Monday, August 27, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Hotshots at work - Stay safe Laguna Hotshot crew

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 10:16 PM CDT

Ventura County Star: Hotshots at work
Video By: Zeke Barlow
The Laguna Hotshots are one of the many hotshot crews fighting the Zaca fire. Hotshots are considered the Green Berets of the fire fighting community because of their ability to attack fires in remote locations. Sometimes they will helicopter in to the middle of a forest only to have to hike out for miles after working 12 hours.

Insurance Company Protecting Pricey Idaho Homes from Wildfire

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 09:49 PM CDT

insurancejournal.com:

Insurance Company Protecting Pricey Idaho Homes from Wildfire

Idaho's Sun Valley Insurance is doing everything it can to keep claims at bay during wildfire season -- including sending in a firetruck to cover million-dollar homes threatened by a wildfire outside the central Idaho resort town of Ketchum.

"It's well worth it from an insurance standpoint, to keep these things standing," said Jack Dies, owner of Sun Valley Insurance.

A representative for New York-based AIG, Dies said he had insured seven of the threatened homes, which he estimated had a collective value of as much as $35 million. They're located on the western side of the tony mountain town.

"Fires are not totally uncommon here," he said, "but nobody thought we would be in as much danger as we ended up being in."

On Wednesday, the lightning-caused Castle Rock Fire had grown to 22 square miles. It was one of 13 fires being battled in Idaho that have scorched 1,170 square miles.

About 740 firefighters and fire managers were battling the Castle Rock Fire, said fire spokeswoman Pat Irwin. They included firefighters who rappel into the steep terrain out of helicopters.

She said nine helicopters were assigned to the fire and airtankers were also dropping fire retardant.

Residents of about 100 homes have been ordered to evacuate, and residents of about 200 more homes have been advised to leave.

Irwin said a plan to burn out areas ahead of the blaze, depriving it of fuel, has been working. She said "delayed aerial ignition devices," which look like pingpong balls, were being dropped to start fires in burnout areas.

"We started the burnouts (Tuesday), they're continuing, and they've all been very successful and they've worked beautifully," she said. "We have two or three more days of burnouts to do," she said on Wednesday.

She said the fire was burning about 11/2 miles west of Ketchum, and that no homes had been destroyed and no one injured. She said some 30 firetrucks were protecting buildings.

AIG insures about 30 to 40 homes worth at least $1 million each that are being threatened by the Castle Rock Fire, said Dorothy Sarna, the company's national director for risk management services. She said the firetruck the company dispatched to the area was working to protect 10 to 12 of the homes with a protective barrier of fire retardant.

"We have some pretty sophisticated models that tell us where the fire is, and then we pinpoint where our policy holders are," she said in a telephone interview.

She said the company insures about 200 expensive homes in the Ketchum area.

Elsewhere in the state, the 317-square-mile East Zone Complex of wildfires remained about 10 percent contained. It's burning east of Donnelly on national forest land.

Nancy Guerrero, fire information officer, said crews were working to clean up hot spots after two days of rain, but expected the fire to pick up again since dry weather was forecast.

"Things are going to start getting hot and heavy again pretty darn soon," she said.

The communities of Warren, Secesh and South Fork remain under a voluntary evacuation. Guerrero said there have been no significant injuries or buildings lost in the last several days.

The Cascade Complex of fires, burning about 16 miles east of Cascade, was 11 percent contained. That fire complex by Wednesday had burned about 256 square miles.

OSCC News and Notes Nor Cal Inreragency Incident report

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 09:46 PM CDT

Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) Website:


Updated:
08/26/2007

Memorial logo for Engine 57 Type I IMT - National Rotation
  • 2 hr: SW
  • 8 hr: SW
  • 24 hr: Team 2 Molumby
Type II IMT - Regional Rotation
  • 2 hr: SC
  • 8 hr:

Type I IMT - Regional Rotation
  • 2 hr: Team 2 Molumby
  • 8 hr: NA
  • 24 hr: NA
Type II IMT - Local Rotation
  • 2 hr:
  • 8 hr:
Date
Time
News and Notes
08/26/07
1025
CA-HIA is currently working 5 fires for a total of 15 acres.
08/26/07
0900
New Incidents, CA-HIA, resources are being ordered for two new fires that started last night on the Hoopa Reservation. Last reported at three and fifteen acres each. MWS

OSCC News and Notes So Cal Inreragency Incident report

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 09:41 PM CDT

OSCC News and Notes:

Latest Update: 08/26/2007 0930 hours PDT
Type I IMT - National Rotation
  • 2 hr: SW
  • 8 hr: SW
  • 24 hr: CA
Type II IMT - Regional Rotation
  • 2 hr: WOYCHAK
  • 8 hr:
Type I IMT - Regional Rotation
  • 2 hr: Team 5 DIETRICH
  • 8 hr: Team 2 MOLUMBY
  • 24 hr: none available
Type II IMT - Local Rotation
  • 2 hr: Team 2 WOYCHAK
  • 8 hr: NONE

