California Fire News
California Fire News |
| Posted: 22 Aug 2007 01:31 AM CDT  Snow Creek Header from Hwy 79North looking over the French Valley Airport. Credit: Readers Ed & Sharon EVACUATING FOREST VISITORS IN THE AREA
InciWeb: Snow Wildland Fire: Snow Wildland FireINCIDENT UPDATED SummaryThe Snow Fire began about 12 noon on Aug. 21, 2007 and is burning in heavy brush and timber at a slow to moderate rate of spread. The fire began at the top of Mt San Jacinto in the Snow Creek area northeast of Black Mountain Group Campground in steep and rugged wilderness terrain. Six abandoned structure at Camp Lackey has been burned, but no communities are threatened. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Basic Information
Current Situation
Outlook
Weather
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| Inciweb: Zaca Wildland Fire - 222,557 acres - 79 percent Posted: 21 Aug 2007 10:11 PM CDT Zaca Wildland Fire |
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Human Caused |
| Date of Origin | 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs. |
| Location | 15 miles NE of Buellton |
| Incident Commander | Oplinger/ Childers/ Dietr |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 3,090 |
|---|---|
| Size | 222,557 acres |
| Percent Contained | 79% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 09/07/2007 at hrs. |
| Fuels Involved | Heavy brush containing a high dead component. Some conifer at higher elevations. Live fuel moistures are at 49% which is well below critical levels. A continuous fuel bed lies ahead of the fire. |
| Fire Behavior | Live Oak Zone: The Fire is holding at the Monte Arido Fuel Break and the Pendola Jeepway. Smoldering and creeping occurred within the Caliente drainage with little active fire spread. Unburned islands continue to burnout in Santa Cruz drainage. Richardson Zone: Weather conditions combined exceptionally dry, heavy fuels in alignment with wind and slope produced intense fire behavior including; spotting, solid runs to ridge tops, and flare ups in hot spots. |
| Significant Events | Live Oak Zone: Fire line completed in division ZZ and YY. Existing fire line held. Contingency work completed. Richardson Zone: Continue firing in DIV EE West from DP 104 and in DIV FF East to Hwy 33 and from Ozena north towards Brubaker Rd. Hold and monitor Divisions CC, DD and HH. Aggressive fixed wing suppression operations on Northwest fire spread in DIV AA/BB. A precautionary Evacuation continues West of Hwy 33 from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Co. line south to Pine Mountain Inn and is being coordinated by Ventura County Sheriffs, assisted by Santa Barbara Sheriffs. Hwy 33 remains closed. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Live Oak Zone: Patrol and mop-up. Continue Fire Suppression Rehab. Richardson Zone: Hold and Mop up burnout operations in Division BB, EE and FF. Continue with firing and holding operations in DIV BB and FF as conditions allow. Road closure for Hwy 33. Continue to prepare strategy for long-term control lines in Branch XXIII. Ventura Zone: Reevaluation of contingency operations |
|---|---|
| Projected Movement | Live Oak Zone: The fire is expected to have little active fire spread in all areas except unburned islands. Small pockets of heat expected to continue smoldering within the upper Caliente drainage. Active fire spread in the unburned islands in Santa Cruz drainage. Richardson Zone: West and North down Sisquoc River toward Sierra Madre Ridge. North to Dry Canyon, East to Hwy 33. |
| Growth Potential | Extreme. |
| Terrain Difficulty | Extreme. |
| Containment Target | Live Oak Zone: The direct and indirect Strategy should succeed by 8/23/07. Richardson Zone: High on ability to anchor and hold on Sierra Madre Ridge toward Hwy 33 and moderate from Pine Mtn. summit toward Ozena. Poor on West perimeter. |
| Remarks | Live Oak Zone: Transferring out of unified command as the threat to Santa Barbara County has been mitigated. The fire has not progressed on the county jurisdiction and will be managed by the USFS. Richardson Zone: A Precautionary Evacuation Order is in place for the area west of Hwy 33 from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Co. line south to Pine Mountain Inn. Road Closure in effect on Hwy 33; Closed to all traffic from Pine Mountain Summit to Ozena. All other areas are open to residents. |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | 4 mph SW |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 96 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 14 % |
InciWeb: Willow Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Posted: 21 Aug 2007 07:12 PM CDT
Willow Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Willow Fire Discovered in Sequoia National Park
For Immediate Release - July 21, 2007Deb Schweizer (559) 565-3703Willow Fire Discovered in Sequoia National Park Fire managers detected a new fire in Sequoia National Park wilderness on Monday, July 1... more
Summary
Fire managers surveyed the Willow Fire by helicopter flight on August 19th and mapped the fire at 184 acres.
