Welcome to our new Project 365, which is all about photos, stories, and other happenings in the last decade in honor of our 10th Year Anniversary!
Hope you enjoy and will join us on more great adventures.
Cheers!
DAY 1 – National Park Service Ranger Margaret A. Anderson
Credit: NPS
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington
On January 1, 2012, we lost a great hero on this day on Mt. Rainier National Park when Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was killed in the Line-of-Duty in an attempt to stop a fleeing shooting suspect near the Longmire Ranger Station around 1030 hours PT.
He was heading up to the top of Paradise where there is a lodge, visitor’s center, and possibly hundreds of people as this is a very popular place.
She was unaware the suspect was wanted for a shooting incident that took place in the lowlands just a day before in how he shot four people.
Ranger Anderson had set up a roadblock to keep the suspect from reaching the top of the mountain to prevent loss of life.
As the suspect approached and reached her roadblock, he did a U-turn and then exited his vehicle. He would open fire upon her marked Park Service vehicle.
She was hit before she could exit her marked patrol car. After she was shot, she radioed her Dispatch Center for assistance. The suspect who remained on scene kept responding Officers at a distance, while continuously shooting at them for 90 minutes.
He would later flee the scene. Multiple Federal, State, County, and City law enforcement agencies gathered, methodically searched for the suspect from ground and air.
His body would be found in frigid water and snow the following next day, about six miles from the original shooting scene.
Ranger Anderson is survived by her husband and two children. She worked for the National Park Service for 12 years.
Park Ranger Anderson saved possibly hundreds of lives and we will be forever grateful for the life-saving measures she took that day. We will remember her, her family, and those who serve every day in this profession. Never Forgotten. – Ed.
(c) 2022 NW Fire Blog – Published 1/1/2022 2235 PT
YAKIMA, Washington — On Friday night, December 17th, a City of Yakima FD fire engine and an ALS ambulance collided with one another at the intersection of 72nd and Washington.
The two first responder vehicles were both responding to a call at the same time with lights and sirens and hit each other as they entered the intersection.
As you can see, both vehicles received significant damage but it was reported all occupants of both vehicles were okay and no serious injuries were suffered from the impact.
The roadway was blocked for a period of time during the late-night accident, then reopened.
SEATAC, WASHINGTON — Firefighters and Medics from Puget Sound Fire (Kent), Port of Seattle FD, Tukwila Fire, Zone 3 Fire REHAB, King County Fire District #2 (Burien/Normandy Park/North Highline) and King County Medic One were dispatched to a house fire on the evening of Sunday, December 12, 2021.
The incident is located at 17300 block of 37th Place South in Seatac in King County, Washington.
Limited information was released by Fire Officials. We have reached out to Puget Sound Fire for an update.
Check back for any new updates.
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According to WSP: “There is a two-vehicle non-injury collision east US 2 (The Trestle) just east of I-5 blocking all lanes. A dump truck is involved and rolled. The load it was carrying spilled on the Hwy. Tows are en route. Drivers should expect a long delay to get this removed and cleaned up. Avoid the area.”
WSDOT Traffic: “Here is a view of what crews are responding to on US 2 EB just east of I-5. All eastbound lanes of US 2 are blocked – westbound traffic is moving at this time. Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area if possible.”
Credit: WSDOT
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA — All lanes are blocked eastbound on US 2, just east of I-5 at Milepost 1 due to a collision.
Snohomish County Fire Units have also been dispatched, which include 3G2, E2, L1, M1, and SO1652.
The WSDOT states both the Washington State Patrol and the Snohomish County Sheriff have arrived on-scene as of 1447 PT.
WSDOT camera at milepost .06. Credit: WSDOT
AVOID THIS AREA.
We ask that you avoid this area, as it appears it may take a while until they are able to open up the roadway again.
This is at the west end of the trestle in Everett.
Please remember these when going into construction zones or when emergency vehicles are present:
Slow down in a construction zone.
For lights and sirens on the roadway, pull right to the shoulder (if safely to do so).
If you are on the freeway or multi-lane roadway and you see a tow truck, EMS, police car, fire truck, DOT, first responder vehicle on the shoulder, move to the next lane over to protect all of those that may be getting assistance. This is to help save their lives by not getting injured from a distracted driver or car going into their scene.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA — All lanes are blocked eastbound on US 2, just east of I-5 at Milepost 1 due to a collision. Some media reports that it is due to a semi-truck that has turned over its side and blocking the whole roadway.
Snohomish County Fire Units have also been dispatched, which include 3G2, E2, L1, M1, and SO1652.
The WSDOT states both the Washington State Patrol and the Snohomish County Sheriff have arrived on-scene as of 1447 PT.
WSDOT camera at milepost .06. Credit: WSDOT
AVOID THIS AREA.
We ask that you avoid this area, as it appears it may take a while until they are able to open up the roadway again.
This is at the west end of the trestle in Everett.
Please remember these when going into construction zones or when emergency vehicles are present:
Slow down in a construction zone.
For lights and sirens on the roadway, pull right to the shoulder (if safely to do so).
If you are on the freeway or multi-lane roadway and you see a tow truck, EMS, police car, fire truck, DOT, first responder vehicle on the shoulder, move to the next lane over to protect all of those that may be getting assistance. This is to help save their lives by not getting injured from a distracted driver or car going into their scene.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center based out of Boise, Idaho (USA), there are about 11 uncontained wildfires burning across our Nation.
Here is the update for Sunday, October 24, 2021.
CALIFORNIA
Eight new wildfires in Southern California started over the weekend with no new large incidents igniting and about five in the Northern portion of the State. None of these new wildfires were reported as new large incidents, which is great news for these California firefighters.
KNP Complex | The KNP Complex has two active fires burning in the National Park Service in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, about nine miles northeast of Three Rivers. About 88,307 acres has been burned and there has been a 60% containment status reached. Attached to this incident are 622 total personnel along with eight crews, 15 engines and 20 copters. Four structures have been lost and a cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $81.4 Million Dollars.
Current Status: At this time, minimal fire activity has been observed along with creeping and smolder activities.
Windy Fire | The Windy Fire is burning on Bureau of Indian Affairs lands and under the management of the Tule River Fire Department. It is about 22 miles east of Porterville. The fire has destroyed 97,554 acres along with 128 structures. It is now 92% contained. 281 total personnel are still assigned to this incident along with four crews, 11 engines and two copters. Cost-to-date has reached $71.9 Million Dollars. Started September 9, 2021. Lightning caused.
Alert | Flash Flood Alert in effect issued by the National Weather Service. Website: http://www.weather.gov/sto/
Current Status: Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
Alisal Fire | On Los Padres National Forest (USFS) lands, the Alisal Fire is burning about 22 miles northwest of Santa Barbara in chaparral and grass. The fire has burned 16,970 acres and destroyed 12 structures. It is now at a 97% containment status. About 298 total personnel are assigned to this wildfire incident along with six crews, 11 engines and no aircraft resources. $23.7 Million is the cost-to-date reached as of Saturday, October 23, 2021. Started October 11, 2021 around 2:15 PM from an undetermined cause.
Alert | Evacuation order issued starting October 24 beginning at 12:00 PM due to an impending storm that may cause debris flow that threatening the areas.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has issued an EVACUATION ORDER due to an incoming storm Sunday night (October 24) through Monday morning (October 25) with the potential to produce a debris flow.
This Order is effective Sunday, October 24 at 12:00 PM (noon) and applies to the following areas in and around the Alisal Fire burn scar: west of Las Flores Canyon, east of Mariposa Reina, south of West Camino Cielo, and down to the ocean. Please evacuate the area by 12:00 PM noon tomorrow Sunday.
An Evacuation Center will be opened tomorrow Sunday (exact time to be determined) at the SBCC Wake Center located at 300 N. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara 93111.
For animal evacuation assistance, call the Animal Services Hotline at 805-681-4332. After normal business hours, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch line 805-683-2724 and ask to speak with on-call Animal Control Officer. (Source: Inciweb)
Current Status: Minimal fire behavior with smoldering.
Dixie Fire | This fire has been burning for quite some time. It is burning about 15 miles northeast of Paradise and under the Command of CAL FIRE’s Butte Unit. Fire Management is under the GB Team 1,an Type 1 IMT and the EA Silver Team, an Type 2 IMT. Almost one million acres, yes, you read that correctly. One million acres! The actual amount of acres destroyed is 963,309 exactly. Fire personnel from the ground, the air and around the United States have successfully reached a 97% containment status. About 1,102 total personnel are still working on this active incident along with 13 crews and 30 engines. This monstrous fire has destroyed approximately 1,329 structures and topped the costs-to-date at a whopping $630.3 Million Dollars!
Current Status: Minimal fire behavior with smoldering observed. Some rain fell over the fire ground.
McCash Fire | This wildfire is burning in Six Rivers National Forest, about 14 miles northeast of Somes Bar in timber, closed timber litter and brush. The has burned just shy of 95,000 acres to an exact amount of 94,962 and reached a containment status of 93%. Due to the fire incident almost fully contained, there are about 191 total personnel along with two crews and two engines that only remain. This fire has reached a cost-to-date of $51 Million Dollars and may have been more had any structures been reported as lost. No structures were reported as lost.
Current Status: Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Rain fell over the area.
River Complex | This complex is located on lands of the Klamath National Forest, nine miles southwest of Etna in fuels of timber and brush. This Complex has been contained to a 93% status. 119 total personnel are still on this incident along with one crew, four engines and two copters. 122 structures have been consumed along with $95 Million Dollars in costs-to-date. About 199,359 acres were destroyed.
Current Status: Minimal fire behavior. Creeping and smoldering.
Monument Fire | The Monument Fire is located one mile southwest of Del Loma in timber and brush with fire management handed back to to the local unit from a CA Team 11, an Type 2 IMT unit. Fire had consumed 223,124 acres and has been contained to 94% status. Cost-to-date has reached a top of $162.8 Million Dollars. 52 structures were lost. One crew and one copter are showing assigned to this incident. Rain fell over the area.
Current Status: Minimal fire behavior.
MONTANA
Crown Mountain Fire | This Montana fire is located about 15 miles southwest of Augusta in timber on the US Forest Service lands in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. About 1,379 acres have been scorched and is only at a five-percent containment status. There are 66 total personnel as resources along with one crew, seven engines and four copters. Cost-to-date so far has reached $2 Million Dollars.
Current Status: Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Structures are under threat.
OREGON
Bull Complex | The Bull Complex is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, about 25 miles northeast of Mill City in timber and closed timber litter fire fuels. About 24,894 acres were lost, along with one structure. Firefighters have successfully gained an 85% containment status. $36.1 Million CTD.
Bull Complex’s Night Crew on a burnout operational fire objective. | Credit: USFS
Current Status: Minimal fire behavior.
WASHINGTON STATE
Schneider Springs Fire | This Washington State fire is located about 18 miles northwest of Naches in short grass, timber and brush. Approximately 107,322 acres were destroyed. It has been contained to a status of 91% status. One crew and engine have been reportedly still remain as resources.
Current Status: No new updates received from sources.
(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/24/2021 01:00 PT
The CEDAR CREEK FIRE ignited by lightning on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at approximately 1648 hours PT. It is located about four miles southwest from Mazama, Washington State.
The CEDAR CREEK FIRE also includes the VARDEN FIRE when they merged into one another, creating the single fire name.
Fire fuels include brush, closed timber litter and timber understory. There has been 55,187 acres of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands destroyed.
Minimal fire behavior with backing, creeping and smoldering still remain but fire suppression efforts have led to an 87% containment status. Fire Managers estimated total containment to be reached on October 31, 2021.
Fire Fact — To date, there are 5,622 northwest firefighters that are still fighting uncontained wildfires. – NWCC
Weather Station — Credit | USFS
Total number of personnel remaining on this incident is 235.
Management is still under the direction of the NW IIMT9, which is also managing the Muckamuck, Cub Creek 2 and Delancy Fires. They assumed command of wildfires on August 25, 2021.
Cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment expenses have reached $38.7 Million Dollars.
A new wildfire named the ROOSTER COMB FIRE broke out this afternoon has prompted a vast number of fire and heavy equipment resources dispatched to the Rooster Comb area in Chelan County, Washington.
Since the initial response time of 1649 hours PT, the fire has already consumed a minimum of 220 acres of grass and brush.
LEVEL 3 evacuations were ordered for those near Methow Street, which is south of Wenatchee, Washington. (per Media). We were unable to find out which agency is reporting this and found no orders issued through the Nixle app.
The Incident Command is Tom Hayes, effective 1905 hours PT.
Resources include:
CHELAN-26
CREW-22
DIV-610
E-351
E-4102
E-4104
E-4106
E-4107
E-6695
E-6696
E-672
PATROL-2
About Rooster Comb, Washington
The Rooster Comb is a famous hiking sub-peak area in the Saddle Rock areas and in the most southern portion of the Wenatchee foothills. It is one of many summits in Chelan County, Washington.
On July 8, 2021, several fire starts occurred after lightning passed over in the earlier hours. Three fires escaped initial fire attack resulting in the CEDAR CREEK, VARDEN and DELANCY FIRES. The Varden Fire would eventually merge in with the Cedar Creek Fire, while both this one and the Delancy Fires would remain active. The CUB CREEK 2 FIRE is also being included as it is also near Winthrop, Washington.
CEDAR CREEK FIRE
Both the Cedar Creek and the Delancy Fires are still burning on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands, public and private lands within Okanogan County. They are about 15 miles northwest of Winthrop and four miles WSW from Mazama, Washington.
Both are being managed by the Great Basin IMT Team1.
For the Cedar Creek Fire, it is at 52,859 acres and has gained a 26% containment status.
Reports of fire burning through containment lines (retardant lines) on the Visiliki Ridge but was quickly stopped and held to a rocky natural terrain feature. Additional work continues in other parts of the fire line.
Delancy Fire had an aerial flyover and found the fire is still being held at 223 acres, while being monitored by air and unstaffed.
Resources include 759 fire personnel, along with 238-line supervisor and support personnel. 2 Type crews, 12 crews, 9 copters, 60 engines, 28 water tenders and 21 other heavy equipment.
The Cub Creek 2 Fire was detected on July 16, 2021 at 1327 hours PT from an unknown cause. It is located five miles north of North of Winthrop, Washington.
The fire has burned approximately 62,368 acres and is 24% contained. Three structures have been lost.
There are about 633 total resources assigned to this incident.
Fire personnel are continuing to do suppression repair work and bringing in extra supplies on the western flank. The northern edge of the fire is being monitored for minor spread in the area, which they are also implementing structure protection protocols to area cabins. Additionally, personnel are building an indirect line with heavy equipment which may take up to two or more days to complete.
TFR — in effect over the fire area. Know before you fly and remember that if you are flying, air resources cannot fly due to possible mid-air collisions and the danger presented for air and ground personnel and equipment. AVOID THE AREA.
The Chuweah Creek Fire is burning about 15 miles north of Grand Coulee, Washington. It started on July 12, 2021 from lightning. The fire’s origin was deemed to have started right outside the town of Nespelem. (east of)
The fire has now been held at 36,752 acres and has reached a ninety-three percent containment status. Fire fuels include: brush, timber and short grass.
About 99 fire personnel are still attached to this incident.
Fire behavior is minimal with creeping and smoldering. Rain fell over the area yesterday, which allowed firefighters to work on the fire and reach a higher containment status.
Incident management is being handled by the NW Team 7 with IC Loomis at the helm. This is a Type 2 IMT.
Approximately 14 structures were destroyed and expenses have reached a whopping $8.8 Million Dollars as a CTD.
NW Fire Blog 
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