Wildfire News, 6/27

NIFC, NICC,WFAS ^ | 6/27/06 | Various

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Haines Index Map - Higher Haines means fire growth tends to be stronger:



Fuel Dryness:  Tells you how likely things are to burn if a fire gets started:







INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006 – 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 3



CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was moderate nationally with 258 new fires reported.  Fourteen new large fires (*) were reported, four in the Western Great Basin Area, three in the Northern California Area, two each in the Southern California and Southern Areas, and one each in the Eastern Great Basin, Rocky Mountain and Southwest Areas.  Six large fires were contained, two in the Southern California Area, and one each in the Southwest, Eastern Great Basin, Rocky Mountain, and Southern Areas.  Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. 

The National Interagency Fire Center has deployed two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) C-130 air tankers from the 145th Tactical Airlift Wing based in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Mission Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mike Luckie, the air tankers and support personnel are based in Mesa, Arizona.


SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

An Area Command Team (Loach) is assigned to manage the Reserve, Skates, and Bear fires on the Gila National Forest.

BRINS, Coconino National Forest.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Broyles) is assigned.  This fire is two miles northeast of Sedona, AZ in brush, chaparral and timber.  Evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of Oak Creek Canyon.  A section of Highway 89A remains closed to the public.  Smoldering, creeping and minimal fire growth were reported. 

BEAR PAW, Santa Fe National Forest.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Raley) is assigned.  This fire started on state land three miles northeast of Regina, NM in ponderosa pine and litter.  Numerous residences and a power line remain threatened.  The evacuation order for the community of Gallina Plaza has been lifted, and State Road 96 has been reopened.  Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering was reported.

BEAR, Gila National Forest.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Dietrich) is assigned.  This fire is 15 miles northeast of Glenwood, NM in mixed conifer.  Numerous residences, wildlife habitat and historical cabins remain threatened.  Structure protection is in place.  Crews continued to make progress with line construction.  Additional precipitation further moderated fire behavior. 

WARM, Kaibab National Forest.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reinarz) is assigned.  The fire is burning three miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ in ponderosa pine and hardwood litter.  The North Kaibab Ranger District and Highway 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are closed to the public.  Highway 89A remains open.  Grand Canyon National Park has requested their visitors to exit the North Rim via Forest Road 22.  The Jacob Lake development area, administrative sites, a historical Ranger Station, and private and public campgrounds remain threatened.  Higher relative humidity and lower temperatures moderated fire behavior.  Burn out operations continue.  

SKATES, Gila National Forest.  This fire is 12 miles northeast of Silver City, NM in timber.  The fire received some precipitation.  Minimal fire behavior was reported.  No further information was received.

RESERVE COMPLEX, Gila National Forest.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lund) is assigned.  This complex, comprised of the Wilson and Martinez fires, is located near Reserve, NM in ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, juniper and grass.  Passing thunderstorms continued to produce gusty, erratic winds. 

HOSPITAL, San Carlos Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs.  This fire is 20 miles northeast of San Carlos, AZ in grass, juniper and timber.  Cultural resources remain threatened.  Difficult access and high winds are hampering containment efforts.  Extreme fire behavior was reported.

EICKS DRAW, Socorro District, New Mexico State Forestry.  This fire is 35 miles south of Animas, NM in grass, juniper and mixed conifer.  No new information was reported.  This will be the last report unless new information is received.

ENERGEN, Farmington Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 46 miles northeast of Farmington, NM in grass, brush and pinyon pine.  Rough terrain is hampering containment efforts.  Smoldering and creeping fire with occasional single tree torching was reported. 


WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SUZIE, Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Stanich) has been ordered.  This fire is three miles northeast of Carlin, NV in grass and sagebrush.  Interstate 80 was temporarily closed but has been reopened.  Numerous residences, commercial property and other structures are threatened.  Structure protection is in place.  Steep terrain, poor visibility and high winds are hindering containment efforts.  Very active fire behavior was reported on all fronts, with running and spotting observed.  

LINEHAN, Carson City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is five miles east of Carson City, NV in grass, sagebrush and pinyon pine and juniper.  Numerous residences, critical infrastructure, commercial properties, large historical district, numerous recreation sites and trails and other structures are threatened.  Structure protection is in place.  Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are in effect.  Old abandoned mining operations, shafts and holes are a critical concern to firefighter safety.  Very active fire behavior with running and spotting was reported.  

BALLS CANYON, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Scheuerman) is assigned.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Muir) has been ordered.  This fire is 10 miles northwest of Reno, NV in timber.  Private ranches and residences remain threatened.  Smoke is affecting the landing operations of commercial aircraft into Reno.  Steep terrain continues to hamper containment efforts.  Gusty, erratic winds from passing thunderstorms contributed to increased fire behavior, with running and spotting observed.

ELBURZ 1, Nevada Division of Forestry, Northern Region.  This fire is 17 miles east of Elko, NV in grass and sagebrush.  Structures and outbuildings are threatened, and structure protection is in place.  Interstate 80 was temporarily closed.   High winds continue to hamper containment efforts.  Active fire behavior was observed.

SAGE, Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 23 miles northwest of Lovelock, NV in grass and brush.  High winds contributed to fire spread.  Short-range spotting and running fire were reported.

NORTH ANTELOPE, Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 15 miles southeast of Midas, NV in grass and sagebrush.  High winds contributed to active fire behavior.

SNEEKEE, Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 20 miles southwest of Spring Creek, NV in grass, pinyon pine and juniper.  Running fire behavior was observed.  Rough terrain and difficult access are hampering containment efforts.

