Monday, November 5, 2007

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Southern California - BAER Coordination Burned Area Emergency Response

Posted: 04 Nov 2007 08:27 PM CST

Emergency Response

So Cal BAER Coordination Burned Area Emergency Response

INCIDENT UPDATED 7 HRS. AGO
Archaeologist assesses damages to an historic adobe structure on the Poomacha Fire

Archaeologist assesses damages to an historic adobe structure on the Poomacha Fire
Credit: Department of Interior

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Summary

Forest Service and Department of Interior Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams for the recent southern California wildfires are established and conducting ground and aerial reconnaissance on eight fires. The BAER teams consist of resource specialists such as Hydrologists, Soil Scientists, Geologists, Biologists and Engineers with experience working on BAER teams throughout California and the Western United States.

A SoCal BAER Coordination team has also been established to provide overall coordination for Forest Service BAER efforts by facilitating multi-agency coordination and communication, coordinating public information, and providing support to the individual BAER teams.

The Forest Service BAER teams and the Department of the Interior (DOI) Interagency BAER team are working cooperatively to address emergency stabilization needs on a watershed basis across mutiple federal jurisdictions.The DOI BAER Team is working on burned area emergency stabilization for Tribal lands, the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The team, under the leadership of Erv Gasser, is addressing burned lands in the Poomacha, Witch, and Harris fires near San Diego.

One of the first priorities for each BAER team is to finalize a Soil Burn Severity map to determine the pattern of the burn on the landscape. Hydrologists and Soil Scientists refine the initial map received from a satellite image of the fire produced from the Remote Sensing Application Center (RSAC). Further modification and revision is expected as more field data is collected and observations are made. The Soil Burn Severity map is critical as it "sets the stage" to assess potential impacts to resources and downstream values at risk.

The BAER teams are meeting with interagency cooperators to discuss initial issues and potential values and threats such as:

Life, Property and Safety. Threats to: 1) people and property; 2) trails, roads and highways; 3) recreation sites; and 4) water systems.

Resources. Threats to: 1) water quality; 2) soil productivity; 3) cultural resources; 4) species of special concern; 5) OHV incursion into fire areas; and 6) noxious weeds.

The SoCal BAER Coordination Team will produce Forest Service briefs summarizing the progress from each of the Forest Service BAER teams during the emergency assessment phase to coordinate with affected agencies, cooperators and other interested parties.

For further information, please contact SoCal BAER Coordination Team Leader Todd Ellsworth at 909-777-3015, or SoCal BAER Public Information Officer Cathleen Thompson at 909-777-3061.

Basic Information

Incident Type Burned Area Emergency Response
Cause N/a
Date of Origin 10/27/2007 at 00 hrs.
Location Southern California National Forests
Incident Commander Todd Ellsworth

Current Situation

Total Personnel 100
Size 122,440 acres
Significant Events

Forest Service and Department of Interior interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams are currently working on eight (8) separate incidents: Ranch, Buckweed, Grass Valley, Slide, Witch, Poomacha, Harris, and Santiago fires.

The State of California and Cal Fire have mobilized additional resources to the already deployed federal BAER teams.

The Forest Service's Remote Sensing Application Center (RSAC) is providing remotely sensed maps and initial Burned Area Reflectance Classification (BARC) mapping for all the recent southern California wildfires. This will assist the BAER teams and help prioritize where subsequent BAER teams may be deployed.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Federal interagency BAER teams of specialists are surveying and assessing the burned areas and developing emergency treatment plans for each of the eight Forest Service wildfires.

After the assessment reports are completed, the four Forest Supervisors will establish BAER implementation teams that will install the finalized treatments. All treatments should be completed by the winter storm season.

Projected Movement

Initial BAER team findings are: hazard trees, rock slides, OHV damage to native vegetation recovery, potential storm damage to existing roads, hiking trails, recreation cabins and campgrounds, reservoirs, water quality and supply, downstream values-at-risk, cultural resources, and the spread of noxious weeds.

Remarks

The Forest Service and Department of Interior BAER effort for southern California is a multi-agency, cooperative effort.

The SoCal BAER Coordination Team is co-located with the FEMA Multi-Agency Support Group in Colton, California.

Weather

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

Inciweb: Grass Valley Wildland Fire - 1,247 acres -100% contained

Posted: 04 Nov 2007 08:24 PM CST

Grass Valley Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 6 HRS. AGO
This incident is 100% contained.
Fire Perimeter Oct 25 am

Fire Perimeter Oct 25 am
Credit: US Forest Service

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Summary

  • So Cal BAER Coordination Burned Area Emergency Response--

    Forest Service and Department of Interior Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams for the recent southern California wildfires are established and conducting ground and aerial reconnaissance on eight fires. The BAER teams consist of resource specialists such as Hydrologists, Soil Scientists, Geologists, Biologists and Engineers with experience working on BAER teams throughout California and the Western United States.


  • Voluntary evacuations continue for Green Valley, Arrowhead communites, Grass Valley, Crestline, Cedar Pines Park, Lake Gregory and Valley of Enchantment and Running Springs and Arrowbear.

Evacuation Centers at the National Orange Show is closed.

Highway information -- All Highways are open without restrictions, but Highway 330 is close on Sunday Nov 4 from 9 Am to 1 PM for CalTrans repairs.

For a partial list of damaged properties go the San Bernardino County Assessor's web site at

http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/assessor/

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 10/22/2007 at 0508 hrs.
Location West of of Lake Arrowhead
Incident Commander Jerry Mcgowan

Current Situation

Total Personnel 164
Size 1,247 acres
Percent Contained 100%
Estimated Containment Date 10/29/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Timber (grass understory)and scattered brush

Fire Behavior

MiMinimal smoldering hot spots.

Significant Events

Patrol and mop-up with standard of 100% around structures and 700 fett in from perimeter control lines.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Patrol and mop-up of isolated heat sources.

Projected Movement

None

Growth Potential

Low

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Remarks

Mojave River drainage was flown by helicopter equipped with infrared to pinpoint any remaining heat sources near control lines. Surveys for suppression damage repair are complete. Approx. 2 miles of dozer line and 6 miles of handlines identified for repair.

Voluntary evacuations continue for all areas from Crestline to Snow Valley.

All highways are open, although Hwy 330 is closed on Sunday Nov 4 from 9 Am to 1 PM for repairs.

Resources on Scene-- 21 Engines, 0 water tenders, 3 hand crews and 0 dozers.

178 structures destroyed and 22 structures damaged.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 5 mph E
Current Temperature 41 degrees
Current Humidity 30 %

Inciweb: Santiago Wildland Fire - 28,400 acres - 90% contained

Posted: 04 Nov 2007 08:21 PM CST

Santiago Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED

by Evelio Suarez
Credit: USFS

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Summary

Current Situation:

The fire was active in unburned fuels overnight but all containment lines are holding. Crews have been strategically placed along the fire's perimeter to handle activity generated by the increased winds. Smoke will likely be visible throughout the day. The smell of smoke may also be more noticeable.

Holding containment lines is today's main objective. Mop up and rehabilitation of lines also continues. The Silverado Canyon area remains a primary concern due to the remaining hot spots, steep topography, and the possibility of rolling debris and boulders.

All evacuation orders have been lifted as of 4PM, November 3. The evacuation center at El Modena is now closed.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human
Date of Origin 10/21/2007 at 1755 hrs.
Location Santiago Canyon, Silverado Canyon, Irvine, CA.
Incident Commander Witesman, Whitney

Current Situation

Total Personnel 1,244
Size 28,400 acres
Percent Contained 90%
Estimated Containment Date 11/06/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Chaparral,annual grasses and brush. Much of the fuel component is in the 100 year old age class.

Fire Behavior

Very little activity.

Significant Events

Today the type 1 team transitions with a type 2 team, Central Coast Interagency Incident Team 7.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Today's action plan is to hold containment lines, proceed with mop-up and continue rehab.

Growth Potential

Low

Terrain Difficulty

High

Remarks

Not available

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 3-8 mph NE
Current Temperature 65 degrees
Current Humidity 22 %

Inciweb: Slide Wildland Fire - 12,759 acres - 100% contained

Posted: 04 Nov 2007 08:17 PM CST

Slide Wildland Fire

- FINAL -

INCIDENT FINAL UPDATE
This incident is 100% contained.
Fire Perimeter Oct 27

Fire Perimeter Oct 27
Credit: US Forest Service

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Summary

  • So Cal BAER Coordination Burned Area Emergency Response--

    Forest Service and Department of Interior Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams for the recent southern California wildfires are established and conducting ground and aerial reconnaissance on eight fires. The BAER teams consist of resource specialists such as Hydrologists, Soil Scientists, Geologists, Biologists and Engineers with experience working on BAER teams throughout California and the Western United States.

  • All mountain communities now open to all residents, no restrictions. Big Bear has not been affected by the fire and is open to visitors.
    • Voluntary evacuations continue for all mountain communities (Except Big Bear Communities) from the Crestline Area to Arrowbear including, Running Springs, Arrowhead communites, Grass Valley, Crestline, Cedar Pines Park, Lake Gregory, Valley of Enchantment, and Green Valley Lake.

    • The closure for the San Bernardino National Forest remains in effect until further notice.

The National Orange Show evacuation center will close Saturday November 3.

  • Highway information:

-All highways are currently open without restrictions

-Highway 330 will be closed 9 AM to 1 PM Sunday Nov 4 for CalTrans repairs.

For a partial list of damaged properties go the San Bernardino County Assessor's web site at

http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/assessor/

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 10/22/2007 at 0802 hrs.
Location Green Valley Lake, Near Running Springs
Incident Commander Jerry Mcgowan

Current Situation

Total Personnel 977
Size 12,759 acres
Percent Contained 100%
Estimated Containment Date 10/31/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Timber (grass understory)

Fire Behavior

Smoldering hot spots with occassional smokes within the fire perimeter becoming visable in areas exposed to East winds.

