Wednesday, July 11, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Six More Local CAL FIRE Firefighters Report Injuries Following Inyo Incident

Posted: 11 Jul 2007 07:41 AM CDT

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 02:10 PM

San Andreas, Ca -- Some additional local fire-fighters are being treated for injuries sustained while helping to battle a moving fire at the Inyo Complex in Independence this past Saturday.

Originally, three were transported to the Fresno Burn Center with minor injuries. According to the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of CAL Fire, six more were transported today after beginning to feel the effects of the exposure to smoke and heat.

The firefighters were part of two engines that had been assisting the public in evacuating the Seven Oaks area, when extreme fire behavior forced them to deploy their fire shelters.

Two of the three firefighters originally transported have now been released from the hospital. The names of those injured are not available.

The 35,000 acre wildfire, which was sparked by lightning on Friday, is now 80 percent contained. The blaze has destroyed six homes and closed down trails into a popular wilderness area north of Mount Whitney.

Local News: City of Tracy Firefighters on the ZACA Fireline

Posted: 11 Jul 2007 12:02 AM CDT

Tracy crews fight southland blaze

Source: Tracy Press

Bob Brownne Monday, 09 July 2007

Local firefighters are again leaving the county to help fight a fire, this time a brushfire in Santa Barbara.

Three Tracy firefighters were called over the weekend to help contain one of Southern California's wildfires.

Division Chief David Bramell said a crew from Station 97 at Central Avenue and Tracy Boulevard headed to Santa Barbara County on Saturday afternoon to help with the Zaca Fire, which as of Monday evening had burned 9,500 acres of brushland northeast of Buellton.

Bramell said the crew took an engine from Station 94 at Schulte and Hansen roads, which receives many of the calls for brush fires in the farms and hills west of Tracy. He said the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and California Department of Forestry, also known as Cal Fire, called five departments from San Joaquin County and asked for engines suitable for steep, rocky terrain.

Bramell said crews typically work for 12 hours at a time and will stay until the lead agencies, Santa Barbara County and Cal Fire, in this case, release them.

"They don't know what their assignment is going to be until they arrive," Bramell said. "I know this group was assigned to protect structures."

Cal Fire reported that 22 homes were threatened at Zaca Lake Resort, the Figueroa Area Campgrounds and near Manzana Creek. Only one outbuilding was reported destroyed in the fire.

The fire started July 4 and was about 30 percent contained as of Monday evening. The Tracy firefighters are among 1,756 personnel assigned to this blaze.

Cal Fire also reported that a contract helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon at the Figueroa Helibase. Two people on the helicopter survived the crash, and Cal Fire reported that their injuries were minor.

Trackback(0)

[EDIS] thunderstorms with Dry lightning possible through this evening

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 11:34 PM CDT

[EDIS] thunderstorms with Dry lightning possible through this evening

SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTIES-SAN FRANCISCO-THE EAST BAY HILLS-SANTA CLARA COUNTY-LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-THE SALINAS VALLEY AND PINNACLES NM-NAPA COUNTY-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-SAN MATEO HILLS-

MOISTURE MOVING UP FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILL CONTINUE TO OVERSPREAD THE ENTIRE FIRE WEATHER DISTRICT TONIGHT. ISOLATED LIGHT RAIN SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH ASSOCIATED DRY LIGHTNING ARE STILL POSSIBLE ACROSS THE DISTRICT THROUGH THIS EVENING. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PDT TONIGHT FOR DRY LIGHTNING... A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PDT TONIGHT FOR THE ENTIRE FIRE WEATHER DISTRICT FOR POSSIBLE DRY THUNDERSTORMS. SCATTERED LIGHT RAIN SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES CONTINUE ACROSS THE DISTRICT THIS EVENING... BUT LIGHTNING GROUND STRIKES HAVE REMAINED JUST OUTSIDE OF THE FORECAST AREA THUS FAR. THE THREAT FOR DRY THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS...THEN DIMINISH. LITTLE...IF ANY MEASURABLE PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED WITH ANY STORMS OR PASSING SHOWERS. ERRATIC AND GUSTY WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE FROM THE SHOWERS OR STORMS.

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.

Area: SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTIES-SAN FRANCISCO-THE EAST BAY HILLS-SANTA CLARA COUNTY-LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-THE SALINAS VALLEY AND PINNACLES NM-NAPA COUNTY-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-SAN MATEO HILLS-

Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Cruz, Yolo, Marin, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Napa, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, San Joaquin, San Francisco, Stanislaus, San Mateo, Sacramento, Monterey, Solano, Merced, Kings, Fresno, San Benito, Lake, Santa Clara, Alameda,Kensington, Port Costa, Byron, Pacheco, Crockett, Bethel Island, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Richmond, Discovery Bay, Blackhawk, Rodeo, Orinda, Concord, Martinez, Antioch, Danville, Walnut Creek, El Cerrito, Moraga, Pinole, Clayton, Oakley, San Pablo, Vine Hill, Diablo, Brentwood, El Sobrante, Hercules, Bay Point, Knightsen, Clyde, Alamo

LARGE DRY LIGHTING FRONT PASSING OVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 08:15 PM CDT

SEVERE LIGHTNING MAP USA 7-10-071700
SOURCE:http://www.intellicast.com/Storm/Severe/Lightning.aspx

LIGHTNING MAP USA 7-10-07 1700 HRS EST
SOURCE:http://www.weather.com

A LARGE DRY LIGHTING FRONT HAS PASSED OVER COASTAL WATERS AND IS NOW PASSING OVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NUMEROUS FIRES STARTED FROM MENDICINO IN AN ARC UP THRU LASSEN. SINGLE TREE STRIKES BEING REPORTED

CA-MEU-Pass IC - WILDLAND FIRE

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 07:38 PM CDT

LOCATION: Mendocino Ranger Unit, MNF in the area of Schoolhouse Flats. Reporting large, visible column, growing rapidly, request additional available resources (air & ground) to be dispatched now.
Engines 52, 53 responding to incident
SIZEUP: Engine 52 reporting fire at least 10 acres, rapid R.O.S., running hard uphill, structures in area. POTENTIAL 500 ACRES

UPDATES:
  • 300 acres at this time, wind driven, two structures immediate threat, multiple other structures out in front.
  • Initial size up earlier was from Engine 52 while enroute but Capt. stated he was looking at fire with large potential, Very active fire.



CA-HTF-Balls Canyon - VEGETATION FIRE

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 07:01 PM CDT

CA-HTF-Balls Canyon
News media reporting this is 500 acres and still running. Hwy 395 closed near Hallelujia Jct per CHP CAD. CHP CAD also reports some possible pending evacs.

CA -MEU -Covelo IC - Vegetation Fire

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 06:59 PM CDT

Location: Covelo, Mendocino Pass Road just west of Eel River Guard Station.
Just below Anthony Peak Lookout.

Sizeup: 20 acres per MNF E52 and 53 at scene. CAL FIRE (CDF) from Covelo reported large
column, requesting high response.

ADDITIONAL;
151.385 MEU Local
151.445 Command 8
151.160 Tact 2
169.175 MNF Forest Net

On norcalscan.org live scanner

UPDATES: Air Attack reporting "40+ acres, dangerous rate of spread up hill, 2
structures threatened, potential for 500 acres."

Sounds like MEU Howard forest is still primary on this but I imagine
MNF forest will become primary, if not at least unified command. MNF
is definitely awake now.

CA-MVU-6654 - Vehicle fire -> Wildland Fire

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 04:10 PM CDT

CA-MVU-6654 Hwy 78 Clevenger Canyon
Location:New start yesterday north of Ramona. Full CDF & USFS wildland response.

Initial Sizeup: fire started in San Diego City PRA at bottom of grade. 10-15 acres rapid rate of spread started from vehicle fire, potential for several hundred acres and structure threat on top of ridge.

Additional: 2AT-330 reports 20 -25 acres moderate rate of spread. potential for 200, Ordering 2 addtional air tankers, and 2 addtional helos.
IC requesting 4 additional handcrews and 5 more type III engines. Fire is spotting and may jump Hwy. 78 on northside with moderate winds pushing it up the canyon.

AA-330 on scene 1 mile north of Ramona AAB with T-70 & 71.

