The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 13, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
=> Special Reports
=> Current Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
=> USA Flood Report
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
=> USA Earthquake Report
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
=> Guest Column
=> Military Assistance Headed for the Northern Rockies
=> When Resources are Stretched, Fire Managers Prioritize
=> Surveillance programs initiated in response to the 1999 West Nile
virus....
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 13, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Sat...120 At Death Valley CA
Low Sun...32 At West Yellowstone MT
=> Special Reports
A red flag warning is posted in portions of western wyoming for gusty winds,
warm temperatures and low relative humidities.
=> Current Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane
Alberto...located about 995 miles west of the westernmost Azores Islands.
Showers and thunderstorms in the western Gulf of Mexico are associated with
a broad area of low pressure. Although this system is poorly organized this
morning...conditions appear favorable for development and a tropical
depression could form during the next 24 hours. An Air Force Reserve
reconnaissance aircraft is en route to investigate this system.
A well organized tropical wave is located about 1150 miles east of the
Lesser Antilles. There are no signs of development.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected through Monday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
For the second day in a row the National Weather Service Active Warnings
server is down at the time of writing the report.
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
The forecast probability of an event is by the stated percentage or greater
for the event, within 25 miles of any point for the area described.
Tornado Risk - Slight
There is a 2% probability area over south central and southwest North
Dakota.
Hail Risk - Slight
There are two 5% probability areas for hail 3/4 inch an larger.
One is located over southeast Iowa, far northeast Missouri, and central west
Illinois.
The other is located over North Dakota, north South Dakota, and west central
to north west Minnesota.
The 15% probability area covers south central and southwest North Dakota.
Wind Risk - Slightly Moderate
There are two 5% probability areas for winds in excess of 50 knots.
There are two 5% probability areas for hail 3/4 inch an larger.
One is located over southeast Iowa, far northeast Missouri, and central west
Illinois.
The other is located over North Dakota, north South Dakota, and west central
to north west Minnesota.
The 15% probability area covers south central, central, central east, and
southwest North Dakota; and central west Minnesota.
The 25% probability area covers central south and southeast North Dakota.
Tomorrow's Risk - Slightly Moderate
The risk area tomorrow covers far east North Dakota, far east South Dakota,
Minnesota, far northeast Iowa, far north Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan
except the southeast area.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The 24 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over 3 inch of rainfall is
forecast over the southern Delaware, Maryland, Virginia peninsula.
Over 1 inch of rainfall is forecast over far eastern Virginia, southern
Maryland, Delaware, southern New Jersey; and over central west Florida.
The 24 - 48 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of
rainfall over Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Flash flood values may be exceeded over eastern Virginia, southern Maryland,
central and southern Delaware, and far southern New Jersey.
=> USA Flood Report
The Flood report is not available on weekends.
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2000 - 0700 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
Several hundred new lightning-caused starts were reported in Montana,
Idaho, Utah, South Dakota and Wyoming. Seventeen new large fires were
reported. Six were in the Northern Rockies Area, five were in the Eastern
Great Basin, and the rest were in Rocky Mountain, Western Great Basin, and
Southern Areas. Containment goals were reached on ten fires, four of which
were in the Eastern Great Basin Area. The forecast is for minimal
lightning activity today, and diminishing winds should assist crews in
suppression efforts. Military crew advisors and the training cadre have
begun training the Army's 20th Engineers Battalion, commanded by LTC
Shumway, in Fort Hood, Texas. Firefighters from Australia and New Zealand
will travel today to Missoula, Montana and then be dispatched to large
fires in the Northern Rockies Area.
NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA LARGE FIRES:
An Area Command Team (Edrington) is assigned to manage the large fires on
the Bitterroot National Forest. An Area Command Team (Mann) is assigned to
manage the large fires on the Lolo National Forest. An Area Command Team
(Meuchel) is assigned to manage the large fires on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge
National Forest. Priorities are being established by the Northern Rockies
Multi-Agency Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire
Situation Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
BLODGETT TRAILHEAD, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Gage) is assigned. This fire is three miles northwest of
Hamilton, MT. The inversion and smoke increased, restricting aerial
reconnaissance and suppression efforts. Portions of the perimeter above
6000 feet elevation continue to burn actively. An estimated 600 homes
remain evacuated.
