California Fire News

CA-SCU- VASCO IC - Vegetation Fire Posted: 05 Aug 2007 12:13 AM CDT Vasco IC Location: On Vasco Road between County line and Camino Diablo 115751 Vasco rd. Sizeup: 5 acres grass, Rapid ROS wind / slope driven, Potential for 50 to 100 acres Full Cal Fire response, CoCo County Fire, 12 engines responding, 4 dozers including Belmont 1791, Marin Dozer Comm: CMD - 151.445, TAC - CDF Tac 2 tone 1 Updates: 150 acres, holding along Vasco Road head of fire at north still running, LNU units still arriving 400 ACRES POTENTIAL FOR 1000 ACRES, STRUCTURE THREAT Fire has jumped two roads heading towards Byron highway Cover Strike Team ordered 1000 acres Ordering Day shift Structure protection in Place, Branch 2 looking really good, Channel 2 wants footage. ALCO working fire at Altamont Dump nearby. 20:13 1514 onscene

CA-TGU- Freeway IC - Vegetation Fire Posted: 04 Aug 2007 10:21 PM CDT Freeway fire incident - Copter 205 and Tanker 100 Credit: Jake Hickok Copyright Notice: 2007 Jake Hickok, NorCalScan.org [NorCalFire] Freeway Fire: LOCATION: I-5 Northbound, eastside of freeway, near Hooker Creek. SIZEUP: First arriving unit reported 2 acres, moderate ROS, then upgraded to extreme ROS about 1 min later. Structure threat, High Tension Lines in area. ADDITIONAL: I.C. just requesting 4 additional Type 3 Eng.'s, additional air resources if available. H-205 on scene. AT's all on Load & Return. AA unsure if they can knock it down before it runs to the top of the ridge. Numerous spots reported out in front. (WLF)Lassen Crew 3 reported they were available in area, dispatched and now have arrived on scene. Resources include: 2 AT; 2 AT on order H-205; 1 T-2 or larger H-510 13 engines 5 HC's; 4 dozers 4 WT's Misc. O.H. UPDATE: Per AA - 2 Airtankers on hold in Redding, being released. 2 additional Airtankers in orbit above the fire will be held for the time being-posibly be released shortly. AA reports fire looking better. No size update given at this time

EDIS- RED FLAG WARNINGS - Low humidities and gusty southwest winds possible through this evening and again tomorrow afternoon and evening Posted: 04 Aug 2007 06:24 PM CDT Quick Condensed Edis alerts Instruction: A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR. RED FLAG WARNINGS: Area: MONO-EASTERN ALPINE COUNTIES- Affected Counties or parts of: Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine Area: WESTERN LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA-EASTERN NEVADA COUNTIES-GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA- Affected Counties or parts of: Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine Area: BURNEY BASIN AND NORTHEAST PLATEAU IN SHASTA COUNTY INCLUDING NORTHWEST LASSEN NF NORTH OF LASSEN NP Affected Counties or parts of: Yuba, Plumas, Yolo, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Sierra, Alpine, Shasta, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Placer, Solano, Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter, Lake, Tehama, Nevada, Area: SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA-EASTERN LASSEN COUNTY-WESTERN NEVADA SIERRA FRONT-NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY- Affected Counties or parts of: Modoc, Plumas, Placer, Mono, Lassen, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine [EDIS] low humidities and gusty southwest winds possible through this evening and again tomorrow afternoon and evening Narrative: GUSTS TO 35 MPH WILL COMBINE WITH HUMIDITY VALUES NEAR 10 PERCENT TO CREATE CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING. HOT AND VERY DRY CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE BURNEY BASIN AND THE NORTHEAST PLATEAU IN SHASTA COUNTY THROUGH THIS EVENING. WITH HUMIDITIES REMAINING LESS THAN 15 PERCENT. GUSTY SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL ALSO CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING. AS AN UPPER LEVEL TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE APPROACHES THE COAST. WIND GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE THIS EVENING. THESE GUSTY WINDS COMBINED WITH THE LOW HUMIDITIES WILL CREATE CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGH 8 PM THIS EVENING. THIS UPPER LEVEL TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE WILL SLOWLY APPROACH THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS. .. CONTINUING THE THREAT OF GUSTY SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS ACROSS THE BURNEY BASIN AND THE NORTHEAST PLATEAU OF SHASTA COUNTY. HUMIDITIES WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE ACROSS THIS AREA TOMORROW. HOWEVER...THESE HUMIDITIES WILL REMAIN NEAR OR AT CRITICAL CONDITIONS. THEREFORE... A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

