California Fire News

EDIS- Wind advisory remains in effect until 9 pm pdt this evening Posted: 18 Jul 2007 02:29 PM CDT EASTERN SIERRA SLOPES-OWENS VALLEY-WHITE MOUNTAINS OF INYO COUNTY-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK- A WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING. A TIGHT PRESSURE GRADIENT BETWEEN A STRONG AREA OF LOW PRESSURE IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC AND HIGH PRESSURE NEAR THE FOUR CORNERS AREA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE WINDY CONDITIONS TODAY AND THIS EVENING. SOUTHERLY WINDS BETWEEN 20 AND 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH ARE POSSIBLE. MOTORISTS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION AS THE HIGHER WINDS MAY MAKE DRIVING CONDITIONS DIFFICULT AND MAY ALSO PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING DUST OR SAND. Area: EASTERN SIERRA SLOPES-OWENS VALLEY-WHITE MOUNTAINS OF INYO COUNTY-DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK-ESMERALDA AND CENTRAL NYE COUNTY-LINCOLN COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... ASPENDELL... MT WHITNEY... BISHOP... INDEPENDENCE... LONE PINE... FURNACE CREEK... STOVEPIPE WELLS... SHOSHONE... TECOPA... BEATTY... GOLDFIELD... SILVER PEAK... DYER... CALIENTE... PIOCHE... PANACA... HIKO... ALAMO... RACHEL Affected Counties or parts of: Inyo, San Bernardino, Sent: 2007-07-18T11:5" CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

Special Report - EXCELLENT PHOTO ESSAY INYO FIRE Posted: 18 Jul 2007 02:15 PM CDT Special Report - link to this very special report HOLDING ON TO INDEPENDENCE How the fast-moving Inyo Complex Wildland Fire almost torched the town of Independence, threatened the historic Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery and nearly killed nine firefighters. Photo: Dave Mull "3:52 pm At the height of despair, knowing they were about to lose the hatchery and fearful that their men were trapped, perhaps lost at the Ashworth Ranch, the remaining fire fighters began to pull back. Suddenly an old Lockheed P2V Neptune, the largest of the twin-engine "Borate Bombers", skirted a fire tornado to the south of Oak Creek and dropped 2700 gallons of ammonium fire suppressant along the back of the hatchery, saving it and quelling the flames around the trapped crews." link to read all of this very special report CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

NEWS - Fires continue to spread in Siskiyou County Posted: 18 Jul 2007 02:05 PM CDT Fires continue to spread in Siskiyou County : Today's Picks : Fires continue to spread in Siskiyou County By Lauren Brooks (Contact) Wednesday, July 18, 2007 HAPPY CAMP -- Two groups of lightning-sparked fires continued spreading through western Siskiyou County on Tuesday with little hope of containment any time within the next 12 days. Firefighters are working to keep the fires on the Klamath National Forest away from homes in Happy Camp and Hamburg. The Elk Complex grew from 4,725 acres Monday to 6,905 acres Tuesday, but firefighters managed to keep the complex 15 percent contained, U.S. Forest spokeswoman Phyllis Swanson said. Swanson said 506 homes in rural western Siskiyou County are being threatened by the Elk Complex. A voluntary evacuation remains in effect on Elk Creek Road. The Elk Complex is made up of six large fires and about two dozen small fires. Suppression costs so far have totaled $3 million with 1,179 firefighters staffing the fires, Swanson said. On Tuesday morning, all fire restrictions were lifted on highways 263 and 96 as firefighters tried to contain the China and Back fires near the town of Hamburg, sheriff's spokeswoman Susan Gravenkamp said. On Monday, the fires forced the closure of Highway 96 from Highway 263 west to Scott River Road. The complex increased by more than 300 acres to 2,828 Tuesday, Swanson said. She said the China-Back Complex was 85 percent contained Tuesday with 691 personnel staffing it. Fire officials expect it to be fully contained by Saturday. CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

