An out-of-area wildfire is burning in the 600 block of West Ortega Street. This area is known as TV Tower Hill, where many news stations and other vast amounts of buildings reside.
One news station has been evacuated.
#Loma Fire – Santa Barbara City Incident- SBC and other agencies working vegetation fire. Loma IC reporting 20 acres with rapid rate of spread. Multiple commercial and homes threatened. Evacuations ordered for Loma Alta Dr & Miramonte Drive. C/T 8:55 pic.twitter.com/bkUcgWDsck
The fire broke out before 2100 hours PT from an unknown cause.
Both Fire, Police and 911 Dispatch Centers are overwhelmed with calls and heavy traffic volumes, while some areas are impacted by some interfering with fire suppression efforts.
Fire Status
Fire behavior is very active with a high rate of spread, wind-driven and uphill runs. Currently, the fire has destroyed 20 acres and there is a 0% containment status.
Multiple commercial and residential structures are currently threatened. Crews are working tirelessly to save structures.
Divisions
Mike – E74, 77, 76, County 19, 313, one other engine.
Do you ever want to know a frame-by-frame of a very large fire incident?
The PALISADES FIRE is the third large fire incident in California and this wildfire has gained a lot coverage from the ground and air, to eye witness accounts to Social Media catching fire all on its own.
We use verified sources and other information for this post.
Please Note: We don’t post unverified information or possible potential criminal information unless already released by Fire or Law Enforcement agencies. Even then, we want to cover from the Fire side of things, less Law Enforcement (for Safety reasons).
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OVERALL INCIDENT SUMMARY
Los Angeles City Firefighters responded to a brush fire call on Friday, May 14th around 2200 hours in the 1800 block of North Michael Lane in Pacific Palisades and impacting Topanga Canyon, California. Evacuations orders and notices have been in effect with area trailheads, roadways and other impacted areas.
No injuries to citizens. One firefighter has been injured. His/Her injuries and condition are unknow at this time.
Ever want a summarized version of a very large fire incident?
Here is our recap through hundreds posts and media coverage.
1800 block N Michael Lane. Pacific Palisades. Difficult access. Remote area. RH is high with almost no wind. 60 LAFD Firefighters assigned along with brush response from LAFD.
2359 PT
Fire progressing slowing. 10 acres.
Units on-scene MEDIA: PIO David Ortiz en route ETA 12:35am. ; FS 23; Batt 9; West Bureau; Council District 11; BC17 BC9 CM42 E105 E19 E23 E237 E263 E269 E273 E290 E293 E305 E5 E63 E69 E73 E84 E88 E93 EM17 H1 H2 H5 HA1 HA2 HA5 PI2 RA23 T105 T37 T63 T69 T73 T90 T93; CH7; 12.
DAY 2 – MAY 15, 2021 – SATURDAY
0104 PT
72 LAFD Firefighters with 4 LA County FD hand crews. 10 acres. Heavy brush and steep terrain. No wind and wet/cool weather conditions. No structures threatened.
Crews on standby for structure protection. Fire not moving. On an extended to suppress and contain. No roads or hydrants. Steep and rough terrain.
0630 PT
Firefighters worked overnight. Estimated 15 acres. No structures under threat. No evacuations in progress. No injuries reported. Weather conditions are still cool and wet. High humidity.
LAFD helos working until 0500 hours. Aircraft leaves for maintenance. Air Ops resumes today with air support dropping water over fire. Due to the steep terrain, firefighters were unable to get lines in to assist with water supply. Crews recycling throughout the day.
1st alarm brush fire response back to the fire. Staging at Santa Maria Road and Topanga Canyon Blvd. Structures threatened. Structure protection group established. Resources being assigned to Division.
1615 PT
Flare-up within the incident. Large plume visible. 100 acres slop over. Land under threat to the west on in CAL FIRE jurisdiction. Unified Command LAFD, LA County FD and CAL FIRE. Fixed wing air resources approved as needed. Ventura Co FD helicopter also assisting with water drops. No evacuation orders. Bulk of firefighting suppression efforts are by air. No injuries reported.
Fire being driven by gusty winds from the south-to-southwest directions about 15-25 mph and with humidity at 50% or higher. Fuels are very dry in this area.
1706 PT
Flames flare up when fire hit heavy brush.
Credit: LA DWP
1712 PT
LASD Lost Hills Stations prepares to evacuate residents in zone 4 – Cheney Ranch Road and Community of Entrada.
1745 PT
Residents can see a small part of the fire burning on the ridgeline from Palisades Highlands.
