California

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 | SATURDAY | NOV 2 2019

A new wildfire has broken out off of Bradley Road and Solano Verde Drive at the top of South Mountain, north of Somis and about one mile south of Santa Paula (Ventura County), California.

Fire was reported as originating on October 31st at 1815 hours PDT. The cause is still under investigation.

Firefighters are briefed prior to beginning work on their shift this morning. Photo Credit | VCFD PIO

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Currently, the fire has destroyed 9,412 acres of brush and short grass.  Crews have gained a 30% containment status.

Fire management is in Unified Command with Ventura County FD and Sheriff Office, along with CAL FIRE – San Luis Obispo Unit.

There are 1,579 fire personnel along with 262 fire engines, seven water tenders, six helicopters, 35 hand crews, four other crews and 10 dozers on the fire ground.

Two structures have been destroyed.

Incident Cooperators include, but are not limited to:  VCOES, VC Animal Services, CHP, CA DOC, CAL Resources Corp, SoCAL Gas, United Water and SoCAL Edison. Red Cross.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 | SATURDAY | NOV 2 2019

A wildfire broke out earlier Wednesday morning around 0138 hours PDT off of West 59th Street and Hill Drive in San Bernardino (County).  It is also about three miles southeast of Ontario and 23 miles east of San Bernardino, California.

Fire fuels consist of brush and tall grass.

The fire prompted mandatory evacuations as the forward spread burned near occupied structures, but were later lifted.  At this time, the fire behavior is minimal.

There has been 494 acres of brush and tall grass that have been scorched. Crews have gained a 70% containment status.

72 personnel remain deployed on this incident along with four crews.

Damage is estimated at $450,000 to date.

San Bernardino County Firefighters survey the damage the fire has left behind.  Photo Credit | SBcoFD

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The Hashtags were are using for this wildfire incident are #CAwildfires #FireSeaon2019 #HillsideFire.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog 

The Wildfire Log | 46 Fire | CA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 – NOVEMBER 2, 2019 – 2215 PDT

A wildfire has ignited in the 5300 block of 46th Street n East Jurupa Valley (Riverside County), which is about two miles northeast of Riverside, California.

It was reported at 0039 hours in early Wednesday morning.

The cause was deemed due to a car fire into wildland interface from the wreckage of a stolen vehicle being chased by local Police until they crashed into a field. Both occupants were arrested with one having a felony warrant and the other being charged with arson.

The fire burned about 300 acres of brush and tall grass.  Fire crews have successfully reached 70% containment.

About 347 fire personnel are still deployed on this wildfire that is now visibly displaying minimal fire behavior that is smolderng.  Along with staffing, there are 10 crews and 47 engines.

Six homes were destroyed.

Cost-to-date in firefighting suppression and containment efforts have reached $2.8 Million.

Classes with the Indian Hills and Peralta Elementary Schools in Riverside were cancelled on October 31st.

Incident Cooperators include AMR, Animal Control, CAL FIRE/Riverside, City of Corona FD, Riverside City FD, Riverside County FD, Riverside Co EMD, Riverside County Parks and the Sheriff’s Office and the Red Cross.

Photo Credit | Riverside County Parks

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Hashtags include:  #CAWildfires #FireSeason #46Fire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

The Wildfire Log | 46 Fire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – OCTOBER 31, 2019 – 2200 PDT

A wildfire has ignited in the 5300 block of 46th Street n East Jurupa Valley (Riverside County) in California, that started today.  It was reported at 0039 hours in early Wednesday morning.

The cause was a car fire into vegetation at the end of a police chase. Two people were arrested with one may be charged with arson and the other had a felony warrant.

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Photo Credit | Red Cross

The fire has burned approximately 300 acres and has a 50% containment status.

Mandatory evacuations were immediately issued but were lifted at 1400 hours this afternoon.

There are still 200 firefighters assigned to this incident along with 34 engines, 17 overhead personnel, four fire crews, one water tender, one ground unit, breathing support unit, five RVC patrol units, law enforcement units and a PIO.

Incident Cooperators include AMR, Animal Control, CAL FIRE/Riverside, City of Corona FD, Riverside City FD, Riverside County FD, Riverside Co EMD, Riverside County Parks and the Sheriff’s Office and the Red Cross.

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Photo Credit | Riverside County Parks

Hashtags include:  #CAWildfires #FireSeason #46Fire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – OCTOBER 31, 2019 – 2150 PDT

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INCIDENT SUMMARY | A new wildfire has broken out off of Bradley Road and Solano Verde Drive at the top of South Mountain, north of Somis and in Santa Paula, California in Ventura County.  Firefighters responded this evening around 1814 hours PDT.

CURRENT FIRE WEATHER  The fire is currently being fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds and is quickly moving across several areas prompting evacuations.

