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Ventura County, California | House Fire | 1

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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

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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.

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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.

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(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Posted 1/10/2020 @ 2215 Hours PST

Texan Firefighters Respond to 2-Alarm Commercial Fire

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Incident Summary

Firefighters from the Austin Fire were dispatched to a commercial building fire located in the 6800 block of East US 290 in Austin (Travis County), Texas.

First Due Images

Firefighters arriving on-scene were met with this fiery image of the structure being fully engulfed and the Incident Commander escalated the first alarm to a second alarm around 1513 PST/1713 CST.

Fire Operations

Firefighters quickly egressed on the fire and were able to knock down most of the fire aroudn 1748 PST/1948 CST with containing damage to the fire building. Exposure buildings were saved and not being reported as damaged or destroyed.

The fire building, a 16-unit structure is considered to be a total loss.

Location of Fire Building

These are the Menlo at Mueller, luxurious homes centralized near Highways 290 and 183 and near Interstate 5, as well as near Austin’s city center, shopping, dining and recreational districts.

Credit | Zillow

Cause

No word on the cause of the fire and no preliminary report has been released yet.

The cause is under investigation.

Injuries

No reports of injuries to residents, the public or to firefighters were reported.

Evacuee Resources

The American Red Cross was called to help an unknown number of residents. The property manager was also said to be assisting with their tenants’ needs.

ABOUT AUSTIN, TEXAS

Austin is a vibrant City that proudly is host to many great venues with shopping, entertainment, recreational and additional opportunities in mind for all walks of life.  It is also a fabulous place to photograph, as you can see in the image below. Credit:  Michael Barera (under the Creative Common or CC SA 4.0)

Austin August 2019 19 (skyline and Lady Bird Lake).jpg

The City is the Capital of Texas and the largest in Travis County and considered one of the most populated cities in Texas. Texas is home to 964,254 residents, as of their 2018 census records.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 1/10/20 @ 1850 PST/2050 CST.

 

Burien Fire Scorches Home, Displaces Several

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BURIEN, Wash. – Several adults were displaced after a fire forced them to flee their home.  The incident occurred around 2051 hours PST in the 11200 block of 18th Avenue Southwest in Burien, located south of Seattle.

Firefighters were quickly on-scene from the moment they were dispatched to first due resources arriving.  Within minutes, firefighters conducted a primary and secondary searches on floors one and two with reaching an “all clear” and nothing found.

Fire extended to the attic but it was quickly knocked down.  A light package was set-up in front of the building.  Additionally, Command had called for two ambulances to respond priority to the fire ground. Later, they appeared to be on standby with some units returning back in service.

A FIU Investigator was requested by Command, as well the Red Cross for the displaced residents.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is still under investigation.

Injuries and the cost-to-datea are also unknown.

#BurienFire #HouseFire #FireNews

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Update 1 – 12/21/2019 – 2220 hours PST

 

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 2

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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

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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

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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 | Kincade Fire | CA | 5

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Saturday, November 2, 2019 | PM | Update 5

Fire Stats

  • Started 10/23/2019 @ 2127 hours PDT
  • Located northeast of Geyersville in Sonoma County
  • Cause is unknown
  • Fire Investigation on-going, FIU working tirelessly to find cause

Current Status

  • Minimum fire behavior with creeping and smoldering
  • 77,758 acres
  • 74% containment
  • Estimated containment in November 2019
  • 400 structures still being threatened
  • 4 injuries
  • Some fire units have begun to demob and are being returned to their respective service agencies.
  • PG&E will be handling relights of pilot lights on Sunday.
  • Gas service restoration currently in progress.