1845 PT
Unified Command still in effect. 200-plus acres. 3 burn areas. Main fire, the original fire and small spot fire. No evacuations. No structures are threatened. Moderate rate of spread due to onshore winds. Dozers working. State Parks closing nearby trail systems. No injuries.
City of Calabasas: “No threat to our City. Photo from the 101 in Agoura.”
Credit: City of Calabasas
2012 PT
Red Cross offering assistance for lodging and other needs, broadcast their contact information at 323-374-3525 or by sending them a DM.
2041 PT
Large animal evacuation shelter released. Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91371. Phone: #818-710-4100.
2051 PT
A large pyroculumus cloud (dense cumuliform cloud associated with fire or volcanic eruptions) could be seen above the site of the fire earlier this evening.
Credit: CAL FIRE
2053 PT
LA County Animal: “Small animals” and “Large animals” evacuation alerts are broadcasted. @LACoAnimalCare
2114 PT
Social Media outlets (we aren’t naming them) are posting picture of a “suspected” arsonist. No name, just his photo and encouraging readers to hunt him down. Fire and Police Officials have not released the cause or if this is related to arson.
Credit: Edison
2119 PT
LASD’s Air Rescue 5 insert the SEB team inside the Topanga area in search for an arson suspect allegedly setting fires.
2205 PT
Fire can be seen by passengers on an air plane flying near the perimeters of the TFR
DAY 3 – MAY 16, 2021 – SUNDAY
0730 PT
Updated acreage and containment not released yet. Weather overnight was cool and moist overnight. Increased temps expected. Fire fuels duly notable that this area has not burned in the last 50+ years.
Mandatory evacuation orders issued on Saturday by LA Co FD, impacting about 1,000 residents. Cause deemed suspicious. Open and active investigation. Copters continued to drop water over the fire line.
PIOs release operational map of fire on @LAFDTalk (Twitter) and @losangelesfiredepartment (Instagram). No structures damaged. No injuries reported. ICP relocated Saturday to Will Rogers State Beach. Media staging is north of lifeguard building.
0836 PT
NB and SB Topanga Canyon Blvd (SR 27) closed by the CAL Trans District road crews.
0842 PT
Smoke plume is growing and seen from Woodland Hills by a resident.
750 acres. 0% containment. Favorable weather settled over fire with lower temps, increased moisture and light winds. Evacuations and road closures in effect.
1020 PT
500 fire personnel assigned to incident. LAFD Chief Terrazas along with LAPD Chief Moore, Mayor of LA, CHP, LASD HQ, LA County FD give fire briefing update.
Credit: LAFD
1029 PT
835 acres. 0% containment. Crews working on flare-ups. Helicopters are dropping water.
1044 PT
835 acres. 0% contained. Difficult terrain and many inaccessible area. Heavy equipment improving fire lines.
1055 PT
5 copters including 15, 14 are working on the fire.
1251 PT
1,325 acres. 0% contained.
1400 PT
Evacuation Warning for 1500 block of Chastain Parkway West, all homes north of Chastain Pkway over to Calle Del Cielo (eastern boundary). Warning to Calle De Sarah, Calle Belle Vista and all homes west of Calle Del Cielo/Avenue Ashley up to the hills. Map posted on https://www.lafd.org/newspalisades-fire
1423 PT
Large animals such as horses, livestock evacuating to Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills. Injured wildlife call CA Wildlife Center #310-458-9453 in Calabasas.
1611 PT
1 OCFA helicopter arrives on-scene and 1 Type-3 strike team is en route as mutual aid to LAFD and LA Co FD.
An app that gives alerts to communities was said to have posted the wrong image the arson “suspect” sparking concerns over Social Media. The app later tells news media they made a mistake posting the wrong photo of the suspect and that they “lost” their way. They say they knew a suspect was being sought but they did not coordinate with LAFD or LASD. {media}
1810 PT
Column seen from the Temescal Trailhead has very active fire behavior and captured by the Green Peak camera.
Credit: LA DWP
1858 PT
Helco: “Fire holding along fire road system as a fire break. Western side of the fire is main issue due to flare-ups. Eastern side of fire has some hot spots being worked by the copters.”
2014 PT
Copters 1, 2, 306 focus on the main fire. Flared up on the west flank.
2019 PT
Ventura County Air Unit Copter 2 (Sheriff’s Office) drop water with the aid of Fire Manager and Crew Chief.
DAY 4 – MAY 17, 2021 – MONDAY
0007 PT
News agency reports Sheriff Department detains the main in the photos being passed around Social Media by an emergency alert broadcasting app (not naming names) but is released due to not evidence to charge him. They let him.