IC on Hwy 78 CDF CMD 2



HPWREN Mt. Woodson cam: http://archive.hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/MW.jpg

Ramona AAB operation from HPWREN AAB cam: http://archive.hpwren.ucsd.edu/camer...ren-iqeye7.jpg

CA-RRU-Jockey - Vegetation Fire

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 04:07 PM CDT

CA-RRU-Jockey Location: Area of Domenogoni Parkway near Hemet.
Sizeup: 5 Acres, Moderate ROS, AA310 reports immediate structure threat.
IC requesting 10 additional engines any type for structure protection.

Difficult access.

CA -SHU - Power IC - Vegetation Fire

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 03:43 PM CDT

Mandatory Evacuations POWER IC VEGETATION FIRE MAP GENERAL AREA
Location: Hwy 299 at Pit One Grade.
Size up: AA240 reports 10 acres mod-rapid ros, no structure threat.

Resources from SHU and Lassen Forest responding.

Additional:

Lots of resources are being sent, extra crews, dozer and a few engines.
Command 1 - 151.355 Air Tac 5 - 151.295 CDF T11 - 151.445 and T12 - 151.46
Updates:
  • Power IC reports fire now 25 acres, has spotted across their dozer
    line, req additional copter - Copter 902 being dispatched
  • BUF & HAT also responding.
  • IC reports now 50-60 acres, light/moderate ROS "except when it hits
    heavy fuels.., keeps spotting across our lines;" Requesting 4th AT if
    possible.
  • SHU now toning out a strike team of engines for structure protection
    Engines to report to Glenburg Rd.
  • Shasta SO reports fire has crested the ridge toward Glenburn Rd
    http://snipurl.com/glenburnrd
  • Requesting County OES respond in event evacuations become necessary.
  • Also requesting Shascom begin making "Reverse 9-1-1" precautionary
    notifications to Glenburn Rd area residents.
  • Now 100+ acres, "mandatory" evacuation of west side of
    Glenburn Rd. Staging now at Hwy 299 & Glenburn, w/of town of Fall River Mills.
  • www.norcalscan.org Click on "Listen Live"
  • L/G SHS 3150B enroute, with mutiple Calfire engines still being dispatched
  • GACC reporting 200 acres @1530
  • And most recent weather obs 15:00, at Pit One powerhouse, temp 101°

    At Soldier Mtn west of Glenburn Rd (but elev 700' higher): temp 98°,
    Rh 17%, wind WSW @ 11, gust 21; Fuel moist: 4; Fuel Temp: 111. Last
    weather info I heard from IC about 14:00 was that wind was not a
    factor at that time

[EDIS] thunderstorms with dry lightning to develop this afternoon

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 03:32 PM CDT

[EDIS] thunderstorms with dry lightning to develop this afternoon

SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTIES-SAN FRANCISCO-THE EAST BAY HILLS-SANTA CLARA COUNTY-LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-THE SALINAS VALLEY AND PINNACLES NM-NAPA COUNTY-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-SAN MATEO HILLS


.MOISTURE MOVING UP FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILL OVERSPREAD THE ENTIRE FIRE WEATHER DISTRICT TODAY INTO TONIGHT. THUNDERSTORMS AND ASSOCIATED DRY LIGHTNING WILL SPREAD FROM SOUTH TO NORTH ACROSS THE DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON AND INTO THIS EVENING. ... RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PDT TONIGHT FOR DRY LIGHTNING... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH NO LONGER IN EFFECT... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN FRANCISCO HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PDT TONIGHT. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. A RED FLAG WARNING FOR DRY LIGHTNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE FIRE WEATHER DISTRICT. DRY THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP BY MIDDAY OR EARLY AFTERNOON ACROSS THE HILLS OF MONTEREY AND SAN BENITO COUNTY. THE STORMS WILL THEN MOVE NORTHWARD INTO THE DIABLO RANGE AND EVENTUALLY THE NORTH BAY HILLS. STORMS WILL INITIALLY BE DRY WITH DRY LIGHTNING STRIKES LIKELY. BY THIS EVENING THE STORMS WILL TREND WETTER WITH A MIX OF WET AND DRY LIGHTNING STRIKES PROBABLE. IN ADDITION TO THE LIGHTNING THREAT STRONG AND GUSTY WINDS CAN BE EXPECTED NEAR ANY THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

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.

