The Wildfire Log | Poker Fire | Oregon

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UPDATE 1 | Monday | 9-16-2019

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire was detected September 15th (Sunday) around 1100 hours PDT.  It is burning  on the Sheldon-Hart Mountain Wildlife Refuge on lands managed / owned by the Fish & Wildlife Services, about 19 miles northeast of Plush, Oregon.  It is also been reported near Lakeview, Oregon.

The cause has been stated to be lightning related ignition.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire behavior has been reported as active with creeping, torching and wind-driven runs. There has been over 15,000 acres destroyed.

There is no containment at this time.  However, estimated contained is expected on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

RESOURCES

There are 96 total personnel along with four hand crews, seven engines and one helicopter.  Vale Dispatch Center dispatched E3434 as an additional resource to the POKER FIRE on Sunday evening around 1736 hours PDT.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Cost-to-date fire suppression and containment expenses have reached $250,000.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 9/16/2019 @ 2100 hours PDT

We. Will. Never. Forget. | September 11 Anniversary

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New York, NY | Most of us all know the horrendous events that occurred on September 11th in the year of 2001 and the many lives that were lost.  We remember those events on this 18th year anniversary, never forgetting those who were lost on that day and the weeks, months and years after.

We. Will. Never. Forget. is a Tribute to the staggering numbers of those lives lost on this day. We will always remember who they were, what they stood for and the sacrifices made. We always remember you.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

This was considered as the deadliest terrorist act in world history and most devastating attack on the United States since the attack on Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) on December 7, 1941.

  • 2,977 people were killed on this day.
  • 265 would perish instantly on the four planes (including terrorists).
  • 2,606 in the World Trade Center and surrounding areas.
  • 125 were killed at the Pentagon.

CIVILIAN CASUALTIES

  • Civilians 2,135.
  • 372 non-US citizens.
  • More than 90 countries represented.
  • The UK lost 67 citizens
  • Dominican Republic had 47 deaths
  • India with 41 lost lives

FIRE PERSONNEL

  • 342 FDNY Firefighters on September 11th. More have died from Ground Zero exposures.
  • 1 FDNY Fire Marshal
  • 1 member with the NY Fire Patrol

EMS PERSONNEL

  • 8 EMTs and Paramedics

LAW ENFORCEMENT

  • 23 NYPD member
  • 37 Port Authority PD members
  • 5 NY State of Office Tax Enforcement members
  • 3 Officers of the NY State Office of Court Administration
  • 1 member with the FBI
  • 1 member of the US Secret Service
  • This also includes a bomb-sniffing dog, Sirius who was not included in the official human death toll

MILITARY PERSONNEL

  • 55 at the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia

YEAR OF 2002

  • A Civil Rights Lawyer’s life is lost from the exposure to dust at Ground Zero.
  • She is the first victim to die from a chronic lung condition.

SEPTEMBER 2008

  • 33,000+ Police Officers, Firefighters, Responders and Community Members have been treated for injuries and sickness related to the 9/11 attacks.
  • Some of the illnesses include: respiratory conditions, mental health like PTSD and depression, gastrointestinal conditions.
  • At least 4,166 cases of cancer have been reported.

OCTOBER 2008

  • An unknown man dies from being exposed.

DECEMBER 2010

  • A male accountant dies from being exposed to the site.
  • The number is raised to 2,753 from Ground Zero site.
  • The total 9/11 death toll increases to 2,996.

YEAR OF 2013

  • Reports of Medical Officials: 1,140 people who worked, lived or studied in Lower Manhattan at the time of the attack were diagnosed with cancer as a result of having an exposure to toxins at the WTC.
  • It was also reported that over 1,400 9/11 rescue workers who responded to the scene in the days and months after the attacks have since died.
  • 11 pregnancies were lost as a result of the 9/11 attacks.

YEAR OF 2015

  • A law was passed in Congress that permanently extends healthcare benefits for responds.  It also adds fives to the victims’ compensation program.
  • Reports of at least 15 FBI Agents have died from cancer due to their roles in the aftermath and investigation of the attack.

YEAR OF 2018

  • A Medical Director of the World Trade Center Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital stated out of the approximately 10,000 First Responders and others were at Ground Zero have developed cancer.
  • More than 2,000 have died due to 9/11 related illnesses.
  • The Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York also reported over 170 firefighter deaths.
  • They say roughly 1 in 8 firefighters who were at Ground Zero have developed cancer.
  • At least 221 Police Officers have died in the years since 2001 from illnesses related to the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

JUNE 2019

  • Talk Show Host, Jon Stewart, has advocated on the behalf of 9/11 First Responders by testifying in front of Congress that they did not have proper healthcare benefits from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

  • FDNY adds 22 names to the WTC Memorial Wall at FDNY HQ.
  • To date, more than 200 FDNY have died from Ground Zero related illnesses.
Image

Credit | FDNY

REMEMBRANCES – Social Media

Kevin McCarthy – Twitter @GOPLeader

Department of State – Twitter @StateDept

“We solemnly remember the individuals who perished on #September11, 2001. In honor of those who lost their lives, the President calls upon U.S. agencies to display the flag at half-staff and Americans to observe this day.”

Commissioner O’Neill – Twitter @NYPDOneill

“On this 18th anniv. of the killing of Detectives Robert Parker & Patrick Rafferty, NYers are reminded of the supreme courage that NYPD cops display each day in the face of very real dangers. Our city is a far safer place now because of them & the work they inspired.”

Image

Chief Terence Monahan – Twitter @NYPDChiefofDept

“live every day like it’s your last, regardless of how hard things are.” – Twitter poster.

Chief Roy E Mosley III – Twitter @chief_mosley

“I was sitting in a training class at Kent State University that day as a young Sgt. when pagers started going off all around the room. Finally got a chance to visit the 9-11 Museum in NYC last October.  So moving.”

NYPD Midtown North (MEMORIAL) – Twitter @NYPDMTN

Image

Credit | NYPD

“Tomorrow at 8:46 a.m., please join us in front of the precinct (306 West 54th Street) as we observe the National Day of Service and Remembrance, never forgetting the 2,977 innocent souls who were senselessly taken eighteen years ago.”

Special Message:

Thank you to all those who represent the Fire Service, EMS, Law Enforcement, Disaster Search & Rescue, Emergency Services, Healthcare and Emergency Management professions and everyone in between. We know that hearts are breaking everywhere as we all remember the sacrifices given on 9/11 and even to this day.  We give you a heartfelt thank you and sending love to you for what you do everyday. – LR Swenson/Blogger/Editor

Sources:  Wikipedia, Social Media, News Media, Government.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/10/2019 @ 2111 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | California Fires | Sept 10 2019

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We have returned from our week-and-a-half long vacation while out on the road and very limited access to our Blog.  You can find some of our postings and pictures on our Social Media Channel Twitter page, @nwfireblog.  We are happy to be back and playing catching up to all of the news that has occurred in the last eight days, as well as major incidents occurring today.

Here are the current wildfires for the State of California, which we were in the area of the Rams Horn Fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. We were able to capture some aircraft making water drops.  We felt super spoiled!

# # #

FIRE FACTS

NATIONALLY

There were 201 new wildfires as of yesterday that required moderate initial attack activity.  Of those fires, six of them were considered as new large wildfire incidents.  Five large fires were contained, however, there were still 22 that are continuously burning.  Forty-seven large wildfires are burning across the United States that are currently being managed under a strategy other than full suppression.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

There were 17 wildfires as of September 9, 2019, and reported this morning there was one that is a new large incident that now equals to eight not contained large fires.  Currently, deployed there are two Type-1 IMTs and two Type-2 IMTs committed.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Today, there were 21 new wildfires reported with none of them being large incidents, which is great news.  However, two are still considered as being not contained with one Type-2 IMTs committed.

# # #

BUTTE COUNTY

SWEDES FIRE | 400 acres | 60% contained

The SWEDES FIRE started on September 7, 2019 at 1506  hours PDT from an unknown cause that is under investigation. It is located on Swedes Flats Road and Oro Bangor Highway.  It is also east of Oroville and five miles of Bangor, California.   Fire fuels include:  brush and tall grass.

Image may contain: sky, mountain, outdoor and nature

Credit | CAL FIRE Butte County

There are 338 personnel deployed on this wildfire alongside  14 hand crews, 25 engines and one helicopter.  Fire crews have the fire perimeter almost fully lined and will continue to reinforce them along with mop-up operations.  Total costs have reached $850,000.

The same IMT is also managing the following wildfire incident:

FORBESTOWN FIRE | 58 acres | 90% contained

The FORBESTOWN FIRE started on September 9, 2019.  Crews are currently checking for hot spots and will continue with damage assessments. 2 structures were destroyed.   Total for both fires are 226 fire personnel, eight hand crews, 20 engines, four dozers and nine water tenders.  This is a CAL FIRE – Butte County FD incident.

INYO COUNTY

COW FIRE | 1,975 acres | 30% contained

The COW FIRE started on September 6, 2019 at 1223 hours PDT.  There are 30 fire personnel assigned along with one helicopter.  Fire suppression and containment costs have reached $1.9 Million Dollars.

TABOOSE FIRE |  9,235 acres | 30% contained

The TABOOSE FIRE is located 10 miles southwest of Big Pine and NW of Aberdeen in Inyo County.  It is burning on the Inyo National Forest, which started from an unknown cause on September 6th around 1243 hours PDT.   This incident is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE San Bernardino, Inyo National Forest and Inyo County Sheriff Office. (CA Team 11, a IMT Type 2)

Image may contain: sky, outdoor and nature

Credit | USFS – Inyo NF

Fire crews have been focusing on continued efforts in the north and northeastern areas.  With decreased winds overnight, firefighters were able to gain a large percentage of containing the fire.t They will continue to focus on all fire objectives, including reaching a full containment status.

Evacuations were lifted at 1300 hours today for the areas of Big Pine Canyon, Glacier Lodge, Cone Road, Sugarloaf Road and Bernasconi Center.

There are 360 personnel that include 11 crews, four helicopters, 30 engines, three bulldozers and two water tenders.  One structure has been lost. The cost-to-date expenses have reached $3 Million Dollars.

LASSEN COUNTY

R-6 FIRE | 260 acres | 80% contained

The R-6 FIRE started on September 6, 2019 at 0620 hours PDT.  Limited information available.

MODOC COUNTY

LONE FIRE | 5,737 acres | 87% contained

The LONE FIRE started on September 6, 2019, at 1134 hours PDT.  The fire is burning on the Modoc National Forest that is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located about five miles southeast of Clear Lake, California.   Fire fuels include: timber, brush and tall grass.  Fire behavior is reported as minimal with smoldering.  There are still 57 personnel attached to this incident, along with one hand crew and three engines.  The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment expenses have reached a high $1.3 Million Dollars.

MONO COUNTY

SPRINGS FIRE | 4,840 acres | 98% contained

The SPRINGS FIRE started on September 6, 2019.  Limited information available.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

MCMURRAY FIRE | 200 acres | 30% contained

The MCMURRAY FIRE started on September 9, 2019 around 1042 hours PDT.  It is located on McMurray Road and Hwy 101, North of Buellton and could be seen by a lot of drivers both inside and outside of City limits.  This is in Santa Barbara County.  Currently, Hwy 101 North is closed.  Structures are threatened and evacuations are in progress.   Santa Barbara County FD is the lead agency on this incident.

SISKIYOU COUNTY

DUZEL FIRE | 15 acres | 80% contained

The DUZEL FIRE started on September 7, 2019, at 1119 hours PDT near Duzel Rock Lockout that is NE of Etna. Cause is under investigation.   This is a CAL FIRE – Siskiyou unit incident.  Limited details available.

LIME FIRE | 1,620 acres | 0% contained

The LIME FIRE is burning in the Ash Creek area and Hwy 96, just southwest of Hornbrook in the Klamath National Forest.  It is about 10 miles north of Yreka.   Fire fuels include timber and brush. The fire is being managed by an IMT Type 2 (CA Team 15) which is also managing the KIDDER 2 FIRE. This lightning caused wildfire started on September 7, 2019.  Fire fuels include:  Timber and brush. There are currently 515 personnel assigned along with 16 crews, 18 engines and 8 helicopters.  Cost-to-date have reached an all-time high of $2.4 Million dollars.

KIDDER 2 FIRE | 141 acres | 15% contained

The KIDDER 2 FIRE started on September 7, 2019, on Marble Mountain Wilderness and Kidder Creek, northwest of Etna that was sparked by lightning.  The fire is burning in the Klamath National Forest in Yreka. Fire behavior is reportedly as moderate with creeping, backing and smoldering. There are 96 personnel deployed along with six hand crews and one engine. The cost-to-date has reached $200,000.

TEHAMA COUNTY

SOUTH FIRE | 2,746 acres | 5% contained

The SOUTH FIRE started on September 5, 2019. This wildfire is burning on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and being managed by a Type-2 IMT (CA Team 16).  It is located about 15 miles south of Platina, CA.  Fire behavior is moderate with isolated torching, flanking and backing.  Structures and communication infrastructures are threatened.  296 personnel are assigned along with seven hand crews and 12 engines. Cost-to-date expenses have reached $734,000.

RED BANK FIRE | 8,838 acres | 55% contained

The RED BANK FIRE is located 25 miles west of Red Bluff, California.  It is staffed by firefighters from CAL FIRE’s Tehama-Glenn Unit and managed by the CAL FIRE’s Team 5.  Fire fuels include:  chaparral, brush and tall grass. Fire behavior is minimal with creeping and smoldering.

Communications infrastructure is reportedly being threatened.  Total costs for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $9.5 Million Dollars. There are still 2,193 personnel assigned long with 54 hand crews, 145 engines and 24 helicopters.  Two structures have been destroyed.

TRINITY COUNTY

RAMSHORN FIRE | 238 acres | 30% contained

The RAMS HORN FIRE is burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest on Hwy 3 and Bear Creek Loop, and seven miles northeast of Coffee Creek in Trinity County. This fire was lightning caused and started on September 7, 2019.  Fire fuels include:  timber, brush and tall grass.  Fire behavior is minimal with smoldering and creeping. There are 308 personnel along with one hand crew and 26 engines.  Cost-to-date expenses have reached $2.4 Million Dollars.

TULARE COUNTY

BRODER FIRE | 370 acres | 40% contained

The BRODER FIRE started on September 6, 2019 at 1239 hours PDT.   Limited details.

There are some wildfires that we left off due to time constraints but we will add them to our next posting, scheduled on Wednesday, September 11th.

Thank you for reading our Blog. Please follow us here to receive more up-to-date news, happenings and about current incidents.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/10/2019 @ 1900 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | McKinley Fire | Alaska | 1

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

The MCKINLEY FIRE is located about 18 miles north of Willow,  Alaska.

The fire originally started on private land.

Umpqua Firefighters Buck Tree 2. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

FIRE BEHAVIOR

Fire behavior is moderate with backing, creeping and single-tree torching.

RESOURCES – EQUIPMENT and PERSONNEL

There are 564 total personnel along with 14 hand crews, 28 engines and 10 helicopters.

Umpqua Sawyer Bucks Log. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

HOW YOU CAN HELP FIRE VICTIMS

General Donations – > https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=mckinley%20fire&epa=SEARCH_BOX   *Online Registration begins 9/4/2019 at ready.alaska.gov  or you can call 1-800-478-2337.

Donating to Organizations -> Please confirm needs by contacting the organization of your choice before donating physical items (food, water, etc.).

Masticator. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

Masticator

Food Donations – > Mat Su COAD is facilitating all donations of food and any other items with various local locations. They can be reached at 907-745-5827 or 907-745-5824. Please any food items need to be within their expiration date and any clothing items need to be clean.

Financial Donations -> Making a financial contribution to a recognized organization is the best way to ensure the needs of the community and emergency personnel are met.

Here are some great choices to pick from:

  • The American Red Cross
  • Your local Fire Department
  • Your local Search & Rescue unit
  • The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
  • Local Animal Services organization or to the Humane Society

FOR FIRE VICTIMS, EVACUEES

Alaska Red Cross  -> The Red Cross will be distributing emergency relief supplies and providing recovery casework and planning services at the Upper Susitna Senior Center and Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center.

Relief supplies will also be available Sheep Creek Lodge. To reach a recovery caseworker call 907-764-2407

Engine Crewmember Sprays Hotspot. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

State Disaster Assistance -> Can be applied by individuals and families with damaged primary residences or essential personal property. Apply in person on 9/4-9/18/2019 9 am – 7pm. No location yet but to be near Talkeetna and Willow. Or go to ready.alaska.gov

Matanuska Electric Association -> Members needing to be reconnected can call 907-761-9300 or visit http://www.mea.coop

The Parks Highway -> remains open through the burned area with a speed limit of 45 mph. Be prepared to stop in this zone where crews and equipment continue working. Road updates available at 511.alaska.gov

Matanuska Susitna Borough -> Will accept debris caused by the McKinley and Deshka Landing Fires at no cost at specific locations. For more information the Solid Waste Division can be reached at 907-761-3700

083019 McKinley Fire Evacuation Map

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) -> Can assist with health and safety issues including air quality, drinking water, food safety and sanitation, wastewater, solid waste, and hazardous substances. Reach the ADEC Disaster Coordination Team at 907-269-4198

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) -> Collects and distributes donations like clothes, shoes, winter gear, bedding, and food. They have locations in Big Lake, Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Willow. 907-745-5827

Team Rubicon -> Can provide assistance with debris removal and clean up. Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. 360-975-7944

SUPPORTING FIRE PARTNERS

Ways to Show your Support for Firefighters and their Partners

Firefighter Support -> Write a thank you note to firefighters and/or firefighters’ families.  Drop them off at the incident command post so they can be posted or shared.  Put them in blank, stamped envelopes.

Firefighters using a drone.

After briefings or after shifts, firefighters can address letters to parents, kids, spouses, etc. Provide local postcards that are pre-stamped to fire camp. These will be distri-buted to firefighters so they can send postcards home to their families.

One of the many thank you signs on the McKinley fire.

Community Support -> Respect road and area closures and evacuation orders. Drive carefully in the fire area.  Post thank you banners / signs in the community and on social media. This is a great morale booster for firefighters after a long shift!

Thank you sign on the McKinley fire.

What The (Fire Camp) Cannot Accept:
We have federal standards for personal protective gear for our wildland firefighters.
Food items, including baked goods and sweets.  They are required to follow food safety regulations, and we have strict national guidelines for firefighter nutrition. Our fire crews on the line receive fresh food boxes every three days, if catered food is not available.

HOW TO BE A FIRESMART HERO

How to Report a Wildfire -> 1-800-237-3633 or call 9-1-1.

Ash Pits & Heavy Fuels. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

FIRE ACTIVITIES

Firefighters are working with the Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) to restore power and remove fire-damaged trees near power lines. Major progress has been accomplished this week and are very close to have it all completed.

Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) Works Along Parks Highway 2. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

138 structures have been lost.  Homes are still under direct threat.

There has been 3,316 acres burned but fire crews have reached a 78% containment status.

Livestock in the McKinley fire.

Cost-to-date expenses have reached $6.8 Million Dollars.

FIRE IMAGES

All fire images in this post are the credit of Mike McMillan, DNR.  We do not lay claim to any of his photos.  Please respect his Photo Credit when reposting his fire images. – Thank you!

OUR THANK YOU

..to the many firefighters on the front line battling the fire and working to contain it, as well as showing your tireless efforts.

..to the countless people behind the scenes who manage and support all things incident related and everyone else in between.

..to the impacted communities who have come together when disaster strikes, to see your amazing and strong community support for others and for those who fight these wildfires.

..to the government leaders standing up for its Citizens. 

..to those who send their good thoughts and prayers to help those whom have been touched (impacted) by the devastation left behind. We send our prayers to you all and will continue to keep you in our everyday thoughts.

 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/30/2019 @ 2240 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | 204 Cow Fire | Oregon

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

The 204 COW FIRE is burning approximately 17 miles southwest of Unity on the Prairie City Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest in Oregon.  It was sparked by lightning on August 9, 2019, after storms passed over the area.

Image taken during evening fly over of the Cow Fire

SIZE UP

About 5,516 acres of timber and brush have been destroyed.  Crews have reached a five-percent containment status.

Containment is expected to be reached by October 15, 2019.

Firefighters completed removal of fuels along the south primary line, as well as completing construction of a hoselay supporting this line.

The eastern control was almost completed on Thursday, August 29th with additional fire fuels removed and chipped.

The north control was also established yesterday with meeting all fire objectives.  Fire was said to be contained along the 13 Road from Short Creek north for about one mile.

Image may contain: tree, fire and outdoor

The west control line is located in higher elevations and in areas within burn scars of previous wildfires that have passed through.

FIRE BEHAVIOR

Fire behavior has been reported as moderate with flanking, backing and group torching.

Image may contain: cloud, sky, outdoor and nature

FIRE RESOURCES

There are 590 fire personnel assigned to this incident along with 12 handcrews, four dozers, 3 heavy and one light helicopters, two masticators, six feller-bunchers, four skidders and two skidgeons.  Skidgeons are described as skidders with mounted water tanks.

Image may contain: sky, outdoor and nature

Fire Management has been tasked by the Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 9 or more commonly called NWIIMT 9.

Panoramic Image of the Cow Fire from the ROAS camera at 4: 30 pm

Additionally, there are mutual aid units also attached to this incident which include:

* Blue Mountain Ranger District – 643, 671, crew 041, PV19, BC41

No photo description available.

THREATS

Structures are threatened.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A FIRE MANAGER

“Fire is an integral part of Eastern Oregon forest ecosystems. Prior to fire exclusion policies, the average acre of Blue Mountains forests experienced fire every 20 years, for thousands of years.

Without periodic fire, the forest becomes choked with dead-and-downed wood, undergrowth, and small and unhealthy trees.

We are suppressing this fire to protect values at risk such as active timber sales and structures, but dead trees are not values at risk, and our intent is not to place firefighters in harm’s way to “protect” jackpots of dead lodgepole from being naturally recycled.” – 204 COW FIRE PIO

Aerial view of the 204 Cow Fire

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Total cost-to-date fire suppression and containment expenses have risen to $4.4 Million dollars.

ALERTS

Some local roads in the area are closed. Please check with the USFS online before going to the area.

There is a temporary flight restriction or commonly called a TFR to provide more airspace for firefighting aircraft to work. This also includes restrictions to other non-fire aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems or (UAS), as well as drones.

For more information on the TFR issued by the FAA, please visit this link for details https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_9780.html?fbclid=IwAR30VwjghTqTJHrhrkZfdTRz1zbZC_ro5ONuvtDE2x8PywPNnQ6FbCLRCmM

FIRE IMAGES

All images in this Blog are the Credit of the United States Forest Service (USFS).  We do not lie claim to them but are reposting them from our verified sources.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are using the following hashtags for this wildfire:  #ORwildfires #FireSeason2019 #204Fire

Thank you for reading our post.  We would love it, if you joined our over 300-plus readership by following our Blog here.  You can also find us on Twitter @nwfireblog   Stay safe wherever you may go. – Ed.

ABOUT MALHEUR NATIONAL FOREST

The Malheur National is host to over 1.7 Million acres of forested areas in the Blue Mountains in the eastern portion of the State of Oregon (USA).  Within the vast amount of lands, there is beautiful scenes of high desert grasslands, sage, juniper, pine, fir, other kinds of trees and with hidden alpine lakes and meadows.

 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/30/2019 @ 2110 hours PDT

The Wildfire Report | Hilton Wash Fire | NEW

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Sonoita, Az. | A new wildfire has ignited, called the Hilton Wash Fire today.  It is located about nine miles NE of Sonoita and near Empire Ranch with the Las Cinegas NCA.

Image may contain: outdoor and nature

Stock Photo | Credit: BLM

The fire has scorched about 150 acres of tall grass has been destroyed.  Fire resources and assets were dispatched this afternoon around 1633 hours MDT.  CAD records showed that BLM resources were still responding to the scene.

Equipment and personnel included GID Engines 4337, T-3, Battallion 3-1 and Engine 361.

Hashtags | #AZwildfires #FireSeason2019

 

Bring Them Home | Hundreds Search for Firefighters Lost at Sea | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Information for this article was gleaned from multiple sources from government, private and public sectors published over Social Media. Information is posted to the best of my abilities.

Quote of the Day | Day after day, ordinary people become heroes through extraordinary and selfless actions to help their neighbors. – Sylvia Mathews Burwell

We ask  a few things from our readers – to be respectful and nice towards this post and towards those including the family, friends and their communities that are hugely impacted by their disappearance and waiting impatiently for any updates from Officials.  For us, please send and keep them in your good thoughts and prayers. This will mean a lot to us and to them as well.

# # #

Thank you to all of the Incident Cooperators (sorry we if did not mention you!) and their partners, civilians, Good Samaritans, Command personnel, Supporters and everyone else in between who is searching for Justin and Brian. This is what we are all about – helping each other. – This is why one of the reasons we are big fans of the Fire Service and the Family that binds it together.  Blogger LR Swenson/NW Fire Blog

# # #

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Two great friends whom are both avid boaters decided to take a boat out for a last run on  Friday, August 16th morning for fishing and relaxation.  When off-duty firefighters, JFRD Engineer Brian McCluney (US Navy Vet) and Justin Walker, Fairfax FD (VA) did not return as scheduled, they were reported to authorities as overdue.

Photo Credit:  JAX Firefighters

Image

Firefighters Brian McCluney and Justin Walker.

A massive search would gear up and be spearheaded by one of the biggest Search-and-Rescue agencies, which specializes in missing and stranded boaters that the Federal Agency has in this nation.  This large-scale SAR mission has all the main players including a massive civilian force and they are all pulling out every single resources to find these missing firefighters to #BringThemHome.

Here is their story told through various updates, eyewitness accounts and from Social Media sources.

INCIDENT TIMELINE

Day 1 | August 16 | Friday

0107 hours EDT 

Two boaters, Justin and Brian are seen on the boat ramp’s camera, placing the 22-foot Robalo boat into the water were reportedly heading to the 8A Reef. The boat was given to him from his father, whom had just passed.

Image

Credit | USCG

Day 2 | August 17 | Saturday

They are reported overdue as they never came back as scheduled on this date.

 1009 hours EDT

The US Coast Guard begins to search for missing two firefighters.  They were last seen leaving the 300 Christopher Columbus boat ramp in Port Canaveral Friday in a 24-foot center console.  Their destination was to head towards 8A reef.  This reef is a fishing spot and is an artificial or natural reef that attracts fish to the area.

Eyewitness Account | “We fished out of the port today and we saw a rescue plane circling for about two hours. The current was ripping about 8-12 knots around noon.”

A family reported to the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville on this date would prompt a USCG to launch a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Canaveral, an HC-130 Hercules search plane from the Air Station Clearwater and an 87-foot patrol boat called the Cutter Ridley.  Additional incident cooperators included the US Navy and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

Day 3 | August 18 | Sunday

MEDIA REPORT | DC Patrick Gouin from Brian’s station says 7/50 JFRD JAX Firefighters are from his shift. Other Firefighters from nearby areas are staffing stations while Brian’s fellow brothers search for him.

0415 Hours EDT

The USCG with Incident Cooperators will be searching through the night with surface and air resources.  The search throughout the day has covered 20,029 square miles with an estimated 70 hours of active searches.

Photo Credit:  USCG

Image

0733 Hours EDT

Searchers focus near the Gulf Stream. Good Samaritans are searching 1-15 miels off the coast from south Georgia to Port Canaveral.  Estimated search is 5,000 miles.

0744 Hours EDT

There are 2 USCG 87-foot patrol boats, 2 small boats and 1 HC-130 search plane. Incident Cooperators include My FWC, JSO PIO, CBP Florida, Brevard County Sheriffs Office and about 15 Good Sam vessels.

Day 4 | August 19 | Monday

0852 hours EDT

They started at 0800 hours with 36 boats, 135+  people, 3 airplanes to search 5,000 square miles from St. Augustine to Brunswick and from the beach to 60 miles out from shore.

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Customs Border and Protection Bureau (CPB) air and marine assets are assisting the USCG Southeast Command in working to locate two missing firefighters who disappeared on Friday, August 16, 2019.

Here are some of the aircraft deployed on this SAR mission | All photo credit goes to CBP Florida.

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The CBP states they deployed a P-3 Orion Long Range Tracker crew, two Multi-Role Enforcement aircraft on board an Interim Midnight Express to assist with the search.

Day 5 | August 20 | Tuesday

0452 hours EDT

The searchers have covered 24,000 miles and continue to search. Crews are searching at Port Canaveral area up to north of City of Jacksonville, as well as 80 miles off-shore.

0536 hours EDT

0725 hours EDT

1430 hours EDT

PRESSER | We will be moving our efforts north tomorrow…boats that can run 60+ miles out of Mayport..boats that can run 30-60 miles out of Brunswick and Savannah..if you want to go out of Brunswick/Savannah call Chief Barrow tonight 904-813-5315 for boats and volunteers call 904-763-9747. – My JFRD (@JFRDJAX)

1609 hours EDT

USCG will start searching through the night.  The search has covered 69,000 square miles with an estimated 182 hours of searches.  They will partner with crews searching from the skies and on the surface.

We started early as the sun broke today gridding our the area and giving assignments…we will do it again tomorrow at 7am from Mayport boat ramp. – JFRD JAX

Photo Credit:  @JFRDJAX

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Day 6 | August 21 | Wednesday

0700 hours EDT

Volunteers  who have boats capable of searching between 30-60 miles offshore safely will be meeting at Mayport boat ramp at 7 am.  Bring your binoculars and SAT phone if you have them. If you don’t have a boat and want to help, you can help out by donating to  JFRD.com

How to Help

https://clear-give.com/egive3/index.cfm?page=donationDetail&itemID=305533&LocID=261001&refresh=true

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#BringThemHome  #MissingFirefighters

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 00:00 hours 8/21/2019

The Wildfire Log | Arizona | August 18, 2019

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Here is the Fire Activity log for the State of Arizona, which seems to be seeing a lot of wildfires this year and very dry conditions.

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Boulin Fire | E of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail | 2,423 acres 

The Boulin Fire was sparked by lightning on August 5, 2019.  The fire is also located near Forest Service Roads 141, 713 and 730 and about 24 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona.

View From Overpass West End of Williams

Credit: KNF

Fire behavior is moderate with increased acreage of 400 on a daily basis.  It has now carried through over half of the planning area is moving towards the southwest containment line. Road maintenance continues.

Securing Private property

Credit: KNF

Fire is being managed by Nick Behrends (ICT4) and his trainee, Tyler Richwine (ICT4T).  Resources include: One Type 2 hand crew, one Fuels crew, two Type-6 engines, two Type 3 Engines, one patrol unit, one Dozer and eight miscellaneous overhead team members. Total personnel assigned to this incident is 50 strong.

Cost-to-date in fire suppression and containment expenses have reached $70,000.

Castle Fire | near Jacob Lake | 19,368 acres 

No photo description available.

The Castle Fire was ignited by lightning on July 12th around 1430 hours.  It is located in the vicinity of Oquer Canyon and about six miles west of State Hwy 67, as well as, 11 miles south of of Jacob Lake on the Kaibab National Forest.

There has been about 19,368 acres of timber (litter and understory) burned.  Fire Management Officials are expecting this fire to be fully contained on October 15, 2019.  The fire did become more active on Saturday due to hot, dry weather partnering with winy conditions.  There is no precip in the current forecast.

Four firefighters walk past an engine in a line carrying a variety of tools.

Credit: KNF

There are 32 total fire personnel attached to this incident. Fire management is being handled by Brandon Allen.

A TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in effect for all non-fire aircraft, including drones.

Ikes Fire | Grand Canyon NP | 4,297 acres | 55% contained

The Ikes Fire is located in the Grand Canyon National Park and about 60 miles southwest of Paige.

Sheridan Fire | Wood Trap near Cedar Mesa | 3,700 acres 

The Sheridan Fire was ignited by lightning on August 5th.  Fire fuels include short grass, brush and chaparral.  Fire behavior is active, running, flanking and backing.  Short runs in grass and brush are also occurring.

This fire is being allowed to run on its own for resources benefits.

aerial view of Sheridan Fire Aug 17

The Sheridan Fire | Credit-Prescott NF

There are 64 total personnel assigned. IC is Rob Roy Williams with the AZ Central West Zone, Type 3 IMT.  His trainee is John Johanson.

Wolf Creek Fire | Wolf Creek Road, #7 | NEW

The Wolf Creek Fire was caused by an abandoned campfire on Wolf Creek Road in space number seven.  This is listed as an open incident.  There is an unknown number of area scorched or other resources.  This is located on the Prescott National Forest.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/18/2019 @ 1525 hours.

 

The Wildland Report | Shell Fire | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

COWLITZ COUNTY, Wash. | A wildfire has ignited on 4 Corners in Cowlitz County, Washington on this Sunday, August 18, 2019.

A WA DNR Engine 278 has been deployed to this fire location. It has been reported that .1 acre of grass, brush and reproduction timber has been scorched. The original dispatch time was at 1115 hours PDT.

Limited information available, so we will provide additional updates as info is received.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated on 8/182019 @ 1442 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | Reservation Field Fire | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. | A wildfire has broken out in the 4700 block of Reservation Road and off of Johnny Walker Way in Stevens County.WA DNR resources, along with local partners were dispatched on Sunday at 1038 hours PDT.

Incident Cooperators

Resources include: AA 4TS AR 29 AR 445 AR 446 AR 447 AR 450 AR 61 C 6201 E Zone 10 FB 207 FB 210 arrived on-scene around 1114 hours PDT. Additional partners include the Stevens County Fire District #1, Spokane Tribe and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office.

Evacuations

Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuations are listed as notifications only.  However,  you should be prepared just in case you are asked to evacuate.

No word if the notices have been lifted or are still in effect.

Size Up

Acreage has increased to an estimation of 20 acres and crews have mostly stopped the forward progression of the fire.

Cause

Fire spread in to wildland interface from a structure fire.  Fire crews believed the structure was an abandoned single-wide trailer.

No actual cause has been determined by Investigators.

Damages

No word on total damages to property or fire suppression and containment costs-to-date.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated on 8/18/2019 @ 1435 Hours PDT.