California Fire News

America enthralled by Christmas tree rescue drama Posted: 21 Dec 2007 02:25 AM CST "Hey, where's our tree?" Fred Dominguez and his three children headed out to the pine forests of northern California to search for the perfect Christmas tree. They ended up stuck in a snowstorm for three days, and survived only thanks to the eagle eye of a rescue helicopter pilot who saw the word "help" spelled out in tree branches near the water drain they were using as a shelter. Their adventure was rapidly turning into the feel-good story of the holiday season, as television news crews yesterday jammed the hospital where the four of them were taken to recover from mild frostbite, and big-name cable show hosts lined up for the right to interview them one-on-one. At a hospital news conference, the survivors thanked everyone, Oscar night-style, from the rescue workers to God himself. Television news anchors put on their best heart-warming smiles as they recounted the adventure and its happy ending – far more in keeping with Christmas spirit than anything emerging from Iraq or the presidential election campaign. Really, though, it was a classic tale of what happens when a southern California man – raised on nothing but sunshine and blue skies – is suddenly reminded that the rest of the world, including large parts of his home state, actually endure something called weather. Fred Dominguez, 38, a pest-control worker, was raised in Los Angeles and had last seen snow when he was 12. He moved to the small mountain town of Paradise, north-east of Sacramento, just a few months ago to be closer to his children, who have lived there with his ex-wife for the past five years. On Sunday, he set out in his pick-up truck with Christopher, 18, Alexis, 15 and Joshua, 12, and headed about half an hour north of Paradise on a narrow mountain road. It was already close to nightfall and the skies looked threatening, but the four of them pressed on regardless, wearing just light jackets, sweatshirts and gym shoes and carrying no food or equipment other than a battery-operated saw. They found their tree and cut it down relatively quickly but then became disoriented and couldn't find their way back down to the road. After two hours of futile searching, they realised they would have to spend the night on the mountain. They used tree branches to build a make-shift shelter, working by the light of their cell phones, which were out of range of any signal up there. The winds and snow that night were so unforgiving that Mr Dominguez and his oldest son were unable to sleep. Instead, they focused on protecting the younger children. They also prayed – "for a cave, or a shelter, for God to help us", as Mr Dominguez described it. The next day, their prayer was answered. They found a fire road and took shelter in a water culvert running beneath it. They shivered in their wet clothes and shoes, rubbed each other's feet to minimise the risk of frostbite, sang songs and fantasised about places they'd like to go for their next meal, if they ever had one. "The only food we had was in our thoughts," Mr Dominguez said. The snowstorms were so bad that it wasn't until Wednesday that helicopter crews could undertake a proper search. Forty-five people were drafted in all to look for the missing foursome, including search-dog teams who tried – but failed – to make headway through snow up to six feet deep. By early afternoon, the storms were closing in again, and helicopter pilots Steve Ward and David White were about to pack it in for the day when they spotted a man waving his arms. At first they thought the man was one of their own colleagues, but then they saw the help sign, and the man turned out to be Mr Dominguez. "This was our last pass," Mr Ward said. "We were very lucky that we saw this guy." The rest played out like the final minutes of a television movie-of-the-week. The survivors cried with joy and hugged their rescuers as they landed. They were picked up two at a time and wolfed down the military rations they were offered on the helicopter. Soon they were in hospital, wrapped in blankets instead of their wet clothes, and being treated for their frostbite, which was not likely to have any long-term effects. Fred Dominguez, to his credit, acknowledged that he had been woefully unprepared when he embarked on his Christmas tree hunt. "Next time I go out there, I won't be a knucklehead," he said. "I'll have some boots on." Christopher, his oldest, demonstrated more of a sense of humour. As he disembarked from the helicopter on Wednesday afternoon, he yelled out: "Hey, where's our tree?" By Andrew Gumbel in Los Angeles Source: Article

Holiday gift ideas from Fremont Fire Department Posted: 20 Dec 2007 10:44 PM CST According to the Fremont Fire Department, the holidays are a great time to give important, inexpensive, life saving gifts that say "I care!" and help reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones. Emergency and preparedness items that make great gifts this holiday season include: NOAA weather radios Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and appropriate portable fire extinguishers for the kitchen, garage or car. Disaster kits for home, offices and autos (first-aid kits, food, water for 72 hours, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights) Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire Car kits (emergency flares, folding shovels, ice scraper, flashlights, fluorescent flags) Pet disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes, carrying case or crate) Camping equipment and supplies such as tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves and other items Preparedness information and tips are available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov and from Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov. Other online resources are the American Red Cross www.redcross.org; California, Office of Emergency Services, www.oes.ca.gov; Pacific Gas & Electric Co. at www.pge.com/safety; and City of Fremont, www.ci.fremont.gov. To schedule a personal emergency preparedness presentation, contact Fremont Fire Department at 494-4244. Source: Article

CDF News: Cal Fire Cuts Back To Normal Levels Of Staffing Posted: 20 Dec 2007 09:08 PM CST Beginning today, Cal Fire is reducing staff levels in San Diego County. Cal Fire usually cuts back on positions by Nov. 1, but this year, they kept a full staff until San Diego got enough rainfall to lessen the fire danger. Despite today's cutbacks, there is still enough staff on hand in case of an emergency. "We've got 18 stations staffed, we have all of our dozers staffed, we have our hand crews staffed, we've got an aircraft and two air tankers up at Ramona, and we've got the two county copters with one of our hand crews on them," Cal Fire Capt. Steve Shoemaker said.

