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Wildfire News 7/15/06: Sawtooth, Canyon, Pine Ridge, and more
NICC, NIFC, WFAS, FS ^ | 7/15/06 | Various

Posted on 07/15/2006 8:33:30 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum

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fire danger map


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

Haiines index

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

ten hour fuels
100 hour fuels

thousand hour fuels


INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2006 – 0800 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 3


CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was moderate nationally with 201 new fires reported.  Nine new large fires (*) were reported, three in the Northern Rockies Area, two in the Rocky Mountain Area and one each in the Southern California, Eastern Great Basin, Western Great Basin and Southern Areas. Four large fires were contained, two in the Rocky Mountain Area and one each in the Northern Rockies and Eastern Great Basin Areas.  Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.


NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

PINE RIDGE COMPLEX, Southern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. This complex, comprised of five fires, is 30 miles east of Billings, MT in sagebrush and agricultural fields.  Evacuations are in effect. Numerous residences, ranches, rangeland, agricultural crops, timber, powerlines, petroleum pipelines and a rest area are threatened.  Extreme fire behavior with running and spotting was reported.

WATT DRAW, Miles City District, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) has been ordered. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ashland, MT in grass, timber and sagebrush. Three residences, outbuildings, and grazing allotments remain threatened. Extreme fire behavior with isolated torching, running, and spotting was observed. 

KING MOUNTAIN, Miles City District, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned.  This fire is five miles south of Ashland, MT in grass and understory.  Difficult terrain is hampering containment.  Isolated torching and running were reported.

SAGE, North Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is 2 miles northwest of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory.  Minimal fire behavior was reported.

BUNDY RAILROAD, Billings District, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (McNitt) is assigned.  This fire is eight miles northeast of Warden, MT in timber, grass and sagebrush.  Structures remain threatened and evacuations remain in effect.  Very active fire behavior with runs to the north and northeast were observed.

HORTON-HAY, Eastern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) is assigned. This fire is 35 miles southwest of Miles City, MT in ponderosa pine, grass and sagebrush.  Spotting and running were reported.

IRON JAW, Eastern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) is assigned. This fire is 15 miles southwest of Miles City, MT in timber and grass.  No further information was received.

SHANE RIDGE, Southern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Heintz) is assigned.  A transfer of command back to the local unit will occur today.  This fire is 10 miles southeast of Columbus, MT in timber, grass and understory.  Minimal fire behavior was observed.

SPRING CREEK, Eastern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) will assume command today.  This fire is 27 miles southwest of Miles City, MT.  No further information was received.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SAWTOOTH COMPLEX, San Bernardino Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).  A Unified Command has been established between a CDF Type 1 Incident Command Team (Henson) and the Forest Service.  This complex, comprised of the Sawtooth, Waters, and Ridge fires, is two miles east of Yucca Valley, CA, in chaparral. This complex has merged with the Millard Complex. Repair of Burns Canyon road will aid in access. Numerous residences remain threatened.  A portion of the fire has burned into the San Bernardino National Forest.  Weather and steep, rocky terrain continue to impede containment efforts.  Extreme fire behavior in the Mission and Dry Creek areas was observed. Rapid rate of spread and spotting were reported.

MILLARD COMPLEX, San Bernardino National Forest. A Unified Command has been established between a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Walker), The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), the U. S. Forest Service, and the Riverside County Fire Department.    This complex, comprised of four fires; State, Jump Off, For Sure and Millard, is seven miles north of Cabazon, CA in chaparral and conifer.  This complex has merged with the Sawtooth Complex. Numerous residences, municipalities, tribal interests, and cultural resources remain threatened.  Extreme fire behavior was observed, with moderate spread in the Mission Creek area.
EDGEMONT, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).  This fire is 2 miles southeast of Redlands, CA in brush and grass.  Two residential subdivisions in the city of Redlands are threatened.  Difficult access is impeding containment efforts.  Erratic fire behavior with flame lengths up to 75 feet was reported.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CANYON, Santa Clara Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).  A CDF Type 1 Incident Command Team (Paul) is assigned.  This fire is 11 miles west of Patterson, CA in chaparral.  Several residences, ranches and Henry Coe State Park remain threatened.  Difficult access, steep terrain, weather and heavy smoke continue to hamper containment.  Very active fire behavior was reported

EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

BABOON 2, Cedar City District, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 10 miles south of Minerville, UT in cheatgrass, sagebrush, pinyon pine and juniper.  Minimal fire behavior with isolated and group torching was reported.

SAGE VALLEY, Richfield Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is 10 miles north of Mills, UT in pinyon pine, juniper, grass and sagebrush.  Minimal fire behavior was reported. Some interior torching in unburned pockets of fuel was observed.

WEST KANOSH, Fish Lake National Forest.  This fire is six miles southwest of Kanosh, UT in brush and hardwood slash.  No new information was reported.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

BUFFALO CREEK COMPLEX, Wyoming State Forestry (CPC Area). This fire is three miles north of Leiter, WY in grass and sage. Numerous residences, ranches and powerlines are threatened.  Extreme fire behavior with running, spotting and fire whirls was reported.

THORN DIVIDE COMPLEX, Crook County.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lowe) is assigned.  This fire is five miles south of Devils Tower National Monument, WY in timber and grass.  Numerous residences, powerlines and the National Monument are threatened.  Highway 14 has been closed.  Torching and long range spotting were observed. 

WOLF CANYON, South Dakota State.  This fire is five miles east of Edgemont, SD in grass and timber.  A major powerline, a radio tower and livestock grazing areas are threatened.  Smoldering and single tree torching were reported.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

BALLY, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is seven miles northeast of Barley, NV in brush, slash, pinyon pine and juniper.  Individual torching and smoldering were observed.

KELLY POINT WFU, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 51 miles northeast of Kingman, AZ on the Shivwits Plateau in hardwood litter, pinyon pine, juniper, sage and grass.  Minimal fire behavior with creeping was reported.  This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.

NORTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TIN PAN, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.  A Fire Use Management Team (Furlong) is assigned.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  This fire is seven miles west of Lucerne, WA in timber. The fire received some light precipitation.  Smoldering, creeping and interior torching were reported.

SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

LEWIS COUNTY, Texas Forest Service. This fire is 15 miles southwest of Abilene, TX in juniper, oak and mesquite. Evacuations and road closures are in effect. Steep terrain and dry fuels are hampering containment.  Extreme fire behavior and rapid rates of spread were observed.

LINDSEY BAY, National Forests of Florida.  This fire is five miles southeast of Wilma, FL in southern rough.  Structural protection and an evacuation plan are in place for an adjacent community. Some light precipitation fell over the fire area, though not enough to assist in suppression efforts.  Hotter and drier conditions are expected.

OUTLOOK:

Red Flag Warning:  For northeast Wyoming and much of South Dakota for increasing winds, low relative humidity, and hot temperatures.

Fire Weather Watches:  Fire Weather Watch Saturday afternoon and evening for all of North Dakota and most of central and eastern Montana for very hot temperatures, low relative humidities and gusty winds.  Chance of Dry Thunderstorms also exists for south-central Montana.

Weather Discussion:  Strong high pressure covers much of the west with hot, dry weather over most areas.  Westerly flow aloft continues across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies.  A disturbance from off the coast will track across Idaho and Montana today and bring a threat of mostly dry thunderstorms to portions of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.



Full NICC Report:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.rtf


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Alaska; US: Arizona; US: California; US: Colorado; US: Idaho; US: Montana; US: Nevada; US: Oregon; US: Texas; US: Utah; US: Washington; US: Wyoming
KEYWORDS: californiafire; devilstower; millard; pineridge; sawtooth; smokejumper; wildfire; wildfires; wildlandfire
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Fight Moves To San Gorgonio Wilderness

Breaking News

By RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
Saturday, July 15, 2006

Firefighters and resources have been deployed to the northern and northwestern sides of the Millard Complex Fire burning about three miles from Onyx Summit and about five miles from Heart Bar Campground in the Coon Creek Canyon. Structure preparation is ongoing in both the Rainbow Lane area and in Heart Bar, with crews in place to perform structure protection, if needed.

The Sawtooth Complex Fire is 40% contained — mostly to the north and east. Activity along the western side of the Sawtooth Complex Fire has been lower the past few days as the fire burns in sparser areas of vegetation.

While there is no immediate threat to the Lake Williams or Erwin Lake communities, smoke will be very visible this afternoon. Additionally, as the fire moves further into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, some flames may be visible from along Highway 38, Onyx Summit, and some other areas.

The California Highway Patrol is ready to close Highway 38 if smoke causes visibility problems and to protect firefighters working along the roadway, if needed.

An operations camp is being set up on Bear Mountain to handle communications and manage logistics.

http://www.rimoftheworld.net/columns/rotw/fight


21 posted on 07/15/2006 10:09:53 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)
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To: socal_parrot

Not too bad where you're at!


22 posted on 07/15/2006 10:12:20 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:12 AM
Sat 7/15 it's really starting to boil into the Coon Creek Area; the Millard Fire getting up into that area could be quite a threat


23 posted on 07/15/2006 10:19:31 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:13 AM
Sat 7/15 this thing looks like it is getting bad and is in a bad place {boiling area at Coons Creek}


24 posted on 07/15/2006 10:23:08 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Fitzcarraldo

sounds like it's time to fire up the scanner program...this is the time of day the fire probably is starting to begin to get active again...


25 posted on 07/15/2006 10:33:47 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

http://www.met.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/meso_base.cgi?stn=TR232 10:25 AM
Sat 7/15 {We're on Geronimo overlooking the hoseline going over Sugarloaf?}


26 posted on 07/15/2006 10:37:30 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:40 AM
Sat 7/15 would like to get 2 strike teams for Drop Point 5 going direct working west towards Mill Creek


27 posted on 07/15/2006 10:40:59 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Montana

Incident: Pine Ridge Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-07-15 10:55:00

Firefighters are continuing to focus on priority areas within the Pine Ridge Complex, while preparing for this afternoon's forecasted weather, which includes high temperatures, low humidities, and the possibility of dry thunderstorms.

