Injuries

CA WILDFIRE | GOLD FIRE | LASSEN COUNTY | UPDATE 4

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

GOLD FIRE

UPDATE 4 – WEDNESDAY

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Two separate wildfires, one in the north and the second in the south were called in by 2 CAL Trans employees on Monday, July 20, 2020.  The fires sparked by unknown ignitions would eventually merge into a single firestorm.   The cause is being investigated.

Located approximately 4-5 miles south of Adin on Hwy 139 in Lassen County, California.  It The fire has not crossed over Modoc County.

RESOURCES 

Incident Cooperators

  • Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
  • CA DOT
  • Modoc County Sheriff’s Office
  • CHP
  • Lassen Co Public Health
  • Shasta Co Public Health
  • Surprise Valley Electric
  • CA Conservation Corps
  • CA DOC
  • Lassen Co OES
  • NWS
  • BLM
  • Sierra Pacific Industries

Command

CAL FIRE and Modoc National Forest are in Unified Command.

Personnel, Equipment

  • 949 Personnel
  • 105 engines
  • 27 dozers
  • 18 water tenders
  • 21 crews
  • 10 helicopters
  • 159 other misc resources

CURRENT STATUS 

  • 14,500 acres
  • 15% contained
  • 25 structures threatened
  • Evacuations/road closures in effect
  • $2.2 Million CTD

Photo Credit | @alertwildfire

Image

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT

The following evacation orders are currently in effect.

ZONE A

  • All residents along Hwy 139 from Susanville Rd (A-2) south to Termo Grasshopper Road.

ZONE B

  • Areas south of Ash Valley Rd
  • West of Spooner Rd
  • East of Hw 139
  • North of Termo Grasshopper Road

ZONE C

  • Areas west of Hwy 139, south of Haydenhill Road.
  • South of Haydenhill Rd
  • East of Anderson Ranch Rd/Dixie Valley Rd
  • North of Long Flat Rd

ZONE D

  • Ash Valley Rd at US 395 west to Spooner Rd
  • South on Spooner Rd to Hwy 139
  • East on Hwy 319 to Termo Grasshopper Rd to US 395

ZONE E

  • Areas west of Hwy from Terom Grasshopper Rd
  • South Gleghorn Rd
  • East of Slate Creek Rd

Photo Credit | Crockett Carquinez FD

Image

EVACUATION SHELTER

  • Lassen Community College – 478200 CA-139, Susanville, CA 96130

INJURIES

2 Firefighters.

SOCIAL MEDIA

@nwfireblog – Twitter & Facebook — NW Fire Blog – Instagram

HASHTAGS

#CAwildfires #GoldFire #FireSeason2020

 

7/22/2020 1455 PT | 4 |  (c) 2020 NW Fire Blog | 1240 PT

CA WILDFIRE | GOLD FIRE | LASSEN COUNTY | UPDATE 4

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

GOLD FIRE

Update 4 – July 22, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Two separate wildfires, one in the north and the second in the south were called in by 2 CAL Trans employees on Monday, July 20, 2020.  The fires sparked by unknown ignitions would eventually merge into a single firestorm.   The cause is being investigated.

Photo Credit | Modoc County Sheriff’s Office

Located approximately 4-5 miles south of Adin on Hwy 139 in Lassen County, California.  It The fire has not crossed over Modoc County.

RESOURCES 

Incident Cooperators

 Modoc and Lassen County Sheriff’s Offices, CHP, CAL OES, BLM, USFS, CAL Trans, Lassen and Shasta County Public Health Departments, CA Conservation Corps, CA DOC, Lassen OES and NWS.

Command

CAL FIRE and Modoc National Forest are in Unified Command.

Personnel, Equipment

There are 736 total personnel along with 117 engines, 20 water tenders, 10 helicopters, 0 air tankers, 8 hand crews, 19 dozers and 50 overhead personnel.

CURRENT STATUS 

  • 14,000 Acres, 5% containment reached
  • 25 structures threatened
  • Evacuation orders stil in effect
  • Traffic impacted on Hwy 139
  • Firefighters working relentlessly to contain fire

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 

  • 50 civilians evacuated
  • $750,000 CTD
  • 2 firefighters are home, on road to recovery

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT

The following evacation orders are currently in effect.

