Monday, May 21, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

CA-LNU - Braye Fire - Local news coverage

Posted: 21 May 2007 01:43 AM CDT

"Fire season starts early"
450-acre blaze started near Lake Berryessa
By JAKE DORSEY/Democrat staff Writer

A Cal Fire unit stands watch as the blaze crests the ridge near the Canyon Creek Resorts along State Route 128 west of Winters. As of 4 p.m. Saturday the wildfire had consumed more than 450 acres and was 50 percent contained. (Matthew Henderson/Democrat) It's a small, but auspicious start to fire season.

A wildfire streaked across more than 450 acres early Saturday morning up in the Vaca Mountains east of Lake Berryessa. The fire was about 50 percent contained at press time.

No injuries were reported and no structures were under threat from the fire, Cal Fire information officer Kevin Colburn said. However, the fire came within several dozen yards of the Canyon Creek Resort, an RV camping park nestled near the foot of Lake Berryessa.

"This is a fire-prone area," Colburn said. "It's a really bad area."

The fire started as a 5-acre blaze at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday night. Fire investigators believe the fire started west of a small field on the way up to Lake Berryessa along State

A Cal Fire UH-1H dips into the Putah Creek along State Route 128 west of Winters while fighting a wildfire that has consumed more than 450 acres on Saturday. (Matthew Henderson/Democrat) Route 128.

Vacaville Fire Protection District personnel responded to the scene and soon had all of its units called out. Cal Fire, the new name of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, took over command of the fire almost immediately.

Within a couple of hours the fire grew to about 200 acres, with winds whipping the flames in a northeastern direction. Cal Fire units from the Sonoma-Lake-Napa district took over for the local Vacaville units. Helicopters, several bulldozers and about a dozen inmate fire crews were also brought to the scene.

SR-128 was eventually closed by Caltrans at Winters, as well as where it connects to SR-121. Colburn said the road would be closed until at least 8 p.m. Saturday.

Tim Streblow, the deputy chief of the Sonoma-Lake-Napa district, said air tankers were not available to help put the fire out, but he said it probably would not have helped much.

"We have lots of choppers we can call when needed," Streblow said.

Randy Fregoso, a captain of a helicopter team out of Vina, said there were only two aircraft in the air at a time, each dumping about 300 gallons of Putah Creek water onto the fires to help slow them down. Though the helicopters are only allowed to fly for seven hours total each day, Fregoso said it was enough.

Crews were expected to work the fire for the rest of Sunday night, Colburn said. Crew levels, which reached a maximum of 300 during the early morning, would be gradually reduced. Part of that 300 are more than 200 inmates.

The rocky, steep terrain of the area is one of the bigger concerns facing Cal Fire, Colburn said. Firefighters were coping with approaching the flames and making fire breaks despite it, however.

"We don't leave until we know it's not going anywhere," Colburn said.

No cause has been determined, Colburn said.

Fregoso said it felt a little early for the fire season to start. Cal Fire won't declare fire season until June 4, with the state agency not reaching full staffing levels until about July 1.

"Seems like we're ahead of schedule," he said.

Campers Barbara and Tom Hannah, from Truckee, said they watched the flames for some time before finally going to sleep.

"It was nice to watch," Tom Hannah said. "(Cal Fire) said they'd let us know" if they needed to leave.

Barbara Hannah said many people left last night, escaping toward Lake Berryessa and SR-121.

"Tonight, I can have a glass of wine. Last night, I didn't," she said.

David Huffman, a retiree from Texas who was camping in Canyon Creek, said he went to bed at midnight because Cal Fire told him he was fine.

"Then I woke up at 2:45 and saw it coming over the other mountain," he said. "It was a little scary."

National Incident Information Center (NIIC): ...

Posted: 21 May 2007 01:42 AM CDT

National Incident Information Center (NIIC):

THE MORNING REPORT

Saturday May 19, 2007 – 12:00 pm EDT

Thumbnail graphic of Morning Report - click to view HTML version of full report

The Morning Report is published daily during fire season and provides information on the current wildland fire situation, regional fire summaries, weather reports, burned area rehabilitation activities and closure orders for fires 500 acres and larger.

CURRENT SITUATION

Initial attack activity was light with 137 new fires reported burning 4,827 acres. Currently, there are 16 fires and complexes over 500 acres. There are 2 new fires over 500 acres, 1 each in Nevada and Florida. Three Type 2 and five Type 1 Incident Management Teams are assigned. The Southern Area Preparedness Level is 5.