Inciweb: So Cal BAER Coordination Posted: 20 Dec 2007 03:53 PM CST So Cal BAER Coordination Burned Area Emergency Response Incident Information Announcements News Photographs Maps INCIDENT UPDATED Santiago Fire WebCam Location Map Credit: USGS view pictures || view maps Summary Forest Service and Department of Interior and California State Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams are conducting ground and aerial reconnaissance on the recent southern California wildfires. 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 Multi-Agency Support Group has also been established to provide overall coordination for federal and state BAER and damage assessment efforts by facilitating multi-agency coordination and communication, coordinating public information, and providing support to the individual BAER teams. Forest Service BAER teams, a Department of the Interior (DOI) Interagency BAER team, California State BAER teams,and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) damage assessment teams are working cooperatively to address emergency stabilization needs on a watershed basis across mutiple federal jurisdictions. 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) and by the USGS Earth Resources Observation System (EROS) Data Center. 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. Final Soil Burn Severity maps have been completed for the following recent southern California fires: Buckweed Fire, Grass Valley Fire; Harris Fire, Poomacha Fire, Ranch Fire, Santiago Fire, Slide Fire, and Witch Fire. SoCal 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; and 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. SoCal BAER teams continue to coordinate during the emergency assessment and implementation phases with affected agencies, cooperators and other interested parties. Weather Forecasting and Flood Information is available from the following agencies: American Red Cross Flood and Flash Flood News and Tips at http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_240_,00.html Los Angeles County Department of Public Works at 626-458-5100 and at http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/Flood/index.cfm Orange County Flood Control Division at 714-834-5618 and at http://www.ocflood.com/ San Bernardino County Flood Control District at 909-387-7995 and at http://www.sbcounty.gov/flood/ San Diego County Emergency Services at 858-694-3900 and at http://www.sdcountyrecovery.com/erosion_control.html National Weather Service Forecast Office for Los Angeles Area at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/ National Weather Service Forest Office for SW California Area at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/ NEW USGS WEBCAM GOES ONLINE IN SANTIAGO FIRE BURNED AREA This webcam is located beside the USGS stream-gaging station on the Santiago Creek at Modjeska, on the western slope of the Santa Ana Mountains in eastern Orange County. The gage provides continuous monitoring of river flow, stage, and precipitation. The flow at the gage is slightly regulated by the Modjeska Reservoir, located about 1.5 miles upstream in Harding Canyon. The watershed represented by this gage was severely burned (over 28,000 acres) by wildfire in October 2007, in which over 20 homes were destroyed or damaged. The webcam provides valuable information to the National Weather Service, emergency managers, and local residents to evaluate real-time conditions in the creek channel during storms. The visual record of flooding and potential debris flows also provides valuable research data for the USGS. This webcam installation is part of the USGS Multi-Hazards Demonstration Project. See map at http:// ca.water.usgs.gov/news/Maps/SantiagoWebCamLocMapOptimized.jpg. CALFIRE, U.S. FOREST SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR WORK TOGETHER TO RELEASE FIRST OF THE ASSESSMENT REPORTS ON OCTOBER WILDLAND FIRES: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of Interior have released the first Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Assessment Reports designed to assist federal, state, and local officials in creating a comprehensive remediation plan and to guide restoration efforts. BAER Assessment Reports are completed for each fire or group of fires. California State BAER reports being released are the Santiago Fire, Small Fires, and Rice Fire. The Forest Service released BAER reports on the Harris, Buckweed, Ranch, Grass Valley, Slide, Santiago, and Witch-Poomacha Fires. The Department of Interior report released a report on the Harris, Witch and Poomacha fires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior deploy BAER Teams to assess the restoration and remediation needs following wildland fires. Reports compiled by the State of California can be viewed by visiting http://www.oes.ca.gov/ . Forest Service BAER reports can be viewed by clicking on each of the fire name listed in the above paragraph or by visiting the U.S. Forest Service web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/ and selecting your Forest from the pull down menu. The Department of the Interior report can also be viewed at www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings.html. For additional information, please contact the following National