InciWeb: Zaca Fire Press Conference August 4, 2007 at 4:00 PM Posted: 04 Aug 2007 06:31 PM CDT InciWeb: Zaca Fire Press Conference August 4, 2007 at 4:00 PM: Zaca Fire Press Conference August 4, 2007 at 4:00 PM Incident Information Announcements News Pictures Maps Incident: Zaca Released: 1:47 hrs. ago News Media Contact: EOC Media Line-(805) 696-1161 Terri Maus-Nisich ZACA-071607-007 Assistant County Executive Officer August 4, 2007 -- TIME: OR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE William Boyer Communications Director (805) 896-1056 (cell) wboyer@co.santa-barbara.ca.us ZACA FIRE PRESS CONFERENCE Time 4:00 pm Date: Saturday August 4, 2007 Location: 267 Camino del Remedio - County Emergency Operation Center As of August 4, 2007 the Zaca Fire is continuing to progress. In order to provide an overview of the fire, discuss scenarios, and ensure that the communities are well informed, a press conference will be held at 4:00 at the County Emergency Operations Center located at 267 Camino del Remedio. The Chair of the Disaster Council Supervisor Brooks Firestone, County Fire Chief John Scherrei, County Executive Officer Michael Brown, County Sheriff Bill Brown, County Supervisor Salud Carbajal, County Supervisor Janet Wolf and City elected officials will be present. On Friday, Aug. 3, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency in response to the changing situation of the Zaca Fire. The County also activated its Emergency Operation Center on Aug. 3. The proclamation of a local emergency is a necessary step to provide for orders, funding and the use of additional resources when a large-scale emergency, such as a fire, requires evacuations or has the potential to disrupt normal government and public operations. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited the County's Emergency Operation Center Aug. 3 to sign a state declaration of emergency regarding the Zaca Fire. The public can call (805) 961-5770 for information on the Zaca Fire or go online to http://www.inciweb.com/ or http://www.countyofsb.org/ or http://www.sbcfire.com/. ###

ZACA BLOWING OUT ON GEOMAC Posted: 04 Aug 2007 05:50 PM CDT Screenshot of ZACA Fire from GeoMac Thermal Satellite UPDATED: HMS 2007-08-04; Thermal MODIS: 2007-08-04 1650 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2007-08-03; Sit Reports 2007-08-03 ZACA FIRE PERIMETERS UPDATED: HMS 2007-08-04; Thermal MODIS: 2007-08-04 1650 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2007-08-03; Sit Reports 2007-08-03 Purple area shows Wildland Urban Interface, In other words concentration's of homes and businesses. Green Shows Forest Service Lands

National Incident Information Center (NIIC) Posted: 04 Aug 2007 03:16 PM CDT National Incident Information Center (NIIC): NIIC / NIFC Morning Report Condensed for California, Saturday, August 4, 2007 – 12:00 P.M. EDT THE PLANNING ISN'T DONE UNTIL SAFETY IS CONSIDERED PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 5 STATES MOST AFFECTED: mt, id Print Today's Morning Report (PDF file) CURRENT SITUATION Initial attack activity was light yesterday with 169 new fires reported burning 26,722 acres. Currently, there are 36 fires and complexes over 500 acres in size. Yesterday there were four new fires over 500 acres and one was contained. The National Preparedness Level is 5. Large fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas and there is a heavy commitment of crews, aircraft and equipment to these incidents. Hot, dry, windy conditions continue to be in the forecast. Nationally, there are seven Type 1 and sixteen Type 2 Incident Management Teams (IMT) committed. INCIDENT HEADLINES Southern California: The Zaca is 44,000 acres and 60 percent contained. Evacuation orders were significantly expanded yesterday and 453 residences are now considered threatened. This is up from 12 residences threatened early yesterday. A large number of additional firefighting resources were ordered yesterday.. Nationally, an estimated 1,201 structures have been lost to date. There are 15,926 personnel committed to wildland fires nationally, an increase of 1,063 (7.2%) from yesterday. SUMMARY OF FIRE ACTIVITY ACROSS THE UNITED STATES Fire Activity Yesterday Year-to-Date 2006 Fire Season 2000 Fire Season 10-Year Average Number of Fires 169 57,786 71,892 62,374 53,081 Acres Burned 26,722 5,250,351 5,687,136 3,854,637 3,729,427 RESOURCES COMMITTED Crews (20 persons) Engines (5 persons) Helicopters (7 persons) Overhead (individuals) Airtankers Assigned Total Personnel Personnel Change 360 762 146 3,784 19 15,926 +1,063 MAPS OF CURRENT FIRE ACTIVITY National Interagency Fire Center Fire Danger (www.fs.fed.us/land/wfas/fd_cls_f.gif) National Incident Information Center Current Fires Over 500 Acres (www.fs.fed.us/news/fire/firemap.shtml) National Interagency Coordination Center Monthly Fire Outlook (www.nifc.gov/news/OutlookMap.pdf) REGIONAL FIRES OVER 500 ACRES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (website: gacc.nifc.gov/oscc/ ) Incident Name State Lead Agency Size (acres) 24-Hour Change (Acres) Percent Contained Estimate of Containment Personnel Change (Personnel) Structures Lost Zaca Fire CA FS 44,400 6,000 60 9/7 1,491 42 1 Zaca is burning fifteen miles northeast of Buellton, CA in chaparral and hardwoods. A National Incident Management Organization Team (Gelobter) is assigned. Extreme fire behavior with long-range spotting was observed. Numerous residences and other structures remain threatened. Additional evacuation orders were implemented yesterday. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (website: gacc.nifc.gov/oncc ) Incident Name State Lead Agency Size (acres) 24-Hour Change (Acres) Percent Contained Estimate of Containment Personnel 24-Hour Change (Personnel) Structures Lost Elk Complex CA FS 17,584 400 88 9/15 582 -116 0 Elk Complex, consisting of five fires, is burning two miles east of Happy Camp, CA in timber snags, litter and brush. An IMT Type 2 (Swartzlander) is assigned; a Type 1 IMT (Molumby) has been ordered. Slow moving surface fire with short runs, isolated torching and creeping was observed.

ZACA Fire - Current road closures as of 9:00am 8/4/07. Posted: 04 Aug 2007 01:56 PM CDT The following road closures are in effect as of 9:00 am 8/4/07. Travelers driving on San Marcos Pass (Hwy 154) should tune to 1040 AM. Highway 154 between Painted Cave and Highway 246. Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Boundary. Figuroa Mountain Road at the Forest Boundary. East Camino Cielo between Painted Cave and Gibralter Road Paradise Road. Closures may change at any time. Additional areas in Los Padres National Forest are now closed to the public 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 649,000 acres. We would like to remind area vistors and residents... Please drive very cautiously and keep a watch out for heavy equipment and crews working on the rehabilitation efforts. This fire continues to have high potential for growth.