1411 PT
Flare-up near Topanga this afternoon. LA Co Fire Ops are working on the fire.
Credit: NWS Los Angeles
1516 PT
3 fixed wing retardant dropping aircraft continue to work the area along with water dropping copters.
1700 PT
Containment is 23%. Holding at 1,325 acres. No changes to evacuation warning in the City of Los Angeles. Map posted at http://www.lafd.org/news.
1715 PT
Evacuation orders in the Topanga area have been lifted for zones 4 and 6.
1748 PT
Operational map released by LAFD Talk.
Credit: LAFD
2100 PT
1,325 acres. 23% contained. No injuries to civilians. 1 firefighter injury. 785 structures threatened. 0 structured damaged or destroyed. Successful construction of containment lines is occurring.
Evacuations lifted for Topanga Canyon and Topanga Canyon Blvd to residents only.
Evacuation warning still in effect for the Pacific Palisades are as it is near an active portion of the fire. 1 person has been arrested by the LAFD Arson Section .
50 engines, 2 water tenders, 15 hand crews, 8 helicopters, 6 dozers, 454 total personnel. Incident Cooperators: LASD, LAFD, LAPD, CHP, MRCA, CA State Parks, CAL Trans, LA County Animal Care, LA County OEM, American Red Cross, Crew 8.
A wildfire started Friday night in the Pacific Palisades area, which was contained to less than 50 acres, would have a flare-up on Saturday morning creating a small spot fire. This fire is also named the PALISADES FIRE.
Size/Containment
The fire has grown from last night’s 750 acres with a 0% containment status to 835 acres this morning with the same containment number. [UPDATE] Fire has almost doubled in size from the LAFD’s last update at 0730 to 1,325 acres, 0% containment at 1250 hours PT.
Credit: Crew 8
Cause
The cause has been determined to be suspicious in nature but Fire Officials are saying short that is arson-related. This is an on-going investigation and no exact preliminary determinations have been released by the LA Fire Department as of yet.
LAFD released a Saturday presser stating there is a main fire which is the original Friday night fire and a small spot fire. However, there was a notable three burn areas mentioned.
Other verified sources are showing LASD Air Rescue 5 inserting the Special Enforcement Bureau personnel into the Topanga area in search of an arson suspect setting fires. This was posted by them around 2040 hours last night.
Law Enforcement Official say that they are aware of those passing a photo of a “possible arson suspect” around on Social Media. Some are cautioning this could put people in danger. This is an ongoing investigation by Fire/Police Officials.
Location
Incident address is in the 1800 block of Michael Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA.
Credit: Crew 8
FIRE STATUS
Fire Behavior
Fire behavior is moderate with flare-ups. Crews continue to try to suppress the head of the fire in areas where it is still challenge to difficult steep and rugged terrain as well as locations inaccessible to the fire. Heavy equipment including dozers are working to build/improve containment lines wherever it is possible.
Brush in this area has not burned for the last 50-plus years and onshore winds are due to increase this afternoon.
Fire could be pushed in the northwestern direction and resources, including the structure protection group is ready for any rapid changes.
RESPONSE
Fire Agencies are in an Unified Command system including: LAFD and LA County Fire Departments.
INCIDENT COOPERATORS
CAL FIRE
CAL FIRE is working as a mutual resource partner, assisting LA City and County Fire Departments with personnel.
LA City FD
3 helicopters.
LA County FD
LA County FD has two copters 14, 15, 22. ICP (Incident Command Post) and PIOs at the Will Rogers State Beach.
Private Company
Helitender.
Ventura County FD
660 Gal. of water on the #PalisadesFire from VC Cpt. 2. Each drop requires coordination between the @VENTURASHERIFF Pilot, @VCFD Fire Manager identifying targets, and the crew chief communicating and managing the bucket behavior. pic.twitter.com/pctEmPhe08
SMFD is a member of the Strike Team XLA 1075A with one engine along with the Beverly Hills FD and Culver City FD. They are part of the structure protection group.
Beverly Hills Fire Department
City of Beverly Hills is a member of the Strike Team XLA 1075A with two engines in conjunction with the Santa Monica FD and Culver FD. Structure protection group.
Culver City Fire Department
Culver City FD is a member of the Strike Team XLA 1075A also with two engines along with SMFD, BHFD and are part of the structure protection group.
Red Cross Los Angeles (@RedCrossLA)
Providing regular updates on available assistance. Virtual assistance for those evacuated can call 323-374-3525.
Los Angeles Animal Care
Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation is also offering assistance to those with livestock/horses. They are listed on Facebook.