Date Time News and Notes
08/26 1830 BABCOCK Fire; CA-YNP-2397 Fire is 210 acres with 0% percent contained, located Nine (9) miles East of Yosemite Valley. This incident is a Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit (WFU) and was determined to be lightning caused. Fire is highly visible from many vantage points within the park, low fire activity has been observed. 40% of the perimeter is active with occasional isolated torching, creeping and smoldering in closed Timber Litter.
08/26 1830 ROCK Fire: CA-SNF-1740 Incident is located North East of North Fork CA. Fire is burning in heavy timber and heavy brush in drainages with approximately 30 acres that is 0% contained. Multiple incidents ignited due to early morning lightning in mid-level terrain. Resources at a premium as they are dispersed and distributed to 13 separate fires. Agressive to extreme fire behavior and multiple spotting has occurred 1/2 mile from fire and in all directions. Humidity's are expected to lower tomorrow with little to no humidity recovery tonight. Campgrounds above and east of Rock Creek drainage are being evacuated and no traffic is allowed above that location on minarets highway (4S81).
08/26 1630 Zaca Fire, Live Oak Zone; Walkers Type 2 Team is being moblized to transition with Opliger's Type 1 Team
08/26 1630 Snow Fire; Fiorella's Type 2 Team has been demobed with incident being transtioned back the San Benardino NF.
08/26 0930 Zaca Fire; is 85% contained and has burned 241,550 acres. Live Oak Zone; the fire in the island within the Santa Cruz drainage continues to creep around. Progress is being made in the Suppression /Rehab Branch.
Richardson Zone; there was minimal overnight fire behavior. Continued direct fireline construction, monitor and mop up on spot fire activity. Highway 33 is still closed from Ozena north to Ventucopa for at least one more day. . The recommended evacuation order for the area west of Highway 33 in the Santa Barbara/Ventura Co. Line south to Pine Mountain Inn is still in effect.
08/26 0930 Vista Fire; is 95% contained and is holding at 420 acres. Residual burnout of the heavy fuels continued throughout the night. Good progress was made in all divisions.
08/26 0930 Babcock Fire (CA-YNP-2397) Started 07/111/07 at 1821 hours. This is a lightning fire that is being managed as a Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit (WFU). The fire is eight miles east of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and has burned 172 acres and is 0% contained. One of the problems relating to this fire is it is highly visible from many vantage points within the Park. There is occasional isolated torching with short uphill runs. Two large granite outcroppings are included in the acreage.

EDIS - Flash flood watch in effect for santa barbara... ventura... and los angeles counties through monday morning

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 09:28 PM CDT

[EDIS] Flash flood watch in effect for santa barbara... ventura... and los angeles counties through monday morning
- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA YNEZ VALLEY-CUYAMA VALLEY- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST-VENTURA COUNTY COAST- LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS- SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-LOS ANGELES COUNTY VALLEYS- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS- LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE- ANTELOPE VALLEY-CATALINA ISLAND-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY -


THE RISK FOR FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS WILL DECREASE MONDAY... HOWEVER THERE IS STILL A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS AND THE WATCH MAY NEED TO BE EXTENDED TO COVER THOSE AREAS MONDAY. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA YNEZ VALLEY-CUYAMA VALLEY- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST-VENTURA COUNTY COAST- LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES- VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS- SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-LOS ANGELES COUNTY VALLEYS- SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS- LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE- ANTELOPE VALLEY-CATALINA ISLAND-SANTA CLARITA VALLEY- ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR * A PORTION OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA... INCLUDING LOS ANGELES... VENTURA... AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES. * THROUGH LATE TONIGHT * ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THROUGH THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT ACROSS THE AREA WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOODING. STRONGER THUNDERSTORMS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE UP TO 1 INCH OF RAIN IN ONE HOUR. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. ALTHOUGH THE GREATEST RISK WILL BE IN LOCATIONS IN AND NEAR BURN AREAS...STRONGER THUNDERSTORMS COULD POSE A THREAT ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME.