Santa Barbara County Board Declares Local Emergency Posted: 04 Aug 2007 01:34 PM CDT County Board Declares Local Emergency COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE 105 E. Anapamu St., Room 406 · Santa Barbara, CA 93101 www.countyofsb.org (805) 568-3400 · FAX (805) 568-3414 News Media Contact: William Boyer ZACA-071607-006 Communications Director (805) 696-1161 August 3, 2007 -- 5:15 p.m. (805) 896-1056 (cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The special meeting was held at 4:15 p.m. at the County's Emergency Operations Center. The County also has activated its Emergency Operation Center. The proclamation is a necessary step to provide for orders, funding and the use of additional resources when a large-scale emergency, such as a fire, requires evacuations or has the potential to disrupt normal government and public operations. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today visited the County's Emergency Operation Center to sign a state declaration of emergency regarding the Zaca Fire. The public can call (805) 961-5770 for information on the Zaca Fire or go online to www.inciweb.com or www.countyofsb.org or www.sbcfire.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
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

California Fire News

InciWeb: Help With Pets During Evacuations Ordered for The Zaca Fire Posted: 03 Aug 2007 09:47 PM CDT Help With Pets During Evacuations Ordered for The Zaca Fire P R E S S R E L E A S E News Media Contact: Michele Mickiewicz Public Information Officer (805) 681-5446 August 3, 2007 (805) 451-3497 (cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE mailto:michele.mickiewicz@sbcphd.org ADDITIONAL NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: William Boyer (805) 896-1056 (cell) Help with Pets During Evacuations Ordered for the Zaca Fire Residents who will be staying at the emergency shelter set up by the American Red Cross at Dos Pueblos High School can bring their household pets, such as dogs and cats and other small animals, with them to the shelter. Cages will be set up for these pets near the area the people will be sheltered. People coming to this shelter with their pets are asked to bring their pet's favorite food, food and water dishes, leashes, carriers, and any medications the pet will need. Be sure to have identification on your pet. Residents who need assistance evacuating with large animals, such as horses and sheep, are being directed to a staging area at the corner of Highway 154 & Cathedral Oaks Road to be linked to private locations able to shelter large animals. A number of rigs with trailers will be available for assistance with loading animals that need to be relocated. In the event that resources for sheltering on private ranches are exhausted, owners will be directed to take them to the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds at 4040 Highway 101 in Santa Maria. Staff will be on site at the Elks Rodeo Grounds to coordinate the sheltering and care of all animals delivered for sheltering there. Residents with questions about animal evacuations can call (805) 681-4332. This number was set up by the County Animal Services to assist residents affected by the evacuation orders and evacuation orders issued for the Zaca Fire.

ZACA FIRE: Immediate EVACUATION ORDER for the residents and visitors of the Paradise Road and the Lower Santa Ynez River Road Posted: 03 Aug 2007 07:49 PM CDT Evacuation Order Issued for Paradise Road and The Lower Santa Ynez River Road to Gibralter Dam Effective 8/3/2008 at 4:30 PM Incident Information Announcements News Pictures Maps Incident: Zaca Released: 1:02 hrs. ago The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and Zaca Fire officials have elevated the 2:00 pm Evacuation Warning to an immediate EVACUATION ORDER for the residents and visitors of the Paradise Road and the Lower Santa Ynez River Road to Gibraltar Dam due to the potential threat of the Zaca Fire. The EVACUATION ORDER includes the Paradise Road Community, Santa Ynez Road Recreational Areas to Gibraltar Dam, Los Prietos Boys Camp and the Rancho Oso Guest Ranch. Residents who live in or around the identified communities are advised to immediately evacuate these areas. Only emergency operations personnel and equipment will be allowed in the evacuation area. Residents will not be allowed to re-enter the area. A Red Cross Emergency Shelter has been opened at the Dos Pueblos High School, 7266 Alameda Avenue in Goleta; phone 805-896-2980. If you are unable to evacuate and need assistance call 911. Additional Evacuation Information: Animal/Pet Shelter Locations: Large Animals may be taken to the Staging Area located at Cathedral Oaks Road and Hwy 154. Additional locations will be developed through the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds for overflow - Public Hotline 805-681-4332. Small Animals can be taken to the Dos Pueblos High School - Small Animal Hotline 805-681-4332. Residents of the evacuated area can contact the Zaca Fire Information at 805-961-5770 for more information. Approved by Unified Incident Commanders: AARON GELOBTER/ MARK SCHMITT Boise Incident Management Team /Santa Barbara County Fire Department

