Sunday, July 8, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Antelope Complex Update - Acres - 14,700, Containment - 10 percent

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 11:02 PM CDT

Photo Antelope Complex Header July 6 from Arlington Rd.
Credit: Kale Bowling N.P.S.

view pictures || view maps

Summary


Antelope Complex

Fire Information

July 7 Update

Plumas National Forest

Phone: (530) 283-7882 / (530) 283-7883

Rapid growth continued today on the Antelope Complex, fueled by unseasonably high temperatures and low humidity. Active burning create smoke plume visible throughout the area. At 6:00p.m. Saturday, the fire was estimated to be 14,700 acres and 10 percent contained. No structures have been lost from this large blaze.

Today, an area closure was secured in an approximately 60 square mile perimeter around Antelope Lake to ensure public safety. As of 6:00 p.m.Saturday, a California Type 1 Management Team under Incident Commander Jeanne Pincha-Tulley assumed control of the Antelope Complex Wildland Fire in support of the Plumas National Forest. Firefighters have confirmed that campground facilities, as well as private property in the area, remain undamaged due to significant protection efforts. Spotting over containment lines to the has proven to be the most significant challenge.

Statistics: Acres - 14,700 Containment - 10 percent Personnel - 517

Outlook - Weather is predicted to be hot and dry through Sunday with thunder storms predicted Monday and Tuesday. Extremely dry fuels are significantly affecting fire behavior.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/05/2007 at 1600 hrs.
Location Antelope Lake Recreational Area
Incident Commander Jeanne Pincha-tulley

Current Situation

Total Personnel 517
Size 14,700 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date 07/12/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Mature heavy timber overstory with brush understory, large quantities of dead fuels, snags, mixed conifers, large brush components. Extremely dry 100/1000 hour fuels and live fuels.

Fire Behavior

Intense fire behavior with frequent multiple tree torching and total crown involvement events. Surface fire with 4 to 6 ft. flame lengths. Rate of spread to the northeast averaged 1 mi. per day, with spread rates in all other directions 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Large column development in the afternoon.

Significant Events

Transition from Kaage's Type 2 team to Pincha-Tulley's Type 1 team, California Incident Command Team 3 took place at 6:00 p.m. Fire made significant runs to the northeast and is progressing in all directions; extremely dry fuels are significantly affecting fire behavior.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continue to hold and improve hand and dozer line where safe. Scout for dozer line on southeast perimeter. Establish anchor points for portions of the Wheeler Fire to maximize use of roads, fuel treated areas, old burn scars and rocks.

Projected Movement

12 hours: Northeast around the east side of Antelope Lake up to 1/2 mi., ¼ to ½ mi. in all other directions.

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

High

Remarks

Not available

Weather

Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature Not available
Current Humidity Not available

Antelope fire complex - Fire perimeter map

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 09:15 PM CDT

Antelope fire complex / Wheeler fire perimeter map from InciWeb:

Antelope fire complex - fire perimeter map
Credit: Inciweb maps

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/05/2007 at 1600 hrs.
Location Antelope Lake Recreational Area
Incident Commander William Kaage

Current Situation

Total Personnel 626
Size 11,500 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date 07/12/2007

LAFD Responds To Agua Dulce Brush Fire

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 07:44 PM CDT

LAFD Responds To Agua Dulce Brush Fire

Pursuant of a formal Mutual Aid Request, the Los Angeles Fire Department has assigned one Strike Team of Firefighters, one Heavy Equipment Bulldozer Operations Team, one seasonal contract Helitanker, one LAFD Helicopter and one Helitender to support the Los Angeles County Fire Department in their battle against a brush fire in the vicinity of Highway 14 and Agua Dulce Canyon Road near Agua Dulce, California northeast of our City.

These thirty-seven members of the Los Angeles Fire Department have been dispatched to the "Canyon Fire" in accordance with California's Fire & Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, administered by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The system is designed to ensure that additional resources are provided to local jurisdictions whenever their own resources are committed or insufficient for a specific emergency incident.