VALLEY COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Frye) is assigned. This complex of fires is seven miles south of
Darby, MT. At least 800 homes remain evacuated. Community protection
plans continue to be developed.
SULA COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Corbin) is assigned. The fires in this complex, located near Sula,
MT, include the Maynard, Gilbert, Spade, Mink, Full Circle and Crazy fires.
Fires in the Taylor Springs Complex are now included in this complex.
Torching, running crown fire and spotting in excess of one-quarter mile
ahead of the fire front was observed fire behavior. This was due to high
winds. Limited electrical power has been restored to the Incident Command
Post, the Sula Store, and the Sula Ranger Station. Full power to the area
is not expected until Monday.
WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Cook) is assigned. The complex consists of 24 fires in
the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wildernesses, 40
miles southwest of Hamilton, MT. The largest fires in this complex are the
Swet, Lonely Creek, Fitz Creek and Hamilton. The Lonely Creek and Hamilton
fires made extended runs to the northeast. The Three Bears fire continues
to burn along the Harrington Ridge trail.
THOMPSON FLAT COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Hoff) is assigned. This is a complex of six fires within three miles
of Superior, MT. The fires south of the highway are in patrol and mopup
status. Burnout operations continue in the Welch Creek area. Extreme fire
behavior was observed due to strong gusty winds and steep terrain.
RYAN GULCH, Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Melton) is
assigned. This fire is 12 miles southeast of Clinton, MT. Crews executed
a successful burnout operation to reinforce the firelines protecting
structures along the southeast edge of the fire. The fire was very active,
challenging control lines along the west and south flanks. Firefighters
were required to retreat to safe areas. Residents of the Cramer Creek area
were evacuated. Tenmile Creek residents also remain evacuated from their
homes.
UPPER NINE MILE COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. These fires are burning near Huson,
MT. Fires included in the complex are Siegel Pass #7, East Fork Beecher,
Pats Creek, Grave Creek, Big Blue, Alpine Divide and Lower Blue. The South
Fork Nemote #4 fire will become part of this complex today. No other new
information was reported.
CLEAR CREEK DIVIDE COMPLEX, Flathead Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (McGregor) is assigned. This complex, 60 miles northwest
of Missoula, consists of the Clear Creek, Vanderburg, Siegel and Magpie
fires. On the Vanderburg and Clear Creek fires, structural protection was
done on some of the residences. Firefighters continued to construct a
dozer line around the Clear Creek fire.
CROOKED, Clearwater National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Hefner) is assigned. The fire is 50 miles southwest of Missoula, MT, near
Lolo Pass. Individual upslope runs to the north were observed. The fire
spotted across Highway 12. Steep terrain, low humidity levels, and high
winds continue to hamper direct tactical operations.
MONTURE/SPREAD RIDGE, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Waterbury) is assigned. This fire is 19 miles east of Seeley Lake,
MT. No new information was reported.
BOULDER COMPLEX, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Humphrey)
is assigned. This complex, three miles northeast of Basin, MT, consists of
the Boulder Hill and High Ore Road fires. Firefighters are aggressively
attacking many hotspots close to the fireline. Resources are being
concentrated on the High Ore fire. The fires are remaining within
containment lines.
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Swope) is assigned. This complex includes the
Mussigbrod and Maynard fires, which are 12 miles northwest of Wisdom, MT.
Both fires exhibited moderate fire behavior. The Mussigbrod fire is still
burning on both sides of the Continental Divide. Firefighters are
constructing fireline from Highway 93 along the south edge of the Maynard
and Mussigbrod fires.