  • Butte Creek Area
  • Hwy 139 from Susanville Rd (A-2) to Termo Grasshopper Road
  • South of Ash Valley Road
  • West of Spooner Road, East of Hwy 139
  • North of Terma Grasshopper Road
  • West of Hwy 139
  • South of Hayden Road
  • East of Anderson Ranch Road
  • Dixie Valley and Long Flat Roads

SHELTER

  • Lassen Community College – 478200 CA-139, Susanville, CA 96130

ROAD CLOSURES

  • Hwy 139 at Susanville Road (A-2)
  • Hwy 139 at Terma Grasshoper Road
  • Hwy 139 at Butte Creek Road
  • Hwy 139 open with escort vehicles

INJURIES

2 Firefighters.

Update

Small town Adin welcomes home its Fire Chief (Paul Lemke) and fellow Firefighter (Craig)  in style after they suffered injuries on this fire when they were forced to deploy their fire shelters due to a burnover.

They are home now and on the road to recovery.

Photo Credit | Modoc County Sheriff’s Office

We are thinking of them, their family members, fellow firefighters and communities they serve. May they both recover quickly. Prayers to all.

SOCIAL MEDIA

@nwfireblog – Twitter & Facebook — NW Fire Blog – Instagram

HASHTAGS

#CAwildfires #GoldFire #FireSeason2020

 

7/22/2020 1455 PT | 4 |  (c) 2020 NW Fire Blog

CA WILDFIRE | GOLD FIRE | UPDATE 3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

GOLD FIRE

Update 3

INCIDENT SUMMARY |  What would have started as two separate wildfires in the north and south areas on Hwy 139, would in the end merge into one single fire storm. Fires had been discovered by two observant CAL Trans employees on Monday, July 20, 2020.

It is located approximately 4-5 miles south of Adin, California on the Lassen County side.  The County Sheriff has confirmed it has not crossed over into Modoc County as of this evening’s post.

It is also burning north of nearby HOG FIRE, another large firestorm topping in at 9,000 acres with a 5% containment status.  It’s cause is also unknown.

CAUSE | Cause is unknown and under investigation.

RESOURCES 

30 engines. 2 water tenders, 7 helicopters, 0 air tankers, 7 hand crews, 4 dozers and 223 total personnel are assigned to this incident.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS | CAL FIRE, CEDR Digital Corps, Lassen County Sheriff Office, NWS Reno, USFS – Modoc, Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE PIO, Butte Co AQMD, CHP, CAL OES, BLM.

Command | CAL FIRE and Modoc National Forest are in Unified Command.

Personnel | Multiple strike teams are en route at the time of this post.

Strike Team 2003 Charlie | Presidio FD, Oakland FD, Alco FD, Moraga Orinda FD, XAL  dispatched.

Strike Team 2140 Charlie | San Rafael FD, Marinwood FD E65.

CURRENT STATUS |   Listing the current situation.

  • 8,500 acres. 5% contained (1937)
  • Charlie Strike Teams en route to the fire line
  • 16 structures under direct threat; 0 structures have been destroyed or damaged
  • Expected containment is on 8/4/2020

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS | Significant events having occurred throughout this morning, day and evening.

  • Fire observed at 9 miles long (0300)
  • 4,500 acres. 0% contained. (0718)
  • RED FLAG WARNINGS in effect around the fire
  • Line of T-storms aproaching area, will impact within 1 hour. Dangerous outflow winds will likely occur. Fire behavior may become unpredictable and dangerous (1620)
  • More evacuations in effect (throughout day)
  • Air operations (including AA) shutdown and left the fire area due to impending thunderstorms; AA reports heavy fire activity as they are all leaving (1834)
  • CAL FIRE LMU managing 2 large wildfires: GOLD and HOG FIRES
  • While firefighters and support personnel fight these wildfires, the CA Public Health reported a total-to-date of 391,538 COVID cases as of July 20, 2020.

=== MANDATORY EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT ===

The following evacation orders are currently in effect.

