The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
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The USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 23, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
=> Special Notes
=> Current Tropical Weather Outlook
=> 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
=> U.S. Weather Threats Assessment
=> Researchers Identify Potential Medication For Early-Onset Alcoholism
=> USDA Forest Service Fire News Flashes
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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SPONSORSHIP SPACE
The Disaster Center
www.disastercenter.com
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=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 23, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Tue...113 At Death Valley CA
Low Wed...34 At Stanley ID And West Yellowstone MT
=> Special Notes
=> Current Tropical Weather Outlook For The North Atlantic Caribbean Sea And
The Gulf Of Mexico
The National Hurricane Center has issued the last advisory on Tropical Storm
Alberto located about 780 miles south-southwest of Reykjavik Iceland...and
is also issuing advisories on recently downgraded Tropical Storm Debby
located along the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
A tropical wave is located in the tropical Atlantic midway between Africa
and the Lesser Antilles. Development is not anticipated.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected through Thursday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
Active Warnings:
Updated Wed Aug 23 12:11:23 2000
Flash Flood
Indiana
Kentucky
AN URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY EFFECTIVE UNTIL 1230 PM CDT
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR PEOPLE IN THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES IN SOUTHWEST
INDIANA SPENCER AND WARRICK
Puerto Rico
Flood
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ENTIRE ISLAND OF PUERTO RICO
UNTIL 11 AM THIS MORNING... ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS... VIEQUES...CULEBRA AND PUERTO RICO UNTIL 11 AM THIS
MORNING...
California
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NORTHERN SAN FRANCISCO AND SAN PABLO BAYS THIS
AFTERNOON
Puerto Rico
...DEBBY MOVIENDOSE A TRAVES DE LAS AGUAS MAR AFUERA DEL ATLANTICO AL NORTE
DEL CANAL DE LA MONA ALEJANDOSE DEL AREA....
Hurricane/Tropical Storm
United States
TROPICAL STORM DEBBY PROBABILITIES NUMBER 16
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
11 AM AST WED AUG 23 2000
PROBABILITIES FOR GUIDANCE IN HURRICANE PROTECTION
PLANNING BY GOVERNMENT AND DISASTER OFFICIALS
AT 11 AM AST...1500Z...THE CENTER OF DEBBY WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 19.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 70.0 WEST
CHANCES OF CENTER OF THE STORM PASSING WITHIN 65 NAUTICAL MILES
OF LISTED LOCATIONS THROUGH 8AM AST SAT AUG 26 2000
LOCATION A B C D E LOCATION A B C D E
21.2N 75.1W 55 X X X 55 MARATHON FL X X 12 8 20
22.3N 76.9W 14 23 X X 37 MIAMI FL X X 11 9 20
23.5N 78.5W X 19 9 1 29 W PALM BEACH FL X X 7 11 18
MDSD 185N 697W 5 X X X 5 FT PIERCE FL X X 3 12 15
MTPP 186N 724W 27 X X X 27 COCOA BEACH FL X X 1 12 13
MTCA 183N 738W 5 X X X 5 DAYTONA BEACH FL X X X 10 10
MKJP 179N 768W X 1 X 1 2 JACKSONVILLE FL X X X 6 6
MKJS 185N 779W X 2 1 1 4 SAVANNAH GA X X X 2 2
MWCG 193N 814W X X 1 3 4 KEY WEST FL X X 8 10 18
MUGM 200N 751W 37 1 X X 38 MARCO ISLAND FL X X 4 14 18
MUCM 214N 779W 2 25 1 X 28 FT MYERS FL X X 2 15 17
MUCF 221N 805W X 2 13 3 18 VENICE FL X X 1 14 15
MUSN 216N 826W X X 2 8 10 TAMPA FL X X X 13 13
MUHA 230N 824W X X 5 10 15 CEDAR KEY FL X X X 10 10
MUAN 219N 850W X X X 5 5 ST MARKS FL X X X 6 6
MDPP 198N 707W 99 X X X 99 APALACHICOLA FL X X X 7 7
MBJT 215N 712W 43 X X X 43 PANAMA CITY FL X X X 5 5
MYMM 224N 730W 38 X X X 38 PENSACOLA FL X X X 3 3
MYSM 241N 745W 7 9 1 1 18 MOBILE AL X X X 2 2
MYEG 235N 758W 15 15 1 X 31 GULF 29N 85W X X X 8 8
MYAK 241N 776W X 21 6 1 28 GULF 29N 87W X X X 5 5
MYNN 251N 775W X 9 11 2 22 GULF 28N 89W X X X 2 2
MYGF 266N 787W X X 10 7 17
COLUMN DEFINITION PROBABILITIES IN PERCENT
A IS PROBABILITY FROM NOW TO 8AM THU
FOLLOWING ARE ADDITIONAL PROBABILITIES
B FROM 8AM THU TO 8PM THU
C FROM 8PM THU TO 8AM FRI
D FROM 8AM FRI TO 8AM SAT
E IS TOTAL PROBABILITY FROM NOW TO 8AM SAT
X MEANS LESS THAN ONE PERCENT
Special Marine
Alaska
...SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR THE SOUTHEAST ALASKA OUTSIDE WATERS FROM CAPE
DECISION TO CAPE SUCKLING... AT 646 PM A PILOT REPORT INDICATED A WATER
SPOUT 25 MILES WEST OF YAKUTAT
Louisiana
* SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR... COASTAL WATERS FROM TERREBONNE BAY TO THE
LOWER ATCHAFALAYA RIVER OUT 60 NM OVER GULF OF MEXICO WATERS * UNTIL 1245 PM
CDT * AT 1045 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS
Puerto Rico
* SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR... CARIBBEAN WATERS OFF THE SOUTH COAST OF
PUERTO RICO FROM PUNTA VIENTO WESTWARD TO THE COAST OF PENUELAS * UNTIL 1100
AM AST
Non Precipitation
Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY FOR A GOOD PORTION
OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH ARKANSAS...
Puerto Rico
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ELEVATIONS OF 1000 FEET AND ABOVE FOR
PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS UNTIL 400 PM AST...
=> 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 -
There is less than a 2% probability of a tronado within 25 miles of any
point
Hail Risk - Slightly Severe
There is a 10% or greater probability of hail 2 inch or larger covering far
southern Iowa except the western area, the southeastern 1/2 of Illinois, and
northeast Missouri.
The 5% probability area for hail 3/4 inch or larger covers North Dakota
except the far western and far eastern areas, South Dakota except the far
western and northeastern area, northeast Nebraska, the southwest 1/2 of
Iowa, the northeast 1/2 of Missouri, central and southern Illinois, the
southern 1/2 of Indiana, Kentucky except the far eastern area, central north
Tennessee, and far soutwest Ohio.
The 15% probability area covers far southern Iowa except the western area,
the southeastern 1/2 of Illinois, southeastern Indiana, northwest Kentucky,
and northeast Missouri.
Wind Risk - Moderate
There are three 5% probability areas for winds in excess of 50 knots.
One area covers far southeastern California, the southwestern 1/2 of
Arizona, and southern Nevada.
Another covers eastern New York except the far southern area, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Massachusetts except the far eastern areas, Vermont, New
Hampshire, and far western Maine.
The last area covers far southern Iowa except the western area, the
southeastern 1/2 of Illinois, southeastern Indiana, central and western
Kentucky, central north Tennessee and the northeast 1/2 ofMissouri.
The 15% probability area covers far southern Iowa except the western area,
the southeastern 1/2 of Illinois, southeastern Indiana, northwest Kentucky,
and northeast Missouri.
Tomorrow's Risk - Slight
There are no areas at general risk of severe weather tomorrow.
Only a slight risk over the south eastern area.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The 24 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of rainfall in
northern New York.
The 24 - 48 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over 2 inches of
rainfall for the southeast florida coastal area and over an inch of rainfall
for southeast florida
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
=> USA Flood Report
NATIONAL HYDROLOGIC SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HEADQUARTERS
0900 AM EDT WED AUG 23 2000
Flood Summary
Hurricane Debby Brings Heavy Rainfall
Bands of heavy rain in the amounts of 3 to 5 inches from Hurricane Debby
caused flash flooding and road closures in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin
Islands. Heavy rain from thunderstorms also fell over parts of Arizona,
Colorado, Michigan and Wisconsin on Tuesday. On Wednesday, thunderstorms may
cause heavy rains over parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast,
and the Southwest.
FLASH FLOODING:
Flood/Flash Flood Warnings and/or Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisories
were issued over the past 24 hours for the following locations (in
alphabetical order, by state):
Arizona: La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima and Riverside Counties
Colorado: Elbert County
Indiana: Knox County
Kansas: Yuma County
Louisiana: Jefferson, LaFourche, Plaquemines, Saint Charles and
Terrebonne Parishes
Michigan: Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana,
Osceola and Ottawa Counties
Puerto Rico: the municipalities of Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito,
Bayamon, Barranquitas, Caguas, Canavanas, Carolina,Catano, Cayey,
Ciales, Cidra, Comerio, Corozal, Ceiba, Dorado, Fajardo, Guayama,
Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Juana Diaz, Jayuya, Juncos,
Lajas, Lares, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Morovis, Naguabo,
Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Rio Grande, Sabana
Grande, Salinas, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo
Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Villalba, Yauco and Yabucoa
US Virgin Islands: the islands of St. Croix, St. Johns and St. Thomas
Wisconsin: Fond du Lac and Sheboygan Counties
RIVER FLOODING:
No rivers and streams were reported with locations either above flood stage
or expected to rise above flood stage.
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2000 - 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
Firefighters made good progress for a second day on most of the large
fires. Containment goals were reached on four fires in the Southern Area
and one in the Northern Rockies Area. Initial attack activity was minimal
throughout the west. Seven new large fires were reported in the Rocky
Mountain, Eastern Great Basin and Southern Areas. Fire activity may
increase with dry lightning in the forecast for western Wyoming, Montana,
Idaho and eastern Nevada. Very high to extreme fire indices have been
reported in all eleven western states, plus Texas and Oklahoma.
A training cadre and military crew advisors are traveling to Ft. Campbell,
Kentucky today to train the Army's 3rd Battalion 327th Infantry. This
battalion is scheduled to be deployed to the Valley Complex in Montana.
NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA LARGE FIRES:
An Area Command Team (Edrington) is assigned to manage the large fires in
the Hamilton area. An Area Command Team (Mann) and a Type II Incident
Management Team (Adams) are assigned to manage the large fires in southwest
Montana. An Area Command Team (Meuchel) is assigned to manage the large
fires in central Montana. An Area Command Team (Gale) is assigned to
manage the large fires in northwest Montana. 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 II Incident
Management Team (Hendricks) is assigned. This fire is three miles
northwest of Hamilton, MT. Jackpots of fuel continue to burn. Efforts are
concentrated on keeping the fire from crossing Canyon Creek. Moderate
downslope spread into the upper portions of Sheafman Creek drainage is
being checked by helicopters.
VALLEY COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Gage) is assigned. These fires are seven miles south of Darby, MT.
The complex consists of the Bear, Taylor, Taylor Spot, Hilltop, Razor, Fat
and Mink fires. Fireline construction is progressing well on the north and
south flanks of the Razor fire in order to prevent fire spread into
communities. Crews are isolating, containing and mopping up hot spots east
of West Fork Road.
SKALKAHO COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Myers) is assigned. This group of fires is ten miles southeast of
Hamilton, MT. Included in the complex are the Bear, Coyote and Skalkaho
Falls fires. Single tree torching began early in the afternoon, followed
by short range spotting and crown fires. Flame lengths of 200 feet have
been observed on some south slopes. Patrol and structure protection
continues in Skalkaho, Sleeping Child, Little Sleeping Child and the east
side of Old Darby Road.
WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Cook) is assigned. The complex consists of 16 fires in
the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wildernesses, 40
miles southwest of Hamilton, MT. Overall fire activity has been creeping
surface fires with very little torching and no significant fire growth.
Helicopter bucket work helped slow fire growth on those fires closest to
the eastern edge of the wilderness. Large fires in the complex include the
Hamilton, Lonely, Fitz, Thirty, Echo and Throng fires.
THOMPSON FLAT COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Studebaker) is assigned. This is a complex of six fires in the
vicinity of Superior, MT. Structure protection in the Trout Creek and
Quartz Flat is continuing. Crews are making good progress on the Moore
fire, which is threatening the community of St. Regis. The south and east
flanks of the Landowner fire are being worked by crews and dozers.
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Bennett) is assigned. The Army's 20th Engineers Battalion from Ft.
Hood, Texas, commanded by LTC Shumway, is assigned. These fires are
burning 25 miles northwest of Missoula, MT. All of the firelines are
holding. Additional dozer line has been constructed on the Alpine fire and
around the south end of the Marion fire.
RYAN GULCH, Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Melton) is
assigned. This fire is 15 miles east of Clinton, MT. Winds are still
light and fire activity has been limited. Remaining hot spots are
concentrated in the interior of the fire in the Upper Little Bear Gulch,
Cramer Creek and Upper Dry Gulch areas. A structure protection branch
remains deployed.
CLEAR CREEK DIVIDE COMPLEX, Flathead Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (MacGregor) is assigned. This complex, 60 miles northwest
of Missoula, consists of the Clear Creek, Vanderburg, Siegel, Seepay and
Magpie Creek fires. Firefighters are maintaining fireline west of Magpie
Creek on the south side of the Vandenburg fire. Crews have been moved onto
the Upper Seepay and Upper Magpie fires. Helicopter bucket work is ongoing
on saddles along the divide.
SCHLEY, Flathead Agency, BIA. A Type II Incident Management Team (Carlson)
is assigned. This fire is burning eight miles south of Arlee, MT. The
main fireline and a contingency fireline are complete. Crews are
continuing mopup operations next to the fireline.
MONTURE/SPREAD RIDGE, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Waterbury) is assigned. The fires are 15 miles east of Seeley Lake,
MT. Crews are working to keep fire spread on the Monture south of
Lodgepole Creek. The Monture Guard Station, while still at risk, has been
removed from direct threat by a burnout operation conducted between Spread
and Falls Creeks. Rolling material continues to be the primary cause of
spread on both fires.
CROOKED, Clearwater National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Anderson) is assigned. The fire is 50 miles southwest of Missoula, MT,
near Lolo Pass. The team is also managing ten other fires, most of which
are in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Fire activity has been minimal.
MAUDLOW/TOSTON, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Szczepanik) is assigned. These fires are 25 miles northeast of Belgrade,
MT. The fire has made upslope runs with torching, crowning and spotting.
Crews on the northeast side of the fire were pulled back from the fireline
due to an increase in fire activity in Blacktail drainage. The fire is
moving toward 24 residences on Grassy Mountain Ranch.
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/Coyote Springs, Skalkaho Pass, Lick Creek and
Copper Creek fires, 30 miles southwest of Philipsburg, MT. Suppression
efforts on the Skalkaho Pass fire are continuing. An indirect fireline is
being constructed by crews on the Mt. Emerine Ridge and Lone Pine Ridge.
Structure protection measures are ongoing.
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type I
Incident Management Team (Humphrey) is assigned. This complex includes the
Mussigbrod and Maynard fires, which are 12 miles northwest of Wisdom, MT.
The interior eastern flank of the Maynard fire has become active, putting
out large columns. The Mussigbrod fire has also showed columns on the
northeastern and southwestern flanks. The aggressive interior fire in the
Hell Roaring Creek area caused fireline personnel and equipment to be
removed from the area. The firelines that have been prepared for a burnout
operation are holding.
JUDITH COMPLEX, Lewis and Clark National Forest. This complex consists of
the Studhorse, Lost Fork and High Springs fires, which are 25 miles
southwest of Stanford, MT. No new information was received.
BOULDER COMPLEX, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. This complex, three miles northeast of Basin,
MT, consists of the Boulder Hill and High Ore Road fires. Fire activity
has been minimal for the past eight days. Due to topography, heavy duff
and roots, complete containment of the northeast edge of the fire will not
be possible until significant moisture is received.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Cowin) is assigned. This complex consists of 34 fires that are 20
miles northwest of Libby, MT. Moderate surface spread with torching and
spotting have been noted. The fires have remained active until late in the
evening. Contingency firelines are being built in the Yaak Valley and
Okaga Lake areas.