MIDDLE FORK COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type I
Incident Management Team (Carvelho) is assigned. The complex consists of
the Falls Creek, Cougar Creek and Copper Creek fires, 30 miles southwest of
Philipsburg, MT. Crews are making good progress lining and holding the
north side of the Falls Creek fire. Structural protection measures
continue.
BURNT FLATS, Clearwater National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Ostman) will take over today. The fire is three miles from
Whitebird, ID. Gusty winds and steep terrain are adversely affecting
suppression efforts. Current threats are to a radio facility and the Nez
Perce National Historical Park.
MALONEY CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Specht) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles southeast of Craigmont,
ID. Local residents with dozers constructed most of the existing fireline
on the benchlands at the top of the Salmon River breaks. Current threats
are to several farms.
JUDITH COMPLEX, Lewis and Clark National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Szczepanik) is assigned. This complex consists of the
Studhorse, Lost Fork and High Springs fires, which are 25 miles southwest
of Stanford, MT. No new information was reported.
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX, Helena National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Duke) is assigned. This complex, located 12 miles north
of Helena, MT, consists of the Bucksnort and Cave Gulch fires. The Cave
Gulch fire has a fireline around it and mopup is continuing.
THREE BEARS, Nez Perce National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Cones) is assigned. This fire, 29 miles from Elk City, ID, is burning
actively on both sides of the Salmon River. The nearby Short Creek fire
(1000 acres) is also being managed by the team. Crews completed burnout
operations in the Smith Gulch/Corey Bar site along the Salmon River. Fire
activity increased with west to southwest winds.
ELK MOUNTAIN, Northwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type II Incident Management Team (Gauger) is
assigned. This fire is 26 miles west of Whitefish, MT. No new information
was reported.
LEWIS CREEK II, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 50 miles southeast
of Kalispell, MT. It is burning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This will
be the last report unless significant activity takes place.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 12 miles southeast
of Powell, ID. No new information was reported.
SEVEN BLACKFOOT, Miles City Field Office, BLM. This fire is in a
wilderness study area 35 miles northwest of Jordan, MT. The fire is
torching in timber with minimal spread.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 12 miles southeast
of Powell, ID. No new information was received.
FROG LAKE, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 16 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. No new information was received.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. This complex is 20 miles
northwest of Libby, MT. There are numerous lightning-caused fires in this
complex. Some fires are staffed. Priorities are being set for structure
protection.
MCDONALD II, Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire is 36 miles
southwest of Choteau, MT. No new information was received.
SOUTH FORK NEMOTE #4, Lolo National Forest. This fire is five miles east
of Alberton, MT. Residences two miles east of the fire and the community
of Alberton are at risk. After today, this fire will be included in the
Upper Nine Mile Complex.
PARKE PEAK, Glacier National Park. This fire was ignited by lightning on
7/23 in the northwest corner of the park. Firefighters are rehabilitating
a part of the fire.
TAYLOR SPRINGS FIRES, Bitterroot National Forest. This group of fires, 26
miles southeast of Darby, MT, consists of the Taylor Springs, Slate and
five other fires less than 100 acres each. The complex is now part of the
Sula Complex and will no longer be reported separately.
ELIZABETH, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 33 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. No new information was received.
SNOW CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 30 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. No new information was received.
HAWKS GROUND, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 4 miles northeast of
Winchester, ID. It is burning in steep terrain, making access very
difficult.
EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
Priorities are being established by the Great Basin Multi-Agency
Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation
Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
RANKIN, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Suwyn) is assigned. This fire is 40 miles west of Challis, ID. The fire
is actively burning in heavy timber. Current threats are to ten U.S.
Forest Service campgrounds, Bonanza Guard Station, and the town of Sunbeam.
Travel restrictions have been initiated on the Yankee Fork Road.
DRY FORK II, Vernal Field Office, BLM. The fire is burning in pinyon pine,
juniper, aspen, fir and lodgepole pine 20 miles northwest of Vernal, UT.
Extreme fire behavior was observed, including 30 foot flame lengths,
torching and spotting. The major concern is for the Dry Fork Community of
30 or more homes.