City of Calabasas
Caltrans District 7
CLOSED: NB and SB Topanga Canyon Blvd; between PCH (SR1) and Mulholland Drive until further notice.
CLOSED: SB PCH right lane between Temescal Canyon Road and Chataqua Blvd.
A wildfire started Friday night in the Pacific Palisades area, which was contained to less than 50 acres, would have a flare-up on Saturday morning creating a small spot fire. This fire is also named the PALISADES FIRE.
Size/Containment
The fire has grown from last night’s 750 acres with a 0% containment status to 835 acres this morning with the same containment number. [UPDATE] Fire has almost doubled in size from the LAFD’s last update at 0730 to 1,325 acres, 0% containment at 1250 hours PT.
Cause
The cause has been determined to be suspicious in nature but Fire Officials are saying short that is arson-related. This is an on-going investigation and no exact preliminary determinations have been released by the LA Fire Department as of yet.
Credit: SEB LASD
LAFD released a Saturday presser stating there is a main fire which is the original Friday night fire and a small spot fire. However, there was a notable three burn areas mentioned.
Other verified sources are showing LASD Air Rescue 5 inserting the Special Enforcement Bureau personnel into the Topanga area in search of an arson suspect setting fires. This was posted by them around 2040 hours last night.
Law Enforcement Official say that they are aware of those passing a photo of a “possible arson suspect” around on Social Media. Some are cautioning this could put people in danger. This is an ongoing investigation by Fire/Police Officials.
Location
Incident address is in the 1800 block of Michael Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA.
Emergency Alerts
Evacuations for animals and residents are in effect. See below under EVACUATIONS for further details.
FIRE BEHAVIOR
Credit: SEB LASD
Fire behavior is moderate with flare-ups. Crews continue to try to suppress the head of the fire in areas where it is still challenge to difficult steep and rugged terrain as well as locations inaccessible to the fire. Heavy equipment including dozers are working to build/improve containment lines wherever it is possible.
Brush in this area has not burned for the last 50-plus years and onshore winds are due to increase this afternoon.
Fire could be pushed in the northwestern direction and resources, including the structure protection group is ready for any rapid changes.
COMMAND
Fire Agencies are in an Unified Command system including: LAFD and LA County Fire Departments.
INCIDENT COOPERATORS
Fire Resources
CAL FIRE
CAL FIRE is working as a mutual resource partner, assisting LA City and County Fire Departments with personnel.
LA City FD
LA City FD has copters 1 and 2 working the fire along with two County FD copters.
LA County FD
LA County FD has two copters 14 and 15 working the fire along with two other copters.
Ventura County FD
CA States Parks
MRCA FD
MRCA Parks
LA County Government
LASD HQ
Malibu Public Safety
Santa Monica Fire
SMFD is a member of the Strike Team XLA 1075A with one engine along with the Beverly Hills FD and Culver City FD. They are part of the structure protection group.
Beverly Hills Fire Department
City of Beverly Hills is a member of the Strike Team XLA 1075A with two engines in conjunction with the Santa Monica FD and Culver FD. Structure protection group.
Culver City Fire Department
Culver City FD is a member of the Strike Team XLA 1075A also with two engines along with SMFD, BHFD and are part of the structure protection group.
Red Cross Los Angeles (@RedCrossLA)
Providing regular updates on available assistance. Virtual assistance for those evacuated can call 323-374-3525.
Los Angeles Animal Care
Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation is also offering assistance to those with livestock/horses. They are listed on Facebook.
Credit: Edison/AlertWildfire Cam
EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT
Impacted
Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are expected to impact a minimum of 1,000 people.
Threats
No threats to nearby cities Calabasas or Los Angeles.
Evacuation Alerts – Visit the @LACoFDPIO, @LAFD and/or @LHSLASD on Twitter.
Topanga Zones 4 and 6 are mandatory evacuations.
Roadways will become one-way streets. Evacuating to the south.
Animal Evacuation Centers
LARGE ANIMALS – Pierce College Equestrian Center. 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills.
SMALL ANIMALS – Agoura animal Care Center. 29525 Agoura Hills Road, Agoura.
Evacuations – Zones 4 and 6, Topanga
Cheney Ranch Road
Rochemont Drove
Penny Road
Callon Drive
Sylvania Lane
Paradise Lane
Cheney Drive
Busch Trail
Prier Road
Hillside Drive
Fontaine Road
Winfield Road
Bonilla Drive
Robinson Road
Entrada Road
Waveview Drive
Amy Way
Colina Drive
Greenbluff Drive
Encina Road
Know your Zone. Evacuation Order (mandatory) in effect for Zones 4 & 6. Fire direction could POSSIBLY move more towards Topanga later today if winds shift as forecasted. Be prepared as the situation continues to be dynamic.
– Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness (TCEP)
A wildfire that started last night night in the Pacific Palisades area, which was contained to less than 50 acres, would have a flare-up this morning. The fire has now scorched 750 acres and is still growing at an alarming rate. Containment status is currently at 0%.
The LAFD presser stated that today’s fire is a flare-up from last night’s fire within the same perimeter as it “slopped” (or burned over its containment lines) over into another area. With hot temps rising, rugged and steep terrain and inaccessibility, it has had a great big opportunity to increase in size and intensity.
Credit: Crew 8
Incident address is in the 1800 block of Michael Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA.
Evacuations for animals and residents are in effect.
There are no threats to nearby City of Calabasas.
FIRE BEHAVIOR
Firefighters have been faced with hot temps, dry fire fuels, inaccessibility and steep/rugged land conditions.
New reports that the fire forward progression is beginning to slow down and staying within roadway systems being used as fire breaks.
COMMAND
Fire Agencies are in an Unified Command system including: CAL FIRE, LAFD and LA County Fire Departments.
FIRE RESPONSE
Incident Cooperators include: CAL FIRE, LA City FD, LA County FD, Ventura County FD (Water supply resources), CA States Parkes, MRCA FD, MRCA Parks, LA County Government, LASD HQ, Malibu Public Safety and Culver City FD.
Credit: CAL FIRE
EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT [GO NOW!]
Topanga Zones 4 and 6 are mandatory evacuations. Roadways will become one-way streets. Evacuating to the south.
Large Animal Evacuation
Pierce College
Zone 4 Topanga (1846 PT)
Everyone east of Topanga Canyon
Between the Community House and View Ridge
[LAFD]
Credit: LA Co FD
Zone 6 Topanga (1846 PT)
North of Entrada
South of Oakwood
East of Henry
Credit: LAFD
PACIFIC PALISADES FIRE HISTORY
5/15/2021 | Flare-up from the 5/14/2021. 750+ acres. 0% containment. Some SM users claim this was a known arsonist who started the fire. The LASD says cause is underdetermined. They are looking for an arson suspect but have not released info that this fire was caused by arson. We have reached out to the LAFD PIO for comment. We are awaiting a response but had not received one at the time of this post and no updates of such cause has been released by Fire or Police Officials.
5/14/2021 | Wildfire contained to 33 acres. Not completely out.
4/13/2017 | House fire. Fire guts home and injures five. Arson investigators arrived on-scene..
A wildfire that started last night night in the Pacific Palisades area, which was contained to less than 50 acres, would have a flare-up this morning. The fire has now scorched 200 acres and is still growing at an alarming rate. There is a zero percent containment status.
Incident address is in the 1800 block of Michael Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA.
CONDITIONS
Firefighters have been faced with hot temps, dry fire fuels, inaccessibility and steep/rugged land conditions.
COMMAND
Fire Agencies are in an Unified Command system including: CAL FIRE, LAFD and LA County Fire Departments.
FIRE RESPONSE
Incident Cooperators include: CAL FIRE, LA City FD, LA County FD, Ventura County FD (Water supply resources) and LHSLASD.
Resources: 115 LA Co FD firefighters on ground and air.
Call or Text 911 … when there is an emergency to report.
Call 311 … when there is a non-emergency.
Here is a timeline of the incident:
TIMELINE OF THIS INCIDENT
Day 1 | May 14, 2021 | Friday
2202 PT | Incident. 1800 block of N Michael Lane. Pacific Palisades. Fire crews working to access the remote area where a brush fire has been spotted and reported. The RH reported as high with almost no winds. 60 LAFD firefighters responded in addition to a brush response.
2243 PT | Known arson suspect/transient in area trying to set more fires. LASO
2257 PT | Fire at 10 acres. Holding to its current size. [LAFD Fire Ops] #PalisadesFire #Pacificpalisades #Topanga
2259 PT | Fire progressing slowly. PIO en route to incident. Units still on-scene: FS 23; Batt 9; West Bureau; Council District 11; BC17 BC9 CM42 E105 E19 E23 E237 E263 E269 E273 E290 E293 E305 E5 E63 E69 E73 E84 E88 E93 EM17 H1 H2 H5 HA1 HA2 HA5 PI2 RA23 T105 T37 T63 T69 T73 T90 T93; CH7; 12.
