Friday, December 15, 2017

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Wildfire News Of The Day will be on hiatus until January 1,2018. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on the Southern California wildfires, which have scorched over 280,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,200 structures as about 8,400 firefighters try to contain them.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Renewable energy associated with pump station


For the first time in 20 years, the Secretary of the Interior has ordered that his land managers and park superintendents use their full authority to begin clearing the dead and dying trees and brush that clog federal lands and are tinder box for western forest fires.

Renewable energy associated with pump station

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on the Southern California wildfires, which have scorched over 263,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,200 structures as over 9,000 firefighters try to contain them.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

NASA is using an imaging spectrometer to survey California wildfire damages


NASA has been flying its ER-2 surveillance aircraft over the Southern California wildfires in an effort to evaluate the environmental damage caused by the flames using an imaging spectrometer instrument created by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena.

NASA is using an imaging spectrometer to survey California wildfire damages

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, December 11, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on the Southern California wildfires, which have scorched 257,000 acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures as more than 9,000 firefighters try to contain them.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, December 8, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on six Southern California wildfires that have scorched 141,000 acres and are being fought by nearly 8,700 firefighters.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, December 7, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on four Southern California wildfires that have scorched 116,000 acres and are being fought by over 5,000 firefighters.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on four Southern California wildfires that have scorched 83,000 acres and are being fought by over 4,000 firefighters.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Bay Area Firefighters Travel South to Battle Southern California Blazes

Bay Area fire departments who were assisted by Southern California fire crews during the October wildfires returned the favor by dispatching strike teams to SoCal to help with a pair of major wildfires.

Bay Area Firefighters Travel South to Battle Southern California Blazes

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, December 4, 2017

U.S. Hotshots Association Conference


Wildfire NOTD subscriber David Provencio of the US Hotshot Association, sent along an announcement about the 2018 U.S.H.A. Conference, which will be held in San Diego March 2nd and 3rd, featuring a guest speaker from the Navy SEAL community who served on the Hotshots before joining the SEAL Teams.

U.S. Hotshots Association Conference

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, December 1, 2017

Wildfires: Utility blocked from charging customers for wildfire costs


The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday denied a request from San Diego Gas & Electric to charge its ratepayers $379 million after investigators found its power lines sparked three huge wildfires in 2007, faulting the utility for not operating its electrical system in a “reasonable and prudent” manner when the fires began.

Wildfires: Utility blocked from charging customers for wildfire costs

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Will CPUC finally decide SDG&E 2007 wildfires case on Thursday?


The California Public Utilities Commission is expected to rule on San Diego Gas & Electric’s controversial request to pass along costs suffered by the corporation from wildfires caused by its equipment to ratepayers, as utilities PG&E and SCE watch the proceedings closely.

Will CPUC finally decide SDG&E 2007 wildfires case on Thursday?

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Crews on standby as fire season lingers into holidays


CAL FIRE crews, supported by two air-tankers and an air attack plane at Santa Maria Air Attack Base, remained on standby as temperatures and weather conditions continue to spawn fires along the Central Coast, such as the Encelados Fire that burned on the grounds of Vandenberg Air Force Base last week.

Crews on standby as fire season lingers into holidays

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, November 27, 2017

California's 2017 Wildfire Season Worst On Record For CAL FIRE


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, discussed what will go down as a record wildfire season on Capital Public Radio as they took a look back at a fire season which forced the state firefighting agency to spend roughly $47 million more than its annual budget allowance.

California's 2017 Wildfire Season Worst On Record For CAL FIRE

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, November 24, 2017

A simple but seldom-used tactic to prevent wildfires: Turn off the power grid when winds pick up


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Bettina Boxall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the Los Angeles Times, in which Wildfire NOTD subscribers Susan Kocher, a Natural Resources Advisor at the UC Cooperative Extension, Central Sierra, and Rick Halsey, the Director of the California Chaparral Institute, discussed how better to prepare for and act during wildfires in the Golden State.

A simple but seldom-used tactic to prevent wildfires: Turn off the power grid when winds pick up

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Aerial Firefighting North America conference to return to U.S. in 2018


Vertical Magazine announced that the Aerial Firefighting North America conference will be returning to the U.S. in 2018 at Sacramento on March 12-14 and will include a session for aerial firefighters to debate and present exhibits on state aerial firefighting issues in conjunction with CAL FIRE.

Aerial Firefighting North America conference to return to U.S. in 2018

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

SoCal faces late-season wildfire danger due to dry conditions, Santa Ana winds


With the National Weather Service predicting high temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday 15 to 25 degrees above average in San Diego County and USFS also forecasting Santa Ana winds Wednesday, fire officials are preparing for a late-season wildfire.

SoCal faces late-season wildfire danger due to dry conditions, Santa Ana winds

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, November 20, 2017

Aging weather satellites receiving much needed upgrades


NASA's 50-year-old geosynchronous weather satellites are getting a much-needed $10 billion upgrade thanks to a program managed by NOAA called the Joint Polar Satellite System, in which satellites will orbit the earth from the North Pole to the South Pole 14 times per day, at 512 miles above the earth.

Aging weather satellites receiving much needed upgrades

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, November 17, 2017

6 Resources to Help Communities Recover After Wildfire


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Allison Jolley, Communications Manager for Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, sent along a blog post which contains a resource round-up designed for community-level wildfire practitioners (people working on the ground in communities) involved in recovery efforts.

6 Resources to Help Communities Recover After Wildfire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Drones are fighting wildfires in some very surprising ways


The acting manager of the U.S. Forest Service’s unmanned aircraft systems program discussed the contributions drones are providing to wildfire-fighting efforts in a year in which 8.8 million acres burned nationwide.