Instruction:
.MOISTURE FROM WHAT WAS HURRICANE DEAN WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD ACROSS THE AREA THIS EVENING GENERATING ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. AT GREATEST RISK WILL BE LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR BURN AREAS WHERE THE THRESHOLD FOR MUD AND DEBRIS FLOWS IS CONSIDERABLY LOWER. ALTHOUGH MOST SHOWERS WILL BE ISOLATED...THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH TO ONE INCH PER HOUR COULD BE POSSIBLE. THIS..WITH THE COMBINATION OF WEAK UPPER LEVEL FLOW COULD CAUSE FLASH FLOODING ANYWHERE IN THE WATCH AREA. PRECIPITATION WILL BE ISOLATED AND MANY AREAS WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY MEASURABLE RAIN. HOWEVER...WHERE THUNDERSTORMS FORM...HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING IS POSSIBLE AND RESIDENTS... TRAVELERS...AND EMERGENCY MANAGERS NEED TO BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION IF AND WHEN HEAVY RAIN BEGINS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

Area: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA

Affected Counties or parts of: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles,

CA-LAC-ANF-Low

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 04:34 PM CDT

CA-LAC-ANF-Low
Location: Loma Alta Drive and Lake Ave, in the Altadena area. 5 acres moving uphill with 5mph wind. ANF and LA County Fire sending full 1st alarm assignments with Aircraft
Sizeup: 5 acres, rapid ROS, 2nd alarm
Requesting Type 1 Copter (Helitanker) from LA City Fire. BC on scene confirming 5 to 6 acres running uphill

CA-SNF- Lightning series? 9 new starts today on the Sierra National Forest

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 03:08 PM CDT

CA-SNF Sierra National Forest: WCCA-SNF: Series of at least 8 wildland fire new starts today on the Sierra National Forest at WildWeb Lightning? Rock Fire is largest at 3-4 acres

CA-SNF- Lightning series? complex?

WildCAD - Sierra National Forest


Recent Incidents (Prepared 08/26/2007 12:46)

Date Inc # Name Type Location Comment
08/26/2007 12:08 SNF-1744 CASCADEL Vegetation Fire . .
08/26/2007 11:50 SNF-1743 ******* Law Enforcement ******* .
08/26/2007 10:48 SNF-1742 BENEDICT Vegetation Fire . .
08/26/2007 10:44 SNF-1741 SOURCE Vegetation Fire Off 8S27 .
08/26/2007 10:24 SNF-1740 ROCK Vegetation Fire . .
08/26/2007 10:10 SNF-1739 FISH Vegetation Fire Fish Creek .
08/26/2007 09:29 SNF-1738 ******* Law Enforcement ******* .
08/26/2007 08:56 SNF-1737 WILDERNESS RESCUE Search & Rescue Murial Pk area in the Humphreys Basin .
08/26/2007 08:41 SNF-1736 ******* Law Enforcement ******* .
08/26/2007 08:26 SNF-1735 BUTTES Vegetation Fire . .
08/26/2007 08:13 SNF-1734 THORNBERRY Vegetation Fire . .
08/26/2007 07:36 SNF-1733 HOGUE 2 Vegetation Fire . .
08/26/2007 07:27 SNF-1732 ROCK CREEK Vegetation Fire

Lightning strikes last hour: Link
Lightning Strikes





Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes last hour Map

Description:
The National Lightning image shows where cloud-to-ground lightning strikes have occurred in the last hour.

EDIS - Flash flood warning - San Bernardino

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 01:52 PM CDT

[EDIS] flash flood warning -
* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... SOUTH CENTRAL SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST CALIFORNIA... *
San Bernardino
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... SOUTH CENTRAL SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST CALIFORNIA... * UNTIL 130 PM PDT. * AT 1114 AM PDT... TRAINED WEATHER SPOTTERS REPORTED FLASH FLOODING FROM A THUNDERSTORM OVER THE WARNED AREA. * LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... TWENTYNINE PALMS... TWENTYNINE PALMS MCAS AND WEST WIND AERO. A NEARLY STATIONARY THUNDERSTORM ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TWENTYNINE PALMS WAS PRODUCING VERY HEAVY RAIN. SPOTTERS REPORT THE SOUTH SIDE OF TWENTYNINE PALMS AND TO THE WEST TOWARDS JOSHUA TREE AS EXPERIENCING FLOODING...WITH HIGHWAY 62 BEING COVERED WITH WATER WEST OF TWENTYNINE PALMS. THE STORM PRODUCING THE HEAVY RAINFALL IS NOT EXPECTED TO MOVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE HEAVY RAIN UNTIL AT LEAST 1230 PM PDT.

Instruction:
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS SAFELY. TURN AROUND...DONT DROWN.

Area: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LAS VEGAS NV

Affected Counties or parts of: San Bernardino,

Sent: 2007-08-26T11:27:49-07:00

From: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LAS VEGAS NV

Sunday, August 26, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Out of State News: Thousands Ordered to Flee Idaho Fire - Forbes.com

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 02:59 AM CDT

Forbes.com: BOISE, Idaho -
A mandatory evacuation was ordered Saturday for residents of more than 1,000 homes south of Ketchum, where a massive wildfire raged and high winds grounded firefighting air tankers.

After three days of relative calm, the 39-square-mile fire was 38 percent contained, but embers blew ahead of the blaze and increased the threat of spot fires, fire spokesman Bob Beanblossom said.