Fire weather is getting significantly worse as winds were reported as being prominent in the areas of Wiley Ridge, Happy Camp Canyon and Boney Mountain.

It was said the fire was being spread by sustained winds of 10-25 mph and gusts up to 25-40 mph.  Offshore winds are expected to continue through Friday but remain below RED FLAG criteria that are impacting most locations across the State.

CAUSE | The cause is unknown at this time and under investigation.

SIZE UP | As of 2035 hours PDT this evening, the fire has burned 750 acres and there is no containment status at the time of this post.  At 2130 hours, the acreage was upgrade to just under 4,000 acres with an active fire behavior and moving at a fast rate of spread.

FIRE TACTICS | Fire crews are working to keep the fire within the “box” which includes south of the 126 freeway, north of Los Angeles Avenue, East of Vineyard Avenue and West of Balcom Canyon Road.

Copters making water drops and engines getting in place for structure defense were being completed when the brush fire had only been at 150-acres.

Structure protection is currently in full force, as crews work to protect homes. The fire is moving towards this. Slow rate of spread on the Santa Paula side.  Moving westward.

RESOURCES | There are 250 firefighters assigned as ground and air resources.  About 30 engines, three water tenders, three helicopters and two dozers are on-scene in full firefighting suppression mode.

Two additional Orange County copters on order. Priority for retardant early morning on Friday (heel of the fire due to windshift expected).

INCIDENT COOPERATORS | VCFD, Ventura County Emergency Operations Center, Ventura County humanitarian and animal welfare. World Central Kitchen, Culver City FD Strike Team XLA-1075A (3rd consecutive fire/just released from Kincade Fire) along with two Los Angeles County Fire Air Ops copters.

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Credit } Culver City FD

UNIFIED COMMAND | Management of this fire is in Unified Command with Ventura County FD and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.  Ventura County Fire Department is currently the lead agency.

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EVACUATIONS | Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the following areas. (VCEMERGENCY.com for evacuation order info).

  • North Boundary – South Mountain Road
  • West Boundary – West Los Angeles Avenue
  • East Boundary – Balcom County Road
  • South Boundary – Highway 118

SHELTERS | Shelters are currently open for small and large animals as well as for people.  Here is a current listing:

  • Camarillo Commuinity Center. 1605 Burnley Street, Camarillo. (Opens at 0900 hours)
  • Camarillo Animal Shelter  (Small animals). 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo.
  • Ventura County Fairgrounds (Large animals). 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA.
  • Earl Warren Showgrounds (Large animals). 3400 CAlle Real, San Barbara, CA.
  • The Humane Society of Ventura County (All sizes of animals). 402 Bryant Street, Ojai, CA. Open (urgent). Phone # 805-646-6505.

SCHOOL CLOSURES | Mesa Unified School District and Santa Paula Unified School District are closed.  (www.vcoe.org)

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Firefighters (VCFD + CAL FIRE) had just mopped up a .25 acre brush fire behind homes in the Coronado Circle in Santa Paula area this evening. #CoronadoFire (VCFD PIO)

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“On the northwest side of the fire, some kind of oil facility. Getting involved in the fire. Pilots going to take a look.” – Media

“ IC reports 150 acres well established on the upper ridge, creeping down both the Somis & Santa Paula sides. Also previously balanced out to a 2nd alarm.” – CA Fire Scanner (1918 hours)

“IC directing all of the inbound engines into the Somis side for structure protection. Fire slowly backing down the Santa Paula side & is a lower priority, will be worked on w/ dozers & crews.” – CA Fire Scanner (1938 hours)

“AA reports oil infrastructure has been directly impacted & putting up a lot of heat, fire now making a significant push down Santa Paula side.” – CA Fire Scanner (2147 PDT)

PHOTO IMAGES | Ventura Co FD PIO, unless otherwise given credit to other sources.

HASHTAGS | #CAWildfires #FireSeason2019 #MariaFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

 

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA

UPDATE 1 – OCTOBER 31, 2019

A wildfire broke out earlier Wednesday morning around 0138 hours PDT off of West 59th Street and Hill Drive in San Bernardino (County), California.

Fire behavior is still considered moderate with wind-driven runs that was said to be burning into neighborhoods, just north of the City and on the San Bernardino National Forest.

SIGNIFICANT EVENT | A TFR was in effect as of this morning.  The radius was for five miles and up to an elevation of 8,000. Fire Officials warned the Public not to fly any drones in the area.

Mandatory evacuations were lifted for area residents to be allowed to return to their homes in impacted communities. The repopulation began 1800 hours PDT this evening.

  • North of 50th Street
  • East of Mayfield Avenue
  • South of Open Space areas
  • West of Hwy 18

The repopulation process begun at 1800 hours PDT this evening.