Drones are fighting wildfires in some very surprising ways

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Big Government and Environmentalists Are Causing Massive Fires in Western States


A Heritage Foundation Op-Ed blamed nearly a half century of bureaucratic centralization and environmentalist initiatives for leaving forests overgrown, vulnerable to fire, and dangerous to individual property owners and the economies of many states.

Big Government and Environmentalists Are Causing Massive Fires in Western States

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Monday, November 13, 2017

Friday, November 10, 2017

Sheriff: Wildfires point to usefulness of old technology


As power failed, landlines went dead and cell towers shut down during the Northern California wildfires, the Mendocino Sheriffs Department turned to such things as ordering residents out over bullhorns, knocking on doors, and turning to volunteer ham radio operators to coordinate the transportation of victims to hospitals.

Sheriff: Wildfires point to usefulness of old technology

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, November 9, 2017

How inmates who fight wildfires are later denied firefighting jobs


Due to complicated occupational licensing laws, which often automatically deny applicants with criminal histories, men and women who work as inmate firefighters are later denied firefighting jobs.

How inmates who fight wildfires are later denied firefighting jobs

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Santa Rosa Residents Aiming to Get Wildfire Cleanup Ball Rolling


The Army Corps of Engineers began scrapping the first of 5,300 burned out homesites in Santa Rosa’s Coffey Park neighborhood that were leveled by a wildfire last month, but the agency is still waiting for homeowners to agree to the cleanup so it doesn't have to be done piecemeal.

Santa Rosa Residents Aiming to Get Wildfire Cleanup Ball Rolling

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Destructive Canyon 2 fire in Anaheim Hills caused by ember from earlier wildfire


Orange County Fire Authority has determined that Southern California's Canyon 2 Fire, which burned over 9,200 acres and destroyed 25 structures, was rekindled from the earlier Canyon Fire, which had burned through the Anaheim Hills a few days before.

Destructive Canyon 2 fire in Anaheim Hills caused by ember from earlier wildfire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, November 6, 2017

California asks US for $7.4 billion for wildfire rebuilding


California's governor joined state and federal lawmakers in asking the U.S. government for $7.4 billion to help rebuild after wildfires killed at least 43 people and destroyed about 8,900 homes and other buildings.

California asks US for $7.4 billion for wildfire rebuilding

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, November 3, 2017

PG&E guides lower after wildfires; 'Premature to discuss any potential liability,' says CEO


Facing costs from the recent Northern California wildfires, PG&E on Thursday trimmed this year's earnings forecast amid accusations that its equipment caused some of the blazes which damaged or destroyed more than 14,700 homes across several counties.

PG&E guides lower after wildfires; 'Premature to discuss any potential liability,' says CEO

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, November 2, 2017

PG&E reports from fire zones show toppled trees, downed lines, broken poles


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt. Colonel in the California National Guard, sent along an article which discusses CAL FIRE's investigation of whether PG&E’s power lines sparked the Wine Country wildfires which killed at least 43 people and displaced thousands.

PG&E reports from fire zones show toppled trees, downed lines, broken poles

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Wildfires Can Attack Your House From the Inside — Here’s How to Prevent It


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt. Colonel in the California National Guard, sent along an article which provides pointers on how to protect a home from an ember storm, the most common cause of home ignition which burns a house from the inside out.

Wildfires Can Attack Your House From the Inside — Here’s How to Prevent It

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, October 30, 2017

Full Recovery From California Wildfires May Take Years, Officials Say


Time Magazine took a look at the aftermath of the Northern California wildfires that have burned 8,900 structures and killed 42 people, where officials say it could take years to recover.

Full Recovery From California Wildfires May Take Years, Officials Say

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, October 27, 2017

Insured losses from deadly California wildfires could hit $3 billion


Insured property losses from wildfires that raged through Northern California wine country this month, killing at least 42 people and destroying thousands of businesses and homes, could total $2 billion to $3 billion when all the losses are tabulated.

Insured losses from deadly California wildfires could hit $3 billion

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Don't blame California wildfires on a 'perfect storm' of weather events


An Associate Professor at the University of Colorado places the catastrophic damage done by the recent wildfires in Northern California squarely at the feet of unbridled development in areas at high risk from wildfires, not climate change.

Don't blame California wildfires on a 'perfect storm' of weather events

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

State Regulators To Consider SDG&E’s ‘07 Wildfire Cost Reimbursement Thursday


In the run-up to Thursday's Public Utilities Commission hearing, in which it will rule on whether ratepayers have to foot the bill for $379 million in losses SDG&E sustained from 2007 wildfires attributed to its equipment, KPBS looked at some of the maneuvering going on behind closed doors.

State Regulators To Consider SDG&E’s ‘07 Wildfire Cost Reimbursement Thursday

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

California launching wildfire cleanup ‘for the record books’


Government officials outlined plans for what they say will be the largest fire cleanup in California history, aimed at removing hazardous substances and ash from 8,400 homes and other structures burned in Northern California wildfires.

California launching wildfire cleanup ‘for the record books’

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, October 23, 2017

Losses from California wildfires top $1B - and is 'just the beginning


The California Department of Insurance reported that claims filed with the eight largest insurers in regards to the Northern California wildfires totaled $1.05 billion in losses of homes and commercial buildings, personal and commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment.