"At this point in the mandatory evacuation, we're giving people the opportunity to get out during the daylight and to keep the highways clear for emergency response vehicles," said Kim Rogers, public information officer with the city of Ketchum.

Another 100 homes remained under a mandatory evacuation order from last weekend, including some worth millions of dollars in the resort area of central Idaho. A shelter was set up at a former high school in the town of Hailey, said Dick Rush, CEO of the American Red Cross for Idaho.

No structures had been reported lost to the lightning-sparked blaze, although winds were gusting to 25 mph, Beanblossom said.

Inciweb: - IDAHO : Castle Rock Wildland Fire - 25,960 acres - 38%

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 02:59 AM CDT

Castle Rock Wildland Fire
MANDATORY EVACUATION

INCIDENT UPDATED 3 HRS. AGO
ANNOUNCEMENT

MANDATORY EVACUATION

Mandatory Evacuation Press Release

- August 25, 2007 at 7:20pm

Incident: Castle Rock
Released: 6 hrs. ago

Castle Rock Fire Status Update -

MANDATORY EVACUATION -

Due to the heavy wind conditions and high possibilities for spot fires later this evening, County officials, in conjunction with the Forest Service, are issuing a mandatory evacuation order for all residents north of Ohio Gulch to the bridge at St. Lukes Hospital - both east and west sides of Highway 75. This is a mandatory evacuation because this is the prudent thing to do under current weather conditions. Residents will see fire apparatus in their neighborhoods to provide structure protection. This mandatory evacuation area includes the following neighborhoods:

  • Heatherlands
  • Sundance
  • All of East Fork
  • Greenhorn Gulch
  • Golden Eagle
  • Gimlet
  • Starweather
  • Meadows Mobile Home Park
  • Clear Creek Canyon
  • Clear Creek Light Industrial
  • Cold Springs
  • McHanville
  • Broadway Run
  • Timber Gulch
  • River's Edge
  • Audubon Road
  • Gypsy Trailer Park
  • Sun Hollow

Residents in these neighborhoods are required to evacuate as soon as possible. Please drive south to Hailey. The Red Cross is operating a shelter at the Community Campus (the location of the old high school at 1050 Fox Acres Road).

This is a very fluid situation. All Blaine County residents should check the website frequently tonight for updates on evacuations and the fire status.

For complete fire information check out the Forest Service web site at www.inciweb.org/incident/952/.

Current information is available at:

Castle Rock Color Perimeter Map - August 25, 2007

view pictures || view maps

Summary

Todays observed fire behavior
Fire activity increased significantly with crown runs and spotting. The fire pushed to the southeast up towards Mahoney Butte. Fire on the northwest corner was pushing to the west of Fox Peak and backing to the west. Several interior pockets of fuel burned.

Significant events today
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for all residences north of Ohio Gulch to the bridge at St. Lukes Hospital, both east and west sides of Highway 75. A spot fire established on Mahoney Butte along with multiple spot fires in Cow Creek Drainage and Limekiln Gulch. Strong west winds pushed the southerly portion of the fire toward the west. Spotting occurred up to 2 miles ahead of the main fire. Crews patrolled, held line and mopped up on the northeast perimeter along Big Wood River.

Actions planned for the night of August 25
Crews to continue direct and indirect line construction, burnout where necessary in small pockets and scout for potential line to the east. Crews to hold line, burnout where necessary in small pockets, and scout for holding fire from moving to the north. North along Big Wood River, and across the north perimeter crews to continue to hold line, burnout where necessary in small pockets and mop-up.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 08/16/2007 at 1612 hrs.
Location 3 miles West of Ketchum, Idaho
Incident Commander Jeanne Pincha - Tulley

Current Situation

Total Personnel 1,401
Size 25,960 acres
Percent Contained 38%
Fuels Involved

Heavy timber with a lot of dead standing and down, brush, grass and aspen stands. Sagebrush and grass on south-facing slopes. Douglas fir and subalpine fir on north facing slopes. Rolling terrain with discontinous timber on both north and south slopes.

Fire Behavior

Fire activity increased significantly with crown runs and spotting. The fire pushed to the southeast up towards Mahoney Butte. Fire on the northwest corner was pushing to the west of Fox Peak and backing to the west. Several interior pockets of fuel burned.

Significant Events

A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for all residences north of Ohio Gulch to the bridge at St. Lukes Hospital, both east and west sides of Highway 75. A spot fire established on Mahoney Butte along with multiple spot fires in Cow Creek Drainage and Limekiln Gulch. Strong west winds pushed the southerly portion of the fire toward the west. Spotting occurred up to 2 miles ahead of the main fire. Crews patrolled, held line and mopped up on the northeast perimeter along Big Wood River.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Crews to continue direct and indirect line construction, burnout where necessary in small pockets and scout for potential line to the east. Crews to hold line, burnout where necessary in small pockets, and scout for holding fire from moving to the north. North along Big Wood River, and across the north perimeter crews to continue to hold line, burnout where necessary in small pockets and mop-up.

