Wildland Fire News Thread, 7/17: California, Montana and more

NICC, NIFC, WFAS, FS, others ^ | 7/17/06 | 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
MONDAY, JULY 17, 2006 – 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 3


CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was moderate nationally with 207 new fires reported.  Thirteen new large fires (*) were reported, three each in the Eastern Great Basin and Rocky Mountain Areas, two in the Northern Rockies Area, and one each in the Northern California, Southwestern, Southern, Western Great Basin and Eastern Areas.  One large fire was contained in the Rocky Mountain Area.  Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Wyoming.


NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

BUNDY RAILROAD, Billings District, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (McNitt) is assigned.  A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Stanich) has been ordered.  This fire is eight miles northeast of Worden, MT in timber, grass and sagebrush.  Voluntary evacuations are in place. Several structures, powerlines, rangeland, livestock, and timber remain threatened.  Low humidity and drought conditions are impeding containment. Very active fire behavior with significant runs and spotting was reported.

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.  Numerous residences, other buildings, agricultural property and a rest area remain threatened.  A portion of Highway 95 has been closed.  Low relative humidity and windy conditions have been influencing fire behavior.  Active fire behavior with surface spread and periodic torching was observed.

BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX, Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered.  This fire is 25 miles north of Jordan, MT in ponderosa pine, grass, juniper, and sagebrush.  Several residences are threatened. Weather, steep terrain, and dry fuels are hindering containment efforts.  Extreme fire behavior with crowning, spotting was observed.

WATT DRAW, Miles City District, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned.  The Team is also managing the Sage fire.  This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ashland, MT in grass, timber and sagebrush.  Residences and outbuildings remain threatened.  Fire behavior and limited road access is hampering containment efforts.  Extreme fire behavior with rapid spread and downhill runs was reported.

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 timber.  Minimal fire activity was reported.



SAGE, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned.  North Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is two miles northwest of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory.  Active burning and spotting was reported.

HORTON-HAY, Eastern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) is assigned.  The fires are 35 miles southwest of Miles City, MT in ponderosa pine, grass and sagebrush.  Several homes, outbuildings, livestock, utility infrastructure and timber are threatened.  Winds from passing thunderstorms and rough terrain are hampering containment efforts.  Active fire behavior and continuous crowning runs was reported.

SODA CREEK FIRE, Lewistown Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Turman) has been ordered. This fire is 40 miles northeast of Grass Range, MT in grass and timber.  The Crooked Creek resort area is threatened.  Limited access is impeding containment efforts. Extreme fire behavior with major runs was observed.

BIRTHDAY 2, Crow Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs.  This fire is ten miles south of St. Xavier, MT in timber.  Numerous residences, commercial properties and other buildings remain threatened.  Minimal fire activity was reported.

BUTTE CREEK, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is eight miles north of Busby, MT in grass and dead and down timber.  Limited access and steep terrain are hampering containment efforts.  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 is two miles east of Yucca Valley, CA, in chaparral and has merged with the Millard Complex.  Numerous residences remain threatened.  An evacuation order for the Rim Rock area remains effect for the general public, landowners will be allowed to enter.  Extremely steep, rocky terrain continues to hinder containment efforts.  An increase in relative humidity moderated fire activity.

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 and has merged with the Sawtooth Complex.  Structure protection for White Water Canyon remains in place.  Numerous residences, tribal interests and cultural resources remain threatened.  Moderate fire behavior with a low to moderate rates of spread was observed.

HEART, San Bernardino National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Command Team (Molumby) is assigned. This fire is eight miles southwest of Big Bear Lake, CA in timber and brush.  This fire was previously part of the Millard Complex.  Wildlife habitat and cultural resources are threatened.  Moderate rates a spread isolated tree torching was reported.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

VALENTINE, Nebraska Department of Forestry (GPC Area).  This fire is within the city limits of Valentine, NE in timber.  Utility infrastructre, and a communications tower are threatened.  Evacuations have been ordered for the north end of Valentine. Extreme fire behavior with torching 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.  Several residences, powerlines, timber, grazing land, and the National Monument remain threatened.  Spotting and interior burning were reported.

FT. PIERRE COMPLEX, South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression Area (GPC Area).  This fire is 10 miles east of Ft. Pierre, SD in grass and brush. Several Residences and other buildings are threatened.  Extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread was reported.

TWENTY MILE, Casper Field Office, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 20 miles northeast of Douglas, WY in grass, sage, juniper, and ponderosa pine.  Commercial property including a radio tower, pumping station, and natural gas well are threatened.  Extreme fire behavior with running, crowning, and torching was observed.