The Willow Fire (discovered 7/21/07) is located two miles southwest of Big Arroyo in the southern part of Sequoia National Park and is burning in foxtail pine above 10,000 feet in elevation. Fire behavior is slowly increasing as the fuels dry. Fire behavior includes creeping ground fire with some torching. The fire is backing toward the Big Arroyo and into more continuous fuels in the lodgepole pine. This, coupled with the strong winds typical in the Kern River drainage, will likely lead to further growth of the fire. There are no trail closures in place near the Willow Fire at this time. Hikers may notice limited smoke in the vicinity.
The Willow Fire can be safely managed in the park's wilderness as there are no significant threats to life or property. This allows fire to maintain its role in the natural system of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. It provides an excellent opportunity for backcountry users to see one of the many natural events that shape the beautiful Sierra Nevada.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire Used For Resource Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | Not available |
| Location | Not available |
| Incident Commander | Not available |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | Not available |
|---|---|
| Size | 184 acres |
| Significant Events | Not available |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Not available |
|---|---|
| Remarks | Not available |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | Not available |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | Not available |
| Current Humidity | Not available |
CA-LAC-Skyline - Car fire into Vegetation
Posted: 21 Aug 2007 06:04 PM CDT
No Formal Evacuations, Structure protection in place
Location: 4000 Turnbull Canyon Road near the city of Whittier 2nd alarm brush fire in Turnbull Canyon area of Hacienda Hgts (LAC FS 91) Structure threat
Resources: Augmented responses today: 7 engines on 1st alarm, 4 ground crews, 2 fly crews, 2 FireHawks, 3 Bell 412's, 1 dozer team, 2 BC's.
Sizeup:. Car over side of road Hacienda Heights 1 to Hospital, fire into vegetation, 5 acres moderate rate of spread with structures threatened. Large header
Comms: Skyline IC
Command 470.4125
Tac 17 154.43
Tac 20 153.83
Tac 19 154.40
Bulldozers 460.6625.
Updates(1):
- Now a 2nd alarm with IC requesting 2 strike teams of type 1 engines for immediate structure protection. Also requesting M/A from LA City for for Helitanker 742 and considering asking for fixed wing ac.
- 10 additinal engines requested along with LAC and LFD Skycranes
- Skyline IC requesting an additional 10 engines for immediate structure protection. Total of 20 additional engines requested above the 2nd alarm.
- Fire has jumped Skyline Fire Road and is in danger of establishing itself in a canyon. Requesting immediate water drops. IC Requesting an additional 10 engines immediate need, closest engines, not a strike team for a grand total of 30 engines above the 2nd alarm.
- Live Video: http://cbs2.com/
CA-BDF-SNOW CREEK - Vegetation Fire
Posted: 22 Aug 2007 01:05 AM CDT
Cabazon & Idyllwild) - north side of the mountain - approx 8000' 10 acres as
of 1405
1 NorCal fire updates -
- Air Attack is ordering a heavy air tanker and another type two helicopter. Fire is torching and crowning in the trees right now. There is really heavy fuel and it has potiental to make a run if it gets into the draw. IC has just ordered 4 more crews
- Fire is 4 to 5 acres with a slow rate of spread. Fire is still in the trees and part of the fire is in the draw. There trying to hold the head with tankers at this time, till they can get some ground crews in there. Fire has a lot of heat and potiental still..
- Picture of header Credit: John Palmer source
- South Ops just grabbed both AT from Ramona and a couple rotary from BDF and ANF for this one.
SBC FIRE NEWS: Zaca Fire update - 220,863 acres
Posted: 21 Aug 2007 03:38 PM CDT
Zaca Fire
If you need more information please call the Zaca Fire Information Line (linea de informacion) at 805-961-5770 for current conditions.
Updated 08/21/07 10:00 a.m.
PRECAUTIONARY EVACUATION ISSUED
The Zaca Fire has moved east towards Highway 33 and has become established in the Dick Smith Wilderness. This has prompted the Ventura County Sheriff to issue a Precautionary Evacuation for residents along the west side of Highway 33 from the Ventura/Santa Barbara County Line to Pine Mountain Summit that began on Saturday, August 18th at 6:00 pm.
more photos...
