Red Cross

Bellevue Firefighters Respond to Structure Fire

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Firefighters from the Bellevue (WA) Fire Department were dispatched to a building fire in a multi-family structure on Saturday, February 22, 2020, around 0725 hours this morning.  The incident was located in the 14000 block of Bel-Red Road.

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The first due engine (E106) reported units on floors one and two were fully engulfed and all fire operations were going defensive.  E107 and other unknown units were on-scene.

Upon a search of the structure, one fire victim was located and CPR was in progress with Medics and EMTs successfully reviving the male victim and he was transported to a nearby hospital.

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Fire was knocked down quickly and no other victims were found during their primary and secondary searches.

Red Cross was called in for two displaced families.

The cause of the fire has not been released as of this released.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – 2/22/2020 1500 hours PST

 

Ventura County, California | House Fire | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

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

Burien Fire Scorches Home, Displaces Several

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

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 Report | Saddleridge Fire | CA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

We have picked up some wildifre incidents in the State of California. Here is a recap of the Saddleridge Fire for Monday, October 14, 2019.

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

  • Started 10/10/2019 @ 2139 PDT
  • Located on Saddle Ridge Rd in Sylmar (Los Angeles), California
  • Originated at the 210 Fwy at the Yarnell exit
  • Unified Command – CAL FIRE with LA Co & City FDs and the USFS
  • Cause unknown & under investigation
  • Investigators have determined the origin of the fire but an unknown cause
  • Steep terrain

RESOURCES – INCIDENT COOPERATORS

  • Los Angeles City FD
  • Los Angeles County FD
  • USFS
  • CHP
  • LA County Public Health
  • LA City Dept of Animal Regulation
  • American Red Cross
  • LA Public Works
  • SoCal Edison
  • Salvation Army
  • LA Emergency Management Department
  • LA Dept of Rec & Parks
  • LA Dept of Water and Power
  • LA Mayor Eric Garcetti

Credit | USFS – ANF’s FFs first on-scene of the brush fire-turned brush fire -turned firestorm.

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CURRENT FIRE STATUS

  • 8,391 acres destroyed
  • 44% contained
  • 1,000 firefighters assigned
  • Evacuations lifted – Repopulation efforts in process
  • Evacuation centers have been closed
  • Minimal fire behavior

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

  • Fire Investigators have located an area of origin by LAFD Arson Investigators as a 50′ x 70′ beneath a high voltage transmission line.
  • Over 100,000 reisdents were forced from their homes during the evacuation period, for a total of approximately 23,000 homes.
  • Fire jumped in multiple places over the 210 freeway causing an imminent life threat.
  • Fire reportedly jumps the 5 freeway.
  • Freeways 5 and 118 were both shutdown at the same time.
  • Santa Ana winds had gusts as high as 60 miles-per-hour at times in canyons and over passes.

Credit | Caltrans District 7 taken on October 11 at the I-5/SR 14 interchange

Fire in the hills near a closed freeway interchange where there are no cars and some traffic cones in lanes

HEROES IN ACTION

  • LA Co SO Deputy Yesenia Holwager and LASD Colleges Security Officer Brando Press assisted a stranded driver whose vehicle broke down with horses in tow to safety along with her animals to a shelter.  Deputy Holwager is also credited to saving hundreds of horses right before helping the stranded driver.

Credit | Media

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  • World Central Kitchen’s Chefs For California served dinner to shelters housing hundreds of evacuees.
  • The Salvation Army for feeding evacuees.
  • The Red Cross for shelters and assisting evacuees.

Credit | World Central Kitchen

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  • LAPD Mounted Police Unit who were called out to help evacuating large animals. They were able to save 30 horses through coordinated teamwork and tireless efforts.

Credit | LAPDCValenzuela (Twitter)

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Credit | LA County FD

CASUALTIES

  • 3 firefighters with minor injuries, one with an eye injury
  • 1 death from cardiac arrest – at hospital

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

  • 23 structures destroyed
  • 17 structures damaged

Credit | Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office

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We send our sincere sympathy to the family of the wildfire victim that died of an apparent cardiac arrest at the hospital.  We wish the injured firefighters a speedy recovery andto those who have been greatly impacted by this firestorm and we send our love and thoughts your way  We are deeply sorry for what you have all endured. – Ed.

(Sources: LAFD, LAcoFD, LASD, Social Media, Inciweb and NIFC).

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/14/2019 @ 2115 PDT

The Wildfire Log | 243 Fire | WA | 4

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

ROYAL CITY, WASHINGTON

UPDATE 4 – 6/7/2019 FRIDAY – @2300 PDT

Incident Summary

The 243 Command Fire started on Monday night on June 3, 2019, near Hwy 243 and Wanapum Dam.