SWAINS, South Central State of Utah. This human-caused fire is burning east
of Holden, UT. Intense fire behavior was observed. The fire is burning to
the south and east. Current threats are to structures and commercial
property.
ELK VALLEY, Caribou National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 20
miles northeast of Montpelier, ID. The fire continues to burn actively in
heavy fuels. Low humidity levels and heavy fuels are hampering containment
efforts.
CLEAR CREEK, Salmon-Challis National Forest. Two Type I Incident
Management Teams (Hart and Bateman) are assigned. The fire is 12 miles
west of Salmon, ID. The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines from Camp Pendleton,
California, commanded by Col. Callihan, is assigned. The fire continues to
burn actively on the southern perimeter with spectacular runs toward the
summit of Blackbird Mountain. Structure protection measures continue to be
a major emphasis.
BOULDER, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Zimmerman) is assigned. This fire is 15 miles east of Jackson, WY, in the
Gros Ventre Wilderness. The fire backed into Little Granite Creek in
several areas. Steep terrain, heavy fuels, and active fire behavior are
making containment difficult on the northeast flank. Mopup is progressing
well on the south side of the fire.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Vail) is assigned. A Type I Incident Management Team (Dague) will
transition today and take over the fire. The fire is 23 miles north of
McCall, ID. The 3rd Battalion 16th Field Artillery from Ft. Hood, Texas,
commanded by LTC Darryl Williams, is assigned. Fire activity continues to
be subdued with lower temperatures, higher humidity levels and periods of
cloud cover.
MORSE, Salmon-Challis National Forest. The fire is burning in grass,
sagebrush, and Douglas Fir 12 miles southeast of Ellis, ID.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. This fire is 50 miles northeast
of McCall, ID. The threat to structures at Chamberlain and Stonebreaker
Ranch has diminished.
NORTH FORK WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Salmon/Challis National Forest. The ten
fires in this complex, including the Butts and Filly fires, are 40 miles
northwest of Salmon, ID. No new information was received.
DIAMOND PEAK, Payette National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 42
miles northeast of McCall, ID. No new information was received.
ENOS, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This fire is burning in the Teton
Wilderness 33 miles northeast of Jackson, WY. Major fire movement is to
the northeast towards an area that was burned in 1988. The fire is backing
into a blowdown area to the south that extends for about two to three
miles. Firefighters successfully completely structure protection around
the Enos Lake patrol cabin. There were three spot fires on the southeast
side of the lake.
DITCH CREEK, Payette National Forest. The fire is 22 miles northwest of
council, ID. Firefighters continue to cold trail and mopup.
Demobilization is expected to begin today.
POINT/LOOKOUT, Payette National Forest. The fire is 51 miles east of
McCall, ID. The Point and Lookout fires merged. Four individuals had to
be evacuated from the area by air.
NICK, Payette National Forest. This fire is burning in subalpine fir 12
miles east of McCall, ID. The initial attack firefighters were pulled off
the fire due to extreme fire behavior.
INDIAN/PROSPECT, Payette National Forest. The fire is 33 miles east of
McCall, ID. One private vehicle is two miles downwind from the fire. The
people will walk out today but the vehicle will have to stay.
CALDER CREEK, Upper Snake River District, South-Central Idaho Area, BLM.
This fire is 38 miles southwest of Pocatello, ID. The fire is almost
contained. The southeast corner of the fire is burning in heavy brush and
is still creating problems.
WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
Priorities are being established by the Great Basin Multi-Agency
Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation
Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
TWIN PEAKS, Carson City Field Office, BLM. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Praytor) is assigned. This lightning-ignited fire is burning in
pinyon pine and juniper 50 miles east of Fallon, NV. Southwest winds kept
the northern division of the fire active. Heavy, extremely dry fuels,
limited access, and steep, rocky terrain are complicating suppression
efforts. Threats to ranches and three small communities remain.
CHOKE CHERRY, Elko Field Office, BLM. This fire is 14 miles east of
Jackpot, NV. The fire is burning in pinion pine, juniper, sagebrush and
grass. Interior burning continues and one small slopover occurred
yesterday on the west side of the fire. Overall, crews continued to make
very good progress. The fire is across and continues to threaten the
historic California Trail.
O'NEIL BASIN COMPLEX, Elko Field Office, BLM. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Murphy) is assigned. This complex, consisting of the Camp
Creek, Cold Springs, Wildcat, Sun, Mahogany and Stag fires, is 40 miles
southeast of Jackpot, NV. Infrared information indicates sufficient heat
in islands to cause continued concern. Burnout operations will be done
today along areas that need to be secured. Crews continue to mopup along
the fire edge with the support of helicopter bucket drops. Resources
assigned to the incident took initial attack action on a new fire south of
the fire camp.
PARSNIP, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is burning in sagebrush, dense
pinyon pine and juniper 30 miles northeast of Caliente, NV in a wilderness
study area. Crews continue to mopup and provide structure protection.
PHILLIPS RANCH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This fire is 50 miles
southeast of Ely, NV. The fire continues to be monitored. No new
information was received.
RABBIT, Elko Field Office, BLM. The fire is burning in pinyon pine,
juniper, sagebrush and grass 60 miles southeast of Elko, NV. The fire
continues to torch and creep, with small flare-ups in the duff. Current
threats are to wildlife habitat, grazing and cultural resources.
CHERRY, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire, 30 miles northwest of Ely, NV,
was contained on 7/19 but has spotted outside containment lines. The fire
is being monitored as it continues to smolder and torch while burning
through sage, white fir, mountain mahogany and bristlecone pine fuels. No
new information was received.
RIGHT HAND, Carson City Field Office, BLM. This fire is burning in pinyon
pine and juniper 25 miles northeast of Reno, NV. The fire escaped
containment lines yesterday, burning approximately two acres. Crews
contained the flare-up without any significant problems.
WHISKEY, Battle Mountain Field Office, BLM. This fire is burning through
pinyon pine, juniper and sage fuels 15 miles south of Battle Mountain, NV.
Extreme fire conditions were reported due to high winds. Steep, rough
terrain on the north side of the fire is inaccessible to engines. Current
threats are to a FAA tower, watershed and grazing lands.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
KATE'S BASIN COMPLEX, Wind River Agency, BIA. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Carlson) is assigned. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Lohrey) has been ordered. The team will manage the Blondie #2 fire and
this fire as a complex. The complex is 13 miles southwest of Thermopolis,
WY. The fire continues to make strong runs driven by high winds and
temperatures in the 90's. There is risk to the community of Thermopolis,
WY and ranches along Highway 170.
FLAGPOLE MOUNTAIN, South Dakota State Forestry. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Gardiner) has been ordered. This fire is near the town of
Hot Springs, SD. This fire is in rugged terrain and used considerable air
support yesterday in efforts to contain the fire. One outbuilding was
destroyed.
SHEEP MOUNTAIN, Rock Springs District, BLM. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Carlson) is being reassigned from the Kate's Basin fire after
transitioning with a Type I Incident Management Team (Lohrey). This
lightning-caused fire is close to Rock Spring, WY. The fire crossed County
Road 32 and made a run north up Highway 191.
BLACKHALL, Rawlins District, BLM. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Hartman) is assigned. This fire is four miles southeast of Encampment,
WY. No new information was received.
HOGBACK, Craig Dispatch Center Counties. This fire is five miles south of
Meeker, CO. The fire has under burned oakbrush and has high reburn
potential. Burnout operations around structures were successful.
Homeowners that had been evacuated were allowed back into the area
yesterday.
NORTH FORK, Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest. This lightning-caused fire
is 37 miles northwest of Fort Collins, CO. Substantial progress was made
on mopup yesterday.
NORTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
BUFFALO LAKE, Colville Agency, BIA. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Furlong) is assigned. This fire is burning in grass, sagebrush, timber
and slash four miles northeast of Coulee Dam, WA. Crews are continuing to
make excellent progress constructing fireline and burning out along the
east flank of the fire. No major slopovers or spot fires occurred
yesterday.
