County Firefighters Knock Down Big Fire

January 2, 2021January 2, 2021 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida

Sarasota County Firefighters were dispatched just after 1800 EST (1500 PST) to a commercial structure fire in the area of 19th Street and North East Avenue.

Upon first due arriving companies, flames and heavy smoke were visible from the large commercial building that would turn into a 2nd-alarm response. Explosions were reported during the initial fire attack as well.

The fire was knocked down around 1930 hours EST from the exterior. Interior operations would continue with flow of foam to snuff out any chance of a rekindle.

The red iron steel beam was said to be holding in place in the center of structure but a bow was present on the Bravo side. Exposures were protected.

Around 1937 hours EST, Command advised all members on the fire ground, that they were going to continue operations with two-hand lines from the exterior and not from the interior. The IC strongly encouraged them to get their air bottles filled as well.

Crews will be on-scene for a long duration of time.

A State FIU Investigator was en route to the scene with an unknown ETA.

No known reports to citizens or firefighters being injured at the time of this post. The cause will be determined by the Investigator.

This is a developing story.

The Wildfire Log: Alaska’s Swan Lake Fire | 2

June 28, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 – June 28, 2019 – Friday

Credit: BLM AK Fire Service

INCIDENT SUMMARY. A wildfire is burning on the Kenai Peninsula, about 6 miles northeast of Sterling, Alaska. The fire is also said to be burning inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. This was a lightning caused fire that began on June 5th around 1852 hours AKDT. About 56,200 acres have been destroyed but fire crews are inching closer to a higher containment, now said to be 10%.

CALL 9-1-1 OR 800-237-3633 | Report a Wildfire

FIRE STATUS. Fire behavior is currently actively burning with group torching, single-tree torching and spotting. Structures are still under threat.

RESOURCES. 530 total personnel along with 15 crews, 12 engines and 6 helicopters. Command is under the direction of an AK IMT.

Incident Cooperators: Kenai Pen OEM, AK DOT, AK State Troopers, Homer Electric Association, Granite Construction, BLM AK Fire Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Air Resources: Aircraft are dipping out of Silak and Hidden Lakes.

FIRE FACT | Wildfires can create their own Fire Weather.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS. The fire is currently threatening homes, private properties, the community of Sterling and the highway, utility right-of-ways and infrastructure, along with natural gas pipeline and infrastructure. Additionally, it is causing a threat against shelter cabins and a Moose Research Center.

Cost-to-Date: There has been a total cost-to-date of $4.5 Million for fire suppression and containment expenses.

The Wildfire Log: AK DOF’s Swan Lake Fire

June 24, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – June 24, 2019 – Monday

Credit: BLM Fire Service

Additional Type 1 and Type 2 crews are bolstering efforts to establish control lines on the eastern edge of the Swan Lake Fire.

Type 1 and 2 crews en route to establish control lines on the East flank of fire. Credit: AK Fire PIOs

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire is burning on the Kenai Peninsula, about 6 miles northeast of Sterling, Alaska. The fire is also said to be inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

About 32,300 acres of timber and short grass has already been destroyed.

The fire was ignited by lightning on June 5th, around 1852 hours AKDT or 1952 hours PDT.

CALL 9-1-1 OR 800-237-3633 | Report a Wildfire

Fire crews have gained a 9% containment status.

FIRE STATUS

Fire behavior has been reported as active with flanking, group torching and short-range spotting. The fire is mostly being carried by Black Spruce, while minimum activity has been spotted in hardwood fuels.

There is a 40-50% mortality in Spruce stands.

TRAFFIC ALERT | Sterling Highway has very low visibility and poor air quality.

You will be seeing these signs on the Sterling Highway. | Credit: BLM AK Fire Service

RESOURCES

Personnel: Total of 379 fire personnel.
Assets: 11 crews including Yukon and 5 NW Hotshots (Winema Hotshots, Wolf Creek Hotshots and Lakeview Hotshots), 8 engines and 5 helicopters.
Command: AK IMT.
Incident Cooperators: Kenai Pen OEM, AK DOT, AK State Troopers, Homer Electric Association, Granite Construction, BLM AK Fire Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Air Resources: Aircraft are dipping out of Silak and Hidden Lakes.

AK Governor Mike Dunleavy thanks all first responders and firefighters for protecting homes,, businesses, and residents. Courtesy: Gov Dunleavy

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Transmission Lines

Homer Electric Association has de-energized a 115,000 volt transmission line to help reduce potential starts, as temps rise and dry conditions continue in the fire prone area.

FIRE FACT | Wildfires can create their own Fire Weather.

Credit: NWS Anchorage

Recreation Areas

Heavy smoke is pouring over the Sterling Highway. Though the roadway is open, many recreations areas are now closed along the highway.

The Swan Lake Fire in Images:

Canadian Air Scoopers. | Credit: Swan Lake Fire PIO

Crews continue prep work on June 18, 2019. Credit: BLM AK Fire Service

Crews continue firing operations to secure line on June 19, 2019. Credit: AK Forestry.

Heavy fog and smoke caused delays on the Sterling Highway on June 21.

A trail of traffic backs up on the Sterling Hwy due to a thick layer of smoke fog hangs in the air. Credit: AK Fire PIOs

Damage Assessments

The fire is currently threatening homes, private properties, the community of Sterling and the highway, utility right-of-ways and infrastructure, along with natural gas pipeline and infrastructure. Additionally, it is causing a threat against shelter cabins and a Moose Research Center.

There has been a total cost-to-date of $3.4 Million for fire suppression and containment expenses.

Oregon’s #MilliFire Still Burns | August 27 2017

August 27, 2017 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

NEAR SISTERS, OREGON

Cedar City Hotshots Prepare for Burn Operations

Cedar City Hotshots prepping for burnout operations.

Summary

A wildfire broke out on the Deschutes National Forest, about 9 miles West of Sisters, Oregon on August 11, 2017 (1442 hours).

Current Status

8/27/2017: Homes are still threatening homes but fire crews have been able to hold the containment lines at 32%. There has been 15,509 acres burned. Night shift crews continued with burnout operations for planned aerial ignition on the NW flank of the fire. Additional fire activities included clearing fire fuels along roadways and mop up along the fire’s edge.

Lane County Task Force #7 doing a soft structure protection task.

8/26/2017: It is still burning and threatening homes. There have been 13,485 acres burned.

Fire Behavior

8/27/2017: Active fire behavior with isolated torching and crowning.

8/26/2017: The fire is burning in timber and is said to have a moderate fire behavior with some isolated torching. Fire managers are reporting the fire is actively backing down the Black Crater to the West and North slopes. Predictions are being made in the Lava Camp Lake will not suffer any extensive damage due to a low amount of fire fuels in the area.

Resources

8/27/2017: 672 personnel. 17 crews, 32 engines and 3 helicopters.

8/26/2017: There are about 683 personnel assigned along with 17 crews, 4 helicopters and 33 engines. Command is the SWA IMT Team 2.

It’s not all just about firefighting, it is about helping homeowners with those they left behind they were evacuated.

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators for this fire are the Deschutes Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes National Forest.

Specialist discuss Milli Fire at public meeting.

Keeping an open lines of community helps put homeowners minds to ease knowing what is happening with Fire operations.

Weather Conditions

8/27/2017: Warmer and drier conditions. Forecasters say it will be sunny and warm today with areas of dense smoke.

8/26/2017: It has been more warm and drier which will continue throughout the weekend. The fire is active on the West side and burning into the wilderness. Depending on future conditions, the fire behavior can become active producing more increased flames and heavy smoke.

Alerts!

8/27/2017 Archery Hunting Season begins on Saturday. If your region is within the fire area – you may not be able to participate in these hunting areas until the closure is lifted.

8/26/2017: The fire closure area will slightly be reduced. Changes to t he closure include the opening of Forest Road 16, the campgrounds at Three Creeks Lake, Tam MacArthur Rim and the Petersen Ridge trail system, East of Forest of Road 16. Due to wildland firefighting, all roads West of Forest Road will still remain closed.

Burnout operations.

8/26/2017: The Deschutes County Sheriff Office is constantly evaluating the need to make changes to evacuation notices. All evacuation questions should be directed to the DCSO by calling their non-emergency evacuation orders line at 541-693-6911.

Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are currently in effect for the Crossroads subdivision, Edgington Road, Remuda Road, Peterson Burn Road, Wildwing and Three Creeks Road residences. This allowed residents to return to their homes.

heavy equipment

Level 1 evacuations are in effect for the Tollgate subdivision, all areas between OR 242 and Highway 20; West of Cold Springs Cutoff (Forest Service Road 1018). This also includes Black Butte Ranch.

Cost-To-Date

8/27/2017: The cost-to-date has risen to $11.1 Million just from overnight fire operations.

8/26/2017: The cost-to-date is $9.8 Million and growing as each day passes.

Public Meeting

A public meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 28th at the Sisters High School located at 1700 McKinney Butte Road in Sisters, Oregon. The meeting begins at 1800 hours (6pm) PDT. Fire Officials will provide Fire Info, Closure information and status of evacuation orders. Make sure if you have questions to bring them up in the meeting. If you have KUDOS, they do like to hear your compliments also.

Oregon’s #MilliFire Near Sisters Still Active | August 26 2017

August 26, 2017August 26, 2017 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

NEAR SISTERS, OREGON

A smoldering tree trunk of many burns in the middle of the forest.

Current Fire Conditions

A wildfire broke out on the Deschutes National Forest, about 9 miles West of Sisters, Oregon on August 11, 2017 (1442 hours). It is still burning and threatening homes.

Day shift crews will continue with burnout operations to strengthen fire lines. Fire crews are stating these the burnouts have been successful so far. A second burnout operation is ongoing on the North side of the fire in a block of land between Forest Service Road 1030 and OR 242 that is just about complete. More crews are monitoring in that area to ensure the fire has not escaped the exterior containment fire lines.

Fire suppression efforts are just about finished on the South side as well. This along Forest Service 15.

There have been 13,485 acres burned and a 32% containment status reached.

A single-tree torching.

Fire Behavior

The fire is burning in timber and is said to have a moderate fire behavior with some isolated torching. Fire managers are reporting the fire is actively backing down the Black Crater to the West and North slopes.

Predictions are being made in the Lava Camp Lake will not suffer any extensive damage due to a low amount of fire fuels in the area.

Heavy equipment read to enter Division Echo.

Resources

There are about 683 personnel assigned along with 17 crews, 4 helicopters and 33 engines. Command is the SWA IMT Team 2.

Incident Cooperators for this fire are the Deschutes Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes National Forest.

Weather Conditions

It has been more warm and drier which will continue throughout the weekend. The fire is active on the West side and burning into the wilderness. Depending on future conditions, the fire behavior can become active producing more increased flames and heavy smoke.

A plume of heavy smoke can be seen from the Black Butte Lodge restaurant across the Valley.

Alerts!

Closures. As of Saturday, August 26, 2017, the fire closure area will slightly be reduced. Changes to t he closure include the opening of Forest Road 16, the campgrounds at Three Creeks Lake, Tam MacArthur Rim and the Petersen Ridge trail system, East of Forest of Road 16. Due to wildland firefighting, all roads West of Forest Road will still remain closed.

Evacuation Orders. The Deschutes County Sheriff Office is constantly evaluating the need to make changes to evacuation notices. All evacuation questions should be directed to the DCSO by calling their non-emergency evacuation orders line at 541-693-6911.

Level 1 evacuations are in effect for the Tollgate subdivision, all areas between OR 242 and Highway 20; West of Cold Springs Cutoff (Forest Service Road 1018). This also includes Black Butte Ranch.

Cost-To-Date

The cost-to-date is $9.8 Million and growing as each day passes.

Public Meeting

U.S. Active Wildfires by #Hashtag | Saturday, July 16, 2016

July 16, 2016July 16, 2016 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

Here are all active wildfires by #Hashtag that we are aware of happening in the United States:

#AlatnaComplex (AK) Tanana Zone. 15 miles SE of Alatna. Timber, brush and short grass. Active fire behavior with crowning, wind-driven runs and spotting. Structures threatened. (2 Fires) 75,371 acres. 66% contained. 10 personnel. 0 Personnel & 0 resources. $2,200,000 CTD. BLM lands.

#BacaFire (AZ) Northwest District. AZ State Forestry. 52 miles NW of Prescott. Brush and short grass. Moderate fire behavior with running, flanking and backing. 3,947 acres. 10% contained. 12 personnel. 1 helicopter. $60,000 CTD. State Lands.

Fire effects in grass and ponderosa pine stands FR 4060 - 07/10/2016

Black Range Complex Fires on July 10, 2016 (Credit: Alejando Rodriguez)

#BeaverCreekFire (CO) Routt NF. 24 mi NW of Walden. Timber and brush. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, single tree torching and short-range spotting. Numerous structures threatened. Evacuations, road, area and trail closures in effect. 21,878 acres. %5 contained. 314 personnel. 5 crews, 25 engines, 3 helicopters. 4 structures lost. $10,200,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

#BigLightFire (TX) Texas A & M Forest Service. Started on private land 13 miles NE of Matador. Brush and grass. 2,692 acres. 70% contained. 32 personnel. 5 engines, 1 helicopter. $ N/A. Private lands.

#BlacksCanyonFire (CA) Near Simi Valley off the 118 in Blacks Canyon @ 1340 Hours PDT on 7/16/2016. Ventura County FD responding to new Brush Fire. Header showing.

#BlackRangeComplex (NM) Gila National Forest. 45 miles North of Silver City. Timber. Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching, backing and creeping. 3,700 acres. 5% contained. 110 personnel. 6 crews, 7 engines. $253,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

#BlairFire (CO) White River Field Office. BLM. 30 miles W of Meeker. Brush and short grass. Extreme fire behavior with wind-driven runs, crowning and flanking. 1000 acres. 0% contained. 108 personnel. 4 crews, 5 engines, 1 helicopter. 0 structures lost. $250,000 CTD.

#BrannonFire (NM) Gila National Forest. 26 miles NE of Silver City. Timber, brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. 380 acres. 0% contained. 26 personnel. 1 crew, 1 engine. $20,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

#CalienteFire (CA) 17301 Caliente Bodfish Road, Kern County. Air Attack requesting additional tankers. Structures threatened. Rapid rate of spread. 1.5 acres.

#ClavelFire (NM) Las Vegas District. New Mexico State Forestry. 20 miles NE of Roy. Brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. 4,000 acres. 95% contained. 7 personnel. 3 engines. $28,000 CTD. State lands.

#CoveFire (UT). 23 miles East of Salina and 11 miles SW of Emery

#FamosoFire (CA) Kern County Fire Department. Vegetation fire. Near Poso and Granite Road. Cause from a MVA. Forward movement stopped. 100% contained. 138 acres.

#FullerFire (AZ) Grand Canyon National Park. IMT 2. 4 miles NE of North Rim. Timber and medium logging slash. Extreme fire behavior with wind-drive runs and long-range spotting. Road, area and trail closures in effect. 3,702 acres. 0% contained. 437 personnel. 12 crews, 14 engines, 4 helicopters. 0 structures lost. $1,000,000 CTD. National Park Service lands.

Fuller Fire Map. (Courtesy Inciweb)

#GeorgeRiverFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. Started on BLM land 18 miles NE of Georgetown. Timber. Active fire behavior with running, creeping and backing. 200 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $Unknown. BLM lands.

#GreenFire (CA). Fresno County. CAL Fire. Off Auberry Rd & White Thorne Rd, near Prather. Forward progress stopped. Evacuations are in effect for residents on White Thorne, Dry Pond, Hokes Corner Ln. and Wellbarn Road. Evacuation shelter opened at: Foothill Middle School located at 29147 Auberry Rd, Prather, CA 93651. A large animal evacuation center has been established at: Sierra High School, 33326 Lodge Rd, Tollhouse, CA 93667. 123 acres. 60% contained.

#GweekRiverFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. Started on BLM land 17 miles NE of Akiachak. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with torching, running and creeping. 500 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $36,000 CTD. BLM lands.

#HairyFire (CO) Fort Carson Army Base. 21 miles SW of Colorado Springs. Hardwood Slash, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. Area closures in effect. 720 acres. 95% contained. 9 personnel. 3 engines. $350,000 CTD.