Losses from California wildfires top $1B - and is 'just the beginning

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, October 20, 2017

Air Force Drones Help California Firefighters Combat Wildfires


On October 10, as California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a ninth county to be in a state of emergency due to worsening wildfires, the Secretary of Defense approved the use of MQ-9 Reapers from March Reserve Base to map six different wildfires from the air.

Air Force Drones Help California Firefighters Combat Wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, October 19, 2017

10 years since 2007 wildfires: How far have we come?


On the 10th anniversary of San Diego County's 2007 wildfire siege that killed seven people, leveled thousands of structures, and scorched 580 square miles, officials pointed to the deadly Northern California wildfires as proof that it could happen again.

10 years since 2007 wildfires: How far have we come?

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on 12 large wildfires which have killed 41 people and destroyed 5,700 structures, and are currently being fought by 11,000 firefighters.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, October 16, 2017

Will the California Forest Fires Change Anything?


Wildfire expert Stephen Pyne, a historian at the School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, discussed the aftermath of California's deadly wildfires and their impact on how fires are fought.

Will the California Forest Fires Change Anything?

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, October 13, 2017

How climate change is "turning up the dial" on California wildfires


As wildfires ravaging northern California burned 265 square miles, killing nearly three dozen people, destroying more than 3,500 homes and businesses, leveling entire neighborhoods and forcing thousands of residents to flee the flames, the governor laid the blame squarely at the feet of climate change.

How climate change is "turning up the dial" on California wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Firefighters face wind, exhaustion in battle against California fires


A CBS News video segment provides scenes from the Northern California firelines, where an army of over 8,000 firefighters continues to grapple with nearly two dozen blazes that may be responsible for 23 deaths and the destruction of 3,500 homes and businesses.

Firefighters face wind, exhaustion in battle against California fires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Company Helps Coordinate Air Attack On California Wildfires


As Next-Gen air-tankers flooded McClellan Air Attack Base, a private company, Tower Tech, was tapped by CAL FIRE to handle air traffic control of everything from SEATs to 747s.

Company Helps Coordinate Air Attack On California Wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Anaheim Fire: 7,500+ Acres, Homes Burn; No Return For Evacuees


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt. Colonel in the California National Guard, sent along an article about the 7,500-acre Canyon 2 Fire, which forced over 5,000 homes to be evacuated and has destroyed two dozen structures in Southern California's Anaheim Hills, prompting the governor to declare a State of Emergency in Orange County.

Anaheim Fire: 7,500+ Acres, Homes Burn; No Return For Evacuees

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, October 9, 2017

Wildfires Strain State Budgets


After a summer of fire, budgets in wildfire-prone states have been severely depleted, despite FEMA stepping in to pay 75% of the fire suppression costs.

Wildfires Strain State Budgets

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Airport opens gates for Air Fair & Fly-In


The oldest CAL FIRE airbase in the state, Ramona Air Attack Base in San Diego County, will be hosting a fly-in and air fair this weekend which will feature air-tankers and other aerial firefighting aircraft.

Airport opens gates for Air Fair & Fly-In

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Some Property Insurers Pulling Back From Highest Wildfire Risk Areas


Some insurance companies, including Pemco and Grange Insurance, are choosing not to renew policies in wildfire-prone areas of the inland Pacific Northwest after insurers updated their wildfire risk rating models.

Some Property Insurers Pulling Back From Highest Wildfire Risk Areas

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Canyon Fire, which broke out a week ago, is 95 percent contained


Although a few hotspots still exist within the 2,600-acre Canyon Fire perimeter, Orange County Fire Authority reported that the fire could be fully contained today after a week of hard fighting near the Southern California town of Corona.

Canyon Fire, which broke out a week ago, is 95 percent contained

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, October 2, 2017

Cool, damp weather brings relief to US wildfire outlook


Although the National Interagency Fire Center reported that cool, damp weather has brought relief from wildfires in the northwestern U.S., northern Idaho and western Montana, the fall fire season is just getting underway in Southern California.

Cool, damp weather brings relief to US wildfire outlook

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Canyon Incident Update


Orange County Fire Authority sent along an incident update on the 2,000-acre Canyon Fire burning along the Orange County-Riverside County line near the Southern California community of Corona.

Canyon Incident Update

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Air drops continue on Canyon Fire near Corona


Helicopters conducted airstrikes as firefighters from six agencies responded to the 2,000-acre Canyon Fire this morning near Corona, a fire which broke out along the 91 Freeway on the Riverside-Orange County border, destroying one home and a big rig semi.

Air drops continue on Canyon Fire near Corona

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, September 25, 2017

San Diego Fire-Rescue Increases Staffing in Preparation for Increased Fire Activity


San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will increase the number of on-duty firefighting crews, staff and fire apparatus due to an increased danger of wildfires as hot weather and minimum humidity in the teens is forecast through next weekend.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Increases Staffing in Preparation for Increased Fire Activity

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, September 22, 2017

As Wildfires Get Worse, USDA Says Firefighters Need More Funding


In a year which has seen wildfire suppression costs pass the $2 billion mark, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is enlisting state foresters' help to lobby Congress to pass legislation that would pay for wildfires like other natural disasters, not steal money from fire prevention to pay suppression costs.

As Wildfires Get Worse, USDA Says Firefighters Need More Funding

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Why wildfires in Colorado are a growing threat and what our forests have to do with it


The author of "Megafire: The Race To Extinguish A Deadly Epidemic Of Flame" said that the first thing people need to do is start thinking about living with wildfires, rather than spending immense amounts of money fighting fires that actually do not threaten human infrastructure or homes.