SIXPRONG COMPLEX, Washington State Lands. This fire is six miles northwest
of Roosevelt, WA. Crews continue to work towards containment. One
primitive structure was destroyed yesterday.
MAGPIE PEAK, Vale District, BLM. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Ostman) is assigned. This fire was started by lightning in the Powder
River Canyon, 16 miles northeast of Baker City, OR. Fuels are heavy
sagebrush with adjacent timber stands. Terrain is very rugged making
suppression activities difficult. Low temperatures and high relative
humidities overnight have helped suppression efforts.
WHITE ELEPHANT RANCH, Prineville District, BLM. This fire is made up of
two lightning-caused fires 15 miles east of Grass Valley, OR that burned
together. Crews made significant progress towards containment yesterday.
FLAT CREEK, Wenatchee National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 18
miles northwest of Stehekin, WA, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The fire
continues to be monitored by agency personnel from a viewpoint and by
helicopter. A confinement strategy is being used. Lack of accessability
and safety zones are adding to control problems.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
SAWMILL, Inyo National Forest. The fire, near Independence, CA, was
ignited on 8/5 by lightning. Steep terrain continues to hamper containment
efforts.
SOUTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
PEAK, Tonto National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team (Joki) is
assigned. The fire is burning in dense brush and steep terrain six miles
south of Globe, AZ. Fire activity continues to be minimal. Crews continue
to mopup smokes that can be safely accessed.
BELL, Las Vegas District, New Mexico State Forestry. This lightning-caused
fire was ignited on 8/7. It is burning in pinyon pine, juniper and grass
30 miles northwest of Tucumcari, NM. A burnout operation continues in the
interior and on the south flank of the fire.
RATTLESNAKE, Prescott National Forest. The fire was ignited on 8/7 near
Black Canyon City, AZ. The fire is burning in a canyon in the Castle
Wilderness. The fire is being monitored by USFS personnel.
PRIETA, Santa Fe National Forest. This lighting-caused wildland fire was
started on 8/7. A burnout operation was used to stop fire spread to the
west and south. The fire will be allowed to burn to natural barriers on
the north and east flanks.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
HARRELL GULLY, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is burning in a pine
plantation 64 miles southeast of Lufkin, TX. Extreme fire behavior was
observed due to high temperatures, gusty winds, and drought-stressed fuels.
BOHANNAN ROAD, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is burning in a pine
plantation 30 miles northeast of Houston, TX.
KING, West Texas Counties. This fire is 50 miles north of Austin, TX.
Extreme temperatures and dry winds hampered control efforts. One barn and
one cabin were destroyed.
OUTLOOK:
*** A RED FLAG WARNING IS POSTED IN PORTIONS OF WESTERN WYOMING FOR GUSTY
WINDS, WARM TEMPERATURES AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES ***
A dry southwest flow will move onto the West coast bringing seasonal
temperatures to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. This will also
bring locally breezy conditions to portions of the Great Basin and Northern
Rockies along with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms over far
eastern Montana and Wyoming. Otherwise monsoonal moisture and a threat of
thunderstorms will remain across the southwest United States as high
pressure extends from the Four Corners region to Southern California.
High temperatures will range from the mid 70's to the mid 90's in most
areas and up to 110 in the deserts of western Utah, northern Arizona and
southern Nevada. Up to 115 degree temperatures will occur across the
southern California and Arizona desert areas.
Afternoon relative humidities will range from the low teens to upper 20's
in most areas, except drier in the hottest deserts. West to southwest
gusty winds of 15 to 20 mph can be expected across portions of the north.
Elsewhere, diurnal winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected.