Area: SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTIES-SAN FRANCISCO-THE EAST BAY HILLS-SANTA CLARA COUNTY-LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-THE SALINAS VALLEY AND PINNACLES NM-NAPA COUNTY-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-SAN MATEO HILLS-

Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Cruz, Yolo, Marin, Contra Costa, Mendocino, Napa, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, San Joaquin, San Francisco, Stanislaus, San Mateo, Sacramento, Monterey, Solano, Merced, Kings, Fresno, San Benito, Lake, Santa Clara, Alameda,Kensington, Port Costa, Byron, Pacheco, Crockett, Bethel Island, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Richmond, Discovery Bay, Blackhawk, Rodeo, Orinda, Concord, Martinez, Antioch, Danville, Walnut Creek, El Cerrito, Moraga, Pinole, Clayton, Oakley, San Pablo, Vine Hill, Diablo, Brentwood, El Sobrante, Hercules, Bay Point, Knightsen, Clyde, Alamo

Sent: 2007-07-10T09:36:54-07:00

Zaca Wildland Fire - update - 10,400 acres, 30% contained

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 03:08 PM CDT

Zaca Wildland Fire
click to enlarge Pictures and Maps
Zaca Fire information map
Credit: CAL FIRE Incident Information


Zaca Fire viewed from behind Cachuma Mountain, looking westward. 12:00 p.m., July 4, 2007
picture Credit: Ray Ford

INCIDENT UPDATED

Summary

July 10, 2007 8:00 am

Helicopter Accident

On July 8, 2007, at 4:07 pm, a contract helicopter was involved in an accident at the Figueroa Helibase. The pilot and co-pilot were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

A joint accident investigation team is handling the investigation. The restrictions on air operations have been lifted. The Figueroa Helibase will remain closed until further notice.

Fire Update

The fire has now burned into the San Rafael wilderness, with the north flank of the fire currently burning in heavy, 40 year old fuels with a high dead to live ratio. Fuel moisture levels are extremely low and at a point that is usually not seen until late in the summer.

The fire is continuing to back down to the Sisquoc River. Strong attempts will be made to contain this portion to prevent fire spread into fuels which haven't burned since 1966. The fire continues to spread to the east and northeast and has crossed Manzana Creek moving toward the Sisquoc River. The fire has reached a portion of the Marre fire of 1993. Firefighters are taking advantage of the younger fuels and are attempting to "turn the corner" by applying direct line construction techniques where it is safe and effective to do so. The south and west sides of the fire continued to be successfully held.

Figueroa Recreation Area is closed to public entry,as areportions of San Rafael Wilderness and the South Fork La Brea area. Roads are closed into these areas, and travelers passing near are reminded to be alert for fire equipment and personnel in the area.

Fire commanders are implementing contingency plansin case control objectives are not met. The next couple of days are critical on achieving the objective of holding the east side of the fire.

U.S. Forest Service, Santa Barbara County Fire, and CAL FIRE, continue to operate in Unified Command.

For more information please contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 or go to http://www.fire.ca.gov/ or http://www.inciweb.org/.

Santa Maria Amateur Radio Operators assisting with Zaca Fire

Amateur radio operators affiliated with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) are assisting firefighters on the Zaca Fire. Volunteers from the Santa Barbara section of the American Radio Relay League are staffing roadblocks at the intersection of Figueroa Mountain Road and SR 154 and at the intersection of Happy Cyn and Baseline Roads. The roadblocks were established at the request of Santa Barbara County Fire Department. ARES is a public service organization composed of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment to provide communication support and other assistance when disaster strikes. For more information about ARES see http://www.santamariaares.org/.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human Caused.
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 1,756
Size 10,400 acres
Percent Contained 30%
Fuels Involved

Chaparral and Oak Woodlands. North Flank of the fire is burning in heavy, 40 year old fuels with high dead to live ratio. Fuel moisture levels are extremely low, and are at levels which are usually not seen until late in the summer.