Warnings and Orders
The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Department and fire authorities have issued an "EVACUATION WARNING" for East Camino Cielo Road from Gibraltar Road east to the Ventura County Line including Gibraltar Reservoir and Jameson Lake effective August 17, 2007 8:00pm.
Residents of these areas should consider what they need to take and be prepared to leave upon notice of the Sheriff's Department, as they may not be able to come back to retrieve personal items due to potentially rapidly changing fire conditions. This "EVACUATION WARNING" is to alert community members in the area of a potential threat to life and property. An evacuation order may follow as a result of the threat. Please monitor your local public safety warning systems and local radio and television news as conditions could rapidly change.
Although Hwy 154 is reopened, the public is encouraged to continue to take US 101 and stay off Hwy 154 unless absolutely necessary Please. For those who do use Hwy 154, delays can be expected due to the reduced speed limit and the continuous movement of slow-moving firefighting vehicles. Visibility may be reduced as a result of smoke.
A EVACUATION WARNING remains in effect for residents of the Paradise Road community, Los Prietos Boys Camp, Paradise Store and the Rancho Oso Guest Ranch, effective Sunday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m. The Lower Santa Ynez River Recreation Area campgrounds, day use areas and trailheads will remain closed.
SMOKE AND ASH MAY BE VISIBLE OVER A WIDE AREA. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District have issued a health advisory. People who are at risk, including children and the elderly who are more susceptible to smoke may need to take precautions.
agressive suppression ...
On the northwest perimeter, the fire is well established in Foresters Leap Canyon on the north rim of Sisquoc Canyon. Firefighters are planning a backfiring operation along the Sierra Madre Ridge to contain the northern progress of the fire. Contingency plans are being developed to determine a course of action to stop the progress of the fire west down the Sisquoc drainage.
On the northeast and east perimeter, the fire has moved up to the east boundary of the Dick Smith Wilderness near Highway 33. Firefighters will continue a backfire operation from Cuyama Peak Road in Dry Canyon down Brubaker Canyon towards Highway 33.
On the east perimeter, firefighters have successfully completed the backfire operation from Highway 33 through the switchbacks to Ozena. Later this afternoon a backfire operation will be conducted along the forest boundary at the Cuyama River drainage from Ozena to Brubaker Road in order to contain the eastern edge of the fire.
On the southeast perimeter, firefighters were successful in constructing fireline directly next to the fire's edge east of the Hildreth Jeep trail and north of the Pendola Jeep Trail.
Rehabilitation of firelines, contingency lines, and roads will begins today. Approximately 300 miles of dozerline are in need of restoration.
Secondary dozer lines were constructed below the direct handline in support of obtaining containment. Some burning occurred in the interior section of the southwestern area of the fire. Due to predicted low humidity, a red flag warning has been issued for the fire area until Wednesday night.
Daytime temperatures remained in the 90's yesterday and with extremely low relative humidity caused a Red Flag Warning to be put in place. These weather conditions are hindering burning operations. In the Live Oak Zone* Monday the existing fire line held even though unfavorable winds caused discontinuation of back firing operations. Firefighters are continuing to hold the line at the Monte Arido Fuel Break and the Pendola Jeepway. The fire was smoldering and creeping within the Caliente drainage with little active fire spread yesterday and fortunately is expected to progress very little. Unburned islands of fuel continue to burnout in several of the drainages.
In the Richardson Zone on Monday strong winds, high temperatures, and extremely low humidity, in combination with exceptionally dry, heavy fuels in alignment with the winds and slopes again produced intense fire behavior. Aggressive suppression action with air tankers, helicopters and ground forces is ongoing along Hwy 33. Fire fighters have completed their backfiring operations from the Pine Mountain Summit North to Ozena.
On the northeast perimeter, the fire has actively burned within the Dick Smith Wilderness and is now less than a mile from the eastern boundary of the wilderness. Yesterday evening firefighters continued backfiring from the Cuyama Lookout Road towards Highway 33 along Dry Canyon.
On the southeast perimeter, firefighters suspended backfire operations yesterday near Potrero Seco Ranch and Pine Mountain Summit because of spot fires that went over the established dozer lines. All spot fires have been contained except for one. Tonight, firefighters will continue backfiring from Pine Mountain Summit to Ozena.
There has been increasing fire activity in the northwest as the fire continues to push in that direction.
On the northwest perimeter, the fire is well established in Sweetwater and Foresters Leap Canyons on the north rim of Sisquoc Canyon and Incident Command is planning a backfire operation along the Cottonwood Road on Sierra Madre Ridge. Contingency lines have been connected and crews are now focusing their efforts on improving these lines even while rehabilitaion efforts are under way.