  • Butte Creek Area
  • Hwy 139 from Susanville Rd (A-2) to Termo Grasshopper Road
  • South of Ash Valley Road
  • West of Spooner Road, East of Hwy 139
  • North of Terma Grasshopper Road
  • West of Hwy 139
  • South of Hayden Road
  • East of Anderson Ranch Road
  • Dixie Valley and Long Flat Roads

== SHELTERS ==

  • Adin Community Center, 605 CA-299, Adin, CA 96006.
  • Lassen Community College Dorms.
  • Pets are case-by-case

ROAD CLOSURES | Road Closures are listed below.

  • Hwy 139 at Susanville Road (A-2)
  • Hwy 139 at Terma Grasshoper Road
  • Hwy 139 at Butte Creek Road

INJURIES | 2 Firefighters were injured on Sunday when they were forced to deploy their emergency shelters as a burnover occurred.  Both were transported urgently off the fire line and to a nearby LZ.  They were said to have an unknown degree of burns.  (7/20/2020 1624-1635).  We are thinking of them, their family members, fellow firefighters and communities they serve. May they both recover quickly. Prayers to all.

AIR EQUALITY | Good air equality reported in the Bay area so far but not so great in the State overall, due to larger burning wildfires such as the HOG, GOLD and MINERAL FIRES.

PHOTO(S) CREDIT | USFS – Modoc NF

SOCIAL MEDIA | @nwfireblog – Twitter & Facebook — NW Fire Blog – Instagram

HASHTAGS | #CAwildfires #GoldFire #FireSeason2020

UPDATED 7/21/2020 2100 PT |  (c) 2020 NW Fire Blog

Recalls Start Off With A Bang | March 1, 2018

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

United States and Canada | It was a busy first day of the month for the Consumer Product Safety Commission or commonly known as CPSC.  Today, there were three recalls issued.

PACKAGED TERMINAL A/C, HEAT PUMPS (GOODMAN COMPANY)

Goodman Company Recalls Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

These products are being recalled due to burn and fire hazards.  About 534,000 U.S. products along with about 3,400 in Canada are affected.  Customers should contact the company at 888-803-0512 or got to their website at https://www.amana-ptac.com to request a free repair kit and installation by an authorized technician.  The company states they are contacting Commercial owners directly and being provided with free repair kits.

There have been nine reports of these units catching fire, including one report of smoke inhalation that required medical attention.

TABLE2TABLE 6-IN-1 HIGHCHAIRS (GRACO)

Highchair Front

Graco Table2Table 6-in-1 Highchairs sold exclusively at Walmart are being recalled due to the rear legs that can pivot out of position  and pose a fall hazard to the child in the highchair after it becomes unstable.

There have been 38 reports of the rear leg pivoting out of position injuring five children who suffered bumps and bruises after  their highchair fell over when they were in it.

The company states to have consumers to stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer directly for a free repair kit.

There are approximately 36,000 U.S. products along with 3,200 sold in Canada.  Consumers can reach Graco at 800-345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.gracobaby.com and click on Support, then Product Recalls for more information.

GEM 65 8-IN-1 MULTICOOKERS (FOSHAN LINSHINE TECHNOLOGY CO – CHINA)

Gem 65 8-in-1 multicooker

About 104,000 GEM 65 8-in-1 multicookers are being recalled  due to being a fire hazard.  These are sold exclusively at Walmart.  The importer is Double Insight Inc. of Canada.  The manufacturer is Foshan Linshine Technology Co., Guangdong, China.

You can reach Double Insight toll-free at 888-891-1473 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday or online at www.instantpot.com and click on “Product Recall” or visit www.gemmulticooker.com for more information.

The recall states that there is a manufacturer defects which can cause the product to overheat and melt on the underside and posing a fire hazard.   There is no remedy except for a replacement.  Stop using and unplug immediately.  Return to Walmart for a free replacement.

There have been 107 reports of overheating which five cases resulted in minor property damage.  No injuries were reported.

Do you have an unsafe product and don’t know how to report it?

If you know of or have an unsafe product, go to http://www.SaferProducts.gov to the Report an Unsafe Product tab and answer all of the questions on the page.   Businesses, you can also report as well.  If you wish to find out more about Current and Former Recalls and Reports , there is a third tab on this same website.