Forests for questions regarding specific questions related to Southern California Forest Service BAER efforts: Angeles National Forest at 626-574-5200; Cleveland National Forest at 858-673-6180; Los Padres National Forest at 805-968-6640; and San Bernardino National Forest at 909-382-2600. Additional Orange County Links: http://www.ocgov.com/ (See Latest News Section) http://www.ocgov.com/disasterasst.asp (Disaster Assistance) http://.oc.gov.com/lac.pdf (Local Assistance Centers) Resources & Development Management Department: http://www.ocrdmd.com/ (See Top Left of Page for Link) http://www.ocrdmd.com/services/FireInfoPropertyOwners.aspx 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 Not available Current Situation Total Personnel 100 Size 122,440 acres Significant Events As a result of the recent Southern California wildfires, President Bush declared a major disaster for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is facilitating the federal response with the California Office of Emergency Services (CA OES) to coordinate federal activities with those of the state, local, and tribal government agencies. To ensure a comprehensive approach and coordinated effort, the state and federal agencies have established a Multi-Agency Support Group (MASG) to coordinate federal and state efforts to minimize the effects of the post-fire flooding, erosion, and debris flows -- and to maximize available resources. Forest Service and Department of Interior interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams are assessing post-fire conditions for eight (8) separate incidents: Ranch, Buckweed, Grass Valley, Slide, Witch, Poomacha, Harris, and Santiago fires. The State of California - OES has mobilized and deployed additional resources to form five interagency state BAER teams. These state BAER teams will coordinate with the Forest Service and DOI BAER teams to assess burned areas not evaluated by the federal assessment teams. The US Forest Service's Remote Sensing Application Center (RSAC) and the USGS Earth Resources Observation System (EROS) Data Center is providing remotely sensed maps and initial Burned Area Reflectance Classification (BARC) mapping for all the recent southern California wildfires. This tool assists the BAER teams and helps to prioritize where subsequent BAER teams may be deployed. Outlook Planned Actions Interagency BAER teams of specialists survey and assess the burned areas and develop emergency treatment plans for the recent southern California wildfires. After the assessment reports are completed, BAER implementation teams install emergency treatments before the onset of 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. Federal BAER team field assessments of values-at-risk are to be completed within seven days of when the wildfire is declared fully contained. Final soil burn severity maps have been completed for the Buckweed, Grass Valley, Harris, Poomacha, Ranch, Santiago, Slide, and Witch fires. Remarks The Forest Service, Department of Interior, and California State BAER efforts for Southern California are a multi-agency, cooperative, and coordinated effort. The SoCal BAER Coordination Team is co-located with the FEMA Multi-Agency Support Group (MASG) in Colton, California. The MASG is composed of FEMA, US Forest Service, US Department of Interior, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, CAL FIRE, CA Department of Water Resources, CA Geologic Survey, CA State Parks, CA OES, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, Orange County Flood Control District, Riverside County Flood Control District, Santa Barbara County Flood Control District, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego County Flood Control District, San Diego Gas & Electric, and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. Weather Current Wind Conditions Not available Current Temperature Not available Current Humidity Not available This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

High Fire Season closes in Los Padres National Forest Posted: 20 Dec 2007 04:24 PM CST Los Padres National Forest News - High Fire Season closes in Low Fire Season Conditions are now in effect on the Los Padres National Forest. Date: December 20, 2007 Los Padres National Forest 6755 Hollister Ave. #150 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117 CONTACT: Joe Pasinato 805-961-5745 www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres High Fire Season closes in Los Padres National Forest GOLETA…Los Padres National Forest officials announced today that the forest will move from High Fire Season to Low Fire Season, effective Friday, December 21, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez stated, "It is now possible for the forest to be able to move from High Fire Season, to Low Fire Season, because of cooler weather, rainfall totals which have risen sufficiently throughout the forest, and improved fuel moisture". As of Friday, December 21, 2007 at 8:00 am: Wood burning campfires and charcoal barbecues will be allowed in areas other than Campfire Use Sites, with a valid California Campfire Permit. Permits and a list of Campfire Use Sites may be obtained at any office of the Los Padres National Forest, or on the internet