Sunday, August 26, 2007

Severe weather hits Midwest; rain keeps falling in flooded areas - CNN.com

CNN.com: Severe weather hits Midwest; rain keeps falling in flooded areas - The floods have been blamed for at least 17 deaths, according to an Associated Press count. Hundreds of homes have been damaged. The worst flooding in almost a century in some areas

More rain brought more grief to the already-drenched Midwest, pushing rivers and streams past their banks, while a new round of storms spawned possible twisters that left a trail of damage.

ottawa.ap.jpg

Two people take a boat down flooded Main Street in Ottawa, Ohio, on Friday.

Severe weather swept through Michigan on Friday, with a possible tornado touchdown in the town of Fenton, according to affiliate WNEM. The area was under a curfew after the storm, which destroyed several homes and knocked down trees, the station reported.

But it's the flooding -- the worst in almost a century in some areas -- that's causing the most misery.

In Illinois, Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared five counties state disaster areas Friday after seeing the extent of the flooding, the Chicago Tribune reported.

"Everything you have, everything you worked for is gone right now," Vicky Metzger, a resident of St. Charles, Illinois, told CNN affiliate CLTV.

"It's out of our control. Mother Nature overtook us, there's not a thing we can do now," she said.

The floods have been blamed for at least 17 deaths, according to an Associated Press count. Hundreds of homes have been damaged.

Meanwhile, about 200,000 customers remained without power in the Chicago area Friday after severe storms moved through the region Thursday evening, a ComEd spokesman told affiliate WGN.

Thousands of passengers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport were significantly delayed early Friday as 90 percent of departures were running late or very late overnight.

The weather also cut power to parts of the O'Hare complex, witnesses said Friday.

In flooded Ottawa, Ohio, emergency crews patrolled by boat looking for anyone in need of help as many of the city streets remained submerged.

But people weren't the only ones in need of assistance.

The Coast Guard helped to rescue about 70 pure-bred cats from a flooded home Friday, CNN's David Mattingly reported.

Their owners refused to leave the animals behind as the waters rose. After three days, the couple finally got the help they needed to move the cats to higher ground.

At 9 p.m. ET Friday, flood warnings were in effect for parts of Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and South Dakota.

Earlier, bad weather played havoc with travel in the Midwest and Southeast.

An Air France flight from Paris to Chicago was diverted to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where passengers became restive while being forced to wait on the plane for seven hours, CNN affiliate WISN reported.

"Forcing us to sit seven hours on a plane and not even let us sit in here [the airport terminal] while they sort it out; leaving us on a non-air-conditioned plane for seven hours until they got customs people here was unforgivable," a passenger told WISN.

Passengers also got stuck on a plane for hours in Georgia.

In Atlanta, a major hub for Delta Air Lines, thunderstorms tied up air traffic, forcing authorities to divert more than 30 planes to nearby airports, a company spokeswoman said.

"The weather has been a nightmare with diversions," Delta spokeswoman Susan West said.

Scores of passengers on a flight from the Dominican Republic to Atlanta were kept on board a Delta MD-88 for more than five hours after being rerouted to Columbus, Georgia.

Bryan Pettigrew, a passenger on Flight 242, said that after his plane landed, refueled and was taxiing to the gate, its wing clipped a nearby Boeing 757.

"There were a lot of [planes] in a small area ... and, as the plane was being positioned, the wing of Flight 242 grazed the nose of a 757," West said.

No one was injured, and the larger 757 was undamaged, West said. Delta eventually sent another plane to ferry the passengers to Atlanta.

Nashville International Airport in Tennessee also had weather problems overnight, with up to 80 percent of its flights running late or very late.

Meanwhile, a heat wave continues to add to the misery.

A 7-month-old baby in St. Louis, Missouri, and a 2-year-old toddler near Cincinnati, Ohio, died Thursday after being left in hot cars, CNN affiliate WLWT reported.

Cincinnati public schools canceled classes Friday as temperatures flirted with 100 degrees, WLWT reported.

After touring flood-stricken Findlay and other towns Thursday in northwest Ohio, Gov. Ted Strickland said, "Mother Nature was not kind to us."

Bucyrus, Ohio, endured 9 inches of rain in about a 24-hour period, he said.

Strickland has declared an emergency in nine counties and promised to ask the federal government for assistance.

"The major problem was a decision of Mother Nature to pour large amounts of water on this region and other regions across our country in a very short period of time," Strickland said.

The Des Moines River rose after 5½ inches of rain pounded central Iowa. Streets flooded in Lehigh, Iowa, leaving several homes isolated, CNN affiliate KCCI reported.

"You want it to stop, but I guess we're pretty good-natured about the whole deal, but, you know, what do you do? You can't control it," Lehigh homeowner Mark Johnson told KCCI as his dog swam around.

Mary Lovejoy of Omaha, Nebraska, ended up sleeping with her grandchildren in a park after storms ripped the roof off her house, CNN affiliate KETV reported. Rain pouring through the roof ruined most of the family's possessions, including their clothes, and their food spoiled during a power outage, Lovejoy told the station.

A local church gave her $20 to buy groceries, but it didn't go very far.

"That's what I'm worried about, is getting them food and getting them their school clothes and stuff and trying to get back some of the stuff we lost," a tearful Lovejoy told KETV.

President Bush declared a major disaster in three Minnesota counties Thursday, making federal funding available to flood victims.

Thousands Ordered to Flee Idaho Fire

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Castle Rock Wildland Fire
MANDATORY EVACUATION

INCIDENT UPDATED 3 HRS. AGO
ANNOUNCEMENT

MANDATORY EVACUATION

Mandatory Evacuation Press Release

- August 25, 2007 at 7:20pm

Incident: Castle Rock
Released: 6 hrs. ago

Castle Rock Fire Status Update -

MANDATORY EVACUATION -

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

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

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

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

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

Current information is available at:

Castle Rock Color Perimeter Map - August 25, 2007

view pictures || view maps

Summary

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

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

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

Basic Information

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

Current Situation

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

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

Fire Behavior

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

Significant Events

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

Outlook

Planned Actions

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

Projected Movement

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

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Remarks

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

Weather

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

Saturday, August 25, 2007

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS - National Daily Report

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS:

National Daily Report -National Fire Information Center

National Preparedness Level 5

(On a scale from 1 to 5)

Current hours for the National Fire Information Center are
(MST) 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
208-387-5050
This report will be updated daily.

August 25, 2007

Favorable weather conditions have helped firefighters in the West as they work toward containment goals. Fire activity continues to increase in the Southeastern United States with one new large fire reported in Kentucky.

Fire managers are prepared for dry, gusty winds expected this weekend in Idaho and Montana.

Weather Discussion: A dry cold front will bring gusty winds and low humidity to Idaho and Montana today and tomorrow. Wyoming will also see dry, windy weather on Sunday. Moisture surging up from the south will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms to southern California and parts of the southern Great Basin. Scattered thundershowers are expected over the Southeast.

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center


Daily statistics 8/25/07
Number of new large fires 1 States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires 44 Alabama (1)
Arizona (1)
California (2)
Florida (1)
Idaho (9)
Michigan (1)
Montana (16)
Nevada (1)
North Carolina (1)
Oregon (3)
Utah (2)
Virginia (1)
Washington (1)
Wyoming (3)
Acres from active fires 1,791,433
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires 3
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres 62,960
Fires contained on 8/24/07 3
Year-to-date large fires contained 709
Year-to-date statistics
2007 (1/1/07 - 8/25/07) Fires: 64,010 Acres: 6,865,382
2006 (1/1/06 - 8/25/06) Fires: 78,204 Acres: 7,382,221
2005 (1/1/05 - 8/25/05) Fires: 44,412 Acres: 6,935,727
2004 (1/1/04 - 8/25/04) Fires: 54,424 Acres: 6,681,835
2003 (1/1/03 - 8/25/03) Fires: 43,603 Acres: 2,584,542
2002 (1/1/02 - 8/25/02) Fires: 60,335 Acres: 6,177,698
2001 (1/1/01 - 8/25/01) Fires: 56,582 Acres: 2,854,337
2000 (1/1/00 - 8/25/00) Fires: 71,124 Acres: 5,961,707
5-year average
2003 - 2007 Fires: 56,931 Acres: 6,082,741
10-year average
1997- 2006 Fires: 60,270 Acres: 5,200,881
Current Wildland Fires
Arizona Fires: 0 Acres: 0 New Fires: 0 Fires Contained: 0
WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 1,700 New WFU fires: 0
Roosevelt (Grand Canyon National Park): 1,700 acres. This Wildland Fire Use (WFU) is being managed to accomplish natural resource objectives. It is located 13 miles northeast of Grand Canyon Village.
Alabama Fires: 1 Acres: 594 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
High Falls (National Forests in Alabama): 594 acres at 80 percent contained. The fire is burning 17 miles southeast of Talladega. Moderate fire was reported and structures are threatened.
California Fires: 2 Acres: 236,556 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 1
Zaca (Los Padres National Forest): 236,236 acres at 83 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles northeast of Bulleton. Structures, roads and power transmission lines are threatened. Evacuations are in effect. Active fire behavior was reported. Road closures and evacuations are in effect.
Information: Call (805) 961-5770 or visit the CAL Fire info website.
Vista (Sequoia National Forest): 320 acres at 45 percent contained. This fire is 39 miles east of Porterville and is burning in timber. Moderate fire in heavy fuels was reported.
Snow (San Bernardino National Forest): This fire was contained at 100 acres.
Florida Fires: 1 Acres: 22,096 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
MSC South (Florida Division of Forestry): 22,096 acres at 25 percent contained. The fire is located 20 miles west of North Miami Beach. Active fire behavior was reported.
Idaho Fires: 8 Acres: 748,870 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 2
WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 59,410 New WFU fires: 0
The Idaho Transportation Department provides information about road closures on-line at 511.idaho.gov or dialing 5-1-1.
Visit the Boise National Forest website for fire restriction information.
Visit the Payette National Forest website for fire restriction information.
Castle Rock (Sawtooth National Forest): 22,822 acres at 14 percent contained. This fire is eight miles west of Ketchum. Short uphill crown runs, torching and short-range spotting was reported. The community of Ketchum is threatened. Evacuations are in effect.
Information: Call (208) 726-7811.
Bridge (Clearwater National Forest): 36,300 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 45 miles southwest of Missoula. Creeping and smoldering was reported.
Information: Call (208) 942-3113 or visit the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch website.
Poe Cabin (Craig Mountain Area Office, Idaho Department of Lands): 58,520 acres at 97 percent contained. This fire is 23 miles southwest of Grangeville. Smoldering was reported.
Information: Call (406) 203-4954 or visit the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch website.
Cascade Complex (Boise National Forest): 211,353 acres at 23 percent contained. The previously reported Landmark Complex has been added to this complex. This complex is 16 miles northeast of Cascade. Creeping and smoldering with isolated group torching was reported. Structures are threatened.
Information: Call (208) 632-2810. For information on road closures, contact the Valley County Sheriff at (208) 382-7150
East Zone Complex (Payette National Forest): 204,258 acres at 10 percent contained. This complex is made up of three fires. This fire is 25 miles northeast of McCall. The Secesh, Warren, and South Fork communities remain threatened and evacuations are in order. Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering was reported.
Information: Call (208) 634-1890 or visit the Payette National Forest website.
Rattlesnake (Nez Perce National Forest): 101,014 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 25 miles south of Elk City. Community of Concord, ranches, and recreation sites are threatened. Backing fire with occasional single and group torching was reported.
Information: Call (208) 842-9225 or visit the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch website.
Shower Bath Complex (Salmon-Challis National Forest): 111,515 acres at zero percent contained. The fire is located 18 miles northwest of Challis. Structures, historic cabins, and cultural sites remain threatened. Backing fire with torching and creeping was reported.
Information: Call (208) 861-1568 or visit the Salmon-Challis National Forest website.

Boundary Junction (Clearwater National Forest): 5,088 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 15 miles southeast of Pierce. Smoldering was reported.
Information: Call (208) 926-4274.

Krassel Complex (Payette National Forest): 59,410 acres. This Wildland Fire Use (WFU) complex is being managed to accomplish natural resource objectives. It is located four fires is 44 miles northeast of Yellow Pine. Active surface fire was reported.
Information: Call (208) 634-0983 or visit the Payette National Forest website.
Ross Fork (Fort Hall Agency, BIA): This fire was contained at 1,134 acres.
Mitchell (Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Management): This fire was contained at 9,730 acres.
Kentucky Fires: 1 Acres: 450 New fires: 1 Fires contained: 0
NEW 2 Leg (Kentucky Division of Forestry): 450 acres at 80 percent contained. This fire started on private land four miles southeast of Rockport. Active fire behavior was observed.
Michigan Fires: 1 Acres: 18,185 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
Sleeper Lake (Michigan Department of Natural Resources): 18,185 acres at 80 percent contained. This fire is 61 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie. Minimal fire activity was reported. Structures are threatened.
Montana Fires: 16 Acres: 501,995 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 16,737 New WFU fires: 0
The Montana Transportation Department provides information about road closures on-line at www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ or call 800-226-7623.
Skyland (Flathead National Forest): 45,760 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 45 miles east of Whitefish. The fire received some rain yesterday. Creeping and smoldering with isolated torching was reported.
Information: Call (406) 226-4333 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Sawmill Complex (Lolo National Forest): 55,000 acres at 15 percent contained. This complex consists of three fires and is located 22 miles southeast of Missoula. Structures remain threatened. Active ground fire with short crown runs, single and group tree torching was reported.
Information: Call (406) 859-6003 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Meriwether (Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources): 43,296 acres at 85 percent contained. This fire is 37 miles northwest of Helena. Structures are threatened.
Information: Call (406) 495-3747 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Ahorn (Lewis and Clark National Forest): 47,000 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 30 miles west of Augusta. Structures are threatened. The fire received some rain yesterday. Reduction in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.
Information: Call (406) 562-3922 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Pattengail Creek (Beaverhead/Deerlodge National Forest): 11,869 acres at 15 percent contained. This fire is 10 miles northeast of Wisdom. Active fire behavior was reported. Residences are threatened.
Information: Call (406) 832-3178 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Jocko Lakes (Flathead Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 34,940 acres at 37 percent contained. This fire is 26 miles northeast of Missoula. Active fire with single tree torching was reported. Numerous structures are threatened.
Information: Call (406) 244-9967 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Conger Creek (Lolo National Forest): 20,050 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 20 miles north of Ovando. Smoldering was reported.
Information: Call (406) 677-2233 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
WH Complex (Gallatin National Forest): 28,550 acres at 65 percent contained. The complex is located 27 miles south of Livingston. Creeping and smoldering fire behavior was reported.
Information: Call (406) 677-3909 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Brush Creek (Flathead National Forest): 29,921 acres at 90 percent contained. This fire is 25 miles west of Whitefish. Structures remain threatened. Smoldering and creeping was reported.
Information: Call (406) 758-0900 or 406-758-2100 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Chippy Creek (Northwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources): 97,942 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 42 miles southwest of Kalispell. Surface fire with torching was reported. Residents remain evacuated.
Information: Call (406) 826-9009 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Rombo Mountain (Bitterroot National Forest): 20,534 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 18 miles south of Darby. Isolated torching was reported. Structures are threatened.
Information: Call (406) 821-0082 or visit the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website.
Fool Creek (Lewis and Clark and Flathead National Forests): 60,000 acres at 15 percent contained. The fire is 30 miles northwest of Choteau. Light rain fell over the fire yesterday.
Information: Call (406) 466-3560 or visit the website.
Rat Creek (Beaverhead/Deerlodge National Forest): 19,300 acres at 15 percent contained. This fire is 25 miles west of Wisdom. Moderate fire activity was reported. Structures, historic and cultural sites are threatened.
Information: Call (406) 689-3243 or visit the Beaverhead/Deerlodge website.
Black Cat (Southwestern land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources): 11,515 acres at 40 percent contained. This fires is four miles east of Frenchtown. Evaro and Highway 93 are threatened. Moderate fire activity was reported.
Information: Call (406) 543-6639.
Corporal (Flathead National Forest): 2,100 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 47 miles southeast of Kalispell. Surface fire with isolated torching was reported. Structures are threatened.
BH (Bitterroot National Forest): 653 acres at unknown percent contained. This fire is 36 miles southwest of Darby and is burning in timber. Smoldering was reported.
Bitterroot Fire Use Complex (Bitterroot National Forest): 16,821 acres. This previously reported Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish natural resource objectives. It is located 15 miles west of Darby. Creeping, smoldering, and backing fire was reported. Reduction in acreage due to separation of the BH fire.
Information: Call (406) 821-1213.
Nevada Fires: 1 Acres: 96,370 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
Wildhorse Zone (Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 96,370 acres at 99 percent contained. The fire is 10 miles northwest of Elko. Minimal fire behavior was reported.
North Carolina Fires: 1 Acres: 2,895 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0

Longbranch/Robeson Complex (North Carolina Department of Natural Resources): 2,895 acres at 19 percent contained. This fire is four miles south of Lumberton. Smoldering was reported.

Oregon Fires: 3 Acres: 130,191 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
For current information about fire precautions and restrictions, please visit the Pacific Northwest Fire Prevention website.
Battle Creek Complex (Wallowa-Whitman National Forest): 79,299 acres at 90 percent contained. This fire is 27 miles northeast of Joseph. Creeping and smoldering were reported.
Information: Call (541) 426-4978 or visit the Northwest Coordination Center fire info website.
Irish Spring (Vale District, Bureau of Land Management): 47,860 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is located 21 miles southwest of Ironside. Structures remain threatened. Creeping, isolated torching and spotting fire activity was reported.
Information: Visit the Northwest Coordination Center fire info website.
Otter Creek (Umatilla National Forest): 3,032 acres at 65 percent contained. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ukiah. Creeping and smoldering fire behavior was reported.
Utah Fires: 1 Acres: 2,830 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 1,850 New WFU fires: 0
Lowrys (Richfield Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): 2,830 acres at 40 percent contained. This fire is five miles southeast of Scipio. Minimal fire activity was reported.
Information: Visit the Utah Fire Info website.
Dixie Complex (Dixie National Forest): 1,850 acres. Includes previously reported Toad WFU incident. This complex is 34 miles east of Hatch and is burning in ponderosa pine and grass. Active burning with isolated torching and short-range spotting was observed yesterday.
Virginia Fires: 1 Acres: 383 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
Wait Mountain (George Washington and Jefferson National Forest): 383 acres at 95 percent contained. This fire is two miles west of Clifton Forge. Minimal fire behavior was reported.
Washington Fires: 1 Acres: 6,885 New Fires: 0 Fires Contained: 0
For current information about fire precautions and restrictions, please visit the Pacific Northwest Fire Prevention website.
Domke Lake Complex (Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest): 6,885 acres at 25 percent contained. This complex is 36 miles northwest of Chelan. Lucerne and Holden Village remain threatened and evacuated. Backing fire with torching and short range spotting was reported.
Information: Call (509) 687-1904 or visit the Northwest Coordination Center fire info website.
Wyoming Fires: 3 Acres: 23,133 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
Columbine 1 (Yellowstone National Park): 18,255 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 53 miles southwest of Cody. Minimal fire behavior was reported.
Information: Call 307-344-2580. Road updates are available 24-hours a day by calling 307-344-2117.
Bone Creek (Bighorn National Forest): 4,027 acres at 40 percent contained. Previously reported at Little Goose/Bone Creek Fire. This fire is 33 miles northeast of Greybull and is burning in timber. Minimal fire activity was reported. Precipitation occurred over the fire are yesterday.
Bear Creek (Worland Field Office, BLM): 851 acres at 30 percent contained. This fire is 20 miles northeast of Greybull and is burning in timber. Creeping and smoldering was reported.

Email thisDigg This!Share on FacebookSubscribe to this feedSave to del.icio.us

Greece declares nationwide emergency after fires kill 46 | Reuters

A cameraman walks on a road amidst smoke in the village of Zacharo in south Peloponnese
About 350km (217 miles) from Athens August 25, 2007. Greece's worst forest fires in decades have killed 41 people in the past 24 hours and more are feared dead in villages still cut off by flames sweeping parts of the Peloponnese peninsula, officials said on Saturday.
redit: REUTERS/John Kolesidis


Reuters:

By Vassilis Triandafyllou

ZACHARO, Greece (Reuters) - The Greek government declared a nationwide state of emergency on Saturday after raging forest fires killed at least 46 people and trapped many more in villages surrounded by flames.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said the rash of forest fires "can't be a coincidence". He vowed the culprits, an apparent reference to arsonists, would be found and punished.

"All regions of the country are declared in a state of emergency in order to mobilize all means and forces to face this disaster," he said in a televised address to the nation.

The worst fires in Greece in decades broke out on Friday on the southern Peloponnese peninsula and have spread to new fronts, fanned by strong winds and soaring temperatures which have hampered rescue efforts.

Forest fires also broke out near Athens on Saturday, forcing the evacuation of homes and a monastery and closing the motorway linking the capital to the main airport for several hours.

Thick smoke darkened the sky above Athens and ashes fell on city centre streets as the blaze advanced to the outskirts before it was brought under control.

"Help, we need help. We have children and elderly who need assistance. The fire is 50 meters (yards) away from us," a resident from the village of Styra on the island of Evia told Greek TV by phone.

The fire department said the death toll had risen to 46, including several children, but more are feared dead as many villages remain cut off by towering walls of flame.

Rescuers said they had found bodies on the side of the road, in burnt homes and in cars, including a mother still clutching her children.

Monday, August 6, 2007

News : Month-old wildfire expected to linger near Santa Barbara

Los Angeles Times Travel:

Month-old wildfire expected to linger near Santa Barbara

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST — For more than a month, it's been the wildfire that whispers and then roars.

On some days, flames settle into the rugged terrain and barely anyone notices. But on Saturday, the fire raced through the tinder-dry chaparral, for a time threatening rural homes and blanketing Santa Barbara with a grimy film of ash and soot.

Fire officials now predict that the massive wildfire in Santa Barbara County's rugged wilderness will continue to burn until early September, persisting nearly all summer, from the Fourth of July past Labor Day.

Thick brush that hadn't burned in more than a century is fueling the blaze, which has charred more than 44,000 acres — about 70 square miles — of Los Padres National Forest. The fire was sparked July 4 by equipment used to repair a water pipe.

On Friday and Saturday, smoke and ash descended on Santa Barbara, about 10 miles away, and other cities along the coast.

The smoke marred Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the city's biggest celebration of the year, which runs five days and ends today. Some of those celebrating along State Street on Friday night wore face masks.

Smoke contains tiny particles of soot that can trigger respiratory and heart problems, so county officials issued a health alert, encouraging people in smoky areas to limit their time outdoors.

"If you smell smoke, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family's health," said Santa Barbara County Health Officer Dr. Elliot Schulman.

On Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency to free up state resources to help fight the fire.

So far, no structures have burned, but firefighters are stationed in rural neighborhoods to clear brush and protect homes. Residents of about 175 rural houses on Paradise Road and campers and visitors in the forest — including a county-run camp for delinquent boys — were evacuated Friday afternoon.

It is the fire that won't go away.

For several days last week, weather conditions — a low inversion layer that brought stagnant air — slowed its advance, but that suddenly changed Friday. Winds picked up, spreading the fire south and east. It was 80% contained last week, but just 60% on Saturday.

"It's playing cat and mouse with us," said Manuel Madrigal, a fire information officer. "We think it's laying down and we hope to get it pinched off, and then weather changes happen and it's off to the races again."

Madrigal said it is unusual for fires to last more than 30 days.

The crews are digging fire lines only to see embers fly over them and ignite other brush.

"That part is frustrating. You sweat all day to build this really nice line, then later that afternoon, adios — the fire jumps the line and then you regroup and start all over again," Madrigal said.

Chaparral and other shrubs are providing ample fuel for the flames after one of the driest years on record along the Central Coast.

"What started from one spark has kind of turned into a force of nature," said Eli Iskow, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Fire officials reported Saturday that much of the brush was dead or extremely dry, and "a continuous fuel bed lies ahead of the fire's main direction of spread."

"There is a high probability of the fire increasing significantly in size," their statement said.

Fire information officer Rich Phelps said the moisture in the brush was only 40%. Anything below 60% is deemed critical. He also said officials were seeing "100% probability of ignition," which means if a spark lands somewhere, it will burn.

"It's been hot and dry, so it's not going out, it's not going out," Phelps said.

Making matters worse, the jagged, roadless terrain makes it difficult to use firefighting vehicles in most areas except to reinforce contingency lines in brush-free spots. In addition, bulldozers are not permitted in federally designated wilderness areas without special permission, which has not been sought.

"From above it looks like a bucketful of shark's teeth. It's that jagged," said Santa Barbara County Fire Chief John Scherrei.

About 50 crews are attacking the fire's flanks by hand while air tankers dump water on it. Firefighters were in place to protect homes and other structures in the Paradise and Peachtree Canyon areas.

"It's just one of those fires where you can't put people on steep terrain," said firefighter Sam Hall of Kernville, who was helping to clear brush around homes along Paradise Road.

Fighting the fire has already cost an estimated $46 million.

With about 1,800 firefighters at work, a huge command post has been set up with catered meals, Internet connections and laundry facilities because crews are there so long: 14 days at a time.

The smoke was visible throughout the valley. From Highway 154, two columns of dense, gray smoke were rising in a clear blue summer sky.

Alex Jimenez, 14, who headed to downtown Santa Barbara on Saturday afternoon after a youth soccer game, said he worried about the residue from the fire when he plays.


Utah: Six miners trapped in Coal mine after earthquake

CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS:

Breaking News OT- Utah: Six miners trapped in Coal mine after earthquake

Earthquake Traps 6 Miners In Central Utah
"Rescue workers are on scene trying to locate six miners that are unaccounted for," the Emery County sheriff's office said. The earthquake occurred at 2:48 a.m, The Genwal mine reported a "cave-in" at 3:50 a.m., an hour after the earthquake



A coal mine collapsed Monday in central Utah, trapping six miners, less than 20
miles from the epicenter of a 4.0 magnitude earthquake.
Rocky Mountain Power, a utility with a power plant in the area, sent a rescue team and heavy equipment to the mine, about 140 miles south of Salt Lake City, spokesman Dave Eskelsen said.
A command center was being set up in Huntington, about 15 miles from the mine, said Teresa Behunin, an accountant with Utah American Energy, which owns the mine.


Event:Earthquake

Headline:EQ 4.0 Mount Pleasant, UT - PRELIMINARY REPORT

Description:An earthquake with magnitude 4.0 occurred near Mount Pleasant, UT at 08:48:40.60 UTC on Aug 6, 2007. (This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.)

Web:http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsus/Quakes/uu00007535.php

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Cars Plunge into River After MN Bridge Collapse

Cars Plunge into River After MN Bridge Collapse

Aug 1, 2007 06:35 PM

(ABCNEWS.com photo) Aerial shot of a bridge collapse in Minneapolis, MN where vehicles have plunged into the Mississippi River.
(ABCNEWS.com photo) Aerial shot of a bridge collapse in Minneapolis, MN where vehicles have plunged into the Mississippi River.
(KMSP-TV photo) Witnesses on the scene report vehicles teetering on the edge of the collapse.
(KMSP-TV photo) Witnesses on the scene report vehicles teetering on the edge of the collapse.

At least three people are confirmed dead in Minneapolis, Minnesota where a bridge collapse sent vehicles plunging into the Mississippi River.

Rescue efforts are underway for people who were in vehicles that have already submerged in the river.

Authorities reported the Interstate 35 West bridge collapse at around 6:05 PM CDT.

There are also reports that the section of the bridge that collapse was under construction at the time.

But police still do not know what led to the collapse.

Update:
Tons of concrete have collapsed and people are injured.
Survivors are being carried up the riverbank. The entire span of
the Interstate 35-West bridge collapsed shortly after six p-m
Central.
Some people are stranded on parts of the bridge that aren't
completely in the water. A large truck is on fire at the collapse
scene.

Incredible photographs from local resident of the Freeway bridge collaps

Freeway bridge collapse over the Mississippi River
Photos submitted by Mark LaCroix, Minneapolis

Photos from the scene: Here
Incredible photographs from local resident of the Freeway bridge collapse over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

Freeway bridge collapses over Mississippi River | Eyeoutforyou.com - News, Weather and Sports - Bakersfield, CA - KBAK CBS 29 - KBFX Fox 58 | Home

Freeway bridge collapses over Mississippi River
A freeway bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis has collapsed, sending many cars into the water.
Tons of concrete have collapsed and people are injured.
Survivors are being carried up the riverbank. The entire span of
the Interstate 35-West bridge collapsed shortly after six p-m
Central.
Some people are stranded on parts of the bridge that aren't
completely in the water. A large truck is on fire at the collapse
scene.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Utah- [California Fire News] Out of State: Utah wildfire might burn all summer


CAL FIRE NEWS - Neola North Fire - Utah forest fire, spreading in national park, might burn all summer, incident commander says:
"We might have fire out there on that mountain this whole summer"
NEOLA, Utah — CAL FIRE NEWS -
'We might have fire out there on that mountain this whole summer,' said Kim Martin, incident commander.
Fire authorities want to use a wildfire that has killed three people and charred 62 square miles for wildland benefit use and allow it to continue burning to clear out dead and dying trees, brush, hardwood slash, and undergrowth in the national forest.

One official said Tuesday that it might continue for the rest of the season.
'We might have fire out there on that mountain this whole summer,' said Kim Martin, incident commander.

The fire exploded Friday, with extreme fire behavior with crowning and spotting throughout the burning period. The Fire became plume dominated yesterday afternoon.

The Neola North fire has significant potential for continued growth and three people were killed fighting the fire while defending their property, Since then the fire has burned nearly 35,000 acres, about one-third in the Ashley National Forest and the rest on private and public land and the Uintah and Ouray Indian reservations.

The fire is burning about 100 miles east of Salt Lake City, and that it was about 10 percent contained.
It grew by nearly 8 square miles overnight, but most of the expansion was away from communities, officials said.

The Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman toured the fire Tuesday and deployed 100 National Guard troops Monday to enforce road blocks and assist local law enforcement.
Some communities in the area of northeastern Utah still were still under a mandatory evacuation.

Parts of the forest and several roads leading to the fire were closed to the public. It's still uncertain how many homes, out buildings and other structures have burned, and the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

Low humidity and temperatures in the 90s helped the fire grow. Those conditions were expected to remain throughout the week.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a8YAdzF4rgYdBoNx3xN7o3kii6fQCpGJA2bJMu9zfFDkP-iWsb-h-YGlzQL51Y_Bcry3IkzMA3d-UbaVwayrlAX3zkb7njDvEUW9I_0kYFpvdxMekpSmTBq56vEWc93lM4077z9bYT4/s1600-h/favicon.ico.gif

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Neola North Fire Wildland Fire

California Fire News:

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

InciWeb: - Neola North Fire Wildland Fire

Neola Fire

Rocky Mountain Incident Management TeamView of Neola North Fire from ICP
Credit: Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team



InciWeb: Neola North Fire Wildland Fire ICP briefing map:
Credit: Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team

Editors comment: Firestorm - This fire has really taken off - To quote InciWeb
"Extreme fire behavior with crowning and spotting throughout the burning period. Fire became plume dominated yesterday afternoon. Complete consumption of 1000 hour fuels has been observed."


INCIDENT UPDATED 1:09 HOURS AGO

Summary

The Neola North Fire was reported at 9 a.m. on June 29th about four miles north of Neola, Utah on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. For the first two days, suppression of the fire was managed by a local Type III incident management organization. Rapid fire growth resulted in the need to call in a Type I National Incident Management Team from the Rocky Mountain Region, with Kim Martin serving as Incident Commander. The Type I team assumed management responsibility for the fire at 6 a.m. July 1st.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 06/29/2007 at 0900 hrs.
Location 3 miles north of Neola, Utah
Incident Commander Kim Martin

Current Situation

Total Personnel 710
Size 34,951 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Fuels Involved

The fire is burning in dormant brush, hardwood slash, pinyon juniper, grass, sage, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine. Fuel models in the fire area include models 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10.

Fire Behavior

Extreme fire behavior with crowning and spotting throughout the burning period. Fire became plume dominated yesterday afternoon. Complete consumption of 1000 hour fuels has been observed.

Significant Events

Planning emphasis is aimed at the south and east flanks to preclude spread back into rural and urban interface.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Not available

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Remarks

The Neola North fire has significant potential for continued growth.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 4 - 8 mph SW
Current Temperature 85 - 95 degrees
Current Humidity 5-10 %



Incident: Neola North Fire
Released: 2007-07-01 14:25:00 ET

News Release -
  • Governor Huntsman Activates Utah National Guard to Neola Fire
  • 100 Guardsmen to Support Law Enforcement


July 1, 2007

Contact: Lisa Roskelley

Governor's Spokeswoman

Office (801) 538-1503 Cell (801) 560-0137

Governor Huntsman Activates Utah National Guard to Neola Fire

100 Guardsmen to Support Law Enforcement

Salt Lake City - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has tasked the Utah National Guard to provide limited support to state and federal authorities in response to the Neola Fire in Duchesne and Uintah counties.

Approximately 100 soldiers from Utah Army National Guard Engineer units will provide support to law enforcement at selected road-closure checkpoints and campground evacuation sites in threatened areas. Soldiers are expected to arrive at their posts Monday.

This call-up is the first significant official activation of Utah Guard troops to support a state emergency since January 2005 when Soldiers were dispatched to Stockton and St. George, Utah, to assist with flood response in those areas.

The Utah National Guard works regularly with State agencies to prepare for this and many other types of emergencies. Because of its dedicated members, leaders and versatile capabilities, it provides a responsive, well-trained and well-equipped force to assist civil authorities in helping keep our citizens safe.

Media Notes: For more information on Guard support to the Neola Fire effort, please contact Maj. Hank McIntire at (801) 716-9052.