(Source:  CPSC.gov)

(c) 2018 NW Fire Blog

Firefighters Still on 10-Alarm Cambridge Fire Overnight | Update 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 1 AM EST / 10 PM PST

MASSIVE FIRE PROMPTS LARGE-SCALE RESPONSE

Fire Summary

A massive fire ripped through a City block of structures that included a former church on Berkshire and Vandine Streets in Cambridge, MA, an area that is home to almost 110,000 residents.

Fire Intensity Creates 10-Alarms

Firefighters were called around 2:52 PM EST (or 11:52 AM PST Seattle time) to a structure fire.  A second alarm was requested at 2:57 PM EST then at 2:58 PM EST struck a 3rd alarm. Then a 4th alarm was requested at 3:03 PM EST. 5th Alarm was called immediately for more manpower and resources at 3:05 PM EST.

We picked up Scanner Feed when the alarm had already reached 10.  We have never seen such a high alarm number but when you are dealing with multiples numbers of people in grave danger, a densely populated area, an inferno of flames and several cars and structures involved, you need to draw from every resource available possible.  All in all, there were about 140 Firefighters working at the peak of the fire from 17 Fire communities.

Casualties

There were 2 Police Officer, 1 Firefighter and 1 Civilian injuries reported.  There were no fatalities. 120 people were rescued.

Damage Assessment

8 buildings were severely damaged including a former church.

Cause

The cause is unknown at this time.

Continued Operations Thru Night

Firefighters are still on-scene and will be working throughout the night.  (Photo Credit: CFD)

cambridge-fire-12-3-2016-cfd

FIRE VICTIMS RESOURCES

Red Cross Shelter

War Memorial Center, 1640 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA.

Fire Relief Fund

The City of Cambridge Mayor, E. Denise Simmons set-up a GoFundMe account to raise $200,000  for victims and those impacted by today’s massive fire.  So far the fund has raised $50,000 by 847 donors in just five (5) hours.  They still need your help.

You can still help by going to the (Cambridge MA)  Mayor’s Relief Fund on Go Fund Me at https://www.gofundme.com/cambridge-mayors-fire-relief-fund and donate to help those impacted by this fire.

LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Here is what those in the Fire Service, Media, Social Media users and others in general are saying via Social Media sources.

First Due Engine Company

Cambridge Fire’s Engine 5 was first due at today’s 10-alarm fire. (Photo Credit: Cambridge Fire)

As Seen on the Fire Ground

“Rapidly extending fire in this highly congested neighborhood.”  – Cambridge Fire Department

Safety Check App

Facebook activated its Safety Check app for those involved or impacted by today’s fire.

Hashtags

#CambMA  #CambridgeFire  #MAFire

REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES IN ACTION

As this intense fire raced from house to house in a densely populated area, we were reminded by 6 Worcester firefighters who lost their lives today back in 1999 during firefighting efforts in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse.

NEVER FORGET.

About Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge, Massachusetts is home to two major colleges Harvard and MIT and a place where those come to work/live and play. As of 2014, there were approximately 109,694 people who live in this beautiful City located directly North of Boston and across from the Charles River.

As with any large City, they are a self-sufficient metropolitan area with Police, Fire, City Hall, Utilities and additional fun entertainment in the area.

Follow Us!

You can find us here on our Blog, Twitter (@nwfireblog) or on Facebook.  We’d love to have you join and follow us.

May you have a Safe day/evening wherever your journey make take you.

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

#BreakingNews | 10-Alarm Cambridge Fire | Update 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 1815 EST / 1515 PST

FIRE BURNING A WHOLE CITY BLOCK 

A massive fire is burning a multitude number of structures and vehicles on Berkshire and York Streets near Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA.

Here is the gist of what we know so far, after hearing information live on scanner feeds and gleaning from various sources.

Alarm Time Line (in EST time, 3 hrs ahead of Seattle time)

  • 1st Alarm – 2:53 PM
  • 2nd Alarm – 2:57 PM
  • 3rd Alarm – 2:58 PM
  • 4th Alarm – 3:03 PM
  • 5th Alarm – 3:05 PM

At the time we began picking up scanner feed, the fire had been well developing forcing the IC to ask for more resources and causing the alarm to be elevated to a 10-alarm fire.  You never hear a 10-alarm which tells those of us in the fire business , this is very intense fire.