Significant Events

Crews will continue to mop-up and patrol and be available to respond to 9-1-1 calls from residents if East winds create smokes within the fire perieter, especially near communities. Suppression repair work on-going and Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team continues to gather data on fire affects.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continue mop-up, patrol, backhaul, suppression repair and Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) work.

Projected Movement

No Fire movement is expected.

Growth Potential

Low

Terrain Difficulty

High

Containment Target

With current resources and favorable weather conditions, the chosen management strategy is expected to succeed.

Remarks

While voluntary evacuation orders are still in effect for all communities on the mountaintop except Big Bear, all highways are open. However, Hwy 330 is closed between 9 Am and 1 PM on Sunday, Nov 4 for repairs. Closure order for the San Bernardino National Forest is in effect--See News Release for full information.

An estimated 272 homes have been burned in the Slide Fire area and 43 damaged.

Resources on Scene-- 70 Engines, 17 water tenders, 16 hand crews, 6 Helicopters, and 0 dozers.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature 38 degrees
Current Humidity 27 %

(EDIS) - RED FLAG WARNINGS

Posted: 04 Nov 2007 05:37 PM CST

EMERGENCY DIGITAL INFORMATION SERVICE
Updated: 15:34 PST on 2007-11-04
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PST THIS EVENING DUE TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST-
Update sent at 15:11 PST on 2007-11-04
RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PST SUNDAY FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES... EXCEPT THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS... DUE TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-LOS ANGELES COUNTY VALLEYS-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-
Cancel sent at 15:11 PST on 2007-11-04
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PST THIS EVENING FOR THE FOOTHILLS DUE TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
LOS ANGELES COUNTY VALLEYS-
Update sent at 09:03 PST on 2007-11-04
RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PST THIS EVENING DUE TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-
Update sent at 09:03 PST on 2007-11-04
RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PST SUNDAY FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND VALLEY OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES DUE TO A PROLONGED PERIOD OF LOW HUMIDITIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST-
Update sent at 09:03 PST on 2007-11-04

CA-YNP- October Lightning Complex

Posted: 04 Nov 2007 05:10 PM CST

Wildland Use fire Yosemite National Park
October Lightning Complex – Update # 4
Yosemite National Park

November 4, 2007

Yosemite National Park (Cal Fire News) - As of today, 2 additional fires, for a total of 13, have resulted from the thunderstorms of October 29.
Four of these fires are in Yosemite wilderness area and are to be managed as Wildland Fire Use (WFU), for resource benefits rather than suppressed. Since the early 1970's, Yosemite National Park has allowed natural fire to function as a landscape process in more remote areas. Ecological benefits of WFU limits the size and severity of subsequent fires. Fire is a natural process in the Sierra Nevada and is necessary to maintain ecosystem diversity. In addition this "best management practice" is cost effective.

The current Wildland Fire Use incidents are in order of priority (* indicates the found/start date):

Devil (*11/3) –
Location
: Lat/long: 37 44.67 x 119 42.24
This fire is in Mariposa Co. It is east of the Tamarack Trail, between the Tamarack Flat
Campground and Tamarack Trail footbridge crossing at Cascade Creek. The elevation is approximately 7000', and is burning in snags, down logs and brush (white thorn). Smoke is visible from many locations throughout the Park.
Outlook: It is poised for moderate to high growth potential, as there have been historic fires surrounding the area, and it is burning on a southwest/southeast aspect.
Current Size: The fire is approximately 5 acres.
Click on map for large version

Cotton (*11/3) –
Location:
Lat/Long: 37 58.871 x 119 45.946.
This fire is in Tuolumne Co.
It is approximately 3.5 miles east of the Hetch Hetchy Ranger Station, near Cottonwood Meadow.
It was found by Park Helicopter on patrol looking for additional lightning fires. It is burning in snags and down logs and brush. It is inside the Ackerson Fire of '96.
Outlook: It is on an s/w slope, and has low to moderate growth potential. Its elevation is approximately 6500'.


Jack (*10/31) – This is being managed as Fire Use.
Location: Lat/Long: 37 34.37 x 119 40.4
It is located on the top Turner Ridge, 6500' El., in Mariposa Co.
Size: Currently is .25ac.
Outlook: It low to moderate potential for growth.

Johnson (*10/31) – This is being managed as Fire Use.
Location: Lat/Long: 37 34.113 x 119 31.614.
It is on an 80% slope, in timber @ 8475' El. It is in
Madera Co, 4 miles n/e of Wawona, near Crescent Lake, in snow and rock.
Outlook: It has low potential for growth.

The remaining 10 fires have been contained, controlled and mopped–up and are in patrol status. They will be monitored periodically until measurable precipitation occurs.
These fires include: Empire, Wawona Dome, Old
Steamboat, Turner, Ned, Taft, Point, Badger, and Barn.
Sub-Dome, Rattlesnake.

Alder: These reported fires were never found.
Additional Information: The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite.

Fire Education Office
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209/372-0480 phone or
209/372-0491 phone
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

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