SQUAW, Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 15 miles north of Gerlach, NV in grass and brush.  Difficult terrain is hampering containment efforts.  Creeping fire with some torching was observed.

EMPIRE, Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 12 miles south of Gerlach, NV in brush.  A power station and power lines remain threatened.  Gusty, erratic winds are hindering containment efforts.  Backing fire and occasional wind-driven runs were reported.

GRAYROCK, Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 12 miles northwest of Elko, NV in grass and sagebrush.  High winds and limited access due to terrain continue to make containment difficult.  Very active fire behavior with running and spotting continues. 

ECHO, Ely Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is eight miles east of Pioche, NV in grass and sagebrush.  Smoldering fire with occasional torching was observed. 

SHERWOOD, Ely Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 15 miles north of Adaven, NV in grass and sagebrush.  The community of Adaven is threatened.  Erratic winds resulted in active fire behavior with torching. 
EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

KOLOB, Zion National Park.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Brunner) is assigned.  This fire is five miles north of Virgin, UT in pinyon pine, juniper and mixed brush.  All trails in Zion National Park west of the Virgin River are closed, and the Kolob Terrace Road is closed south of Kolob Reservoir to Highway 9.  The East Rim Trail and the main entrance to Zion National Park at Springdale remain open.  Structure protection is in place for the communities of Rockville, Springdale and Virgin.  Limited access into remote areas continues to impede containment efforts.  Extreme fire behavior with spotting, torching and running was observed. 

JARVIS, Southwest Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands.  This fire is 11 miles southwest of St. George, UT in pinyon pine, juniper and mixed brush.  Commercial properties, utility infrastructure, an FAA repeater site, Joshua Tree Natural Area and desert tortoise habitat are threatened.  Burn out operations are planned.  Extreme fire behavior with spotting was reported. 

POT HOLE, Northeast Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands.  This fire is 25 miles northeast of Vernal, UT in sagebrush, grass and timber.  Steep terrain continues to impede containment efforts.  Smoldering was reported. 

LION CREEK, Manti-Lasal National Forest.  This fire is five miles northwest of Paradox, CO in ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, brush and grass.  No new information was reported.


ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

MATO VEGA, Costilla County.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Blume) is assigned.  This fire is 12 miles northeast of Fort Garland, CO in timber, logging slash and grass.  Numerous residences remain threatened.  Inaccessible terrain has required the activation of spike camp operations.  Severe thunderstorm activity occurred over the incident with isolated precipitation.  Minimal fire behavior due to precipitation was reported. 

LITTLE VENUS, Shoshone National Forest.  A Fire Use Management Team (Weldon) is assigned.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  This fire is burning 30 miles west of Meeteetse, WY in timber.  Structure protection for Venus cabin continues.  Moderate fire behavior with backing, isolated torching and short runs was reported.

FOUR MILE, Little Snake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is ten miles south of Baggs, WY in grass, sagebrush and cottonwood.  Two residences and a power line are threatened.  Colorado State Highway 13 is closed.  Active fire behavior was reported.  



NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

OBSERVATION COMPLEX, Northern California Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Kaage) has been ordered.  This fire is 30 miles northeast of Susanville, CA in grass, sagebrush and juniper.  Wildlife habitat and range areas are threatened.  High winds and limited access due to terrain are making containment difficult.  Very active fire behavior on all flanks was reported. 

1-9, California Department of Forestry, Lassen-Modoc Unit.  This fire is located on the south edge of Susanville, CA in timber, grass and sagebrush.  Several residences and commercial properties are reported threatened.  Evacuations of several residences have occurred.  High winds are making containment difficult.  Active fire behavior was reported. 

BOULDER COMPLEX, Plumas National Forest.  This fire is eight miles southwest of Susanville, CA in timber.  Private residences and summer cabins are threatened.  Antelope Lake recreation area and campground have been evacuated.  Extreme fire behavior with torching and long-range spotting was reported. 




SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

GOODALE, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), San Bernardino Unit.  This fire is 11 miles north of Independence, CA in chaparral.  A mandatory evacuation order of Goodale Campground and a voluntary evacuation order of Aberdeen have been issued.  Numerous residences and a power plant are threatened.  Limited access due to difficult terrain is hampering containment efforts.  Very active fire behavior was reported. 
LPF - Los Padres National Forest,          TUU - Tulare Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection


ALASKA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

PARKS HWY, Fairbanks Area Forestry, Alaska Division of Forestry.  This fire is one mile southeast of Nenana, AK in black spruce, tundra and grass.  Numerous residences, native allotments, recreational cabins, commercial property and utility infrastructure remain threatened.  Smoldering and creeping were reported.  Precipitation and higher relative humidity moderated fire behavior.


SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SCOTTS FERRY, Florida Division of Forestry.  This fire is 20 miles northeast of Panama City, FL in southern rough.  Creeping was reported.

LAKE  WIMICO, Florida Division of Forestry.  This fire is in Calhoun County, FL in southern rough and timber.  Access is difficult due to hurricane blowdown.  Moderate fire behavior was reported.

LANDING COMMAND, Florida Division of Forestry.  This fire is in Franklin County, FL in southern rough and timber.  Mop-up and line fortification is progressing.  Moderate fire behavior was reported. 

OUTLOOK:

Red Flag Warning:   Portions of western and southern Utah and across northern and most of central and east-central Nevada for dry lightning.  For dry lightning in the northern Sierras and east to the Nevada border.

Fire Weather Watches:   Portion of Western Colorado, southwest Idaho, and northern California for dry lightning.

Weather Discussion:   A large high pressure ridge will continue to bring very warm temperatures to the West today.  Thunderstorms will develop across much of the West with drier storms over the Great Basin, northern Arizona, western Colorado, and southwest Wyoming.  In Alaska, a warming and drying trend will move from west to east across the state with thunderstorms possible in the interior.   

  
   

*** NATIONAL INTERAGENCY COORDINATION CENTER ***


http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.rtf

[Knitting A Conundrum]

It was a huge fire day in acres burned yesterday. When they filed the materials that make up the NICC report, they had burned over 43,000 acres in Utah and 70,000 acres in Nevada.

258 firestarts with 120,671 burned for the grand total.

There were more, but they missed the deadline. Hottest spots seem to be the Sierra Front (near Reno, NV) and near Elko Nevada.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I'm getting the posts up, and still haven't gotten really good updates on the hottest spots, but I am looking.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

(AP) Hot, windy weather hampered fire crews Monday as they battled wildfires caused by lightning that had charred thousands of acres across northern Nevada, forcing interstate closures and threatening a small ranching community.

Firefighters also were battling blazes that had led to evacuations in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.

Two Nevada brush fires that temporarily shut down portions of one highway about 290 miles east of Rena, near the town of Elko, on Sunday night, continued to burn out of control Monday, said Bureau of Land Management spokesman Mike Brown.

A 5,000-acre fire threatened the remote ranching community of Elburz, located east of Elko. A 10,000-acre blaze near the mining town of Carlin, west of Elko, had threatened a state fire academy Sunday night.

"It's just a giant tinderbox," Brown said, adding that dry lightning storms were forecast again Monday.

Elsewhere, a 2,300-acre wildfire in northern New Mexico, west of Gallina, forced residents of three small communities to flee their homes.

Thunderstorms helped fire crews in southern New Mexico make progress on a nearly 51,000-acre fire burning in the Gila National Forest. Investigators blamed that blaze on a campfire and offered a $5,000 reward for information.

Arizona fire officials said crews made progress over the weekend trying to control the 4,200-acre wildfire just north of the scenic community of Sedona.

People from about 75 homes and four resorts on the fire's northern flank were allowed to return Saturday, but hundreds of other residents remained evacuated. Crews expected to contain the fire by Wednesday evening.

In southern Colorado, all evacuation orders were lifted Sunday for about 300 homes near an almost 14,000-acre wildfire as firefighters got help from cooler, more humid weather.

As of Monday, wildfires around the United States had blackened 3.3 million acres this year, compared to 1.1 million acres at this same time in 2005, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. The agency, based in Boise, Idaho, said fires were active in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/26/national/main1750559.shtml

[Knitting A Conundrum]

By SCOTT SONNER | Associated Press
June 27, 2006

RENO, Nev. (AP) - More than 1,000 firefighters were battling a series of lightning-sparked fires that had burned more than 50,000 acres across northern Nevada by Monday night, forcing evacuations, closing sections of two major highways and scorching part of the training grounds at a state fire academy.

In Arizona, meanwhile, a wildfire north of Grand Canyon National Park jumped the only paved highway leading to the canyon's remote North Rim, closing the road and marooning hundreds of tourists. The tourists were not in any danger, park officials said as the fire burned 30 miles from the park. Some of the tourists were escorted out of the park Monday night on a dirt road.

Already hampered by dry conditions, high temperatures and erratic winds, fire crews in Nevada scrambled to respond to more than a half dozen new fires around the Reno and Carson City area after another round of thunderstorms packing lightning rolled through the area.

More than two dozen fires raged from the heavily timbered western front of the Sierra Nevada near Reno to the sage- and grass-filled rangeland near Elko 300 miles to the east.

"We've got almost all of northeastern Nevada's fire-fighting resources on fires right now," said Gina Dingman, acting manager of the Elko Interagency Dispatch Center.

Evacuations were ordered in two rural communities near Elko and flames burned within one-quarter mile of homes about 15 miles northwest of Reno, but no injuries were reported and no homes were immediately threatened.

The biggest fire Monday afternoon surpassed 40,000 acres about 20 miles west of Elko near Carlin, where the University of Nevada Fire Science Academy is located along Interstate 80.

Flames burned 350 acres of the training grounds on the 426-acre campus and came within several hundred yards of the main academy building, said Denise Baclawski, the academy's executive director.

"We do a lot of real-life fire training but we never expected this," Baclawski said. "All night long we had staff members work to protect the facility."

Two sections of the interstate that were closed Sunday night due to fires were reopened Monday morning, but the Nevada Highway Patrol closed nearly the entire 20 mile stretch from Carlin to Elko again for several hours Monday afternoon before it reopened later in the day.

Fires also temporarily closed part of U.S. Highway 50 east of Carson City, where two new brush fires were burning over about 1,500 acres. Some residents were asked to leave their neighborhoods in the Mound House area, where as many as 300 homes and 50 commercial properties were threatened.

"We're actually waiting at the door to leave," said Bunny Love, an employee at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, a legal brothel in Mound House. "The girls all have their bags packed."

Northwest of Reno, a wildfire in the Sierra just across the California line tripled in size overnight to 1,500 acres on Monday, but it was estimated to be 50 percent contained late Monday night and some of the 250 firefighters assigned there were being transferred elsewhere.

But the new round of storms set off a series of fires in the rural valleys on the outskirts of northern Reno, where some residents were evacuating voluntarily and 120 firefighters were on the job.

Further north on U.S. Highway 395 near Susanville, Calif., an 800-acre fire forced temporary evacuations of dozens of residents but most were returning to their homes Monday night.