at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres. All flammable material must be cleared for a minimum of five feet in all directions from the fire and a shovel must be available for preparing and extinguishing the fire. A responsible person must be in attendance of the fire at all times and when departing the area, the fire must be extinguished with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. The area closed by the Ranch Fire will be re-opened to the public. The public is reminded that road work unassociated with the fire is still in progress on Squaw Flat Road until the end of February. Permits will be issued to private landowners within the Los Padres National Forest boundary, to allow for burning of vegetation debris. With the ending of High Fire Season, fewer resources will be dispatched to initial reports of smoke or fire, but the public is reminded that wildfires can still occur and to please continue to be cautious and alert when using any type of fire. Weather conditions that produce low humidity or significant winds can easily raise the fire danger rating in a short period of time. In years past, some serious wildfires have occurred during the winter months. For information about current fire and weather conditions, visitors are encouraged to contact the Ranger District Office nearest to the area that they are planning on visiting. Monterey Ranger District: 831-385-5434 Ojai Ranger District: 805-646-4348 Santa Lucia Ranger District: 805-925-9538 Mt. Pinos Ranger District: 661-245-3731 Santa Barbara Ranger District: 805-967-3481 Forest Supervisor's Office: 805-968-6640 ### Zaca Fire Information A large area of Los Padres National Forest surrounding the Zaca Fire has been reopened. However, the burned area and some adjacent lands will remain closed through the rainy season

News: Ceremony for Crest Forest Fire - Fourth Academy Posted: 20 Dec 2007 02:40 PM CST Crest Forest Fire's - Fourth Fire Academy Graduates By Cat Robertson It was standing room only at the graduation ceremony for Crest Forest Fire's Fourth Academy Paid-Call Firefighters held Tuesday night at the Crest Forest Fire Protection District (CFFPD) office. Firefighters, friends and family gathered at the ceremony to watch the graduates receive their badges from Chief Michael Sherman. Receiving badges were Dustin Reed, Matt Northup, Matt McNay, Adam Hastert, Burl Baxter, Bill Tomeck, Vincent Vine Jr. and Robert Goss. "We would like to recognize these gentlemen as graduates of the Fourth Academy," said Chief Sherman. "We're going to give them their oath of office and pin their badges on them, and then we can all congratulate them." The graduates then repeated their oaths as Chief Sherman led them: I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith. Accepted as a public trust of honor. Held so long as I am true in the ethics of the district and the fire service. I will strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God in my chosen profession, the fire service. Millions of brave men and women have repeated these words, and have protected communities all over the country at the risk of life and limb. In light of the recent fires, this oath seems to mean much more to mountain residents than it ever has before. It takes a special kind of person to swear before God to protect perfect strangers. The outpouring of love and support for all firefighters has been overwhelming, and these brave souls are heroes in the eyes of millions. As Chief Sherman called the graduates' names, they stepped forward to receive their badges and oaths of office. Chief Sherman noted Dustin Reed was not present as he was on duty with the California Department of Forestry. After the graduates received their badges, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, and those honored stood proudly wearing their newly earned badges and holding their scrolls containing the oath they had just taken. THE ACADEMY Vincent Vine Jr. was one of the eight graduates of the Fourth Academy. He hadn't always planned on working with the fire department, but things changed for him when his brother-in-law became a firefighter/paramedic. "I originally wanted to go into special engineering, but two years ago my brother-in-law, Mark Wright, became a firefighter/paramedic with Station 7 in Ontario and I liked everything I heard about the fire department, so I took EMT classes and graduated in December 2005. "I learned a lot in the academy," he continued. "They exposed us to quick tid-bits of what they do—raising ladders, and making sure we do it the way Crest Forest Fire does it, pulling and reloading hoses. They also explained the types of engines and their purpose. It was kind of a quick dry-run of everything. It was basically pretty cut and dried, and it's our duty to take what we've learned and build upon it. "I'm looking forward to getting my foot in the door with Crest Forest Fire. I want to eventually get on as a full-time firefighter. In the spring of 2009 I'm planning to return to school in the Paramedic Academy. I'm really looking forward to that." Source: Article Crestline Courier

