California Fire News
California Fire News |
| CAL FIRE News - Bernie Paul - New Siskiyou Unit Chief Posted: 22 Sep 2007 01:03 AM CDT New |
YREKA – On Monday, Sept. 17, Bernie Paul was appointed Unit Chief of CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit, a recent press release announced
Chief Paul takes the helm from retiring Unit Chief Alan Stovall.
The release stated that Paul began his career with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in 1974 as a Fire Fighter I in the Butte Unit.
During the 1977 and 1978 fire seasons, he worked in the Fresno Unit as a Firefighter II.
According to the release, Paul obtained permanent status in 1986 as a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO) in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit.
In 1994, he transferred to the Siskiyou Unit as a Fire Captain Specialist and was promoted to Battalion Chief in Fire Prevention in 1997. He promoted in 2001 to the Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention for the Northern Region in Redding. In 2004, he was reassigned as the Assistant Chief of Operations in the Siskiyou Unit. Chief Paul has also served on CAL FIRE's Incident Command Teams as the Information Officer, Deputy Incident Commander and as the Incident Commander of CAL FIRE's Team I.
He brings with him logging experience as he has worked in the private sector as the owner/operator of a logging company in Nevada County from 1979 through 1984.
The Chief of CAL FIRE Ruben Grijalva stated "I am looking forward to Chief Paul's leadership and guidance in the Siskiyou Unit."
Chief Paul stated: "I am proud to serve Siskiyou County and CAL FIRE as the Unit Chief and I'm looking forward to tackling the challenges and duties as Chief."
EDIS - Flash Flood watch for eastern Inyo County
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 05:17 PM CDT
.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. * MOJAVE DESERT
.A PERSISTENT BAND OF RAIN SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL REMAIN OVER THE MOJAVE DESERT THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS AS AN UNSEASONABLY STRONG AREA OF LOW PRESSURE STAYS OFF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST. ACCUMULATIONS UP TO THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH ARE POSSIBLE IN DEATH VALLEY WITH GREATER THAN ONE INCH IN THE MOUNTAINS. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK- ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF CALIFORNIA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREA...DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. * THROUGH LATE TONIGHT * A PERSISTENT BAND OF RAIN SHOWERS AND EMBEDDED ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAY LEAD TO EXCESSIVE RUNOFF IN NORMALLY DRY WASH AND NARROW CANYON WITHIN DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT.
Instruction:
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREA SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE QUICK ACTION AND MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.
Area: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LAS VEGAS NV
Affected Counties or parts of: Inyo, San Bernardino,
Sent: 2007-09-21T15:01:06-07:00
Original Sender: KVEF@nwws.oes.ca.gov
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LAS VEGAS NV
[EDIS] Flash Flood watch now in effect - THE EMPIRE AND ISLAND BURN AREAS ON CATALINA ISLAND.
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 04:55 PM CDT
CATALINA ISLAND- THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR * THE EMPIRE AND ISLAND BURN AREAS ON CATALINA ISLAND. * THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING * SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE OVER THE BURN AREAS TONIGHT INTO EARLY SATURDAY. ALTHOUGH MOST AREAS CAN EXPECT LESS THAN HALF AN INCH OF RAIN...ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS COULD GENERATE RAINFALL RATES UP TO AN INCH PER HOUR. * POTENTIAL FOR DEBRIS FLOWS IN DRAINAGES... ROADS... AND RESIDENCES IN AND DIRECTLY BELOW THE BURN AREA.