Why wildfires in Colorado are a growing threat and what our forests have to do with it

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Another Major Study Confirms The IPCC’s Climate Models Were Wrong


As climate change continues to get the blame for worsening wildfires (instead of timber stands that need thinning), a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience provides more confirmation the climate models are running too hot and could not predict the 15-year “hiatus” in global warming.

Another Major Study Confirms The IPCC’s Climate Models Were Wrong

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

San Diego Prepping for Severe Fire Season


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Brian Fennessy, San Diego Fire-Rescue's Fire Chief, briefed the San Diego City Council's Public Safety Committee on preparations in San Diego County as Southern California's traditional wildfire season is about to commence following a wet winter that left behind an abundance of fuel.

San Diego Prepping for Severe Fire Season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, September 18, 2017

This Season, Western Wildfires Are Close By and Running Free


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Jessica Gardetto, Assistant Chief in the Office of External Affairs at the NIFC, discussed the epic wildfire season this year in a New York Times article, predicting that we are going to have more summers like this one in the future.

This Season, Western Wildfires Are Close By and Running Free

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, September 15, 2017

Forest Service spends record $2B battling forest fires


U.S. Forest Service suppression costs passed the $2 billion mark as 64 large wildfires continued to burn across 10 states in a season that has seen 48,607 wildfires blacken nearly 13,000 square miles.

Forest Service spends record $2B battling forest fires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, September 14, 2017

"More damaging, more costly" wildfires scorch parts of western U.S. and Canada


A CBS News segment provides an update on 62 large wildfires were burning across nine western states in a year that has seen over 47,000 wildfires burn more than 8 million acres across the country.

"More damaging, more costly" wildfires scorch parts of western U.S. and Canada

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Secretary Zinke Directs Interior Bureaus to Take Aggressive Action to Prevent Wildfires


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Bruce Courtright, Chairman of the National Wildfire Institute, sent along a press release in which the Secretary of the Interior directed all land managers and park superintendents to be more aggressive in performing fuels reduction management to save lives, homes and wildlife habitat.

Secretary Zinke Directs Interior Bureaus to Take Aggressive Action to Prevent Wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Six burning questions about Central California’s 2017 fire season


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt. Colonel in the California National Guard, sent along an article which looks at an epic wildfire season in the Golden State, where CAL FIRE reported that nearly 5,000 fires have been fought since January.

Six burning questions about Central California’s 2017 fire season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, September 11, 2017

Friday, September 8, 2017

The US West had a snowy winter, so why the fiery summer?


Experts from across the country weighed in on the causes of this summer's massive wildfires, currently over 76 blazes which have scorched 12,500 sq miles in nine Western states, nearing 2015's record of 15,800 square miles.

The US West had a snowy winter, so why the fiery summer?

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Lynette Round, Information/Education Officer at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on 23 wildfires being fought by more than 10,000 firefighters statewide.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, September 4, 2017

When will the record heat, wildfire danger end in the western US?


A heat wave that has shattered records and worsened wildfires across the West will continue until midweek, as record highs were set from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon, and Missoula, Montana, over the weekend.

When will the record heat, wildfire danger end in the western US?

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, September 1, 2017

Loss of Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Andrew Madsen, PAO for the Los Padres National Forest, sent along a press release about the death of a Battalion Chief from the Santa Lucia District who was killed in a vehicle accident while returning home from fighting the Railroad Fire.

Loss of Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

How California’s aerial firefighters are handling 1,000 more fires than last fire season


Our first article today provides some background material on CAL FIRE, which has the largest state-operated aerial firefighting force in the U.S., and how their aircraft are dealing with an abundance of wildfire activity this season.

How California’s aerial firefighters are handling 1,000 more fires than last fire season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, August 28, 2017

San Diego Fire-Rescue Increases Staffing in Preparation for Increased Fire Activity


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Brian Fennessy, San Diego Fire-Rescue's Fire Chief, sent along a press release about San Diego Fire-Rescue staffing up to meet the challenge of a hot spell forecast for this week that could spawn wildfires across the county.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Increases Staffing in Preparation for Increased Fire Activity

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, August 25, 2017

The Undeniable Radness of USFS Firefighters


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Mike Rogers, a former Forest Supervisor on the Cleveland and Angeles National Forests, sent along a link to a short film about US Forest Service firefighters with the following comments: "The trailing link leads to a writer's brief explanation and an excellent 3 minute film tribute to US Forest Service Fire Fighters and the job they do year in and year out. It is a job not without tremendous risks as the number of fallen firefighters already this year will attest to."

The Undeniable Radness of USFS Firefighters

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Judges: Reject SDG&E bid to charge customers for $379 million in wildfire costs


San Diego Gas & Electric’s request to bill customers $379 million for the costs of the Witch, Guejito and Rice Fires, sparked by their equipment in 2007, that resulted in the deaths of three people and the destruction of more than 2,500 homes and outbuildings, has been rejected by two judges, drawing an angry response from SDG&E.

Judges: Reject SDG&E bid to charge customers for $379 million in wildfire costs

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Agriculture Secretary Perdue Details Response to Recent Wildfires


U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue outlined the U.S. Forest Service’s assets and responses to a recent outbreak of extreme wildfires over large parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies, where 18,300 personnel and 27 aircraft continue to grapple with the blazes.

Agriculture Secretary Perdue Details Response to Recent Wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, August 21, 2017

Friday, August 18, 2017

Blue Bay Fire makes run


A summary of wildfires burning in the Treasure State showed that the lightning-sparked Blue Bay Fire, which started on Aug. 10 on the Flathead Indian Reservation, has burned approximately 200 acres along steep, rugged terrain less than a mile above Montana 35 near the Blue Bay and Eastshore communities.