Inciweb Fact sheet for ZACA Incident - Acres: 28,000 Acres - No Control Estimate Posted: 18 Jul 2007 01:40 PM CDT Dry vegetation burns aggresively during a burning operation on 07/14/07. Credit: Mike Ferris - USFS ZACA Fire Incident: Zaca Released: 2 hrs. ago Acres: 28,000 Acres Percent Containment: 35 percent Estimated Control: No Estimate Resources: Hand Crews: 51; Dozers: 34; Engines: 66; Air Tankers: 6; Helicopters: 17; Water Tenders: 25; Overhead Personnel: 305; Total Personnel: 1,756; Injuries: 6; Structures Threatened: 50; Estimated Cost-to-Date: $21,100,000 Evacuations: At 8:00 pm last night the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office, in conjunction with the Incident Management Team, updated the following order and warning which are still in effect: Evacuation Order The Evacuation Order issued by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department remains in effect for the residents of Peachtree Canyon and areas within the Los Padres National Forest boundary. The Zaca Fire is at McKinley Ridge and continues to be a threat to life and property within the evacuation order area. Residents who live in or around the identified communities are advised to immediately evacuate. The Red Cross shelter at Santa Ynez High School was closed last night. The American Red Cross will provide emergency housing for those affected by the evacuation order by calling 1 (800) 951-5600. If residents are unable to evacuate and need assistance, call 911. Evacuation Warning An Evacuation Warning remains in effect for the following areas: Residents East of Figueroa Road, North of Roblar, East of Mora, North of Baseline Avenue, and West of the Los Padres National Forest boundary. The communities of Tunnel Ranch, Rancho De Los Vistadores, and the Sedgwick Ranch are now included in the warning area. The Zaca Fire is a potential threat to life and property. Residents living in these identified areas should prepare for evacuation. An Evacuation Order may be issued as a result of the fires threat. Current Closures: Santa Barbara County Fire Officials have ordered the following road closures: Happy Canyon Road closed to the east at Baseline Road. Figueroa Mountain road closed to the east at Highway 154 Los Padres National Forest Officials have ordered the following forest closures: The expanded forest closure is still in effect. The expanded closure encompasses the entire San Rafael Wilderness and adjacent National Forest land roughly from Highway 166 on the north to the Buckhorn Road area on the south. The 382,000 acre area will be closed until further notice. This closure will limit access to the San Rafael Wilderness in order to insure the safety of citizens and fire personnel. Significant Events: The evacuation order issued on July 17, 2007 at 8:00pm was revised to include only the areas of Peachtree Canyon and the affected areas of the Los Padres National Forest. Current Situation: The fire is still burning in an easterly direction in the San Rafael Wilderness. The widening fire front on the east and southeast portions of the fire will set a stage for another active burning day. No significant activity on the northern flank is expected as the Hurricane Deck continues to hold. A predicted wind shift to east/ northeast winds is predicted to occur tonight with an increasing threat to the southern portion of the fire and the adjacent communities. Work in the wilderness continues to be a challenge due to the steep and rugged terrain. All efforts are being made to protect natural and cultural resources. Bulldozers will continue to construct contingency lines outside the wilderness boundary. Public and firefighter safety remains the top priority. Safety Message: Residents should use caution when evacuating. Travelers using SR-154, please be cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel. Fire Information fact sheets and display boards are placed throughout the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valley's to keep the communities updated on the fire status. Media Message: Due to the expanded forest closure, media must be escorted by a PIO. Information Officers will be available to provide an escort to an operations approved location. Media will need to check in at the Incident Command Post at Live Oak Camp for an escorted media tour at 11:00 am. Additional Information: The fire has potential for increased growth and extended duration of wildfire suppression activities. Depending on wind conditions, smoke from the Zaca Fire may be visible over a wide area with occasional drift smoke as far away as Santa Barbara, Goleta or other areas of the county. If you need more information please contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 or go to www.fire.ca.gov, www.inciweb.org, or www.sbcfire.com CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

Inciweb Update: ZACA Fire - ZACA Incident - 28,000 acres - 35% Posted: 18 Jul 2007 01:14 PM CDT Inciweb:Zaca Incident - Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified ZACA Incident July 18 Information Map Zaca Wildland Fire Incident Information Announcements News Pictures Maps INCIDENT UPDATED 11:00 hrs. ANNOUNCEMENT - Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified Incident: Zaca Released: 16 hrs. ago **For Immediate Release** Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with the Joint Unified Incident Management Team, has modified the Zaca Fire evacuation order issued on July 16. The area within the Los Padres National Forest boundary and the Peachtree community remain under a full "Evacuation Order." All other areas that were within the previous Evacuation Order and Warning will remain under an "Evacuation Warning" and the public should be prepared to evacuate should fire conditions change. The American Red Cross shelter at Santa Ynez High School will close at 8:00 p.m. The Red Cross requests that if you live in the Evacuation Order area and have a need for emergency housing as a result of the Zaca Fire evacuation to call the Red Cross at 1-800-951-5600. If you are unable to evacuate and need assistance call 911. Firefighter using a drip torch to introduce fire to standing vegetation, during a firing operation on 07/14/07. Credit: Mike Ferris - USFS view pictures || view maps Summary Acres: 28,000 Acres Percent Containment: 35 percent Estimated Control: No Estimate Resources: Hand Crews: 51; Dozers: 34; Engines: 66; Air Tankers: 6; Helicopters: 17; Water Tenders: 25; Overhead Personnel: 305; Total Personnel: 1,756; Injuries: 6; Structures Threatened: 50; Estimated Cost-to-Date: $21,100,000 Evacuations: At 8:00 pm last night the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office, in conjunction with the Incident Management Team, updated the following order and warning which are still in effect: Evacuation Order The Evacuation Order issued by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department remains in effect for the residents of Peachtree Canyon and areas within the Los Padres National Forest boundary. The Zaca Fire is at McKinley Ridge and continues to be a threat to life and property within the evacuation order area. Residents who live in or around the identified communities are advised to immediately evacuate. The Red Cross shelter at Santa Ynez High School was closed last night. The American Red Cross will provide emergency housing for those affected by the evacuation order by calling 1 (800) 951-5600. If residents are unable to evacuate and need assistance, call 911. Evacuation Warning An Evacuation Warning remains in effect for the following areas: Residents East of Figueroa Road, North of Roblar, East of Mora, North of Baseline Avenue, and West of the Los Padres National Forest boundary. The communities of Tunnel Ranch, Rancho De Los Vistadores, and the Sedgwick Ranch are now included in the warning area. The Zaca Fire is a potential threat to life and property. Residents living in these identified areas should prepare for evacuation. An Evacuation Order may be issued as a result of the fires threat. Current Closures: Santa Barbara County Fire Officials have ordered the following road closures: Happy Canyon Road closed to the east at Baseline Road. Figueroa Mountain road closed to the east at Highway 154 Los Padres National Forest Officials have ordered the following forest closures: The expanded forest closure is still in effect. The expanded closure encompasses the entire San Rafael Wilderness and adjacent National Forest land roughly from Highway 166 on the north to the Buckhorn Road area on the south. The 382,000 acre area will be closed until further notice. This closure will limit access to the San Rafael Wilderness in order to insure the safety of citizens and fire personnel. Significant Events: The evacuation order issued on July 17, 2007 at 8:00pm was revised to include only the areas of Peachtree Canyon and the affected areas of the Los Padres National Forest. Current Situation: The fire is still burning in an easterly direction in the San Rafael Wilderness. The widening fire front on the east and southeast portions of the fire will set a stage for another active burning day. No significant activity on the northern flank is expected as the Hurricane Deck continues to hold. A predicted wind shift to east/ northeast winds is predicted to occur tonight with an increasing threat to the southern portion of the fire and the adjacent communities. Work in the wilderness continues to be a challenge due to the steep and rugged terrain. All efforts are being made to protect natural and cultural resources. Bulldozers will continue to construct contingency lines outside the wilderness boundary. Public and firefighter safety remains the top priority. Safety Message: Residents should use caution when evacuating. Travelers using SR-154, please be cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel. Fire Information fact sheets and display boards are placed throughout the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valley's to keep the communities updated on the fire status. Media Message: Due to the expanded forest closure, media must be escorted by a PIO. Information Officers will be available to provide an escort to an operations approved location. Media will need to check in at the Incident Command Post at Live Oak Camp for an escorted media tour at 11:00 am. Additional Information: The fire has potential for increased growth and extended duration of wildfire suppression activities. Depending on wind conditions, smoke from the Zaca Fire may be visible over a wide area with occasional drift smoke as far away as Santa Barbara, Goleta or other areas of the county. If you need more information please contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 or go to www.fire.ca.gov, www.inciweb.org, or www.sbcfire.com Significant Events Current Situation: Safety Message: Residents should use caution when evacuating. Travelers using SR-154, please be cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel. Fire Information fact sheets and display boards have been placedthroughout the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valley to keep those communities updated on the fire's status. Media Message: Due to the expanded forest closure, media must be escorted by a Public Information Officer.Information Officers will be available to provide an escort to an operations approved location. Credentialed media will need to check in at the Incident Command Post at Live Oak Camp (SR-154) for an escorted tour. Additional Information: The fire has potential for increased growth and extended duration of wildfire suppression activities. Depending on wind conditions, smoke from the Zaca Fire may be visible over a wide area with occasional drift smoke as far away as Santa Barbara, Goleta or other areas of the county. If you would likemore information, please contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 or go to http://www.fire.ca.gov/, http://www.inciweb.org/, or http://www.sbcfire.com/ ### 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 Aaron Gelobter Current Situation Total Personnel 1,756 Size 28,000 acres Percent Contained 35% 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 fire remained active yesterday and throughout the evening, making runs to the south and east. Significant Events Plans are now being developed to develop and implement contingency activity in preparation for the fire crossing the Sisquoc River to the east. Outlook Planned Actions Continue direct and indirect tactics with contingency actions to provide additional protection to communities. Projected Movement Conditions are similar to yesterday which resulted in a 3,000 acre increase in size in late afternoon. Growth Potential High. Terrain Difficulty Extreme. Containment Target Suppression tactics continue to be successful in maintaining north and west flanks. Poor access, rugged terrain, and extremely low fuel moisture continue to be problems in achieving containment in the wilderness. Remarks A successful public meeting was held in Solvang with the Santa Barbara Unified Command. There were between 200-300 public attendees. Weather Current Wind Conditions 11-18 mph NE Current Temperature 56 degrees CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