InciWeb: Zaca Wildland Fire - Acres: 38,400 Acres -70 percent Containment Posted: 03 Aug 2007 07:44 PM CDT InciWeb:: Zaca Wildland Fire - ANNOUNCEMENT Evacuation Order Issued for Paradise Road and the Lower Santa Ynez River Road to Gibralter Dam Effective 8/3/2008 at 4:30 pm Zaca Wildland Fire Incident Information Announcements News Pictures Maps INCIDENT UPDATED 21 MIN. AGO ANNOUNCEMENT Evacuation Order Issued for Paradise Road and the Lower Santa Ynez River Road to Gibralter Dam Effective 8/3/2008 at 4:30 pm The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and Zaca Fire officials have elevated the 2:00 pm "Evacuation Warning" to an immediate "EVACUATION ORDER" for the resi... more Credit: Dan Segan view pictures || view maps Summary Morning Update - Friday August 3 Location: 15 miles northeast of Buellton, Santa Barbara County Joint Unified Incident Management Teams: Los Padres National Forest and Santa Barbara County Fire Dept Start Date & Report Time: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 AM Acres: 38,400 Acres Percent Containment: 70 percent Estimated Containment September 7, 2007 Resources: Hand Crews: 40; Dozers: 11; Engines: 29; Water Tenders: 27; Helicopters: 7-Type 1, 6-Type 2 and 3-Type 3; Air Tankers: 8 on order; Air Attack: 2; Total Personnel: 1,494; Injuries: 12; Structures Threatened: 14; Fireline-to-Build: 15 miles; Estimated Cost-to-Date: $42.8 million Current Forest and Road Closures: Happy Canyon Road is closed at Los Padres National Forest boundary. Figueroa Mountain Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary. East Camino Cielo is closed between Painted Cave Road and Gibraltar Road due to fire equipment traffic. Paradise Road is closed at First Crossing. For travelers driving on San Marcos Pass (Hwy 154) tune to 1040 AM. Los Padres National Forest Closure information and map are available at http://www.inciweb.org/. Significant Events: An EVACUATION ORDER continues for the Peachtree Community. The status of the order is being re-evaluated daily. An EVACUATION WARNING remains in place for Happy Canyon Road north of Baseline Avenue, including the ranches between Lake Cachuma and McKinley Ridge. The Los Padres National Forest expanded closure is in effect. The closure area is approximately 649,000 acres and is between Hwy 166 in northern Santa Barbara County and Highway 33 and Matilija Canyon in Ventura County. Detailed information on the closure can be found at http://www.inciweb.org/ or at your local Forest Service Office. Current Situation: Fire activity in Black Canyon was visible last night from the Santa Ynez Valley and Hwy 154. The fire was active through the night due to the evening down slope winds and low humidity. The fire is expected to remain active above the morning inversion layer. Islands of unburned fuel continue to burn within the fire perimeter. Direct hand line construction will continue into Mission Pine Basin and adjacent to Black Canyon south of Santa Cruz Peak. The hand line at the head of Peachtree Canyon continues to hold. Dozers continue to reinforce contingency lines in the existing fuel breaks near Paradise Rd. Structure protection groups are in place in the Peachtree and Paradise areas and continue working on improvements around structures. Safety Message: Travelers using SR-154, please be cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel. Paradise Road, Gibraltar Road, Painted Cave Road and East Camino Cielo residents are also asked to be cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel. Additional Information: In light of the current weather conditions and fire behavior, 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. Approved by Unified Incident Commanders: AARON GELOBTER/ MARK SCHMITT Basic Information Incident Type Wildland Fire Cause Human Caused Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs. Location 15 miles NE of Buellton Incident Commander Aaron Gelobter/mark Schmi Current Situation Total Personnel 1,494 Size 38,400 acres Percent Contained 70% Estimated Containment Date 09/07/2007 at hrs. Fuels Involved Chaparral and trees. The brush contains a large amount of dead material. Live fuel moisture is below critical level in most areas. A continuous fuelbed lies ahead of the fire\'s main direction of spread. Fire Behavior The fire remains active above the morning inversion with a large amount of dead fuels supporting the fire's spread. Significant Events Direct line construction progressed south of Santa Cruz Peak along the ridgeline bordering Black Canyon. Fire activity was visible from Santa Ynez Valley. Outlook Planned Actions Direct line construction continues eastward on the North side of the fire into Mission Pine Basin. Direct line construction will continue on the Southeast along the ridge bordering Black Canyon south of Santa Cruz Peak. Indirect line construction will continue in the west, southeast and south. Dozers continue to clean up existing fuelbreaks as contingency lines. Structure protection groups continue to clean up brush in the Peachtree and Paradise areas. Projected Movement There is a high probability of the fire increasing significantly in size. Growth Potential Extreme. Terrain Difficulty Extreme. Containment Target The lack of access and rugged terrain require a long term strategy of both direct and indirect attack with contingency planning that is being implemented over a 5 to 6 week period. Remarks Not available Weather Current Wind Conditions 6 (g 13) mph NE Current Temperature 77 degrees Current Humidity 13 %