Projected Movement

Evening of August 25: Up to 1.5 miles to the northeast towards Bald Mountain and 1.5 miles to the east towards Greenhorn Gulch.

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Remarks

Increase in structures threatened is due to mandatory evacuations of Greenhorn Gulch, Golden Eagle, Clear Creek, Heatherlands, Sundance, East Fork, Gimlet, Starweather, Meadows Mobile Home Park, Clear Creek Light Industrial, Cold Springs, McHanville, Broadway Run, Timber Gulch, River's edge, Audubon Road, Gypsy Trailer Park and Sun Hollow. Tomorrow morning another significant wind event is expected. Resources responded to a possible new start on the forest north of Ketchum; Crews were unable to locate.

Weather

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

Inciweb: Last evening media update -Zaca Fire

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 12:02 AM CDT

Editor: More evidence that the Zaca is basically contained...I highlighted in red one troubling line about a NE slop over but sounds like they hooked it.
Message from Inciweb,

Zaca Fire Update - 08/25/07 p.m.

BECAUSE OF PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THE FIRE, THIS WILL BE OUR LAST "EVENING
ZACA FIRE UPDATE".

WE WILL CONTINUE TO DISSEMINATE THE "MORNING ZACA FIRE UPDATE" AND WILL
POST NEW INFORMATION ON INCIWEB TWICE A DAY.

ZACA FIRE UPDATE

Saturday, August 25, 2007 8:00 PM

On the Web: or www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres or www.inciweb.org

Fire Information Phone Line: (805) 961-5770

      Fire Status

      Acres Burned: 239,468 acres

      Acreage Increase (last 12 hours): 500 acres

      Fireline to Build: 6 miles

      Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am

      Percent Contained: 85 percent

      Expected Containment: September 7, 2007

      Injuries: 40

      Structures Threatened: 66

      Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding

      Resources

      Crews: 74

      Engines: 70

      Helicopters: 17

      Air Tankers: 8

      Air Attack: 3

      Dozers: 23

      Water Tenders: 74

      Total Personnel Assigned: 2,414

      Cost to Date: $ 103 million


Headlines:

  • Highway 33 is now open south of Lockwood Valley Road to Wheeler Gorge. Highway 33 from Quatal Canyon Road south to Lockwood Valley Road is open to residents only.
  • A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION remains in effect for the area from Ozena north to the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line west of Highway 33.

Current Situation:

This afternoon a spot fire started outside of the fire's northeastern perimeter and spread upslope to Cuyama Peak. Crews stopped the fire's spread at 30 acres and will work overnight to contain it.

An aggressive use of air tankers and helicopters prevented further spread of yesterday's spot fire in Brubaker Canyon west of Highway 33. Fireline around this fire is expected to be completed overnight. Crews mopped up multiple spot fires that burned yesterday near the confluence of Santa Barbara and Dry Canyons. The fire on the northwest perimeter in the Sisquoc River drainage is nearing containment.

Road closures and evacuations associated with the Live Oak fire suppression activities on the south have been lifted, however, be aware that all areas and roads included within the Los Padres National Forest Closure Area remain closed to public entry.

State Highways, Forest Roads and Area Closures:

  • Highway 33 is now open south of Lockwood Valley Road to Wheeler Gorge. Highway 33 from Quatal Canyon Road south to Lockwood Valley Road is open to residents only.
  • Happy Canyon Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
  • Figueroa Mountain Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
  • East Camino Cielo Road is now open between Hwy 154 and Gibraltar Road. East Camino Cielo is still closed east of Gibraltar Road because it is within the Forest closure.
  • Paradise Road is open from Highway 154 to First Crossing Day Use Area.
  • The Zaca Fire Area Closure in Los Padres National Forest remains in effect. The closure includes lands in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties. The expanded closure encompasses approximately 888,000 acres including the entire San Rafael, Matilija, and Chumash Wildernesses, a portion of the Sespe Wilderness, and adjacent national forest lands. Detailed information on the closure can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres or www.inciweb.org or at a Los Padres National Forest office.

Evacuations:

  • A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION remains in effect for the area from Ozena north to the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line west of Highway 33. A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION is issued when fire has advanced or is in a position relative to a particular area and poses imminent danger to life and property (i.e., time to leave).
  • Recreation facilities along Paradise Road between Highway 154 and First Crossing, including Forest Service campgrounds and Rancho Oso Campground, are now open. The Santa Ynez River Road, beyond the First Crossing and all associated recreation facilities are closed.

