Thursday, May 28, 2009

California Fire News - Updates in your mail box

California Fire News - Updates in your mail box
Add to Google

Link to California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

CA-RRU- Oliver - Wildfire - Riverside County - 503 acres 80%

Posted: 27 May 2009 10:16 PM PDT


Wildland Fires Reported in the Inland Empire - CARRU-46619
Firefighters are on scene of a vegetation fire with at least two separate starts on the northwest side of Lake Perris State Recreation Area.

View CA-RRU-Oliver - Vegetation fire in a larger map

Update: 2034 Hrs - 503 acres 80% - Estimated Containment: 5-28-09 0600 Hrs. -20 RV's Relocated from the North Side of the Lake to the South Side of the Lake, Initial demob of IA resources to begin 5/27/09 at 2130 hours.
Update: 2000 Hrs -Fire investigators have determined the cause of the fires to be Arson. We are asking anyone with suspect information to contact the Riverside County Fire Department Anonymous Arson Hot Line at 1-800-633-2836.
Update: 1934 Hrs - updated acreage 503 acres. Estimated 100 percent containment 5/28 0600 AM hours, 100 percent control at 5/28 6:00 PM hours.
Update: 1803 Hrs - Fire is 50 percent contained. Firefighters are making great progress, no injuries or damage reported. fire investigators are on scene.
Update: 1800 Hrs - The fires have merged and burned a combined 250 acres of brush in Southern California. Potential of 750-1,000 Acres, Structure's Threatened at the top of Oliver Street, No Structure Loss.
Update: 1730 Hrs - The Lake Perris State Recreation Area Campground has been evacuated as the fire has entered the inside perimieter of the park.
Update: 1725 Hrs - Fire is burning into Lake Perris campground crews now attempting firing operations per IC on RRU2 now 250 acres with potential of 500
Update: 1720Hrs - Large header showing - Immediate structure threat 10 Type 1 engines for structure protection. Fire is now approximately 250 acres with a potential of 500 acres.
Update: 1625Hrs -Potential for 50 acres no structure threat
Update: 1605Hrs - 2 separate fires, 1/4 apart from each other, approximately 20 acres of grass and brush.

Evacuations:
County fire spokeswoman Cheri Patterson says a campground at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area has been evacuated.
Patterson says there is moderate structure threat but could not say what kinds of structures those are.
Road closures: Via Del Lago at Iris Avenue/Moreno Beach and several streets around Oliver Street.
IA: 1547 Hrs. - Two fires about a quarter-mile apart - one fire at approximately one half acre and the second at approximately two acres.
ICP Location: Lower Campground at Lake Perris, Lot #9
Location: Oliver St. x Arla Ct., Moreno Valley - Lake Perris State Recreation Area - Northwest side of Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Moreno Valley area of Riverside County, about 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Fire engines have been moved into a nearby neighborhood, ready to defend the homes.
Current resources: 400 firefighters including eleven crews, 35 engines, two dozers, two water tenders, four air tankers and two helicopters. Very large resource orders being filled.
13 CALFIRE Overhead, 2 OES Overhead, 8 CALFIRE Type III Engines, 3 Local Government Type I Engines, 5 Local Government Type III's Engines, 4 RVC Type III Engines, 18 RVC Type I Engines, 11 CALFIRE Hand Crews, 1 RVC Water Tender, 1 Federal Water Tender, 1 RVC Communications Unit
Injuries: No injuries reported.
Current conditions: winds are not blowing hard but the brush is dry.

Yosemite Lightning Fires – Update #4 and #5

Posted: 27 May 2009 06:08 PM PDT


National Park Service -U.S. Department of the Interior

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Yosemite Lightning Fires Update #5

Hi folks. Yosemite is experiencing more thunderstorms and consequently
more fire starts. Two new fires have been located. Due to the amount of
precipitation, additional "sleepers" (fires) may be found as the atmosphere
warms-up. The weather folks are projecting this kind of thunderstorm
pattern to continue through the weekend.

In this update, we are sending a couple of new maps - one is the lightning
map, identifying broad areas of where strikes occurred; and the other is a
Google Earth geographical look at the location of the fires.

