wildfire season

Little Valley Fire | Nevada | Update 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 8:30 PM PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Start Date / Time

The Little Valley Fire was reported @ 1:38 AM on 10/14/2016.  It started in the Little Valley / Washoe area.

Crew from Sac Fire on @Cal_OES Type I Strike team at #LittleValleyFire. Fortifying drainage ditches in advance of next wave of storms. (Credit: Sacramento FD)

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Fire Fuels

The Wildfire is burning in mixed timber, sagebrush and grass on a combination of Federal, State and Private lands.

Size, Containment Status

The fire has been reduced down to 2291 acres with a containment status of 90%.

Future Fire Activities

Fire crews will continue to build and strengthen containment lines, as well as structure protection.  There is a plan in the very near future for re-population activities.

Fire Managers report the great news of almost nearly three (3) inches of rain on the fire line, helping decrease fire behavior.

RESOURCES

Personnel 

There are a total of 600 personnel assigned to this incident.  4 injuries have been reported.

Equipment/Resources

Assigned to this incident are 70 engines, 18 hand crews and 2 helicopters.

Incident Cooperators 

(Fire)  BLM, CAL Fire, Carson City Fire, Nevada DNR, Nevada DOF, Nevada National Guard, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Reno FD, Sparks FD, Storey County Fire Protection District,Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and USDA Forest Service.

(Law Enforcement)  Carson City Sheriff, Nevada Dept of Public Safety, Nevada Highway Patrol, Reno PD, Washoe County Schools Police, Washoe County Sheriff

(Human Services) American Red Cross.

(Transportation)  Nevada DOT and Washoe County Roads Division.

(Emergency Management) California OES, Nevada Division of Emergency Management and Washoe County Emergency Management.

(Government)  Nevada Governor’s Office, Washoe County Animal Services, Washoe County Building Services, Washoe County Commissioners, Washoe County Community Services, Washoe County Manager and Washoe County Social Services.

(EMS) Regional Emergency Medical Services

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Structures Saved

Fire crews were able to save 480 residences.

Structures Under Threat

500

Structures Destroyed

There were 23-residences and 17-outbuildings.  Evacuations are still in effect.

SOCIAL MEDIA 

From the Fireground

“Chief Moore thanks the Great Basin Incident Management team for the incredible response and support to our community.” – Truckee Meadows Fire (10/17/2016)

Credit: Truckee Meadows Fire

CAL OES Strike Team (Credit: Sacramento Fire)

“Turlock and OES Firefighters return home safely.” – Turlock Fire Department (10/17/2016)

Credit: Turlock Fire Department

Governor’s Office

“Without hesitation our first responders always answer the call. Grateful for them. (Fire Debriefing Meeting)

Credit: Nevada State Governor Sandoval

Hashtags Used for The Fire

NW Fire Blog:  #LittleValleyFire  #NvWILDFIRE

Social Media:   #LittleValleyFire #Turlock #TurlockFD #OES #ALCO #

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

NEW: Moose Creek Fire | Alaska | Update 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 10:15 PM PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

An early-morning photo of the Moose Creek Fire near Sutton. Firefighters from the Alaska Division of Forestry and local fire departments are working to contain the blaze, which was reported at 2:10 a.m. Alaska Division of Forestry photo

Credit: AK Forestry

Date/Time Started: 

  • The Moose Creek Fire was reported @ 2:10 AM on October 15th by a passing motorist.

Location:

  • The Moose Creek Fire is burning near the Moose Creek Campground.
  • About 12 miles North of Palmer and 5 miles South of Sutton, Alaska.

Fire Fuels:

  • Fire fuels are burning in cured grass and hardwoods.

Cause: 

  • The cause is unknown and under investigation, but media is now reporting this is a human-caused fire with an escaped debris pile fire.

Current Fire Conditions:

  • Fire crews are facing the harsh sub-freezing cold weather and even more colder temps from extreme windy conditions.
  • On Saturday, Fire managers used burn out operations to reinforce the containment line on the north flank with most of the fire on that side being fully contained.
  • On Sunday, fire crews are focusing most of their fire suppression efforts on the western perimeter which appears to be the most active portion of the fire.

(Credit: AK Forestry)

Size Up:

  • At the time of fire being reported, it was at 10 acres.
  • Today, it is at 300 acres with a 25% containment status.

