Sheriff Office

WILLIAMS FORK FIRE | COLORADO | SIT REP 2

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WILLIAMS FORK FIRE

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Photo Credit | NWS Boulder

15 miles NW of Fraser, Colorado

UPDATE 2  | Sunday, August 16, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire is burning in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland, about 15 miles NW of Fraser in Grand County.

It is west of Winter Park and Denver in  the Fraser Valley and south of Hot Sulphur Springs.  This is located in the Ft. Collins zone, near Ute Pass in Colorado.

Fire started on Friday, August 14 around noon MDT (1043 PT)

Fire suppression and containment expenses have reached $1 Million and is rising each day.

CURRENT STATUS

The fire has burned 6,000 acres. There is a 0% containment status.  Cause is unknown and under investigation.

Fire behavior is extreme with rapid rate of spread.

–> Virtual Community Meeting:  August 16, 2020 1700 (5pm) Hours MDT. Go to the Grand County Sheriff’s Facebook @GrandCoSheriff in case you miss or missing it <—

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RESOURCES

There are 91 total personnel which includes 5 Type 1 air tankers, 1 VLAT, 1 Type 2 Crew, 1 Type 1 helo, 1 Type 3 helo, 4 Type 3 engines, 8 SEATs.

Incident Cooperators include:  USFS (Lead Agency), CDPHE Air Pollution, Colorado Emergency Management, Grand and Summer County Fire Agencies, Grand County Office of Emergency Management, Rocky Mountain Coordination Center, RMACC, NWS Boulder, NWS IMET Operations, GMUG National Forests, Summit Fire and EMS, Grand County Colorado, Mapping Support (Joseph Elfelt).

CLOSURES

Road closures are in effect for the following areas:

CR 3 is open with intermittent closures.  CR 30 remains closed along with 50, which is closed near Young Life.

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Photo Credit | USDA Fire Service

EVACUATION SHELTERS

An evacuation shelter is open at The Inn at Silvercreek Conference Center. 62927 US Hwy 40, Grandby, CO 80446.

For more details, contact the Sheriffs Office at 970-725-3852.

ALERTS

Evacuation order Update here –> Road closures and evacuation is located at this weblink here —>  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd781558.pdf (Grand County, Colorado)

There are 4 wildfires burning in the State:  CAMERON PEAK, WILLIAMS FORK, GRIZZLY CREEK and  PINE GULCH Fires.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction or commonly known as a TFR.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/16/2020 1625 PT, 1725 MDT

 

CAMERON PEAK FIRE | COLORADO | SIT REP 2

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CAMERON PEAK FIRE

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Photo Credit | South Metro Fire & Rescue

UPDATE 2- Sunday, August 16, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire is burning in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland near Cameron Pass and Chambers Lake; about 15 miles SW of Redfeather Lakes (Rocky Mountains) in  the State of Colorado.

Did You Know?

In 2019, there were 11,755 fires that burned a total of 174,624 acres.  This year by tomorrow will clearly and easily surpass last year’s fire stats. – RMACC (CO, WY, KS, NE, SD)

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Photo Credit | RMACC

The CAMERON PEAK FIRE  started on August 13, 2020 around 1348 hours MDT from an unknown cause. It is under investigation.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire behavior is extreme with short crown runs and long-range spotting. The fire has crossed over Total acres destroyed, 10,867 and there is still no containment status.

Fire crews will continue with extensive structure protection and indirect suppression activities. Forest Fire Officials say it is too dangerous for a direct attack.

It has now spread east of Hwy 14.

The biggest fire fuel in these Colorado National Forests are millions of beetle killed trees, dry and high temperatures making it perfect for a firestorm. No rain has fallen to help with fire suppression efforts.

RESOURCES

The South Metro Fire & Rescue (Station 33) will be sending another wildland team to this incident. This will be a 3rd unit from the metro Denver area to assist as a mutual aid resource.

One helicopter was dispatched from Bozeman, Montana as a mutual resource.