Photo Credit | GCSO

A more pinpointed area lists the fire about 20 miles away the Gorge in Washington State.

Those travelling to the Gorge this weekend were reassured by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office that the fire was far enough away from them on their way to this venue.  Many were worried but would later rest reassured by GCSO.

Photo Credit | GCSO

Fire behavior was reported as wind-driven and with a high rate of spread and spotting.  It quickly ran easterly through the Lower Crab Creek Canyon were it was being within its northern and southern ridges.

Resources

There are still 280 total personnel currently assigned to this incident. (earlier in the day).  More will be released as they put out this fire completely.

Photo Credit | Chief Deputy Gregg/GCSO

Current Status

Fire Managers reported on Friday, June 7th around 2100 hours tonight, there was a hot spot the size of 30 (ft) x 30 ft flared up.  There was a little spark among Fire Managers but they were able to deploy engines and fire crews whom were already on-scene to extinguish it.

Most personnel were said to be released from the incident as containment increases and therefore Incident Command (SE WA IMT) would be disbanded but with this new information with the hot spot – the number of personnel on-scene is unknown.

A total of 20,380 acres have been destroyed. Firefighters have reached a 65% containment status.

The cause is still undetermined and under investigation.

Due to the out-of-control wildfire during the last few days, the Level evacuation orders (1, 2, 3) were all lifted as of last night.  A Red Cross evacuation shelter was opened at the Royal Itermediate School was opened but would later be closed due to a low amount of evacuees using the facility.

Damage Assessments

There were three outbuildings damaged according to Fire Officials’ damage assessment report, along with one of three railway trestles as being destroyed.

 

#243Fire #WAwildfires2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog

The Wildfire Log | 243 Fire | WA | 3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

ROYAL CITY, WASHINGTON

UPDATE 3 – 6/6/2019 THURSDAY @ 2100 hours PDT

Incident Summary

A grass fire – turned – wildfire started on June 3, 2019 from an unknown ignition source near Hwy 243 and Wanapum Dam.  Fierce winds pushed the fire easterly through the Lower Crab Creek Canyon where it was contained between two canyons in the north and south.

Nearby residents were speculating a motor vehicle accident ignited the blaze but we have not received any type of official word yet.  We believe that the investigation of the cause is still on-going by Fire Officials.

Courtesy: @SE_WA_IMT

Current Status

Earlier this morning around 0925 hours, There was 18,774 acres scorched with a 50% containment status. Four aircraft were attached to this incident, along with 350 total personnel.

As of 1630 hours PDT, the Incident Management Team (aka SE WA IMT) released a presser:

Due to more accurate mapping by an airplane, it has been determined that 20,500 acres had been destroyed. Containment of 65% has been successfully reached and some State mobe resources have been released.

All roads have been opened and all evacuation order levels have been removed as of 1800 hours this evening.

Mop-up operations are currently in effect.

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Firefighters working a very long shift. | Credit: GCFD13

Incident Cooperators

Those that help support those on an active major incident are called Incident Cooperators, with some of them called up as Mutual Aid partners.  Here are some of the agencies and organizations that supported the 243 Fire.

  • WA State EMD
  • Grant County Sheriff’s Office
  • Ecology-Central Region
  • Grant PUD
  • WA DNR – sent 2 helicopters, 2 small planes (aka fire bosses), 20 firefighters and 2 strike teams of engines.  They are mutual aid for Bureau of Land Management or BLM.
  • Grant County Fire District 10
  • Grant County Fire District 13
  • Moses Lake Firefighters
  • Lake Stevens FD
  • Arlington FD
  • WA State Patrol
  • American Red Cross

Fire Command was handled by the SE WA IMT and Command Post was established in Royal City.  Some of their challenges were communications issues, technology difficulties, weather conditions, terrain and even those pesky mosquitoes.

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Brush Truck 46 (Arlington FD) was dispatched/deployed to respond to the 243 Fire with Capt Hillis and FF/DO Chamberlin and FF Brown | Credit: IAFF Local 3728

Damage Assessments

There is an unknown number of damaged and destroyed structures at the time of this post.

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The Sheriff’s Office stated fire passed 15 SW and Beverly Burke Rd. | Credit: GCSOGreat job to all of the firefighters, IMT personnel, support staffing, non-profit organizations, Sheriff’s Office, State Troopers and others that cooperated on this incident making it a success. We appreciate every single one of you all for your tireless efforts, dedication and persistence in winning over this wildfire. – ed.

#243Fire #WAwildfires2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 6/5/2019 @ 1940 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | 243 Fire | WA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

ROYAL CITY, WASHINGTON

UPDATE 2 – 6/5/2019 – WEDNESDAY

Incident Summary

A raging wildfire that started on Monday, June 3, 2019, near Hwy 243 and Wanapum Dam.  It would quickly spread and put Wanapum Village and the town of Beverly of being threatened, prompting various evacuation orders (Levels 1,2,3) by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

The brush fire would turn into a firestorm burning anything in its pathway, including an unknown number of outbuildings that some have described possibly as shops or industrial type businesses.