History: December 20th 1977 - Honda Fire - LODD Posted: 20 Dec 2007 01:59 PM CST 1977 Honda Canyon Fire recalled By Joseph N. Valencia/Special To The Record With the flames cresting on a nearby ridge, Vandenberg Air Force Base Fire Department Captain Michael Bonnell, in the truck, speaks with Chief Roger McGaha during the Honda Canyon Fire. McGaha filled in for Vandenberg Fire Chief Billy Bell who was killed in the fire. //Contributed The long season of firefighting seemed over, and everything looked calm for the holidays. But on the early morning hours of Dec. 20, 1977, an extreme low-pressure storm quickly approached the coast from the Pacific Ocean. An equally strong high-pressure cell was stalled over California, and the opposite rotation of these two air masses began to generate high winds through the interior and coastal canyons of California. Santa Barbara and Kern counties were caught in the middle. In Bakersfield and surrounding areas, easterly winds of 90 to 110 mph and much higher gusts would turn the city into a dark cloud of dust and disaster. To add even more threat to an already difficult morning, a high voltage power pole on Tranquillon Ridge was blown over - and the largest and most destructive wildfire in Vandenberg's history had begun. As the fire grew in size that morning, the Vandenberg fire chief realized the potential and called for mutual aid from Santa Barbara County. I had been a Hotshot firefighter and a reserve for the county, and despite being only 19 years old I had good experience from the past summer's fire season. At 7:45 a.m. the station bells rang and we proceeded "code-3" toward the fire. Our strike team would consist of engines, brush trucks, a hotshot crew, one bulldozer, and about 20 men. Meanwhile, Vandenberg firefighters were heavily engaged in a containment action on a steep ridge at the origin of the fire. About 8:45 a.m., the fire increased in size and ferocity and the first overrun of an engine company occurred on Tranquillon Ridge. But things were just getting started. The Vandenberg fire chiefs, county battalion chief, along with the Air Force commander, finally met at an overlook of Honda Canyon. But timing and location mean everything on a wildfire, and at this time a pivotal change occurred. The winds increased to over 100 mph and the flames reached a narrow gap in Honda Canyon and jumped to the opposite ridge. Then, everything aligned - wind, fire, topography - and a vast firestorm shot forward, overrunning several fire teams and killing Base Commander Col. Joseph Turner, Vandenberg Fire Chief Billy Bell and Assistant Fire Chief Eugene Cooper, and badly burning bulldozer operator Clarence McCauley, who died later. The county battalion chief and three occupants were also overrun and their vehicle destroyed. For a time there was chaos on South Vandenberg. An Air Force general who witnessed these events, radioed his battle-staff and indicated, "There's a disaster in progress!" He ordered immediate local, state, and federal aid. I was overrun twice. The first occurred with the county strike team, and the second time was during a rescue of the burned bulldozer operator. The winds made a terrible piercing sound and flames began to burn the exterior and then the interior of the ambulance. We were able to escape and make it out alive, but the burned firefighter later died. I was involved in one more rescue of a critically injured firefighter, and the day began to turn into a real nightmare. The rampaging flames eventually burned to the coastline and split the firefighting teams in half. Our leadership had suffered a great loss and communications was degraded, but out of necessity, the next tier of chiefs, captains and air force commanders stepped forward and a new leadership formed - and the separated teams began to recover. On the north flank, air force and civilian fire chiefs worried the fire would move into populated areas. On the south flank they feared it would reach the space launch sites and stockpiles of rocket fuels. Both flanks were dangerous and both strategically important. Firefighters tried everything from indirect attack, direct attack, backfiring, to structure protection. As I recall, the events of that night were extreme, scary, and at times desperate, but we improvised and changed tactics as necessary. However, many were injured and some burned. The powerful winds continued through the night, but in the end, it would be nature that would decide the final outcome. The next morning - 24 hours after it had started, the winds calmed and the rains arrived, and simultaneously the long western drought ended. The ordeal was over and it would change us all. Four good men were lost on the Honda Canyon Fire. Several others died in California as a result of one of the strongest wind events of the last century, and later, several more as a result of deadly spores from the San Joaquin Valley - known as "Valley Fever." Looking back 30 years, I'm sure that the men who died were doing their duty with honor and conviction. I also remember the professionalism of the Vandenberg medics, nurses, and doctors, and many others who stepped up with integrity and resourcefulness. I know I've seen these same virtues in watching more recent historic events - such as 9/11, and more locally, the Zaca Fire and the California fires of October 2007. In the tough situations that we all faced, you sometimes had to speak up to be heard. It took a heightened awareness, rational thinking and good decisions, but most of all it required loyalty to each other, and the hope that we would make it through. Joseph N. Valencia is author of "Beyond Tranquillon Ridge," the story of the Honda Canyon Fire. December 20, 2007 Source: Article in the Lompoc Record