An Area Command Team (Rounsaville) is helping create a strategic plan for suppression action in Florida.

The Boise-based NIMO Team (Gelobter) is assigned to Greensburg, KS running a base camp for tornado recovery emergency workers. The Atlanta-based NIMO team (Ferguson) is assigned to the Florida Bugaboo fire.

INCIDENT HEADLINES

  • There are 4,966 personnel committed to wildfires nationally, a 1% decrease from yesterday.

SUMMARY OF FIRE ACTIVITY ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Fire Activity

Yesterday

Year-to-Date

2000 Fire Season

10 Year Average

Number of Fires

137

32,212

39,243

29,671

Acres Burned

4,827

903,647

1,004,930

772,544

RESOURCES COMMITTED

Crews
(20 persons)

Engines
(5 persons)

Helicopters
(7 persons)

Overhead

(individuals)

Air Tankers
Assigned

Total Personnel

79

324

47

1,437

12

4,966

MAPS OF CURRENT FIRE ACTIVITY

REGIONAL FIRES OVER 500 ACRES

SOUTHERN AREA (website: http://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/ )

Incident Name

State

Lead

Agency

Size

(acres)

Percent

Contained

Estimate of

Containment

Personnel

Structures

Lost

Florida Bugaboo

FL

FS

121,319

80

UNK

544

0

Bugaboo Scrub

GA

FWS

159,473

45

UNK

NR

2

Bugaboo Scrub 2

GA

ST

5,585

50

UNK

129

0

Sweat Farm Road/Big Turnaround Complex

GA

FWS

151,682

82/45

UNK

944

24

BICY Complex

FL

NPS

21,500

45

UNK

225

0

Dairy Road

FL

ST

14,626

80

5/22

79

0

*Paterson

FL

ST

15,000

80

5/22

11

0

Round About Swamp

GA

ST

5,827

95

6/1

157

0

Knee Knocker Swamp

GA

ST

1,367

95

UNK

42

10

Deland Complex

FL

ST

10,025

85

5/22

40

0

Florida Bugaboo is located 2 miles east of Taylor, FL. A Unified Command between Type 1 Incident Management Team (Quesinberry) and Florida DOF (Greene) is established along with the Atlanta NIMO team (Ferguson). Fire behavior has moderated. Numerous structures in several communities remain threatened.

Bugaboo Scrub is located 16 miles west of Folkston, GA burning in southern rough and timber. Creeping and smoldering is reported. Numerous structures and a state park remain threatened. A transfer of command between Type 1 Incident Management Teams is occurring.

Bugaboo Scrub 2 is located 5 miles east of Fargo, GA burning in southern rough and timber. Fire activity has moderated, though numerous structures remain threatened. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Hannemann) is assigned.

Sweat Farm Road/Big Turnaround Complex is located 10 miles west of Waycross, GA burning in southern rough and timber. Fire activity has moderated on Sweat Farm Road, while Big Turnaround Complex reports increased fire activity with short surface runs. A community, refuge facilities, railroad infrastructure and microwave installation are threatened.

BICY Complex is located in Big Cypress National Preserve 51 miles west of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The complex includes 5 fires. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Stanich) is assigned. Increased fire activity is reported. A community and petroleum equipment are still threatened.

Dairy Road is burning 7 miles northwest of Keystone Heights, FL in timber. Smoldering fire activity is reported. Numerous residences remain threatened.

Round About Swamp is burning 4 miles west of Pearson, GA. Low fire activity is reported.

Knee Knocker Swamp is one mile northwest of Nahunta, GA. There is minimal fire activity.

Deland Complex includes 3 previously reported fires. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Utley) is assigned. Smoldering is reported.

EASTERN AREA (website: http://gacc.nifc.gov/eacc/)

Incident Name

State

Lead

Agency

Size

(acres)

Percent

Contained

Estimate of

Containment

Personnel

Structures

Lost

Ham Lake

MN

FS

36,443

85

5/20

527

133

Warren Grove

NJ

ST

17,270

70

NR

20

3

Ham Lake is located 49 miles northeast of Grand Marais, MN burning in timber and dead and down fuels. A transfer of command to IMT 2 (Mannelin) will occur today for the U.S. part of the fire. A larger portion of the fire is burning in Canada. Minimal fire activity is reported. Structures, power and telephone infrastructure remain threatened.