The Arizona fire had burned 58,300 acres of the Kaibab National Forest, 30 miles north of Grand Canyon National Park. Seventy-seven vehicles carrying stranded tourists were escorted out of Grand Canyon National Park on a dirt road.

An estimated 200 of the 950 stranded people drove for two hours on a forest road from Grand Canyon National Park to Fredonia, said park spokeswoman Maureen Oltrogge.

Crews planned to evaluate conditions Tuesday morning to determine whether it was safe to escort out the remaining people.

Near Sedona, Ariz., fire officials predicted containment Wednesday of a 4,200-acre fire that commanded attention last week. It was allocated a top priority in firefighting resources, despite its relatively small size, because of what was at stake, officials said _ the spectacular Oak Creek Canyon area, dotted with hundred of homes and resorts.

"There's bigger fires out there, but probably not with the potential for the economic damage that this one had," said Steve Raddatz, a member of the fire management team.

Elsewhere, crews continued to battle a 3,200-acre blaze burning a mile west of the northern New Mexico town of Gallina.

"Fire behavior today seems a lot less extreme; the winds are less erratic," fire information officer Miles Standish said Monday. "I think they're probably getting some good work done."

Earlier estimates put the Bear Paw Fire at 2,300 acres, but more accurate mapping showed it to be larger than first believed. Thunderstorms on Sunday brought wind that whipped the fire along, but it was followed by rain that dampened the fire's movement.

As of Monday, wildfires around the United States had blackened 3.3 million acres this year, compared to 1.2 million acres on average at this point in the fire season, the National Interagency Fire Center reported. However, much of this year's acreage resulted from huge grass fires in Texas and Oklahoma this spring, not from forest fires.

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/45592.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Rocky Mountain Area Predictive Services

Southwest Monsoon Update

June 26, 2006

Current Situation/Short Term Forecast:

In the short-mid term a north-northwest flow dominates the RMA from Monday June 26^th  through the Wednesday June 28^th. This pattern keeps the monsoon moisture plume well south of the region (Figure 1). During this period a low level upslope flow combined with passing upper disturbances results in isolated to widely scattered mainly wet thunderstorms in the southern Front Range into the south-central Colorado mountains, with isolated to widely scattered dry thunderstorms in western sections of Colorado and Wyoming.

Figure 1.  GFS 500 mb pressure pattern (~18,000 ft msl) Monday 6/26/06, and 500 mb wind (red barb)

 

Outlook:

As high pressure migrates into western sections of Colorado and Wyoming on Thursday (June 29^th) through Monday (July 3^rd) expect warmer weather across the RMA, along with a continued trend of isolated to widely scattered mixed wet/dry thunderstorms. By Tuesday July 4^th through the remainder of the week, monsoon moisture is forecast to work its way into south-central to southwest Colorado initially (Figure 2), with dry lightning on the fringe of the moisture in west-northwest Colorado into western Wyoming. Other than some lingering dry thunderstorms in central/eastern Wyoming into western South Dakota on Wednesday (July 5^th), forecast charts show a trend of spreading the monsoon moisture and associated beneficial rains northward and eastward across most of Colorado, Wyoming, and western South Dakota during the period Wednesday (July 5^th) through Sunday (July 9^th). This outlook will be updated the week of July 2^nd, but could be earlier if significant changes occur in this forecast pattern.

Figure 2.  GFS 500 MB pressure pattern (~18,000 ft msl) Tuesday 7/4/06, and 500 mb wind (blue barb)

 

http://www.blm.gov/colorado/rmafwx/southwestmonsoon.htm

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Reno Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for northwest Nevada this afternoon and evening for thunderstorms producing strong outflows and isolated dry lightning. Elko Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning from 1 pm to 9 pm PDT today in zones 451, 452, 454, 455, and 457 for dry thunderstorms.
http://gacc.nifc.gov/wgbc/information/newsandnotes.htm

Expires 7:00 PM EDT on June 27, 2006

Statement as of 4:10 AM PDT on June 27, 2006

... Red flag warning remains in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to
10 PM PDT this evening for thunderstorms with strong outflows and
isolated dry lightning...

A red flag warning remains in effect from 1 PM this afternoon to
10 PM PDT this evening.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop again on Tuesday
afternoon across northeast California and northwest Nevada. While
most storms will be wet... there will still be some lightning
strikes outside the rainfall. These strikes will continue to have
the potential to start fires due to the recent hot and dry
conditions. In addition... the storms will also produce outflow
wind gusts in excess of 40 mph at times which would allow new or
existing fires to spread rapidly.

The combination of these factors will create critical fire
weather conditions on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Fire crews
and officials should keep a close watch on weather conditions and
ensure safe escape routes are available as thunderstorms develop.

http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/003.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

This morning's severe weather map. The orange places are fire weather, red flag or fire weather watch. http://www.wunderground.com/severe.asp

[george76]

Military Aircraft Activated for Firefighting Support

http://www.nifc.gov/docs/MAFFS6-24.pdf

[Knitting A Conundrum]

June 27, 2006

Initial attack activity was moderate throughout the nation with 258 new fires reported. Fourteen new large fires were reported: five in California, one in Colorado, two in Florida, one in Idaho, four in Nevada, and one in New Mexico. Six large fires were contained: two in California and one each in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Idaho.

Two military C-130s equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) from Charlotte, North Carolina are currently based in Mesa, Arizona, Arizona to support initial attack firefighting activity across the southwest.

