Day 11 | The Best of the NW Fire Blog in Fire Images | 365 Photo Challenge

January 11, 2020January 11, 2020 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER | BOISE, IDAHO

We took a long road trip in September of 2019, stopping and photographing some points-of-interests along the way.

Fire Fact | 159 USFS wildland firefighters and DOI fire personnel have been deployed to assist with the Australian bushfires intermittently throughout December 2019 and January 2020.

Though we were on the outside looking in, it was pretty hectic as firefighters responded to the Center ready for deployment and coordination of resources.

Fire Fact | There is a current resource request from Australia for additional U.S. fire mutual aid, which is being coordinated through the NIFC.

It was great to see this is a large organization with multiple facets of fire-related activities at this Center, covering very large areas of real estate.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER (NIFC)

The National Interagency Fire Center located at the Boise Airport in Idaho and is compromised of 55 acres. It has areas for firefighting equipment, aircraft ramp operations, aircraft retardant tanker operations and administrative functions supporting the mission of wildland fire and other emergencies.

Their main focus is wildland firefighting but they also support other emergency responses, such as flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, riots and terrorist attacks.

Located at the NIFC are the Great Basin Cache and Returns Warehouse, National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC), Radio cache, Remoted automated weather stations, Smokejumpers and tours.

They have a great website that provides a lot of fire situation reports, national news and other fire-related information, which can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/

Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 0800 – 1630 hours MST. There are tours that you can take that usually are available by reservation only. This is generally during the week and are available by calling for a reservation. The one-to-two hour tour is usually available outside of fire peak season which is during the months of June through September.

Ventura County, California | House Fire | 1

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

Incident Summary

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

Photo Images Credit | VCFD PIO

Resources

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

Human Services: American Red Cross.

Traffic Control: CHP – Ventura Division.

Operations

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

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

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

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

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

Evacuations

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

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 2

November 2, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 | SATURDAY | NOV 2 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two structures have been destroyed.

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

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

November 2, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 | SATURDAY | NOV 2 2019

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

Fire fuels consist of brush and tall grass.

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

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

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

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

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

Damage is estimated at $450,000 to date.

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

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

The Wildfire Log | 46 Fire | CA | 2

November 2, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 – NOVEMBER 2, 2019 – 2215 PDT

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

It was reported at 0039 hours in early Wednesday morning.

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

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

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

Six homes were destroyed.

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

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

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

Photo Credit | Riverside County Parks

Hashtags include: #CAWildfires #FireSeason #46Fire

The Wildfire Log | 46 Fire | CA | 1

October 31, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – OCTOBER 31, 2019 – 2200 PDT

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

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

Photo Credit | Red Cross

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

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

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

Photo Credit | Riverside County Parks

Hashtags include: #CAWildfires #FireSeason #46Fire

The Wildfire Log | Maria Fire | CA | 1

October 31, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – OCTOBER 31, 2019 – 2150 PDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) November 1, 2019

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

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

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

Credit } Culver City FD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HASHTAGS | #CAWildfires #FireSeason2019 #MariaFire

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

October 31, 2019 / 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.

The Wildfire Log | Bichota Fire | CA | 1

October 27, 2019October 27, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

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

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

It is currently at one acre and an open incident.

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019

The Wildfire Log | Homestead Fire | Arizona | 1

October 27, 2019October 27, 2019 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

A wildfire broke out on Sunday, October 27, 2019, in an unknown area called the HOMESTEAD FIRE.

Fire personnel and resources were dispatched today at 1316 hours MST through the Show Low Interagency Dispatch Center.

The fire has scorched 300 acres.

We are working to gain more details on this wildfire.

#AZwildfires #FireSeason2019

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