Fire Behavior

The north flank of the fire continues to back down to the Sisquoc River. Firing plans have been developed to bring the fire down to the Sisquoc River outside of the San Rafael Wilderness. This plan will not be implemented until the weather and fire behavior are favorable for a successful outcome. The fire continues to spread to the east and northeast and has reached Bald Mountain/Bald Mountain Canyon unabated. The south side continues to be successfully held along Zaca Ridge. West and north control objectives also continue to be achieved.

Significant Events

Twelve bulldozers continue constructing secondary lines along the northeast side of the fire as a contingency to protect the community of Tepusquet if the fire jumps the Sisquoc River. Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area, South Fork La Brea area, and portions of the San Rafael Wilderness are closed to public entry. Roads leading into the Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area are closed. Firefighters continue to have success in holding the fire on the south side of the Sisquoc, east of School House Canyon and north of Zaca Ridge.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continuing to build line to keep fire within the objectives by building direct and indirect line. Fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft continue to support daily ground actions.

Projected Movement

The fire has the potential to grow larger in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Growth Potential

High.

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme.

Containment Target

With the fire established in the San Rafael Wilderness, fire managers are implementing contingency lands.

Remarks

A Joint Accident Investigation team is evaluating and investigating the helicopter accident. Estimated containment dates are difficult to establish at this time because the fire has become established in the San Rafael Wilderness. The current projection is that containment will require at least 14 days.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 3 mph SE
Current Temperature 71 degrees
Current Humidity 18 %

Antelope Complex - Update - Fire Information

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 01:49 PM CDT

Antelope Complex Maps
Click on maps for large version
Antelope Complex Fire perimeter map 7-9-07
Credit: California Incident Managment Team
Antelope Complex Briefing Map
7-10-07 Credit: USFS


view pictures || view maps

Summary


Antelope Complex

Fire Information

Plumas National Forest

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

A town meetingwas heldtonight at 7 p.m. at the Janesville Elementary Middle School gymnasium on Main Street in Janesville. Representatives of the County Office of Emergency Services and the Antelope Complex Incident Commanderwere on hand to discuss fire activity, operations, and outlook as well as evacuation plans with members of the public.

No evacuations are currently in place for the Janesville and Milford areas. A contingency plan has been prepared to provide adequate time for residents should it become necessary. Residents should prepare personal effects in advance, as well as plan to take livestock to the Lassen County Fairgrounds.

Rapid growth continued yesterday on the Antelope Complex, fueled by unseasonably high temperatures and low humidity. Active burning created smoke plume visible throughout the area. The fire is estimated to be22,366 acres and 21 percent contained.

A forest closure remains in effect for an approximately 60 square mile perimeter around Antelope Lake to ensure public safety. As of 6:00 p.m. Saturday July 7, 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. Spotting over containment lines has proven to be the most significant challenge.

Campers that left equipment at evacuated campsites around Antelope Lake as well as evacuated residents in the Hungry Creek, Frank Valley, Taylor Lake, and Wilcox Valley will also be permitted into the fire area at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday unless fire behavior becomes prohibitive. They will be escorted by CHP from the checkpoint on Genesee-Antelope Lake Road to campsites and residences for the immediate retrieval of personal property. Affected members of the public should call (530) 283-7882 or (530) 283-7883 for more information.

.

Statistics: Acres - 22,366 Containment - 21 percent Personnel - 1,487

Helicopters - 9 Crews - 40 Engines - 112 Dozers - 14

Outlook - Weather is predicted to be hot and dry 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 0400 hrs.
Location Antelope Lake Recreational Area
Incident Commander Jeanne Pincha-tulley

Current Situation

Total Personnel 1,496
Size 22,366 acres
Percent Contained 21%
Fuels Involved

Mature heavy timber overstory with brush understory, large quantities of dead fuels, snags, mixed conifers, large brush components. Extremely dry fuels.

Fire Behavior

An inversion remained over the fire for most of the day. A general north wind limited fire spread on the northern perimeter and caused the northeast portion of the fire to move primarily in a southerly direction. Intense burning with extensive torching occurred on active portions of the fire. The fire moved to the west across Middle Creek.

Significant Events

The fire made a run toward the south on the northeast perimeter due to north winds and on the west perimeter toward Franks Valley and Wilcox Valley. Hand and dozer line construction continued in all divisions. Burnout operations continued on the southwest perimeter. The Long, Slope, Creek and Meadow Fires were contained

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continue to establish anchor points on the Wheeler Fire to maximize use of roads, fuel treated areas, old burn scars and rocks. Continue to construct dozer and handline, secure and hold line. Patrol, mop-up and prep roads for burnout operations on southeast perimeter.

Projected Movement

The fire is expected to move 1.5 miles to the Northwest and approximately ½ mile in all other directions.

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

High

Remarks

Evacuations for the communities of Wilcox Valley, Taylor Lake, Franks Valley and Hungry Creek remain in effect with limited access for residents and coordinated through Law Enforcement. Evacuation plan with trigger points has been established for the community of Janesville with approximately 5,000 residents.

Weather

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

Inyo Complex Wildland Fire - Update - 35,176 acres, 80% contained

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 12:14 PM CDT

Inyo Complex Wildland Fire
INCIDENT UPDATED 22 MINUTES AGO

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 Monday night, the two fires being managed as as the Inyo Complex include the Sage Fire burning in Big Pine Canyon and the Seven/Oak Fires burning west and north of Independence, on both sides of US 395.

Evacuations: The following areas remain in evacuation status- Baker Creek Campground, Big Pine Canyon including all campgrounds, Glacier Lodge, Bernasconi Center, North Fork of Oak Creek Canyon including Oak Creek Campground, Upper and Lower Grey's Meadow Campground, Onion Valley Campground, Seven Pines, Independence Creek Campground, and

Black Rock and Mt. Whitney Fish Hatcheries.

No communities are in evacuation status at this time.

US 395 is open at this time, but is subject to closure if necessary for fire or smoke.

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

No wilderness permits for the John Muir Wilderness are being issued for the trailheads between Baker Creek and Georges Creek, until at least July 12.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/06/2007 at 130 hrs.
Location Independence and Big Pine, CA
Incident Commander Unified Command

Current Situation

Total Personnel 809
Size 35,176 acres
Percent Contained 80%
Estimated Containment Date 07/11/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Brush, timber, and grass

Fire Behavior

Interior smokes seen but present little threat. Interior fuel beds remain highly receptive to ignition.

Significant Events

Independence water system sustained significant damage that State and County officials continue to mitigate. No evacuations; US 395 remains open.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continue community protection. Perimeter control. Containment efforts.

Growth Potential

Medium

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Containment Target

Yes

Remarks

Very good progress has been made toward containment. An anticipated areawide weather event may compromise the containment efforts.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 3-5 mph S
Current Temperature 64 degrees
Current Humidity 32 %

Pictures of the DC-10 damaged on White Fire

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 12:14 PM CDT

Pictures of Damaged left wing DC-10
Credit: Unknown

The DC-10 super tanker 910, was working the White Fire in Kern county on 6-25-07.
Tanker 910 encountered severe turbulence over Bison Peak during a drop and suffered a tree strike hitting the tops of some trees. The pilot was able to apply power and pull out of it.. The the DC-10 suffered some severe damage to the wing or flap but landed safely at Victorville Airport escorted back to Victorville by two lead planes.
The DC-10 had dropped 83,000 gallons of retardant on the "White Fire" before the accident.


California Major Fires - Quick Update - Antelope, Inyo, Zaca

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 11:47 AM CDT

Inyo Complex:
Name: Inyo Complex
County: Inyo County
Administrative Unit: Inyo National Forest
Status/Notes: 80% contained - 35,176 acres
Date Started: July 6, 2007 1:40 pm
Last update: July 10, 2007 8:30 am
Phone Numbers (760) 873-2427 (Inyo Complex Fire Information)
Zaca Fire:
Name: Zaca Fire
County: Santa Barbara
Administrative Unit: Santa Barbara County Fire
Status/Notes: 30% contained - 10,400 acres.
Date Started: July 4, 2007 10:53 am
Last update: July 10, 2007 8:30 am
Phone Numbers (805) 961-5770 (Zaca Fire Information)
Antelope Complex:
Name: Antelope Complex
County: Plumas
Administrative Unit: Plumas National Forest
Status/Notes: 21% contained - 22,366 acres
Date Started: July 5, 2007 4:00 pm
Last update: July 10, 2007 8:30 am
Phone Numbers (530) 283-2050 (Plumas National Forest Headquarters Office)
Phone Numbers (530) 283-7882 (Antelope Complex Fire Information)

NEWS - Salinas firefighters are getting a 12 percent pay hike

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 11:41 AM CDT

SALINAS, Calif. (Examiner) - City firefighters are getting a 12 percent pay hike as well as schedule changes over the next two years.

The City Council approved a memorandum of understanding raising firefighter salaries 6 percent retroactive to July 1, and another 6 percent in 2008.

Top firefighters will now earn $105,768 a year with new hires getting $60,324 annually.

The agreement reached last week also shifts firefighters to a "48/96" work schedule, in which firefighters work two consecutive 24-hour shifts followed by four days off. The previous schedule called for 24-hour shifts followed by two days off.

EDIS- Red flag warning - OWENS VALLEY/SOUTHERN INYO FOREST-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 11:18 AM CDT

EDIS] Red flag warning for tuesday through early wednesday morning for eastern california and western nevada due to dry lightning

OWENS VALLEY/SOUTHERN INYO FOREST-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK-








.SCATTERED DRY LIGHTNING WILL DEVELOP AS A MINOR DISTURBANCE MOVES NORTH THROUGH CALIFORNIA TUESDAY. ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM PDT WEDNESDAY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM PDT WEDNESDAY. THIS UPGRADES AND REPLACES THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH. AN UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE IS MOVING NORTH FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS MORNING AND IS BRINGING WITH IT MOIST AND UNSTABLE AIR TODAY AND TONIGHT AS IT MOVES THROUGH SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA. THIS SYSTEM WILL BE THE MAIN TRIGGER FOR THUNDERSTORMS. THE ATMOSPHERE WILL BE VERY DRY IN THE LOWER LEVELS DURING THE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY...RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR A DRY LIGHTNING EVENT.

Instruction:
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING OR ARE IMMINENT. IN THIS CASE LIGHTNING WILL INITIATE FIRES WITHOUT ANY RAIN TO HELP SUPPRESS THE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Area: OWENS VALLEY/SOUTHERN INYO FOREST-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK-

Affected Counties or parts of: Tulare, Inyo, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Fresno,

Sent: 2007-07-10T08:39:24-07:00

Lost Canyon fire - Wildland Fire Use

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 11:03 AM CDT

Lost Canyon Fire
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA

Wildland Fire Use

Started on or about
07/05/2007

Status as of
07/06/2007


Cause
Natural


Location
Sequoia National Park due west of Moraine Lake and the Big Arroyo near the Lost Canyon Trail (CA)


Acreage Burned
One-half acre


Overview
The Lost Canyon Fire is approximately one-half acre in size and is burning in sparse lodgepole pine and brush. It has low to moderate potential for growth. A backcountry ranger reported the smoke to fire managers on July 6th who then assessed the fire from a helicopter. This fire is in Sequoia National Park and is due west of Moraine Lake and the Big Arroyo near the Lost Canyon Trail. The fire is at 9,000 feet in elevation. Fire monitors assessed the fire for potential growth and behavior yesterday. The fire was showing little activity.


Last 24-hour Activity
Limited


Vegetation Affected
Lodgepole pine


Benefits of the Burn
Restoring fire as a natural process in the park wilderness

California Fire News - NIFC - California daily report

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 10:47 AM CDT

National Preparedness Level 4

(On a scale from 1 to 5)

July 10, 2007

The fire activity was moderate on Monday. Road closures and evacuations are still in effect for parts of Utah, Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, California, Montana and Nevada.

Weather Discussion: Hot temperatures will continue across the west with widespread dry thunderstorms this week. Thunderstorms will develop today in California, western Nevada and southern Oregon along a band of moisture moving up from the south. Isolated storms will still be possible in Utah and northern Arizona. Wet thunderstorms will continue along the Rockies into southeast Arizona. Offshore winds will continue today into tonight west of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon. Gusty winds will develop in eastern portions of Wyoming and Montana into the northern Plains. Alaska will trend cooler this week with increasing showers and decreasing thunderstorms.

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center


Daily National statistics 7/10/07
Number of new large fires 9 States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires 44 Alaska (4)
Arizona (6)
California (3)
Colorado (1)
Idaho (7)
Montana (3)
Nevada (5)
New Mexico (1)
Oregon (6)
South Dakota (2)
Utah (4)
Washington (2)
Wyoming (2)
Acres from active fires 833,357
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires 2
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres 4,235
Fires contained on 7/9/07 6
Year-to-date large fires contained 455
Year-to-date statistics
2007 (1/1/07 - 7/10/07) Fires: 49,857 Acres: 2,261,484
2006 (1/1/06 - 7/10/06) Fires: 61,653 Acres: 4,007,311
2005 (1/1/05 - 7/10/05) Fires: 33,834 Acres: 3,034,619
2004 (1/1/04 - 7/10/04) Fires: 40,986 Acres: 3,080,965
2003 (1/1/03 - 7/10/03) Fires: 29,457 Acres: 996,924
2002 (1/1/02 - 7/10/02) Fires: 46,062 Acres: 3,162,249
2001 (1/1/01 - 7/10/01) Fires: 44,124 Acres: 1,244.092
2000 (1/1/00 - 7/10/00) Fires: 51,519 Acres: 2,232,874
10-year average
1997- 2007 Fires: 43,915 Acres: 2,237,187
California Fires: 3 Acres: 67,042 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
Zaca (Santa Barbara County Fire Department): 9,500 acres at 30 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles northeast of Buellton and is burning in chaparral. Backing fire was reported. Residences remain threatened.
Information: Call (805) 961-5770 or visit the web site or visit the Inciweb* site
Inyo Complex (Inyo National Forest): 35,176 acres at 71 percent contained. This fire is 4 miles northwest of Independence and is burning in brush, grass and timber. Moderate fire behavior with torching was reported.
Information: Call (760) 873-2427 or visit the Inciweb* site
Antelope Complex (Plumas National Forest): 22,366 acres and 21 percent contained. This fire is 20 miles northeast of Quincy and is burning in timber litter. Active fire behavior with torching and spotting was observes. Residences remain threatened. Mandatory evacuations of several communities remain in effect.
Information: Call (530) 283-7882 or visit the Inciweb* site

[EDIS] Red flag warning - OWENS VALLEY/SOUTHERN INYO FOREST-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 10:28 AM CDT

[EDIS] Red flag warning for tuesday through early wednesday morning for eastern california and western nevada due to dry lightning

OWENS VALLEY/SOUTHERN INYO FOREST-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK-


.SCATTERED DRY LIGHTNING WILL DEVELOP AS A MINOR DISTURBANCE MOVES NORTH THROUGH CALIFORNIA TUESDAY. ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM PDT WEDNESDAY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS CANCELLED... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 AM PDT WEDNESDAY. THIS UPGRADES AND REPLACES THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH. A SMALL DISTURBANCE IS MOVING NORTH FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS MORNING AND IS BRINGING WITH IS MOIST AND UNSTABLE AIR TODAY AND TONIGHT AS IT MOVES THROUGH SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA. THIS SYSTEM WILL BE THE MAIN TRIGGER FOR THUNDERSTORMS. THE ATMOSPHERE WILL BE VERY DRY IN THE LOWER LEVELS DURING THE THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY...RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR A DRY LIGHTNING EVENT.

Instruction:
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING OR ARE IMMINENT. IN THIS CASE LIGHTNING WILL INITIATE FIRES WITHOUT ANY RAIN TO HELP SUPPRESS THE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Area: OWENS VALLEY/SOUTHERN INYO FOREST-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK-

Affected Counties or parts of: Tulare, Inyo, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, Fresno,

Sent: 2007-07-10T08:21:15-07:00

Breaking out of State News - 2 Dead In Small Plane Crash

Posted: 10 Jul 2007 10:25 AM CDT

2 Dead In Small Plane Crash
A small plane crash in Florida has killed two people and sparked at least two
house fires.

No comments:

CNN.com

News: Breaking News -- MercuryNews.com

AP Top U.S. News At 8:45 p.m.