World News: Greek leader suggests political extremists set fires - CNN.com

Posted: 25 Aug 2007 09:03 PM CDT

Or what we who live here do not even want to talk about...
Greek leader suggests political extremists set fires - CNN.com:

ATHENS, Greece (CNN) -- Fires in southern Greece that have razed dozens of villages and killed at least 44 people may have been deliberately set ahead of next month's national elections, the prime minister suggested Saturday.

art.gif

A fire burns in the Mesohoria area on Evia Island, northeast of Athens.

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis declared a nationwide state of emergency Saturday night. He also turned to European Union allies, which have promised help.

Emergency crews pulled charred bodies from homes and local media reported death tolls of up to 50 people.

Scores are hospitalized with severe burns and respiratory problems, state-run television reported.

Although the fires were concentrated in the southern Peloponnese region, heavy smoke billowing Saturday afternoon above Mount Hymettus, southeast of Athens, signaled a new fire. It was burning close to Athens International Airport, forcing officials to close a highway.

In a nationally televised address, Karamanlis suggested the blazes might have been set by political extremists, disrupting political campaigning.

"So many fires sparked simultaneously in so many places is no coincidence," Karamanlis said, and vowed to punish those responsible.

Many firefighters told CNN they are suspicious of the fire's source, given several witness reports that the blazes cropped up simultaneously along a 20-kilometer (12-mile) front of lush greenery in southern Greece.

The prime minister described the situation as a "battle that has to be won," and ordered all resources mobilized to fight the fires.

He also announced that a fund has been set up for fire victims and their families, and an assessment of the disaster will be made.

The most devastated area stretches for 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the western towns of the Zaharo, within the highlands of the western Peloponnese, to the southern tip of the peninsula, Mani.

In the past 24 hours, hundreds of firefighters, soldiers, and planes loaded with water have been battling the infernos on a dozen fronts, authorities said. Yet, despite their efforts, officials said the flames had not been tamed.

"Our emergency services are overstretched and it is humanly impossible to battle this force of nature," a top fire official told CNN.

An EU statement said 30 member countries had offered assistance. France on Saturday was slated to send two planes to help quell the fires, and Norway and Germany pledged to send aircraft as well.

A sweltering heat wave in Greece has parched forests and scrubland. With intense winds fanning the flames, authorities call this the country's worst fire season on record.

Since June, more than 3,000 fires have razed thousands of hectares of forests and scrubland across the country -- nearly triple last year's total -- according to officials.

Is the ZACA dead? - Cost to date: $101 million dollars

Posted: 26 Aug 2007 12:15 AM CDT

Edit: Now tagged at $103 million dollars
UPDATED: HMS 2007-08-21; Thermal MODIS: 2007-08-25 2335 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2007-08-25; Sit Reports 2007-08-25

Editors update: Spoke too soon? A few hours later the interior islands really lit up on the sat maps but so far she's holding...

Success on the $101 million dollar Zaca 2 Fire looks very promising apparently the strategies employed by Fire Command have succeed, this mornings GeoMac showed no recent burning except for small areas within interior islands of fuel, this afternoon the burned area was even older and holding steady and the narrative on the latest Inciweb Announcement

"Live Oak Zone: The Management strategy has succeeded. Richardson Zone: High on ability to anchor and hold on Sierra Madre Ridge toward Hwy 33 and moderate from Pine Mtn. summit toward Ozena. Moderate on West perimeter".

Seems very promising that the Zaca Fire 2 perimeter shown here will be the final perimeter
ZACA FIRE PERIMETERS - 2007-08-25
UPDATED: HMS 2007-08-21; Thermal MODIS: 2007-08-25 1839 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2007-08-25; Sit Reports 2007-08-25
UPDATED: HMS 2007-08-21; Thermal MODIS: 2007-08-25 1839 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2007-08-25; Sit Reports 2007-08-25

.
UPDATED: HMS 2007-08-21; Thermal MODIS: 2007-08-25 1839 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2007-08-25; Sit Reports 2007-08-25

Acres Burned: 238,968 acres

Acreage Increase (last 12 hours): 2732 acres

Fireline to Build: 6 miles

Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am

Percent Contained: 83 percent

Expected Containment: September 7, 2007

Injuries: 40

Structures Threatened: 66

Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding

Cost to date: $101 million dollars


Inciweb: Zaca Wildland Fire - 238,968 acres - 83%

Posted: 25 Aug 2007 08:07 PM CDT

InciWeb: Zaca Wildland Fire:

Zaca Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 3 MIN. AGO
picture; helicopter firing out

Helicopter assisting with firing operation.
Credit: Casey Christie - The Bakersfield Californian

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Summary

Saturday, August 25, 2007 8:00 AM

Fire Status

Acres Burned: 238,968 acres

Acreage Increase (last 12 hours): 2732 acres

Fireline to Build: 6 miles

Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am

Percent Contained: 83 percent

Expected Containment: September 7, 2007

Injuries: 40

Structures Threatened: 66

Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding

Cost to date: $101 million dollars

Resources

Crews: 52

Engines: 83

Helicopters: 17

Air Tankers: 8

Air Attack: 3

Dozers: 26

Water Tenders: 76

Personnel Assigned: 2,469

Headlines

·· Highway 33 from Wheeler Gorge to Quatal Canyon remains closed until further notice due to firefighting activities.