Fire perimeter map. (Credit: AK Forestry)

PERSONNEL

Staffing: 

  • This Fire comes late into the Wildfire Season and most firefighters with most of them already laid off.
  • Fire Managers forced to scramble to find  Staffing.
  • About 50  Firefighters  are assigned from BLM Alaska Fire Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service.

Air Resources: 

  • 2 Helicopters are assisting ground fire crews and dropping water over the fire, but at times the winds were too fierce for flying.

SOCIAL MEDIA

NW Fire Blog:

  • We are using the following hashtags for this article:  #MooseCreekFire  #AkWILDFIRE

From the Fireground:

  • “Winds wreaking havoc for firefighters in Matanuska Valley.” – AK Forestry (10/16/2016)

Credit: Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Evacuations:

  • “Palmer Correctional Center inmates evacuated.” – Media (10/16/2016)

The People Have Spoken:

  • “Late-season fire burning near Sutton – Surface fuels burn.” (10/16/2016).
  • “Wildfire season keeps getting longer..” (10/15/2016)
  •  “It was pretty hazy out here today.” (10/15/2016)
  •  “Helicopters pulling water out of Elks Lake.” (10/15/2016)

News Media:

  • “The weather combo of cold & wind at the #MooseCreekFire is BRUTAL.” (10/16/2016)
  • “Alaska Div. Forestry says #MooseCreekFire is human caused–started as an escaped debris fire.” (10/16/2016)
  • “Forestry says the wind is too strong for helicopters to assist.” (10/16/2016)”

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

NEW: Little Valley Fire | Nevada | Update 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 2:00 PM PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Photo of the Little Valley Fire (Credit: Turlock FD)

Start Date / Time

The Little Valley Fire was reported @ 1:38 AM on 10/14/2016.  It started in the Little Valley / Washoe area.

Crew from Sac Fire on @Cal_OES Type I Strike team at #LittleValleyFire. Fortifying drainage ditches in advance of next wave of storms. (Credit: Sacramento FD)

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Fire Fuels

The Wildfire is burning in mixed timber, sagebrush and grass on a combination of Federal, State and Private lands.

Size, Containment Status

 

Fire crews have successfully held the fire to 3400 acres with a 20% containment status.  Some rain has fallen over the fire ground helping reduce the fire behavior.

Future Fire Activities

Fire Managers will send a major deployment of structure protection engines. Line construction and mop-up will continue.

Little Valley Fire Morning Briefing2 10/15/16

Morning Briefing on Saturday, 10/15/2016. (Courtesy: Inciweb)

 

RESOURCES

Staffing 

The fire is being managed by Kim Martin’s Type 1 Incident Command Team over 1007 fire personnel.

Incident Cooperators 

(Fire)  BLM, CAL Fire, Carson City Fire, Nevada DNR, Nevada DOF, Nevada National Guard, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Reno FD, Sparks FD, Storey County Fire Protection District,Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and USDA Forest Service.

(Law Enforcement)  Carson City Sheriff, Nevada Dept of Public Safety, Nevada Highway Patrol, Reno PD, Washoe County Schools Police, Washoe County Sheriff

(Human Services) American Red Cross.

(Transportation)  Nevada DOT and Washoe County Roads Division.

(Emergency Management) California OES, Nevada Division of Emergency Management and Washoe County Emergency Management.

(Government)  Nevada Governor’s Office, Washoe County Animal Services, Washoe County Building Services, Washoe County Commissioners, Washoe County Community Services, Washoe County Manager and Washoe County Social Services.

(EMS) Regional Emergency Medical Services

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Structures Destroyed

There were 22-residences and 17-outbuildings.  Evacuations are still in effect.

Structures Saved

Fire crews were able to save 480 residences.