2323 PT | Fire at 2-3 acres with 2 separate starts. [Parks Support organization]
In just a matter of a few hours, the #PalisadesFire has blown up, despite relatively mild fire weather conditions. Fuels are more than ready to burn across much of California, even in the absence of elevated/critical fire weather conditions. #CAwx#CAfirepic.twitter.com/zps7brVBam
0046 PT | “Reports of smoke smell around Agoura Hills today. Smoke is from a fire in the Pacific Palisades at approximately 2200 hours last night.” – [City of Agoura Hills]
0104 PT | 72 firefighters assigned to incident from City and County FD hand crews. 10 acres in heavy brush and steep terrain. No winds are blowing and conditions are wet/cool. No structures threatened. Crews on stand-by for structure protection deployment. Fire forward progression is not moving. Arson FIU unit is on-scene.
0630 PT | Fire held to 15 acres. No structures threatened and no evacuations in place. No injuries to citizens or firefighters reported. Overnight operations included fire suppression by air with water drops until 0500 hours this morning. Units will recycle later this morning.
0940 PT | Fire is at 15 acres. No structure threats or evacuations due to great work by firefighters overnight. Active incident. Forward progression not stopped yet. [Fire media]
1449 PT | Fire being driven by S-Southwest winds, 15-25 mph. Humidity is 50% or higher. Fire fuels are very dry. [NWS Los Angeles]
1613 PT | fire burning up to the above Trippet Ranch and slopping over. Has potential to burn all way to Mulholland
1620 PT | Social media reports: Smoke is horrible in Woodland Hills. Ash falling.
1626 PT | Mutual Aid dispatched: 115 LACoFD firefighters in the air via LACoFireAirOps with bambi buckets dropping water and ground resources. Lead Agencies: LAFD, CAL FIRE. [LACoFD]
1742 PT | 200 acres. 0% containment. Air resources facing challenges due to low visibility due to the smoky conditions, column laying low and incoming marine layer. [Scanner Feed]
Residents in the area of Piney Point (Manatee County), Florida were under a mandatory evacuation order for those living around the Piney Point Phosphogypsum Stack and waste water overflow facility breach. Officials believed the leaking gypsum stack could pose a safety danger to those in the area, as well as a mere collapse. It was expected to collapse at any moment. (0819 hours PT).
EVACUATION ORDER | Manatee County Public Safety
Originally, the evacuation order was for those who were a half-mile west and one mile southwest to the Moccasin Wallow Road but was extended it for those around the breached reservoir. This is impacting approximately 316 households in the evacuation area.
STATE OF EMERGENCY | Gov. Ron DeSantis
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered a State of Emergency due to the possibility of mixed saltwater from the south reservoir at the Piney Point facility. He will be traveling to the area on Sunday meet with Florida Department of Environmental Administration and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
STATE RESPONSE | Governor, Emergency Management
Emergency Management responded to the area with mobilized pumps, pump trucks, vac trucks and over 100,000 bottles of water. The EOC was activated and is still currently in an operational period of time.
Residents can find the following resources as listed by various governmental pages:
EVACUATION ORDERS | Manatee County Public Safety
Residents call call 3-1-1 with questions about the evacuation zone related. Call 9-1-1 only for life and safety emergencies only.
TRAFFIC CLOSURES | MCG Public Works
Closure of US-41 – from Buckeye Rd to Moccasin Wallow Rd.
Location | The AUGUST COMPLEX is comprised of several fires in this very large Complex. Fires are burning about 14 miles northwest of Elk Creek in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Tehama, Glenn, Lake and Coulsa Counties in California. Fire fuels include timber, chaparral and tall grass.
Date/Time | These fires started on August 16, 2020 around 2037 hours PT.
Command | Mendocino National Forest, CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit, and CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit.
Resources | There are 2,574 total personnel along with
Cause | Lightning.
Injury | One firefighter injury 8/31/2020. One firefighter death 8/31/2020.
PC: Mendocino NF
CURRENT STATUS
The fire is broken up into four zones: West, North, Northwest and South. East side of the fire remains unstaffed but is continuously being monitored.
UPDATE | The fire now has three active zones. The West Zone is 100% contained with 140,522 acres.
Overall Size Up | 1,032,264 acres. 82% contained.
Northwest Zone | IC Kuo with the Great Basin Team 1. 119,346 acres. 94% contained.
Fire behavior increased due to Red Flag conditions caused by high winds, low RH and unseasonably high temps. Interior pockets burned in the Bradburn Creek area. Containment lines were test in the Coffee Pot area.