Fire Fact | This wildfire is the first one ever, where the Grant County Sheriff PIO has sent out emergency messages in Spanish.

It would quickly be wind-driven and move easterly up through the Lower Crab Creek Canyon area and towards Red Rock Road.  Crews were able to stop the forward progression and contain it to the Canyon area.

The area has been mapped more closer to being west of Royal City than Beverly in Washington.

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GCFD13 and GCFD10 responding to the call and this is what they observed | Credit: GCFD13

Fire Resources

There are about 266 total personnel assigned to this fire.

Current ICs are Tony Gilmer and Bob Gear.

Image may contain: cloud, sky, outdoor and nature

Posted 6/4/2019 @ 1150 hours PDT | Credit: Grant County Sheriff Office

Containment Status

Fire has reached a 25% containment status.

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Firefighters worked into the night and morning in an attempt to save structures | Credit: GCFD13

Donations

If you wish to DONATE, please donate cash directly to organizations, such as the American Red Cross or other known and verified groups that are helping the evacuees directly. This will best serve your Donation and you are saving so many lives and assisting with those who may have just lost everything!

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Firefighters working a very long shift. | Credit: GCFD13

Incident Cooperators

The SE Washington (State) IMT is currently the Fire Manager of this wildfire.  They are being supported by the following Incident Cooperators:

  • WA State EMD
  • Grant County Sheriff’s Office
  • Ecology-Central Region
  • Grant PUD
  • WA DNR – sent 2 helicopters, 2 small planes (aka fire bosses), 20 firefighters and 2 strike teams of engines.  They are mutual aid for Bureau of Land Management or BLM.
  • Grant County Fire District 10
  • Grant County Fire District 13
  • Moses Lake Firefighters
  • Lake Stevens FD
  • Arlington FD
  • WA State Patrol

Fire Activities

Aviation resources were said to be dipping out of the upper pool (north) of the Wanapum Dam.

It was reported that conditions included high temps, dry fire fuels, steep terrain and high winds.

The fire was reported this morning around 1000 hours PDT, that the fire was heading east and being monitored by Fire Managers due to the thousands of people heading to and from the Gorge amphitheater. It was stated that it will not impact drivers heading to/from that venue.

Weather forecasts by several meterologists are predicting cool clouds and showers but winds will be gusty and there is a slim chance for lightning later this week.

Image may contain: car, tree and outdoor

Brush Truck 46 (Arlington FD) was dispatched/deployed to respond to the 243 Fire with Capt Hillis and FF/DO Chamberlin and FF Brown | Credit: IAFF Local 3728

Threatened

There have been many resources threatened as the wildfire swept through many commercial and residential areas that included:

Agriculture

  • Farms and agricultural lands

Protected Species

  • Migrating Monarch Butterflies
  • Ground Squirrels

Infrastructure

  • High voltage power line poles
  • Train trestles
  • Others as well

Evacuations

Evacuations are still in progress.  You can check for an updated list by visiting the Grant County Sheriff Office on Twitter @GrantCoSheriff for evacuation orders and shelter information. 

The Red Cross closed it shelter because they only had three evacuees show up over the last few days.  It has been reported that residents are sheltering-in-place as the fire has traveled past them in fire impacted areas.

Damage Assessments

All damaged and/or destroyed structures are unknown at the time of this posting.

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The Sheriff’s Office stated fire passed 15 SW and Beverly Burke Rd. | Credit: GCSO

Closures

Two closures to make a mental note of and avoid this area are at Beverly Burke Road between SR 26 and SR 243 and Lower Crab Creek Road from SR 243 to SR 26.

Donations

Firefighters are mobilized by the State and they are equipped with an abundant cache of drinking water, food and clothing, etc.  The best way to DONATE to these men and women is to show them your appreciation for their efforts.

OR, if you really want to donate on their behalf – the American Red Cross will be happy to accept your donation for those they are helping during this incident or any other wildfire impacted evacuee.

Donations of free drinks, sugary treats and other items may impact a firefighter’s normal healthy routine and could harm their safety. Some ICs have complained that an over abundance of items such as clothing, donuts, cookies, drinks, etc have heeded their Fire Operations. They have to assign others on their team to move and go through the mounds of donations. They are grateful but overwhelmed while trying to run a Fire operation and get the fire out quickly.

Please…. DONATE to a verified organization like the American Red Cross or one of our favorites, Wildland Fallen Firefighter Foundation (WFFF).  And, please do your research – all non-profit organizations or those claiming to be collecting on behalf of fire victims are legal or created equally.

The Command Center does not and will get overwhelmed by all the donations the public donate through the outpouring of support that reign upon their incident. There have been many images showing vast amounts of clothing, stockpiled snacks and fluids that they either have to donate out or may go unused.

This WILL impact the Command as they will have to take unplanned fire resources to manage the donations and this is something that can be so overwhelming while they are working to put the fire out.

This is a disservice to them and the residents that have been impacted by the wildfire.

Social Media

Eyewitness Accounts

Here are some of the footage and photos being posted online.  NOTE: We are not on-scene and do not lie claim to any of the images that are being posted here.  Some of the statements here are also paraphrased unless it is a direct presser being released.

East head of the Fire | Credit:  SE_WA_IMT as of 1937 hours PDT on 6/4/2019

“Some residents are talking about a possible vehicle rollover as the possible cause of the fire but there is no official word yet released by Officials.” – News Media | 1830 hours PDT

 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 6/5/2019 @ 1940 hours PDT

Washington Wildfire | Ryegrass Coulee Fire | 5

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

VANTAGE, Wash. – UPDATE 5 – 1340 hours PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY –> Date / Time Started

A wildfire named the RYEGRASS COULEE FIRE for its location in Ryegrass Coulee in Vantage, Washington started last night on Monday, July 9, 2018 with first resources dispatched at 2302 hours.

EVACUATIONS –> Town of Vantage

Level 3 evacuations have dropped to Level 2 and Police are allowing residents to return to their homes but are warning them to be alert and aware, in case conditions change and have to leave again.

INCIDENT –> Traffic Alerts

As of noon on Tuesday, July 10th, I-90 at Vantage and the Vantage Highway is are now open in both directions in Vantage. State Patrol has cleared the fire and the incident is now under the direction of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

WSDOT states there are no restrictions to roadways.

CLOSURES –> State Park areas

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park – until further notice. Washington State Parks is assessing damage to the area.

Wanapum Recreation campground/area is also a secondary site that is being assessed for damage. It too, is closed until further notice.

EVACUATIONS –> Red Cross Shelter

Evacuation Shelter is located at the George Community Hall in George, Washington.  We are unsure if this Shelter is still open or has been closed due to the reduction in the evacuation levels.

(c) 2018 NW Fire Blog

 

 

 

Washington Wildfire | Ryegrass Coulee Fire | 4

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

VANTAGE, Wash. – UPDATE 4 – 1040 hours PDT

Photo Credit | WSP PIO Trooper Brian Moore

INCIDENT SUMMARY –> Date / Time Started

A wildfire named the RYEGRASS COULEE FIRE for its location in Ryegrass Coulee in Vantage, Washington started last night on Monday, July 9, 2018 with first resources dispatched at 2302 hours.

INCIDENT –> Current Fire Status 

Current size is 1,000 acres of grass and brush burning.  Fire is still at a 0% containment status.

One small structure has been reportedly lost.

The fire has burned a 4.5 mile stretch north and south of I-90, and is 0% contained. On I-90, more than 400 guard rail posts have burned due to the fire.

Fire mobe resources have been pouring into the area.  A Type 3 IMT will be assuming command of the incident today.

All Vantage residents have been evacuated safely.  We have reached out to DNR to see if those at the nearby campground site have also been evacuated.  We are waiting to hear back from them.

Evacuation Shelter is located at the George Community Hall in George, Washington.

This is why I-90 at Ryegrass on I-90 is still closed.  There is still no ETA as to when it will be reopened.  There are detours around this.  Law Enforcement and FIRE officials are asking drivers to AVOID THIS AREA.

Photo Credit | Kittitas County Sheriff Office

Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, including US97 over Blewett Pass through Wenatchee and US12 over White Pass.

Photo Credit | WA DNR

They are asking folks to stay away due to safety and visibility concerns.

(c) 2018 NW Fire Blog

 

 

 

Washington Wildfire | Ryegrass Coulee Fire |3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

VANTAGE, Wash. -UPDATE 3 – 0600 hours PDT

INCIDENT SUMMARY –> Date / Time Started

A wildfire named the RYEGRASS COULEE FIRE for its location in Ryegrass Coulee in Vantage, Washington started last night on Monday, July 9, 2018 with first resources dispatched at 2302 hours.

INCIDENT –> Current Fire Status

Fire is currently at 300+ acres in grass and brush.  There is a 0% containment status at the moment.

Photo Credit | Grant County Sheriff Office

Grant County Sheriff’s Office just released this photo as viewed from the SR243, south of the Vantage Bridge near Wanapum Dam.    Blowing embers are crossing over the Columbia River and Grant County Firefighters are in structure protection mode.   So far, no fires have been reported.

(c) 2018 NW Fire Blog