Yosemite Lightning Fires Update #4 - On the afternoon of May 18, 2009 Yosemite National Park experienced an afternoon thunderstorm, a common occurrence for the Sierra Nevada Range during the summer. It is relatively uncommon for May, and according to National Weather Service this monsoonal storm was more typical for August. It resulted in many down strikes in Yosemite and three confirmed fires. It was accompanied by measurable precipitation at higher elevations. Yosemite Valley received approximately 1/3 of an inch of rain. There is a possibility of continuing thunderstorms for the rest of the week particularly in the afternoon hours, which may result in other fires.

Suppression Zone:

West (3740'24.31" 11933'56.89") - Please note the Lat/long change. This lightning caused fire is in Mariposa County near the park boundary and north/west of the community of Yosemite West. It was necessary for crews to rappel into this fire due to steepness of the terrain. This fire is out. It was smoldering in pine needles and some down logs and was put out due to significant threats to the community of Yosemite West. It will be patrolled by air.

Cottonwood (3754'13.68" 11947'41.64") – As of 7 PM, May 22, this fire was declared 100 % contained, and 50% controlled. Ninety-six acres have burned. This lightning caused fire is in Tuolumne County and is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It is 2.5 miles east of the Mather Ranger Station and near Cottonwood Meadow. It was actively burning in whitethorn and dead and down timber. Eighty firefighters, two Type 2 Helicopters and three Hot Shot teams (Groveland from the Stanislaus NF, Sierra NF Hotshots, and the Arrowhead HS) are committed to this fire. Mop will continue today and full control is expected tonight at 7 PM. Smoke impacts have been minimal.

Wilderness Zone:

Mono (3740' 24.24" 11945' 19.45")Please note the change in Lat/Long. This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa County, within the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite's wilderness. This fire continues to grow slowly as expected, and approximately 6 acres have burned in brush, and dead and down logs within the 2004 Meadow Fire perimeter. This area has a considerable history of natural wildfire that has been managed for restoration of forest systems. A three to four person fire crew will continue to monitor this fire daily. Minimal smoke is visible in some places along the Glacier Point road. This fire has low to moderate potential for spread.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite's fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. In order to achieve this, strategies employed may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park.

Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

Additional Information:
The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire, has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite. To reach the Fire Information and Education Office please call 209/372-0480 or email us at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.

San Diego: Controversial Fire Chief retires

Posted: 27 May 2009 05:31 PM PDT


San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarman Announces Retirement
Jarman To Stay On Until June 27
Chief Tracy Jarman will retire next month after 25 years with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, it was announced Wednesday.

Chief Tracy Jarman will retire next month after 25 years with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, it was announced Wednesday.

Jarman's retirement will be effective June 27, but she has agreed to remain with the department for 60-90 days to assist with the transition, according to Mayor Jerry Sanders' office."This was not an easy decision," Jarman said in a statement released by the mayor's office. "I genuinely love this department and the people I work with, and it has been a great career. I'm proud to have served the citizens of San Diego as their fire chief.

Jarman was appointed chief in June 2006. She succeeded Jeff Bowman, after he retired as head of the department.

Jarman is the first woman to command the SDFRD.

During her tenure, she helped increase the number of fire stations from 44 to 47, spearheaded the effort to get a second firefighting helicopter and helped replace the department's aging fleet.

She also directed the fight against the 2007 wildfires.
"Chief Jarman has done a tremendous job leading our fire department,"
Sanders said.
"She is the consummate professional who has worked extremely hard to improve fire service throughout the city and across the region. While I am sad to see her leave, I wish her all the best in retirement".

"Jarman was named the 2008 "Fire Chief of the Year" by the California Fire Chiefs Association.

A national search will be conducted to find Jarman's replacement, according to the mayor's office.

Source: http://www.10news.com/news/19584179/detail.html - Link
Photo credit: cropped from
10news.com original @ Link

Forest Service: Human caused wildland fires

Posted: 27 May 2009 03:08 PM PDT


By: Cindy Thill, Sequoia National Forest

Kernville, CA May 27, 2009 - Last week's "Mace" fire in the Sorrel Peak area of the Piute Mountains was caused by an abandoned campfire. The fire, just south of last year's 37,000 acre Piute Fire, grew to 1.5 acres before firefighters were able to control it. This fire is still under investigation.

During the past weekend two more fires broke out around Lake Isabella. The "South" fire was reported on May 24th at 10:06 a.m. Quick suppression action held the south fire to 1/10 of an acre.