Red Flag Warnings: Dry lightning in western and southern Utah and across northern and most of central and east-central Nevada. Also for dry lightning in the northern Sierras and east to the Nevada border.

Fire Weather Watches: Dry lightning in western Colorado, southwest Idaho, and northern California.

Weather Discussion: A high pressure will continue to bring very warm temperatures to the western states today. Thunderstorms are expected across much of the western states with drier states over the Great Basin, northern Arizona, western Colorado, and southwest Wyoming. A warming and drying trend will move from west to east across Alaska with the possibility of thunderstorms.

.

Daily Statistics 6/27/06
Number of new large fires	14				States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires	35				Alaska (1) Arizona (3) California (4) Colorado (2) Florida (3) Nevada (12) New Mexico (6) Utah (4) Wyoming (1) Note: Includes WFU fires
Acres from active fires	412,355
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires	1
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres	222
Fires contained on 6/26/06	6
Year-to-date large fires contained	579
Year-to-date Statistics
2006 (1/1/06 - 6/27/06)			Fires: 55,952		Acres: 3,512,652
2005 (1/1/05 - 6/27/05)			Fires: 29,059		Acres: 1,537,981
2004 (1/1/04 - 6/27/04)			Fires: 37,192		Acres: 1,083,205
2003 (1/1/03 - 6/27/03)			Fires: 26,512		Acres: 703,975
2002 (1/1/02 - 6/27/02)			Fires: 44,165		Acres: 2,614,338
2001 (1/1/01 - 6/27/01)			Fires: 40,481		Acres: 1,030,196
2000 (1/1/00 - 6/27/00)			Fires: 48,232		Acres: 1,344,133
10-Year Average
2001 - 2006				Fires: 40,166	Acres: 1,306,662

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center

Current Wildland Fires
Alaska	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 110,100	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Parks Highway (Fairbanks Area Forestry, Alaska Division of Forestry): 110,100 acres at 60 percent contained.This fire is one mile southeast of Nenana in black spruce, tundra and grass. Numerous residences, native allotments, recreational cabins, commercial property and utility infrastructure remain threatened. Smoldering and creeping fire behavior was reported. Fire behavior was moderated due to precipitation and higher humidity. Information: Visit the Parks Highway fire information web site.
Arizona	Number of fires: 3	Acres: 64,217	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
	WFU Fires: 0	WFU Acres: 0	WFU New Fires: 0
Brins (Coconino National Forest): 4,317 acres at 65 percent contained. This fire is two miles northeast of Sedona in timber. Evacuation orders for some Oak Creek Canyon residences remain in effect and a section of Highway 89 remains closed to the public. Fire behavior included smoldering and creeping with minimal fire growth. Information: Call 928-204-6750, 928-203-9650, or 928-203-7732, or visit Inciweb or the 2-1-1 Online web site. For information related to the Coconino National Forest including fire restrictions/closures and for residential evacuee information, please call the Coconino National Forest Information Center at 928-226-4601. For evacuation-related concerns, please call the Coconino County Sheriff's Office at 928-774-4523.
Hospital (San Carlos Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 1,600 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 20 miles northeast of San Carlos. Cultural resources remain threatened. Extreme fire behavior continued. Difficult access to the fire and high winds are hampering containment efforts. Information: Visit the Incident Information web site.
Warm (Kaibab National Forest): 58,300 acres at five percent contained. This fire is three miles south of Jacob Lake. The North Kaibab Ranger District and Highway 67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are closed to the public while Highway 89A remains open. Grand Canyon National Park requested their visitors to exit the North Rim by Forest Road 22. The Jacob Lake development area, administrative sites, a historical Ranger Station, and private and public campgrounds remain threatened. Fire behavior was moderated due to higher humidity and lower temperatures. Firefighters continue burn out operations. Information: Visit the Incident Information web site.
Beaverhead (Ashley National Forest): The fire was contained at 1,497 acres.
California	Number of fires: 4	Acres: 4,000	New fires: 5	Fires contained: 2
NEW Observation Complex (Northern California Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management): 700 acres at 10 percent contained. This complex is 30 miles northeast of Susanville. A wildlife habitat and range areas are currently threatened. High winds and limited access due to terrain are making containment efforts difficult. Very active fire behavior was reported on all flanks of the fire. Information: Visit the
NEW 1-9 (California Department of Forestry, Lassen-Modoc Unit): 100 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is located on the south edge of Susanville. Residences and commercial properties are threatened. Several residences were evacuated. Containment efforts are hampered due to high winds. Active fire behavior was reported. Information: Visit the
NEW Boulder Complex (Plumas National Forest): 200 acres at 10 percent contained. This complex is eight miles southwest of Susanville. Private residences and summer cabins are threatened. The Antelope Lake recreation area and campground were evacuated. Extreme fire behavior including torching and long range spotting was reported. Information: Visit the
NEW Goodale (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), San Bernardino Unit): 3,000 acres at five percent contained. This fire is 11 miles north of Independence. A mandatory evacuation for Goodale Campground and a voluntary evacuation for Aberdeen were issued. Residences and a power plant are currently threatened. Containment efforts are hampered due to limited access and difficult terrain. Very active fire behavior was reported. Information: Visit the
NEW W Inc (Tulare Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection): The fire was contained at 500 acres.
Perkins Complex (Los Padres National Forest): The complex was contained at 15,043 acres.
Colorado	Number of fires: 2	Acres: 14,080	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 1
Coolbroth (Rio Grande National Forest): The fire was contained at 250 acres. Information: Visit the Incident Information web site.
Mato Vega (Costilla County): 13,780 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 12 miles northeast of Fort Garland in pinyon pine, juniper and grass. Numerous residences remain threatened. Severe thunderstorm activity occured over the fire bringing precipitation which minimized the fire behavior. Information: Call 719-379-3782 or 719-379-3783 or visit the Incident Information web site.
NEW Four Mile (Little Snake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 222 acres at an unknown percent contained. This fire is burning 10 miles south of Baggs. Two residences and a power line are threatened and Colorado State Highway 13 is closed. Active fire behavior was reported. Information: Call 719-379-3782 or 719-379-3783 or visit the Incident Information web site.
Florida	Number of fires: 3	Acres: 1,125	New fires: 2	Fires contained: 1
Deerfly (Florida Division of Forestry): The fire was contained at 16,000 acres. Information: Visit the incident web site.
Scotts Ferry (Florida Division of Forestry): 550 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 20 miles northeast of Panama City. Creeping fire behavior was reported. Information: Visit the incident web site.
NEW Lake Wimico (Florida Division of Forestry): 250 acres at 50 percent contained. This fire is is Calhoun County. Access to the fire is difficult due to hurricane blowdown. Moderate fire activity was reported. Information: Visit the incident web site.
NEW Landing Command (Florida Division of Forestry): 325 acres at 90 percent contained. This fire is located in Franklin County. Firefighters are performing mop-up and fireline construction. Moderate fire activity was reported. Information: Visit the incident web site.
Idaho	Number of fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 1
NEW Marthas Mud (Boise District, Bureau of Land Management): The fire was contained at 4,077 acres.
Nevada	Number of fires: 12	Acres: 77,549	New fires: 4	Fires contained: 0
Suzie (Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 40,000 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is three miles northeast of Carlin. Residences, commercial property, and other structures are threatened. Structure protection is in place. Steep terrain, poor visibility, and high winds are hampering containment efforts. The fire continued to be very active on all fronts. Information: Call 775-748-4141.
NEW Linehan (Carson City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 1,500 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is five miles east of Carson City. Residences, critical infrastructure, commercial properties, a large historical district, recreation sites, trails, and other structures are currently threatened. Structure protection is in place. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are in effect. Old abandoned mining operations, shafts, and holes are a critical concern to firefighter safety. Very active fire behavior was reported. Information: Visit the incident website.
Balls Canyon (Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest): 1,500 acres at 50 percent contained. This fire is located 10 miles northwest of Reno. Private ranches and residences are currently threatened. Smoke is currently affecting landing procedures at the Reno airport. Passing thunderstorms caused gusty, erratic winds which increased fire behavior. The fire is estimated to reach containment tomorrow. Information: Visit the incident website.
Elburz 1 (Nevada Division of Forestry, Northern Region): 9,631 acres at 20 percent contained. This fire is 17 miles east of Elko. Structures and buildings are threatened. High winds are hampering containment efforts and cause active fire behavior. Information: Call 775-748-4141.
NEW Sage (Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 12,000 acres at 15 percent contained. This fire is three miles northeast of Carlin. Fire spread was caused by high winds. Short range spotting and running fire were also reported. Information: Call Jamie Thompsen at 775-623-4575 or 775-304-1038.
NEW North Antelope (Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 2,000 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is located 15 miles southeast of Midas. Active fire behavior was caused by high winds. Information: Call Jamie Thompsen at 775-623-4575 or 775-304-1038.
NEW Sneekee (Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 1,500 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 20 miles southwest of Spring Creek. Running fire behavior was reported. Rough terrain and difficult access are hampering containment efforts. Information: Call Jamie Thompsen at 775-623-4575 or 775-304-1038.
Squaw (Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 2,095 acres at 95 percent contained. This fire is located 15 miles north of Gerlach. Creeping and smoldering fire was reported. Information: Call Jamie Thompsen at 775-623-4575 or 775-304-1038.
Empire (Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 2,700 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 12 miles south of Gerlach. A power station and power lines are currently threatened. Active fire behavior was reported while gusty and erratic winds are hampering containment efforts. Information: Visit the incident website or call Jamie Thompsen at 775-623-4575 or 775-304-1038.
Grayrock (Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 253 acres at 80 percent contained. The fire is located 12 miles northwest of Elko. High winds and limited access to the fire are hampering containemt efforts. Very active fire behavior was reported. Information: Call 775-748-4141.
Echo (Ely Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 870 acres at 70 percent contained. The fire is eigth miles east of Pioche. Smoldering fire behavior was reported. The fire is estimated to reach containment today.
Sherwood (Ely Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 3,500 acres at 40 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles north of Adaven. The community of Adaven is currently threatened. Active fire behavior was reported due to erratic winds.
New Mexico	Number of fires: 6	Acres: 86,387	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 0
Bear Paw (Santa Fe National Forest): 3,200 acres at 60 percent contained. This fire started on state land two and a half miles northeast of Regina in ponderosa pine and litter. Residences and power lines remain threatened. The evacuations for the community of Gallina Plaza was lifted and State Road 96 was reopened. Moderate fire activity was reported. Information: Call 505-388-8245 or visit the Incident Information web site.
Bear (Gila National Forest): 51,307 acres at 71 percent contained. This fire is 17 miles northeast of Glenwood in mixed conifer. Numerous residences, wildlife habitat and historical cabins remain threatened. Firefighters continued to make fireline progress. Precipitation continued to moderate fire behavior. Information: Call 505-388-8245 or visit the Incident Information web site.
Eicks Draw (Socorro District, New Mexico State Forestry): 5,760 at 85 percent contained. This fire is 35 miles south of Animas in grass, juniper and mixed conifer. No new information was reported. This will be the last report unless new information is reported. Information: Visit the New Mexico fire information web site.
Reserve Complex (Gila National Forest): 15,436 acres at 97 percent contained. This complex, consisting of the Wilson and Martinez fires, is near Reserve in ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, juniper and grass. Thunderstorms continued to produce gusty, erratic winds. Information: Call 505-388-8245 or visit the Incident Information web site.
NEW Energen (Farmington Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 102 acres at 60 percent contained. This fire is located 46 miles northeast of Farmington. Rough terrain is hampering containment efforts. Smoldering and creeping fire behavior was reported. The fire is estimated to reach containment today.
Skates (Gila National Forest): 12,582 acres at 97 percent contained. This fire is located 12 miles northeast of Silver City. Minimal fire behavior was reported. Information: Call 505-388-8245, 1-877-971-FIRE (3473), or visit the Incident Information web site.
Utah	Number of fires: 4	Acres: 52,897	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Kolob (Zion National Park): 17,000 at 10 percent contained. The fire is burning five miles north of Virgin. All trails in Zion National Park west of the Virgin River are closed as well as the Kolob Terrace Road south of Kolob Reservoir to Highway 9. The East Rim Trail and the main entrance to Zion National Park at Springdale remain open. Structure protection is in place for the communities of Rockville, Springdale, and Virgin. Extreme fire behavior with spotting, torching, and running was reported. Information: Call 435-590-5388, 435-865-4657 or visit http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/.
Jarvis (Southwest Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands): 33,000 at 20 percent contained. The fire is 11 miles southwest of George. Commercial properties, utility infrastructure, an FAA repeater site, Joshua Tree Natural Area, and a desert tortoise habitat are threatened. Firefighters are planning to conduct burn out operations. Information: Visit the incident information website.
Pot Hole (Northeast Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands): 1,398 at 90 percent contained. Steep terrain is impeding containment efforts. Smoldering fire behavior was reported. Information: Visit the incident information website.
Lion Creek (Manti-Lasal National Forest): 1,499 acres at 95 percent contained. This fire is burning five miles northwest of Paradox. No further information was reported. Information: Call 970-859-7314 or visit the Incident web site.
Wyoming	Number of fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
	WFU Fires: 1	WFU Acres: 222	WFU New Fires: 0
Little Venus (Shoeshone National Forest): 222 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is burning 30 miles west of Meeteetse in timber. Structure protection is in place for Venus cabins. Moderate fire activity was reported. Information: Call 406-660-2347 or visit the Incident website.