=> USA Earthquake Report
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION CENTER
GOLDEN, COLORADO
LISTS OF U.S. EARTHQUAKES IN THE LAST 30 HOURS
Prepared by USGS/NEIC 2000 AUG 13 at 00:15 UTC
NO EVENTS
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
Note: All data is considered preliminary
Tornado Reports
No reports received
Hail Reports
Time Size Location County State Lat Lon Comments
0143 75 6 NE GRANADA MARTIN MN 4377 9425 REPORTED BY PUBLIC. EVENT DURATION
3 MINUTES. (MSP)
0520 75 4 N WEBB CLAY IA 4301 9500 REPORTED BY STORM SPOTTER. (FSD)
0613 75 2 S REMBRANDT BUENA VISTA IA 4279 9516 REPORTED BY PUBLIC. (FSD)
Wind Reports
Time Speed Location County State Lat Lon Comments
1750 UNK PALM HARBOR PINELLAS FL 2808 8276 THUNDERSTORM WINDS CAUSED ROOF
DAMAGE TO AT LEAST A DOZEN HOMES AND DOWNED SEVERAL TREES AND POWER LINES IN
PALM HARBOR. REPORTED BY BAY NEWS NINE CABLE. (TBW)
1818 UNK 14 NW TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH FL 2814 8265 THUNDERSTORM WINDS CAUSED
ROOF DAMAGE TO AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN HOMES AND UPROOTED SEVERAL OAK TREES IN
THE WEST CHASE SUBDIVISION. REPORTED BY BAY NEWS NINE CABLE. (TBW)
1845 UNK 5 N TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH FL 2806 8246 THUNDERSTORM WINDS DOWNED A FEW
TREES AND POWER LINES ALONG ARMENIA AVENUE AND BROAD STREET IN TAMPA.
REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. (TBW)
2332 60 GRAND JUNCTION MESA CO 3908 10855 WIND GUST OBSERVED ON UNOFFICIAL
WIND EQUIPMENT AT WFO GJT. (GJT)
0432 60 DICKENS CLAY IA 4313 9503 (FSD)
Fields marked UNK are unknown
All Times UTC
Wind Gusts in MPH
Hail Sizes in 1/100 of an Inch (75 = 0.75")
=> Guest Column
No Column Today
=> Military Assistance Headed for the Northern Rockies
AUGUST 12, 4:00 p.m. -- BOISE, IDAHO: Day after day, dry lightning storms
have hit Idaho and Montana with a vengeance, leaving in their wake hundreds
of new fire starts. With 22 large fires burning in Montana and 16 in Idaho,
involving nearly 750,000 acres, firefighting resources in the Inland
Northwest are stretched to the limits, but help is on the way. NIFC
officials are sending four military airtankers and a battalion of soldiers
to this area.
Four military C-130s equipped with MAFFS (Modular Airborne Firefighting
Systems) have been moved from Point Mugu, CA to the Air National Guard ramp
at Spokane International Airport, WA, where operations begin today. The
MAFFS were activated July 24 to supplement the fleet of civilian airtankers
battling wildfires in the West. The aircraft now based in Spokane are from
the 146th Air Wing of the California National Guard and the 302nd Wing of
the Air Force Reserve from Peterson Air Force Base, near Colorado Springs,
CO.
Four additional MAFFS units, from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd
Airlift Wing in Cheyenne and the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th
Airlift Wing, are working out of Ft. Hill near Ogden, Utah, providing air
attack support to fires in the Eastern Great Basin. Each spring, the USDA
Forest Service provides training in aerial firefighting, air operations and
procedures for these Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units.
The 20th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry from Ft. Hood, Texas, is the third
active military battalion deployed to fight wildland fires. After receiving
an orientation today at Ft. Hood, they will head to Missoula, MT. It's
likely the 500-600 soldiers will be assigned to the Upper Nine Mile Complex,
seven fires involving 1,347 on the Lolo National Forest near Huson, MT.
The first two military battalions deployed to the firelines this year are
both fighting fires in Idaho. The Army's 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery
from Ft. Hood, Texas began training has been assigned to the Burgdorf
Junction Fire near McCall since August 1. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine
Regiment from Camp Pendleton, CA, arrived on August 5 to support the Clear
Creek Fire near Salmon.
