Fire Behavior

CA Wildfire | Grape Fire | New!

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REDDING, CA – The Sims Restoration Project area prescribed burn has officially been declared a wildfire on Thursday April 26, 2018.  It is burning about 10 miles north of Hayfork, California.

Fire vehicle assigned to Grape Fire

Photo Credit:  Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The fire was originally reported on April 24, 2018 at 1659 hours PDT.

Feller assigned to Grape Fire

Photo Credit:  Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Personnel

There are approximately 168 personnel assigned to this wildfire.

The IC attached to this incident is Paul Johnson.

Equipment

Alongside staffing there are an unknown number of engines, hand crews, fallers and bull dozers that are building containment lines around the fire perimeter.

Additionally, there is an attack plane and a Type 1 helicopter being used as aerial fire suppression resources.

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators include those from the Six Rivers and the Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

Size Up

There has been about 150 acres of heavy brush and timber and grass has been scorched but fire crews have successfully reached a 10% containment status.

Fire Fuels

Fire fuels are drying out much faster than expected and causing fire behavior to become more intense.

Tactics-Operations

Fire crews are also working together on structure protection which includes public/private properties, water systems PG&E transmission lines and natural forest stands.

Social Media

#CAwildfire2018 #CA #Wildfires

 

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

NM Wildfire: Diener Canyon Fire | April 23, 2018

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Incident Summary | The Diener Canyon Fire ignited when a spot fire escaped from a Prescribed Fire about 7 miles south of Bluewater on the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico.  This occurred on Thursday on April 12, 2018, around 1600 hours.

Fire Officials are estimating the containment date to be around Thursday on May 31, 2018.

Resources | There are now 55 fire personnel along with 4 engines and 2 helos.  This fire is being managed an Albuquerque Type 3 IMT took command of the fire on April 22, 2018 at 0600 hours.

Size Up | Fire behavior is minimal with backing, creeping and smoldering.  There has been 9,338 acres of ponderosa pine litter and short grasses that has been consumed.  It is burning within the old fire scar from 2004.

Fire crews are currently mopping up and securing existing containment lines.  They will continue with rehab work.  A 92% containment status has been reached.

Damage Assessment | Fire suppression and containment costs have reached a high of $2,800,000.

Social Media | #DienerCanyonFire #NMwildfire2018

 

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

 

 

AZ Wildfire: Rattlesnake Fire | April 23, 2018

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Incident Summary | The Rattlesnake Fire started on April 11, 2018 around 1330 hours MST, about 43 miles SE of Whiteriver and 20 miles SW of Alpine, as well as 50 miles NW of San Carlos, Arizona.

It is said to be also burning on the Forth Apache and San Carlos Indian Reservations and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Smoke is visible from burn out operations on the southern end of the Rattlesnake Fire April 23rd, 2018.

Firing Operations have begun. | Credit:  Fort Apache Agency

Resources | There are approximately 545 personnel alongside 14 crews, 17 engines and 4 helicopters. assigned to IC Jeff Andrews with the SW Area IMT Team 5.

Size Up | Around 16,891 acres of timber (litter and understory), one foot of short grass and heavy logging slash have been consumed.  Fire crews have reached a 25% containment status.

There has been 0 structures lost but fire suppression and containment costs have soared to $5.2 Million to date.

Incident Cooperators | BIA, Apache-Sitgreaves NFs, Northeastern AZ Public Information System 311

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

AZ Wildfire: Indian Meadow | 1

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

A structure fire was reported in the area of Hwy 64 at mile post 216-17 that occurred on Monday, April 23, 2018, spread into the wildland interface.  Officials state the fire was observed moving in the northeast direction as it burned through pinyon juniper and short grasses.

RESOURCES

There are currently 50 personnel assigned along with IC Adam Paul with the KNF.

SIZE UP 

Though it could have been much worse, crews alike have stopped the forward progression of this fire and is currently being held at 160 acres with the initial report of 35 acres.

There has been one structure lost and several others under current threat which means there is a pre-evacuation notice that has been issued for those within five miles of the fire.

EVACUATIONS

Evacuation can been received by calling the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are using the following hashtags for this incident:

#IndianMeadowFire  #AZwildfire2018

 

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

 

Virginia’s Wildfire | New!

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

A new wildfire name the Gate Mountain Fire was recently reported on April 13, 2018 around 1700 hours.

LOCATION

It is located 8 miles west of Timberville and south of SR 259 near Fulks Run on Gate Mountain in Rockingham, Virginia and on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

SIZE UP

The fire behavior is active with backing, flanking and up hill runs. There has been 925 acres of hardwood litter and brush that has been destroyed.

Fire crews have reached a 50% containment status.

RESOURCES

There are 42 personnel assigned to this incident along with 1 crew, 4 engines and 1 helicopter.

Incident Cooperators include the VA Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#GateMountainFire #VAwildfire2018

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

 

 

Florida Wildfires | 1

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

There are several wildfires still burning on the Big Cypress National Preserve of the National Park Service in the State of Florida, which we have been combined into a single post.

#SpoonbillFire

The Spoonbill Fire is burning on the Big Cypress National Preserve of the National Park Service, about 30 miles east of Naples, Florida.

There has been 1,843 acres of Southern rough and grass that have been destroyed.  The fire behavior is minimal with smoldering which is great news for tireless efforts performed by all involved with this incident.

They have reached an 85% containment status.

The total cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have topped out at $250,000.

#BuzzardFire

Photo Credit | Big Cypress National Preserve

The Buzzard Fire is located about 1.5 miles from the eastern boundary of the park and most of the fire is due north of the North Raccoon Trail. It was reported as a wildfire on April 10, 2018.

The fire has burned approximately 2,400 acres.

The cause is determined to be from a lightning strike.

* Closure Alert:  All recreational use including Off-Road Vehicles, hiking, hunting, camping and commercial activities are prohibited in closure areas to promote visitor safety during wildfire activity. *

#VultureFire

The Vulture Fire is located about .5 miles from the eastern boundary of the Preserve and about 1 mile NE of north Raccoon Tail.

Firefighters have reached a 90% containment status.

Cause was also determined to be from a lightning strike over the area.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#SpoonbillFire #BuzzardFire #VultureFire #FLwildfire2018

 

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

 

Texas’ Wildfires Ablaze Across State | 1

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

Due to so many wildfires and so time consuming to separate them all, we combining them into a single post.  Here is a combined list for all wildfires in the State of Texas for Monday, April 16, 2018.

 

#CarbonFire

The Carbon Fire is on managed land by the TX A&M Forest Service and mutual aid on-scene assisting with this fire. Fire behavior is moderate.  This fire also started on private land and is located 7 miles east of Shamrock.  12,530 acres have been scorched but there is a 75% containment status.  3 personnel with further resources are on the fire line.  There are still structures being threatened. $1,000 cost-to-date have been reached.

 

 

#2473Fire

The 2473 Fire is located in Gray County, TX.  The fire is estimated at 800 acres with an 80% containment status.  Moderate fire behavior with 2 structures are currently under threat.  Crews are working on structure protecting and improving containment lines.

#CR205Fire

The CR 205 Fire is located 18 miles NW of Ozona and is managed by the TX A&M Forest Service.  There has been 2,500 acres of tall grass and brush that has been destroyed.  There is an 80% containment status.  Moderate fire behavior is reported.  9 personnel are assigned with no additional resources or equipment.  Structures are under threat.  Costs-to-dates have reached $1,000 as of this posting date and time.

#CR26Fire

This wildfire is located 11 miles NE of Shamrock.  At the moment, there have been 1,386 acres of tall grass that has been scorched.  Fire crews have a 95% containment status.  Structures are under threat.  Fire behavior is minimal.  19 personnel with 2 engines are assigned.  There has been a $1,000 CTD reached.

 

#HarborBayFire

The Harbor Bay Fire is burning 1 mile south of Mason that started on private land and has destroyed 1,109 acres of brush and tall grass. Fire behavior remains moderate but there is a 90% containment status. Structures are under threat.  8 structures were previously lost.

#HighPlainsFire

The High Plains Fire is located in Hutchinson County with an estimated 700 – 800 acre fire that has a 30% containment status.  Forward progression has been stopped but 20-30 homes are still considered being threatened.  0 have been lost or reported as damaged.  Multiple aircraft are helping with fire suppression efforts.

#MillironFire 

Located 2 miles south of Wellington is being handled by resources by the Texas A&M Forest Service along with mutual aid resources.  This fire was started on private land.  There has been 26,979 acres of land destroyed and fire behavior is active.  There is a 75% containment status.  14 personnel are assigned with 1 engine.  Structures are under threat with 21 already lost.  $1,000 cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment status have been reached.

#WalstonFire

The Walston  Fire also started on private land and is located 1 mile south of Mason.  There has been 1,700 acres of tall grass and brush that have been consumed by the fire.  However, there is a 40% containment status.  Fire behavior remains active.  43 personnel are assigned along with 8 engines.  Cost-to-date expenses are $1,000.

 

 

FIRE WATCH

<p> April 16, 2018 — COLLEGE STATION, Texas — There is high probability of a significant wildfire outbreak in West Texas and the Panhandle Tuesday, April 17 with elevated to critical wildfire conditions present today. The areas of concern include Amarillo, Ft. Stockton, and Midland/Odessa. “With these con</p>

Weather forecasters are warning those who play, visit, work and live to extremely careful with fire as there is a high probability of a significant wildfire outbreak in West Texas and in the Panhandle on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.  These alerts are being elevated to critical wildfire conditions listing areas of concern for the Amarillo, Ft. Stockton and the Midland/Odessa areas.  http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/content/article.aspx?id=28344

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are using the above wildfires that have their respected hashtagged fire names listed.  Additionally, we are using #TXwildfire2018 to help us track them during this Fire Season.