ALERT BREAKING NEWS: Governor Declares State Of Emergency As Wildfire Grows In Santa Barbara County Posted: 03 Aug 2007 07:46 PM CDT Governor Declares State Of Emergency As ZACA fire Grows In Santa Barbara County Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declares a State of Emergency Friday afternoon as a ZACA wildfire burns out of control in Santa Barbara County. RELATED ANNOUNCEMENT: ZACA fire Evacuation Order Issued for Paradise Road and the Lower Santa Ynez River Road to Gibralter Dam Effective 8/3/2008 at 4:30 pm

CA-SCU-PINE IC Vegetation --Structure Posted: 03 Aug 2007 06:53 PM CDT CA-SCU-PINE IC - Vegetation --Structure LOCATION: MARSH CREEK / PINE LANE Contra Costa County SIZEUP: 10 ACRES 1 STRUCTURE ?, Forward progress stopped, 50% contained Pine Air Attack working fire, Tanker 85, 86 Full vegetation response CoCo Fire, CAL FIRE 1660, 1666, 1676, 1454, 1454, 1664, 1684,1484, air on order or arrived, Delta Camp Crews on order, Transports 1641, 1741, EBRP Eagle 5, Copter 106, Helo Tender 106 BC -1614, 1615 COMM: Pine IC Tac 2 UPDATE: 2 Structures affected? Some Residential Evacuations, Tankers released full and partial, FINAL 16:32- Some Resources being released / canceled...1741 Stopped at scene of a three vehicle accident, transport not involved - 580 EB 1 Mile west of San Ramon Exit Hard Road Closure: RUSSELMAN AT MARSH CREEK CA-MMU-CAMPO IC - - Re burn escaped San Andreas- CAMPO IC location: Sonora, Campo Seco road, CAMPO IC - Re burn escaped 4555, 4468, 4464, 4466, 4472, 4476, 4485, Copter 404, WT 768, Sonora City Fire, E-752, 511, Baseline Crews, Dozer/Tender 4445, bc 4410 FINAL: Fire Contained, Cancel balance, Tanker released w/partial load

National Fire Activity - Preparedness Level 5 - Aug 3rd NFIC Report - California Posted: 03 Aug 2007 02:22 PM CDT National Preparedness Level 5 (On a scale from 1 to 5) August 3, 2007 Active wildland fire behavior continues in Montana. The 13 Montana fires have burned a total of 185,804 acres. Fire potential remains high due to the predicted thunderstorms for the next few days. Weather Discussion: Thunderstorms are predicted across Idaho and Montana today and Saturday. Wetter thunderstorms are expected south of Idaho and Montana. Winds will increase from the Cascades through Idaho and Montana and along the Sierra Mountains through Nevada. Current hours for the National Fire Information Center are (MST) 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday 208-387-5050 This report will be updated daily. Source: National Interagency Coordination Center Daily statistics 8/3/07 Number of new large fires 2 States currently reporting large fires: California (2), Idaho (14), Montana (13), Nevada (1), North Dakota (1), Oregon (3), Washington (1), Wyoming (2) (details below) Number of active large fires 33 Acres from active fires 591,349 Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires 4 Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres 33,463 Fires contained on 8/2/07 2 Current Wildland Fires California Fires: 2 Acres: 55,584 New fires: 0 Fires contained:0 Zaca (Santa Barbara County Fire Department): 38,400 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles northeast of Bulleton and is burning in chaparral. Active fire behavior was reported. Residences are threatened and evacuations are in order. Information: Call 805-961-5770 or visit the website. Elk Complex (Klamath National Forest): 17,184 acres at 84 percent contained. This complex is two miles east of Happy Camp and is burning in timber. Slow moving surface fire was reported. Information: Call (530) 841- 4451 or visit the website.

Great News Story: Turning inmates into civil servants Posted: 03 Aug 2007 09:47 PM CDT Editor - This very informative article I discovered answers questions and dispels myths about the Conservation Camp Crews, I thought they only made a dollar a day! Published: August 2, 2007 - The Union Democrat Sierra Conservation Center students Raymond Ceniceros (front), and Michael Chavez listen during fire training class. Amy Alonzo/Union Democrat By ALISHA WYMAN Many little boys dream of being firefighters — donning helmets and heavy gear to brave the flames and smoke. Orange County native Carlos Lopez did. "It's one of the ultimate gifts I think — risking your life for someone else," he said. But his childhood ambitions likely didn't include wearing the signature bright-orange uniform of a prison inmate. Lopez, 38, is serving a sentence for aggravated assault at Sierra Conservation Center, where he is going through the inmate firefighter training program. Despite the path he took to reach prison, the training is providing him a new opportunity. Already, he's learned much. "There's more to it than I ever imagined," he said. Lopez is one of 2,100 to 2,200 men to enter firefighter training at SCC each year. Of those, about 1,800 go on to fill spots at 19 of 39 inmate fire camps in California from El Dorado County to the Mexican border. The army of firefighting convicts saves the state millions of dollars each year on high-security housing they would otherwise need. And those savings don't include the low-cost labor they provide. Sierra Conservation Center was actually designed for this purpose, Cal-Fire Battalion Chief Craig Konklin said. Its yards were built larger to transition prisoners from the tight walls of other prisons to the wildlands. Its barracks help acclimate inmates to living in larger groups. "The whole thing was engineered with the thought in mind of converting the inmate into a firefighter," Konklin said. Time and prison overcrowding have provided some distraction from SCC's original mission, but the program has survived and is still pivotal in the state's conservation camp program. The program is a partnership between Cal Fire, the Department of Corrections and the California Youth Authority. Participating inmates must be minimum-security prisoners, the lowest on a scale of one to four, with no history of trying to escape from behind prison or jail walls, and no convictions of certain offenses such as sex crimes, arson or kidnapping. They also must be within five years of the end of their sentence. Once inmates are determined eligible, they must meet medical requirements and complete a physical fitness training program. Then they enroll in a two-week training program in classrooms on the SCC grounds. It consists of one week of in-class instruction from a Cal Fire captain, then a week of field training. Wednesday morning, a group of inmates sat in rows of desks in their orange garb, "SCC prisoner" written down a leg of their pants. Capt. Bob Coolidge pulled one of a dozen tools from a red board on the wall, demonstrating how to use it. Above him, an array of posters show a diagram of an incident command post, warn against the danger of power lines and illustrate the parts of a fire. "To take these people, some of who never worked a hard day in