CA-LAC-Canyon Fire -Vegetation Fire

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 06:40 PM CDT

Brush Fire - Mutual Aid
Location: SB 14 Freeway at Agua Dulce Canyon Rd - TG 4463-D3

Sizeup: 30 Acres, Rapid ROS

Additional: LAFD Strike Team 1001, one Helitanker and one LAFD Helicopter now enroute to assist Los Angeles County Fire at the Canyon Fire

A second LAFD Strike Team (1002) and Asst Chief Garcia as agency rep are now joining ST1001 at LACoFD's Canyon Fire @6:03 PM

Ch:8,17

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire Update - InciWeb

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 06:14 PM CDT

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire Forest Road Closure Map
Credit: InciWeb Antelope Complex Wildland Fire

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire - 11,500 acres

INCIDENT UPDATED 1600

Summary

The size of the Wheeler Fire, currently 11,500 acres, will continue to increase today, particularly to the northeast. The Wheeler Fire is part of the Antelope Complex, located south and east of Antelope Lake, on the Plumas National Forest in northeastern California.

While intense fire behavior is occuring today, the weather is much more favorable for firefighting as less influence from thunderstorms is expected later in the day. Winds are predicted to be between 5 and 10 mph with gusts up to 20. Spotting continues to be a problem, particulary in the northeast. Today and tomorrow are critical days for catching the fire, as thunderstorms are anticipated for Monday and Tuesday. The fire is 10% contained.

There is a Forest Closure Order (#04-07) in affect for a large area surrounding the lake, allowing no access. Structure protection is in place for residences on the east side of the lake none have been consumed by the fire to date.

Approximately 640 firefighters have been assigned to this Complex, including a Type 1 and 2 Incident Command Team. The Type 1 team will be assuming command of the Complex tonight. Air resources include medium and heavy lift helicopters, as well as air tankers.

A series of lightning strikes late in the afternoon on Thursday, July 5, are responsible for starting numerous small fires in the Antelope Complex, including the Wheeler Fire. One of those fires burned into and merged with the Wheeler on Friday. The smaller fires are staffed, fully contained and in the mop-up phase. The Antelope Complex is approximately 12 air miles northeast of Taylorsville and is burning on both the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts.

Please check inciweb.org and other linked websites as maps, including the area closure map, and pictures are becoming more readily available. Another update will be available this evening.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/05/2007 at 1600 hrs.
Location Antelope Lake Recreational Area
Incident Commander William Kaage

Current Situation

Total Personnel 626
Size 11,500 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date 07/12/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

10 Timber (litter and understory)

Heavy timber, large quantities of dead fuels, snags, mixed conifers, large brush components

Fire Behavior

Overnight, continued fire growth, torching, spotting, complete fuel consumption and poor RH recovery

Significant Events

Camp sites near the fire continue to be closed. Forest Service area closures pending, weather continues to be hot and dry

Outlook

Planned Actions

Insure containment of 7 small fires in the complex. Provide I/A management and suppression in disignated I/A area. Continue Fire suppression, gather intelligence and better define Fire perimeter and progression of this quickly building fire

Projected Movement

12 hours: East North East around the East side of Antelope Lake

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

High

Remarks

Predicted Weather will continue to be hot and dry. Thunderstorms are predicted North of the incident.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 6 mph SE
Current Temperature 59 degrees
Current Humidity 23 %

ALERT - INYO National Forest

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 06:09 PM CDT

ALERT Updated - Mandatory evacuation for west side of Independence. 1730 Sat 7/7/07

On the afternoon of Friday July 6th 10 lightening fires called the Inyo Complex, were ignited throughout the Inyo National Forest. As of 12:00 pm on Saturday three fires remain actively burning with significant acreage involved.

Evacuations are currently in effect for Oak Creek Campground, Upper and Lower Gray's Meadow Campgrounds, Seven Pines, Onion Valley, Big Pine Canyon Campgrounds, Glacier Lodge, Black Rock and Mt. Whitney Fish Hatcheries.

Current Road Closures: Big Pine Canyon, North Fork Oak Creek Canyon and Onion Valley Road. 395 now closed from Big Pine to Pearsonville. Mandatory evacuation for west side of Independence. (1730 Sat 7-7)

For updated information on the Inyo Complex, please visit the Forest Service's Inciweb website.

XGL-3050-C - Glenn Co. -> Taylorsville

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 05:51 PM CDT

Local Gov Type III Strike team from Glenn Co. forming up to head for Taylorsville immediate need. XGL-3050-C.


Source email:norcalfire

News- Raging Plumas Fire Doubles in Size

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 05:20 PM CDT

News10.net - Raging Plumas Fire Doubles in Size:
Raging Plumas Fire Doubles in Size
Written by Jason Kobely, Internet News Producer


Header on Antelope complex
News 10 Viewer photo

While heavy winds pushed a fire burning in the Plumas National Forest to nearly double its size late Friday, U.S. Forest Service officials said calmer conditions over the weekend should help crews make headway against the blaze.

The Antelope Complex fires expanded from 3,000 acres to nearly 11,500 acres Friday, fueled by downdrafts from thunderstorm cells moving through the area northwest of Reno.

Evacuation orders remained in effect around the Wheeler fire, the largest of nearly a dozen lightning-sparked fires burning about six miles south of Antelope Lake. While all the other fires in the park are contained or staffed, the Wheeler fire continued to burn Saturday with only 10 percent containment.

With the fire moving east Friday, cabins east of Antelope Lake as well as the Janesville grade area of Plumas County were ordered to evacuate. Over 600 firefighters were on the fire lines Saturday with 500 additional firefighters expected to join the effort.

Road closures were also in effect throughout the area, including Beckwourth/Genesee Rd., Genesee Rd. from Indian Valley, Dixie Valley Rd. at Conklin Park and the Janesville grade.

The fires are believed to have been sparked by dry lightning Thursday afternoon between Susanville and Portola.

Officials said that while summer residences and campgrounds in the Antelope Lake area were evacuated as a precaution, no homes or communities were currently threatened.

XCA-450C - San Andreas forming Strike team

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 03:37 PM CDT

XCA-450C - San Andreas forming Strike team of engines for Santa Barbara county.
E-124, E-243, E-113, E-238, E-752
CODE 2

News - 240 Fire Fighting goats die in crash

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 03:05 PM CDT

San Jose Mercury News - 240 goats die in crash:

A truck carrying 400 goats used to clear brush from Bay Area hillsides turned over on a Milpitas-to-Mill-Valley run Friday morning, killing more than 240 animals.

The 32-foot truck, from Orinda-based Goats R Us, turned over in San Rafael, when the driver pulled off the freeway to get a cup of coffee, according to San Rafael police spokeswoman Margo Rohrbacher.

San Rafael police Sgt. Mike Vergara said the truck, which was heading to the Golden Gate Theological Seminary, may have been going too fast when it tipped over while making a left turn.

"Our main concern is the remaining goats," Vergara said, adding several of the animals escaped the truck after the accident.

Officials from the Marin Humane Society, San Rafael Police Department and San Rafael Fire Department responded to the 8:45 a.m. accident in San Rafael's Canal area to save as many of the remaining goats as possible.

About 20 goats were found grazing in the nearby neighborhood and were herded up within a couple of hours.

Onlookers watched in horror as officials piled 243 dead animals on the roadside, most of them killed by suffocation. Workers dug through the wreckage of the overturned vehicle for more than an hour. The dead animals filled a dumpster.

Two injured goats were taken to the humane society shelter. The surviving goats were transported to their Mill Valley destination.

Neither the driver, Ed Gibson, nor a passenger was injured in the accident.



Officials from the Marin Humane Society, San Rafael Police Department and San Rafael Fire Department responded to the 8:45 a.m. accident in San Rafael's Canal area to save as many of the remaining goats as possible.

About 20 goats were found grazing in the nearby neighborhood and were herded up within a couple of hours.

Onlookers watched in horror as officials piled 243 dead animals on the roadside, most of them killed by suffocation. Workers dug through the wreckage of the overturned vehicle for more than an hour. The dead animals filled a dumpster.

Two injured goats were taken to the humane society shelter. The surviving goats we"

[EDIS] Red flag warning - ANTELOPE VALLEY

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 02:49 PM CDT

EDIS Red flag warning remains in effect until 9 pm pdt this evening for the western portion of the antelope valley due to gusty west winds and low humidities
ANTELOPE VALLEY-
.A VERY WARM AND DRY AIR MASS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS INTERIOR SECTIONS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TODAY. THE DRY AIRMASS WILL BRING A PROLONGED PERIOD OF VERY LOW HUMIDITY READINGS TO THE ANTELOPE VALLEY THROUGH THIS EVENING. IN ADDITION... INCREASING ONSHORE FLOW WILL BRING GUSTY SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS TO THE ANTELOPE VALLEY THROUGH THIS EVENING... WITH THE STRONGEST WINDS IN THE FOOTHILLS AND WESTERN PORTIONS. ... RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES... A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING. SOUTHWEST TO WEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH TODAY... WITH LOCAL GUSTS OVER 40 MPH IN THE FOOTHILLS DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING HOURS. IN ADDITION TO THE STRONG WINDS...THERE WILL BE HOT AND DRY CONDITIONS TODAY. TEMPERATURES WILL CLIMB TO BETWEEN 100 AND 108 DEGREES... WITH LONG DURATIONS OF SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES EXPECTED.

Instruction:
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS... LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY... AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.

Area: ANTELOPE VALLEY-

InciWeb: Inyo Complex Wildland Fire 18,000 acres

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 11:42 AM CDT

Inyo Fire Photo
Credit: unknown received via e-mail



Inyo Complex Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 0900

Summary

A thunder and lightning storm moved quickly through the Eastern Sierra Friday afternoon, July 6, 2007, igniting approximately 10 fires being managed as the Inyo Complex. As of 8:00 Saturday morning, the three biggest fires still actively burning are: 1)The Oak Fire burning west and north of Independence, on both sides of US 395 2) The Seven Fire burning west and north of Independence 3) The Sage Fire burning in Big Pine Canyon.

The following areas have been evacuated: Oak Creek Campground, Upper and Lower Grey's Meadow Campground, Onion Valley Campground, Seven Pines, Big Pine Canyon Camprgrounds, Independence Creek Campground, and Glacier Lodge.

Currently the roads up Big Pine Canyon, the North Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, and Onion Valley Road are closed to the public.

The Sage Fire has now burned 5,000 acres and the Oak and Seven Fires have now merged and have burned 12,000 acres.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/06/2007 at 140 hrs.
Location w/sw of Big Pine, n/nw of Independence
Incident Commander Unified Command

Current Situation

Total Personnel 425
Size 12,000 acres
Estimated Containment Date 07/18/0 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Brush, timber, and grass

Significant Events

Evacuations are currently in effect for Oak Creek, Upper and Lower Greys Meadow and Onion Valley Campgrounds; Seven Pines; Big Pine Canyon Campgrounds,Independence Creek Campground, and Glacier Lodge. Numerous road closures.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Structure protection, line construction, burnout.

Projected Movement

Significant movement is expected.

Growth Potential

Extreme fire behavior will limit control efforts.

Terrain Difficulty

Steep, difficult access.

Remarks

There is a very large amount of open line. Numerous structures may be threatened.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 10 mph SW
Current Temperature 93 degrees
Current Humidity 12 %

InciWeb: Antelope Complex Wildland Fire

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 11:08 AM CDT

InciWeb: Antelope Complex Wildland Fire: 11,500 acres


Picture map of Antelope Complex fires GeoMac Composite
Credit: CAL FIRE News/GEOMAC
Yesterday the fire had a thunderstom over it for several hours causing spread in all directions
as shown in map of fire above.


Picture Antelope Complex from Thompson Peak July 7th
Photo Credit: Jason Flaherty
This picture is nice Wallpaper!

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 0900

Summary

Acreage figures for the Wheeler Firehave increased as a result of an active burning period on Friday in the late afternoon. Currently, the fire includes approximately 11,500 acres. A Cobra flight mid-morning on Saturday will acurately measure the perimeter.

Active burning on Friday, particularly in the late afternoon,was a result of downdrafts from thunder cells passing through the area. Summer residents on the east side of the lake were evacuated. Structure protection measures were successful and it appears no significant structures have been lost. Dry lightning forecast for Friday did not impact the area measurably and forecasts for Saturday lightning are low. Relatively stable airmass for the next 2 days will assist firefighters in their efforts to contain the fire.

A closure is in effect around the entire area (see "Maps").

The Antelope Complex is approximately 12 air miles northeast of Taylorsville and 5-6 air miles south of Antelope Lake. Type 1 & 2 fire teams are working on the blaze. Over 500 firefighters are on scene with additional fire fighting resources continuing to arrive.

A series of lightning strikes late in the afternoon on Thursday, July 5, are responsible for starting over a dozen fires on the Plumas National Forest in northeastern California. Collectively called the Antelope Complex, the largest of the fires is the Wheeler Fire. All other small fires are contained or staffed.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/05/2007 at 1600 hrs.
Location Antelope Lake Recreation Area
Incident Commander Larry Craggs -

Current Situation

Total Personnel 354
Size 2,400 acres (ED: WHEELER?)
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date 07/12/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

10 Timber (litter and understory)

Heavy timber, large quantities of dead fuels

Fire Behavior

Overnight there were strong down drafts from thundercells, causing some eratic fire behavior. Low RH and extremely dry fuels

Significant Events

Antelope boat ramp closure. Evacuation of cabins in Franks Valley. Evacuation of campgrouds in the vicinity of Antelope Lake.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Structure and recreation protection. Heavy fire suppression

Projected Movement

12 hours: Anticipate new lightning starts and heavy IA activity

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Remarks

Midmorning assessment will be updated this evening.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 10-15 mph SW
Current Temperature 93-97 degrees
Current Humidity 12 %

InciWeb: Zaca Wildland Fire

Posted: 07 Jul 2007 10:17 AM CDT

Zaca Wildland Fire - 6,300 acres
Picture of map ZACA fire GeoMac Composite
Credit: CAL FIRE News/GEOMAC

Zaca Wildland Fire
INCIDENT UPDATED 0800

Summary

July 6, 2007 9:58pm

Forest Closure: The Forest Service is closing a portion of Los Padres National Forest in the general vicinity of the Zaca Fire as a precautionary measure only. We are asking campers, hikers and other recreationists to leave the area. This is not an evacuation. There is no imminent threat. The closed area includes Figueroa Mtn. area campgrounds, day use areas and recreation residences, portions of the San Rafael Wilderness in the Sisquoc and Manzana drainages and the South Fork La Brea area. Private land is not affected. Santa Barbara County also has closed Figueroa Mtn. Road from Hwy 154, and Happy Canyon Road at Baseline Road.

The fire is currently burning in very rugged inaccessible terrain. Significant fire activity occurred late in the afternoon on Friday, July 6, toward the northeast. The fire has now burned into the Los Padres National Forest, burning approximately 1000 acres of forest land. The San Rafael Wilderness is threatened. Control efforts are focused on containing the fire to the south of the Sisquoc River, west of the San Rafael Wilderness, and north of Zaca Lake Road. Crews are experiencing high heat and low humidity on the fireline. Significant resources are arriving to combat the fire.

There have been 9 injuries, none serious, most were heat related or muscle strains.

Currently there are 38 hand crews, 6 air tankers, 14 helicopters, 52 engines, 32 dozers, and 9 water tenders.

The Zaca Fire started on Wednesday, July 4, on private land in the Bell Canyon area of Santa Barbara County about 10 miles north of the community of Los Olivos. The fire is being managed in a Unified Command with CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Fire Started By Landowner
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 15 miles north east of Buellton, CA.
Incident Commander Howard Windsor

Current Situation

Total Personnel 1,263
Size 6,300 acres
Percent Contained 15%
Fuels Involved

Chaparral and Oak Woodlands.

Fire Behavior

The fire continues to make a significant fuels driven run on the North side of the San Rafael Ridge, burning to the east. The north flank of the fire continues to back down to the Sisquoc River.

Significant Events

Campgrounds Evacuated and the Cachuma and Figueroa Recreation Areas, which includes portions of San Rafael Wilderness. Roads are closed into these areas. Firefighters continue to have success at holding the fire on the North side of the San Rafael Ridge, South of the Sisquoc River, and East of School House Canyon. The Eastern Side continues to run unabated despite firefighting efforts.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continuing to build line to keep fire within the objectives by building direct and indirect line.

Projected Movement

The fire could grow even larger yet in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Growth Potential

High.

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme.

Containment Target

Three of the four operational objectives which have been identified, have a strong likelihood of success. Control of the eastern flank of the fire remains elusive.

Remarks

USFS, Santa Barbara County, CAL FIRE, continue to operating in unified command.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 3 mph NE
Current Temperature 70 degrees
Current Humidity 23 %

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