According to Fire Information Officer Dixie Dies, the primary suppression objectives today are the northwest and northeast portions of the Waco fire, holding it along Interstate 94. The east side of the Waco fire along state highway 47 is also a priority.

Work on the Pine Ridge fire will focus on active areas along the northeast side of the fire, burning approximately 4 miles from Interstate 94. The southern edge of the fire has dozer line constructed and looks good. It is still 6-8 miles northwest of Hardin and firefighters will be working that area today as well, reinforcing the dozer line and putting out hot spots.

A new fire, called the Sarpy Creek fire, is burning 13 miles northeast of Custer, and will be managed as part of the Pine Ridge Complex. It is approximately 3200 acres.

There will be a public meeting tonight at the Hardin Middle School at 5:00pm.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/282/565/


28 posted on 07/15/2006 10:46:54 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:45 AM
Sat 7/15 they should be able to get to Drop Point 11 with 2WD vehicles; need a chase rig to go from Drop Point 11 to the fire line it will need to be a 4WD


29 posted on 07/15/2006 10:48:45 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Here's hoping they can find Jerry Guthrie today!


30 posted on 07/15/2006 10:50:37 AM PDT by Rte66
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Montana

The wild fire burning in Southern Montana are raising concerns about deteriorating air
quality.

Smoke from wildfire activity has resulted in potentially unhealthy air quality in some parts of the state.

The Department of Environmental Quality has set up a Web site, to keep the public informed about about changes in air quality across the state.

The site, updated daily, features satellite photos, smoke conditions, and links to information on health effects. There's also a near "real time" map of particulate concentrations, for most major Montana cities.

The D-E-Q will provide daily updates during the remainder of the forest fire season as conditions warrant.

The site is available at www.deq.mt.gov/FireUpdates/index.asp.

http://www.kaj18.com/Global/story.asp?S=5154697


31 posted on 07/15/2006 10:50:54 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:51 AM
Sat 7/15 the burn had a little finger there so we've got a hole between the previous drop


32 posted on 07/15/2006 10:51:23 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:52 AM
Sat 7/15 {late entry - synopsis - a few snags burning in the Mill Creek area; troops in there working - getting water drops to the area}


33 posted on 07/15/2006 10:52:34 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:53 AM
Sat 7/15 find access to Coons Cabin and take a look at that and get back to me if it is still safe


34 posted on 07/15/2006 10:53:06 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:54 AM
Sat 7/15From: SoCal Fires Web
Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:46 am The threat to yucca is mitigated. Big threat is at the head which appears to be in the san gorgonio wilderness.


35 posted on 07/15/2006 10:53:47 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: Knitting A Conundrum
Two hi-res photos (warning! large download!)...

Shot from space of smoke plume blowing almost due north in bottom third center of photo...

Satellite photo

View of smoke plume from 32 miles away in San Jacinto, Ca...

San Jacinto Photo

36 posted on 07/15/2006 10:54:22 AM PDT by socal_parrot
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To: Knitting A Conundrum

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

10:55 AM
Sat 7/15From: air
our guys are saying traffic all over them on the south side


37 posted on 07/15/2006 10:56:01 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: socal_parrot
Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

11:19 AM Sat 7/15From: 2CH (air) we're on our last drop now; fuel and return? confirm

11:18 AM Sat 7/15 smoke right up here on the ridgetop {didn't hear a location}

11:06 AM Sat 7/15From: Planning Ops and Division? from Pipes South is division 4; the two shot crews working towards Pipes feel they will be into Pipes by 4pm today; may need to fly the crews out of Pipes tonight, just the two shot crews; hit me early so we can schedule that flight; safe to schedule for around 18:00; the rest of the shot crews can get to their buggies in reasonable time

11:04 AM Sat 7/15 {food planning} plan is for hot shot crews to come in tonight for feeding; 9 shot crews are in Division C; the 2 showing in Sierra are actually in Charlie; bring them in tonight and bring them in Branch 4 tomorrow; back them up with CDF lines of crews tomorrow

38 posted on 07/15/2006 11:22:19 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: All

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

11:22 AM
Sat 7/15 need somebody up there to be Unified IC if when needed; until it becomes a structure threat I don't want to become unified; what's it looking like up there? really heating up and guessing in Mission Creek Area; heating up and getting crews in if they can; recon to find best location for contigency lines and build a plan on weather change


39 posted on 07/15/2006 11:23:08 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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To: All

Sawtooth Incident - Pioneertown map at http://tinyurl.com/zye9f

11:24 AM
Sat 7/15 drove up through Broom Flats, looking for an access point - at {Div?}4 now; I talked to dozers, they were going to load up and come back to Onyx


40 posted on 07/15/2006 11:25:20 AM PDT by Fitzcarraldo
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