SOCIAL MEDIA 

From the Fireground

“South Placer BR19 and Strike Team XPL-4138C are in line to demob from the fire.” – South Placer Fire (10/16/2016)

“North State Firefighters still committed.” – Chico FD (10/16/2016)

“Panoramic view from Sac Fire crews on strike team this AM. Early morning mop-up on the , near Carson City, NV.” – Sacramento Fire (10/15/2016)

“Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Sent to Battle fire.” – Livermore-Pleasanton Fire (10/14/2016)

“2843 was deployed earlier today as part of strike team XAL 2008A.” – Piedmont Fire (10/14/2016)

“Fire jumped the road, now burning toward Washoe Valley.” – News media (10/14/2016)

Press Conference with County Commissioners and Assistant County Manager Kevin Schiller (Credit: Truckee Meadows Fire Department)

“We’re sending 3 Cal OES engines.” – Kern County Fire (10/14/2016)

“In Support of NVDPS, we are sending a 25 engine strike team to assist.” – CAL OES (10/14/2016)

Emergency Management

“Residents of Franktown Rd area are not allowed back into the area due to dangerous conditions. Residents call 328-2003.” – Truckee Meadow Fire (10/15/2016)

“Regional Emergency Operations Center is busy with local leaders providing support to firefighters battling the fire.” – Truckee Meadows Fire (10/14/2016)

“Due to unsafe conditions Residents on Franktown Rd aren’t allowed to return to homes to assess damage. Please stay out of area.” Truckee Meadows FD (10/14/2016)

General Information

“Washoe County Sheriff asks that people stay out of the area due to fire traffic, localized flooding and unstable ground.” – News media (10/16/2016)

“My heart goes out to the families who lost their homes.  I’ve declared a state of emergency to provide add’l resources.” – Governor Sandoval (10/15/2016)

“A veterinarian is located at UNR Equestrian Center on Wells Ave. to treat any injured animals.” – Washoe County (10/14/2016)

“Depoali Middle School is the primary evacuation center.  About 50 people here.” – Media (10/14/2016)

“Discounted hotel rates being offered at Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus for those affected by local fires.” – Media (10/14/2016)

“Rancharrah is opening its doors to horses being evacuated.” – Media (10/14/2016)

“Equestrian Center is available for evacuation of livestock from Washoe Valley. The center is located at 1290 Valley Rd. Call 775-784-6237. ” (10/14/2016)

“Residents in Galena, Montreaux, Joy Lake Road, St. James may return home but should be prepared to evac on short notice.” Truckee Valley Fire (10/14/2016)

Hashtags Used for The Fire

NW Fire Blog:  #LittleValleyFire  #NvWILDFIRE

Social Media:   #LittleValleyFire #Turlock #TurlockFD #OES #ALCO #

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

NEW! Old Lady Fire Rekindles | Update 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 9/13/2016 @ 0155 hours PDT

 

Near Roosevelt, Washington in Klickitat County

REPORTS OF REKINDLING

A wildfire named Old Lady Wildfire has rekindled just NW of Roosevelt’s Old Hwy 8 and about 21 miles East of Goldendale, Washington some sources are reporting as long as four hours ago  (around 2220 hours on September 12th) stating.

The originally fire started on September 10th around 1643 hours and was deemed to be human-caused.  It was listed at 100% containment at 1300 acres on September 12th during the 0700 presser released by the NWICC PIO.

Around 2220 hours, reports of a rekindling had occurred and fire units were reporting over Social Media they were en route, along with State Mobe approved resources. (there was no update on the State Mobe page when we last checked it.)

SIZE UNCONFIRMED

There were multiple unconfirmed reports of the size of the new fire was at 1300 acres to as high as 3000 acres.  We are waiting to hear back from our direct sources for confirmation.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Here is a glimpse into what is being said on this wildfire via Social Media.

“Fire is about 40 miles East of Goldendale, one ranch has burned. Roosevelt is about 49 miles from Goldendale on the Columbia River where the regional landfill is, the fire is to the West with a strong north-east wind.” – as of 2342 hours PDT (9/12/2016)

“Red Cross shelter is open in Goldendale for evacuees.” (9/12/2016)

“Fire District 15 in Klickitat County just got released. Possible one or two structures lost, and the fire hit about 1300 acres. We had 12 fire districts on this fire.” – (9/11/2016)

Thank you for reading our blog Post. We will update as info is received.  

 

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

 

Arapaho/Roosevelt NFs (CO) Fires Sept 7 2016

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

STARWOOD FIRE

The Starwood Fire was detected on September 6, 2016, on 1208 hours when the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received a smoke report.  When LCSO resources showed up, they were faced with a two-three (2-3) acres fire with conditions of wind gusts up to 25 mph.