Incident Cooperators include the Rocky Mtn IMT, USFS and Larimer County Sheriff, South Metro F&R, NWS Boulder, NWS Grand Junction, Canyon Lakes Ranger District,

Air assets include Tanker 911, a McDonald Douglas DC10 and multiple helicopters (have been working since Day1)

Footage Credit | Arapaho and Roosevelt NF / Pawnee Natl Grassland

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

No structures have been reported as damaged or destroyed.

The expenses for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $564,000 and are climbing rapidly each day.

ALERTS

—> 2nd Community Meeting to be Held Sunday, August 16, 2020 1730 (5:30pm)

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There are 4 wildfires burning in the State:  CAMERON PEAK, WILLIAMS FORK, GRIZZLY CREEK and  PINE GULCH Fires.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction or commonly known as a TFR, meaning NO DRONES IN FIRE ZONES.

Image may contain: text that says '福 WE CAN'T! IF YOU FLY KEEP DRONES AWAY FROM WILDFIRES! UAS Intrusions SHUT DOWN Aerial Firefighting Operations! Cameron Peak Fire'

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Today’s been the worst air quality in northern Colorado for a while. – Local resident with Asthma

A large smoke column can be seen from Shadow Mountain Lake in Grand Lake. – Local resident

Another smoky morning in the Canyon. – Local resident

I cannot believe people are still out rafting in the Poudre Canyon right now! Lower PC is safe but who wants to be in all that smoke? – Local resident

[Fire] burning near Walden doubles in size. Prompts health warnings. – MSN.com, Coloradoan.com.

Finally getting some more air support on this fire with several LATs (Large air tankers) and one VLAT (Very large air tanker) in addition to the helicopters that have been working since Day 1. – Local Meterologist

Cannot even see the foothills 2 miles away from Fort Collins. Smoke has really increased today. – Digital Marketer

Like much of Rawah Wilderness/Roosevelt NF is made up of mostly beetle kill which leaves it vulnerable and full of unburned fire fuels.  Going to be very hard to contain. – Local resident/hiker

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/16/2020 1515 PT

 

LAKE FIRE | CA SIT REP | 4

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LAKE FIRE

Lake Hughes Community (Los Angeles County), California

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PC: LACoFD PIO

UPDATE 4 – Sunday, August 16, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The LAKE FIRE started on August 12, 2020 around 1538 PT and quickly erupted into a firestorm without any warning prompting mandatory evacuations as residents began to flee the extreme and high flames.  Some reported the flames burning horizontally which some of us who have been covering wildfire news have never seen/heard about.

It is currently burning 17 miles west of Lancaster on Lake Hughes Road and Prospect Road in southwest Lake Hughes.

Environment is steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain.

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PC: SoCal Air Ops

CURRENT STATUS

There has been 17,862 acres of timber, brush and chaparral destroyed. There is a 12% containment status.  Fire behavior is extreme with running, spotting and group torching.

Overnight operations reported very active fire overnight due to poor Rh and instability. Fire had spread due to gusty winds and spotting.  Temps were in the 70-80’s.

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PC: LACoFD PIO

Fire Weather expects to top out in the 90-100’s with very hot and dry conditions with light winds in the morning and gusty out of the southwest in the afternoon. Possible thunderstorms to occur with anticipated plume dominated fire behavior.

There are still 4,570 structures threatened, including communities and energy infrastructure.

PERSONNEL

The Incident is in Unified Command with Angeles National Forest (Lead Agency) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.  Fire management is currently being operated by the CA Team 5, a Type 1 IMT.

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PC: SCV Sheriff

Incident Cooperators include the LA CO SO – Palmdale  – Santa Clarita – Lancaster – Crescenta Valley – Altadena – Malibu, CHP, County of LA Public Works, County of LA Animal Care and Control, County of LA Parks and Rec, Red Cross and Southern CA Edison, CAL FIRE, SCV SO, Chino Valley FD, So CAL Air Ops, LA Co Fire Ops, LA Co Firefighters Local 1014, Ventura County FD, IMET Matt Mehle (Incident Meteorologist).

There are 1,311 personnel and equipment that includes 21 crews, 13 helicopters, 165 engines, 24 bulldozers and 23 water tenders.

EVACUATION ORDERS

Evacuations are still in effect for:

  • Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon
  • North of Dry Gulch Road
  • East of Ridge Route Road
  • West of Hughes Road and Fire Station 78
  • North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road
  • South of SR 138
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PC: LA Co Fire Ops

EVACUATION SHELTERS

Evacuation Centers currently open are the following:

  • Highland HS.  39055 25th Street, West Palmdale CA 93551

NOTE:  Evaucees with small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by the Red Cross.  You must remain inside your vehicle per the Los Angeles County Public Health Mandate.

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PC: Angeles NF

ANIMAL CARE

Animal Care locations are the following:

  • Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (LARGE ANIMALS ONLY). 1326 West Avenue , Palmdale, CA 93550

CLOSURES

  • Castaic Lake (both upper/lower) – Firefighters are using the lake and surrounding areas for their fire camp. Closed until further notice

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

  • 3 structures damaged
  • 21 outbuildings destroyed
  • 12 structures destroyed
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PC: Chino Valley FD

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Erickson Aero Tanker 101 is en route from Denver (Colorado) will be the first to conduct a crew change at Norton San Bernardino Tanker Base then on to the fire incident. – So Cal Air Ops (8/16/2020)

An angry looking wildfire was seen from the airport. – Twitter User (8/16/2020 1035PT)

As fire continues to grow, thinking of the families who’ve just lost their homes in the middle of a pandemic. It’s unthinkable. Deeply grateful to everyone working tirelessly to prevent further losses. Remember, to heed evacuation warnings from local Officials. – Kamala Harris, Democratic VP candidate (8/13/2020)

As night falls, the flames continue to rage on and the smoke turns the sky black. – ABC News (8/12/2020)

Winds picked up hardcore. Burning horizontally. Mass evacuations of firefighters pulling back. This is the most erratic I have ever seen in my LA career covering wildfires. – Fox LA/video (8/12/2020)

Not enough attention being given to this major wildfire. It’s only 4 hours old and 11,000 acres are gone. Could be a real ecological disaster for the Forest. It’s a hot, climate change helped, leave-nothing behind type inferno. – Climate Activist/video (8/12/2020)

I have never seen anything like this. The [fire] is moving fast towards Lake Hughes. It created a fire tornado on a hill and sucking everything inside. – ABC News/video (8/12/2020)

Unreal fire behavior. – Fire News Reporter/video (8/12/2020)

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/16/2020 1240 PT

 

SEAMAN RD FIRE CONTAINED | WALLA WALLA WA

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SEAMAN ROAD FIRE

Photo Courtesy Walla Walla Fire District 8

 SUMMARY

A field/brush fire was reported by the Table Rock Lookout Tower on Lewis Peak Drive on Saturday, August 15th around 1407 PT.  Both Walla Walla FD4 and WA DNR were immediately dispatched to the area of Biscuit Ridge or Seaman Road. (1407)

The fire is also known as the LEWIS PEAK FIRE.

ALARM TIMELINE

1st Alarm

1407 | Table Rock Lookout reports a field fire/brush fire.  Walla Walla FD4 and WA DNR are immediately dispatched to the area of Biscuit Ridge or Seaman Road.

1414 | The fire is reportedly moving into the canyon.  Columbia County Fire and DR Command in La Grande, Oregon are dispatched.

Lewis Peak Fire Photos Courtesy of Walla Walla Fire District 8

1418 | Air resources are en route.  Large flames are reported, along that has burned 4 acres.

1424 | First arriving units are requesting additional resources, as fire behavior is extreme with a high rate of spread, they need all the help they can get, including high volumes of water.

2nd and 3rd Alarms

1425 | At the same time, the fire command initiates a 2nd and 3rd alarm for this brush fire.

1426 | Task Force units include Districts 2, 4, 6 are dispatched.  Fire moves  into heavy brush.

4th Alarm

1440 | A 4th Alarm is initiated

1451 | DNR sends a Type 2 helo and 2 trucks.  Level 1 Evacuations for Hooper Road

5th Alarm

1509 | A 5th Alarm is initiated.  An urgent request for additional assets is relayed to Dispatch.

1531 | Level 1 evacuations issued for Lewis Peak Road from Mud Creek up and over to include Seaman Road.  These are voluntary evacuation orders.

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1537 | Reports of the fire moving again into the Canyon

1545 | WA DNR Helo has to be pulled off the fire and has to return to Pendleton for an unknown reason

1600 | 5 structures are threatened

1615 | A dozer and an experienced operator arrives on-scene and begins fire line operations in the Canyon.

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1640 | Fire appears to be contained.

1713 | Burnout operations begin.

1724 | Walla Walla County Emergency Management strongly encourages its residents to keep their situational awareness active and to sign up for emergency alerts at this site here –> https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724315#/signup

1725 | IC reports the fire is contained in 3 canyons. Fire tries to jump out and is spotting.

1849 | A Power outage in the Lewis Peak near Biscuit Ridge has been reported. A Columbia REA crew is responding.

1852 | A wildland strike team arrives on-scene as mutual aid.  The IC requests the closures of Seaman Road at Biscuit Ridge and Lewis Peak Road.

1943 | Fire is reported as fully contained. Forward progression has stopped, crews will be busy with extensive mop-up operations.  Personnel will remain on-scene for several days. We have reached out to the Walla Walla County Emergency Management for the total acreage and if they have a preliminary cause yet.

POWER OUTAGES

If you see a wire down, always treat it as if it were live. Do not report to 9-1-1 unless it is life threatening.

Report Power Outages to Columbia REA directly at 509-526-4041.

PHOTO CREDIT

All photo(s) credit belong to Walla Walla County Emergency Management

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/15/2020 – 2005 PT

 

CAMERON PEAK FIRE | COLORADO SIT REP | 1

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CAMERON PEAK FIRE

Photo Credit | Cameron Peak Fire Facebook

UPDATE 1 – Saturday, August 15, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire is burning in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland, about 15 miles SW of Redfeather Lakes, Colorado.

The fire started on August 13, 2020 around 1348 hours MDT from an unknown cause. It is under investigation.

CURRENT STATUS

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–> Community Meeting (Virtual Meeting) August 15, 2020 1700 (5pm) MDT <–

Fire behavior is extreme with short crown runs and long-range spotting.  There has been 5,100 acres of timber litter that has been destroyed.  There is a 0% containment status.

Structures are threatened. Evacuations in effect. Road Closures in effect.

Fire crews will continue to identify and protect valued assets, as well as keeping the fire north of CO Hwy 16.

The weather forecast is expected to continue to deteriorate with hot temps, dry and breezy conditions, ripe for fire weather.

RESOURCES

The USFS is the lead agency with the RM Blue Team, a Type 2 IMT assumed command this morning at 0600 MDT.

About 108 total personnel are deployed on this incident along with 4 crews, 7 engines and 3 helicopters.

Incident Cooperators include the Rocky Mtn IMT, USFS and Larimer County Sheriff.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

None reported to structures or infrastructure.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters reported.

ALERTS

There are 4 wildfires burning in the State:  CAMERON PEAK, WILLIAMS FORK, GRIZZLY CREEK and  PINE GULCH Fires.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction or commonly known as a TFR.

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“Smoke in Larimer County is turning the sun orange. Some ash landed on me earlier.” – Eyewitness account

“Fire burns portions of popular Poudre Canyon campground.” –  Business leader

“The sky is telling me that Poudre Canyon will not be the place to go camping this weekend.” – Area resident

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/15/2020 – 1500 PT, 1600 MDT

 

WILLIAMS FORK FIRE | COLORADO SIT REP | 1

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WILLIAMS FORK FIRE

15 miles NW of Fraser, Colorado

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Photo Credit | USDA Fire Service

UPDATE 1 – Saturday, August 15, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A wildfire is burning in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland, about 15 miles NW of Fraser in Grand County.

It is west of Winter Park and Denver in  the Fraser Valley and south of Hot Sulphur Springs.  This is located in the Ft. Collins zone, near Ute Pass in Colorado.

Fire started on Friday, August 14 around noon MDT (1043 PT)

CURRENT STATUS

–> Virtual Community Meeting:  August 15, 2020 1700 (5pm) Hours. Go to the Grand County Sheriff’s Facebook @GrandCoSheriff <–

Fire behavior is extreme with crowning and flanking.  Structures and energy infrastructures are under direct threat.   There has been 1,300 acres of timber, litter and under story that has been destroyed.

There is a zero containment status.  The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Structures and the Henderson Mill and all of its infrastructure are under threat, along with multiple utilities in the area.

On Friday afternoon (Day 1), heavy air support and resources were on-scene supporting up to 50 firefighters from many different mutual aid agencies.

Overnight extreme fire burned and growing significantly.   It was moving east-northeast towards Church and reached the top of Kinney and Darling Creeks. At one point, it was held at CR 30 and south of Keyser Creek.  It is said to be burning in a remote area of the upper Williams Fork Valley, which has been impacted by an intensive beetle kill in the early 2000’s.

This afternoon, fire behavior is due to increase due to winds and temps rising.  Fire is moving in a northeast direction.

Fire weather is expected to continued with hot, dry and windy conditions throughout the weekend.

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Photo Credit | USDA Fire Service

RESOURCES

A Type 2 IMT is on order, which will take over from the current Type 3 IMT managing the fire.

There are 93 total personnel assigned along with 1 crew, 8 engines and 2 helicopters. IC is currently LeBlanc.  More resources have arrived today from the 50 firefighters from mutual fire agencies from Summit and Grand Counties.

Incident Cooperators include:  USFS (Lead Agency), CDPHE Air Pollution, Colorado Emergency Management, Grand and Summer County Fire Agencies, Grand County Office of Emergency Management, Rocky Mountain Coordination Center, RMACC, NWS Boulder, NWS IMET Operations, GMUG National Forests, Summit Fire and EMS, Grand County Colorado,

CLOSURES

Road closures are in effect for the following areas:

CR 3 is open with intermittent closures.  CR 30 remains closed along with 50, which is closed near Young Life.

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Photo Credit | FAA

EVACUATION ORDERS

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for:

CR 30 on the west to Church Park.  From the St. Louis Creek Road on the east to the Darling Creek drainage to the south.  Sugarloaf and South Fork Campgrounds are also included.

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Photo Credit | USDA Fire Service

EVACUATION SHELTERS

An evacuation shelter is planned for The Inn at Silvercreek Conference Center. 62927 US Hwy 40, Grandby, CO 80446. For more details, contact the Sheriffs Office at 970-725-3852.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

A $50,000 cost-to-date in fire suppression and containment expenses has been reached.

ALERTS

There are 4 wildfires burning in the State:  CAMERON PEAK, WILLIAMS FORK, GRIZZLY CREEK and  PINE GULCH Fires.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction or commonly known as a TFR.

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Photo Credit | GMUG National Forests

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“Another fire burning, I am afraid to say.” – News media

“This is the fourth active wildfire burning in the state.” – Twitter user

“Beetle kill, dry summers and humans are to blame.” – Twitter user

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Photo Credit | USFS

“This is crazy. People are still coming into Grand County while a major wildfire is burning a short distance away. Air quality is horrible. Outdoor activities are still ongoing.” Eyewitness account

“A smoke plume can be seen in Summit County, this is just outside of Idaho Springs.” – Eyewitness account

“Williams Fork Fire looks scary.” -News media

“Lots of flames. Good news, it is closer to the metro area so planes can get to it faster.” – News media

“Smoke can be seen from Soda Springs Ranch along Hwy 34.” – Eyewitness account

“A smoky haze is now over the Dillon Reservoir and Breckenridge.” – Eyewitness account

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/15/2020 1420 PT / 1520 MDT

 

LAKE FIRE | CA SIT REP | =3

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LAKE FIRE

Lake Hughes Community (Los Angeles County), California

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Camp 9 camera

UPDATE 3 – Saturday, August 15, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The fire started Wednesday around 1540 hours PT.  A local FD responded to a report of a wildfire in the area of Lake Hughes and Prospect Roads, southwest Lake Hughes, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, California.

Fire behavior was reported as extreme with running, spotting and out-of-control. Images sprayed all over Social Media and on news outlets, showed one video of a hillside ablaze and looking like a roman candle.

Flames were burning horizontal, which we have never seen before. However, fire tornadoes were familiar and knowingly dangerous to those that stand in the firestorm’s path.

CURRENT STATUS

Since our last update on Thursday, we reported the fire had burned 11,000 acres of chaparral, brush and timber, it has now increased on Saturday up to 14,714 acres.

Fire crews have successfully reached a 12% containment status with their objectives to continue towards full suppression and eventually putting it out. Expected containment is due to be reached on September 2, 2020.

The cause of this fire is unknown and under investigation.

There have been no reports of injuries to civilians or firefighters.

At this time, 4,570 structures are under threat.  Several structures have been damaged and lost.

PERSONNEL

The Incident is in Unified Command with Angeles National Forest (Lead Agency) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.  Fire management is currently being operated by the CA Team 5, a Type 1 IMT.

There are 192 engines, 27 hand crews, 17 dozers, 23 water tenders, 10 helicopters and a total of 1,563 personnel.

Incident Cooperators include the LA CO Sheriffs Department, CHP, County of LA Public Works, County of LA Animal Care and Control, County of LA Parks and Rec, Red Cross and Southern CA Edison, CAL FIRE.

EVACUATION ORDERS

Evacuations are still in effect for:

  • Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon
  • North of Dry Gulch Road
  • West of Hughes Road and Fire Station 78
  • North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road
  • South of SR 138

EVACUATION SHELTERS

Evacuation Centers currently open are the following:

  • Highland HS.  39055 25th Street, West Palmdale CA 93551
  • Castaic Sports Complex.  31230 Castaic Road, Castaic, CA 91384

NOTE:  Evaucees with small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by the Red Cross.  You must remain inside your vehicle per the Los Angeles County Public Health Mandate.

ANIMAL CARE

Animal Care locations are the following:

  • Lancaster Animal Care Center.  5210 West Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center. 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
  • Castaic Animal Care Center.  31044 Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384
  • Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (LARGE ANIMALS ONLY). 1326 West Avenue , Palmdale, CA 93550

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

As of today, 6 structures and 15 outbuildings have been destroyed. 3 structures were damaged.  The cost-to-date of firefighting suppression and containment expenses have risen to $5.6 Million.

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/15/2020 1310 PT

 

LAKE FIRE | CA SIT REP | 2

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LAKE FIRE

Lake Hughes Community (Los Angeles County), California

Lake fire smoke plumes from road

UPDATE 2 – Thursday, August 13, 2020

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The fire started Wednesday around 1540 hours PT.  A local FD responded to a report of a wildfire in the area of Lake Hughes and Prospect Roads, southwest Lake Hughes, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, California.

They immediately reported extreme fire behavior with a rapid of progression. More personnel and equipment were ordered and immediately were on-scene.

Within one hour and 40 minutes into the incident, the fire had already scorched 6,000 acres with no containment in sight!

Eyewitness accounts reported by media, local residents and firefighters showed many countless images of fire burning horizontally and running uphill, projecting a fiery grass hillside looking more like a roman candle and a firestorm surrounding them all.

Massive evacuations were in effect for those in the Lake Hughes area where the fire reportedly was ignited from an unknown cause.

CURRENT STATUS

The fire has destroyed 11,000 acres of chaparral, brush and timber.  Fire personnel have gained a successful 5% containment status but know there is going to be a serious fight with this monstrous of a fire storm.  Fire was said to be near Red Lakes but unconfirmed by CAL FIRE as of yet.

RESOURCES

There are approximately 1,159 personnel from 3 agencies that include , 362 engines, 14 crews, 3 helicopters, 8 dozers and 9 water tenders.

Fire Management is currently under Unified which include the LA CO FD and the Angeles National Forest.

Incident Cooperators Include:  LA CO Sheriff, CA Hwy Patrol (CHP), County of LA Public Works Animal Care and Control, Public Works, Parks and Rec, Red Cross and the Southern CAL Edison, Angeles National Forest, Inciweb.

Fire Fighters working to put out Lake Fire

EVACUATIONS

Mandatory Evacuations – GO NOW!

The following areas are under mandatory evacuations, meaning you need to GO NOW.

  • Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Road
  • East of Ridge Route Road
  • West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78
  • North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road
  • South of SR 138

Evacuation Shelters

  • Highland HS – 39055 25th Street.  West Palmdale, CA 93551
  • Castaic Sports Center – 31230 Castaic Road, Castaic, CA

Large Animal Shelters

  • Antelope Valley Fairgrounds – Castaic Fairgrounds

CLOSURES

  • San Francisquito Canyon Road from Slater Lane to Spunky Canyon
  • 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon
  • Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon
  • Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

There have been three structures that have been destroyed.   There are currently 5,420 structures that are currently under threat at the time of this second update.

PHOTO CREDITS

Photo Credits are from the USFS via Inciweb. We do not lay claim to these photos.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/13/2020 2100 PT

 

Shooting in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

SPRING LAKE PARK, Minnesota | The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office has released a message over Twitter of their Office along with Spring Lake Park PD and multiple other agencies on-scene of a shooting. Alongside are medical personnel as well.

Scanner Feed is reporting the shooting in the vicinity of the dala Restaurant in Spring Lake Park, where Police indicate there were multiple people injured.

Observers in the area are reporting on Social Media, a very large presence in the Restaurant parking lot.

Police indicate a presser will be released in the next hour.

The scene is very active and Officers are investigating the shooting.

Limited information is available about this incident.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – 2350 hours PST

#ThomasFire is Wind-Driven | 16

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VENTURA, SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA 

(Credit: CAL FIRE)

Incident Summary | The Thomas Fire ignited vegetation on December 4, 2017, in the areas of Highways 150 and 126, north of Santa Paula, California from an unknown cause.

Thomas Fire. (VCFD PIO)

Command | Command is still in Unified Command with CAL FIRE, VCFD, VCSO, LPNF and City of Ventura.

Size, Containment |  270,000 acres.  45% containment status.

Fire Resources |  8,526 fire personnel. 972 fire engines, 166 fire crews, 34 helicopters, 75 dozers, 86 water tenders and CAL FIRE IMT-4. 

Incident Cooperators | CAL FIRE, VCFD, VCSO, SBCFD, SBCSO, VFD, VPD, USFS/LPNF, CAL OES, CHP, CA DOC, SPPD, SPFD, VC OES, SB OEM, Rd Cross, SoCaEdison, SoCaGas, Crimson Pipeline, Wildfire Defense Systems, CA Resources Group.

Thomas Fire. (Credit VCFD PIO)

Mutual Aid Resources | 11 U.S. States including WA, ID, OR.

Damage Assessments |  1,026 structures destroyed and 242 damaged. 18,000 structures threatened.

Fatalities | 1.

Current Fire Status |  Critical fire weather will continue over the fire area with N – NE winds forecasted combined with very high fuel loading, critically low fuel moistures and single-digit RH will continue to support fire growth on the west, east and north sides of the fire.  Areas threatened  coastal Santa Barbara County communities including Santa Barbara, Montecito and Summerland and the Matilija Wilderness, Rose Valley and Sespe river drainage north of Fillmore.

Social Media |  “The fire is so large that its eastern and western fronts are influenced by entirely different wind patterns and terrain. In many ways, it’s as if firefighters are battling two separate fires some 40 miles apart” –  Hollywood Celebrity.

Thomas Fire. (Credit: VCFD PIO)

Hashtags | #ThomasFire #CaliforniaWildfires #CALFIRE #VenturaCounty #OEM #OES

(c) 2017 NW Fire Blog – Updated 12/17/2017 @ 2030 hours PST