The following day, May 25, the "Paradise" fire was reported at 1:52 p.m. in the Paradise Cove Campground. Fire suppression personnel arrived on scene and found the public had taken quick suppression action and the fire was contained to a small spot.

Rick Larson, District Ranger for the Kern River Ranger District would like to take this opportunity to remind the local communities and the visiting public to be "fire-wise when visiting National Forest lands." Larson further stated, "Dry forest conditions, coupled with camping and multiple recreational activities on the forest, can lead to wildland fires. Please make sure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving your campsite and be extra careful with stoves, bar-b-ques and smoking."

Forest officials also advise the public to use caution with combustible and motorized devices in and around the forest.

The Forest Service is requesting the public's assistance in locating persons of interest that were seen in or around the "Mace" fire vicinity, on Sunday, May 17th. To report any information please call (559) 294-4894.

Arson: Homeless Greek Mythological figure charged in Laurel Canyon wildfire

Posted: 27 May 2009 02:59 PM PDT


Homeless 'Pro Me Theus' charged in Laurel Canyon blaze

A homeless man who uses the name Pro Me Theus was charged today with felony arson in connection with a blaze that broke out Memorial Day weekend in Laurel Canyon near Mt. Olympus, prosecutors said.

The 46-year-old suspect was arrested Monday for allegedly starting the May 24 fire, which blackened 5 acres of brush in the hills above the 2100 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard but caused no injuries or property damage. He gives his first name as "Pro," his middle name as "Me" and his last name as "Theus," authorities said.

Arson investigators would not say exactly how they believe he started the fire, but if convicted of the single arson count Theus faces up to six years in prison. Prometheus is a figure in Greek mythology known for stealing fire from Zeus. Theus also goes by the name Darby Tennal.

Authorities recovered cash and a credit card bearing the name Pro Me Theus, said Jane Robison of the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

Theus used shovels to terrace an area of the hillside and built a small wooden deck, police said. He went undetected because his campsite was hidden amid the heavy woods and steep slope, they said.

He was arrested after residents recognized a man who had been in the immediate area of the fire and pointed him out to LAPD officers, who had responded to the scene. Residents positively identified him with the help of a telescope. He was tracked by police helicopter and brandished a shovel for a short time before complying with responding officers.

Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com - Link

Condolences: Retired CDF HFEO Bud Snodgrass passed away

Posted: 27 May 2009 02:06 PM PDT


JAMES RAY SNODGRASS (BUD) SR.

Subject: Retired HFEO Bud Snodgrass passed away

JAMES (BUD) RAY SNODGRASS, SR. Age 71, passed away on May 16, 2009 in Cedar City, Utah while on one of his frequent work vacations.

He was born on May 27, 1937, in Olustee, Oklahoma to Earnest William and Evelyn Lee (Price) Snodgrass. He moved to California in 1957 where he met and married Olivia Olivas of San Jacinto, California on September 14, 1957.

Together they had three children.

Bud was a retired bulldozer operator from the California Dept. of Forestry.

During his years with the fire department he fought some of the largest fires throughout California.

He was known for his ability to drive and operate any piece of heavy equipment or vehicle. Bud was an avid hunter, fisherman, and home improvement expert. He could build and repair just about anything and spent most of his retirement days working on his own home and helping his children complete various home improvement projects around their homes and properties.

He is survived by his loving wife Olivia Snodgrass of Hemet, CA., and three children, James (Jim) Ray Snodgrass Jr. and wife Laurel, of Hatch, Utah, Betty Jean Williams and husband Gary, of Hemet, CA., and Earnest William Snodgrass and wife Astrid, of Hemet, CA. His five grandchildren, James (Jimmy) Ray Snodgrass III and wife Dani, Joshua Duane Snodgrass and fiancé Jennifer, Irena Snodgrass, Trynn Sylvester, Carla Williams, and Camryn Williams, along with five great granddaughters Payton, Brianna, Kelsie, Katelyn, and Arianna. His mother Evelyn Lee Snodgrass, of Altus, OK., brothers Bill Snodgrass and wife Louise, and Wayne Snodgrass and sisters, Earnesteen Dalton and husband Doug, all from Altus OK., and Peggy Terrill and husband Norman of Redoak, TX. He was preceded in death by his father Earnest William Snodgrass Sr., a sister-in-law Kren Snodgrass and nephew Brian Dalton.