This report will be updated daily.
For another source of daily national wildland fire information see the National Interagency Coordination Center.

Additional wildland fire-related information is available from the following sites: 

• Wildland Fire Maps (NIFC)
• Wildland Fire Statistics (NIFC)
• Fire Weather from the National Weather Service
• The Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) map provides links to all GACCS for regional fire information.
• National Incident Management Situation Report provides daily updates on large fires reported to the National Interagency Coordination Center.
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection web site
• Florida Department of Forestry web site

  |   |  National Interagency Coordination Center  |    |  Prevention & Education  |    |    |    | 

[Knitting A Conundrum]

That's always a sign that there is a lot going on. I was truly surprised they didn't up the Preparedness Level to 4 this morning. Have to see what today brings. We are very, very close to the requirements.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

It looks like the monsoons are coming in on schedule this year...

[george76]

Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center

Current Fire Information (6/27/06, 0855 hours)

Information on wildfire starts in the region:

A staging area is being set up at a dirt clearing on Hytech Drive (off Arrowhead Drive at the intersection of Hwy 50 and Arrowhead) starting 0900 for the media. Shots of the current air attack are available on site.

Within the Sierra Front response area, at least 16 fires have been reported since the recent thunderstorm activity passed through the area.

A Red Flag warning has been issued for the Linehan Complex fire from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm today for dry lightning, low humidity, high temperatures and erratic winds.


A Type III Incident Management team will take over management of the fire this morning, at 0700 hours.

The Command Post is located at Carson City High School, on Saliman Road in Carson City.

All available ground and air resources are being dispatched as they become available.

http://www.sierrafront.net/news%20releases.htm

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I saw on the dispatch log that there was going to be something at that school. They are talking about making a complex out of all the little fires. Last I heard there were 50 of them, although I suspect some have been caught since they said that.

here's a story from a Reno TV station that runs down some of them:

A lightning storm started about two dozen fires in Northern Nevada Monday. About 1,000 firefighters are fighting wildfires in Nevada and the Susanville area. Firefighting authorities will meet in Carson City this morning to establish a central command over all the fires, which will be known collectively as the Sierra-Tahoe Complex Fires.

Linehan Complex Fire: Authorities say two fires are burning together near the community of Mound House, just east of Carson City. The fires had burned about 1,500 acres by Monday night, but the acre jumped to 6,000 by Tuesday morning. The fire also jumped U.S. Highway 50. Authorities had closed the highway from Arrowhead Drive to SR 341 (Geiger Grade) for several hours, but it reopened before 11:00 p.m. Monday. Sierra Front Interagency Fire Dispatch says voluntary evacuations are in place near Linehan Road. About 150 to 300 homes and businesses are threatened. Dayton High School is being used as an evacuation center. Domestic animals and livestock can be taken to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. For more information residents should call (775) 246-6209. 300 firefighters, 60 fire engines, and 4 water tenders are fighting this fire.