Instruction:
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. RESIDENTS OR PERSONS WITH INTERESTS IN AND BELOW THE BURN AREAS SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE PROTECTIVE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Area : -CATALINA ISLAND- THE EMPIRE AND ISLAND BURN AREAS
Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles,
Sent: 2007-09-21T14:33:46-07:00
Original Sender: KLOX@nwws.oes.ca.gov
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 04:53 PM CDT
CUYAMA VALLEY- LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS- LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE- SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-
.A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL SPIN BANDS OF RAIN THROUGH THE AREA TONIGHT INTO EARLY SATURDAY. ALTHOUGH SOME LIGHT TO MODERATE SHOWERS ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THE HEAVIER RAIN THAT WILL POSE A THREAT TO BURN AREAS IS NOT EXPECTED UNTIL THE OVERNIGHT HOURS WHEN THE UPPER LOW DRIFTS CLOSER TO THE COAST. CUYAMA VALLEY- LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS- LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE- SANTA CLARITA VALLEY- ... FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING IN AND NEAR THE 2006 AND 2007 BURN AREAS... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS EXPANDED THE * FLASH FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE ALL THE 2006 AND 2007 BURN AREAS OF SANTA BARBARA...VENTURA...AND LOS ANGELES COUNTIES. * FROM 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING * SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE OVER THE BURN AREAS TONIGHT INTO EARLY SATURDAY. ALTHOUGH MOST AREAS CAN EXPECT LESS THAN HALF AN INCH OF RAIN...ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS COULD GENERATE RAINFALL RATES UP TO AN INCH PER HOUR. * POTENTIAL FOR DEBRIS FLOWS IN DRAINAGES... ROADS... AND RESIDENCES IN AND DIRECTLY BELOW THE BURN AREA.
Instruction:
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. RESIDENTS OR PERSONS WITH INTERESTS IN AND BELOW THE BURN AREAS SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE PROTECTIVE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Area: Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties
Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles,
Sent: 2007-09-21T14:33:45-07:00
Original Sender: KLOX@nwws.oes.ca.gov
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA
Los Padres National Forest - Zaca Fire Area Still Closed to Public Entry;
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 04:23 PM CDT
Date: September 21, 2007 Los Padres National Forest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745 www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres
Kathy Good (805) 961-5759
Zaca Fire Area Still Closed to Public Entry;
Trails in Other Burned Areas Also Remain Closed
GOLETA, CA…The Forest Service issued a reminder today that some areas in Los Padres National Forest remain closed to all public entry because of safety hazards associated with recent wildfires. These closures encompass all lands burned in the Zaca Fire as well as some adjacent lands, and a few trails and off-highway vehicles routes in areas burned by the Scott and Day fires of 2006.
According to Forest Supervisor Ken Heffner, there are still pockets of fire and many other less obvious threats in the Zaca Fire area. "It is a very unstable environment right now with active landslides, rockslides; rolling boulders and debris; burned trees; and deep stump holes among the hazards," said Heffner. During rainstorms there is high likelihood of dangerous slides and flash floods."
Heffner knows the public is eager to get back into their national forest and says his staff is working hard to reopen the unburned areas. He said one of the problems forest managers face after a large wildfire is people attempting to gain entry into closed areas by driving their off-highway vehicles onto constructed firelines.
"This causes additional damage and delays the reopening of the forest for everyone," explained Heffner. "We are installing gates or other vehicle barriers at key locations. We hope to have that work completed within the next two weeks so we can reopen some of the unburned areas."
As for the lands actually burned by the Zaca Fire, Heffner says the Forest Service will continue to assess conditions but that the public should expect the area to remain closed to all public entry through the spring 2008 rainy season.
Heffner said the temporary closure, in addition to protecting the public, also helps prevent further damage to soils and plants allowing the watersheds to begin their recovery from the fire.
-MORE-
Fire Closures 2-2-2
Current fire closures in Los Padres National Forest include the following:
Zaca Fire - All national forest lands roughly between Highway 166 and Highway 33 remain closed. On the east side of Highway 33, the Pine Mountain Road (aka Reyes Peak Road and Forest Road 6N06), and all recreation facilities along that road are closed. The Boulder Canyon Trail (Forest Trail 23W03) between Pine Mountain Road and the Forest Service Station at Ozena is closed. Figueroa Mountain Road and Happy Canyon Road are closed within the national forest. Santa Ynez River Road is closed beyond the First Crossing.
Scott Fire – The West Tecuya Off-Highway Vehicle Trail is closed between Scott Russell and Cherry Creek Canyon on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District.