·· A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION remains in effect for the area from Ozena north to the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line west of Highway 33.

Current Situation

Crews worked overnight in the northeast area of the Richardson Zone to contain several spot fires that started yesterday, including a 250-acre spot fire in Brubaker Canyon west of Highway 33. Structure protection remains in place for threatened residences. Crews also widened an existing bulldozer contingency line to contain multiple spot fires near the confluence of Santa Barbara and Dry Canyons. Fireline north and south of the Sisquoc River on the northwest flank of the fire will continue to be improved and patrolled.

Crews continue to make progress with rehabilitation efforts along firelines and roads in the Live Oak Zone. Additional crews have been shifted to the Richardson Zone to assist with firefighting efforts there.

Road closures and evacuations associated with the Live Oak fire suppression activities on the south have been lifted, however, be aware that all areas and roads included within the Los Padres National Forest Closure Area remain closed to public entry.

State Highways, Forest Roads and Area Closures

  • Hwy 33 between Wheeler Gorge and Quatal Canyon will be closed until further notice.
  • Happy Canyon Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
  • Figueroa Mountain Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
  • East Camino Cielo Road is now open between Hwy 154 and Gibraltar Road. East Camino Cielo is still closed east of Gibraltar Road because it is within the Forest closure.
  • Paradise Road is open from Highway 154 to First Crossing Day Use Area.
  • The Zaca Fire Area Closure in Los Padres National Forest remains in effect. The closure includes lands in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties. The expanded closure encompasses approximately 888,000 acres including the entire San Rafael, Matilija, and Chumash Wildernesses, a portion of the Sespe Wilderness, and adjacent national forest lands. Detailed information on the closure can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres or www.inciweb.org or at a Los Padres National Forest office.

Evacuations

·· A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION remains in effect for the area from Ozena north to the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line west of Highway 33. A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION is issued when fire has advanced or is in a position relative to a particular area and poses imminent danger to life and property (i.e., time to leave).

  • Recreation facilities along Paradise Road between Highway 154 and First Crossing, including Forest Service campgrounds and Rancho Oso Campground, are now open. The Santa Ynez River Road, beyond the First Crossing and all associated recreation facilities are closed.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 9 miles north of Santa Barbara
Incident Commander Opliger/ Hawkins

Current Situation

Total Personnel 2,469
Size 238,968 acres
Percent Contained 83%
Estimated Containment Date 09/07/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Heavy brush containing a high dead component. Some conifer at higher elevations. Live fuel moistures are at 49% which is well below critical levels. A continuous fuel bed lies ahead of the fire.

Fire Behavior

Live Oak Zone: Unburned fuel in the Santa Cruz drainage continued to slowly burn back down slope. Richardson Zone: Moderate fire behavior until humiditiess rise, then minimal.

Significant Events

Live Oak Zone: Progress is being made in the Suppression Rehab Branch. Richardson Zone: Containment deferred due to spot fire activity in DIV FF. Patrol and mop up in Branch XXIII, XXV along Sierra Madre Ridge. Maintain structure protection operations in Branch XXVII. Hold and patrol Div CC, DD and HH. Continue with firing and holding operations in Division BB and FF if conditions allow. A precautionary evacuation continues West of Hwy 33 from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Co. line south to Pine Mountain Inn and is being coordinated by Ventura County Sheriffs, assisted by Santa Barbara Sheriffs. Road closure for Hwy 33.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Live Oak Zone: Patrol and mop-up. Continue Fire Suppression Rehab. Richardson Zone: Mopup spot fire activity in Divisions DD and FF. Complete direct line construction from Pine spike camp towards Hurricane spike camp. Monitor and mop up in Branch XXIII, XXV along Sierra Madre Ridge. Continue structure protection operations in Branch XXVII. Hold and patrol Divisions CC, EE, GG and HH. Road closure for Hwy 33.

Projected Movement

Richardson Zone: West and north down Sisquoc River toward Sierra Madre Ridge. North to Dry Canyon, East to Hwy 33.

Growth Potential

Extreme.

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme.

Containment Target

Live Oak Zone: The Management strategy has succeeded. Richardson Zone: High on ability to anchor and hold on Sierra Madre Ridge toward Hwy 33 and moderate from Pine Mtn. summit toward Ozena. Moderate on West perimeter.

Remarks

Richardson Zone: A Precautionary evacuation Order is in place for the area west of Hwy 33 from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Co. line south to Pine Mountain Inn. Road Closure in effect on Hwy 33. Residents voluntarily evacuated from several ranches west of Hwy 33 in Brubaker Canyon.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 6(g9) mph SE
Current Temperature 65 degrees
Current Humidity 23 %

CA-TCU- Moran- Vehicle -> Vegetation Fires

Posted: 25 Aug 2007 06:46 PM CDT

Sizeup: approx: 12:22 hrs, Numerous spot fires along SR 4 Vehicle -> Vegetation Fires both sides of roadway
The initial report is that there are 4 to 5 fires all less than 1/4 acre.
Location: SR 4 @ Avery Ranch RoadLower end of Arnold

Comms: Moran IC Command 2 tone 3 151.265

Updates:
ThePineTree.net reporting full containment.

NO STRUCTURES BURNED, FIRE IS CONTAINED AND ROADWAY SHOULD BE BACK OPEN AT 1800 HRS or sooner
  • Hwy 4 is closed going both directions. Closed from Hathaway Pines to Arnold.
  • There are 16 engines, 6 handcrews, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders, 2 helicoptors, 2 airtankers and 1 air attack on scene. No structures appear to be in danger.
  • 10 Acres, 40% contained, 1 ignition point near Avery Market, Hunter Dam Rd. area of concern,Numerous resources enroute, No Structure losses, Evacuations were voluntary
  • Some Homes along Hwy 4 between Avery t and Arnold and the Mobile Home park haves been evacuated.
  • CHP is on the lookout for a Brown or Maroon Van heading down Hwy 4,
  • 12:41 ICP @Avery Market
  • Road Closure Min 4 hours.
Streaming news report at: PineTree.net - Fantastic entertaining coverage from the PineTree.net

PLEASE SEND IN PICTURES, VIDEO
ROCDAD@GMAIL.COM

Possibly human caused, Suspect possibly in custody, Fireworks - String of firecrackers
CHP Incident page:

Incident: 0835Type:FireLocation:SR4 AT AVERY SHEEP RANCH RDZoom Map:2497 7Hinfo as of:8/25/2007 1:15:35 PM
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
12:52PM49-20 1097 AT FOREST STATION HATHAWY PINES //SHUTTING DOWN RDWY
12:50PM1039 C/T FOR TRAF ADVISORY AND TO RESPOND
12:50PMFIRE ON BOTH SODE RDWY
12:50PMSR 4 CLOSED 49-5 OVER TIPTON HOUSE
12:50PMREQ SIG ALERT
12:44PM49-5 CLOSING SR4 IN ARNOLD AT PASSING LANE // NR TIPTON HOUSE // TURNING TRFC AROUND EB
12:42PMPER CALSO//POSS SOURCE OF FIRE BRO VAN
12:41PM1198 CDF IC AT AVERY MARKET
12:37PMADV WHERE CDF NEEDS CHP UNITS
12:36PM4-5 FIRES IN AREA / NONE IN CONTROL ATT
12:35PM49-5 FROM DORRINGTON //REQ UPDATE ON FIRE
12:22PM49-3 ENRT FRM SDS // MULTIPLE SPREADS ON FIRE // ONE NR HUNTER DAM
12:16PMSAFARI MOTOR HOME PK // BRUSH FIRE
12:15PMXFER TO CDF
RESPONDING OFFICERS STATUS
12:45PMCHP Unit On Scene
1:02PMCHP Unit On Scene

Inciweb: Vista Wildland Fire - 420 acres Percent Containment: 30%

Posted: 25 Aug 2007 02:46 PM CDT

Vista Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 6 MIN. AGO
NEWS RELEASE

Vista Fire Update - Aug. 24, 2007
Contact: Incident Information, Kernville Office Phone: (760) 376-3781 August 24, 2007 Total Acreage: 320 acres Percent Containment: 30% Injuries to Date: 0Structures Threatened: 0Committed Resources: ... more

Vista Fire Map

Vista Fire
Credit: NorCal 1

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Summary

Firefighters continue suppression efforts on the Vista fire located in the remote area of the Sequoia National Forest. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Northern California Team #1 (Swartzlander) assumed command of the fire on August 24. Residual burn out of the heavy fuels continued throughout the night. Direct attack continues to be successful.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 08/22/2007 at 1130 hrs.
Location South of Paloma Meadow
Incident Commander Kent Swartzlander

Current Situation

Total Personnel 378
Size 420 acres
Percent Contained 75%
Estimated Containment Date 08/26/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Timber,mixed conifer and some logging slash.

Fire Behavior

Minimal fire activity over night.

Significant Events

Crews continue to make good progress in all divisions.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Secure and mop up perimeter.

Projected Movement

Minimal

Growth Potential

Medium

Terrain Difficulty

Medium

Containment Target

Direct attack continues to be successful.

Remarks

Increase in acreage was due to GPS mapping.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature 51 degrees
Current Humidity 36 %

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