(c) 2018 Firestorms & Disasters

Oklahoma’s Wildfire: CaliFire | New!

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Incident Summary

A wildfire named the #CaliFire was reported by Fire Officials about 11 miles west of Skiatouk, Oklahoma on Monday, April 16, 2018.

Cause

The cause is unknown at this time.

Size Up

The fire has consumed about 746 acres of timber and has reached an 85% containment status.

Resources

There are 12 personnel assigned along with 4 engines.

Damage Assessment

The cost-to-date have reached $3,000 for fire suppression and containment status expenses.

Social Media

#CaliFire #OKwildfire2018

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Oklahoma’s #RheaFire | Update 2

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Incident Summary

The #RheaFire is currently burning one (1) mile west of Rhea, Oklahoma in the area of the Oklahoma Division of the Forestry.  

Resources

There are currently 56 personnel along with 18 engines and two (2) helicopters assigned and on the fire line.  Fire Command is being managed by a Florida IMT Type 1 team.

State of Emergency

Oklahoma State Lt. Governor Todd Lamb extended and expanded a burn ban from the original Declaration of 16 counties to a new total of 36, in the western and central areas of the State.  This is due to extreme and extraordinary fire danger and one that is out of the norm for these area.

The burn ban is now in effect until further notice for the following State’s Counties:  Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Logan, Major, Noble, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward. 

Fire Conditions

Fire behavior remains active with running, flanking and spotting consuming everything in its path.  This firestorm has destroyed 243,520 acres. 

Fire crews have reached a 3% containment status and are still focused on fire suppression and containment efforts.

Weather Forecast

No automatic alt text available.

Courtesy of Oklahoma Forestry Services

Effective Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of western Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Extreme fire danger is predicted to begin early in the burning period lasting well into the night and on into the early morning hours on Wednesday given the current state of wildland fuels and forecast weather conditions. Within the Warned Area, temperatures in the upper 80°’s and low 90°’s, clear skies and relative humidity values of 5-15% will deliver fine-dead fuel moisture values as low as 2% with widespread observations of 3% expected. Extreme rates of fire spread complicated by problematic fire behavior including single and group tree torching, crown runs in juniper (redcedar), and spotting will be present on any fire that becomes established.

A Red Flag Warning/Fire Weather Watch is currently in effect. Please refer to http://www.weather.gov/ for the latest updates to the fire weather forecast. 

Damage Assessments

There has been 50 structures reportedly lost.  Homes are still under threat but crews are working to provide structure protection.

The total cost-to-date have reached $946,000.

 

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters

Oklahoma’s #34ComplexFire | 1

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Incident Summary

The #34ComplexFire is made up of many smaller wildfires that was reportedly started on April 12, 2018, from an unknown cause.  The fire is burning about 4-6 miles NW of Woodward, Oklahoma. 

Fire Timeline

Here is the timeline for this incident:

The wildfire was reported on Thursday, April 12th.  Multiple structures are under threat.  A RED CROSS Shelter was established at the Faith United Methodist Church located at 1402 Texas Avenue, Woodward, Oklahoma.  115,000 acres.  13% contained.  88 personnel.  30 engines. 2 helicopters.  32 structures (homes and outbuildings) were destroyed.  $110,000 cost-to-date in fire suppression and containment costs.

On Friday, April 13th, the wildfire had grown to 120,000 acres.  Fire crews reached a 4% containment status.  Fire behavior was said to be extreme with running, flanking and spotting.  Structures were said to be threatened.  No additional buildings had been destroyed and holding at 32 lost.  Road closures were in effect.  247 personnel w/100 engines.  

Image may contain: outdoor

Super Scooper on the 34 Complex Fire

Firefighters were successfully in keeping the fire at bay and holding to 120,000 acres of destroyed tall grass and brush.  The fire behavior was said to have been reduced to moderate but was now moving due to wind-driven runs and flanking.  Homes were still threatened on April 14th.  Staffing numbers dropped down to the 88 personnel from yesterday’s 247.  The number of engines also dropped from 100 to 70 with the same amount of helicopters (2).  A breakdown of structures lost were 12 homes and 20 outbuildings.  The cost-to-date reached $365,000.

Due to more accurate mapping, the number of acreage destroyed was reduced from 120,000 to 53,000 acres on April 15th.  Fire crews were able to increase the containment status up to 25%.  Due to the fire not being so ablaze and every increasing containment, personnel would again drop almost by half, down to 45.  There were 19 engines and 1 helicopter still assigned to this incident.  The cost-to-date would rise to $423,000.

On April 16th, the fire again consumed additional acres and the number rose to 67,778.  A 45% containment was reached on Monday with the aid of 57 personnel, 21 engines and 1 helicopter.  Fire behavior was moderate with wind-drive runs, flanking and creeping.  Crews were successful with structure protection as the number of buildings remained at 32 (Structure protection was holding in place).  The cost-to-date has risen up to $506,000.  

Fire Photography

Credit goes to Oklahoma Forestry Services.

(c) 2018 Firestorms and Disasters