Quincy, Ca - MVA - HazMat - Tanker leaking Posted: 20 Dec 2007 03:39 PM CST Multiple Vehicle accident - Tanker truck and CDF patrol involved, Tanker leaking. Location: Hwy 70 at Golden Eagle Drive, just west of Quincy. Sizeup: Fuel tanker off road against embankment, attached fuel trailer over turned and ruptured leaking a diesel fuel / gasoline blend. Potential spill could be 1500+ gals. Spanish Cr. threatened. Road Closure: Hwy 70 reported closed at that location. Extremely icy conditions reported in the local area. Resources: Quincy Fire, PCSO, CHP, OES, F&G, Plumas Cnty Haz-mat all responding, along with other resources PER CHP INCIDENT PAGE A CAL FIRE UNIT IS INVOLVED CHP Incident page: ADDITIONAL DETAILS 11:02AM 1021 ATMPT TO CDF S CELL ON LINE 19, NO ANSWER/NO MSG LEFT 11:02AM PER BUTTE CDF DISP CELL FOR DRVR IS (edit) THEY ARE NOT IN CONT W/HIM SO THEY DON T KNOW IF MORE 1185 S ARE NEEDED 10:58AM PLUMAS NATIONAL FORREST DISPATCH CALLED AND ADV CHP CAN 1022 SUBJ S ARE STOPPING INFO AND ORIG INVD PARTY IS 1023ING FOR 1185 10:50AM THERE IS ALSO A CDF PATROL UNIT INVOLVED 10:42AM 1039 QNC TOW 10:42AM B20-30 TELL QNCY TOW TO TAKE CHANDLER TO 70 AROUND THE T/C 10:39AM 1039 QNC TOW 10:37AM 1039 B20-30 10:36AM MM 22*49 IS AROUND MILL CREEK RD 10:35AM VEH IS NEG 1125 W/FLASHERS ON RESPONDING OFFICERS STATUS 11:06AM CHP Unit On Scene

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News: Riverside County OKs deal for Hemet air-attack base Posted: 19 Dec 2007 11:45 PM CST Riverside County OKs deal for proposed air-attack base in Hemet By HERBERT ATIENZA The Press-Enterprise HEMET - An agreement that could pave the way for construction of a $23.9 million Cal Fire air-attack base at Hemet-Ryan Airport was approved Tuesday. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors, in a unanimous vote, authorized a ground lease between the county and the state to allow construction of the new firefighting base on about 12 acres at the Hemet airport. The agreement is expected to bolster Cal Fire's request for state money to build the air-attack base in west Hemet. State fire officials say they hope to break ground on the facility as soon as the first quarter of 2009 and be finished by 2011. The agreement calls for construction of a new hangar for observation aircraft and helicopters, a two-story air operations facility, a dormitory and dining hall, a three-bay fire apparatus building, projective weather canopy for S-2 air tankers, and a fire retardant mixing plant with a capacity of 40,000 gallons. Cal Fire is expected to set up temporary facilities before construction begins. "With California and western states in a prolonged drought, we need to get this project under way as soon as possible and be ready to launch firefighting operations out of the new facilities," said Assistant County Executive Officer Robin Zimpfer, who heads the Riverside County Economic Development Agency. The agency manages and operates Hemet-Ryan Airport. She said the proposed base would provide Cal Fire and its fleet of air tankers and firefighting crews with the best air-attack facilities in the state. Cal Fire Battalion Chief John Winder, who is stationed at Hemet-Ryan Airport, said the agreement will help the project get off the ground. "In order for state finance to include it (on the budget), you have to have a project that's ready to go," said Winder, who said he hopes the project would be part of the state's 2008-09 budget. The lease agreement, which lasts for 50 years, calls for the state to fund $21.4 million of the cost of the project; the county would contribute $2.5 million, to be used primarily for designing the base. The annual rent is set at $69,729. Winder said the project would completely replace and expand the existing 1950s-era base, which has been in use for 50 years. "It's been in need of replacement for quite awhile," he said. The California Department of Forestry had suggested moving firefighting aircraft from Hemet-Ryan to March Air Reserve Base, but those plans were abandoned last year. Officials concluded that leaving the aircraft at Hemet-Ryan is safer for pilots because of better weather conditions and because it would provide quicker response for fire-prone mountain communities. Vern Lauritzen, chief of staff for 3rd District Supervisor Jeff Stone, said a new air-attack base at Hemet-Ryan Airport would greatly improve firefighting capabilities in the region. Stone championed keeping the base at Hemet-Ryan Airport. Winder said the base played a major role in firefighting operations during the recent wildfires in Southern California. "We seem to be centrally located and we're not so restricted by weather," Winder said. He said some areas along the coast are susceptible to fog. "Because of our location, we're one of the biggest and busiest in the nation," he said. The Hemet-Ryan air-attack base serves the entire state but is focused on Riverside County, northern San Diego County and southern San Bernardino County, he said.