The small-fire-turned-wildfire is located at 1000 North County Road 59 and North of Cherokee Park Road (80C) on the Arapho / Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grasslands.

Blackened ground on a hillside.

Burned area of the Starwood Fire (Courtesy: Inciweb)

LCSO Deputies assisted with evacuations after a Everbridge Emergency notifications were activated for 43 structures (non-residences).

Additional resources were requested as the fire consumed dry fuels and gusting winds continued.

By 1530 hours, the fire destroyed 300 acres.  At 1800 hours, this fire call would turn from Initial Attack to a Type 3 Incident.

On Sunday, September 4th (Sunday) there were 40-50 personnel assigned.  At the height of the fire on September 5th (Monday), there were a total of 120 personnel attached to this incident.

As of today, September 7th (Wednesday), there are still reports of 120 personnel that have reached a 70% containment status on the now 304 acres fire.

There have been no damage reported to structures or injuries that have occurred.

Social Media hashtags for this fire being used are:  #AzWILDFIRE  #NWFireBlogAZ #StarwoodFireAZ

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

WA Wildfire: Fletcher Rd Fire | Update 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 8/7/2016 @ 1930 Hours PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The Fletcher Rd Fire was reported as wildfire that  broke out on Fletcher Rd in Walla Walla County and spreading into nearby Columbia County on Sunday, August 7, 2016. (12noon)

Earlier this afternoon, State Mobe resources were authorized by Washington State to deploy to the Fletcher Road Fire. (1407 PDT)

Less than an hour later, media and other sources began to report fire was threatening homes, crops and that destruction was heading towards Walla Walla, Washington (1 hour away).

FIRE SIZE

The fire has scorched 2,000 acres and is currently not contained at this time. (1542 PDT)

CAUSE

Started by lightning.

EVACUATIONS

Follow the lead of the fire coming towards many towns, evacuations began to occur. (1426 PDT).

RESOURCES

About 180 personnel are assigned to this incident including State Mobe resources that were demobilized from the Snake River Fire.  Washington DNR, State Mobilization fire and support personnel are on the fire ground, in addition to DNR heavy and light air tankers.

CLOSURES

Lyons Ferry Rd is closed from Highway 261 south to TOMCO seed.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#FletcherRdFire #NWFireBlogWA #WaWildfires2016

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

#BertWildfire Burning on the Kaibib NF – June 2, 2016

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 6/3/2016 1930 Hours PDT

Bert Fire by A Gonzales USFS

Photo Credit: A Gonzalez, USFS

Incident Summary

A wildfire broke out on the Kaibib National Forest near the junction at Forest Service Road 114 and Highway 180, about 10 miles SE off of the Valle Community.

Started by lightning on May 28, 2016 at 1600 Hours, the fire has scorched 213 acres.  It is still deemed as active and being allowed to burn naturally.

At this time of writing, firefighters have successfully reached a 1% containment status.

Command

The Fire is being managed by ICT 3 Team Management Team Quentin Johnson and Mike Uebel.

Resources

As of today, there are 69 personnel assigned to the incident.

Fire Fuels

Fire fuels include:  Pinyon and juniper.

Social Media

We are using the following hashtags for this fire:

  • #BertFire
  • #AzWildfires2016
  • #FireStorms2016

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

Busy Day for CAL Fire Crews on #70Fire – May 29, 2016

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 2300 Hours PDT

Incident Summary

It definitely has been a busy day for fires today in Washington, Oregon and California. Earlier this evening around 1651 Hours, CAL Fire was dispatched to 5 different fires along Highway 70 between Clark Road and Wheelrock Road.  The multiple spot fires were originally 5 but then merged into 3 for a total of 30 acres.

The update and final Press Release at 1953 Hours indicates fire crews were able to knock down and obtain a 100% containment status.

No word on the cause of the fire.

Mutual Aid Resources

About 42 were assigned to this incident representing the following Agencies:  California Highway Patrol (CHP), State Parks, CAL Fire’s Butte Unit (IC) and Volunteers from Butte Valley, Golden Feather and North Metro.

Additional support and equipment with 9 engines, 1 Fire Crew, 2 Air Tankers, 1 Helicopter, 1 Dozer and 2 Water Tenders were also attached to this incident.