Cheney Fire: The Cheney fire burned about 640 acres near Susanville Monday night. Residents in the Marino Manor housing complex were evacuated as a precaution. As of Monday at 11:00 p.m., many residents were allowed to return home, though 10 to 20 homes were still evacuated. Crews were working overnight to restore power to residents.

Iron Mountain Fire: There are two fires burning northwest of Stagecoach. The Iron Mountain fire is 100 acres and the Copper Fire is 25 acres. There are reports the fire has jumped Highway 50. Residents near the fire lines are urged to be prepared for evacuations.

Palomino Valley Fire: The Reno Fire Department says the Palomino Valley Fire consists of three fires. The fires are burning in the Calle de La Plata area in Palomino Valley, including Crazy Horse Road. The fire is about 1,500 to 2,000 acres and as of Monday night there were no estimates on containment. Fire officials say there are homes in the area. About 50 firefighters are having a difficult time fighting this fire because of strong winds.

Oregon Fire: The Oregon Fire is burning north of Lemmon Valley near Oregon Boulevard and Matterhorn Boulevard. As of Monday at 11:00 p.m. the fire was 70% contained and had burned 60 acres. Overnight, Reno Firefighters were working hot spots and single tree torching within the interior of the fire. Earlier Monday evening firefighters were able to diminish the threat to homes by taking advantage of the shift in winds. Three single-engine air tankers (SEATS) were pulled off the fire because of gusty winds. Approximately 120 firefighters are fighting this fire.

Balls Canyon Fire: The Balls Canyon Fire, north of Reno near Bordertown, started Sunday night. Fire officials say the fire grew 400 acres on Monday to 1,500 acres. The fire is 60% contained, and fire officials hope to have it contained by Wednesday night. Overnight on Monday firefighters were back burning brush and trees to prevent the fire from spreading. A Chinook helicopter dropped water on the fire on Monday. About 250 fire personal are fighting the Balls Canyon Fire.

Squaw Creek Reservoir Fire: The Squaw Creek Reservoir Fire is burning north of Gerlach. Fire officials say it's 1,500 acres.

Olinghouse Fire: The Olinghouse Fire in Storey County is contained. The fire burned 6,800 acres near the Wal-Mart Distribution center. The fire started on Friday. Firefighters were responding to smaller fires in the area on Monday. No structures were threatened.

Eagle Pitcher Fire: This fire is burning near I-80 at Patrick, not far from the Olinghouse Fire burn area. About 50 acres have burned so far.

Elko Fires: The Suzie Fire is 40,000 acres about 10 miles northwest of Elko. This fire is 10% contained. The Elburz Fire, 10 miles northeast of Elko, is 9,600 acres and 20% contained. A third fire, the Grayrock Fire, is about 250 acres 12 miles northwest of Elko.

Stay with News 4 and KRNV.com throughout the day and evening for continuing updates on the fires burning around our region.

http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5081848

[Knitting A Conundrum]

RENO, Nev., June 27, 2006 - Officials in Nevada thought they had the upper hand on wildfires — that is until lighting bolts sparked a half-dozen new ones.
Now there are at least two dozen to worry about in Nevada. On Monday, fires threatened as many as 300 evacuations.

Firefighters are hampered by hot weather and storms. As many as 300 homes and businesses were threatened Monday by a pair of brush fires near Carson City. Other fires in the state burned most of the training grounds at a state fire academy, and forced the temporary closure of Interstate 80 near Elko for a second day in a row.

In northern Arizona, authorities used a dirt road to evacuate tourists who were stranded at the Grand Canyon's North Rim by a wildfire that jumped the only paved road to the remote area. Hundreds of others remain stranded.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=nation_world&id=4310615

[george76]

50 new little fires !

That will keep some group busy.

I hope that the 50 little fires do not merge into 10 big fires.

[forsnax5]

It looks like the monsoons are coming in on schedule this year...

A mixed blessing. We need the moisture badly, but we don't need the lightning, and the afternoon thunderstorms in SW Colorado tend to have lots of lightning. :(

Please add me to your ping list. Thanks...

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Got ya added.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Something to look at as the day goes on: Lightning strike weather maps. (we don't get access to the really good ones, cause they are proprietary, but we do get access to some...) http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/severeusnational/uslightningstrikes_large.html https://thunderstorm.vaisala.com/tux/jsp/explorer/explorer.jsp http://wwwa.accuweather.com/severe/severe-maps.asp?type=lightning&partner=&zipcode=

[Knitting A Conundrum]

http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/severeusnational/uslightningstrikes_large.html https://thunderstorm.vaisala.com/tux/jsp/explorer/explorer.jsp http://wwwa.accuweather.com/severe/severe-maps.asp?type=lightning&partner=&zipcode=

[Knitting A Conundrum]

This was the fire I could see from my house last night:

Wildfire Threatens Homes On Ogden’s East Bench (KUTV) OGDEN A wildfire in Weber County burned dangerously close to homes on Ogden’s East Bench overnight forcing some residents from their homes. Crews say the fire started around 10:30 Monday night in the foothills near 1000 North Mountain Road. About 60 firefighters battled the blaze that burned within 10 to 20 yards from nearby homes. Four to five homes in the Avalon Hills subdivision were evacuated as the wind swept flames quickly spread. As of daylight, the fire is 50 percent contained and neighbors credit firefighters with saving their homes. “They did a great job. They got it out real quick,” said one homeowner. Witnesses report that kids may have started a campfire that grew out of control but officials have not confirmed the cause of the fire. Crews expect to get full containment of the fire within the next day.

http://kutv.com/topstories/local_story_178074902.html