29th around 1330 hours EDT (or 1030 PST – West Coast time) and guided in by tug boats to port. This is in response to the COVID19 virus response.

USNS Comfort arrives in New York on March 29, 2020

“…our nation, specifically the people of New York, have requested our assistance and we are ready to respond.” – USNS Capt. Patrick Amerbach, CO, Medical Treatment Facility aboard the Comfort.

The facility will be used for non-COVID19 infected patients, which will provide a full array of medical care to include general surgeries, critical care and ward care for adults, while allowing shore-based civilian hospitals to focus on their medical care to the treatment of virus infected patients.

Comfort arrives in New York, shows its mammoth size. Credit: USNS

Comfort departed from the Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia and has a crew of over 1,100 Navy medical personnel and support staff with over 70 civil service mariners on board. The Comfort is a converted San Clemente-class supertanker, that was delivered to the Navy’s Miltary Sealift Command on December 1, 1987 and is one of two Mercy-class hospital ships.

A second USNS ship, Mercy arrived in Los Angeles, California on March 27, 2020.

The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrives in Los Angeles, March 27, 2020. Mercy deployed in support of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts, and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore base hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense's missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mora Jr. (Released) 200327-N-UV609-1087

USNS Mercy arrives in Los Angeles, California on March 27, 2020. Credit: USNS

The Comfort and Mercy are operated, navigated and maintained by a crew of civil service mariners working for the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command.

Washington State was due to have the Mercy arrive to Seattle, but POTUS redirected it to Los Angeles, California instead. Washington State is receiving assistance from local Military resources.

A field hospital is being set-up at Seattle’s Century Link to take care of those with non-COVID19 medical needs which will free up local health facilities. Another facilty is being erected in Shoreline as more cases break out across the State.

The Governor of Washington State issued a Stay at Home. Stay Safe. Mandate for all non-essential employees on March 23, 2020.

Gov Inslee at the Seattle Convention Center speaks to local media. Credit: Gov Jay Inslee

We cannot thank the men and women on these two ships for taking time from their own families to help care for the sick while local Cities are dealing with the COVID virus spreading like wildfire.

This is a godsent gift to Cities and their residents who will benefit from overflow of regular people with regular medical needs that are unrelated to the virus outbreak. I think, we can say wholeheartedly that we speak for the residents of where these ships are arriving to, that we all will be eternally grateful.

March 28 2020 | Social Distancing on Social Media | Community Needs

March 28, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

We will be reporting on communities needs, alerts, other communication on the COVD19 virus. We will post other helpful links that may help you as a 1st responder, impacted patient/family member, general public, government official and any other topics by State.

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HUMANITARIAN GROUPS

Salvation Army

ARIZONA

Hospitals Brace for Surge

Hospitals in the State are urgently seeking out an additional 8,000 hospital beds to meet the Governor’s April 24th deadline and be prepared for a surge of anticipated high numbers of COVID patients. They are looking at creative ways to turn hotels, churches, sports fields into hospitals. (Source: CEDR Digital Corps)

Free Virtual Health Care Visits

101 Dignity health locations in Arizona. Check this website for a free virtual care visit. https://locations.dignityhealth.org/

CALIFORNIA

Free Virtual Health Care Visits

Free Virtual Care visits for those who have mild COVID19 symptoms through Dignity Health.

If using your computer desktop, please go to https://www.dignityhealth.org/cov19-video-visits.
If you have an Android device, please download the app here.
If you have an Apple device, please download the app here.

Once you register, enter the code COVID19 to waive the fees and proceed to your FREE visit.

Please note, we have been receiving a high volume of requests at this time. We apologize for longer than usual wait times. (Source: Dignity Health)

Virtual Town Hall Meeting

image with tv, computer and radio for march 31 town hall

COLORADO

Health Partners Helping the Food Industry

El Paso County Public Health and the Community Health Partnership are thinking outside of the box to help businesses with donations/sale of excess food and goods to the help the coomunity during this virus outbreak.

Visit their story here: https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/el-paso-county-encourages-restaurants-food-stores-to-donate-sell-excess-food-to-service-organizations (Source: Local News Media)

MASSACHUSSETTS

Major Disaster Declaration Granted

Governor Charlie Baker requested federal disaster assistance from the Federal Government and they heard today from the White House and FEMA issuing the proclamation.

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-federal-disaster-declaration-for-covid-19-response (Source: CEDR Digital Corps/MASS Gov Charlie Baker)

NEVADA

Free Virtual Doctor Visits

Dignity Health is offering free virtual visits with a doctor. Check this website how you can visit their site and if it is more severe where to go for assistance. https://locations.dignityhealth.org/ (Source: Dignity Health)

NEW JERSEY

Red Cross Needs Your Help!

Donating Blood | Red Cross New Jersey (@NJRedCross) is asking those who can donate blood, to do so. They are at an all-time critical low. (Source: RedCross)

TEXAS

Medicaid and SNAP Programs Renewed

The TX Health & Human Services have received additional funding from the Federal Government to automatically renew Medicaid and the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for an indefinite period. No need to call to renew.

What To Flush, That is the Question

Sanitary issues are starting to become an issue for those sheltering-in-place for the City’s Solid Waste services, as people are flushing things that should not be sent down the toilet, like disposable disapers, baby wipes, facial wipes, rags, cleaning or polish wipes, kitty litter, paper towels or any other items. Food cooking oil and grease, food scraps, shortening, lard, butter, margarine are just a few items that should not be flushed. These items should be tossed in the trash instead. (Source: City of Irving)

VERMONT

Burlington Homeless

The City is setting up RVs to house the homeless population at the North Beach Campground during the virus outbreak. (Source: News Media https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2020/03/26/burlingtons-homeless-population-has-new-home-north-beach-campers-wake-covid-19-rvs-anew/2918238001/)

WASHINGTON STATE

PPE Arrives in Snohomish County

County receives 9 pallets of PPE and will be distributed shortly. Thanks VPOTUS from sending them from the National Stockpile. (Source: Snohomish County government).

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