Damage Assessment

No injuries or reports of damage / destruction of structures were reported.

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

#DrawFire – Lincoln Natl Forest (NM) – SitRep (1st/Final)

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 5/14/2016 2010 Hours PDT

Photo Credit: Lincoln National Forest

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Date/Time/Locaton:

The #DrawFire was detected this evening  in the Lincoln National Forest on the Guadalupe Ranger District around 2007 Hours MDT.  The approximate location is 4 miles SW of Queen, New Mexico.

 

Acres/Cause:

The fire has consumed less than 1/10 of an acre and determined to have ignited from an escaped campfire.  Though the cause is known, it is still under investigation.

Fuels: 

Grass and brush are fueling this fire.

Summary:

Fire crews arrived within 30 minutes after the fire was reported, they implemented full suppression tactics and were able to contain the fire quickly, limiting its size to less than one-tenth of an acre.

The fire behavior seems to be smoldering.  The chance of it spreading is low.

Photo Courtesy: Gila National Forest of the Draw Fire in 2015

RESOURCES

Fire:

The following resources are on-scene:  (1) FS Incident Commander, (1) FS Engine, Queen VFD firefighting resources.  (11) personnel assigned to this incident but some are due to be released later this evening.

CURRENT FIRE STATUS

Mop-up operations and containment efforts continue.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Hashtags:

The Hashtags that are being used on this fire are:  #DrawFire #NWWildfires2016

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

Update 5 | Skibo Fire | Superior NF

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 5/12/2016 2130 PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

8-10 fires were strung along several miles from Hoyt Lakes to W of Skibo Road (FS Rd 120) with some speculating that a train had passed through the area just before the fires broke out.  However, our sources say that US Forest Law Enforcement Officers are currently investigating for the exact cause.

Firefighters are waiting near helicopter

Firefighter with Chopper. Courtesy: Superior NF

As of this post, Law Enforcement agencies are still investigating and searching for the original cause of this fire.

Date / Time:   

  • 5/6/2016

Location:  

  • 2 miles E of Hoyt Lakes, MN
  • N of St Louis County Hwy 110 aka Forest Highway
You can see the smokes in the background

Fire burns on both sides of the tracks. (Courtesy: Inciweb)

Cause:

  • Unknown
  • Under investigation
railroad tracks with smoke in background

Smoke hangs in the background near RR tracks. (Courtesy: Inciweb)

Fire Fuels:  

  • Timber
  • Tall grass
  • Light logging slash

FIRE ACTIVITIES – STATUS

The following events have occurred on this fire.

5/6/2016

  • Fire Started

Mapping of fire area. Courtesy: Superior National Forest

5/7/2016

  • Minimal fire growth
  • Command turned over to MNICS IMT2 Team B.
  • Improved mapping.

5/8/2016

  • Focusing fire suppression efforts on areas SW of Allen Junction and near town of Skibo
  • Crews will strengthen fire lines, check hotspots and provide structure protection
  • Air and ground supports units will be used
  • Weather consists of critically low humidity in the low 20’s but sunny with temps in the high 60’s.  Winds forecast with light winds from NW 4-7 mph with gusts up to 12 mph.
  • 12% containment status.
Fire spreading in the forest

Courtesy:  Inciweb

5/11/2016

  • Fire behavior is very calm.
  • Weather has improved:  Winds died down. Higher humidity.
  • Structure protection continues.
  • Fire is strung out with segments stretching nearly 8 miles E of Hoyt Lake to West of Skibo Road. (Forest Service Rd 120)
  • Previous closures have now been listed.
  • 84% containment status.
Fire in ground litter

Courtesy: Inciweb

5/12/2016

  • Still holding @ 973 acres.
  • 93% containment status reached.
  • 2 Type 1 engines and 2 Helicopters.
  • Previous area closures lifted.
  • 48 personnel assigned.
  • Chance of frost tonight and tomorrow evening.
  • IC:  MNICS Team B, Greg Peterson.
  • Last report.

 

Helicopter flying over fire with water

Courtesy: Superior National Forest

SOCIAL MEDIA

Hashtags:

  • #SkiboFire
  • #SuperiorNF
  • #HoytLakes
  • #MNFires2016

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog