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Southern California Fire Journal.Com

Monday, August 31, 2009




A massive wildfire is burning in the Angeles National Forest threatening the communities of La Canada, La Crescenta, Sunland, Tujunga, Acton and Agua Dulce. Firefighters have been active with structure protection and evacuations while fighting the fast moving blaze. Southern California Fire Journal has received information that two firefighters perished while combating the intense flames today near Los Angeles County Fire Camp 16.

Two Los Angeles County firefighters were killed Sunday when their vehicle rolled down a mountain side amid the intense flames of a wildfire that threatened 12,000 homes. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged those in the fire's path to get out as the blazes rained ash on cars as far away as downtown Los Angeles, spreading in all directions in dry conditions.

Firefighters fixed their attention on the blaze's fast-moving eastern side where flames lapped at the foot of a vital communications and astronomy center of Mount Wilson, and on the northwestern front, where the two firefighters were killed on Mount Gleason near the city of Acton.

"We ask for your understanding, for your patience as we move through this difficult time, and please, prayers for the families of our two brothers that we lost," county Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bryant said through tears at a Sunday night press conference.

Fire Capt. Tedmund Hall, 47, of San Bernardino County, and firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, 35, of Palmdale were killed in the crash, said Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Mike Savage. Authorities did not give a cause for the crash, and officials at the press conference would take no questions on the deaths.

Television helicopter video on Sunday night showed an upside-down vehicle on the mountain side.

"Our hearts are heavy as we are tragically reminded of the sacrifices our firefighters and their families make daily to keep us safe," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

The blaze was only about 5 percent contained and had scorched 71 square miles in the Angeles National Forest. Mandatory evacuations were in effect for neighborhoods in Glendale, Pasadena and other cities and towns north of Los Angeles. Officials said air quality in parts of the foothills bordered on hazardous.

The fire, which broke out Wednesday afternoon, was the largest of many burning around California, including a new blaze in Placer County northeast of Sacramento that destroyed 60 structures, many of them homes.

The Southern California fire was expected during the night Sunday to reach the top of Mount Wilson, where 22 television stations, many radio stations and cell phone providers have their transmitters, said U.S. Forest Service Capt. Mike Dietrich.

Firefighters were pulled from the top of the mountain after clearing brush and spraying retardant on antennas because it was too dangerous for them to remain.

"We've done all the preparation we can," county fire spokesman Mark Savage said.

Television stations said if the antennas burn broadcast signals will be affected but satellite and cable transmissions will not be.

Two giant telescopes and several multimillion-dollar university programs are housed in the century-old Mount Wilson Observatory. The complex of buildings is both a historic landmark and a thriving modern center for astronomy.

At least 18 homes were destroyed in the fire and firefighters expected to find many more, authorities said.

While thousands have fled, two people who tried to ride out the firestorm in a backyard hot tub were burned. The pair in Big Tujunga Canyon, on the southwestern edge of the fire, "completely underestimated the fire" and the hot tub provided "no protection whatsoever," Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Sunday.

The pair made their way to firefighters and were airlifted out by a sheriff's rescue helicopter. They received adequate notification to evacuate from deputies but decided to stay, Whitmore said.

Whitmore described their condition as "critical" but fire officials said one of the two was treated and released and the other remained hospitalized in stable condition. A third person was burned Saturday in an evacuation area along Highway 2 near Mount Wilson, officials said. Details of that injury were not immediately known.

"There were people that did not listen, and there were three people that got burned and got critically injured because they did not listen," Schwarzenegger said at a news conference at the fire command post.

For the third straight day, humidity was very low and temperatures were expected in the high 90s. Nearly 3,000 firefighters were battling the blaze.

Mandatory evacuations were also in effect for neighborhoods in Altadena and for the communities of Acton, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta and Big Tujunga Canyon.

There was some progress Sunday, as a small number of La Canada Flintridge residents living west of the Arroyo Seco were told they could go back to their homes.

But more evacuations were ordered in Acton in the Antelope Valley, and school districts in La Canada Flintridge and Glendale announced that classes were canceled Monday because of the fire.

Fixed-wing aircraft and a DC-10 jumbo jet were dropping water and flame retardant on the fire.

At the fire command post, Schwarzenegger praised firefighters for successfully protecting subdivisions in the foothills.

Rob Driscoll and his wife, Beth Halaas, said they lost their house in Big Tujunga Canyon. By Sunday they were desperate for more information and came to the command post to get answers.

"Our neighbors sent us photos of all the other houses that are lost," Halaas said, her voice breaking as her young son nestled his sunburned face in her arms. "We've heard as many as 30 houses burned."

At least 12 evacuation centers were set up at schools and community centers in the area.

The center at Crescenta Valley High School filled up, but by Sunday afternoon fewer than two dozen people remained. Residents trickled in to get information and snacks.

Debbie and Mercer Barrows said their house was saved but they lost their scenic view of a hillside to the flames.

"That'll grow back," said Mercer Barrows, a TV producer.

To the north, at least 60 structures — many of them homes — were destroyed in a fast-moving fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in the Sierra foothills town of Auburn northeast of Sacramento and the governor declared a state of emergency in the area.

The fire had consumed 275 acres amid high winds and was 50 percent contained Sunday night, CalFire spokesman Daniel Berlant.

Berlant said it was not clear how many of the burned structures were homes and it was likely to remain uncertain until daylight.

About 30 people waited anxiously for news at an evacuation center in the Rock Creek Elementary School.

Pam and Stephen Incerty did not know the fate of their home on a beautiful 5-acre parcel in the rolling hills covered with trees.

Stephen Incerty wondered what the land looks like now after fire has ripped through it.

"If there's nothing there when we get back, we won't rebuild," he said. "There'd be no trees, just dirt."

In the state's coastal midsection, all evacuation orders were lifted Sunday after a 10-square-mile fire burned near the Monterey County town of Soledad. The blaze, 80 percent contained, was started by agricultural fireworks used to scare animals away from crops. The fire destroyed one home.

In Mariposa County, a nearly 7-square-mile fire burned in Yosemite National Park. The blaze was 50 percent contained Sunday, said park spokeswoman Vickie Mates. Two people sustained minor injuries, she said.

Park officials closed a campground and a portion of Highway 120, anticipating that the fire would spread north toward Tioga Road, the highest elevation route through the Sierra.

About 50 homes in the towns of El Portal and Foresta were under evacuation orders and roads in the area will remain closed through Monday, Mates said.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Residents Flee From Four Major Wildfires in California

Falling ash and blinding smoke are cause for alarm in Southern California Foothills as four major wildfires are actively burning. Fire crews are staged above La Canada Flintridge along the Angeles Crest Highway. The fire jumped Highway 2 last night and threatened the Angeles Crest Ranger station. Homes along Bay Tree drive are very close to the fires edge as well as homes along the north end of Ocean View Blv.

A fast moving wildfire also threatened homes in Pacific Palisades last night as well as a wildfire near Idylwild CA on Highway 74. The fire in San Gabriel Canyon still remains active as well.

Along the Central Ca a new wildfire is burning near Soledad.

Mild offshore winds and triple digit temperatures are predicted for today. Releative humidity has been very low in the fire area, fuel mositures are around 60% . Flame lengths have been averaging 30-100 feet with spotting and fire whirls.

Information Zimmerman Media LLC.

Inciweb.org
noaa.gov/lox fire weather

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Morris Wildfire, ANF Highway 39, Part 1



The Morris Fire started at 4:27 pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2006 and is burning in steep terrain in the San Gabriel Canyon near Morris Dam. Highway 39, the Glendora Mountain and East Fork Roads are closed to the public. The San Gabriel Canyon is closed to all dispersed recreation and a mandatory evacuation is in place for the East Fork drainage. 1700 acres have been consumed so far, nearly 1,000 people are battling the flames. Flame lengths in excess of 30 to 50 ft, spotting, fire whirls with rapid rates of spread. Moderate runs when in alignment with slope

Significant Events:

Highway 39 and Glendora Mountain Road are closed. Power loss in canyon, evacuation of public extended to Camp Williams and Camp Fellows. Evacuation center established at El Robley Intermediate School, 665 No. Mt. Ave., Claremont,CA

Photos Property of Zimmerman Media LLC

Red Flag Warning in Effect


...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM WEDNESDAY TO 9 PM PDT
FRIDAY FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF LOS ANGELES...VENTURA...SANTA BARBARA...
AND SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES DUE TO LOW HUMIDITIES AND HOT TEMPERATURES...
.A STRONG UPPER LEVEL HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL BUILD OVER THE
SOUTHWEST STATES THROUGH FRIDAY. THIS IN COMBINATION WITH WEAKENING
ONSHORE FLOW WILL RESULT IN CONTINUED WARMING AND DRYING DURING
THE NEXT FEW DAYS. DRY AIR HAS ALREADY SETTLED IN ACROSS THE REGION
TODAY...WITH SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES ALREADY BEING OBSERVED ACROSS
MANY MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS. EVEN DRIER AIR IS ANTICIPATED TO SETTLE
IN ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THE NEXT FEW DAYS...WITH LONGER
PERIODS OF SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES EXPECTED FOR THE MOUNTAINS...ALONG
WITH VERY POOR OVERNIGHT RECOVERIES. THE COMBINATION OF LONG
DURATION SINGLE DIGIT HUMIDITIES...HOT TEMPERATURES...AND
CRITICALLY DRY FUELS HAS PROMPTED THE ISSUANCE OF THE RED FLAG
WARNING FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA.
VALLEY LOCATIONS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO EXPERIENCE PERIODS OF SINGLE
DIGIT HUMIDITIES DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS...BUT ARE NOT EXPECTED
TO REACH CRITICAL DURATION THRESHOLDS FOR RED FLAG WARNINGS AT
THIS TIME.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Wildfire, Highway 39 ANF MM22

The Morris wildfire started at 4:27 pm and is burning in San Gabriel Canyon near Morris Dam on the Los Angeles River Ranger District. 600 personnel assigned to the fire in steep terrain.Large plumes of smoke are clearly visible across much of Los Angeles County. High temperatures predicted across northern deserts tomorrow.

Angeles National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006
Incident Contact
Angeles National Forest
Phone: 626-574-5208

EPN Radio Channel 5

Senator Edward Kennedy Dies, Age 77

BOSTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older brothers were assassinated, has died at age 77, his family said on Wednesday.