In this case, there are approximately 8 buildings on fire with 3 towers, 3 ladders, multiple hose lines and master streams.  Fire Officials stated in addition there were significant fires in 2 buildings.  All Companies were working.

Looking Through The Eyes of Social Media

There are many accounts by users on Social Media so we are going to just stick with the facts but we are posting information from Fire Officials, news media (mainstream) and via the public.

Explosions heard:  Heard multiple explosions then saw wood debris in air. – Eyewitness account

Possible cause:  Possible cause.  New building under construction. No further info given. – Media

Evacuations:  Residents in fire area evacuated.

Injuries:  8 buildings.  No cause.  2 LEO & 1 Firefighter injuries. 2 civilians. – Fire Officials, Media

Damage Assessment (Preliminary):  1 building collapse. – Media; Partial roof collapse of Church – Fire scanner feed.

Follow Us!

You can find us here on our Blog, Twitter (@nwfireblog) or on Facebook.  We’d love to have you join and follow us.

May you have a Safe day/evening wherever your journey make take you.

About Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge, Massachusetts is home to two major colleges Harvard and MIT and a place where those come to work/live and play. As of 2014, there were approximately 109,694 people who live in this beautiful City located directly North of Boston and across from the Charles River.

As with any large City, they are a self-sufficient metropolitan area with Police, Fire, City Hall, Utilities and additional fun entertainment in the area.

 

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

Fires Reporting as Human-caused | Update 3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 7PM PST / 10PM CST

Officials Confirm Worst Fears

Gatlinburg Fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Credit: GSMNP)

Gatlinburg Fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Credit: GSMNP)

Fire Officials have confirmed the worst fears of this wildfire starting from the Chimney Tops 2 Fire located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that was reported at 5:20 PM CST on November 23rd.  The wildfire started in a remote area (Chimney Tops) where it would quickly spread due to severe drought and becoming a wind-driven event along with short-range spotting.

Currently, the wildfire has moved down the mountain into a mountainous town, Gatlinburg, Tennessee where it has consumed 15,653 acres of brush, hardwood slash and leaf litter.  The fire has also stolen much more just acres of lands but killed at least seven (7) people and destroyed 700 structures.  These are businesses and homes that have been taken by so many who are hurt, angry and dumbfounded how someone could actually start a fire on purpose.

There have also been reports of people missing from the Gatlinburg and Sevierville areas.  We will broadcast all missing person information with permission by the Family and/or Law Enforcement Officials.

The fire is now 10% contained.

Strike Team (Credit: Mt Juliet Fire)

Strike Team (Credit: Mt Juliet Fire)

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How YOU Can Help Evacuees

List of Organizations….Here is a compiled list put together by a local media outlet.  http://www.wbir.com/news/local/how-to-help-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge-fire-evacuees/357810685

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Missing Person:  Brad Phillips

Missing….We have information that has come to light about a missing man around the time the wildfires occurred.  He was reported as missing as of yesterday (11/28/2016) around 8:00 PM CST.  He spoke with family and them his own house was destroyed.  Brad Phillips’ daughter was asking for assistance on Twitter to help search Shelters as his family is out of the area.

We are doing a repost by the Amanda Phillips, the daughter of missing Brad Phillips from Gatlinburg/Sevierville, TN.  Please circulate his photo and let’s help this lady find her missing Dad.

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Looking Through The Eyes of Social Media

This is all about what the news, residents and those on the fire ground are saying about the wildfires, etc.

The Dollywood Foundation….states to pay $1,000/month for six (6) months to families who lost their homes. – Media

National Media Coverage….Twitter users took to Social Media again to say that the Gatlinburg wildfires and the loss of life/property affecting economic and disrupting lives is more important than covering political news.  Calls for CNN, Fox News, Associated Press and others to report nationally this disturbing wildfires.  Some networks felt this was not a big enough national newsworthy story. – Media

Gatlinburg is the Heart of Tourism….Thousands rely on its tourism industry to make a living; this fire is their worst nightmare. – Twitter user

Rain Falling….is helping wildfires but not firefighters due to the heavy smoke billowing in the area making firefighting efforts difficult and dangerous. – Twitter user

Scary….This is insane and scary as hell. – Twitter user

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Follow Us!