PG&E continues to repair electrical infrastructure using helicopters to replace damaged power poles and stretch lines to restore power to impacted communities.
PC: Mendocino NF
Northeast Zone | IC DeMasters with Great Basin Team 2. 272,089 acres. 70%.
Firefighters focused on Friday connecting the fire line west of Bear Wallow Mtn and on the east and south sides of the 2017 Buck Fire burn scar. Night shift crews continues to address hot spots along the fire perimeter.
South Zone | IC Sinclair with SW Team 1. 548,295 acres. 90% contained.
Red Flag conditions for the last 2 days. No increase in acreage. Hotshot crews and equipment continue to hold and strengthen previously built lines in the Eel River Canyon area.
PC: Inciweb
The suppression repair includes wok repairs of hand and dozer lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones and drop points used for suppression efforts.
The last 2 teams assigned from Lane and Marion Counties were demobed earlier than expected. They were returning back to their home state after a 2-week deployment. All 6 teams were scheduled to return back in the evening on 10/16/2020.
4 of the 6 teams from Linn, Yamhill, Clatsop and Washington Counties demobilized after their 14-day shift deployment and have started their drive back to their home state on 10/16/2020.
6 teams deployed to California as a coordinated response in several locations about two hours apart from one another and safely on 10/10/2020.
This Yamhill County Task Force came off the fireline for a day of fire before demobilizing. They helped with mop up activities and improving direct line.
PC: BLM Fire and Aviation
BLM MTDK Veterans Crews out of Billings, helped train some of the Dept. of Defense 7th ID soldiers who were assigned to this incident.
PC: Denver FD (CO)’s Engine 301
Engine 301 was switched out on 10/16/2020 and they are heading home from a busy and tiring 14-day shift rotation.
This replacement wildland crew began its journey to California from Colorado on 10/14/2020.
PC: Flower Mound FD (TX)
6 Personnel and a brush truck have returned safely on 10/15/2020 from their 35-days of deployment.
PC: Director Mark S Ghilarducci / CAL OES
We remained busy today responding & deploying significant “immediate need”. Mutual Aid Fire Strike Teams deploying from around the State to Northern CA Fires.
PC: US Forest Service
There are currently 4,800 USDA FS firefighters and support personnel currently across the United States. These firefighters are on the August Complex fire incident.
Thank you to our military partners, at work on the #AugustComplex on the @MendocinoNF. From training to the fire line, it’s hard to believe it’s only been 10 days!
Wind gusts continue to move the North Zone further west, prompting evacuation orders. The fire has grown to 938,044 acres with a 43% containment. 1,612 firefighters and support personnel are assigned. (9/29/2020)
PC: USFWS Fire SE
This USFWS helicopter is from Florida and normally works in the southern states. Due to the extreme conditions in the western states the helicopter and crew are currently working the #AugustComplex on the Mendocino National Forest in Northern California.
SOURCES
CAL FIRE, Inciweb, Fire Departments, Emergency Management, National Forests, Social Media.
(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/17/2020 2020 PT
Location | The AUGUST COMPLEX is comprised of several fires in this very large Complex. Fires are burning about 14 miles northwest of Elk Creek in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity, Tehama, Glenn, Lake and Coulsa Counties in California.
Fire fuels include timber, chaparral and tall grass.
Date/Time | These fires started on August 16, 2020 around 2037 hours PT.
Cause | Lightning.
CURRENT STATUS
Overall Size Up | Active fire behavior with single-tree torching, backing and flanking. There has been 884,139 acres and 65% containment status. N
Staffing | There are about 2,326 total personnel assigned with 50 crews, 150 engines and 24 helicopters.
Damage Assessment | There has been 871 structures lost with $92,200,200.00 cost-to-date fire suppression and containment expenses.
(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/9/2020 – Updated 1130 PT
Initial Date/Start | The ZOGG FIRE started almost one week ago on Sunday, September 27th around 1500 hours PT.
Location | It is located off of Zogg Mine Road and Jenny Bird Lane, north of Igo in Shasta County in California.
Cause | Cause is still unknown at this time and is under investigation.
Photo Credit | Whiskeytown National Rec Area
CURRENT STATUS
Fire Behavior | Fire behavior is minimal with creeping and smoldering. It is said to be still threatening homes and evacuations are still in effect.
Staffing | There are 1,767 total personnel with 39 crews, 14 helos, 196 engines, 24 dozers and 55 water tenders. the NW IMET Operations Medford is en route to this fire and will be arriving shortly. Lead agency is the CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit.
Size Up | There has been 56,305 acres burned with a 68% containment status. About 91 structures are still being threatened.
Damage Assessment | 26 structures damaged. 196 structures destroyed. 1 injury. 4 deaths. Total costs-to-date are $15,600,000.00.
Repopulation | Evacuation orders were lifted for Shasta County roads along Plantina Road between Placer and Bland Roads. On Deck Way, Junkans Road, Birdie Lane, Newscott Lane, Nelson Road, Church Street, Cemetery Road and Shoup Road. *Residents will be allowed in the first 24 hours* https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/9/27/zogg-fire/
Duncan Creek Road, Bully Choop Road and Old Bully Choop Road.
Platina Road east of Bland Road to Placer Rd. Access to Platina Road will be via Highway 36.
All roads off South Fork Rd west of Placer Rd.
Evacuation Centers
Temporary Evacuation Point: Please contact 1-530-276-8034 for virtual assistance.
Large animal evacuate center: Cottonwood Rodeo Grounds 3917 Main Street, Cottonwood, CA 96022
Small animal evacuation center: Haven Humane Society 7449 Eastside Rd, Anderson, CA 96007 (small animals are goats or sheep and smaller.)
Road Closures
East bound Platina Rd @ Bland Rd
The intersection of West bound Platina @ Placer Rd @ Clear creek @ Gas Point
South Forak Rd @ Placer Rd
INCIDENT COOPERATORS
Fire – Infrastructure Resources |Shasta County Sheriff, Tehama County SO, PG&E, CAL TRANS, CHP, Sierra Pacific, Mountain Gate Fire Department, Shasta County Fire Department, Shasta County Public Works, City of Redding Fire Department, Anderson Fire Department, Cottonwood Fire Protection District, Weaverville Fire Protection District, National Guard, California Conservation Corps, California Department of Corrections, BLM, California State Parks, Cal OES, National Parks, USFS.
Human Services | Red Cross, World Central Kitchen.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Hazards | While Shasta County Deputies were patrolling within the fire zone, a tree fell onto their vehicle. They escaped injury, but their patrol unit wasn’t so lucky. It was deemed a total.
This is why Law Enforcement Officials are asking people to stay out of closed areas. (Occurred 9/30/2020)
Photo Credit | Shasta County SO
COMING HOME AFTER A WILDFIRE…
Coming home after a wildfire can be difficult. The damage is often unknown until the homeowner returns days or weeks later. Before returning home ALWAYS check with officials before attempting to return to your home.
•Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps, and vegetation.
•Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks or embers.
•Check the attic and throughout your house for any hidden burning sparks or embers.
•Check for fire damage to your home, turn off all appliances and make sure the meter is not damaged before turning on the main circuit breaker.
•Check the well or pump-house to ensure it is in working order.
•Contact 911 if any danger is perceived.
•Consult local experts on the best way to restore and plant your land with fire-safe landscaping.
Power Outages | Food can spoil in less than 2 hours without refrigeration.
Discard the following:
• Food requiring refrigeration
• All frozen foods – foods that have thawed and may have refroze after power was restored are unsafe
• Any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, fire retardant and foam or other chemicals
• Food with unusual odor, color, or texture
• Cans or food containers that are bulging, open, or dented
• Food not in waterproof containers or cans
• Food canned at home
• Food in cardboard containers (including juice, milk, and baby formula)
• Food in containers with screw caps, snap lids, crimped caps, twist caps, flip tops, and snap-tops
When in doubt, throw it out!
(CAL FIRE, Shasta County)
MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS – RESOURCES
Wildfires can be devastating to those who have been evacuated, have had their home/business/structures damaged or destroyed to the those who have been impacted directly or indirectly by these emotional stressers.
Your mental health is important to us and we are giving resources should you need them. If you choose to use them, please know that this is NOT a weakness but something that is so important to help you through these terrible times in life.
Disaster Distress Helpline | 1-800-985-5990. TEXT: “TalkWithUs” to 66746. DisasterDisaster.samhsa.gov 24/7 crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress. samhsa.gov
HOW TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS
Salvation Army | They are accepting monetary donations including gift cards.
Current needs: Underwear, t-shirts, socks, diapers, hygiene items and cleaning supplies. Drop off address: 2691 Larkspur lane, Redding, CA. Monday-Friday between 0900-1200 and 1300-1600 hours (9-12, 1-4pm). Call #530-222-2201. *Must be new and unopened items*
Red Cross | Will only accept monetary donations for the Northern California wildfires. redcross.org/donate to make your donation.
Sources | CAL FIRE, NIFC, Inciweb, Red Cross, Social Media
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