wildland firefighting

The Wildfire Log | Kincade Fire | CA | 2

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

The KINCADE FIRE ignited on October 23, 2019, at 2127  hours PDT from an unknown cause. Fire investigators are currently reviewing information to determine the cause and will be under investigation until further notice.

FIRE FACT | 2 wildfires are burning, 1 in Vallejo and this one in Santa Rosa (Media)

The fire is located in steep terrain and in remote areas, where it was sparked on John Kincade Road and Burned Mountain Road, which is northeast of Geyersville, California.

CURRENT STATUS

  • Active fire behavior with flanking and spotting
  • 14 structures damaged
  • 79 structures destroyed
  • 31,000 structures threatened
  • 180,000 people under evacuations
  • 25,955 acres
  • 11% contained
  • $7.5 Million cost-to-date

EVACUATION ORDERS

  • Zone 21: City of Calistoga & Napa County N of Diamond Mountain Rd to Dunaweal Lane. East of the Sonoma County/Napa County Line. South of the Lake County/Napa County Line. West of Pickett Road. (1610 PDT)
  • 1345 PDT | If you are in Windsor in the area of Hembree Lane at Vinecrest Road, leave NOW!! It is smoky and windy and there’s an immediate threat of fire. (Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office)
  • 1445 PDT | Current adverse conditions in Windsor. Lots of peace officers and firefighters here to protect the town. (Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office)
Image

Credit | Sonoma County Sheriff”s Office

 SHELTERS

  • Santa Rosa Fairgrounds | 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA. (Also can accomodate large animals)
  • Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Bldg | 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
  • Sonoa Marin Farirgrounds | 175 Fairgrounds Road, Petaluma, CA.
  • Petaluma Veterans Center | 1094 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma, CA.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

  • CAL FIRE – Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (Unified Command)
  • Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office (Unified Command)
  • Geyersville Fire Protection
  • CDCR
  • CAL OES
  • CA Highway Patrol
  • CCC
  • BIA
  • BLM
  • CA National Guard
  • American Red Cross
  • World Central Kitchen
  • NWS Bay Area
  • SJSU Fire Weather Lab
  • OR firefighters (en route)
  • Pasadena Fire Department
Image

Credit | Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office

Significant Event | PG&E to shutoff power for 1 Million of its Northern CAL customers, making it the largest shutdown in history. (Media)

RESOURCES & EQUIPMENT

  • 3,081 personnel
  • 68 crews
  • 299 engines
  • 50 dozers
  • 10 helicopters
  • 23 water tender

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • 1129 PDT | CA Governor Newsom has declared a statewide emergency due to the effects of unprecedented high-wind events which have resulted in fires and evacuations across the state. (Governors office)
  • 1302 PDT | “Twest of the 101 Freeway and north of Highway 12. The fire has burned more than 30,000 acres and was pushing south toward Highway 128. The 101 Freeway was closed.” (Rep Jared Huffman)
  • 1305 PDT | City of Calistoga and surrounding areas are under mandatory evaucation orders. (Media)
  • 1425 PDT | Santa Rosa City Buses will not be operating service on Monday, October 28th but possibly partial service on Tuesday. Updates –> 707-543-3333. (City of Rosa)
  • 1445 PDT | “Due to the uncertain conditions of fire behavior and heavy smoke in the Windsor area, US-101 remains closed from from Airport Blvd to Dry Creek Rd. (CHP Santa Rosa)
  • 1830 PDT | Presser to take place (CAL FIRE)
  •  SECOND CHANCE CONURE RESCUE in Vacaville, Ca is offering FREE bird boarding to ALL fire Evacuees for as long as you need. We have cages, toys, food and lots of love for your bird til you can get back home.  707-898-3093. (Twitter user) NOTE: always vet before making a decision.
  • 1044 hours PDT | NV College open  its doors for evacuees in Napa Valley.
  • 1044 hours PDT | CrossWalk Church (2590 First St., (707) 226-1812)  open  as evacuation center
  • 0933  hours PDT | Sutter and Kaiser hospitals evacuated in Santa Rosa, California
  • 0603 PDT | Finley Community Center (2060 W College Ave.) has been evacuated. Those who are seeking shelter, go to the Marin Fairgrounds (10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903). (City of Santa Rosa)
  • During an emergency please be water-wise. DO NOT leave your sprinklers running. To learn more about ways to save water. (City of Santa Rosa)
  • Emergency call boxes available at all City of Santa Rosa Fire Stations. List here —> https://srcity.org/598/Fire-Stations
  • PG&E Community Resource Center (CRC) at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building (1351 Maple Ave.) is open from 8am – 8pm, and will open daily until power is restored. (PG&E)
Image

Credit | CHP Santa Rosa

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“With evacuation orders being issued to our north, the Santa Rosa Fire Department has recalled all our Department staff. All of our reserve fire engines are being staffed up & all our normally staffed engines & stations are having extra firefighters added to them.” (Santa Rosa FD)

“The smoke from the fires is so bad, the air quality is Hazardous in Fresno and we are 6 hours south of Santa Rosa. It’s bad, y’all.” (Twitter user @ 1625 hours PDT)

“West of the 101 Freeway and north of Highway 12. The fire has burned more than 30,000 acres and was pushing south toward Highway 128. The 101 Freeway was closed.” (Twitter User)

Image

Credit | Santa Rosa FD

“Police urge residents to yield to emergency personnel and drive with caution. Dangerous wind event continues to impact the city. Emergency response to the Kincade Fire is based out of Santa Rosa and evacuations underway.” (City of Santa Rosa)

“As day breaks in Healdsburg, Calif., devastation caused by Kincade Fire at historic Soda Rock Winery is revealed.” (media)

“Fire is in the same place, caused by the same faulty equipment, as the Geyserville Fire two years ago. The state has neither forced PG&E to address the issues nor planned for another fire emergency.” (Media)

“There are 180,000 people under evacuations. This is the largest evacuation that any of us at the Sheriff’s Office can remember. Take care of each other.” (Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office)

“Fire encroaching the highway on 128, both sides, in Sonoma Co. in Healdsburg. Major wind gusts kicking up and and trees and power lines down everywhere. Updates to come.” (10/27/2019 @ 0235 hours PDT. Media)

“The hard “get out” on just about every street in Healdsburg right now. Glow of fire visible beyond town. Last holdouts frantically leaving.” (10/27/2019 @ 0334 hours PDT. Media)

“Santa Rosa Airport closed. Tried to cancel my flight but airline wanted to charge large cancellation fee. (Twitter User)

HASHTAGS

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019 #KincadeFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – 10/27/2019 @ 1700 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | Bichota Fire | CA | 1

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Fire resources, BC-22, Engines 21 and 322 with PAT-21 and PAT22 were dispatched on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at 1358 hours PDT.

The fire is located on Hwy 39 at mile marker 28.50 on the Angeles National Forest.  It appears a car fire may have been located nearby? A call for service was located on Hwy 39 and Coldbrook at 1320 hours when units were dispatched.

It is currently at one acre and an open incident.

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated @ 10/27/2019 1606 hours PDT

The Wildfire Report | Molino Fire | AZ | 1

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Fire resources are en route to a fire located in the Molino Basin on the Coronado National Forest out of the Tucson Interagency Dispatch Center in Arizona.

Currently, the fire has burned a small area of 0.1 acres.

Dispatched on Sunday, October 27th at 1527 hours MST.

#AZwildfires #FireSeason2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/27/2019 @ 1702 MST

The Wildfire Log | Homestead Fire | Arizona | 1

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A wildfire broke out on Sunday, October 27, 2019, in an unknown area called the HOMESTEAD FIRE.

Fire personnel and resources were dispatched today at 1316 hours MST through the Show Low Interagency Dispatch Center.

The fire has scorched 300 acres.

We are working to gain more details on this wildfire.

#AZwildfires #FireSeason2019

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/27/2019 @ 1555 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | Kincade Fire | CA | 1

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

The KINCADE FIRE ignited on October 23, 2019, at 2127  hours PDT from an unknown cause. Fire investigators are currently reviewing information to determine the cause and will be under investigation until further notice.

Significant  Event | Authorities have now ordered the largest mass evacuation in Sonoma Country history, stretching from the 101 to the Pacific Ocean. (Media)

The fire is located in steep terrain and in remote areas, where it was sparked on John Kincade Road and Burned Mountain Road, which is northeast of Geyersville, California.

CURRENT STATUS

  • 25,455 acres burned
  • 55% contained
  • Extreme fire behavior with uphill runs, flanking and spotting
  • Fire is wind-driven
  • Fire weather is now critical
  • More evacuations are in effect (see below details)

A RED FLAG WARNING was issued on Saturday evening and in effect as of 2000 hours PDT due to strong offshore winds and low humidity, a cause for critical fire weather conditions.

Significant Event | CA National Guard is deployed for major disaster assistance.

EVACUATION SHELTERS

  • Santa Rosa Fairgrounds | 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA. (Also can accomodate large animals)
  • Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Bldg | 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA.
  • Sonoa Marin Farirgrounds | 175 Fairgrounds Road, Petaluma, CA.
  • Petaluma Veterans Center | 1094 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma, CA.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

  • CAL FIRE – Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (Unified Command)
  • Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office (Unified Command)
  • Geyersville Fire Protection
  • CDCR
  • CAL OES
  • CA Highway Patrol
  • CCC
  • Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
  • BIA
  • BLM
  • CA National Guard
  • American Red Cross
  • World Central Kitchen
  • NWS Bay Area
  • SJSU Fire Weather Lab
  • OR firefighters (en route)

Significant Event | PG&E to shutoff power for 1 Million of its Northern CAL customers, making it the largest shutdown in history. (Media)

RESOURCES & EQUIPMENT

  • 2,830 personnel
  • 68 hand crews
  • 10 helicopters
  • 251 engines
  • 50 dozers
  • 25 water tenders
  • 17 air tankers

Significant Event | Fire is now spotting one mile ahead. (Media at 0205 hours)

EVACUATION UPDATES

Evacuation Warning issued for City of Santa Rosa. All areas starting East of western side of City, North of Guerneville Road, Steele Lane, Lewis Road, and Chanate Road, to Montecito Avenue to Montecito Boulevard to Calistoga Road, North to city limit. (Sonoma Sheriff at 0100 hours PDT)

Evacuation Orders for: Dry Creek Valley, Mark West/Larkfield area, Fulton, Forestville, Guerneville, Occidental, Jenner, Bodega Bay. Includes all areas west of Sebastopol north of Bodega Highway and South of Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs Road. (Sonoma County Sheriff on 10/26/2019 at 1840 hours PDT)

EMS  Services:  Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa. All patients are being diverted to Kaiser in Santa Rosa and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.  (Media on 10/26/2019 at 2040 hours PDT/ 10/27/2019 at 0207 hours)

Image

Credit | NWS Los Angeles

Significant Event | Winds reported up to 90 mph (Media/Scanner Feeds)

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

PG&E has begun to shutoff power in most of Sonoma County. A prolonged outage may reduce our ability to warn you in the event of an emergency. This is an Evacuation Order, evacuate now. .  Link —> socoemergency.org (Sonoma County Sheriff)

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

  • 14 structures damaged
  • 77 structures destroyed
  • $7.5 Million cost-to-date

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“It has gone from completely calm to intermittently howling in downtown Santa Rosa in a very short time.” (Twitter user at 0205 hours PDT)

“Concern about fire potentially jumping Hwy 128 near the Alexander Valley School. Now have spotting approx 1 mile ahead of the main fire.” (CA Fire Scanner at 0200 hours)

“Radar echoes once again showing up northeast of Healdsburg as strong winds reach the fire area(s).” (Weather Forecaster at 0200 hours)

“Fire crossed Pine Flat Rd T the 4 mile mark, headed down canyon toward Jim Town.” (Fire Reporter at 0201 hours PDT)

“Concern about Fitch Mountain. Soda Rock Lane. Concern with hitting 128 appear to be increasing.” (Media at 0201 hours)

“Any other trucks and resources are going to be heading to Alexander Valley Elementary School. It’s a small school, located across from the iconic Alexander Valley Vineyards, one of the most beloved family owned wineries in the region.” (Media)

“A massive mutual aid response has arrived (and continue to pour in).” (Media)

“Some serious stuff is about to go down on that mountain tonight. Crews getting into place. Strike teams set up. 150 trucks rallying in Healdsburg. National Guard is here.” (Media)

“ Increasing winds and drier air arriving now. GOES-17 1-minute Fire Temperature satellite imagery clearly shows the fire starting to burn hotter.” (NWS Bay Area) as of 0100 hours PDT

“A6WA reporting 80-90mph wind gusts from the north w/ activity increasing @ the heel of the fire (northern side). Not so much movement on the head yet but anticipating it in the next hour.” (CA Fire Scanner) reported at 0130 hours PDT

“Units reporting structural impact in the next ~30 mins in the 8000blk of Hwy 128 near Pine Flat Rd & the Alexander Valley Elementary School.” (CA Fire Scanner) reported at 0124 hours PDT

“Branch 1 reports the fire is exhibiting extreme-erratic fire behavior, strong winds pushing the fire, the fire pushed past all control lines & backfiring operations. “We are going to let it do what it wants for a little while” Firefighter safety now top priority.” (Media)

“Looks like 15 strike teams of engines (75 engines) already ordered from Oregon, responding in on Sunday. May not all end up there.” (CA Fire Scanner) reported 10/26/2019 @ 2210 hours PDT.

“The amount of mutual aid streaming up highway 101 towards Sonoma County towards the fire is something to behold.” (Media)

“If  fire jumps the Russian River, it’s a whole new ballgame. This region is dominated by dense forests that haven’t burned in a long time + lots of small, isolated communities with tough ingress/egress (Guerneville, Monte Rio, Occidental, Cazadero, Annapolis, etc.). (Twitter user)

“With 60mph winds, “it doesn’t matter what equipment we have on. It has the potential to overwhelm us.” If you stay, responders will have to put THEMSELVES in danger to save you. DON’T DO THIS. Get out. It’s not just you, it’s also firefighters.” (Point Richmond CERT on 10/26/2019 at 1848 hours PDT)

“2.7 million people could lose power in Northern California as utility PG&E cuts service to prevent the spread of wildfires. 50,000 people have been ordered to flee.” (NY Times)

“Long lines at gas station in Sebastopol. Highway 101 southbound in Santa Rosa is crowded like rush hour traffic.” (Twitter user on 10/26/2019 after noon)

” As your evacuate try to do this:  Scan or snap photos of your homeowners/renters insurance policy. Make sure you get the page that tells you who to contact & how. Send the images to the cloud to be safe.” (Twitter user on insurance)

“Air raid sirens in Sonoma County signaling mandatory evacuation order for Graton due to a wildfire.” (Media)

“I am so worried about the firefighters tonight. A guy I’ve literally known my whole life is out there. His own home is one of many in the evacuation zone.” (Twitter User)

“Authorities bracing for ‘dangerous’ spread, plead for residents to evacuate.” (Media)

“Fire at 3 mile marker on Pine Flat Road in Sonoma County, CA.” (Media at 0206 hours PDT)

“I cannot express the words of being in these fires again two years later.” (Twitter User)

HASHTAGS

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019 #KincadeFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – 10/27/2019 @ 0230 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | Tick Fire | CA | 2

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Incident Summary

The TICK FIRE is located about 10 miles northeast of Santa Clarita in the area of Tick Canyon Road and Summit Knoll Road in Canyon Country (Los Angeles County), California.

The fire started on October 24, 2019 at 1451 hours PDT according to Fire Officials.

Image

Credit | Los Angeles Co FD

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Current Status

The fire has scorched 4,615 acres of land and firefighters have reached a 55% containment status.

Three firefighters have been injured. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

Image

Evacuations of animals by LA Co FD, SO and Animal Control. | Credit: LA Co FD

Resources

Currently, the management of the fire is in Unified Command with Los Angeles  County’s Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.

The number of fire personnel has been reduced from 1,325 down to 925 for night fire suppression and containment efforts this evening.  This also includes 105 engines, 21 hand crews and six helicopters.  There are additional resources on stand-by should the fire rekindles.

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators are vital to a large-scale incident such as the TICK FIRE.Here is a list of resources partnering with Unified Command:

  • American Red Cross
  • Angeles National Forest
  • BLM
  • CA Dept. of Corrections
  • CA Highway Patrol
  • City of Santa Clarita
  • LA County Board of Supervisors
  • LA Dept. of Animal Care and Control
  • LA Dept. of Public Health
  • LA County of Emergency Management
  • LA Dept. of Water and Power
  • Southern CAL Edison
  • Southern CAL Gas Company
  • Canadian Superscoopers Quebec 1 and Quebec 2
  • Morro Bay FD
  • Paso Robles FD
  • San Luis Obispo FD
  • SLO County FD
  • LA Co Fire Ops

Significant Events

  • 1700 hours presser cancelled on Saturday due to rapidly improving incident conditions and logistical demands.

Damage Assessment

There have been 16 structures lost with 16 additionally damaged.  At this time of this post, 10,000 structures were still in harm’s way.

Costs-To-Date

The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $6.9 Million.

Shelters

Evacuation shelters in operations are:

  • College of the Canyons (gym). 26566 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, California.

ImageCredit | LA Co FD

Road Closure

  • Tick Canyon Road from Abelia Road to Summit Knoll Road.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

The Fire Department recommends the 6 P’s in what to take with you, should you need to evacuate from your home or business:

  • People and Pets
  • Papers (take important documents)
  • Prescriptions
  • Photos
  • PC Hard Drives and Disks
  • Plastic (ATM cards, Credit Cards, etc)

Disaster Information

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Hashtags

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019 #TickFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/27/2019 @ 0130 hours PDT

 

The Wildfire Log | Tick Fire | CA | 1

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Ca. | The TICK FIRE is located about 10 miles northeast of Santa Clarita in the area of Tick Canyon Road and Summit Knoll Road in Canyon Country.

Image

Credit | Los Angeles Co FD

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

FIRE FACT | Wildfires can travel and burn a football field within seconds. (FEMA)

Resources

Currently, the management of the fire is in Unified Command with Los Angeles  County’s Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office.  Assigned to this incident are 1,325 personnel along with 14 crews, 225 engines and four helicopters.

Image

Credit | Ventura County FD

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators are vital to a large-scale incident such as the TICK FIRE.Here is a list of resources partnering with Unified Command:

  • American Red Cross
  • Angeles National Forest
  • BLM
  • CA Dept. of Corrections
  • CA Highway Patrol
  • City of Santa Clarita
  • LA County Board of Supervisors
  • LA Dept. of Animal Care and Control
  • LA Dept. of Public Health
  • LA County of Emergency Management
  • LA Dept. of Water and Power
  • Southern CAL Edison
  • Southern CAL Gas Company
  • Canadian Superscoopers Quebec 1 and Quebec 2
  • Morro Bay FD
  • Paso Robles FD
  • San Luis Obispo FD
  • SLO County FD

SIGNIFICANT EVENT | Fire jumped the 14 Freeway near Soledad Canyon.

Damage Assessment

There have been nine structures lost with nine additionally damaged.  At this time of this post, 10,000 structures were still in harm’s way.

Costs-To-Date

The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $6.9 Million.

SIGNIFCANT EVENT | 3 wildfires were burning at the same time, making this #4.

Shelters

Evacuation shelters in operations are:

  • College of the Canyons (gym). 26566 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, California.
  • Newhall Center. 2241 Market Street, Santa Clarita, California.
  • Castaic Animal Care Center. 31044 N Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, California. (Small animals only).
Image

Credit | LA Co FD

Evacuations – Mandatory

The Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office are allowing some residents back into areas through the repopulation process, while others are still under a mandatory evacuation order. Here are the current orders still in effect.

  • Barker Canyon Road from Sierra Hwy north of Vasquez Canyon Road to the end near 15142 Sierra Hwy.
  • Tick Canyon Road from Abella Road to Summit Knoll Road.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

The Fire Department recommends the 6 P’s in what to take with you, should you need to evacuate from your home or business:

  • People and Pets
  • Papers (take important documents)
  • Prescriptions
  • Photos
  • PC Hard Drives and Disks
  • Plastic (ATM cards, Credit Cards, etc)

Road Closures

  • SB SR 14 from Escondido Canyon to Soledad Canyon. (CHP)

Through the Eyes of Social Media

Lodging Resources:  “Over 300 Airbnb Hosts Offering Free Lodging for Evacuees, Relief Workers in Santa Clarita Blaze.” (media)

Inspirational Messages: “To our friends in California. Our hearts, thoughts, prayers, and love are with all impacted by these these devastating wildfires. You are not alone. We are with you.” (Stars of Hope)

New Fire Warning: “Several rounds of strong, offshore winds prompts more fire danger for California. Here’s the timing of threats across the entire state from north to south. Be prepared for the potential for more wildfires.” (Weather Forecaster)

Big Thank Yous: “We wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of NWS Los Angeles, NWS San Diego, Sawti Forecast and our local broadcast meteorologists for keeping all Southern Californians updated on fire weather conditions. We rely heavily on your forecasts. THANK YOU!” (LA Co FD)

“California is burning. Again. I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve seen many fires, but the fires that have raged in recent years are much more frequent and powerful. They are so hot they create their own weather system.  It is horrific.” (Twitter User)

“Getting the orders to evacuate your home during a natural disaster is one of the most difficult situations to face. Thank you Red Cross – Los Angeles County for providing individuals and families some comfort in these difficult times.” (Los Angeles County)

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Credit | Los Angeles County

“Pets are sensitive to smoke and bad air quality too. Remember to bring them indoors until conditions improve.” (Los Angeles County)

“Firefighters sleep after 24 hours on the fire line at Stonecrest Park in Santa Clarita.”

Image

Credit | City of Santa Clarita

Hashtags

#CAwildfires #FireSeason2019 #TickFire

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/26/2019 @ 0900 hours PDT

 

The Wildfire Log | Little Mountain Fire | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

SAN BERNARDINO, Ca. | A wind-driven brush fire ignited on Monday, October 21, 2019, off of 39th Street x N Severance Way, near Little Mountain area.

The cause is currently unknown.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Currently, the fire has been kept at 17 acres and has a containment status of 80%.

37 structures were saved by firefighters.

Image

Credit | SB County Fire

Monday, October 21, 2019

Firefighters were originally dispatched to a five-acre brush fire that was quickly progressing rapidly, requesting an immediate 2nd Alarm deploying additional engines, personnel and equipment.  Resources would be deployed from the San Bernardino County Fire Department along with mutual aid from CAL FIRE and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office with their helicopters making water drops.

On Monday, Little Mountain IC stated around 2200 hours that the fire had grown to 17 acres with wind-driven runs and terrain was considered as being steep.

There were 19 engines, four hand crews and one dozer.  Three homes at this time were determined to be damaged with two of them being uninhabited.

Image

Credit | SB County Fire

A firefighter was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and was being assessed at the time of the update.

Evacuations were in progress.

A Red Cross shelter or more commonly called a Red Cross Care and Reception Center was opened  at the San Bernardino Unified School District’s Cajon High School gym.

Credit | SBUSD

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 10/21/2019 @ 2055 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 | 9-21-2019 Saturday

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

The Wildfire Log is a Sit Rep for wildfires occurring in each state.  This is for the State of California.

###

Nationally, there were 78 wildfires that started in the last 24 hours that required light initial attack activity. 3 were new large incidents. Crews have contained 4 large wildfires but 13 still remain burning. (NIFC, 9/21/2019)

###

COW FIRE

Cow Fire smoke column and packing mules traveling to the fireline

Creidt | USFS – Inyo NF

Incident Summary | Started on 9/6/2019. Located in the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Inyo National Forest.  Lightning caused.  Fire fuels:  timber litter and understory.

Current Status | Being managed as a suppression fire with confine and contain strategy.  1,975 acres. 90% containment. $1.9 Million cost-to-date.

Resources | 31 personnel.

LIME FIRE

Early fire behavior on the Lime Fire

Credit | Klamath NF (Lime Fire)

Incident Summary | Started 9/5/2019 @ 1119 hours PDT. West of I-5, east of Klamath River in Lime Gulch on the Klamath National Forest. LIghtning caused. Fire fuels:  brush and timber.

Current Status | 1,873 acres. 99% contained.  Current suppression repair and backhaul is in progress.  Now in patrol status.

Resources | 215 personnel.

LOPEZ FIRE

Incident Summary | Started Saturday, 9/21/2019.  Located in the Upper Lopez Canyon Rd & Wittenberg Creek Road, just southeast of San Luis Obispo, California. In San Luis Obiispo County on the Los Padres National Forest.

Current Status | Majority of fire is in the National Forest. Evacuations in effect overnight for those who live in the area of Upper Lopez Canyon Road from Camp French North.   Details –>  twitter.com/slosheriff    250 acres. 0% contained.  Cause under investigation.

Resources | Unified Command w/CAL FIRE – San Luis Obispo Unit & Los Padres NF

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PG&E has reached a $11 Billion settlement with  insurance companies over the 2017 – 2018 wildfires in northern portion of the State. Covers 85% of insurance claims.  86 people were killed in the #CampFire which destroyed most of Paradise, California. (9/13/2019 Media)

KIDDER 2 FIRE

Happy Camp Crew 2 walking in off the Kidder Fire

Credit | USFS – KNF

Incident Summary | Fire started 9/5/2019, @ 1715 hours PDT. Located on Marble Mountain Wilderness and Kidder Creek, northwest of Etna, California on the Klamath National Forest. Siskiyou County. Lightning caused.  Fire fuels:  brush and timber.

Current Status | 227 acres burned. 50% contained.  Crews working to keep the fire south of Kidder Creek and west of Shelly Fork, as well as north/east of the Pacific Crest Trail.  $840,000 cost-to-date.

Resources | 25 personnel.  Transitioned from a KNF Type 3 to a local Type 4 Incident Commander.

TABOOSE FIRE

Taboose Fire 9/5/19 am. Photo by Jon Klusmire/Inyo County

Credit | USFS – Inyo NF

Incident Summary | Fire started 9/4/2019 @ 1830 PDT. Located southwest of Big Pine and northwest of Aberdeen, California in Inyo County. Lightning caused. Fire fuels:  Brush, short grass and timber.

Current Status | 10,293 acres.  65% contained.  Fire personnel will continue reinforce containment lines and patrol on the southern flank into the western flank.  To continue patrolling in Divisions Alpha, Bravo and Kilo, as well as suppression repair.  $9.6 Million cost-to-date.

Resources | 343 personnel. 15 hand crews. 8 engines and 5 helicopters.

BAUTISTA FIRE

Incident Summary | Started 9/15/2019, @ 1730 hours PDT. Located off of Bautista Rd and Tripp Flats, west of Hemet, California on the San Bernardino National Forest in Riverside County.  Fire fuels: Tall grass and chaparral.

Current Status | 167 acres burned. 95% contained. Cause under investigation. Burning within the South Fork Wilderness. Crews working to put out hot spots near the perimeter and within the interior of the fire. All non-USFS personnel have been released.

Resources | 75 personnel.

RESERVOIR FIRE

Aerial photo of Reservoir Fire

Creidt | CAL FIRE PIO

Incident Summary | Started Saturday, 9/21/2019. Located off of Calaveras Rd and Felter Rd, 5 miles northeast of Milpitas, California in Santa Clara County.

Current Status | 6 fires burning in the area. 2 have merged into one fire.  128 acres. 40% contained. Cause unknown and under investigation.

Limited details.

KENNEDY FIRE

Incident Summary | Started Saturday, 9/21/2019. Reported @ 1722 hours PDT.  Located near Lake Perris off of Moreno Beach and John F. Kennedy Drives in Riverside County.    This is a CAL FIRE  / Riverside Co FD incident.  Incident #CA-RRU-1212824.

Current Status | 110 acres burned. 0% contained. Cause under investigation.

Resources | 150 firefighters, 2 overhead personne, 17 engines, 2 air tankers, 9 hand crews, 1 water tender, 2 bulldozers, Fire PIO.  Cooperators:  CAL FIRE/Riverside, Riverside Co FD, CA State Parks

SOUTH FIRE

Incident Summary | Fire started 9/5/2019. Located southeast aspect of Tomhead Mtn and 15 miles south of Platina, California and west of Red Bluff. Tehama County on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.  Burning in a remote and very rugged area. Lightning caused.

Current Status | 5,209 acres burned. 61 % contained.  2 structures destroyed. $8 Million cost-to-date.

Resources | 328 fire personnel. 5 crews, 3 engines, 1 helicopter. Transitioned from the CA IMT Team 16 back to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

WALKER FIRE

Incident Summary | 11 miles east of Taylorsville on the Plumas National Forest. Fire fuels:  timber and medium logging slash.

Current status | 54,612 acres. 98% contained. Minimal fire behavior with creeping, smoldering and backing.  $33.5 Million cost-to -date. 9 structures destroyed.

Resources | 519 personnel. 6 crews, 26 engines, 3 helicopters.  CA Team 10 managing fire.

MIDDLE FIRE

Incident Status | Located on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, 11 miles northeast of Junction City, California. Fire Fuels:  timber and brush.

Current Status | Minimal fire behavior with creeping, smoldering, back. 1,335 acres. 76% contained. $350,000 cost-to-date.

Resources | 192 personnel. 4 crews, 3 engines and 2 helicopters.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/21/2019 @ 2355 hours PDT