Photo Credit | ORFM

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Incident Cooperators

  • Unified Command | CAL FIRE – Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit and Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
  • CA Fire Agencies | Geyersville Fire Protection District, CDCR, Culver City FD, Corona FD, BIA, BLM, Pasadena FD,  La Habra Heights FD, Springs FD, Downey FD, Compton FD, Alameda County FD, CA DOC.
  • AZ & NM Fire Agencies | 22 crews f rom the Navajo Scouts. They have been on the fireground since October 28 and to remain until November 11th.
  • WA Fire Agencies | Bothell FD, Seattle FD, Valley Regional Fire Authority, Arlington FD, Island County FD, South County FD, Snohomish County Fire Districts 7, 22, 26, Everett FD, Lake Stevens FD, San Juan FD, Skagit Fire District #4, Skagit FD.
  • Emergency Management | CAL OES, County of Sonoma.
  • Law Enforcement | CHP, Placer County SO, Sonoma County Sheriff, Marin County Sheriff, Galt PD.
  • Fire Aviation Resources | Canada, CHP, Super Scoopers,
  • State Resources | CA National Guard, CAL FIRE.
  • Federal Resources | USFS.
  • Humanitarian/Shelter/Food | Red Cross – Northern CA Coastal, Red Cross – Sonoma County, World Central Kitchen.
  • Weather Forecasters | NWS Bay Area, SIS Fire Weather Lab.

Photo Credit | SJSU Fire Weather Lab. (Taken on 10/27/2019)

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Resources & Equipment

  • 4,032 fire personnel
  • 363 fire engines
  • 64 water tenders
  • 3 helicopters
  • 102 crews
  • 29 dozers

Damage Assessments

  • 59 damaged structures
  • 372 destroyed structures
  • $54.1 Million cost-to-date
  • SR 128 @ Pine Flat Road

Significant Events

  • Soda Rock Winery | Winery is lost but their barn is saved by firefighters.
  • Healdsburg, Windsor | Whole City and Town, population of almost 40,000 evacuate under mandatory orders.
  • PG&E Power Shutdowns | Almost 2 Million customers are affected, including Senior citizen homes, hospitals, Fire Stations, homes, businesses, and the list goes on and on.
  • California Economy | The wine country is hit hard with at least three wineries destroyed, others damaged.  Small businesses and residents must throw out their food, products due to the power shutdowns.

Recognized HEROES IN ACTION | These are the men and women who are being recognized for their extraordinary display of human compassion and serving others selflessly.

FIREFIGHTERS

There were over 5,000 firefighters that responded from all over several States, including Oregon and Washington.

Photo Credit | Culver City Firefighters

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Photo Credit | CAL FIRE SLO

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After a long journey to California, our firefighters have finally made it. They have been assigned to work the Kincade Fire where they will assess and protect structures on Leslie Road. They are ready to help however they can. – King County Strike Team

Photo Credit | Seattle Fire Department

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WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

Provided 7,000 meals on October 29, 2019 and more throughout the days thereafter.  They will continue providing freeh, hot meals to firefighters and expect to be on-scene until next week.

Photo Credit | World Central Kitchen

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Guy Fieri oversaw the World Central Kitchen’s facility kitchen and crews were treated to a special lunch for First Responders in Santa Rosa.

World Central Kitchen also served up Law Enforcement Officers on the job around the clock, providing the same great tasty food!

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The faces behind the volunteers who serve others tirelessly and selflessly.  They are our Heroes in Action.

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SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY MEALS

This organization makes meals for Disaster victims by a great team of volunteers and the community that supports them.  In one day, they served over 700 people!

Photo Credit | Sonoma Family Meal

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RED CROSS

A Healdsburg is overjoyed to learn his house is still standing.  He states, “Red Cross was very prepared for this catastrophe. My friends and neighbors are grateful for all of their support.”

Photo Credit | American Red Cross

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ASPCApro

They saved and rescued many furry babies who were left behind, ran off being scared or had no other place to go.

Through The Eyes of Social Media

“Saturday is Day 12 of the Fire. It has been tirelessly fought by over 5,000 firefighters from hundreds of fire departments. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped us during this difficult time.” – County of Sonoma

“Our thoughts are with those who lost their homes and our gratitude is with all who stepped up to help neighbors in need.” – CA State Senator

“A 3.9M earthquake centered around the northern perimeter of the fire occurred this morning while firefighyers worked to make headway on containment.” – Media

“According to PG&E, you’ll need to be home to have your pilot light lit. PG&E will knock on your door, and if you’re not home, they’ll leave a card for you to call back and schedule a time. There is no charge for this service.” – Media

“People are experiencing the Deep pain for those who lost everything.” – Media

(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