InciWeb: China-back Complex Wildland Fire - 2,906 acres - 85% Posted: 18 Jul 2007 12:59 PM CDT China-back Complex Wildland Fire InciWeb: Incident Information INCIDENT UPDATED 8 MIN. AGO Summary The China and Back fires which started as a result of severe lightning from thunderstorms on July 9th have kept firefighters busy for the past week and a half. The US Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) have been operating in Unified Command to extinguish the fires. As of 6:00 pm today, Unified Command will end and the US Forest Service will assume sole management responsibility of the fires. Firefighters will continue to engage in fire suppression throughout the area on the China Fire. The Back Fire has a 100% containment line around it and is being continually monitored. The China Fire is 85% contained and the acres burned are at 2906. A significant reduction in firefighters from it's high point of 806 personnel will occur today and allow for resources to be available for other assignments. Smoke from the numerous fires in the area caused concerns from residents yesterday in Yreka, Scott Valley, and other nearby areas. However, smoke conditions should improve today due to the rains that arrived shortly after midnight and give area residents considerable relief from the smoke. With the arrival of the rain, the roads may be slippery and caution should be exercised when driving. For questions regarding campground and trail closures contact Duane Lyons from the Klamath National Forest at (530) 841-4485. Fire Information phone number will change tomorrow. Basic Information Incident Type Wildland Fire Cause Lightning Date of Origin 07/10/2007 at 00 hrs. Location 12 miles west of Yreka, Calif Incident Commander Norm Walker Current Situation Total Personnel 806 Size 2,906 acres Percent Contained 85% Estimated Containment Date 07/21/2007 at hrs. Fuels Involved Timber Fire Behavior Smoldering, creeping and ground fires were observed well within the interior of the fire. Significant Events All areas of the China and Back fires received measurable rain after midnight until daybreak, with minimal fire activity. Outlook Planned Actions Firefighters will continue to improve and extend fire lines around the perimeter of the fire. Growth Potential Low Terrain Difficulty The terrain is extremely steep in many locations. Remarks Smoke may be visible along Interstate 5 in the Yreka area. State Highway 96 is open to all motorists. Weather Current Wind Conditions 5 mph SW Current Temperature 55 degrees Current Humidity 85 % CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