Warren Grove is located 25 miles north of Atlantic City, NJ burning in hardwood litter and timber. No new information has been received.

SOUTHWEST AREA (website: gacc.nifc.gov/swcc)

Incident Name

State

Lead

Agency

Size

(acres)

Percent

Contained

Estimate of

Containment

Personnel

Structures

Lost

Promontory

AZ

FS

2,667

40

5/22

667

0

Promontory is located 18 miles east of Payson, AZ burning in timber on the Tonto National Forest. No new information has been received.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA (website: gacc.nifc.gov/wgbc/)

Incident Name

State

Lead

Agency

Size

(acres)

Percent

Contained

Estimate of

Containment

Personnel

Structures

Lost

*Mustang

NV

BLM

1,200

50

5/19

138

0

*Indicates new fire(s)

WEATHER OUTLOOK

*

RED FLAG WARNINGS: FOR PORTIONS OF FLORIDA, GEORGIA, ALABAMA, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND MISSISSIPPI.

Dry, conditions will continue today over the Southeast, with increased winds over central and southern Florida. Arizona and the southern Great Basin will see one more day of scattered mixed wet and dry thunderstorms.

INTERNATIONAL LARGE FIRES

  • For further information on fires in Canada, please refer to: www.ciffc.ca/links.htm
  • For further information, go to the Global Fire Monitoring Center at: www.fire.uni-freiburg.de/current/globalfiree.htm

CURRENT FIRE MAP

Thumbnail graphic of map of the United States - click to view large map of current fires greater than 500 acres

The geographic location of fires (>500 acres) in the USA may be seen on a fire map. Map information provided courtesy of the USDA Forest Service Remote Sensing Applications Center. Data provided by the National Interagency Fire Center.

FIRE SEASON OVERVIEW

States most affected today GA, FL
Number of fires to date 32,212
Number of fires >500 acres today 16
Acres burned to date 903,647
Resources committed today 4966
Structures destroyed to date 411

PREPAREDNESS LEVEL

National Preparedness Level is 2 several Geographic Areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger. Wildland fire activity is increasing and large fires are occurring in one or more Geographic Areas. Minimal mobilization of firefighting resources from other Geographic Areas is occurring. The potential exists for mobilizing additional firefighting resources from other Geographic Areas.

Fire departments recruit women

Posted: 21 May 2007 12:26 AM CDT

Inside Bay Area - Fire departments recruit women:

"DUBLIN — They came because they didn't like their jobs, because they wanted to do something noble or because they wanted to see if they have a chance of making it.

There was a line of about 50 of them before the doors even opened Saturday morning at the Dublin firefighter Candidate Physical Ability Test site. Although this "career fair" was meant to draw more women into the firefighter ranks, plenty of men came too.

"Most women don't realize that firefighting is an option open to them," said Lisa Beaty, a Contra Costa County fire captain and member of the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee, a partnership of numerous California fire departments, which organized the recruitment event.

Twenty-two departments took part in the fair, including Livermore-Pleasanton, Tracy, Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Fremont and as far south as Los Angeles County.

For the would-be firefighters, it was a chance to get some face time with the departments they were interested in. They could leave their contact information for all of the participating departments, get information, watch a short video and attempt parts ofa strenuous test that they would have to pass to be eligible to become firefighters in California.

"The vast majority of them are people who've never had a firefighting job," committee member Carroll Willis said. "We have reached out to the community colleges and their fire science programs."

According to the

committee, only 5 percent of California firefighters are women.

Willis said that many women who started in the 1970s through the'90s are now retiring, and because of anti-affirmative action laws in the previous decade, there are few women left.

To pass the CPAT test, firefighters must complete eight stations in 10 minutes and 20 seconds, Tracy firefighter Laura Hernandez said.

First, they have to walk on a combination escalator/treadmill for three minutes while carrying 75 pounds of weight and equipment without holding on to a bar for support. The walk simulates climbing up an 11-story building.

Next, they drop 25 pounds of weight and have to drag a fire hose. Then they carry a 30-pound power saw.

"You get really tired by this point," Hernandez said. "It's continuously timed — you can't take a break."

After that, they have to climb up a 24-floor ladder, hit a target with a 10-pound sledge hammer, crawl on all fours in a dark U-shaped tunnel, drag a 165-pound dummy and push up weight with a skinny metal bar to simulate breaking a hole in a ceiling.

At the event, participants only did the escalator walk for 11/2 minutes.

"I feel it in my thighs — I started to burn a little bit," said 24-year-old Dane Hagan of Union City. Hagan is in the U.S. Army as a hazardous materials technician.

"Firefighting is an option I'm looking at," he said. "Either that or stay in the Army."

College student Alaina Trocano, 23, of Dublin was smarting after dragging the heavy dummy.

"It works your calves," she said. "I wasn't expecting that."

Trocano said that she is serious about being a firefighter.

"I decided to do something different, something to be proud of," she said. "I have a written test at the end of the month for (the) Stockton (Fire Department)."

Some participants were in better shape than others. Martinez pet food shop employee Nancy Lewis finished fourth in the Miss Olympia bodybuilding competition in 2004.

"I've always wanted to be a firefighter," she said. "It's something I could be good at."

Some just wanted a change of scenery, such as 31-year-old Dagmar Wittner of San Francisco.

"I don't like my career right now," the chiropractor said. "I need something more physical. It's either this or the police department."

Roman Gokhman can be reached at (925) 416-4849 or rgokhman@trivalleyherald.com.

NIFC - News and notes - dedication

Posted: 20 May 2007 11:46 PM CDT

http://gacc.nifc.gov/oscc/predictive/intelligence/news_notes/index.htm

"Today a flag was raised which had flown at the California State capital
on October 26th 2006 and moment of silence was observed.
Engine Captain
John Clays and a staff of four (4) firefighters placed BDF Engine 57 a
new model 62 into service at the Alandale Fire Station.
The station is
located near the community of Pine Cove on the San Jacinto District of
the San Bernardino National Forest in Riverside County.
A district
dedication was held at the Alandale station with a plaque posted at the
station in remembrance of Fire Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, Engine Operator
Jess McLean, Assistant Engine Operator Jason McKay, Firefighters Daniel
Hoover-Najera and Pablo Cerda who were killed in the line of duty on the
Esperanza Fire. Engine 57 was destroyed.

Captain John Clays is the
brother in-law of Jess McLean."

CA-RRU-66th - 40 Acres - 12-15 vehicles and 2 tractor tailers were destroyed

Posted: 20 May 2007 10:59 PM CDT

CA-RRU-66th -

Riverside County Fire Department - News Releases and Incident Information:

"Incident Name: 66th fire
Incident Name: 66th fire Incident Number: CARRU-44588
Date Reported: 05/20/2007 Time Reported: 1:17 PM
Incident Type: Brush fire with exposures
Incident Location: Polk and Martinez City: Thermal
Size/Type of Fuel/etc.: 40 Acres and vehicles Cause: Under Investigation
Loss: $0 (STR): $0 (Contents): $0 Vehicle(s): $0
Save: $0 (STR): $0 (Contents): $0 Cost to Date: $0
Injuries:
Fatalities: 0 Critical: 0 Moderate: 0 Minor: 0 Non-Injury: 0
Transported Ground AMB: 0 Air AMB: 0
Containment Time: Control Time:
Resources Assigned
Engines: 21 Breathing Supp.: 0 Helicopters: 1
Truck Co: 0 Squad: 0 Air Attack: 1
Firefighters: 130 RVC Medics: 0 Air Tankers: 2
Overhead Personnel: 1 AMB's: 0 Fire Crews: 4
Haz. Mat: No Co. Health: No County OES: Yes Fire Prev.: Yes Water Tenders: 1
Electrical Co: Yes Gas Co: No Water Co: No Bulldozers: 1
Red Cross: No Chaplain: No Displaced Persons: Yes Adult: 0 Child: 0
Misc. Equip: Sheriff's Office: Yes CHP: Yes Office: INDIO
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, CAT, CHP, County OES, IPD, PSP, RSO
Supplemental
Comments: 12-15 vehicles and 2 tractor tailers were destroyed in the fire. The historical Torres Martinez Indian School suffered minor damage to the steeple of the school. Firefighters were able to save the structure. Helen Jose and Polk was the area of evacuation, which is part of the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation. RSO and CHP evacuated 40 homes with over 200 residents. A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Miracle High School located at Avenue 66 and Tyler. Imperial Irrigation will restore power to area by approx 2100 hours tonight. 1 Dog suffered serious burns,animal control responded to the scene to treat the animal. Road Closures, Helen Jose, Martinez and Avenue 66 at Polk. Damage assessment is on going.
Problems: Firefighters encountered homes that had very little defensible space, citizens need to remember regardless of where you live in the County defensible space is needed to help us protect your home. Firefighters are working in hard, in the triple digit temp fortunately we have had no injuries to firefighters or civilians.
Evacuations: Yes Evacuation Comments:
Information Center: 951-453-7523 OR:
Prepared By: cheri Patterson Prepared Date/Time: 05/20/2007 1756



UPDATE 66th fire:
Date 05/20/2007
2: Time 1908
3: Initial | Update | Final
not initial | xx on update| not final
4: Incident Number CA-RRU-44588
5: Incident Name 66th
6: Incident Kind Wildland Fire
7: Start Date, Time 05/20/2007 1317
8: Cause Under Investigation
9: Incident Commander PAIZ, RAY
10: Incident Command Organization
11: State-Unit CA-RRU
12: County RIVERSIDE
13: 13: Latitude and Longitude Lat: 33° 34´ 10" Long: 116° 9´ 23" Ownership: CA-RRU
14: Short Location Description: 16_T07S_R08E_S

CURRENT SITUATION

15: Size/Area Involved 40 ACRES
16: % Contained 50 Percent
17: Expected Containment Date: 05/16/2007
21: Injuries this Reporting Period: 1
22: Injuries to Date: 1
23: Fatalities 0
24: Structure Information: 14 outbuildings destroyed
25: Threat to Human Life/Safety:
Evacuation(s) in progress ----
No evacuation(s) imminent --
Potential future threat --------
No likely threat --------------- XX
28: Major problems and concerns: ERRATIC WINDS AND RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE THREAT
29: Natural and Cultural Resources to be protected (kind(s) and value/significance): Village School

30: Current Weather Conditions
Wind Speed:
Temperature:
Wind Direction:
Relative Humidity:
31: Fuels/Materials Involved: 4 Chaparral (6 Feet)
-
33: Significant events today (closures, evacuations, significant progress made, etc.):
150 civilians were evacuated to the Desert Mirage High School. Evacuations were handled by County OES and the American Red Cross. 12 cars were destroyed, 2 big rigs/tractor trailer vehicles wee destroyed and serious damage occurred to the tower of the Village School.

OUTLOOK
-
39: For fire incidents, describe resistance to control in terms of:
1. Growth Potential - High
2. Difficulty of Terrain - Medium
-
43: COMMITTED RESOURCES
4 T1 crews
helicopters 1 Type 1
11 SR & 2 ST engines
1 dozer
3 water tenders
7 overhead
136 personnel total

44: Cooperating and Assisting Agencies Not Listed Above:
California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff's Office, Imperial County Fire

Approval Information
45: Prepared by: Parks
46: Approved by: Parks
47: Sent to:CSR by: Parks
Date: 05/20/2007 Time: 1928
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CAL FIRE Patch Nice design looks great

Posted: 20 May 2007 11:06 PM CDT

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will now be referenced as CAL FIRE instead of CDF. The logo below is the new CAL FIRE patch.










The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will now be referenced as CAL FIRE instead of CDF. The logo below is the new CAL FIRE patch.





The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will now be referenced as CAL FIRE instead of CDF. The logo below is the new CAL FIRE patch.Editor: Just wanted to post this great Cal Fire patch- Logo - Seems everyone is getting used to the change from CDF but this editor will always wonder why...Found these on the Riverside County Fire website

CA - LNU - Braye Fire - 50% contained

Posted: 20 May 2007 09:18 AM CDT

Wildland Fire Incident
Braye Fire:
Name: Braye Fire
County: Yolo County
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Status/Notes: 50% - 450 acres

Hwy 128 is closed from Plesants Valley to Hwy 121

Date Started: May 18, 2007 9:16 pm
Last update: May 19, 2007 8:30 pm
Phone Numbers (707) 967-1456 (Braye Fire Information)




Hotlist- CA-LNU -

Wildland fire 250 Acres, 50% contained. Highway 128 closed. Estimate final size at 400 acres. Hope to pick up by 18:00 today."


From CHP CAD
8:18AM **T/ADV**SR 128 AT 121 IN NAPA CO AND AT PLEASANT VALLEY RD IN YOLO CO IS CLOSED DUE TO FIRE/ETO 1200 NOON


UPDATE CAL-LNU-Braye Fire - :

"CA-LNU-Braye Fire
06:30 May 20, 2007---450 acres, 50% contained, 1200 feet of line to build. Estimated Containment 05/21/2007.
1 injury. Highway 128 is open."

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