LITTLE VENUS, Shoshone National Forest.  This previously reported lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  This fire is 30 miles west of Meeteetse, WY in timber.  Structure protection is in place for Venus Cabin. Greybull drainage, above the wilderness boundary is closed.  Significant runs and crowning, torching, and spotting were reported.

EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

RANCH, Southwest Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands.  This fire is nine miles northeast of Leeds, UT in cheatgrass, brush, and pinyon juniper.  Several residences and powerlines are threatened.  Voluntary evacuation is in effect for Pintura, UT.  I-15 has been closed.  Active crown fire along with running and torching were observed.

SPRINGS, Moab District, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is seven miles north of Woodside, UT in timber.  Rolling debris is limiting containment efforts.  Minimal fire behavior with short runs, torching and short range spotting was observed.

JIM CREEK, Bridger-Teton 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.  The fire is burning 24 miles north of Pinedale, WY in timber.  Active fire behavior with torching and small crown runs was observed.

LICK CREEK, Payette National Forest.  A Fire Use Management Team has been ordered.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  The fire is burning 21 miles northwest of McCall, ID in timber.   Active fire behavior with single tree torching was observed.

DRILL HOLE, Dixie National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  The fire is burning five miles north of Salt Gulch, UT in manzanita and mixed conifers.  Minimal fire behavior with creeping and isolated torching was reported.  This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.


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, rangelands, watersheds and Henry Coe State Park remain threatened.  Difficult access, and steep terrain and windy conditions continue to hinder containment.  The fire continues to burn actively within the perimeter.  Bunt out operations continue.

GREASE, Plumas National Forest.  This fire is 12 miles north of Beckwourth, CA in brush and timber. An evacuations of Conklin Park Campground is in effect.  Active fire behavior with spotting was reported.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TROY PEAK, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is 8 miles north of Adaven, NV in pinyon, alpine fir, and slash.  Steep rocky terrain, and heavy fuel loading is hampering containment efforts.  Active fire behavior with torching was reported.

LUSETTI, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  The fire is burning 20 miles northwest of Ely, NV in sage, pinyon juniper and mahogany.  Moderate fire behavior with torching, running, crowning, and short range spotting was reported.  This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.

BALLY, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management.  This fire is seven miles northeast of Barley, NV in brush, slash, pinyon pine and juniper.  Minimal fire activity was reported.


EASTERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CAVITY LAKE, Superior National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Stegmier) is assigned.  This fire is 44 miles northeast of Ely, MN.  Structures are threatened. Moderate fire behavior was reported.

TURTLE LAKE, Superior National Forest.  A Fire Use Management Team (Svalberg) is assigned.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  The fire is burning 15 miles east of Ely, MN in heavy logging slash.  Active fire behavior with single tree torching and short-range spotting was observed.


SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SPIKE BOX RANCH COMPLEX, Texas Forest Service.  This fire is 15 miles northwest of Guthries, TX in juniper and brush.  An oil pumping station is threatened.  Active fire behavior was observed.

LEWIS CANYON, Texas Forest Service. This fire is 15 miles southwest of Abilene, TX in juniper, oak and mesquite.  Rough terrain and drought stressed fuels are hindering containment efforts.  Minimal fire behavior was reported.

LINDSEY BAY, National Forests of Florida.  This fire is five miles southeast of Wilma, FL in southern rough.  Fire activity continues to increase.


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.  The fire is burning seven miles west of Lucerne, WA in timber.  Interior torching was reported.


SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

WEST, El Malpais National Monument, National Park Service.  This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.  The fire is burning 23 miles south of Grants, NM in timber, grass, and understory.  Active fire behavior with some torching was reported.

OUTLOOK:

Fire Weather Watch:  For southwest Utah for Monday for dry lightning and gusty outflow winds.

Weather Discussion:  High pressure ridge remains over the West with hot, dry weather for most of the region.  Monsoon moisture is slowly starting to filter into southern California and the southern Great Basin.  In Minnesota, a cold front will move through the area for cooler temperatures and lower humidity.

.



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

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I read in one of the news reports that Montana has burned 225,000 acres in a week or so. The activity there continues.

The Millard complex is still very active, but I do believe that they are getting a good handle on the Sawtooth side of the fire.

Utah and Nevada seem to throw up new fires every day.

Fires in Nebraska and South Dakota too.

Every day I add as topics the states that have fires or are in high risk of fire (I will admit to leaving Florida off the list a lot, even though they been having some fire there since the spring). Today there are 16 states on that list.

Let me know if you want on the wildfire ping list!

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Montana

Story available at

Published on Monday, July 17, 2006.
Last modified on 7/17/2006 at 1:01 am
Several new wildfires blacken Garfield County

By MIKE STARK
Of The Gazette Staff
Gusty winds, blistering temperatures and shifting weather Sunday continued to fuel huge wildfires burning in the area, briefly pushing one of the largest outside its containment lines.

The Bundy Railroad fire near Pompeys Pillar grew more than 10,000 acres during big runs late Saturday and Sunday. The fire jumped control lines on the northern edge but firefighters were able to corral that side again later in the day.

The fire is estimated at 80,000 acres and is considered 30 percent contained.

Across the Yellowstone River, the 100,000-acre Pine Ridge complex is considered 19 percent contained.

"Although that containment might not seem like a big deal, the lines are holding," Dan Bushnell, a fire information officer, said Sunday night. "There was good progress today."

Fire suppression efforts there shut down eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 near Waco several times, including one closure Sunday evening expected to last several hours.

This year's explosive fire season has taken a quick toll in Eastern Montana, torching more than 225,000 acres over the last week and sending plumes of hazy smoke across parts of the state and into the Dakotas and Wyoming.

Meanwhile, a rash of new, lightning-caused fires broke out in Garfield County late Saturday and early Sunday.

The fires took advantage of hot, dry conditions, burning 7,610 acres and showing little sign of letting up. One fire, estimated at three acres Sunday morning, had grown to 5,000 acres by dusk.

"They're spreading extremely fast," said Dena Lang, a fire information officer. "The fuels are just so extremely dry right now that it doesn't take much."

Four of the largest fires in Garfield County were not contained at all and several structures were threatened, Lang said.

"It's really awful. All these farmers and ranchers out there, it's burning up all their grazing," she said.

There were no additional evacuation notices at any of the Eastern Montana fires on Sunday but the possibility has not been ruled out in the coming days.

Weather conditions today are expected to be slightly less ripe for fires, but not much.

"The winds will be much lighter (today), which will help, but it's still going to be hot," said Albert Richmond, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Billings.

Forecasters expect temperatures today in the upper 90s with winds 5 to 15 mph and relative humidity will be around 15 to 20 percent, an improvement over single-digit humidity in recent days. Isolated thunderstorms later in the day may also drop some moisture.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the 90s through Saturday.

Because of weather conditions and the complexity of the fire, a Type 1 management team is expected to arrive at the Bundy Railroad fire today and take command in the coming days.

That decision was made based not only on the additional capabilities the team might have but also on the complexity of the fire, the extreme conditions and even the upcoming Clark Days event scheduled this week at Pompeys Pillar.

"Things are just getting a little bit more dynamic out there," said Paula Rosenthal, a fire information officer.

The fire's northern flank made a run into Musselshell County on Sunday. The fire's larger size is now threatening about 10 homes and 20 outbuildings, according to fire officials.

Two "hot shot" crews were brought in to help secure the lines as crews planned on working through the night in the hopes of keeping the blaze corralled.

"The telling thing will be what the night operations yield," Rosenthal said.

Nearby, Interstate 94 was closed several times to allow crews to dig in along the edges of the Pine Ridge complex.

Bushnell said the closure is an effort to protect the public and firefighters.

"We're very sensitive to the fact that it holds up traffic," he said. "It is an inconvenience but our hope is that the line will hold."

About 450 people are working on that complex of fires, all of them facing not only the physical strain of the work but temperatures hovering at or beyond 100 degrees. Safety and health are a top priority and a constant factor in making decisions, Bushnell said.

"Everybody's watching everybody's back," he said.

Near Ashland, hundreds of firefighters chipped away at three separate fires Sunday.

Wind and low humidity kept the Watt Draw fire busy Saturday night and all day Sunday about 13 miles southeast of Ashland.

The fire, growing on its western side, jumped from an estimated 8,000 acres late Saturday to 13,971 acres Sunday evening. But fire officials also increased containment from 25 percent to 35 percent during that time, according to Marilyn Krause, a fire information officer.

Bulldozers and air tankers, along with about 190 firefighters, were used to slow the growth of the fire. Specially trained "hot shot" crews were also brought in to fight the fire.

There were no structures immediately threatened and no evacuations, Krause said.

Firefighters continued to work on smoldering sawdust piles at an abandoned sawmill at the Sage fire near Ashland on Sunday.

The piles shot a few sparks outside the fire lines which the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department handled.

