Health Crisis | Coronavirus Spreads in US, Outside Areas

January 26, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

The United States has confirmed and added a fifth infected person with the coronavirus that has killed at least 50 in China, where the virus was originally reported and now spreading inside our American borders. There is a case reported in Sydney, Australia as well.

The virus, 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is classified by the CDC (US Center for Disease Control), as an unidentified respiratory first discovered in Wuhan, Hebei Province, China. Symptoms include: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever¹, cough, and difficulty breathing.

“The virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of MERS and SARS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.” – CDC

There are about 1,000 confirmed cases reported in China.

Five cases have been identified in Arizona, California, Illinois and Washington as of January 26, 2020.

The CDC provides a list of Q&A regarding this dangerous virus. You can visit their site and read up on how to protect yourself. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

These patients recently traveled to China.

Health organizations are saying that the general public is not in harm’s way and those that have been infected are being treated. Their conditions are improving and are being treated in a confined area.

We will provide additional details as they are received.

Helicopter Down | MCI | Calabasas, California | 1

January 26, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Update 1 – Sunday – January 26, 2020

The Los County Sheriff’s Office received reports at 1000 hours of a downed aircraft on the hillside at Las Virgenes Road and Willow Glen Street in Calabasas. Deputies from the Malibu area were immediately on-scene. Unknown injuries. (1014)

LA County FD’s Engine 125 arrived on-scene of a helicopter down with an unknown number of injuries. At the same time, it was reported the fuselage was on fire and contained possible magnesium. (1025)

Photo Credit: LASD

The aircraft has been identified as a Sikorsky S-76E (helicopter) via aircraft data plate recovered on scene.

The fire was stopped and it was reported there were five fatalies with no survivors. (1035)

Photo Credit: LASD

The LA County PIO released a statement to news media around 1130 hours:

“Bikers were in the area and saw a helicopter in distress and called it in. It hit the side of the mountainside, which is away from the main roadway and firefighters had to lay a couple hundred feet of hose. There was some magnesium and they were working to put the fire out. We don’t know who is on board or where they were coming from or going to. The NTSB is investigating the crash.”

Battalion 5 assumed command as “Willow IC”. Officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is also assisting on-scene. (1136)

Photo Credit:

Social media began reporting NBA Star Kobe Bryant, 41 and his daughter, Giggi, 14 were on his private helicopter along with several unknown parties. We have been trying to find verified sources reporting this but due to the popularity of this story, it seems the internet is broken including Twitter.

Lots of messages being sent to his wife, Vanessa Bryant. It is being said he is survived by his wife and four daughters. We are waiting for the official cause of the accident but some are speculating adverse weather conditions.

We will provide updates as soon as we receive further information.

The LA County Sheriff’s Office will be releasing their presser today at 1400 hours PST at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station located at 27050 Agoura Raod in Calabasas, California. This will also include LA County Fire Department’s Chief Osby, along with additional authorities.

Posted 1325 hours PDT

Update 2 | California | SR 126 Shutdown due to Major Fire

January 10, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 2 | 2235 hours PST

We are alternating eastbound and westbound traffic through the eastbound lanes. The westbound lanes will be blocked to allow for safe clean up. Expect delays. Traffic is flowing slowly.

UPDATE 1 | 2145 Hours PST

The California Highway Patrol – Moorpark Division has shutdown both directions of SR 126, about three miles west of the Los Angeles County line.

Ventura County Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire inside a semi-truck cab that had been stopped on the highway.

Photo Credit | CHP Moorpark

There have been no injuries reported to the driver, others or fire crews.

Ventura County, California | House Fire | 1

January 10, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Incident Summary

Ventura County Fire resources were dispatched at 1929 hours on Friday, January 10, 2020, to a structure fire in the 100 block of Alviso Drive in Camarillo Estates, California.

Photo Images Credit | VCFD PIO

Resources

Fire Units: Ventura County FD’s B14, 2, 21, 28; DIV 11, 12; Engines 155, 161, 35, 50, 55, 64, 68; EMS 48, 63; IO12; IV13; LA57; LOGS; ME125, 134, 6; MED451; SQ50; Trucks 35, 54 and 68.

Human Services: American Red Cross.

Traffic Control: CHP – Ventura Division.

Operations

First due units arriving on-scene reported the fire in the attic of a two-story very large home.

Due to being a difficulty for crews to reach the attic fire, a second-alarm was requested through Dispatch.

Primary searches throughout the very large home was reported with the fire being well-established in the attic.

Firefighters’ egress of this fire for over 40 minutes proved successfully resulting in a knockdown of the fire.

They will be on-scene for many more hours throughout the night for overhaul operations, as well as working to cool the fire and running themselves and their equipment through a DECON line.

Evacuations

All six occupants were either self-evacuated or helped by others and have been accounted for. They have been displaced by the fire but the American Red Cross is on-scene assisting them for the evening.

California | SR 126 Shutdown due to Major Fire | 1

January 10, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

The California Highway Patrol – Moorpark Division has shutdown both directions of SR 126, about three miles west of the Los Angeles County line.

Ventura County Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire inside a semi-truck cab that had been stopped on the highway.

Photo Credit | CHP Moorpark

There have been no injuries reported to the driver, others or fire crews.

CHP expects the roadway to be reopened in the next 45 minutes (or 2215 hours PST).

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 2

November 2, 2019 / 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

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.

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

November 2, 2019 / 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.

Dozers are a valuable asset in wildland firefighting & are instrumental in creating defensive barriers that keep fires from spreading as seen in the #HillsideFire. Bulldozers are equipped with special tools to penetrate the ground and clear vegetation. pic.twitter.com/xMTHC6YX0W

— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) November 1, 2019

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

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

The Wildfire Log | 46 Fire | CA | 2

November 2, 2019 / 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

Hashtags include: #CAWildfires #FireSeason #46Fire

The Wildfire Log | 46 Fire | CA | 1

October 31, 2019 / 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.

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.

Photo Credit | Riverside County Parks

Hashtags include: #CAWildfires #FireSeason #46Fire

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 1

October 31, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – OCTOBER 31, 2019 – 2150 PDT

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.

#MariaFire Updated size is 750 acres rapidly expanding. Evacuations have been made. View from Santa Paula. Somis area is threatened. Visit https://t.co/TqQ6gyJ3Lc for evac orders. pic.twitter.com/mgGk234TwN

— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) November 1, 2019

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.

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.

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)

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)

“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

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: