USFS

Baseball Fire | Wildfire | CA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2

A wildfire has ignited on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 today.  It is named the Baseball Fire and its Incident Number is #MNF-144 M0GP.

It is located off of Atchison Creek in the Covelo Ranger District on the Glenn – Mendocinco County line.  It is burning in the Mendocino National Forest, about 15 miles southeast of Covelo near the Achison campground.

View of the Baseball Fire from Covelo

Photo Courtesy | Inciweb

The fire has burned 68 acres grass, brush and timber. It is now 40% contained.

The cause has been officially released from Fire Investigators to have ignited from a previous burn pile from a Prescribed Fire project that ended in January 2020.

There are approximately 75 personnel assigned including crews, engines, a water tender and a helicopter.

There have been no structures or properties that have been damaged or destroyed.

There are currently no evacuations that are taking place at the time of this posting.

#MendocinoNF #CALFIRE #Wildfire #FireSeason_2020

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – 2/26/2020 – 2010 hours PST

Baseball Fire | Wildfire | CA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 

A wildfire has ignited on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 today.  It is named the Baseball Fire and its Incident Number is #MNF-144 M0GP.

It is located off of Atchison Creek in the Covelo Ranger District on the Glenn – Mendocinco County line.  It is burning in the Mendocino National Forest, about 15 miles southeast of Covelo near the Achison campground.

The fire has burned 60 acres.   There is a 5% containment status.

The cause was determined to be from a previous pile burning on the Baseball fire project.  It is being said from various sources that this was from an earlier prescribed fire project that was completed in the end of January and may have been smoldering for awhile due to dry conditions, warm temps and winds swooping through the area.

There are aproximately 55 personnel assigned including one crew, three engines, on water tender and a single helicopter.  Units were dispatched today around 1004 hours PST.

IC Robert Hoyle has a request in for additional resources on order.

Fire weather consists of light wind, 70*F temps and a low to moderate rate of spread.

There are no threats to property or to structures, nor are there any precautionary evacations in effect.

#MendocinoNF #CALFIRE #Wildfire #FireSeason_2020

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – 2/25/2020 – 1920 hours PST

Update 2 | #PeavineFire | Nevada

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest | Fire assets from the USDA Forest Service, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Reno Fire Department responded to a brush fire about five miles up Peavine Mountain on Saturday afternoon.

The fire was originally at 15-acres is now well into 30-acres destroyed.  Fire crews have reached a 15% containment status and are expected to remain overnight into Sunday morning.

Smoke is said to be expected to impact communities of Stead, Lemmon Valley, Sun Valley. Red Rock and Spanish Springs, which are north and northeast of the fire in Washoe County, Nevada.

The fire started from an unknown ignition and is currently under investigation.

Photo Credit | Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest

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Current weather conditions are 39*F with winds from the north and gusts up to two-miles-per-hour.  There is a 10-mile visibility with conditions being fair and partially cloudy.

#RenoFire #TruckeeMeadowsFireProtectionDistrict #RenoFirefighters #PeavineFire #USFS #Nevada #PeavineMtn

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated at 2145 hours PST

NEW | #PeavineFire | Nevada

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest | Firefighters from the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Reno Fire Department responded to a 15-acre brush fire about five miles up the Peavine Mountain in Washoe County, Nevada.

It was said to be burning behind the Reno-Stead airport.

Photo Credit | TMFPD

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This occurred on Saturday, February 1, 2020, around 1615 hours PST.

Six engines and three water tenders were immediately deployed to suppress the fire.

No threats to structures or lives, nor any injuries to firefighters were reported.

Photo Credit | Reno Fire Department

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Photo Credit | Reno Firefighters

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The cause is unknown and under investigation.

#RenoFire #TruckeeMeadowsFireProtectionDistrict #RenoFirefighters #PeavineFire #USFS #Nevada #PeavineMtn

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated at 1915 hours PST

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

/ 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.

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

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

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog 

The Wildfire Log | Hillside Fire | CA | 1

/ 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.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 1911 hours PDT

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.

###

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 | California Fires | Sept 10 2019

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

We have returned from our week-and-a-half long vacation while out on the road and very limited access to our Blog.  You can find some of our postings and pictures on our Social Media Channel Twitter page, @nwfireblog.  We are happy to be back and playing catching up to all of the news that has occurred in the last eight days, as well as major incidents occurring today.

Here are the current wildfires for the State of California, which we were in the area of the Rams Horn Fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. We were able to capture some aircraft making water drops.  We felt super spoiled!

# # #

FIRE FACTS

NATIONALLY

There were 201 new wildfires as of yesterday that required moderate initial attack activity.  Of those fires, six of them were considered as new large wildfire incidents.  Five large fires were contained, however, there were still 22 that are continuously burning.  Forty-seven large wildfires are burning across the United States that are currently being managed under a strategy other than full suppression.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

There were 17 wildfires as of September 9, 2019, and reported this morning there was one that is a new large incident that now equals to eight not contained large fires.  Currently, deployed there are two Type-1 IMTs and two Type-2 IMTs committed.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Today, there were 21 new wildfires reported with none of them being large incidents, which is great news.  However, two are still considered as being not contained with one Type-2 IMTs committed.

# # #

BUTTE COUNTY

SWEDES FIRE | 400 acres | 60% contained

The SWEDES FIRE started on September 7, 2019 at 1506  hours PDT from an unknown cause that is under investigation. It is located on Swedes Flats Road and Oro Bangor Highway.  It is also east of Oroville and five miles of Bangor, California.   Fire fuels include:  brush and tall grass.

Image may contain: sky, mountain, outdoor and nature

Credit | CAL FIRE Butte County

There are 338 personnel deployed on this wildfire alongside  14 hand crews, 25 engines and one helicopter.  Fire crews have the fire perimeter almost fully lined and will continue to reinforce them along with mop-up operations.  Total costs have reached $850,000.

The same IMT is also managing the following wildfire incident:

FORBESTOWN FIRE | 58 acres | 90% contained

The FORBESTOWN FIRE started on September 9, 2019.  Crews are currently checking for hot spots and will continue with damage assessments. 2 structures were destroyed.   Total for both fires are 226 fire personnel, eight hand crews, 20 engines, four dozers and nine water tenders.  This is a CAL FIRE – Butte County FD incident.

INYO COUNTY

COW FIRE | 1,975 acres | 30% contained

The COW FIRE started on September 6, 2019 at 1223 hours PDT.  There are 30 fire personnel assigned along with one helicopter.  Fire suppression and containment costs have reached $1.9 Million Dollars.

TABOOSE FIRE |  9,235 acres | 30% contained

The TABOOSE FIRE is located 10 miles southwest of Big Pine and NW of Aberdeen in Inyo County.  It is burning on the Inyo National Forest, which started from an unknown cause on September 6th around 1243 hours PDT.   This incident is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE San Bernardino, Inyo National Forest and Inyo County Sheriff Office. (CA Team 11, a IMT Type 2)

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Credit | USFS – Inyo NF

Fire crews have been focusing on continued efforts in the north and northeastern areas.  With decreased winds overnight, firefighters were able to gain a large percentage of containing the fire.t They will continue to focus on all fire objectives, including reaching a full containment status.

Evacuations were lifted at 1300 hours today for the areas of Big Pine Canyon, Glacier Lodge, Cone Road, Sugarloaf Road and Bernasconi Center.

There are 360 personnel that include 11 crews, four helicopters, 30 engines, three bulldozers and two water tenders.  One structure has been lost. The cost-to-date expenses have reached $3 Million Dollars.

LASSEN COUNTY

R-6 FIRE | 260 acres | 80% contained

The R-6 FIRE started on September 6, 2019 at 0620 hours PDT.  Limited information available.

MODOC COUNTY

LONE FIRE | 5,737 acres | 87% contained

The LONE FIRE started on September 6, 2019, at 1134 hours PDT.  The fire is burning on the Modoc National Forest that is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located about five miles southeast of Clear Lake, California.   Fire fuels include: timber, brush and tall grass.  Fire behavior is reported as minimal with smoldering.  There are still 57 personnel attached to this incident, along with one hand crew and three engines.  The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment expenses have reached a high $1.3 Million Dollars.

MONO COUNTY

SPRINGS FIRE | 4,840 acres | 98% contained

The SPRINGS FIRE started on September 6, 2019.  Limited information available.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

MCMURRAY FIRE | 200 acres | 30% contained

The MCMURRAY FIRE started on September 9, 2019 around 1042 hours PDT.  It is located on McMurray Road and Hwy 101, North of Buellton and could be seen by a lot of drivers both inside and outside of City limits.  This is in Santa Barbara County.  Currently, Hwy 101 North is closed.  Structures are threatened and evacuations are in progress.   Santa Barbara County FD is the lead agency on this incident.

SISKIYOU COUNTY

DUZEL FIRE | 15 acres | 80% contained

The DUZEL FIRE started on September 7, 2019, at 1119 hours PDT near Duzel Rock Lockout that is NE of Etna. Cause is under investigation.   This is a CAL FIRE – Siskiyou unit incident.  Limited details available.

LIME FIRE | 1,620 acres | 0% contained

The LIME FIRE is burning in the Ash Creek area and Hwy 96, just southwest of Hornbrook in the Klamath National Forest.  It is about 10 miles north of Yreka.   Fire fuels include timber and brush. The fire is being managed by an IMT Type 2 (CA Team 15) which is also managing the KIDDER 2 FIRE. This lightning caused wildfire started on September 7, 2019.  Fire fuels include:  Timber and brush. There are currently 515 personnel assigned along with 16 crews, 18 engines and 8 helicopters.  Cost-to-date have reached an all-time high of $2.4 Million dollars.

KIDDER 2 FIRE | 141 acres | 15% contained

The KIDDER 2 FIRE started on September 7, 2019, on Marble Mountain Wilderness and Kidder Creek, northwest of Etna that was sparked by lightning.  The fire is burning in the Klamath National Forest in Yreka. Fire behavior is reportedly as moderate with creeping, backing and smoldering. There are 96 personnel deployed along with six hand crews and one engine. The cost-to-date has reached $200,000.

TEHAMA COUNTY

SOUTH FIRE | 2,746 acres | 5% contained

The SOUTH FIRE started on September 5, 2019. This wildfire is burning on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and being managed by a Type-2 IMT (CA Team 16).  It is located about 15 miles south of Platina, CA.  Fire behavior is moderate with isolated torching, flanking and backing.  Structures and communication infrastructures are threatened.  296 personnel are assigned along with seven hand crews and 12 engines. Cost-to-date expenses have reached $734,000.

RED BANK FIRE | 8,838 acres | 55% contained

The RED BANK FIRE is located 25 miles west of Red Bluff, California.  It is staffed by firefighters from CAL FIRE’s Tehama-Glenn Unit and managed by the CAL FIRE’s Team 5.  Fire fuels include:  chaparral, brush and tall grass. Fire behavior is minimal with creeping and smoldering.

Communications infrastructure is reportedly being threatened.  Total costs for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $9.5 Million Dollars. There are still 2,193 personnel assigned long with 54 hand crews, 145 engines and 24 helicopters.  Two structures have been destroyed.

TRINITY COUNTY

RAMSHORN FIRE | 238 acres | 30% contained

The RAMS HORN FIRE is burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest on Hwy 3 and Bear Creek Loop, and seven miles northeast of Coffee Creek in Trinity County. This fire was lightning caused and started on September 7, 2019.  Fire fuels include:  timber, brush and tall grass.  Fire behavior is minimal with smoldering and creeping. There are 308 personnel along with one hand crew and 26 engines.  Cost-to-date expenses have reached $2.4 Million Dollars.

TULARE COUNTY

BRODER FIRE | 370 acres | 40% contained

The BRODER FIRE started on September 6, 2019 at 1239 hours PDT.   Limited details.

There are some wildfires that we left off due to time constraints but we will add them to our next posting, scheduled on Wednesday, September 11th.

Thank you for reading our Blog. Please follow us here to receive more up-to-date news, happenings and about current incidents.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/10/2019 @ 1900 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | McKinley Fire | Alaska | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The MCKINLEY FIRE is located about 18 miles north of Willow,  Alaska.

The fire originally started on private land.

Umpqua Firefighters Buck Tree 2. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

FIRE BEHAVIOR

Fire behavior is moderate with backing, creeping and single-tree torching.

RESOURCES – EQUIPMENT and PERSONNEL

There are 564 total personnel along with 14 hand crews, 28 engines and 10 helicopters.

Umpqua Sawyer Bucks Log. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

HOW YOU CAN HELP FIRE VICTIMS

General Donations – > https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=mckinley%20fire&epa=SEARCH_BOX   *Online Registration begins 9/4/2019 at ready.alaska.gov  or you can call 1-800-478-2337.

Donating to Organizations -> Please confirm needs by contacting the organization of your choice before donating physical items (food, water, etc.).

Masticator. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

Masticator

Food Donations – > Mat Su COAD is facilitating all donations of food and any other items with various local locations. They can be reached at 907-745-5827 or 907-745-5824. Please any food items need to be within their expiration date and any clothing items need to be clean.

Financial Donations -> Making a financial contribution to a recognized organization is the best way to ensure the needs of the community and emergency personnel are met.

Here are some great choices to pick from:

  • The American Red Cross
  • Your local Fire Department
  • Your local Search & Rescue unit
  • The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
  • Local Animal Services organization or to the Humane Society

FOR FIRE VICTIMS, EVACUEES

Alaska Red Cross  -> The Red Cross will be distributing emergency relief supplies and providing recovery casework and planning services at the Upper Susitna Senior Center and Curtis D Menard Memorial Sports Center.

Relief supplies will also be available Sheep Creek Lodge. To reach a recovery caseworker call 907-764-2407

Engine Crewmember Sprays Hotspot. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

State Disaster Assistance -> Can be applied by individuals and families with damaged primary residences or essential personal property. Apply in person on 9/4-9/18/2019 9 am – 7pm. No location yet but to be near Talkeetna and Willow. Or go to ready.alaska.gov

Matanuska Electric Association -> Members needing to be reconnected can call 907-761-9300 or visit http://www.mea.coop

The Parks Highway -> remains open through the burned area with a speed limit of 45 mph. Be prepared to stop in this zone where crews and equipment continue working. Road updates available at 511.alaska.gov

Matanuska Susitna Borough -> Will accept debris caused by the McKinley and Deshka Landing Fires at no cost at specific locations. For more information the Solid Waste Division can be reached at 907-761-3700

083019 McKinley Fire Evacuation Map

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) -> Can assist with health and safety issues including air quality, drinking water, food safety and sanitation, wastewater, solid waste, and hazardous substances. Reach the ADEC Disaster Coordination Team at 907-269-4198

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) -> Collects and distributes donations like clothes, shoes, winter gear, bedding, and food. They have locations in Big Lake, Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Willow. 907-745-5827

Team Rubicon -> Can provide assistance with debris removal and clean up. Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. 360-975-7944

SUPPORTING FIRE PARTNERS

Ways to Show your Support for Firefighters and their Partners

Firefighter Support -> Write a thank you note to firefighters and/or firefighters’ families.  Drop them off at the incident command post so they can be posted or shared.  Put them in blank, stamped envelopes.

Firefighters using a drone.

After briefings or after shifts, firefighters can address letters to parents, kids, spouses, etc. Provide local postcards that are pre-stamped to fire camp. These will be distri-buted to firefighters so they can send postcards home to their families.

One of the many thank you signs on the McKinley fire.

Community Support -> Respect road and area closures and evacuation orders. Drive carefully in the fire area.  Post thank you banners / signs in the community and on social media. This is a great morale booster for firefighters after a long shift!

Thank you sign on the McKinley fire.

What The (Fire Camp) Cannot Accept:
We have federal standards for personal protective gear for our wildland firefighters.
Food items, including baked goods and sweets.  They are required to follow food safety regulations, and we have strict national guidelines for firefighter nutrition. Our fire crews on the line receive fresh food boxes every three days, if catered food is not available.

HOW TO BE A FIRESMART HERO

How to Report a Wildfire -> 1-800-237-3633 or call 9-1-1.

Ash Pits & Heavy Fuels. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

FIRE ACTIVITIES

Firefighters are working with the Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) to restore power and remove fire-damaged trees near power lines. Major progress has been accomplished this week and are very close to have it all completed.

Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) Works Along Parks Highway 2. Photo: Mike McMillan - DNR

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

138 structures have been lost.  Homes are still under direct threat.

There has been 3,316 acres burned but fire crews have reached a 78% containment status.

Livestock in the McKinley fire.

Cost-to-date expenses have reached $6.8 Million Dollars.

FIRE IMAGES

All fire images in this post are the credit of Mike McMillan, DNR.  We do not lay claim to any of his photos.  Please respect his Photo Credit when reposting his fire images. – Thank you!

OUR THANK YOU

..to the many firefighters on the front line battling the fire and working to contain it, as well as showing your tireless efforts.

..to the countless people behind the scenes who manage and support all things incident related and everyone else in between.

..to the impacted communities who have come together when disaster strikes, to see your amazing and strong community support for others and for those who fight these wildfires.

..to the government leaders standing up for its Citizens. 

..to those who send their good thoughts and prayers to help those whom have been touched (impacted) by the devastation left behind. We send our prayers to you all and will continue to keep you in our everyday thoughts.

 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/30/2019 @ 2240 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | 204 Cow Fire | Oregon

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The 204 COW FIRE is burning approximately 17 miles southwest of Unity on the Prairie City Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest in Oregon.  It was sparked by lightning on August 9, 2019, after storms passed over the area.

Image taken during evening fly over of the Cow Fire

SIZE UP

About 5,516 acres of timber and brush have been destroyed.  Crews have reached a five-percent containment status.

Containment is expected to be reached by October 15, 2019.

Firefighters completed removal of fuels along the south primary line, as well as completing construction of a hoselay supporting this line.

The eastern control was almost completed on Thursday, August 29th with additional fire fuels removed and chipped.

The north control was also established yesterday with meeting all fire objectives.  Fire was said to be contained along the 13 Road from Short Creek north for about one mile.

Image may contain: tree, fire and outdoor

The west control line is located in higher elevations and in areas within burn scars of previous wildfires that have passed through.

FIRE BEHAVIOR

Fire behavior has been reported as moderate with flanking, backing and group torching.

Image may contain: cloud, sky, outdoor and nature

FIRE RESOURCES

There are 590 fire personnel assigned to this incident along with 12 handcrews, four dozers, 3 heavy and one light helicopters, two masticators, six feller-bunchers, four skidders and two skidgeons.  Skidgeons are described as skidders with mounted water tanks.

Image may contain: sky, outdoor and nature

Fire Management has been tasked by the Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 9 or more commonly called NWIIMT 9.

Panoramic Image of the Cow Fire from the ROAS camera at 4: 30 pm

Additionally, there are mutual aid units also attached to this incident which include:

* Blue Mountain Ranger District – 643, 671, crew 041, PV19, BC41

No photo description available.

THREATS

Structures are threatened.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A FIRE MANAGER

“Fire is an integral part of Eastern Oregon forest ecosystems. Prior to fire exclusion policies, the average acre of Blue Mountains forests experienced fire every 20 years, for thousands of years.

Without periodic fire, the forest becomes choked with dead-and-downed wood, undergrowth, and small and unhealthy trees.

We are suppressing this fire to protect values at risk such as active timber sales and structures, but dead trees are not values at risk, and our intent is not to place firefighters in harm’s way to “protect” jackpots of dead lodgepole from being naturally recycled.” – 204 COW FIRE PIO

Aerial view of the 204 Cow Fire

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Total cost-to-date fire suppression and containment expenses have risen to $4.4 Million dollars.

ALERTS

Some local roads in the area are closed. Please check with the USFS online before going to the area.

There is a temporary flight restriction or commonly called a TFR to provide more airspace for firefighting aircraft to work. This also includes restrictions to other non-fire aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems or (UAS), as well as drones.

For more information on the TFR issued by the FAA, please visit this link for details https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_9780.html?fbclid=IwAR30VwjghTqTJHrhrkZfdTRz1zbZC_ro5ONuvtDE2x8PywPNnQ6FbCLRCmM

FIRE IMAGES

All images in this Blog are the Credit of the United States Forest Service (USFS).  We do not lie claim to them but are reposting them from our verified sources.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are using the following hashtags for this wildfire:  #ORwildfires #FireSeason2019 #204Fire

Thank you for reading our post.  We would love it, if you joined our over 300-plus readership by following our Blog here.  You can also find us on Twitter @nwfireblog   Stay safe wherever you may go. – Ed.

ABOUT MALHEUR NATIONAL FOREST

The Malheur National is host to over 1.7 Million acres of forested areas in the Blue Mountains in the eastern portion of the State of Oregon (USA).  Within the vast amount of lands, there is beautiful scenes of high desert grasslands, sage, juniper, pine, fir, other kinds of trees and with hidden alpine lakes and meadows.

 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/30/2019 @ 2110 hours PDT