Day Fire – The Snowy Motorcycle Trail (Forest Trail 19W04) is closed between Alamo Mountain and Kings Campground on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District. Sections of the Red Reef Trail (Forest Trail 21W08) and the Sespe River Trail (Forest Trail 20W13) in the Sespe Wilderness are closed.
For more information regarding the closures, contact the following Forest Services offices:
- areas east and south of Highway 166 (San Rafael Wilderness / Figueroa Mountain)---Santa Lucia Ranger District at 805-925-9538.
- areas north of East Camino Cielo (Paradise Road)---Santa Barbara Ranger District at 805-967-3481.
- Pine Mountain Road---Ojai Ranger District at 805-646-4348.
- Boulder Canyon Trail, West Tecuya OHV Trail and the Snowy Motorcycle Trail----Mt. Pinos Ranger District at 661-245-3731.
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 12:44 PM CDT
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Letter Mailed to Loma Prieta Residents
September 14, 2007
Dear Neighbor,
Whenever there is a fire or medical related call to 911, whether it is for a broken arm at the school, chest pains at the store, a crash on Bear Creek road, or a person trapped under a tree, we respond to your call for help. By "we", I mean Santa Cruz County Fire.
Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue is part of Santa Cruz County Fire and responds alongside the career Burrell engine using our four fire engines and one rescue truck. We respond as a team, Burrell provides guaranteed response and Loma Prieta provides response in depth. With up to 20 volunteer firefighters, we are well positioned to respond to multiple or major incidents. We often provide very fast response because we are your neighbors and may respond directly to the incident. Together, Loma Prieta and Burrell form a strong and cost effective team.
During the summer, there are seven paid Cal Fire stations open in the County. In the winter, the state would normally close these stations, but Santa Cruz County Fire contracts with the state to keep four fire stations open. Burrell is the fire station that remains open in our area. Most of the money spent by Santa Cruz County Fire goes to paying the salaries of career firefighters, such as those at Burrell. But a vast amount of money is saved because most of County Fire's Firefighters are volunteers. Volunteers are trained to the same high standards, do the same things as the paid firefighters at Burrell. But we are volunteers, and sometimes it may take us a little while to respond because we have to do other things too. We might be working or taking the kids to school. That is where the career firefighters come in. They are paid to always be there to respond to your call to 911, 24/7. We, as a community, need them.
Santa Cruz County Fire also provides the big ticket items to Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue such as three of our four fire engines, fuel, a large amount of our basic equipment, and our core training.
If the measure doesn't succeed, we face cutbacks in career firefighters, from three to two per engine, reducing effectiveness. In addition, we face the closure of one or more career fire stations during the winter. We hope that Burrell won't be closed, but we don't know for sure. Many fire engines are nearing (or even past) the end of their life cycle, and they might not be replaced. If there are cutbacks, you can rest assured that Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue will still respond to your call to 911 the best we are able, but perhaps with inferior equipment and training.
The volunteers need you to vote in favor of this measure.
Sincerely,
Alexander Leman
Chief, Loma Prieta Fire and Rescue
Terror Watch at Calif Fire Stations - Terrorism Center Issues Watch Request
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 09:18 AM CDT
Suspicious Activity At California Fire Stations
During the last week of July, fire officials in the Bay Area city of Campbell reported that two men had been seen videotaping routine activities at a fire station.
The men were reportedly in their 20s or early 30s, and one was using a sophisticated news media-style camera.
When firefighters attempted to talk with the men, they reportedly jumped into a waiting car and sped off.
The incident prompted the Sacramento Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center to send out a request for Northern California fire stations to watch for similar incidents, and report them immediately.
The day the request went out, Sept. 6, a second, similar incident was reported at a fire station in Yuba City.
According to officials, a fire captain encountered two men parked outside the city's main fire station. One of the men got out and allegedly began taking pictures of the fire station's administration building. When the captain approached the men, to tell them they were in a no-parking zone, the photographer jumped in the vehicle and the men left.
The man who took the photos was described as being between 30 and 40 years of age.
On Sept. 12, Fresno Fire Department officials spotted two men in a vehicle allegedly observing activities at a fire training center. When questioned, the driver reportedly said they were just checking things out, then left immediately.