Crews made good progress on the lightning-caused fire, which is estimated at 1,069 acres and is considered 90 percent contained.

About 50 firefighters and three engines continued to work the fire Sunday and began removing from a river bottom large cottonwood trees that are considered a fire hazard.

All evacuation notices have been lifted.

The King Mountain fire, burning on Custer National Forest and private land just south of Ashland, has burned about 234 acres and was considered 90 percent contained Sunday night.

No structures are threatened. About 50 firefighters and two engines worked on the fire Sunday to secure fire lines and mop up.

"We're real pleased with that one," Krause said.

The lightning-caused fires in Garfield County had crews scrambling most of Sunday.

The fires, known at the Black Pulaski complex, are threatening several structures and, with the exception of a 10-acre fire, have no containment lines.

The Black Pulaski fire, burning north of Jordan on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and private land, was estimated at 100 acres early Sunday but fire officials said it grew significantly during the day.

Blustery winds and low relative humidity fanned the fire to around 1,500 acres by late Sunday and produced several nearby spot fires.

The fire is being fought by CMR and Bureau of Land Management crews along with private landowners on the ground and air tankers dropping retardant.

About 27 miles north of Jordan, the Hill Coulee fire has burned about 600 acres on CMR and private land.

The Lodge Pole fire, 23 miles north west of Sand Springs is burning about five miles north of the Smith Coulee fire in Garfield County.

The fire, first reported Sunday morning at two acres, was estimated to be more than 500 acres later in the day. It is burning quickly in tree crowns through lodgepole and ponderosa pine as well as nearby grass.

Nearby, the largest blaze, called the Lost Creek fire, first spotted Sunday morning, jumped from three acres to 5,000 acres, according to fire officials. The fire is burning in grass, sage and timber and is threatening four homes in the area.

The Garfield County Volunteer Fire Department, along with BLM crews is on the scene and retardant has been dropped from the air.

The Square Butte fire, about 20 miles north of Sand Springs, was also discovered Sunday morning and has burned about 10 acres.

Near Fort Smith, fire officials estimated early in the day that the Birthday 2 fire burning along the Bighorn River remained at 6,190 acres. To the west, the Hope fire grew to 100 acres in about 15 minutes and was contained at 106 acres, according to fire officials.

The Bully fire, along Old Highway 87 between Tolucca and Pryor Creek, was estimated at 200 acres. Four structures were immediately threatened Saturday night but were saved, fire officials said.

The Horton-Hay complex about 35 miles southwest of Miles City saw some runs on Sunday. The fires had burned about 19,500 acres as of Sunday.

Winds with gusts up to 50 mph fueled the largest of the fires, called Horton-Hay, early Sunday. The fire had burned around 18,900 acres as of Sunday morning. An estimate was not available later in the day.

The 120-acre Iron Jaw fire was considered 100 percent contained along with the Spring Creek fire, which burned 530 acres.

Contact Mike Stark at mstark@billingsgazette.com or 657-1232.

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/07/17/news/state/25-hardin_g.prt

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Nebraska

Firefighters battled a wildfire overnight at Valentine, Nebraska that destroyed or damaged about ten homes. About 200 people and the local hospital were evacuated, but some residents have returned to their homes.

Valentine Fire Chief Terry Engles says firefighters spent the night protecting the town and trying to keep the blaze confined to nearby canyons that are filled with trees and dry grass.

The fire started in a canyon about a half-mile north of the town of 2,600 people.

http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,49525

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Jul. 17--A stubborn, weeklong wildfire that has blackened about 33,000 acres, mainly in Stanislaus County, continued to resist firefighters on Sunday as they battled steep terrain, high heat and low humidity.

The California Department of Forestry had predicted containment -- meaning to have it encircled -- by 5 p.m. Sunday. Now, fire officials are setting their sights on 5 p.m. today.

By Sunday evening, the blaze was 85 percent contained, with smoke still swirling up from smoldering stumps.

"They were having some problems today," said Henry De Kruyff, a forestry spokesman. "So they won't be able to make their deadline."

The key difficulty was the extreme terrain. De Kruyff said water had to be brought in by tanker trucks, and fire crews had to lay about 25 miles of fire line. Twenty of those miles were bulldozed, but five on the steepest slopes had to be done by hand with crews swinging picks and shovels.

A local rancher told the fire service it was the worst blaze in the area since 1947.

Although the flames mainly consumed brush, grass, chaparral and oak trees, the fire has also destroyed 10 homes and some other buildings, such as tool sheds or shacks. One other home was partially burned.

None of the residents was injured, but eight firefighters sustained minor injuries, including heat exhaustion or sprains.

So far, the cost of fighting the blaze has reached $11 million.

About 100 firefighters have been sent home, leaving 1,974 behind to stifle any remaining flare-ups. The fire started July 9 in Del Puerto Canyon, about 80 miles east of San Jose near Patterson. The cause is under investigation.

http://www.cbs47.tv/news/national/story.aspx?content_id=D792C42E-45CD-4CC7-A5B5-296533D21100

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Nebraska

Valentine Will Receive Help
Monday 7/17/06 8:40 a.m.

VALENTINE, NEB. (AP) State officials have mobilized assets to assist firefighters working to put out a wildfire that has destroyed ten homes near the north-central Nebraska town of Valentine.
Governor Dave Heineman issued a statement this morning saying the state is doing what it can to help.
The Nebraska National Guard is sending two helicopters for firefighting support, and the Nebraska State Patrol already has troopers in the area to help with traffic control. The patrol and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency have relocated their mobile communications vehicles to Valentine.
The state fire marshal's office has dispatched its wildland incident response and assistance team, which includes the Nebraska
Forest Service.
The state also has received approval for a federal grant to aid in offsetting the costs of large-scale firefighting efforts.
Heineman will tour the area around 9 a.m.

http://www.nebraska.tv/news/local/3363826.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Nor Cal Wildfire Uncovers Pre-Historic Artifacts

(CBS 13) PATTERSON, Calif. The Canyon Fire burning near Patterson has charred 33,000 acres of land and in the process has brought to light a hidden treasure.

The fire uncovered pre-historic artifacts that had been hidden by thick brush. Now archaeologists are buzzing about the pre-historic stone grinding tools and how to preserve this unexpected discovery.

"What the archaeologists are doing are taking flags that they hang from different objects so that the firefighters will recognize that this is an archaeological sight and they will stay out of them," Kathleen Schori of the California Department of Forestry told CBS 13, "They look like depressions. I know the archaeologists have commented that this is one of the most well preserved sites they've seen in 20 years."

Archaeologists plan to go back to Stanislaus County today to do more work.

http://cbs13.com/topstories/local_story_198093601.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

PATTERSON, Calif. (AP) -- Fire officials expect to have a
wildfire that has made its way from Stanislaus County into Santa
Clara County finally contained by Monday evening.

It was expected firefighters would have the blaze contained
Sunday but strong winds, dry conditions and steep terrain around Del
Puerto Canyon continued to hamper efforts by the 2,000
firefighters that have been battling the fire since last Sunday.

Authorities say nine firefighters have suffered minor injuries,
mostly from heat exposure.

The fire has consumed nearly 33,000 acres as it burned its
way through a remote area in western Stanislaus County into Santa
Clara County.

Eleven homes and five outbuildings have been destroyed in the
fire.

http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=5158859

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Summary

The 380 acre Grease Fire was detected at noon today and is burning south of Conklin Park on the Plumas National Forest in northeastern California. The fire is burning in brush and timber and into the Dixie Mountain State Game Refuge.
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-17 12:53:32 EST
Incident Type
Cause Unknown
Date of Origin 07/16/2006 at 1201 hrs.
Location

Incident Commander Alec Lane

Current Situation
Size 380 acres

Fuels Involved Brush & timber.

http://inciweb.org/incident/297/

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Summary

The Horton-Hay Complex consists of three fires: The Spring Creek Fire (approx. 530 acres), the Horton-Hay Creek Fire (approx. 21,350 acres), and the Iron Jaw Fire (approx. 120 acres). All fires are burning in Rosebud County.

Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-17 09:48:36 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives
Firefighter and Public Safety is top priority. Structure protection for approximately 50 structures in the Moon Creek Area.

Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/12/2006 at 1645 hrs.
Location 35 miles southwest of Miles City, Montana

Incident Commander Mark Grant

Current Situation
Size 22,000 acres
Percent Contained 60%
Estimated Containment Date 07/18/2006 at 2001 hrs.
Total Personnel 294
Fuels Involved timber, grassland



Planned Actions The most active portion of the Horton Hay fire is along the northwest boundary. Firefighters will focus efforts on that area, which is also the most difficult terrain.

Growth Potential Extreme
Terrain Difficulty Extreme

Remarks Only the Horton-Hay Fire remains uncontained at this time. The Iron Jaw and Spring Creek fires are 100% contained and in patrol status. Firefighters will work to tie in lines between the northern and western flanks of the Horton-Hay fire. Rehab efforts have started, with crews spreading berms along firelines and installing waterbars on steep slopes.

http://inciweb.org/incident/287/

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Minnesota

Forest managers hope prescribed burns will contain BWCA fire
Associated Press

UNDATED - It's now the largest fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area since a 1999 storm downed (m) millions of trees.

The Cavity Lake fire grew to about three-thousand acres yesterday.

It was burning in a blowdown area near the end of the Gunflint Trail, about 50 miles northwest of Grand Marais (muh-RAY').

Forest officials are optimistic that prescribed burns will prevent the fire from threatening inhabited areas along the Gunflint Trail.

D-N-R Wildfire Suppression Supervisor Ron Stoffel (STAW'-ful) says the fire is not threatening people or structures.

So far, crews are fighting the fire by air instead of ground.

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/state/15057223.htm

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Summary

The Sawooth Zone is part of the Sawtooth-Millard-Heart Complex. This information is only about the Sawtooth zone of the fire. Millard Fire Information

The fire is moving towards the west. Firefighters will focus their efforts towards the western perimeter. The fire has reached the upper reaches of the terrain and has slowed down. The fire has now burned 485 acres into a portion of the San Bernardino Nat'l Forest. Extremely steep rocky terrain continues to make access difficult as the fire moves west.

With the increase in relative humidity today, significant demobilization of resources began.

An Evacuation Center has been set up at the Yucca Valley High School, 7600 Sage Ave. The Big Bear Elementary School Evacuation Center has been closed.

For animal/pet information - 1-800-472-5609 (So. CA only), . www.sbcounty.gov/acc/

For more information on the civilian fatality contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff - (909) 422-7755

See Milard Complex Fire: www.inciweb.org/incident/276/
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-17 12:00:41 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/09/2006 at 0830 hrs.
Location Near community of Pioneertown
North of Yucca Valley
Incident Commander Unified Command
Current Situation
Size 61,700 acres
Percent Contained 70%


Total Personnel 2384

Fuels Involved Greasewood & Joshua Trees intermixed with fine fuels and pinyon juniper and jeffery pine.

Fire Behavior Fire activity is moderate with increased humidities.

Today's Significant Events Close coordination between the Sawtooth, Heart, and Millard Zones are in effect. Resource and Intel sharing is effectively occurring. Hand line in Division S & T continue. Retardant from aircraft being utilized on direct attack portions of the fire, including tactical use of the DC-10 building a 1.3 mile retardant line.

Planned Actions Close coordination between the Sawtooth, Heart, and Millard Zones are in effect. Resource and Intel sharing is effectively occurring. Hand line in Division S & T continue. Retardant from aircraft being utilized on direct attack portions of the fire, including tactical use of the DC-10 building a 1.3 mile retardant line.

Projected Movement Close coordination between the Sawtooth, Heart, and Millard Zones are in effect. Resource and Intel sharing is effectively occurring. Hand line in Division S & T continue. Retardant from aircraft being utilized on direct attack portions of the fire, including tactical use of the DC-10 building a 1.3 mile retardant line.

Growth Potential Medium
Terrain Difficulty Extreme
Containment Target Containment within the next burn period is unlikely.

Remarks Close coordination between the Sawtooth, Heart, and Millard Zones are in effect. Resource and Intel sharing is effectively occurring. Hand line in Division S & T continue. Retardant from aircraft being utilized on direct attack portions of the fire, including tactical use of the DC-10 building a 1.3 mile retardant line.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 8 mph W
Current Temperature 106 degrees
Current Humidity 18-24 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 5-10 mph SE
Forecasted Temperature 89-95 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 45-70 %

http://inciweb.org/incident/280/

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Summary

The Millard Complex is burning in rugged terrain in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is currently estimated at 20,214 acres and is 20% contained. There is no expected date of containment at this time.

The Millard Complex merged with the Sawtooth Complex in the Mission Creek drainage late Friday afternoon. As the fires progress toward the west and northwest they will be managed as the Heart Incident, which is focusing on protection of the Big Bear community.

Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-16 10:18:18 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives
Management Objectives: 1. Provide for firefighter and public safety. 2. Utilize minimum impact suppression tactics in wilderness areas. 3. Avoid and report archaeological sites. 4. Develop and maintain a cost containment strategy for the incident. Control Objectives: 1. Keep fire north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Reservation Boundary. 2. Keep fire south and west of the Pacific Crest Trail. 3. Keep fire east of Mill Creek jump off.

Cause Lightning

Date of Origin 07/09/2006 at 0833 hrs.
Location 7 Miles north of Cabazon
In San Gorgonio WIlderness, north of I-10 and west of Highway 62
Incident Commander Norm Walker

Current Situation
Size 20,214 acres
Percent Contained 20%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel 962

Fuels Involved The fires are burning within old decadent stands of intermixed timber, Douglas fir, sugar and jeffrey pine above the 6000' elevation. There is high mortality in the fuels due to drought and bark beetle infestations. Lower elevation fuels are chapparal and grass.

Fire Behavior Moderate fire behavior was observed today. The fire will continue to be dominated by topography and wind. Fire continues to be active at night and is expected to progress toward the northwest and southeast.

Today's Significant Events Unified Command established between U.S.D.A. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Riverside County Fire at 1600 hrs on 07-12-06. Constant communication between Incident Management Teams on Millard Complex, Sawtooth Complex, and Heart Fire. MIssion Creek serves as the administrative boundary between the two complexes, although the fires have merged together. As the fire progresses toward the Northwest, it is being managed by the newly established Heart Fire incident management team which is based in the Big Bear area.

Outlook

Planned Actions Structure protection remains in place in Whitewater Canyon.

Projected Movement Fire continues to be active in Whitewater Canyon and Mission Creek drainage. A flow of monsoon moisture into the area will increase chances of thunderstorms monday and tuesday. Erratic, gusty winds may be possible near thunderstorms.
Growth Potential Extreme

Terrain Difficulty The San Gorgonio Wilderness is characterized by inaccessible, steep and rugged terrain. Air operations continue to play a significant role with 16 helicopters and 6 airtankers assigned, although no aircraft will be flying tonight.

Remarks No immediate threats to any communities at this time. Threats are to watersheds, wilderness, and tribal interests. Whitewater Road, Mission Creek Road, and San Gorgonio Wilderness remain closed to public use. The fireline on the southeast side of the fire held well over night. Overall, the fire had minor movement overnight.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 10-15 mph S
Current Temperature 102 degrees
Current Humidity 22 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 5-15 mph SW
Forecasted Temperature 60-75 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 42-52 %

http://inciweb.org/incident/276/

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Washington

SPANGLE -- After fighting a 100+acre wildfire all weekend, fire crews believe they will have the Gate Lane fire completely contained Monday afternoon. The fire started Saturday afternoon.

At one point the fire threatened several structures, worrying homeowners who lived near the fire's path. The firefighting effort also injured 3 firefighters, mostly minor injuries. At one point officials believed the fire to be over 200 acres, but re-evaluation of the scene gave a more accurate size of just 110 acres.

http://www.krem.com/news/local/stories/krem2_071706_wildfire.1f1c89aa.html

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. -- A brush fire on Sunday scorched a two-mile stretch of land near some railroad tracks in southwest Omaha.

The fire raced along the tracks near Oak View Mall, at 144th Street and West Center Road. It took 12 firefighters, three engines and two weed trucks to fight the fire, which was brought under control in about two hours.

Meanwhile, in northern Nebraska, state officials have mobilized assets to assist firefighters working to put out a wildfire that has destroyed 10 homes near the north-central Nebraska town of Valentine. Gov. Dave Heineman issued a statement on Monday morning saying the state is doing what it can to help.

The Nebraska National Guard is sending two helicopters for firefighting support, and the Nebraska State Patrol already has troopers in the area to help with traffic control. The patrol and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency have relocated their mobile communications vehicles to Valentine. The state Fire Marshal's Office has dispatched its Wildland Incident Response and Assistance Team, which includes the Nebraska Forest Service.

The state also has received approval for a federal grant to aid in offsetting the costs of large-scale firefighting efforts.

http://www.ketv.com/news/9526687/detail.html?rss=oma&psp=news

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Storms may hurt south-state firefighting
By Jeremiah Marquez
ASSOCIATED PRESS

YUCCA VALLEY - Lightning and heavy rains were expected to pose new challenges today for firefighters who have made gains on wildfires that have destroyed close to 60 homes.

"We'll get substantial rain. Whether it will be helpful or harmful will be determined by how you look at it," said Robert Balfour, a National Weather Service senior forecaster assigned to the fires.

There is a 40 percent chance of rain in the area today, and a 60 percent chance of heavy rain, with the possibility of flash flooding later in the week, Balfour said.

"We have a concern that the rain might come too fast, and if it does, that's another safety threat for the firefighters as well as the public," Balfour said.

Firefighters were bracing for the possibility of thunderstorms rolling over the region, triggering lightning that could start new blazes and bring rain that could flood the scorched canyon areas.

Higher humidity allowed firefighters to further contain the 61,700-acre Sawtooth Fire, which was 70 percent surrounded Sunday night. Some crews were being sent home.

"It's looking a lot better. We're feeling good about the progress," said Don Roberts, a spokesman for the National Park Service assigned to the fire.

The adjacent Millard complex of fires had grown to more than 22,103 acres today and was 26 percent contained. Together, the fires have scorched more than 83,800 acres.

The moist air lessened the intensity of the wildfires, making way for what fire officials called a major ground attack on the Millard blaze, which threatened about 75 homes in the Mission Creek and Whitewater Canyon areas.

The conditions allowed helicopters loaded with crews to land near the fire line after firefighters carrying chain saws rappelled in and cut places to land. Two dozen helicopters and 15 fixed-wing airplanes were working the fire.

"It was just too dangerous to go in there before," said B.P. Fennessey, air operations branch director for the Millard fire.

Forestry officials also employed a modified DC-10 to help contain the Sawtooth fire -- the first time a jet aircraft has ever been used for firefighting. The jet flies a four-person crew and can carry 12,000 gallons of fire retardant.

Firefighters had been having a hard time reaching remote, rugged pockets in both fires, which merged on Friday. They were forced to rely on helicopters to drop in suppression teams instead of using bulldozers and other heavy equipment.

Once on the ground, firefighters faced rocky terrain and sheer cliffs.

"It's steeper than a cow's face," said Tony Duprey, an air tactical group supervisor who has flown helicopter reconnaissance.

Since being ignited by lightning a week ago in this area about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, the Sawtooth fire has destroyed 58 houses and mobile homes, dozens of outbuildings and scores of vehicles.

Fire officials estimated damage from the fire at more than $8.4 million and firefighting costs at $10.3 million.

At least 11 people, including firefighters, have been injured. On Saturday, a search team found the body of a man who had been missing since the Sawtooth fire burned through historic Pioneertown on Tuesday. The cause of the man's death remained under investigation but sheriff's officials said it appeared to be fire-related.

Elsewhere in Southern California, a wildfire in a rural area six miles east of Lake Arrowhead was expected to be fully contained Sunday night, said CDF spokesman Nick Rossman. The fire, sparked by lightning Sunday afternoon, burned about 10 acres in the Crab Flats area, Rossman said.

In San Diego County, a 260-acre wildfire sparking by lightning about 10 miles east of the town of Julian also was fully contained.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/15057394.htm

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Wildfire ping!

[markman46]

here is some more info on the Minnesota fire

A Sunday night thunderstorm about six miles south of the Cavity Lake fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness brought winds of up to 60 mph, which stoked flames and caused the fire to again double in size.

The fire's intensity and speed are forcing officials to consider evacuations.

The fire has spread from about 2,500 to 3,000 acres Sunday afternoon to about 6,300 acres Sunday night, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The fire again grew Monday morning, said the Forest Service, which has not yet estimated its size.

Fire officials said they were surprised at how quickly the fire has grown. With wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph expected today, officials expected it to continue spreading at an unpredictable rate.

"This thing can do anything it wants right now," said Ron Garka, U.S. Forest Service safety officer. "It's got a mind of its own."

The fire is about a half-mile west of a Gunflint Trail "trigger line," which, if crossed, could prompt evacuation of dozens of nearby businesses and homes.

Thus far, only canoeists in the area have been evacuated.

Two extra crews of 20 firefighters have been ordered to battle the blaze along with four water tank airplanes and a "heavy tanker-bomber," an airplane that drops fire retardants.

Officials said they haven't aggressively fought the fire until today. Flames leaping up to 50 feet high were so intense that it was unsafe for ground crews to fight the fire and had to be ordered out. Water planes were called off yesterday because they couldn't make a difference stopping the blaze.

Officials are hoping that the fire burns toward areas that were burned two to three years ago in prescribed burns.

A meeting for people in the area has been set for 10 a.m. at a community center on the Gunflint Trail. Officials cautioned that the meeting is standard in wildfire situations.

Meanwhile, sprinkler systems are being placed around businesses and homes as a preventive measure.

The News Tribune will be providing periodic updates today on the wildfire.


from:http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/15057513.htm

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Thanks for posting that...People forget that this part of the world has had some really large fires.

With winds, it doesn't sound like it's going to be a good day for those working the fire.

[markman46]

no and the temp is in the 90's, this fire is in tree blow down area that happended in 1999,and was unable to be logged to remove the downed trees.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Lots and lots of food for that fire.