Today in the Live Oak Zone* to the south, firefighters continued to patrol, mop-up, and improve the existing control lines in several areas, including the Santa Barbara front country from Romero Canyon to Lake Casitas. They are also constructing a direct handline and dozerline along the Hildreth Jeepway and Pendola Jeepway into Agua Caliente Canyon when conditions permit it. Firefighting conditions were very dangerous yesterday in several areas.
In the Richardson Zone* the fire is still trying to push itself to the east and northwest. Firing operations have kept the fire north of the Ogilvy Ranch road.
In the Ventura Zone* firefighters are gaining access through private lands as they prepare contingency lines and will continue to improve the existing fuel breaks, safety zones and interconnect the existing fuel breaks as needed.
Good progress is being made in the effort to secure the fireline around the remaining northeastern and southeastern fire perimeters.
A good secure fireline is in place from Potrero Seco Ranch to Hildreth Jeep trail on the westside of the Matilija Wilderness. Warmer and drier weather forecasted through this evening will challenge fire fighting efforts to complete the firelines.
Inaccessibility is still requiring crews and equipment to be shuttled in by helicopter and the heavy smoke has not only hampered the ground attack on the fire but it has impeded air operations as well. Firefighting resources staged at the Ventura County Fairgrounds are creating and reopening fuelbreaks, clearing roads, providing structure protection and are in reserve should they be needed for initial attack for Ventura County and the Los Padres National Forest.
Containment is estimated at 77%.
The size of the fire is now 220,863 acres. It has been estimated that the fire will consume 236,000 acres before it is through. The last estimated cost was at 87.5 million dollars. Over 3,144 personnel are currently working on this fire.
*Incident Command has now divided the fire into 3 closely coordinated zones. The northern portion will be the Richardson Zone" and the southern portion will be the "Live Oak Zone" and the Ventura Zone to the east.
Closures
Hwy 33 between Wheeler Gorge and Ventucopa will remain closed until Friday due to firefighting equipment and heavy smoke. Residents will be allowed to enter the area but must carry identification to access areas within the road closure.
The closure is required to safely conduct a backfire operation planned along Highway 33 from the Pine Mountain Road to Ozena. Travelers on Hwy 33 will continue be impacted while firefighters conduct firing and supression operations and to secure the firelines on the eastern perimeter of the fire.
All or portions of Highway 33 between Ojai and Cuyama may close at any time due to changing fire and weather conditions. When conditions warrant, the Highway will be closed by authorities until it can safely be reopened to thru traffic. Closures may change at any time.
Happy Canyon Road is closed at the Los Padres NF boundary.
Figueroa Mountain Road is closed at the Los Padres NF boundary.
East Camino Cielo is closed between Painted Cave Road and Gibraltar Road due to fire equipment traffic.
Paradise Road is within the Evacuation Warning Area and is currently open to residents only.
Additional areas in Los Padres National Forest are now closed due to the Zaca Fire emergency. This is due to the difficulty of evacuating forest visitors from remote areas should the fire spread and concerns for the firefighters while they build contingency lines several miles from the active fire. The closure now affects approximately 888,000 acres.
Zaca Fire...Additional Information
If you need more information please call the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 for current conditions.
Para más información sobre el Zaca Fire llame al (805) 961-5770 o puede
visitar http://www.inciweb.org/ o http://www.countyofsb.org/
También puede escuchar noticias por radio...
KTMS-990; KZSB-1290; KTYD-99.9; KSBL-101.7; KRAZ-105.9 y KIST-107.7
Vulnerable Populations:
individuals with special needs who may be unable to evacuate without help and those who need medical equipment that require electricity.
please call (805) 968-0462 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The Red Cross shelter:
Red Cross personnel continue to be available by phone 24/7 at: 805-896-2980.
Animal/Pet Shelter Locations please call the...
Animal Hotline 805-681-4332.
Information kiosk locations have been established which will provide current Zaca Fire press releases, updates, maps and other relevant information. The following locations will be updated with key information daily:
Santa Barbara:
The Mission (2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara)
City Hall (735 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara)
Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu
Franklin Center, 1136 E. Montecito
Westside Center, 423 W. Victoria
Lazy Acres Market (302 Meigs Road, Santa Barbara
Goleta:
City Hall (130 Cremona Dr. Suite B)
Camino Real Market Place Theatre (7040 Marketplace Dr.)
Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Ave.)