Two days later, on Sept. 14, personnel from the Sacramento Metro Fire Department noticed two men taking photos of a fire station. A third man sat in the back of a car, and appeared to be drawing or taking notes. When fire officials walked toward them, the two taking pictures jumped in the vehicle and sped away.
The men allegedly took pictures in front of the station, and in the rear. They ranged in age from late teens to about 60, officials recalled.
Tim Johnstone, a commander with the threat assessment center in Sacramento, said all of the incidents are being investigated, but there is no indication they might be related.
"We aren't considering this a specific threat at this time; we're just asking our public safety partners to be on the watch for suspicious activity," he said.
He said the threat assessment center was formed to act as a collection point for homeland security intelligence, and disseminate it appropriately.
Jay Alan, deputy director of communication for the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is concerned about security agencies sharing information, and has made it a top priority.
Local officials said no suspicious incidents involving videotaping or photos have been reported at fire stations.
Fire department personnel are being asked to take note of vehicle descriptions, descriptions of suspicious subjects, and complete license plate numbers. Citizens who witness suspicious activity, near fire stations or elsewhere, should do the same, and report it to their local law enforcement agency.
Citizens should not attempt to contact suspicious individuals.
Inciweb: Butler 2 Wildland Fire - 14,039 acres - 100%
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 09:56 AM CDT
This incident is 100% contained
Hots Spots and perimeter map Butler 2 FireCredit: US Forest Service
Click to enlarge
This incident is 100% contained.
Hots Spots and perimeter
Credit: US Forest Service
Summary
Evacuations Lifted for Fawnskin--No restrictions for residents or visitors.
The Butler 2 Fire was reported at 1:21 pm on Friday northwest of Big Bear Lake. The fire is currently 14,039 acres and 100% contained. Highway 18 remains closed from Running Springs east to Big Bear Dam. Drivers may not access Big Bear from Hwy 18 or from Hwy 330 in San Bernardino, but Hwy 18 is open from Apple Valley (the high desert). Drivers may also access Big Bear via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands.
Voluntary Evacuations Lifted for the Green Valley Lake, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Green Valley Lake Lucerne Valley areas
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Under Investigation |
| Date of Origin | 09/14/2007 at 1321 hrs. |
| Location | NW of Big Bear Lake |
| Incident Commander | Rocky Opliger |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 1,466 |
|---|---|
| Size | 14,039 acres |
| Percent Contained | 100% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 09/20/2007 at hrs. |
| Fuels Involved | Grass, Brush, and Timber. |
| Fire Behavior | Smoldering. |
| Significant Events | Evacuations Lifted for Fawnskin, no restrictions for residents or visitors. Voluntary evacutions for Fawnskin, Green Valley, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Lucerne Valley have been lifted. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Patrol, mop up and suppression repair. |
|---|---|
| Growth Potential | Low |
| Terrain Difficulty | High. |
| Containment Target | The strategy has succeeded. |
| Remarks | Evacuations Lifted for Fawnskin-- no restrictions for residents or visitors. Highway closures--Hwy 18 remains closed from Green Valley Lake Road to Big Bear Dam. Drivers may not access Big Bear from Hwy 18 or from Hwy 330 in San Bernardino, but Hwy 18 is open from Apple Valley (the high desert). Drivers may also access Big Bear via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands. Areas Closed--Camp Whittle Boy Scout Camp, Big Pine Flat, Ironwood, Hanna Flat, Yellow Post campsites in the area, and Butler Peak Lookout. Forest Road Closures--2N13, both ends of 3N14, 4N16, 3N16 at Crab Flats, Grays Peak Trailhead. Resources on Scene--25 hand crews, 81 engines, 10 helicopters, 3 fixed wing aircraft, 2 dozers, and 24 watertenders. Voluntary Evacuations lifted for Green Valley Lake, Lucerne Valley, Running Springs and Arrowbear. Four Injuries reported Wednesday Sept 19, one dislocated knee and one dislocated shoulder, both transported to local hospitals. |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | 2 mph NW |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 46 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 64 % |
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