"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the Kennedy family said in a statement.

One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history -- a liberal standard-bearer who was also known as a consummate congressional dealmaker -- Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the family statement added.

His death marked the twilight of a political dynasty, and dealt a blow to Democrats as they seek to answer President Barack Obama's call for an overhaul of the healthcare system. Kennedy had made healthcare reform his signature cause.

Known as "Teddy," he was the brother of President John Kennedy, assassinated in 1963, Senator Robert Kennedy, fatally shot while campaigning for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination, and Joe Kennedy, a pilot killed in World War Two.

When he first took the Senate seat previously held by John Kennedy in 1962, he was seen as something of a political lightweight who owed his ascent to his famous name.

Yet during his nearly half century in the chamber, Kennedy became known as one of Washington's most effective senators, crafting legislation by working with lawmakers and presidents of both parties, and finding unlikely allies.

At the same time, he held fast to liberal causes deemed anachronistic by the centrist "New Democrats," and was a lightning rod for conservative ire.

He helped enact measures to protect civil and labor rights, expand healthcare, upgrade schools, increase student aid and contain the spread of nuclear weapons.

"There's a lot to do," Kennedy told Reuters in 2006. "I think most of all it's the injustice that I continue to see and the opportunity to have some impact on it."

After Robert Kennedy's death, Edward was expected to waste little time in vying for the presidency. But in 1969, a young woman drowned after a car Kennedy was driving plunged off a bridge on the Massachusetts resort island of Chappaquiddick after a night of partying.

Kennedy's image took a major hit after it emerged he had failed to report the accident to authorities. He pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and received a suspended sentence.

Kennedy eventually ran for his party's presidential nomination in 1980 but lost to then-President Jimmy Carter.

His presidential ambitions thwarted, Kennedy devoted himself to his Senate career.

Wildfire Highway 2, 2-3 Miles South of Highway 138

Breaking News: A wildfire is burning on Highway 2 near Wrightwood CA. The Angeles Forest reports 3-5 acres of brush are burning, air tankers are making good progress on the wildfire. ANF is the IC, Fire is on SBNF land. Numerous crews, engines and air craft enroute. ANF reports making good progress on the fire with air tankers and crews. 3:11 pm Zimmerman

Violence in South Los Angeles












As I was taking my turn in the pit, a termed used by fire photographers who stage at Slauson and the Harbor Freeway, I was having some radio problems, so I changed location to 76th street and Vermont Ave to see if I could hit a new radio repeater that EPN is testing. As I pulled over, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's helicopter started to circle above my truck, then I could hear a half dozen sirens quickly approaching my location. Before I knew it guns were drawn, deputies and suspects were running down the street, crowds started to form and I was at the center of it all. This is the second time I got caught up in a melee of sorts, the other was at 84th and Broadway when the LAPD went after a 187 suspect right in front of my truck. In full tactical gear swat teams surrounded a building that I was sitting right in front of. So taking a defensive posture I found cover in case bullets started to fly.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Hoyt Fire NV Kills Pilot


The Hoyt Fire is burning on BLM-administered land in the northeastern portion of the Clan Alpine Mountains in Chruchill County, Nevada. This is about 70 miles northeast of the city of Fallon. The fire is burning in pinyon pine-juniper trees, sagebrush and grass. No structures are currently threatened. The cause is under investigation. Jurisdiction is the BLM-Carson City District-Stillwater Field Office.

A single engine air tanker (SEAT) crashed on the Hoyt Fire on Thursday, August 20, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Pilot Dave Jamsa was flown by helicopter to medical facilities in Lockwood, Nevada, were he was pronounced dead. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration in on-scene conducting an investigation.

Suwyn's Type II Incident Management Team will take over managment of the fire at 1800 on Friday, August 21.

Information on this fire is also being posted at the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center webpage: www.sierrafront.net

10,000 Ordered to Evacuate Wildfire

ATHENS, Greece – A raging fire bore down on Athens' northern suburbs Sunday, prompting panicked residents to battle the flames with tree limbs and buckets, and police to order 10,000 people to evacuate one town immediately.

Frightened inhabitants of Agios Stefanos gathered in the town's main square in early afternoon as flames closed in on the town center and police with loudspeakers directed everyone to leave immediately on the main highway to Athens, 14 miles (23 kilometers) to the southwest.

Other residents tried desperately to save their homes with hoses, buckets and branches. Planes swooped low over the town to pour water on the flaming houses.

"I call on all residents to follow the instructions of the police as to where they will go," an emotional Agios Stefanos deputy mayor Panayiotis Bitakos told Skai TV. "We had been begging the authorities since early in the morning to send forces ... It is too late now. Too late."

By mid-afternoon, the town was empty save for a few volunteers who were aiding firefighters. Houses smoldered and burned-out cars littered the streets.

Planes and helicopters, which had suspended operations overnight, attacked the blaze again at dawn. But with gale-force winds propelling the flames, the fire spread unchecked. TV showed airplanes and helicopters dumping water on a forest outside Agios Stefanos — and the fire re-igniting moments after they left.

The forests around Athens' northern suburbs have helped the fire leap to new areas.

"The pine cones are like projectiles — they cover long distances, too, and spread the fire around," said Avraam Pasipoularidis, mayor of the northern suburb of Drossia. "Everything around me is burning."

The fires ignited late Friday; by Sunday they were reported across an area more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) wide. They started in the mountains near the town of Marathon, from which the modern long-distance foot race takes its name. The army removed anti-aircraft missiles from a nearby military base as the flames approached.

Municipal officials said the fire was threatening the archaeological site of Rhamnus, home to two 2,500-year-old temples.

A state of emergency was declared Saturday in greater Athens: These are the most destructive fires in Greece since blazes killed more than 70 people in 2007.

Residents fled on foot, by motorbike and in cars, amid blackouts and cuts in the water supply. No casualties had been reported as of early Sunday afternoon.

TV stations broadcast frantic calls for help from people of different areas, with many complaining that no firefighting equipment had reached them.

A resident of Drossia pleaded with TV station Mega for help, saying far was within 45 yards (40 meters) of his home and he had no water with which to fight it.

Authorities evacuated two large children's hospitals, as well as campsites and homes in villages and outlying suburbs threatened by blazes that scattered ash across Athens. The flames also approached a large monastery on Mt. Penteli.

Officials said help was on the way.

"There are 14 planes — with two of these coming from Italy — and nine helicopters fighting the fire, alongside hundreds of firefighters, volunteers and soldiers," fire brigade spokesman Yiannis Kapakis told reporters.

"These will soon be joined by two planes from France and a helicopter from Cyprus. Cyprus will also send four fire engines and 60 firefighters," he added.

Elsewhere in Greece, serious fires were reported on the islands of Evia and Skyros in the Aegean Sea and Zakynthos in the west. Another large fire that started Saturday in the town of Plataea, 63 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Athens, was spreading unchecked in western Attica.

A total of 83 fires have broken out across Greece since 6 a.m. Saturday, fire brigade spokesman Kapakis said.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

What Makes Thunder?


Thunder is the sound made by lightning,depending on the nature of the lightning and distance of the hearer, it can range from a sharp, loud crack to a long, low rumble. The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning. In turn, this expansion of air produces a sonic shock wave which produces the sound of thunder.

The cause of thunder has been the subject of centuries of speculation and scientific inquiry. The first recorded theory is attributed to the Greek philosopher Aristotle in the third century BC, and an early speculation was that it was caused by the collision of clouds. Subsequently, numerous other theories have been proposed. By the mid-19th century, the accepted theory was that lightning produced a vacuum. In the 20th century a consensus evolved that thunder must begin with a shock wave in the air due to the sudden thermal expansion of the plasma in the lightning channel. In a fraction of a second the air is heated to a temperature approaching 28,000°C (50,000°F). This heating causes it to expand outward, plowing into the surrounding cooler air at a speed faster than sound would travel in that cooler air. The outward-moving pulse that results is a shock wave, similar in principle to the shock wave formed by an explosion, or at the front of a supersonic aircraft. More recently, this consensus has been eroded by the observation that measured overpressures in simulated lightning are greater than what could be achieved by the amount of heating found. Alternative proposals rely on electrodynamic effects of the massive current acting on the plasma in the bolt of lightning.

Wildfires Strike Athens Greece

ATHENS, Greece – Dozens of wildfires broke out across Greece, torching olive groves, cutting off villages and sending residents fleeing Saturday as one of the largest blazes swept perilously close to the capital's northern suburbs.

The fires north of Athens were reported in an area more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) wide, and forced authorities to evacuate two large children's hospitals, camp sites, villages and outlying suburban areas threatened by blazes that sent huge clouds of smoke over the capital and scattered ash on city streets.

Anti-aircraft missiles were removed from a base north of Athens threatened by fire, the army said.

With planes and helicopters grounded after nightfall, Fire Service officials said their effort — aided by a lull in strong winds — was concentrated on protecting more than six towns where homes were under threat.

Volunteers and army conscripts helped hundreds of firefighters ring the endangered towns.

"Firefighters are working in extremely difficult circumstances," Prime minister Costas Karamanlis said. "Our priority is the protection of human life and property,"

Some villages threatened lay near the town of Marathon, from which the modern long-distance foot race takes its name.

Local officials said the fire damaged power lines, causing blackouts and water supply outages in many areas after nightfall.

Several hundred people were evacuated from two Athens suburbs. Traffic clogged roads leading south; in places, the flames licked as close to the road as 30 meters (yards).

As the fire closed in on towns and villages north of Athens, residents and volunteers tried desperately to prevent the blaze from engulfing houses.

Scores of residents fled on foot, by motorbike and in cars. Some ran down the road away from the flames. Elderly residents were carried from their homes by firefighters.

Municipal officials said dozens of houses had been destroyed but the government's Civil Protection Agency did not confirm those reports.

The government declared a state of emergency Saturday in greater Athens as officials warned that high winds were set to return Sunday.

"The coming night will be especially difficult," Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Kapakis said. "We urge people to remain calm and, in any case, not panic."

He said 75 fires had broken out across Greece since early Saturday morning — including blazes on the island of Evia, Skyros and Zakynthos as well as in parts of central and southern Greece.

Greece is plagued by forest fires every summer. In 2007, the worst blazes in decades killed more than 70 people.

"This is one of the worst fires we've ever seen in this area," said Nikos Koukis, a municipal official on the fire-stricken area of Grammatiko, north of Athens. "This is a beautiful, green area. I'm not sure we can any longer say this is true."

Friday, August 21, 2009

Lightning Sparks Wildfires, ANF/SRA Punchbowl IC







Dry lightning came into the high desert today as predicted and sparked several small wildfires near Longview Road in the Valeyermo area. The first wildfire was held to 10 acres, the smaller fire was held to a 10x10 spot. More lightning is predicted for tonight and tomorrow.

Jeff Zimmerman, Zimmerman Media LLC

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Temecula Air Rescue, Injured Hiker




Temecula, CA - CAL FIRE/Riverside County firefighters responded to an incident involving a fall victim on August 19th at Camino Estribo and Via Tornado in Temecula. They found an adult male who had fallen approximately 15 feet into a creek bed. Due to the victim's injuries and location in a steep canyon, the battalion chief requested units for an air rescue.

A San Diego Sheriff's Department airship assisted in a hoist rescue of the patient to the top of the canyon. The patient was then transferred to a Mercy Air helicopter for transport to Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Resources participating in the rescue operation included 5 engines, 1 truck company, 1 fire crew, and 1 ground ambulance from American Medical Response.

Information and Photos by Lloyd Payne, EPN

Wildfire Injures 5 Firefighters, Los Angeles


MAJOR EMERGENCY BRUSH FIRE
8935 W Foothill
Sunland
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
TIME: 11:29 AM
INCIDENT #: 0418

On Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 11:29 AM, 33 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 4 LAFD Helicopters, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 202 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, joined by 4 Hand Crews, a Crew Supervisor and Helicopter from the Los Angeles County Fire Department as well as five Engine Companies, 1 Hand Crew, 2 Patrols, a Water Tender, Helicopter and Supervisor from the U.S. Forest Service, each under the Command of Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeffrey S. Mottram, responded to a Major Emergency Brush Fire in the Wildland Fire Mutual Threat Zone of Oliver Canyon near Foothill Boulevard and Conover Place in the Los Angeles community of Sunland.

Firefighters from the three agencies converged quickly to find nearly three acres of volatile grass and brush burning in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains during a period of seasonally intense heat but little wind. As water-dropping helicopters commenced a synchronized aerial assault at the head of the fire, ground based firefighters anchored the flames, working the flanks of the fire along the steep and at-times unstable terrain north of the Tujunga Wash. Keeping the flames more than 100 yards from a handful of nearby homes, firefighters held the blaze to less than twenty acres of wilderness, extinguishing the flames in just 1 hour and 46 minutes.

During emergency fireground operations in rugged terrain, a total of five firefighters sustained non-life threatening injuries. The injured included two Los Angeles Firefighters, one suffering a severe ankle sprain, the other fracturing a bone in his lower leg. Also injured were three Hand Crew members supervised by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, including one who suffered multiple bee stings, and two others who fell ill due to heat exhaustion. All five men were taken to area hospitals by LAFD Rescue Ambulance, where they were treated and released to remain off-duty. No other injuries were reported. The cause of this blaze remains under active investigation.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Drug Smugglers Cause La Brea Wildfire



Reuters reports: Wildfire investigators in California are looking for marijuana growers tied to a Mexican drug cartel whom they suspect ignited a blaze that has charred more than 87,000 acres of a national forest.

The La Brea Fire, which erupted August 8 in the Los Padres National Forest in the remote Santa Barbara County mountains northwest of Los Angeles, is believed to be the first major wildfire in the state caused by drug traffickers, U.S. Forest Service spokesman Jim Turner said on Monday.

A joint statement issued Saturday night by the Santa Barbara County sheriff's office and the Forest Service said the blaze was sparked by a "cooking fire in a marijuana drug trafficking operation ... believed to be run by a Mexican national drug organization."

"Although the La Brea Fire started more than one week ago, there is evidence that the unburned marijuana garden area has been occupied within the last several days," the statement said.

Sheriff's spokesman Drew Sugars said investigators found tens of thousands of marijuana plants growing in the area. No arrests have been made, he said.

Authorities said firefighters were warned the growers were likely still in the area and trying to escape on foot.

"The suspects are still at large," Turner said. "We've closed the area to the public ... so if anyone is likely to encounter them, it would be the firefighters, and of course those people have all been alerted and are on the watch."

Illegal cultivation of marijuana in California's forest lands has been a significant problem for several years, prompting federal and local agencies to step up eradication efforts, Turner said.

He added that some but not necessarily all the marijuana gardens had been connected to the Mexican cartels.

The fire, which is about 75 percent contained, was the largest of several wildfires burning in the state in recent days, including one near the northern surfing town of Santa Cruz, which forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 people.

Photos Zimmerman Media LLC, Jeff Zimmerman

Sunday, August 16, 2009

La Brea Wildfire Part 7






The La Brea wildfire has now consumed over 85,500 acres of brush and timber in the San Rafael Wilderness area of the Los Padres National Forest. Large plumes of smoke were clearly visible over 30 miles away during the peak burning period. The north east edge of the fire burned actively with long flame lengths which could be seen from Highway 166. A cold front has moved into the area dropping temperatures 15 degrees while increasing relative humidity. Dozers and crews are still working to construct lines to contain the fire.

Photos and information: Zimmerman Media LLC, Jeff Zimmerman

More information is available at www.inciweb.org.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

La Brea Wildfire Part 6





The containment of the La Brea Incident jumped to 25% after long days of fire line construction and burning operations in several geographical areas along the fire perimeter. The fire is now estimated at 75,486 acres. Substantial progress has been made from the north-west area beginning at Buckhorn Canyon . Running south-east to Horse Canyon . The majority of this line is in and holding. Fire engines remain in place along Tepusquet Road to protect structures if the fire should jump the fuel break. The north line will be improved and mopped up today as crews work to hold the fireline along the Treplett fuel break. A dozer line is being built in Schoolhouse Canyon up to Sierra Madre and should be finished today. The challenge remains the south-east portion of the burn in the San Rafael Wilderness because of the lack of acceptable ridgelines or solid points to build containment line. A major effort to improve existing containment perimeter using dozers and by burning out remaining brush will be made today. This should close the gaps that exist on the west side. The completion of the Schoolhouse Canyon dozer line is high priority on the east end. Fixed wing aircraft and three helibases are supporting the fire, one at Santa Ynez Airport, one at Santa Maria Airport, and a supply helibase at the Incident Command Post. A retardant base is located at Spanish Ranch in Cuyama Valley. Structure protection will continue in the Tepusquet and Pine Canyon areas, and along Foothill Road in Cuyama Valley. An evacuation order is in effect for all of Tepusquet Canyon, from Santa Maria Mesa Road to Highway 166, all of Colson and Ruiz Canyons, and the Blazing Saddles community Pine and Buckhorn Canyons, along Forest Roads 11N04 and 11N05, affecting 10 residences. An additional evacuation order issued is in effect for the following areas: Western Boundary: Sierra Madre Road; Southern Boundary: Cottonwood Road; Eastern Boundary: Highway 166; Northern Boundary: Spoor Canyon. This area includes Moon and Eckert Canyons. An Evacuation Warning exists for areas bound by Cottonwood Road and Wasioja Road, and between Highway 166 and Sierra Madre Road. The New Cuyama High School and Benjamin Foxen Elementary School are currently the designated temporary emergency shelter staffed by the Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American Red Cross. If you need assistance with the evacuation and sheltering of animals, please contact the animal hotline at 681-4332. Weather for today will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the lower elevations of 88 - 98 and 80 - 88 on the ridgetops. Ridgetop winds will be north to northeast at 10 - 18 mph in the afternoon with gusts to 20 mph. Tonoght will be mostly clear with lows of 54 - 60 in the lower elevations and 60 - 70 on the ridges. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php CityName=Santa+Maria&state=CA&site=LOX&textField1=34.821&textField2=-120.41 Due to emergency vehicle traffic and congestion on Highway 166, the public is urged to seek an alternate route and to use extra caution when traveling the highway. A well attended community meeting was held tonight at Benjamin Foxen Elementary School in Sisquoc. Speakers included both incident commanders, local sheriff and local fire department representatives. The Fire Investigation Team is asking for the public's assistance to help establish the cause of the La Brea Fire. If you have any information regarding the La Brea please contact Forest Service Fire Investigators at 805-686-5074. Investigators have spoken to witnesses, but are still seeking additional information that may assist with the ongoing investigation. The emergency closure order is still in effect for portions of the Los Padres National Forest in and around the fire. For more information, please contact Fire Information at (805) 961-5770 from 6am-10pm Temporary flight restrictions have been put in place over the fire and surrounding area. http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr map ims/html/cc/scale2/tile 1 2.html Engines: 108 Crews: 59 Dozers: 25 Helicopters: 14 Watertenders: 38 Total personnel: 1980

The USFS used a helitorch to burn large portions of the Coulson Canyon area and attempted to use a large fuel break just east of Tepusquet Canyon road. helitankers and air tankers were used to pre-treat the area to enhance the line.

The north east edge of the fire burned actively until 6pm yesterday sending very large plumes of smoke into the atmosphere.

Photos Courtesy Zimmerman Media LLC, Jeff Zimmerman

Thursday, August 13, 2009

La Brea Wildfire Part 5




Crews on the La Brea Fire were very successful in holding the line on the Treplett fuel break and south along the upper portion of the Sierra Madre Ridge. Crews will continue construction of contingency lines west of the fire. Direct line is being constructed on the eastern side of the fire where it has reached flat terrain. The fire continued burning south approximately one mile down Horse Canyon but has not entered the Sisquoc River area. Winds throughout the day were 8-12 mph with gusts up to 20 mph out of the northeast.

Firefighting conditions remain difficult due to the steep and inaccessible terrain, dry dense chaparral, low relative humidity, and erratic winds. Extreme fire behavior has been observed since the fire began. The northeast portion of the fire area has not burned since 1922. Due to emergency vehicle traffic and congestion on Highway 166, the public is urged to seek an alternate route and to use extra caution when traveling the highway.

There will be another community meeting on Friday, August 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Benjamin Foxen Elementary School, 4949 Foxen Canyon Road, in Sisquoc.

The fire is now estimated at 36,480 acres. Tonight, firefighters will hold and mop up along Sierra Madre Ridge and engines will be providing structure protection along Foothill Road and the Cottonwood area. Direct fire line will be constructed along Horse Canyon. Three helibases still support the fire, one at Santa Ynez Airport, one at Santa Maria Airport, and a supply helibase at the Incident Command Post. A retardant base is located at Spanish Ranch in Cuyama Valley.

Expect warm and dry conditions to continue. Humidity will drop onto the teens and low 20's with the lowest humidity near the ridge tops. Gusty Northwest to east winds will continue at the ridge tops through the morning then are expected to switch to a more northwesterly direction in the afternoon. Cooler temperatures are expected this weekend as a storm system moves into the Pacific Northwest. The outlook for tonight is mostly clear with temperature in the low 54 - 60 range at the lower elevations and 62 - 72 with ridge top winds.

An evacuation order is still in effect for the 14 threatened residences on Foothill Road and the 7 residences on the Buckhorne Ridge. An evacuation warning was issued via reverse 911 to the 104 residences in Cottonwood Canyon.

If you need assistance with the evacuation and sheltering of animals, please contact the animal hot line at 681-4332.

The Fire Investigation Team is asking for the publics assistance to help establish the cause of the La Brea Fire. If you have any information regarding the La Brea please contact Forest Service Fire Investigators at 805-686-5074. Investigators have spoken to witnesses, but are still seeking additional information that may assist with the ongoing investigation.

An emergency closure order is in effect for portions of the Los Padres National Forest in and around the fire. For more information, please contact Fire Information at (805) 961-5770 from 6am-10pm

Temporary flight restrictions have been put in place over the fire area

Engines: 89 Crews: 57 Dozers: 28 Helicopters: 10 Total personnel: 1,641

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Saturday August 08th, 2009 approx 02:50 PM
Location 26 Miles east of Santa Maria
Incident Commander Pincha - Tulley / Lewin
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,641
Size 36,480 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Fuels Involved

Primarily Chaparral with with areas of grass and timber.
Fire Behavior

The fire in the New Cuyama Valley and along the Treplett Mountain Fuel Break continues to exhibit a rapid rate of spread in the light flashy fuels.
Significant Events

Crews continue to hold the line on the Treplett fuel break and south along the upper portion of the Sierra Madre Ridge. Resources are continuing construction of line west of the fire. Construction of contingency lines west of the fire are underway. Direct line is being constructed on the eastern side of the fire where it has reached the flat area of the canyon. An evacuation order is still in effect for the 14 threatened residences on Foothill Road and the 7 residences on the Buckhorn Ridge. An evacuation warning was issued via reverse 911 to the 104 residences in Cottonwood Canyon. Forest Service closure order no. 09-13-5100-10 is in effect for areas in and around the fire.
Outlook

Planned Actions

Crews will continue to hold and mop up along the northest portion of the Treplett fuel break and south along the upper portion of the Sierra Madre Ridge. Structure protection was implemented along Foothill Road in Cottonwood Canyon. Fire continued to burn south approximately one mile down Horse Canyon towards the Sisquoc River.
Growth Potential

Extreme
Terrain Difficulty

Extreme
Remarks

An evacuation order is still in effect for the 14 threatened residences on Foothill Road and the 7 residences on the Buckhorne Ridge. An evacuation warning was issued via reverse 911 to the 104 residences in Cottonwood Canyon. The La Brea Fire is being managed under unified command with CAL FIRE and California Inter-Agency Management Team 3.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

LA Brea Wildfire, Part 4



I can understand why this air tanker pilot was calling in the turbulence today while flying over the plume of the La Brea fire. Strong updrafts are created when erratic fire behavior consumes vast amounts of ground fuel. The super heated air forms a large plume which draws in strong updrafts and returns strong down drafts over the fire area.

The La Brea Fire was once again very active, but good success was achieved in checking the fire in some areas. The east flank was most active, and firefighters worked hard on a portion of the fire which burned over the Sierra Madre ridge and pushed down into the Moon and Eckart Canyon area. Additional resources were requested to work through the afternoon and into tonight. On the north flank, a strong combination of air and ground firefighting resources have checked the blaze near the Miranda Pine Campground extending toward Triplet Mountain. Over 100 firefighters will work hard to hold that area tonight. On the southeast flank, crews completed building portions of fireline and will continue work tonight in the Horse Canyon area. The fire did not make any significant movement on the west flank. The fire, still mostly in the San Rafael Wilderness, is challenging due to the steep and inaccessible terrain. Dense, extremely dry chapparal, long distance spotting and moderate to rapid rates of spread continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Extreme fire behavior has been observed since the fire began. The northeast portion of the fire area has not burned since 1922. The fire has not entered the Sisquoc River area.

The La Brea Fire is now under unified command with the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE. There is significant fire suppression vehicle traffic and congestion on Highway 166. The public is urged to seek an alternate route and to use extra caution when traveling the highway.

Current Situation:The fire is now estimated at 21,029 acres. Firefighters will work on the fireline throughout the night, focusing on Sierra Madre Ridge and the slop over in the upper reaches of Moon Canyon, above Cuyama Valley. Some crews are camping at safe locations near the fireline minimizing travel time. Additional crews and support equipment continue to arrive. Existing dozer lines from the Zaca Fire in 2007 are being prepared for use as firelines. On the southwest side of the fire, previously burned areas of the Bald Fire are slowing the fire spread.

Weather: The outlook for Wednesday is mostly sunny and clear. Temperatures at the lower elevations are anticipated to be 92-98 degrees, with upper elevations temperatures expected at 84-92 degrees.

Evacuations:Effective at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2009, an Evacuation Order was issued by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office for the following areas due to fire activity of the La Brea Fire: Western Boundary: Sierra Madre Road; Southern Boundary: Cottonwood Road; Eastern Boundary: Highway 166; Northern Boundary: Spoor Canyon. This area includes Moon and Eckert Canyons. An Evacuation Warning exists for areas bound by Cottonwood Road and Wasioja Road, and between Highway 166 and Sierra Madre Road.

Closures: An emergency closure order is in effect for portions of the Los Padres National Forest in and around the fire. For more information, please contact Fire Information at (805) 961-5770 from 6am-10pm or http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1803/

Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions have been put in place over the fire area.

Resources assigned to the fire: Engines: 23 Crews: 34 Dozers: 12 Helicopters: 9 Total personnel: 1,062

Monday, August 10, 2009

La Brea Wildfire Part 3


The La Brea Fire, which started on August 8, continues to burn in the northwest portion of the San Rafael Wilderness, in very steep and inaccessible terrain. California Interagency Incident Management Team 3, under Incident Commander Jeanne Pincha-Tulley, took command of the fire at 6 a.m. this morning. Dense, 87-year-old chapparal, long distance spotting and moderate to rapid rates of spread challenge firefighting efforts. Extreme fire behavior has been observed since the fire began. The fire has not entered the Sisquoc River area and is still within the Wilderness boundary.

Fire suppression vehicle traffic has significantly increased on Highway 166, and the public is urged to seek an alternate route or use extra caution when traveling the highway.

Current Situation: Firefighters worked hard today to help check the spread of the fire, and more firefighters are on the way. 14,778 acres have burned. This afternoon, fire activity near Timber Peak was highly visible from Highway 166. Self sufficient crews will build fireline until the end of their shift this evening, and then they will camp at a safe location near the fireline, to be ready to continue line construction first thing in the morning. Crews and engines will work on a slop over on Sierra Madre Ridge tonight. Existing dozer lines from the Zaca Fire along the Triplet Fuelbreak, and Peach Tree and Sierra Madre Ridges are being utilized as firelines. Previously burned areas of the Bald Fire may assist in controlling growth of the La Brea Fire.

Weather: Typical August weather conditions will prevail, with hot and dry conditions continuing through the week. It will be mostly sunny with highs of 80 to 90 degrees on the ridgetops, and highs of 90 to 100's at lower elevations. Tonight will be mostly clear with lows in the high 50's to low 60's. Tomorrow slope and valley winds will be 3-6 mph, with afternoon winds 6-12 mph and gusts to 18 mph.

Closures: An emergency closure order, ORDER NO. 09-13-5100-10, is in effect for portions of the Los Padres National Forest in and around the fire. Please contact Fire Information at (805) 961-5770 or www.inciweb for more complete information.

La Brea Incident Part 2







I just returned from the La Brea Incident and I will probably be heading out again in a few hours. The best part of the fire service is the friends that we make along the way. Yes, firefighting is very dramatic at times, however just a little impromptu humor is greatly appreciated after a long day on the line. These three firefighters are asking me to judge the best mustache of LPF Engine 35, I told them I would post their picture and let America be the Judge.

La Brea Wildfire




The La Brea Fire, which started yesterday at 2:50 pm, continues to burn in an area of the San Rafael Wilderness that is very steep and difficult to reach on the ground.

Heavy fuels (vegetation), long range spotting and moderate to rapid rates of spread continue to hamper fire fighters in their efforts to contain the fire. Extreme fire behavior was observed, as the fire made major runs throughout the day and was fuel driven. Flames from the fire could be seen on the ridgeline from areas along SR-166 this afternoon.

The portion of the forest from the intersection of SR-166 and Sierra Madre Road east to McPherson Peak, south to the Sisquoc and west to the forest boundary is currently closed due to the fire emergency. Campgrounds in the area have been evacuated.

As I responded in to the La Brea incident today the fire made a very long run to the west up to the Sierra Madre fuel break. I met with Captain Gavin Schwartz and his crew from LPF Engine 35 and the day Operations Section Chief Jamie Coppell. Jamie was the IC in charge of the fire in the early stages; he immediately ordered more resources when he saw the large column of smoke. Fire behavior became extreme with long range spotting between 5 and 6 pm today as it did late yesterday afternoon. The fire continued to push to the west in dense chaparral in very steep terrain. Large plumes of smoke were clearly visible from miles around.

I made access to the head of the fire and was lucky enough to get some great air tanker shots just before sundown. Unfortunately it started to get very dark on the ridgetop so I had to use a much Higher ISO than normal.