DYK?

We research our articles with some Posts taking hours to find correct and accurate information.  As some of you know from many Political posts, there is fake news out there with one of our Political winners tweeting about 170,000 acres have been destroyed.  Others stating the whole City of Gatlinburg has been destroyed, which is simply not the truth.

Follow Us and get your news feed fix from us and learn what information is the truth.  You can “Follow Us” here and, you can find us on Facebook and, Twitter (@nwfireblog).  We would love to have you onboard with us.

Thank you for reading our Blog.  We wish you nothing but Safety today. – Ed.

(c) The #NWFireBlog

Fires Reporting as Human-caused | Update 3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 6:30 AM PST / 9:30 AM  CST

Reports of Human-Caused Ignited Sparks Many Emotions

A large mainstream media outlet was sounding the alarms saying Fire Officials are reporting the nearly 15,000 acres has been consumed, taking along with 250 structures and killing three (3) people.

Though human-caused can have several meanings, we did not want to come right out and say this is Arson related but a trend in Tennessee lately has shown that most of the wildfires in this State have been just that – Arson.  We are hoping the cause has a different outcome but we are waiting and hopeful.

Wind gusts were reported as high as 87 mph which has been one of the most biggest factors in this fires with more than 10 wildfires firefighters have to fight head on.  Resources are quickly being drained though hundreds if not thousands of fire crews are fighting dangerous flames at any given single time making conditions just even that more difficult and frustrating to Officials.

The Red Cross, one of the largest Incident Cooperators has reported providing 10,000 meals and snacks to those who are in Shelters and 1,000 meals to Firefighters.

***

How YOU Can Help Evacuees

List of Organizations….Here is a compiled list put together by a local media outlet.  http://www.wbir.com/news/local/how-to-help-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge-fire-evacuees/357810685

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Please Help…..Find Missing Gatlinburg/Sevierville Man

Missing….We have information that has come to light about a missing man around the time the wildfires occurred.  He was reported as missing as of yesterday (11/28/2016) around 8:00 PM CST.  He spoke with family and them his own house was destroyed.  Brad Phillips’ daughter was asking for assistance on Twitter to help search Shelters as his family is out of the area.

We are doing a repost by the Amanda Phillips, the daughter of missing Brad Phillips from Gatlinburg/Sevierville, TN.  Please circulate his photo and let’s help this lady find her missing Dad.

DYK?

We research our articles with some Posts taking hours to find correct and accurate information.  As some of you know from many Political posts, there is fake news out there with one of our Political winners tweeting about 170,000 acres have been destroyed.  Others stating the whole City of Gatlinburg has been destroyed, which is simply not the truth.

Follow Us and get your news feed fix and learn what information is the truth.  You can “Follow Us” here and, you can find us on Facebook and, Twitter (@nwfireblog).  We would love to have you onboard with us.

Thank you for reading our Blog.  We wish you nothing but Safety today. – Ed.

(c) The #NWFireBlog

The Gatlinburg Fire are now Gatlinburg Fires | Update 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Updated 11:30 PM PST / 2:30 AM  CST

How This Fire IS so Dangerous for its People

Gatlinburg, Tennessee has had several wildfires touching their town but this has been one of the worst in history and in the County (Sevier).  As we had reported on other wildfires in Tennessee most of them have been Arson caused.

Though we do not know the official cause of this wildfire(s) at this moment, what we know is that fires have been reported as several starts from various causes such as an outside wildfire and embers carried into the area or those reporting fire running down the Chimney Top fire into the town.  As some of you may know, Fire investigators will not be able to gain access to the burned out areas until it has been contained, extinguished and cooled off.

Please pray for those that work/play/live in Tennessee and First Responders who leave their own families and friends behind to respond to these wildfires.  We also ask that you think and pray for those who are supporting those on the fire ground, in the EOC, Red Cross, Incident Cooperators and so many  others we are unable to include in this post. (See some of the listed below)

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Incident Cooperators

Emergency Management….

  • Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement…..

  • TN Dept. of Ag
  • TN Dept. of Forestry,
  • State Fire Marshal
  • Dept. of Corrections
  • MIlitary
  • TN Highway Patrol (THP)
  • TN National Guard
  • TN Fire Mutual Aid agencies
  • Chattanooga FD (Fire crew + BC)

Government Agencies…..

  • Commerce & Insurance
  • Environmental
  • Conservation
  • TN DOT
  • State Parks
  • TN Wildlife Reserve Agency
  • TN Dept. of Public Health and Human Services
  • Dept. of Tourist Development

Special Assignments

The following Agencies have been tasked with various responsibilities and duties, as part of this wildfire incident.

TN Dept. of Health…Consulting to send medical units from surrounding counties with assistance with medical transports.

TN Highway Patrol…..Deploying strike teams to assist with evacuations and traffic control.

National Guard…..Mobilizing 100  personnel from Eastern TN, providing transportation for 1st responders, removing light debris and assisting with welfare checks.

TN DOT…..Securing fuel resources & equipment, replenishing diesel fuel for Firefighter/1st responders’ vehicles.

TN Dept. of Tourist Development…..ID’ing lodging resources to assist those displaced persons.

TN Fire Mutual Aid Coordination…..Coordination of 50 – 60 fire apparatus from local Fire Departments.

TN State Governor…..Declared State of Emergency.  Went to visit with 1st Responders and see the destruction himself.

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Evacuations

Areas….The following have evacuated from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and other parts in Sevier County.

Shelters (People)….1200 ppl have evacuated and are Sheltering in Place at the following locations:

  •  Gatlinburg Community Center
  • Rocky Top Sports Rink
  • Le Corte Center @ Pigeon Forge
  • Liberty Baptist Church (Wears Valley)
  • Iglesia Cristina La Duz Da Jesus (Sevierville)
  • First Red Bank Baptist Church (Sevierville)
  • First Baptist of Sevierville
  • River Plantation RV Resort
  • Anchor Down RV Resort
  • Trinity Baptist Church

Shelter (Pets)….The following are those that are offering or assisting with Animals & Livestock Shelters

  • Douglas Lakeview Stables. Kristi @ 864-671-8439.  1650 Providence Road, Sevierville. Call first. Offering pasture for animals & livestock.
  • The Barker Lounge. Lory.  865-771-3738, Offering shelter facilities for overnight lodging of pets.

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Damage Assessments

It has been reported by numerous sources that the following has occurred.

Structures Impacted…..100 homes in Sevier County.  10 homes including 30 structures including a 16-story hotel on Regan Drive, the Driftwood Apartments and others near the Park Vista Hotel (as of 2 AM CST) in Gatlinburg.

Injuries

Burned….3 severely burned residents, current conditions are unknown (3rd hand report).  1 Official report (male evacuee), current condition unknown

Fatalities….. 0.

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Closures

Highway 441… has been closed out of Gatlinburg, except for emergency only traffic.  The exit of  Highway 441 outside the City will remain open to allow those to still leave if they wish to.

Schools…..Green, McMinn and Sevier County schools have been closed.  NOTE :  Cocke County was delayed two hours.

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Resources & Alerts for Evacuees

 

Stay off Cell Phones…. Please stay off cell phones unless it is an emergency.  Officials wish to have these lines cleared to allow for emergency traffic only.

 

City Closed… No one is being allowed back into the City. Those who are still in the City, need to evacuate immediately! Also the National Park has been closed as well.

Red Cross App…. Let your friends and loved ones know you are safe and well and/or those looking for loved ones can also use this app.  Go to the American Red Cross app @ https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

Facebook App….Let your friends and loved ones know you are safe and well by checking into Facebook’s activated Safety Check app here –> https://www.facebook.com/about/safetycheck/

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Looking Through The Eyes of Social Media

Here is an updated look through those posting about the wildfire and what they are seeing through their own eyes.