#HarrisFire (MT) Miles City Filed Office. STarted on private land 26 miles South of Ashland. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior. 3,400 acres. 80% contained. 98 personnel. 3 crews. 5 engines. 1 helicopter. $180,000 CTD. Private lands.

#HaydenPassFire (CO) – Fort Carson Army Base. 21 mi SW of Colorado Springs. Hardwood slash, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. Areas closures in effect. 15,759 acres. 5% contained. 768. personnel. 16 crews, 49 engines, 7 helicopters. 1 structures lost. $2,900,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

Hayden Pass Fire on July 12, 2016 (Source: Inciweb)

#HubbellCanyonFire (NM) Lincoln National Forest. Sacramento Ranger District. S Forest Service firefighters and two engines are assigned to the fire. Lightning caused. 25 acres. 0% contained. Full suppression tactics are being utilized. Fire is smoldering and spread potential is low. Started 7/16/2016 @ 1300 hours.

#IniakukLakeFire (AK) Tanana Zone. Started on state land 40 miles NW of Bettles. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, spotting and backing. Structures threatened. 14,107 acres. 0% contained. 28 personnel. 1 crew. 1 helicopter. $1,100,000 CTD. State lands.

#IsrathorakCreekFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. Started on FWS land 17 miles NW of Tuluksak. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with backing. 500 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000. Fish & Wildlife Service lands.

#McBeeCommandFire (WA) Spokane District, BLM. 6 miles W of Richland. Grass. Minimal fire behavior. 1,800 acres. 0% contained. 26 personnel. 1 crew, 4 engines. $100,000 CTD. BLM lands.

#MidSalchaFire (AK) Fairbanks Area Forestry. 31 miles SE of North Pole. Timber, brush and grass. Moderate fire behavior with win-driven runs, short-range spotting and backing. Homes threatened. 1,500 acres. 0% contained. 88 personnel. 4 crews. 1 helicopter. $300,000 CTD. State Lands.

#OwhatRiver2Fire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. 7 miles NW of Aniak. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with backing. 550 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000 CTD. State lands.

#PachecoFire (CA) Tuolumine-Calavaras Unit. CAL Fire. 2 miles SE of Jenny Lind. Timber, brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. 341 acres. 98% contained. 39 personnel. 1 crews, 4 engines. 2 structures lost. $301,000 CTD. State lands.

#PairODiceFire (AZ) Fort Apache Agency. BIA. 25 miles SW of Alpine. Timber and grass. 307 acres. 0% contained. 87 personnel. 3 crews, 4 engines, 1 helicopter. $50,000 CTD. BIA lands.

#PineFire (CA) Los Padres NF. 30 miles NE of Santa Barbara. Timber, chaparral and brush. Minimal fire behavior. Road, area and trail closures in effect. 2,304 acres. 93% acres. 100 personnel. 2 crews, 5 helicopters. $15,300,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

Sunset image at the Pine Fire. (Credit: Jonathan McGraw of USFS)

#PonyFire (CA) USFS. 15 miles SW of Happy Camp. Siskiyou County. 2,858 acres. 90% contained.

#Puertecito (NM) Cibola National. 15 miles S of Magdalena. Timber and short grass. Minimal fire behavior. 106 aces. 50% contained. 33 personnel. 1 crew. 1 helicopter. $58,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

#ReindeerRiverFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. 30 miles SE of Flat. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with torching, running and backing. 600 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000 CTD. State lands.

#SanGabrielComplex (CA) Formerly the Fish and Reservoir Fires. North of Azusa. Los Angeles County. CAL Fire. 1146 acres Reservoir. 4253 Fish. Both 96% contained.

#SchoolFire (NM) Gila National Forest. 2 miles NW of Snow Lake. Timber and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. 6,500 acres. 50% contained. 57 personnel. 2 crews, 4 engines, 1 helicopter. $60,000 CTD. Forest Service lands,

#ScottFire (AZ) Kaibib National Forest. Coconino rim 11 miles east of Tusayan. Lightning caused. Pinyon Juniper, ponderosa pine, oak. 2,660 acres. 25 personnel. In mop-up operations. ROS is low.

Scott Fire on July 15, 2016 that reached an open meadow. (Credit: D Barringer)

#SepulvedaBasin (CA) Los Angeles Fire Department. Burbank and Woodley. Fire crews dispatched @ 1308 hours PDT 7/16/2016. Header can be seen. 10 acres @ 1417 PDT. Additional units requested.

#TaylorFire (FL) 700 acres. 10% contained. 33 personnel. 7 engines, 1 helicopter. Forests in Florida. 9 miles NE of Sanderson. Southern rough. $100,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.

#TimberCreekFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. 27 miles SW of Chuathbaluk. Timber and grass. Moderate fire behavior with torching and creeping. 1,000 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000 CTD. State lands.

#TimberonFire (NM) Otero County. 40% contained. Containment lines are holding. 267 acres. 44 structures lost. Some evacuations lifted up to the fire perimeter. Those inside of that are still under an evacuation order due to falling trees and other dangers.

#TokRiverFire (AK) Tok Area Foresty. IMT 2. 7 miles of Tok. Timber, light logging slash and grass. Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching and creeping. Structures threatened. Rain occurred over the area on Friday. 728 acres. 0% contained. 64 personnel. 3 crews, 2 helicopters. $209,000 CTD. State lands.

#TomsCreekRd2Fire (GA) Georgia Forestry Commission. 10 miles SW of Fargo. Souther rough. Minimal fire behavior. Homes threatened. Rain occurred over the fire on Friday. 45 acres. 90% contained. 28 personnel. 12 engines. $100,000 CTD. State lands.

#TrailheadFire (CA) CALCAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit / El Dorado National Forest, along the Middle Fork of the American River near Todd Valley. Started 6/28/2016 @ 1355 hours PDT. Cause under investigation. 3 injuries. 5,466 acres. 95% contained. Command: NorCal Interagency Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire on behalf of CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service. Incident Cooperators: Placer County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments from across the region. 80 personnel. 2 engines. 3 crews. 1 dozers.

Fire engines working the Trailhead Fire.

Engines working at the Trailhead Fire (Courtesy: Inciweb)

#YoknedaLakeFire (AK) Valdez-Copper River area Forestry. 40 miles NE of Glenallen. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with running, flanking and backing. 2,000 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $9,000 CTD. State lands.

Sources: NW Fire Info, CAL Fire, Inciweb, NWICC, Internet, AZ Fire Info, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Prestine Cherokee NF Touched by Multiple Fires | Railroad Grade 2016

April 23, 2016April 23, 2016 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Carter County, TN – Multiple fires have touched this in one of Eastern Tennessee’s prime real estate playground since the beginning of this year with Halls Top Fire that occurred in March, along with Sciota Road and Starlight Fires also happening at the end of that same month.

Photo Courtesy: Cherokee National Forest

Now, the Forest is facing yet another wildfire with Railroad Grade 2016 fire that was caused by human activity. The exact cause is under investigation with no exact pinpoint of what the “human activity” actually was the root of the cause.

This fire started on April 18, 2016. At that point, it was deemed a smaller fire but quickly tripled in size on the same day it ignited. The fire was initially reported on April 18th as moderate to active fire activity with some growth potential. It was spotting, wind-driven with up hill runs.

LOCATION

The fire is located off of Highway 25/70 at White Rocks Mountain and about 3 miles NW of Roan Mountain. It is located 5 air miles from Hampton.

PERSONNEL, RESOURCES

80 personnel are assigned to this incident.

Currently, on site there is a 20-person fire crew, 3 helicopters, 2 engines, 1 bulldozer, 2 water tenders and 1 overhead personnel.

Crews work to backfire off the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in order to increase containment of the Railroad Grade Fire

Photo Credit: Cherokee National Forest

Incident Cooperators are from the U.S. Forest Service, TN Dept. of Forestry, Carter County Sheriff’s Office, Hampton and Roan Mountain VFD, TN Emergency of Management Agency, TN Dept. of Corrections and the TN Valley Authority.

CONDITIONS

The terrain is steep with rocky terrain. It is host to snags and roll-overs. Fire crews have had a difficult time hiking into and fighting fire in this area.

Smoke may pose future poor visibility as hazards to fire crews and to drivers in the area. Hikers are asked to avoid the area altogether for safety concerns.

TACTICS

Fire crews will contain to construct fire lines and improve/hold existing lines.

FIRE STATUS

The fire is currently holding at 1,727 acres and has a 75% containment status. Fire behavior has been reduced to smoldering.

This is one of two wildfires currently burning in the Cherokee National Forest and we will update separately on the second fire named the Raccoon Mountain Fire in a separate post.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Current hashtags being used are: #RailroadGrade2016 #TNWildifres2016

ABOUT CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST

The Cherokee National Forest was established in 1920 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Located in Elizabethton of Carter County in Tenneessee. Located in the Eastern portion of the State and bordering next door neighbor, North Carolina.

It consists of the Ocoee River, the location of the 1996 Olympics whitewater events that are inside the National Forest’s 655,598 acres. The Forest is also host to 150 miles of the Appailachan National Scenic Trail system, along with hundreds more.

The Ocoee Whitewater Center from the 1996 Olympics. Photo Courtesy: WikiCreative Commons. Taken in 2009.

Vacationers flock to the infamous National park to backpack, fish, kayak, whitewater rafting, gold panning, rafting, camping and so many other fun activities. There are many beautiful waterfalls inside the National Forest, as well as hundreds of trail systems.

WA WILDFIRE | Carpenter Rd Fire | August 21, 2015 | PM SitRep

August 21, 2015 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” –Desmond Tutu

SUMMARY

Location: 35 miles NW of Spokane & S of Fruitland in Stevens County
Start: 8/14/15
Cause: Lightning

Today’s Fire Map. Courtesy of the Rocky Mountain IMT Blue Team & Inciweb.

FIRE STATUS

Fire Behavior: Extreme.
Threatened: 800 homes & structures, 5 commercial properties, 200 others
Containment: 0%
Acres: 27,793
Fire Conditions: Smokey conditions are limiting use of air operations, but also providing for slightly cooler temperatures, and reduced winds
Actions: Thursday: Highest amount of fire activity happened along the north edge of the fire near Turk Road.
Obstacles for Fire Crews: Handling 1 abandoned mine within in the fire area.

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITION REPORT

Fruitland Weather Conditions

Temp: [as of 1915PDT] 70-degrees
Forecasted: Hi 77. Lo 49.
Skies: Mostly sunny.
Winds: W 10 to 20 mph
Visibility: 6 mph
Humidity: 26%
Advisory: Blowing dust advisory remains in effect until 2300 PDT [tonight]

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Destroyed: 17 homes destroyed; unknown number of “other” structures reportedly destroyed.

RESOURCES, EQUIPMENT

Personnel: 363
Crews: 6
Helicopters: 3
Engines: 40

EVACUATIONS

Level 2: Spokane Agency Reservation.

FIRE CONTACT INFO

Call Center

Operational Period: 0800 – 2100 PDT
Phone Lines: 509-722-6040 or 509-722-6165

ALERTS

Red Flag Warning

In effect for the fire area through 8/21 at 2300.

Air Quality

Spokane: Some parts of Spokane showing “Unhealthy”. Purple lines indicate the areas affected.

Air Quality Map. Photo Credit: The National Weather Service [NWS] of Spokane.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Pet Loss / Coping –National Humane Society

Web: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/coping_with_pet_death.html

Red Cross Distress Helpline

Phone: 1-800-985-5990.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] – Div of U. S Public Health

Phone: 1-800-985-5990.
Online: http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/disaster-types/wildfires.
Text: text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. [English speakeing]; Hablanos to 66746. [Spanish speaking]

# # #

SOCIAL MEDIA

“First-hand Witness Reports on Social Media”

August 21:

Media on Condition Report via Flight into Fire Area: “Smoke is so thick we could barely see outside our windows as we prepared to land.”
Franklin County Fire District #3: “Fresh firefighters leaving today in Van Pool vans to replace crews on the CarpenterRd fire. Thank you Ben Franklin Transit for your support!”
Media report: “The smoke is omnipresent near Fruitland. Low visibility with a big gulp of ash with each breath”
Air Quality Report via Twitter User: “Smoke is filling up the Valley”

August 20:

Base Camp: Setup at a Bible School near Fruitland.

August 19:

Stevens Co Fire Chief: “Ash floating around in the skies and is still warm when it hits them, touches those around them.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Donations

Wildland Firefighter Foundation: “Will make a huge difference for these families experiencing the loss of a firefighter tonight. The WFF supports these families like no other, and supports those injured too. Please donate!
RIP brave heroes keeping others safe. https://www.facebook.com/WFFoundation?fref=ts” This is from a Twitter supporter. You can Make a Difference in a Family’s life. Click on this link today.

Thank you for what you all are doing out there. Wishing safety and prayers to get those darn fires out. We appreciate your tireless efforts, hard work and dedication.

[c] 2015 The NW Fire Blog

WA WILDFIRE | Carpenter Rd Fire | August 20, 2015 | PM SitRep

August 20, 2015August 20, 2015 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

~ William Shakespeare

SUMMARY

Location: 35 miles NW of Spokane
Start: 8/14/15
Cause: Lightning
Acres: 9658

FIRE STATUS

Fire Behavior: Extreme.
Threatened: 400 homes & structures, 5 commercial properties, 200 others
Containment: 0%

Carpenter Road Fire Map. Courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Blue Team. [8/19/15]

Map updated on 8/18/15. Courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Blue Team.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Destroyed: 16 homes destroyed; unknown number of “other” structures reportedly destroyed.

RESOURCES, EQUIPMENT

Personnel: 301
Crews: 5
Helicopters: 3
Engines: 32
Actions: Structure Protection

EVACUATIONS

Level 3 [Mandatory evacuation. Leave your home/business now for your own personal safety.]

Lessig Road along the Springdale Hunters Road to Springdale. This includes all secondary roads off of Springdale Hunters Road including Gennett Road and Rosehill Road and other road spurs to the South.
Region from Belinger Road to the SOUTHEAST “the way the crow flies” to State Highway 231.
Out of Fruitland Valley which includes Fruitland Valley Road and Turk Road.

Level 2 [Prepare to evacuate. This is a mid-range level of preparing to evacuate and also a level of voluntary evacuation.]

From the Spokane Agency Reservation boundary south to Lake Roosevelt (to include the West End Community).
From Springdale Hunters Road to Waitts Lake.
From Belinger Road EAST to State Highway 231.
From area around Waitts Lake to the Huckleberry Mountains south to Springdale Hunters Road to State Highway 231.

FIRE CONTACT INFO

Call Center

Operational Period: 0800 – 2100 PDT
Phone Lines: 509-722-6040 or 509-722-6165

ALERTS

Red Flag Warning

Initiated due to hot dry weather, very low relative humidity, and strong winds in the Columbia River Valley. These conditions have led to the persistence of the same extreme fire behavior as has been seen over the past several days.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Donations

Wildland Firefighter Foundation: “Will make a huge difference for these families experiencing the loss of a firefighter tonight. The WFF supports these families like no other, and supports those injured too. Please donate!
RIP brave heroes keeping others safe. https://www.facebook.com/WFFoundation?fref=ts” This is from a Twitter supporter. You can Make a Difference in a Family’s life. Click on this link today.

Thank you for what you all are doing out there. Wishing safety and prayers to get those darn fires out. We appreciate your tireless efforts, hard work and dedication.

[c] 2015 The NW Fire Blog

PINON Wildfire in Gila National Forest [NM] – June 18, 2015

June 18, 2015 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

Lightning caused a wildfire to ignite Ponderosa pine, oak and mixed conifer in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico on June 16, 2015. It has now reached 365 acres.

The incident is located just East of Eagle Peak on the Reserve Ranger District.

There is 12 personnel on this event with 2 engines and crews. There have been no injuries reported.

Firefighters have worked extremely hard to reinforce the Western boundary of the fire alongside Forest Road 94 and will continue watch the fire activity, taking action when needed.

View of Forest Road 94 taken on 6/18/15 & uploaded at 2008 MDT. [Photo courtesy of @inciweb]

Currently, it has a rate of spread from a low to moderate.

No structures have been damaged or lost, nor are any of them currently being threatened.

Disclaimer –> #FireImages are the courtesy of the poster/photographer. We do not lay claims to these photos. – Editor

[c] 2015 The NW Fire Blog

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