Evacuation Shelters still remain open for the following:

  • Pacific High School. Red Cross Shelter. 1020 Pacific Street, San Bernardino.  Open until 0700 hours on Thursday, November 1st.
  • Animal Shelter. For small animals and horses.  San Bernardino City Animal Shelter. 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino.

Power Outage has been reported by SCE in the fire area for an unknown duration. (FD 1649 PDT)

It was reported that 140 homes were assessed under the Fire Department assessment team visits to local area communities.  They found six homes destroyed and 18 damaged.

One Firefighter was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.  His current condition is unknown.

HEROES IN ACTION | Coca-Cola donated water and Gatorade to Firefighters.

The fire has destroyed approximately 200 acres and fire crews have successfully gained a 50% containment status.

Investigators were able to determine the origin where the fire started but the cause is still undetermined.  There were NO power lines found near the ignition site.

Approximately 50 Firefighters will remain on-scne to reinforce containment lines to strengthen them for impending Santa Ana winds that are due to arrive anytime now.

The Hashtags were are using for this wildfire incident are #CAwildfires #FireSeaon2019 #HillsideFire.

Photo credit goes to the San Bernardino County FD.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 1911 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | Bichota Fire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Fire resources, BC-22, Engines 21 and 322 with PAT-21 and PAT22 were dispatched on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at 1358 hours PDT.

The fire is located on Hwy 39 at mile marker 28.50 on the Angeles National Forest.  It appears a car fire may have been located nearby? A call for service was located on Hwy 39 and Coldbrook at 1320 hours when units were dispatched.

It is currently at one acre and an open incident.

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 10/27/2019 1606 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | Tick Fire | CA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Incident Summary

The TICK FIRE is located about 10 miles northeast of Santa Clarita in the area of Tick Canyon Road and Summit Knoll Road in Canyon Country (Los Angeles County), California.

The fire started on October 24, 2019 at 1451 hours PDT according to Fire Officials.

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Credit | Los Angeles Co FD

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Current Status

The fire has scorched 4,615 acres of land and firefighters have reached a 55% containment status.

Three firefighters have been injured. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

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Evacuations of animals by LA Co FD, SO and Animal Control. | Credit: LA Co FD

Resources

Currently, the management of the fire is in Unified Command with Los Angeles  County’s Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.

The number of fire personnel has been reduced from 1,325 down to 925 for night fire suppression and containment efforts this evening.  This also includes 105 engines, 21 hand crews and six helicopters.  There are additional resources on stand-by should the fire rekindles.

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators are vital to a large-scale incident such as the TICK FIRE.Here is a list of resources partnering with Unified Command:

  • American Red Cross
  • Angeles National Forest
  • BLM
  • CA Dept. of Corrections
  • CA Highway Patrol
  • City of Santa Clarita
  • LA County Board of Supervisors
  • LA Dept. of Animal Care and Control
  • LA Dept. of Public Health
  • LA County of Emergency Management
  • LA Dept. of Water and Power
  • Southern CAL Edison
  • Southern CAL Gas Company
  • Canadian Superscoopers Quebec 1 and Quebec 2
  • Morro Bay FD
  • Paso Robles FD
  • San Luis Obispo FD
  • SLO County FD
  • LA Co Fire Ops

Significant Events

  • 1700 hours presser cancelled on Saturday due to rapidly improving incident conditions and logistical demands.

Damage Assessment

There have been 16 structures lost with 16 additionally damaged.  At this time of this post, 10,000 structures were still in harm’s way.

Costs-To-Date

The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $6.9 Million.

Shelters

Evacuation shelters in operations are:

  • College of the Canyons (gym). 26566 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, California.

ImageCredit | LA Co FD

Road Closure

  • Tick Canyon Road from Abelia Road to Summit Knoll Road.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

The Fire Department recommends the 6 P’s in what to take with you, should you need to evacuate from your home or business:

  • People and Pets
  • Papers (take important documents)
  • Prescriptions
  • Photos
  • PC Hard Drives and Disks
  • Plastic (ATM cards, Credit Cards, etc)

Disaster Information

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Hashtags

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019 #TickFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/27/2019 @ 0130 hours PDT

 

The Wildfire Log | Tick Fire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Ca. | The TICK FIRE is located about 10 miles northeast of Santa Clarita in the area of Tick Canyon Road and Summit Knoll Road in Canyon Country.

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Credit | Los Angeles Co FD

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

FIRE FACT | Wildfires can travel and burn a football field within seconds. (FEMA)

Resources

Currently, the management of the fire is in Unified Command with Los Angeles  County’s Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.  Assigned to this incident are 1,325 personnel along with 14 crews, 225 engines and four helicopters.

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Credit | Ventura County FD

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators are vital to a large-scale incident such as the TICK FIRE.Here is a list of resources partnering with Unified Command:

  • American Red Cross
  • Angeles National Forest
  • BLM
  • CA Dept. of Corrections
  • CA Highway Patrol
  • City of Santa Clarita
  • LA County Board of Supervisors
  • LA Dept. of Animal Care and Control
  • LA Dept. of Public Health
  • LA County of Emergency Management
  • LA Dept. of Water and Power
  • Southern CAL Edison
  • Southern CAL Gas Company
  • Canadian Superscoopers Quebec 1 and Quebec 2
  • Morro Bay FD
  • Paso Robles FD
  • San Luis Obispo FD
  • SLO County FD

SIGNIFICANT EVENT | Fire jumped the 14 Freeway near Soledad Canyon.

Damage Assessment

There have been nine structures lost with nine additionally damaged.  At this time of this post, 10,000 structures were still in harm’s way.

Costs-To-Date

The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $6.9 Million.

SIGNIFCANT EVENT | 3 wildfires were burning at the same time, making this #4.

Shelters

Evacuation shelters in operations are:

  • College of the Canyons (gym). 26566 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, California.
  • Newhall Center. 2241 Market Street, Santa Clarita, California.
  • Castaic Animal Care Center. 31044 N Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, California. (Small animals only).
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Credit | LA Co FD

Evacuations – Mandatory

The Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office are allowing some residents back into areas through the repopulation process, while others are still under a mandatory evacuation order. Here are the current orders still in effect.

  • Barker Canyon Road from Sierra Hwy north of Vasquez Canyon Road to the end near 15142 Sierra Hwy.
  • Tick Canyon Road from Abella Road to Summit Knoll Road.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

The Fire Department recommends the 6 P’s in what to take with you, should you need to evacuate from your home or business:

  • People and Pets
  • Papers (take important documents)
  • Prescriptions
  • Photos
  • PC Hard Drives and Disks
  • Plastic (ATM cards, Credit Cards, etc)

Road Closures

  • SB SR 14 from Escondido Canyon to Soledad Canyon. (CHP)

Through the Eyes of Social Media

Lodging Resources:  “Over 300 Airbnb Hosts Offering Free Lodging for Evacuees, Relief Workers in Santa Clarita Blaze.” (media)

Inspirational Messages: “To our friends in California. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers, and love are with all impacted by these these devastating wildfires. You are not alone. We are with you.” (Stars of Hope)

New Fire Warning: “Several rounds of strong, offshore winds prompts more fire danger for California. Here’s the timing of threats across the entire state from north to south. Be prepared for the potential for more wildfires.” (Weather Forecaster)

Big Thank Yous: “We wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of NWS Los Angeles, NWS San Diego, Sawti Forecast and our local broadcast meteorologists for keeping all Southern Californians updated on fire weather conditions. We rely heavily on your forecasts. THANK YOU!” (LA Co FD)

“California is burning. Again. I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve seen many fires, but the fires that have raged in recent years are much more frequent and powerful. They are so hot they create their own weather system.  It is horrific.” (Twitter User)

“Getting the orders to evacuate your home during a natural disaster is one of the most difficult situations to face. Thank you Red Cross – Los Angeles County for providing individuals and families some comfort in these difficult times.” (Los Angeles County)

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Credit | Los Angeles County

“Pets are sensitive to smoke and bad air quality too. Remember to bring them indoors until conditions improve.” (Los Angeles County)

“Firefighters sleep after 24 hours on the fire line at Stonecrest Park in Santa Clarita.”

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Credit | City of Santa Clarita

Hashtags

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019 #TickFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/26/2019 @ 0900 hours PDT

 

The Wildfire Log | Little Mountain Fire | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

SAN BERNARDINO, Ca. | A wind-driven brush fire ignited on Monday, October 21, 2019, off of 39th Street x N Severance Way, near Little Mountain area.

The cause is currently unknown.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Currently, the fire has been kept at 17 acres and has a containment status of 80%.

37 structures were saved by firefighters.

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Credit | SB County Fire

Monday, October 21, 2019

Firefighters were originally dispatched to a five-acre brush fire that was quickly progressing rapidly, requesting an immediate 2nd Alarm deploying additional engines, personnel and equipment.  Resources would be deployed from the San Bernardino County Fire Department along with mutual aid from CAL FIRE and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office with their helicopters making water drops.

On Monday, Little Mountain IC stated around 2200 hours that the fire had grown to 17 acres with wind-driven runs and terrain was considered as being steep.

There were 19 engines, four hand crews and one dozer.  Three homes at this time were determined to be damaged with two of them being uninhabited.

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Credit | SB County Fire

A firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and was being assessed at the time of the update.

Evacuations were in progress.

A Red Cross shelter or more commonly called a Red Cross Care and Reception Center was opened  at the San Bernardino Unified School District’s Cajon High School gym.

Credit | SBUSD

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/21/2019 @ 2055 hours PDT