=> When Resources are Stretched, Fire Managers Prioritize
AUGUST 12, 10:00 a.m. -- BOISE, IDAHO: Throughout this fire season, dry
lightning storms have contributed hundreds of new fire starts as they move
through the western states. Initial attack forces are stretched thin, but
safely suppressing new fire starts is our highest priority. As activity
remains high, some fires in remote areas will go unstaffed for a period of
time. Fire managers are following Federal Wildland Fire Policy in setting
priorities: if firefighter and public safety, communities or structures are
not immediately threatened, a fire will have a lower priority for staffing.
These fires will be actively monitored and suppressed as resources become
available and terrain allows for firefighter access.
=> Surveillance programs initiated in response to the 1999 West Nile virus
(WNV) outbreak have detected increased transmission in the northeastern
United States. Surveillance for WNV infection includes monitoring of
mosquitoes, sentinel chicken flocks, wild birds, and potentially
susceptible mammals (e.g., horses and humans). This report summarizes
findings of this surveillance system through 7 Aug 2000.
Avian morbidity and mortality surveillance has identified 188 WNV-infected
birds from 34 counties in four northeastern states; 111 (59%) have been
reported since August 1. These include 128 birds from New York (Albany,
Broome, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Franklin, Nassau, New York, Niagara,
Onondaga, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland,
Schenectady, Suffolk, Ulster, Warren, Washington, and Westchester
counties), 54 from New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth,
Passaic, and Union counties), 4 from Massachusetts (Middlesex, Norfolk, and
Suffolk counties), and two from Connecticut (Fairfield and Tolland
counties). Infected species reported include 147 American crows (78%) and
23 blue jays (12%). Infections also have been reported in the red-tailed
hawk, fish crow, house sparrow, American robin, merlin, song sparrow,
Canada goose, great blue heron, northern mockingbird, eastern bluebird,
cockatiel, mute swan, and yellow-rumped warbler. WNV has not been reported
in sentinel chickens.
WNV also has been detected by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain
reaction and/or virus isolation in 38 mosquito pools collected in New York
(New York, Orange, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties)
and one from Connecticut (Fairfield County). Thirty-five of the
WNV-positive mosquito pools from New York were _Culex pipiens_/_restuans_,
two were _Aedes japonicus_, and one was _C. pipiens_. The positive pool
from Connecticut was _C. restuans_.
On 4 Aug 2000, the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) reported
that a person aged 78 years from south Richmond County, hospitalized with
viral encephalitis, tested positive for WNV. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum
samples were positive for IgM antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay. Confirmatory testing by plaque reduction neutralization for IgG
antibody from convalescent serum is pending. The patient's symptoms began
on 20 Jul, indicating that infection had started to 15 days earlier (3);
therefore, the infection occurred before the initial mosquito adulticide
spraying in Richmond County on 19-20 Jul. The patient resides in an area
where WNV-infected mosquitoes and birds have been found during 2000; no WNV
activity was detected in this part of the city in 1999. The patient had not
traveled for more than 50 years to areas where other flaviviruses had been
endemic and had not left New York during the incubation period.
- --
ProMED-mail
<promed{at}promedmail.org>
[Addendum to above from the New York State West Nile Virus Update - Posted:
August 10, 2000]
<http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/westnile/update/today.htm>
Today, the New York State Health Department's Wadsworth Laboratory reported
22 additional West Nile virus positive birds: New York City, 2 (Manhattan
1, Staten Island 1); Onondaga County, 1; Rockland County, 8; Schenectady
County, 3; Suffolk County, 6; Sullivan County, 1 and Westchester County, 1.
Nine positive mosquito pools were identified: New York City, 3 (Manhattan,
1; Queens 1; Staten Island, 1); Suffolk County, 1 and Westchester County, 5.
Note: the Sullivan County bird is the first documented positive finding in
that county.
The total number of West Nile positive specimens for New York State this
year is 155 birds, 60 mosquito pools and 1 human case. - Mods. JW/CP]
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