Santa Barbara County:
Tucker's Grove Park – Entrance (Turnpike Rd. and Cathedral Oaks Rd.)
Magnolia Center - 5130 Hollister Ave.
Turnpike Center @ Hollister Road (163 S. Turnpike, Goleta)
Calle Real Center by Trader Joes (5767 Calle Real, Goleta)
Java Station on Hollister @ Modoc (4447 Hollister Ave.)
County Administration Building (105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara)
Carpinteria/Summerland/Montecito:
Montecito South Village at East Valley and San Ysidro Roads
Cold Springs School, 2243 Sycamore Canyon
Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue
Summerland Post Office (corner of Lillie and Evans Avenues)
Additional information can also be found on the web at ...
Inciweb Incident Information System website at:
http://inciweb.org/incident/770/
Inciweb also provides maps, photos and a RSS feed providing news and announcements on the fire.
Los Padres National Forest website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/
County of Santa Barbara Online at:
http://www.countyofsb.org/
Broadcast Information
Radio Stations:
AM Stations: KTMS-990; KZSB-1290; KUHL-1410 and KINF-1440.
FM Stations: KCSB-91.9; KSPE-94.5
(Spanish); KSYV-96.7; KTYD-99.9; KSBL-101.7; KRAZ-105.9 and KIST-107.7.
TV:
Santa Barbara County's Channel 20
City of Santa Barbara, Channel 18
City of Goleta at Channel 19
For those who may have been unable to attend the community meetings you can view the videos at:
http://www.countyofsb.org/index.asp
Don't let it happen to you!
Learn more about how you can Prepare for Fire Season!
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Thank You
We would like to thank all of the individuals and businesses who have espressed their desire to show their appreciation of the Firefighters who are working so hard on this difficult fire. The Wildland Firefighters Association supports Firefighters and their families and strives to take care of the fallen and injured. Visit their website at http://www.wffoundation.org/ or call 208-336 2996 for more details
Posted: 21 Aug 2007 03:31 PM CDT
Cemetery Fire ...
SBC FIREUpdated 8/21/07 11:30 am
Full Containment is expected to be reached later today around 6 pm. Containment was estimated at 58% as of 10:30 am today. The fire is holding within the current containment lines. It is expected that unburned islands of fuel will continue to burn and firefighters will remain on patrol until the fire is extinguished.
At 2:28pm Monday the 20th of August the fire was reported near the Cemetery south of the City of Lompoc (approximate lat 34 37.758, long 120 26.709).
A Evacuation is Warning is no longer in effect for residents along Jalama Road and Santa Rosa Road. Residents in the area should still remain alert for changing conditions. Resources such as helicopters, bulldozers and hand crews are on the scene, including some resources from the Zaca fire. Engines are on scene to provide structure protection. Arrests have been made relating to the cause of the fire.
[EDIS] RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT WEDNESDAY.
Posted: 21 Aug 2007 02:34 PM CDT
- VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST / SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS -
.HOT AND DRY THROUGH THE WEEK. HIGH PRESSURE CENTERED SOUTH OF THE AREA WILL SHIFT OFFSHORE THROUGH WEDNESDAY. A WEAK TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE IS EXPECTED TO DIVE SOUTH AND SKIRT THE AREA WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY. DRY NORTH FLOW IN THE WAKE OF THE TROUGH WILL REINFORCE THE EXTREMELY DRY CONDITIONS ALREADY OVER THE AREA AND A RED FLAG WARNING NOW IN EFFECT MAY NEED TO BE EXTENDED BEYOND WEDNESDAY EVENING. RELATIVE HUMIDITIES... TEN PERCENT OR LESS WILL PERSIST AT TIMES OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING WITH LITTLE OR NO OVERNIGHT RECOVERY. INLAND AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES WILL RANGE 10 TO 15 DEGREES ABOVE SEASONAL NORMALS THROUGH WEDNESDAY THEN COOL SEVERAL DEGREES THURSDAY. ... RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT WEDNESDAY... A RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT WEDNESDAY. LONG PERIODS OF SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES WILL PERSIST THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING WITH LITTLE OR NO OVERNIGHT RECOVERY. HIGH TEMPERATURES WILL RANGE 5 TO 15 DEGREES ABOVE SEASONAL NORMAL THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
Instruction:
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY... AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL CREATE EXTREME FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OR FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.
Area: VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS / LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS / ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST / SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS -
Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles,
Sent: 2007-08-21T09:26:59-07:00
Original Sender:oes.ca.gov
From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA
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