Suspected Arson?…..As you may wonder, some are starting to speculate it could be arson related. (No confirmation on our part yet of the cause.)

Mainstream Media…..Users on Twitter took out their frustrations of networks such as CNN and other networks covering the Political world while a complete city in TN was burning down. (Ed. Note:  We are showing actually many mainstream media outlets covering this large scale wildfire but not as in depth as our Posts).

Ripley’s Aquarium…..Officials were reportedly saying that the Aquarium are still intact and the facility’s power generated was activated keeping all animals all safe.

Downtown Gatlinburg’s areas…..Reports that most of damage has been done but most of DT’s areas are still intact.

Amateur Radio communications on Stand-by…..The TN ARES community is on Stand-by and ready to help whenever needed but for now, the local communities in Sevier, Jefferson and Knox Counties are handling all communications for Command, TEMA and for Red Cross (Red Cross org + 2 shelters as Liasion with Command).

Here is a snapshot of one ARES member posting in the Community on Facebook.  Local HAMS are assisting in local communities.  12 wildfires are not burning but blazing in Eastern TN.  Fires threatening resort communications.  High wind with gusts up to 70+ mph.  Tinder dry conditions.

Fire started on Chimney Top fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  550 acres.  0% contained. Embers carried to communications outside of Park starting new fires.  Down power lines starting more fires.

No fatalities have been reported but three have suffered burns.  Numerous businesses and homes have been destroyed.

Heroes In Action…..Earlier this morning, TN State Troopers walked around in Gatlinburg, TN as fire surrounded them to rescue multiple people trapped by flames.

Bear Rescued…..Footage of a small bear cub is seen running around a heavily smoky roadway where a man is being chased by the animal holding on for dear life, as he gravitates to the man’s leg.  So cute but so sad animals are being smoked out. KUDOS, to his rescuer!

Destruction….Over 100 structures said to be damaged/destroyed in Gatlinburg.  Heavy rain is happening now, however buildings are still burning.

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How YOU Can Help Evacuees

List of Organizations….Here is a compiled list put together by a local media outlet.  http://www.wbir.com/news/local/how-to-help-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge-fire-evacuees/357810685

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Please Help…..Find Missing Gatlinburg/Sevierville Man

Missing….We have information that has come to light about a missing man around the time the wildfires occurred.  He was reported as missing as of yesterday (11/28/2016).  He spoke with family which he stated that his own house was destroyed.

We are doing a repost by the Amanda Phillips, the daughter of missing Brad Phillips from Gatlinburg/Sevierville, TN.  Please circulate his photo and let’s help this lady find her missing Dad.

She states she needs assistance searching shelters as family is not in the area to assist and asking those on Social Media channels to help search shelters.

 

Thank you for reading our Post about these terrible fires in Tennessee.  Please join us in keeping all those in TN in our Thoughts and Prayers this evening. – Editor.

(c) The #NWFireBlog

Amtrak’s Train 89 Plows into Backhoe, Derails Killing 2 and Injures Many Passengers

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Chester, PA – Earlier this morning, Amtrak’s Palmetto Train 89 traveling from New York to Savannah, Georgia struck a backhoe sitting on the busy rails in Chester, South of Philadelphia.  Two people were reportedly killed and up to 30 injured.

INTERRUPTED SERVICE

Amtrak stated that all train traffic had been suspended on the Northeast Corridor then later released a statement stating, “We are providing limited service between Wilmington and Philadelphia.”

As of 1151 PDT,  New York City Emergency Management tweeted that all Amtrak Northwest Corridor traffic has resumed between NYC and Philadelphia but to expect some delays.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Amtrak Hotline.  Friends and Family can check the status of their Loved Ones by calling Amtrak’s Emergency Hotline phone number 1-800-523-9101.

Red Cross.  The Red Cross responded less than an hour into the scene, bringing with them their Spiritual Care Team to the Trainer United Methodist Church on W. 9th Street.  They also set up at 30 Station with snacks, water and additional members of their Spiritual Care Team to help traumatized passengers.

INVESTIGATION

Amtrak is currently working with the NTSB to thoroughly investigate this incident.  We are hoping for a good outcome as to how and why this occurred so it doesn’t happen again.

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog