Wildland fires

The Wildfire Report | Saddleridge Fire | CA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

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

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

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

RESOURCES – INCIDENT COOPERATORS

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

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

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CURRENT FIRE STATUS

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

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

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

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

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

HEROES IN ACTION

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

Credit | Media

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

Credit | World Central Kitchen

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

Credit | LAPDCValenzuela (Twitter)

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Credit | LA County FD

CASUALTIES

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

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

  • 23 structures destroyed
  • 17 structures damaged

Credit | Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office

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

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

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

The Wildfire Log | US Wildfires in the Fall | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Wildfires have begun to reduce but not in all United States, so we thought we’d include them in a single Blog post.  If they become too big of an incident, we will at that time determine if it should be in its own separate post.

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ALABAMA

Fire Facts | In the last 24 hours, the Southern Area (Alabama and Mississippi) has reported 112 new wildfires with 5 of them being new large incidents. (NIFC)

BUILDING BRIDGES FIRE  | 6 miles SE of Valley Head

Alabama Forestry Commission. Started on private land. Short grass and southern rough fire fuels. 391 acres. 79% contained. 0 resources listed. $1,000 Cost-to-date.

JOHNSON QUARTER  FIRE | 4 miles NW of Florala

Alabama Forestry Commission. Started on private land. Short grass as fire fuel. 400 acres. 79% contained. 0 resources listed. $1,000 cost-to-date.

KINGS CHAPEL ROAD FIRE | 8 miles SW of Sylacauga

Alabama Forestry Commission. Started on private land. Timber and short grass as fire fuels. 470 acres. 99% contained. $2,000 cost-to-date.

ALASKA

Fire Fact | No wildfires were reported in the last 24 hours, however there is one fire that is staffed for 167,164 acres.  124 fires are being monitored and 8 are out. 1 is a RX fire for a total of 134 wildfires. (AICC Sit Rep)

SWAN LAKE FIRE | Kenai-Kodiak Area

AK Department of Forestry. AKKNR – Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Started 6/5/20219 by lightning. 167,164 acres. No increase in acreage since 9/28/2019. 90% contained. 28 total personnel. 1 hand crew, 1 engine. $49 Million CTD. Being managed other than full suppression strategy without a Type 1 or 2 IMT.

TOKAINA 2 FIRE | Valdez-Copper River Area

AK Department of Forestry. 9,412 acres. 0% contained. 5 total personnel. 1 helicopter. State lands. Being managed with another type of strategy other than full suppression without a Type 1 or 2 IMT assigned.

ARIZONA

Fire Fact | There were 4 new wildfires in the last 24 hours in the Southwest area. (NIFC)

JOHNSON FIRE | 8 miles S of Prescott

Started 9/22/2019. Cause is known. Prescott National Forest. Timber and brush are fire fuels.  166 acres. 96% contained.  Estimated containment is for 10/6/2019. 50 personnel.  Fire managed by an IC Type 4 Orozco & Trainee Shinabarger along with 1 hand crew, 3 engines, 1 helicopter. 1 structure lost. $1.4 Million cost-to-date.

RIPARIAN FIRE | Bureau of Indian Affairs

Started 10/1/2019 @ 1046 hours MST. AZSCA fire unit. 0.5 acres.

IKES FIRE | Grand Canyon 

Isolated Tree Torching within fire perimeter on August 23, 2019

Ikes Fire | Isolated Tree Torching | Credit: GCNP

Started 7/25/2019. Lightning at Swamp Point – Powell Plateau and Timp Point in the Grand  Canyon National Park. National Park Service. 9,000 acres. 75% contained.  Estimated containment on 10/15/2019.  IC is Jay Yancick (ICT4 NPS) and Trainee Andy Hamilton (ICT4 NPS). Being Managed with a strategy other than full suppression without a Type 1 or 2 IMT assigned. (Ikes, Sheridan, Telephone and Eden Fires). 63 total personnel. 1 hand crew, 5 engines, 1 helicopter. $2.7 Million CTD.

SHERIDAN FIRE | Prescott National Forest

Started 8/5/20919. LIghtning in a natural wood trap area.  20 miles NW of Prescott.  21,510 acres. 80% contained.  Estimated containment is 10/12/2019.  Type 5 IC – Timber.  6 personnel staffing fire. 1 engine staffing fire. $4.2 Million CTD.

TELEPHONE FIRE | Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Started 9/4/2019. Lighnting caused. In a natural lake mountain.  2,361 acres. 90% contained. Strategy is 10% point zone protection, 20% monitor and 0% full suppression with 70% confine. 5 total personnel. 1 hand crew.  Type 4 IC – Caleb Schultz.  $117,000 CTD.

EDEN FIRE | Coconino National Forest

Started 8/29/2019. Lightning at Lost Eden. 2,800 acres. 90% contained. IC Type 4 IC Stevens with AZ-COF-MRRD.  0 personnel or equipment on this fire. $186,000 CTD.

SURPRISE FIRE | 7 miles N and W of Prescott

Started 9/17/2019. Lightning caused. 210 acres. Timber (grass and understory). 80% contained. Estimated containment by 10/12/2019. IC Type 4 – Carpenter.

CALIFORNIA

Fire Fact | There were 17 wildfires in the last 24 hours with none of them being deemed as new large incidents.  There is still one wildfire in the Southern California area that is still burning. (NIFC)

NEW! | RANCH FIRE | E Pozo Rd x Avenales Ranch Rd, SLO County, Santa Margarita

Brush fire reported. 30 acres. Grass and brush are fire fuels. Medium rate of spread. IC on-scene working on resource request. (Pulse Point, Twitter Reporters)

TABOOSE FIRE | 10 miles SW of Big Pine

U.S. Forest Service on the Inyo National Forest. Timber, brush and short grass are fire fuels. Minimal fire behavior reported with creeping and smoldering.  10,296 acres. 75% conatined. 36 total personnel along with 1 engine and 1 helicopter. 0 Structures lost. $10,9 Million CTD.

Fire Fact | There were 6 new wildfires that were reported in the Northern portion of the State of California. None of these fires were reported as large new incidents and none of the continued burning wildfire has been deemed fully contained yet. (NIFC)

SOUTH FIRE | SHF

Being managed with a strategy other than full fire suppression and without a Type 1 or 2 IMT assigned.  5,255 acres. 62% contained. 56 total personnel along with 1 crew and 1 engine. 2 structures were lost. $9.2. Million CTD.

COLORADO

Fire Fact | There were two new wildfires reported in the last 24 hours.  One of them was a new large incident.  Firefighters are still working to contain them.

GRANITE LAKE FIRE | 19 miles E of Aspen

White River National River. Timber is the fire fuel. Moderate fire behavior with uphill runs, wind-driven runs and isolated torching has been reported. 694 acres. 0% containment. 10 total personnel are assigned. 0 other resources are listed. $7,000 CTD.

DECKER FIRE | Rio Grande National Forest

1791 acres. 5% contained. 231 fire personnel assigned along with 9 crews, 8 engines and 2 helicopter.  $1.5 Million CTD.

MIDDLE MAMM FIRE | Wright River National Forest

290 acres. 2% contained. 3 total personnel. 0 equipment listed. $528,000 CTD.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 2120 hours 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.

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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)

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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

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!

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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.

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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)

Image may contain: sky, outdoor and nature

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.

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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

The Wildfire Log | Reservation Field Fire | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. | A wildfire has broken out in the 4700 block of Reservation Road and off of Johnny Walker Way in Stevens County.WA DNR resources, along with local partners were dispatched on Sunday at 1038 hours PDT.

Incident Cooperators

Resources include: AA 4TS AR 29 AR 445 AR 446 AR 447 AR 450 AR 61 C 6201 E Zone 10 FB 207 FB 210 arrived on-scene around 1114 hours PDT. Additional partners include the Stevens County Fire District #1, Spokane Tribe and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office.

Evacuations

Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuations are listed as notifications only.  However,  you should be prepared just in case you are asked to evacuate.

No word if the notices have been lifted or are still in effect.

Size Up

Acreage has increased to an estimation of 20 acres and crews have mostly stopped the forward progression of the fire.

Cause

Fire spread in to wildland interface from a structure fire.  Fire crews believed the structure was an abandoned single-wide trailer.

No actual cause has been determined by Investigators.

Damages

No word on total damages to property or fire suppression and containment costs-to-date.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated on 8/18/2019 @ 1435 Hours PDT.

 

 

 

The Wildfire Log | Reservation Field Fire | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. | A wildfire has broken out in the 4700 block of Reservation Road and off of Johnny Walker Way in Stevens County.WA DNR resources, along with local partners were dispatched on Sunday at 1038 hours PDT.

Incident Cooperators

Resources include: AA 4TS AR 29 AR 445 AR 446 AR 447 AR 450 AR 61 C 6201 E Zone 10 FB 207 FB 210 arrived on-scene around 1114 hours PDT. Additional partners include the Stevens County Fire District #1, Spokane Tribe and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office.

Evacuations

Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notices have been issued for those that reside in the following areas:

  • Reservation Road
  • Johnny Walker Way
  • Sanctuary Way
  • South Cemetery Road

Size Up

A total of 10 acres has been burned.  There is no containment at this time.

Cause

The cause is unknown at this time.

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated on 8/18/2019 @ 1330 Hours PDT.

 

 

 

The Wildfire Log | Idaho | August 18, 2019

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Here is the SitRep for Wildfire activity on Sunday, August 18, 2019 for the State of Idaho.

14 new wildfires started in the last 24 hours in the Great Basin area which include States ID, NV and UT. – NIFC

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New Wildfire(s)

Hell Roaring Creek, Custer | 0% containment

Crews were sent out on a smoke check at 1218 hours MDT.  Shortly after, a wildfire was reported to their Dispatch and additional resources were deployed through the South Central Idaho Interagency Dispatch Center at 1232 hours MDT to the Hell Roaring Creek area in Custer. Due to this being the newest fire, there is limited information showing up in CAD.

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Cove Creek Fire | 27 miles NW of Salmon | 4,444 acres | 65% containment

The Cove Creek Fire is burning in the Salmon – Challis National Forest owned by the US Forest Service in Idaho.  Fire fuels include timber and tall grass.  Fire behavior is said to be minimal with creeping, backing and with wind-driven runs.

There are 38 total personnel along with one crew, two engines and one helicopter on the front lines.

Cost-to-date expenses have reached an all time high of $4 Million Dollars.

Nethker Fire | 30 miles NE of McCall | 2,354 acres | 91% containment

The Nethker Fire is currently burning in the Payette National Forest and managed/owned by the US National Forest.  Command has been transferred back to the local unit from the GB Team 3, an IMT Type 2 team.

Fire behavior has been reported as moderate with smoldering, creeping and isolated torching.  Fire fuels include timber and closed timber litter.

There are approximately 559 total personnel still assigned to this fire, along with 15 crews, eight engines and five helicopters.

Cost-to-date is $10.2 Million Dollars.  All structures were saved by firefighters. No were reportedly damaged, injuries to firefighters or to civilians.

Quartz Fire | NW of Quartzburg | 1.3 acres

The Quartz Fire started on Saturday, August 17, 2019.  It is located about one mile northwest of Quartzburg and burning in elevations of 5,200 to 5,400 feet.  Fire resources and assets were dispatched through the Boise Interagency Dispatch Center at 1717 hours.  1.3 acres of grass, brush and ponderosa pine have been destroyed on BLM lands.   Estimated time to contain the fire is expected to be today sometime.

 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/18/2019 @ 1200 hours PDT

The Wildfire Log | 8-5-2019 | Monday

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

WASHINGTON STATE | Here is the Sit Rep (recap) of wildfires in our State on Monday, August 5, 2019.

POPEYES CORNER | 1413 hours

A fire broke out on 116th in Marysville in Snohomish County sending out fire resources to the area at 1413 hours.  0.8 acres of grass, brush and timber were destroyed.

It is in a patrol status.

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FRUITLAND FIRE | 1537 hours

This wildfire is located on Lantzy Road in Stevens County that started today from an unknown cause. Resources include IC NC 7307 @ 1658 hours PDT.  Others are C101, TE11, E552 E5564 NC 7306 NC 7307.  They had arrived on-scene prior to the IC at 1545 hours.  There has been 0.5 acres of grass, brush, timber, logs and duff.

This is an open incident.

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HAVILLAH ROAD FIRE | 1513 hours

The Havillah Road Fire is located on the same name it is named after.  Fire resources and assets were dispatched at 1513 hours for a small burning wildfire held to only 0.01 acre of grass.  IC 7106 arrived at 1546 hours.

This fire is in patrol status.  All resources have been released.

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MOUNTAIN MEADOWS FIRE | 1348 hours

Fire resources and assets were dispatched to Pend Oreille County, where a wildfire aws burning on Deeter Road at 1348 hours.  Resources deployed were:  AR 25, 442, 445, 451 and 63. FL 34, HTs 42 and 44 and INVF Kaino. IC is OH Bortner.  About 0.8 acre of grass, brush, reproduction and timber have been destroyed.

This is an open  incident.

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LOGANBERRY FIRE | 1101 hours

At 1101 hours this morning, fire resources were dispatched to a small wildfire burning in Thurston County’s Rochester.  Quickly crews have held the fire back to 0.1 acres of consumed grass.

It is in patrol status. Resources released.

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KENNYDELL FIRE  | 0849 hours

A small fire ignited in at 6745  Fairview Rd SW in Olympia, the location of a 40-acre park that features 1,000 ft of freshwater beach as well as trails, athletic fields and a swimming pool.  Fire resources responded to a wildfire in the area and containing it to a 0.1 acres of brush and light timber.  Dispatch time was at 0849 hours.

Contained & under control at 1110 hours.  In Patrol status.

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ON-GOING INCIDENTS

DEVORE CREEK FIRE  | Started 7/26/2019

The Devore Creek Fire ignited from lightning at 0000 hours on July 23, 2019, and reported on July 26, 2019.  This is a long burning wildfire.  It is located about 3 air miles SW of Stehekin, burning above an elevation of 8,000 feet in heavy timber.

Image may contain: sky, mountain, cloud, grass, outdoor and nature

Credit | Oscar Vargas, USDA FS

About 189 acres have burned and there is still a 0% containment status.  There are 83 fire personnel along with 2 crews and 3 helicopters.  There is a NIMO (Phoenix) is managing this incident.

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ESQUATZEL FIRE | Started 8/4/2019

The Esquatzel Fire is located about 2 miles NE of Eltopia and was started on August 4, 2019.  The cause is unknown at this time.  500 acres of grass have been burned and crews have a 40% containment status.  There is a minimal fire behavior and the fire has been dozer lined. Fire Managers do not expect any growth from this fire.

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KUSSHI CREEK FIRE | Started 7/24/2019

The Kusshi Creek Fire started on July 24, 2019, from lightning.  The fire is located about 37 miles south of Yakima.  There has been 953 acres of timber with a 90% containment status.  Currently, fire behavior is minimal.

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LEFT HAND FIRE  | Started 7/23/2019

The Left Hand Fire started from lightning at 0000 on July 23, 2019, and is located about 17 miles NW of Naches in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that was one of many wildfires ignited by lightning on this date from a passing thunderstorm.  The fire has destroyed 3406 acres of timber and crews have successfully reached an 92% containment status.  It is still burning but now has a minimal fire behavior that is both creeping and smoldering.

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WILLIAMS FLATS FIRE  | Started 7/23/2019

This wildfire is located 5 miles SE of Keller on the Colville Indian Reservation.  Active fire behavior.  The fire has now destroyed 13,497 acres of timber, brush and old logging slash and still has a 20% containment status.

The Structure Protecion Group successfully burned out around the buildings at the Goat Ranch aka Hellsgate Ranch prior to the Williams Flats Fire burning into the area.

Credit | Colville Agency – BIA

There are currently 20 homes and 20 other minor structures being threatened.  Approximately, 542  fire personnel along with overhead and support staffing are assigned to this incident, along with 11 crews, 7 helicopters and 16 engines.

Fire behavior is moderate with group torching, flanking and torching.  It is currently moving east and has crossed over Brody Creek Road and Redford Canyon.   Personnel are being challenged by steep slopes, limited access and primitive road conditions, which have slowed them down with their containment efforts.

Fire Management is in Unified Command with Colville Agency and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). NW Team 8 is the IMT which is in Command of this wildfire incident on Saturday at 1800 hours.

ICP is located at the Keller Community Center. The Helibase is located at the Wilbur Airport.

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Big Thank You’s for entrusting us to provide you all with the most up-to-date Fire, EMS and Disaster News.  Thank you for following us on Twitter (@nwfireblog). We appreciate all of your support and follows. 

(c) 2019 NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/5/2019 @ 2045 hours PDT