their life, and be able to give and motivate them to do the kind of grueling work they have to do on a hand crew, is quite satisfying," Capt. Walter Southwick said. Once inmates move to a camp, the work begins. Baseline Conservation Camp is Tuolumne County's version of the program in action. The small camp near the prison holds a maximum of 134 inmates. The convicts live in dormitories lined up in front of an immaculate yard. The camp is basically self-sustaining, with everything from barbers to cooks to laundry service to mechanics on hand within the inmate population. Prison counselors help provide the camp with inmates with special skills, said Lyn Rambo, a Cal Fire division chief in charge of the camp's firefighters. Its Sew Shop takes orders from fire stations all over the state, tailoring uniforms and sewing on insignia. And the mechanics service engines from the entire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, he said. Those side services also give purpose to inmates who find their niche. Danny Mullett, 42, worked in construction before he was convicted on drug charges. He's moved up the ranks to become lead chef in the Conservation Camp's kitchen, and found it is more than a way to pass the time. "This has probably changed my life," Mullett said. "I've taken on a lot of responsibility here ... It's really made me stop and examine my life." One of Baseline's distinctive qualities is the substance abuse program it runs alongside the firefighting camp. Almost all of the inmates at the camp participate, attending counseling for three hours, five nights a week. During the day prisoners work on community service and fire suppression projects, until they hear the tones signaling a fire or other emergency, said Sam Cousins, a Cal Fire administrative captain at Baseline. "We keep them busy," Rambo added. All the work gets them in shape, said Michael Buckholz, 35, an inmate in prison on drug charges. "It's hard, it's hot, it's physically demanding," he said. "But all and all, when it's said and done, you get a feeling of having done something for the public." "Going out there and seeing 100-foot flames, it's a whole other experience," added Richard Resch, 38, in prison for transporting drugs. "You get to respect it." Security out in the field is not the issue one might think. The inmates know that trying to escape could lose them their coveted spot at the camp, Konklin said. "It's very rare we have an issue with that because these guys want to be firefighters," he said. But just in case, fire captains make security checks throughout the day, Rambo said. On days off, there is some opportunity for recreation, Correctional Officer Mike Sanders pointed out, with a basketball court, TV rooms, game room, library, hobby program and others. "They become artists at this camp," he said. "They find a lot of talent they never had or knew they had." Few inmates actually move on to become firefighters once released from prison, said Kenny Calhoun, a custody captain for the prison. But they take an improved work ethic and self esteem to other jobs, he said. "For many of these guys, this is the biggest accomplishment of their lives," he said. It shows them an alternate lifestyle to what many of them have been leading, Konklin added. "When they get off the bus, the public doesn't see them as inmates, they see them as firefighters, and there's a pride in that," he said. The more tangible benefits are better are wages than general prison workers. Firefighters earn $1.45 a day when they are working on projects, but are bumped to $1 a hour while on a fire. Jobs within SCC's walls only pay about 8 to 30 cents an hour. Some inmates earn two days off their sentence for every day served in camp, and the program is a nice touch on a resume, Konklin said. Inmate Jason Kawana, 29, would like to turn his Baseline Camp experience into a career with the U.S. Forest Service when he's released. "Before I came here, I never thought that I could physically and mentally push myself as far as I have here," said Kawana, who is serving time for evading arrest. "It's given me hope, and I know now what I can accomplish." Contact Alisha Wyman at awyman@uniondemocrat.com or 588-4527.

Yosemite National Park - MISSING PERSON Posted: 03 Aug 2007 11:58 AM CDT Ottorrina "Terrina" Bonaventura LAST SEEN 7-30 MISSING PERSON STILL MISSING 10:00 HRS 8-03-07 80 year old female 5 feet tall 112 pounds Short, dyed blond hair/brown eyes LAST SEEN 7-30 MISSING PERSON PER -Yosemite National Park -INCIDENT COMMAND STILL MISSING 10:00 HRS THIS MORNING Did you hike south of Tuolumne Meadows or east of Merced Lake since July 30? If so, please call 209/372-0778. Ottorrina "Terrina" Bonaventura 80 year old female 5 feet tall 112 pounds Short, dyed blond hair/brown eyes Last seen 7/30/07 in the vicinity of Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. If you hiked in the Yosemite backcountry east of Merced Lake or south of Tuolumne Meadows area from 7/30/07 to present, please call the Incident Investigations Unit at 209/372- 0778... even if you didn't see anyone matching her description.

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
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