SAR News: NorCal Family Missing In Mountains Found Alive Posted: 19 Dec 2007 11:40 PM CST Rescuers say a father and his three children who have been missing in the mountains for three days have been found alive. The California father says he was terrified that he and his three children wouldn't make it out alive. But Frederick Dominguez says he remained strong for his kids as he turned to his faith. Dominguez and the children vanished on a Christmas tree-cutting trip in the Northern California mountains. They were found Wednesday after huddling in a culvert for warmth during three days of heavy snow. Hours later, after he had been examined at a hospital, Dominguez described three harrowing nights in the wild as he tried to keep his children from panicking and succumbing to the numbing cold. A California Highway Patrol helicopter crew spotted Frederick Dominguez atop a small bridge and landed nearby, sinking into 2 feet of snow, flight officer David White said. The family had taken shelter in a culvert beneath the bridge and stomped "help" in the snow, White said.White said it was the last opportunity for the helicopter, with snow falling heavily as it descended.

Less control for TRPA, more control for local fire agencies Posted: 19 Dec 2007 01:32 PM CST While the snow falls lightly over the Tahoe Basin and the heat of summer's fires are but a memory, it is a good time to brainstorm ideas on how to better protect our pristine environment from the ravages of wildfires. The California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission is doing just that. At Friday's commission meeting in South Lake Tahoe, an idea was further discussed which was first hatched this summer by Sens. Dianne Feinstein, (D-Calif.; Harry Reid, D-Nev.; and John Ensign, R-Nev. The three came up with the idea of declaring a state of emergency because of the basin's wildfire threat on their way to the Lake Tahoe Forum after viewing the damage from the Angora fire. This is a good idea, considering that Lake Tahoe is considered a national treasure, and millions of federal, state and local money have been invested to keep it that way. A wildfire in the Tahoe Basin threatens much more than even homes and forests - it threatens years of environmental work accomplished with a huge price tag; the homes and businesses of Tahoe residents who endure stringent environmental regulations on their livelihoods and lifestyles; the political muscle and compromise that has created a delicate balance of ecosystem and economy; and the famed clarity of Lake Tahoe itself. A state of emergency would streamline wildfire prevention processes and help with funding for fire prevention and defensible space. A second proposal was discussed on Friday as well. This was the possibility of changing the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's compact to include fire prevention as an agency priority. This idea should be nipped in the bud. The TRPA does not need to be involved in fire prevention for the Tahoe Basin. Yes, the TRPA needs to modify its ordinances - as it has been doing this fall - to make it easier for property owners to accomplish defensible space. But, the leadership of creating defensible space and the enforcement of defensible space should rest only with our local fire districts. Even expanding the charter of the California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission is possibly a good idea, but do not give TRPA this mission. TRPA finds itself in controversy when it leaves its initial mission - to preserve the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Keep TRPA to its compact, and let the fire districts do what they know best. In fact, TRPA is considering an ordinance that would allow more trained professionals to conduct defensible space inspections. These people would be designated by local fire agencies. This is the direction to proceed - less control for TRPA, and more control for local fire agencies. Put this concept into action while the snow flies this winter, so we are ready when the sun shines this summer. Source:Article http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20071219/Opinion/34380465

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