Online condolences: can be sent to his son (Jim's) email address at: thehatchling@msn.com

Source: CDF Firefighters.org - Link

Bonehead News: Highway Patrol troopers arrest paramedic while treating patient

Posted: 27 May 2009 07:54 PM PDT


Paden, OK -- A scuffle between first responders in Oklahoma is caught on tape.

Updated: The Paramedic who was involved in a scuffle with an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Sunday is speaking out about the incident. Maurice White, Jr. is a critical care paramedic with the Creek Nation EMS and was nearly arrested after the confrontation, which was captured on video.

Paul Franks was the driver of the ambulance, which was transporting a patient to a hospital in Prague.
White says he saw the trooper approaching from behind at a high rate of speed with lights activated, but he did not hear a siren. He says Franks had a car in front of him that his attention was focused on and hadn't seen the trooper before he was within a few feet of the ambulance.

"I called out to my partner and told him to pull to the side because there was a State Trooper behind us," White says. White says as the trooper passed them, he made radio contact, telling Franks "you should consider checking your rearview mirrors".

White says a few blocks after this incident, another trooper entered the road at a high rate of speed, cutting in front of a car driven by a family member of the patient. White says he then saw another trooper approaching from the rear.

"As my partner was pulling onto the shoulder, the cruiser came alongside our unit and gestured for my driver to pull over," White says. "When the officer came to a complete stop behind the ambulance, I noticed a woman in the front seat. Based on the officer's erratic driving behavior, I thought that the woman in the front seat of the cruiser was in need of immediate medical attention; hence I exited the rear of the ambulance in order to assess the situation."

White says the officer was in a rage when he approached them and yelled "get your a-- back here! I am giving you a ticket for failure to yield." White says he told the trooper they had a patient in the ambulance and that they were on their way to the hospital.

"He ignored my statement, became even more belligerent, and demanded my partner come to his patrol car so he could write him a ticket," White says. "I calmly told the officer that we were transporting a patient and we could continue this at the hospital."

White says the trooper then approached him and shouted "you are under arrest for obstructing a police officer" and grabbed his arm to handcuff him. A brief struggle followed, at which point the trooper grabbed White by the throat. The cell phone captured this incident on video.

White says the trooper later told him they could continue on to the hospital, but that he would be under arrest once they got there. White was never arrested, but says troopers told him he should be prepared to turn himself in if a warrant was issued.

Original story: Highway Patrol troopers and a paramedic nearly come to blows while a patient waits to be taken to the hospital. The encounter was caught on a cell phone came by Kenyada Davis, the son of the patient in the ambulance.



The incident started when the ambulance failed to yield to state troopers en route to a call. Davis say the ambulance driver was trying to avoid hitting a car that slowed down and wasn't aware that troopers were nearby until it was too late.

After the troopers finished their official business, they pulled the ambulance over. A struggle ensued as they tried to arrest the driver.

According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the paramedics assaulted the trooper just before the fight broke out.

The Okfuskee County District Attorney's office is reviewing footage and could file criminal charges against the paramedic by the end of the week.

CALL AND DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THE PARAMEDIC
Okfuskee County District Attorney's office (918) 224-3921
Trooper is Daniel Martin - Badge number 606
Call and complain - Troopers Captain 918-423-3636
Source: CNN / KWTV
Paramedics full statement: http://static.ktul.com/documents/emtstatement_0509.pdf
Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KluItc365hU

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Arson Arrest: suspect arrested - Murrieta freeway fires

Posted: 27 May 2009 09:41 AM PDT


Suspect arrested for grass fire near Interstates 215 and 15 today

MURRIETA - Police arrested a man suspected of starting a grass fire near Interstates 215 and 15 today.

The fire on the right side of northbound Interstate 15, just before the northbound Interstate 215 interchange, was reported at 12:45 p.m., authorities said.

A total of 17 Murrieta and CalFire firefighters worked for more than an hour to extinguish the flames -- which charred about 1.5 acres -- and mop up.

No injuries or structure damage were reported, said Murrieta Fire Department spokeswoman Stephanie Smith.

Murrieta police arrested a man on suspicion of arson in connection with the blaze, said Murrieta police Sgt. Bob Landwehr.
The suspect's name was not released.
Source: www.myvalleynews.com - Link

No comments:

CNN.com

News: Breaking News -- MercuryNews.com

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