Blue Bay Fire makes run

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, August 17, 2017

MAFFS surge support continues as national preparedness advances to highest level


Three MAFFS-equipped C-130s and crews from the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing from Colorado's Peterson AFB, the 152nd Airlift Wing of the Nevada Air National Guard, and the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard are supporting firefighting efforts from the Fresno Air Tanker Base in Fresno.

MAFFS surge support continues as national preparedness advances to highest level

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAL FIRE Announces Forest Health Grants to Reduce Greenhouse Gases


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Heather Williams, Resource Management Communications Analyst at CAL FIRE's Sacramento Communications Office, sent along a press release in which it was announced that CAL FIRE will award over $21 million in grants to local groups across California that will help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.

CAL FIRE Announces Forest Health Grants to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Contracted firefighting ‘Super Scoopers’ arrive in Los Angeles


A pair of CL-415s, Québec 244 and Québec 247, arrived from Canada to take up station at Southern California's Van Nuys Airport, joining an Erickson S-64 Air-Crane in anticipation of wildfires during late summer and early fall.

Contracted firefighting ‘Super Scoopers’ arrive in Los Angeles

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, August 14, 2017

PREVIEW: 'Escape: The Great California Fire'


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Brian Fennessy, San Diego Fire-Rescue's Fire Chief, sent along a video news segment which chronicles the first night and following day of the largest wildfire in California history - the Cedar Fire.

PREVIEW: 'Escape: The Great California Fire'

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, August 11, 2017

We worked for Bush & Obama: Here's a bipartisan solution to America's wildfire problem


In an Op-Ed piece, two former Department of Agriculture under secretaries of agriculture for natural resources and environment agreed that, to solve the ongoing problem of wildfire funding shortfalls, Congress must change the way we pay for wildfires.

We worked for Bush & Obama: Here's a bipartisan solution to America's wildfire problem

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, August 10, 2017

New Documents Shed Light On Gatlinburg Wildfires


A news segment provides more details on 911 calls and recently released state documents that show the true scope of the Gatlinburg wildfires on November 28, 2016.

New Documents Shed Light On Gatlinburg Wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Cal Fire to begin their contract with the Very Large Airtankers


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Janet Upton, Deputy Director of Communications at CAL FIRE, commented on the rigorous process of qualifying VLATs for aerial firefighting duties as CAL FIRE considers a contract with the 747 Supertanker.

Cal Fire to begin their contract with the Very Large Airtankers

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Helitanker Ready for Action amid CA Wildfire Season


With California's wildfire season heating up, CAL FIRE has contracted with Oregon-based Erickson Inc. to station an S-64 heli-tanker at the Sonoma Air Attack Base for the first time.

Helitanker Ready for Action amid CA Wildfire Season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, August 4, 2017

New technology helps firefighters map dangerous wildfires


A CAL FIRE official discussed how the agency uses thermal and infrared mapping technology to safely and accurately estimate the size and growth of some of California's most dangerous wildfires.

New technology helps firefighters map dangerous wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Oregon wildfires prompt governor to declare state of emergency


Several wildfires coupled with record-breaking heat, continuing hot weather and forecasts for thunderstorms across the state prompted Gov. Kate Brown to declare a state of emergency Wednesday, which will allow the Oregon National Guard to mobilize resources to assist the state Department of Forestry and the state Fire Marshal's Office.

Oregon wildfires prompt governor to declare state of emergency

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Friday, July 28, 2017

2017 California Wildfires in Photos


In a year that has already seen more than 3,200 fires scorch nearly 113,000 acres statewide, NBC News provided a photo spread chronicling the destruction.

2017 California Wildfires in Photos

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Atlantic/Pacific ocean temperature difference fuels US wildfires


An international team of climate researchers from the US, South Korea and the UK has developed a new wildfire and drought prediction model for southwestern North America which shows that the large-scale difference between Atlantic and Pacific ocean temperatures plays a fundamental role in enhancing wildfire risks.

Atlantic/Pacific ocean temperature difference fuels US wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The Tricked-Out Research Planes That Fly Through Wildfires


WIRED Magazine provided some background information on how NASA uses a converted DC-8 airliner and an Alpha Jet fighter plane to measure smoke particles over wildfires.

The Tricked-Out Research Planes That Fly Through Wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Lynne Tolmachoff, Chief of Public Education at CAL FIRE, sent along an update on 10 wildfires being fought by 5,700 firefighters statewide.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, July 21, 2017

Agencies investigate if military training caused Oregon wildfires


Federal and state agencies are investigating whether there is a link between a series of 7 small wildfires in Southeastern Oregon on July 11 and military training exercises by the Oregon National Guard.

Agencies investigate if military training caused Oregon wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Wildfires and burned acreage in the US since 2000


An infographic based on data published by the National Centers for Environmental Information, part of NOAA, shows that wildfire activity this year is already above the yearly average.

Wildfires and burned acreage in the US since 2000

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

CA Agencies Reflect on Lessons from 1977 Wildfire


Forty years after the Bonita Fire scorched a huge swath of land in the Sequoia National Forest northeast of Kennedy Meadows, a comparison with the current Schaeffer Fire, which has burned nearly 16,000 acres in the same forest near Kernville, shows how things have changed in the world of wildland firefighting.

CA Agencies Reflect on Lessons from 1977 Wildfire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, July 17, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Heather Williams, Resource Management Communications Analyst at CAL FIRE's Sacramento Communications Office, sent along an update on the wildfire situation across the Golden State, where roughly 6,300 firefighters are battling 10 major blazes.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, July 14, 2017

Hot, Dry Conditions May Stoke Wildfires in U.S. West, Forecasters Warn


As Red Flag warnings were issued in northern California, southern Oregon, northeastern Utah and northern Montana, crews battled dozens of wildfires across parts of the West where tinderbox conditions could stoke more blazes through the weekend.

Hot, Dry Conditions May Stoke Wildfires in U.S. West, Forecasters Warn

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

California Statewide Fire Summary


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Heather Williams, Resource Management Communications Analyst at CAL FIRE's Sacramento Communications Office, sent along an update on the wildfire situation across the Golden State, where roughly 7,000 firefighters are battling 13 major fires.

California Statewide Fire Summary

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Monday, July 10, 2017

Friday, July 7, 2017

Letter to Chief Tidwell


A Wildfire NOTD subscriber who wishes to remain anonymous sent along a potentially explosive letter to USFS Chief Tidwell from CAL OES Director Mark Ghilarducci informing Chief Tidwell that Director Ghilarducci is "gravely concerned" over the failure of USFS to pay $18 million in suppression costs associated with fires fought on federal land under the California Fire Assistance Agreement.

Letter to Chief Tidwell

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Multiple wildfires scorch U.S. West


Video from wildfires in California, Nevada, and Colorado underscores the wildfire activity currently spawning blazes in about a dozen western states.

Multiple wildfires scorch U.S. West

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Winter Snow And Rain May Lead To More Destructive Wildfire Season


In a National Public Radio segment interview, the head of the National Interagency Fire Center’s National Predictive Services Program in Boise discussed the reasons more precipitation this winter could bode ill for the wildfire season across the West this summer.

Winter Snow And Rain May Lead To More Destructive Wildfire Season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, July 3, 2017

Wildfire risk high in Southwest, northern Great Plains


The National Interagency Fire Center's four-month outlook showed elevated danger of significant fires in parts of Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah, as well as eastern Montana and the western Dakotas.

Wildfire risk high in Southwest, northern Great Plains

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, June 30, 2017

Scientists find a surprising result on global wildfires: They’re actually burning less land


A NASA study published in the journal Science showed that the amount of acreage burned in wildfires globally has declined by nearly a quarter in the past two decades, mostly due to the fact that lands that were wildfire-prone have been converted to agricultural uses.

Scientists find a surprising result on global wildfires: They’re actually burning less land

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Thousands flee as wildfires roar through West


The National Interagency Fire Center reported that more than 8,000 firefighters were battling thirty large wildfires burning across nearly 180,000 acres in the West.

Thousands flee as wildfires roar through West

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Friday, June 23, 2017

San Diego gets ‘Fire Boss’ air tanker to fight wildfires


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Brian Fennessy, San Diego Fire-Rescue's Fire Chief, joined the mayor at a ceremony at the Lower Otay Lake Reservoir yesterday where they announced that the city will add an Aero Spray AT-802 Fire Boss SEAT to their firefighting arsenal for June and July (the ceremony included a 45-minute demonstration of the aircraft).

San Diego gets ‘Fire Boss’ air tanker to fight wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, June 22, 2017

US Air Force drone crashes near Mt. Whitney, starts small wildfire


A US Air Force RQ-4 drone crashed in a remote section of the Sierra Nevadas near Mt. Whitney as it was making a routine flight from Edwards Air Force Base to Beale Air Force Base.

US Air Force drone crashes near Mt. Whitney, starts small wildfire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Mandatory evacuations lifted near Big Bear Lake as wildfire grows to 1,200 acres amid California heat wave


Although mandatory evacuations for the 1,200-acre Holcomb Fire, burning near the Southern California mountain community of Big Bear, have been lifted, the ongoing heatwave is slowing containment of the blaze, which is currently only 10%.

Mandatory evacuations lifted near Big Bear Lake as wildfire grows to 1,200 acres amid California heat wave

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, June 19, 2017

The Latest: Wildfires Break Out in California Amid Heatwave


As CAL FIRE roped in a 10-acre wildfire near the Southern California mountain community of Wrightwood, a number of blazes broke out across the region amid a weekend heatwave.

The Latest: Wildfires Break Out in California Amid Heatwave

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, June 16, 2017

CA Wildland FFs Sent to Assist in NM and AZ


U.S. Forest Service has mobilized nearly 600 wildland firefighters and support personnel from the Vallejo-based Pacific Southwest Region to battle wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico, agency officials announced Thursday.

CA Wildland FFs Sent to Assist in NM and AZ

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Search for drone operator who disrupted firefighting efforts in Oceanside


One day after someone was arrested for starting an 85-acre fire at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, police are looking for the person who flew a hobby drone over the scene, halting aerial firefighting operations for an hour.

Search for drone operator who disrupted firefighting efforts in Oceanside

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

33-acre wildfire east of Temecula contained


A quartet of air-tankers and a pair of helicopters assisted USFS, BLM, and CAL FIRE crews in knocking down a 33-acre wildfire in rural Sage, east of Temecula.

33-acre wildfire east of Temecula contained

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

PG&E, Fire Safe Council of Nevada County Join Forces to Combat Wildfire Risk in Nevada County


Pacific Gas and Electric Company has awarded $2 million in funding to 43 local Fire Safe Councils and other 501(c)3 projects in 22 counties to help remove some of the 100 million dead trees that litter the Golden State.

PG&E, Fire Safe Council of Nevada County Join Forces to Combat Wildfire Risk in Nevada County

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, June 12, 2017

Wildfires and climate change are fueling each other, creating a vicious cycle


As wildfires kill more trees than they did historically, a researcher at the UC Berkeley Center for Fire Research and Outreach worried that fewer trees will pull less CO2 out of the atmosphere, accelerating climate change.

Wildfires and climate change are fueling each other, creating a vicious cycle

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, June 9, 2017

Video shows massive air tanker battling southern Arizona wildfire


As two wildfires in the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District forced an evacuation of a small town after burning 3,400 acres, officials called in a DC-10 to perform retardant drops ahead of one of the fires.

Video shows massive air tanker battling southern Arizona wildfire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, June 8, 2017

End of drought could mean the beginning of a busy wildfire season in Southern California


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Lasser, a retired Lt. Colonel in the California National Guard, sent along an article which highlights the danger Southern California faces as abundant fuel from this winter's heavy rains begins to dry out.

End of drought could mean the beginning of a busy wildfire season in Southern California

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Sweltering heat to enhance wildfire threat in southwestern US this week


Accuweather meteorologists forecast continued hot weather across the Great Basin as a high-pressure dome continued to build across the Southwest, leading to near-record high temperatures for many locations across the Four Corners region.

Sweltering heat to enhance wildfire threat in southwestern US this week

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

2017 Direction to Wildland Fire Leadership


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Katie Lighthall, Coordinator for the Western Regional Strategy Committee, sent along a copy of the letter from the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to wildfire leadership directing them to use the most effective and efficient means to fight worsening wildfires nationwide.

2017 Direction to Wildland Fire Leadership

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, June 5, 2017

Integrating Community Wildfire Protection Plans and Natural Hazards Mitigation Plans


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Brett Holt, Mitigation Planning Program Manager for FEMA Region 10, sent along an invitation to attend the FEMA Region 10 Natural Hazards Mitigation Planning Coffee Break Webinar Series Friday 6/23 for this month’s installment titled: “Integrating Community Wildfire Protection Plans and Natural Hazards Mitigation Plans.”

Integrating Community Wildfire Protection Plans and Natural Hazards Mitigation Plans

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, June 2, 2017

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2017: What Happened?


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Allison Jolley, FAC Network Communications Manager for Fire Adapted Communities, passed along a blog entry about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day events which happened in various parts of the country on May 23rd.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2017: What Happened?

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Wildfires to threaten southwestern US despite stormy winter season


An AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Western U.S. Expert forecast that wildfires will pose a threat to the southwestern US this summer despite significant rain and snow this past winter.

Wildfires to threaten southwestern US despite stormy winter season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

DNR reminds drone operators of wildfire flight restrictions


Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding drone operators that Michigan’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act prohibits an individual from knowingly or intentionally operating a drone or other unmanned aircraft over a wildfire.

DNR reminds drone operators of wildfire flight restrictions

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, May 29, 2017

Wildfires on the rise due to drought and climate change


A 60 Minutes exposé takes a closer look at how climate change and drought have helped fuel mega-fires that ravage hundreds of thousands of acres across the US, costing federal agencies almost $2 billion last year to suppress - more than half the budget of the U.S. Forest Service.

Wildfires on the rise due to drought and climate change

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, May 26, 2017

Report yields new details in 2014 Yosemite air tanker crash


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Janet Upton, Deputy Director of Communications at CAL FIRE, said that, although the NTSB revealed that the pilot of a CAL FIRE S-2T which crashed in Yosemite National Park in 2014 hit trees on his left while avoiding one on his right, the probable cause of the crash will be declared within about 45 days.

Report yields new details in 2014 Yosemite air tanker crash

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Ribbonwood Fire: Firefighters Deploy Air Tankers, Helicopters On 25-Acre Blaze


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Issac Sanchez, PIO for CAL FIRE's San Diego County Unit, reported that a 25-acre wildfire, dubbed the Ribbonwood Fire, blazed across far southeastern San Diego County Wednesday afternoon before a ferocious air assault helped fire crews halt its progress.

Ribbonwood Fire: Firefighters Deploy Air Tankers, Helicopters On 25-Acre Blaze

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Officials predict dire wildfire season


At a wildfire preparedness news conference held at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, state and local fire officials warned that an epic wildfire season could be in store for San Diego County this year, warning homeowners to clear defensible space or risk losing their homes.

Officials predict dire wildfire season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Q&A Winter rains bring new wildfire dangers in Southern California


A fire ecologist at University of California, Riverside, discussed the wildfire danger in Southern California, where a century of fire suppression and a winter of abundant rainfall have combined to turn San Bernardino Mountain communities into fire traps.

Q&A Winter rains bring new wildfire dangers in Southern California

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, May 22, 2017

Hot weather raises wildfire risk across Southern California


Although hot weather and low humidity in Southern California is expected to abate by midweek, there is a high risk of wildfires due to abundant fuel left over by winter rains.

Hot weather raises wildfire risk across Southern California

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, May 19, 2017

2017 Northwest wildfire season outlook: Average and on time


The fire weather program manager for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said that Northwest residents can expect a normal wildfire season that starts on time and includes a stint of heightened danger around the August solar eclipse, when crowds are expected to throng the region.

2017 Northwest wildfire season outlook: Average and on time

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Veteran wildland firefighter program now open to everybody


The Returning Heroes Wildland Firefighter Program, which was initially signed into legislation to help veterans transition back into civilian life as wildland firefighters, is now open to non-veterans.

Veteran wildland firefighter program now open to everybody

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

JoAnne Skelly: Wildfire: Prepare, anticipate, evacuate


An Associate Professor & Extension Educator, Emerita at University of Nevada Cooperative Extension discussed how to prepare for wildfires during Wildfire Awareness Month in the Silver State.

JoAnne Skelly: Wildfire: Prepare, anticipate, evacuate

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

New Law Enhances Access to Firefighting Equipment, Yet Resource Issues Persist


Governor Jay Inslee has signed a bill allowing the Washington Department of Natural Resources to donate older fire engines to rural fire districts that they otherwise would have to sell at auction, providing much-needed equipment to wildfire-prone areas such as Okanogan and Stevens County.

New Law Enhances Access to Firefighting Equipment, Yet Resource Issues Persist

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, May 15, 2017

Alaska's wildfire season starts slow, despite Southcentral burns


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Tom Mowry, PIO for Alaska Division of Forestry, reported that although the wildfire season has been relatively tame in the Last Frontier so far this year, several recent Anchorage and Mat-Su wildfires have heightened concerns about burn conditions in Southcentral Alaska.

Alaska's wildfire season starts slow, despite Southcentral burns

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, May 12, 2017

Action News Jax goes behind West Mims containment lines


A force of 11 helicopters, 6 fixed wing air-tankers, 77 wildland fire engines, 8 bulldozers, 42 tractor plows and two 20-person Hotshot crews aided over 700 firefighters who have brought the 144,073-acre West Mims Fire to 12% containment.

Action News Jax goes behind West Mims containment lines

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, May 11, 2017

CAL FIRE to Conduct Prescribed Burn in the Jamul Area


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Issac Sanchez, PIO for CAL FIRE's San Diego County Unit, sent along a press release about a 70-acre prescribed burn that will be taking place 4 miles southeast of Jamul within the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve on May 11.

CAL FIRE to Conduct Prescribed Burn in the Jamul Area

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

States Where Wildfires Caused the Most Damage


A compendium of wildfires over the years looks at NIFC’s Fire and Aviation Management Web Applications Program's data provided by the BIA, the BLM, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other land management departments from 2007 to 2016.

States Where Wildfires Caused the Most Damage

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

How you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of wildfires


The San Bernardino County Fire Department and its partners held a kickoff event in front of the burn area of last year’s Blue Cut Fire in the Cajon Pass on Monday to share five things Southern California homeowners should know about protecting life and property from the devastation of a wildfire.

How you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, May 8, 2017

River Ranch Road Neighborhood prepares long term for wildfire


Nevada County's River Ranch Road Neighborhood is working with the Higgins Area Fire District, CAL FIRE and the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County to conduct a wildfire hazard assessment and develop a plan to address safety concerns.

River Ranch Road Neighborhood prepares long term for wildfire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, May 5, 2017

Sailors and Marines Participate in 10th Annual Wildland Firefighting Exercise


Personnel and assets from U.S. 3rd Fleet, Navy Region Southwest, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and 3d Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the 10th annual Wildland Firefighting Exercise in conjunction with CAL FIRE and the San Diego Sheriff's Department yesterday.

Sailors and Marines Participate in 10th Annual Wildland Firefighting Exercise

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Prepare now for possible wildfires


An editorial urged residents of Southern California's Inland Empire to prepare for the inevitable wildfires of summer by visiting the www.readyforwildfire.org/Defensible-Space/ website.

Prepare now for possible wildfires

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Firefighters knock down a small brush fire in Griffith Park


Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters called up a firefighting helicopter to help them quickly squelch a 1/4-acre wildfire in Griffith Park which broke out Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters knock down a small brush fire in Griffith Park

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Man Suspected in San Bernardino National Forest Arson Fires in Custody


Authorities confirmed that a man who allegedly started a number of wildfires in Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest that burned 6 acres was in custody Monday evening.

Man Suspected in San Bernardino National Forest Arson Fires in Custody

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Monday, May 1, 2017

Highgrove blaze now 1,200-plus acres, threatening communication towers


Civilian drones were blamed for the grounding of firefighting aircraft as fire crews grappled with a 1,200-acre Opera Fire, burning near the Riverside County community of Highgrove.

Highgrove blaze now 1,200-plus acres, threatening communication towers

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Friday, April 28, 2017

Lend a Hand: Models for Increasing Prescribed Fire Operational Capacity


Wildfire NOTD subscriber Allison Jolley, FAC Network Communications Manager for Fire Adapted Communities, passed along a blog entry about cooperative efforts to introduce controlled burns back into Wildland-Urban Interface areas around the San Francisco Bay Area to reduce the wildfire danger.

Lend a Hand: Models for Increasing Prescribed Fire Operational Capacity

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Heavy rains could lead to big, late wildfires in Eastern Washington


The State Lands Commissioner and Gov. Jay Inslee offered their insights into the upcoming fire season early Wednesday as they took a “pack test,” as they learned how to deploy fire shelters.

Heavy rains could lead to big, late wildfires in Eastern Washington

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Firefighters Contain Los Angeles Brush Fire


Los Angeles firefighters have contained a 2-acre wildfire in the Tujunga area at the east end of Southern California's San Fernando Valley this morning as the National Weather Service warned that windy conditions will persist Wednesday night through Friday.

Firefighters Contain Los Angeles Brush Fire

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Tulare County gears up for wildfire season


Following a 5,700-acre wildfire near Coalinga in Fresno County last week, CAL FIRE crews in Tulare County were gearing up for another busy wildfire season in the Golden State like the one last year, when nearly 7,000 fires burned 565,070 acres.

Tulare County gears up for wildfire season

For more stories like this, please subscribe to the Wildfire News Of The Day newsletter
www.hypersmash.com