News Story - Fire Destroys Greenhouses, Cars In South Bay Posted: 18 Jul 2007 12:44 PM CDT NBC11: Fire Destroys Greenhouses, Cars In South Bay, Investigators Suspect Arson Investigators said they are looking for a person of interest in connection with a grass fire in San Martin that destroyed a dozen greenhouses. CAL FIRE responded to the grass fire in Southern Santa Clara County Tuesday afternoon, according to NBC11. The fire was on the west side of Highway 101 south of Morgan Hill. The closest cross street is Murphy. The fire broke out at approximately 11:30 a.m. and was contained at approximately 1:15 p.m., according to Cal Fire Battalion Chief Ken McGeever. Smoke was seen as far away as San Jose as at least 100 firefighters worked to contain the structure and brush fire. Fire investigators said they are focusing their attention in an area where a trailer used to be, which is where the fire started. The property's owner told police he had served an eviction notice to a man who was living in a trailer on the property. Approximately a dozen greenhouses were destroyed or heavily damaged by the fire along with an unknown number of trailers. CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

EDIS - Wind advisory in effect until 9 pm pdt Posted: 18 Jul 2007 11:14 AM CDT Wind advisory in effect until 9 pm pdt this evening: MONO-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... BRIDGEPORT... COLEVILLE... LEE VINING... MAMMOTH LAKES THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING. STRONG WINDS AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT WILL AFFECT MONO COUNTY TODAY. SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH AND CONTINUE THROUGH 9 PM THIS EVENING. ALONG HIGHWAY 395... GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON. WIND GUSTS NEAR 60 MPH WILL AFFECT THE HIGH SIERRA RIDGES. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. AREAS OF BLOWING DUST MAY REDUCE VISIBILITIES BELOW 3 MILES. Area: MONO-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... BRIDGEPORT... COLEVILLE... LEE VINING... MAMMOTH LAKES Affected Counties or parts of: Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine, Sent: 2007-07-18T08:58:49-07:00" CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

EDIS Red flag warning remains in effect from 9 am this morning to 10 pm pdt this evening for strong winds and low humidity Posted: 18 Jul 2007 10:09 AM CDT [EDIS] red flag warning remains in effect from 9 am this morning to 10 pm pdt this evening for strong winds and low humidity MONO-EASTERN ALPINE COUNTIES-MINERAL AND SOUTHERN LYON COUNTIES- A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO WINDS WILL INCREASE FURTHER ON TODAY AS A COLD FRONT APPROACHES. SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 1- TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 40 TO 45 MPH ARE EXPECTED FROM MID MORNING THROUGH THE EVENING AND RELATIVE HUMIDITIES WILL DROP TO NEAR 15 PERCENT DURING EARLY AFTERNOON. Instruction: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE OCCURRING OR WILL OCCUR. Area: MONO-EASTERN ALPINE COUNTIES-MINERAL AND SOUTHERN LYON COUNTIES- Affected Counties or parts of: Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine, Sent: 2007-07-18T06:35:25-07:00 CAL FIRE NEWS FROM http://calfire.blogspot.com/

You are subscribed to email updates from California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email Delivery powered by FeedBurner
Inbox too full? Subscribe to the feed version of California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS in a feed reader.
If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS, c/o FeedBurner, 549 W Randolph, Chicago IL USA 60661