TROY SOUTH, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Berndt) is assigned. This complex of 48 fires is near Troy, MT. Five of
the fires are high priority due to threats to a municipal watershed and
structures in the city of Troy. No significant fire runs have occurred in
the past 24 hours. Reconnaissance of the smaller fires is progressing.
Difficult access is delaying containment efforts.
STONE YOUNG, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Colla) is assigned. The complex is 65 miles northeast of Libby, MT. Fire
activity is increasing. Firelines on the Young, Lydia and Stone Hill fires
have held. The Cliff Point fire is making a large run. Firelines are
being constructed on the Fan Creek and Loop fires. Evacuees from the
Pinkham Creek area will be allowed limited access to their residences
today.
GREEN MOUNTAIN, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Kearney) is assigned. This is a complex of fires five miles
southeast of Noxon, MT. Staffed fires include the Green Mountain,
McNeeley, Basin Creek and Engle. Fire activity has been low to moderate.
A burnout operation on the fingers of the fire is 90 percent complete.
BEAVER CREEK, Gallatin National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Corbin) is assigned. This fire is south of Big Sky, MT. Fire activity
has increased with moderate south to southwest winds. Crews are building
fireline along the west perimeter in the Beaver Creek drainage. The fire
has spread in the Gully and Cabin Creek drainages. Spotting to the
northeast has been observed.
BURNT FLATS, Clearwater area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Ostman) is assigned. The fire is three miles
from Whitebird, ID. Dense, lingering smoke over the fire is making
visibility and air operations difficult. Crews are preparing indirect
firelines for a planned burnout operation. Spotting potential remains
high. An Australian overhead team is filling in for team members as they
take a day off.
MALONEY CREEK, Clearwater Area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Specht) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles
southeast of Craigmont, ID. Crews are continuing aggressive mopup and
fireline construction to isolate green islands on the north side of the
fire. Total confirmed structures lost is three primary structures and nine
outbuildings.
CHIPMUNK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is burning in spruce,
subalpine fir and brush 45 miles southeast of Kalispell, MT. The fire has
been slowly backing downward and laterally with some torching and minor
spotting into Jungle Creek. Helicopter bucket drops are supporting crews
working on the spots.
NORTHWEST PEAKS COMPLEX, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Tainsh) is assigned. The fires are burning in
subalpine fir and spruce seven miles southeast of Eastport, ID. Helicopter
bucket drops on the fire's northern perimeter continued. Fire activity has
been mild with no significant spread. Access to the Northwest Peaks Scenic
Area has been closed.
SPRUCE COMPLEX, Yellowstone National Park. This is a complex of 11 fires
in Yellowstone National Park. Fire activity is picking up on the Plateau
and Unlucky fires. The Plateau fire developed a column yesterday. A crew
has been placed at Buffalo Cabin for structure protection.
THREE BEARS, Nez Perce National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Cones) is assigned. This fire is on both sides of the Salmon River, 29
miles from Elk City, ID. Site protection is in place for Arctic Point
Lookout and Allison Ranch. Protection measures are beginning at Lantz Bar,
though the fire is not expected to reach there for several days. The fire
is also burning on the Bitterroot and the Payette National Forests.
HELEN CREEK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 22 miles south of
Spotted Bear, MT. The Lewis Creek II fire is included with this fire.
Structure protection actions continue at Black Bear Cabin and Pack Bridge.
The fire is backing west and south with minimal movement to the north.
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX, Helena National Forest. This complex, located 12
miles north of Helena, MT, consists of the Bucksnort and Cave Gulch fires.
Mopup of widely dispersed heat sources continues. Minimal fire activity
has been noted.
NOSEBAG 22, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is burning in
subalpine fir, spruce, brush and grass 18 miles northeast of Sandpoint, ID.
Fire activity continues to increase, and spotting outside the fireline is
occurring. Helicopter bucket drops are being utilized on the northern and
southern perimeters.
LONG RIDGE, Nez Perce National Forest. This fire is in the Selway-
Bitterroot Wilderness, 14 miles southwest of the Moose Creek Ranger
Station. The fire is being monitored by reconnaissance flights and by the
Gardiner Lookout. No significant activity has been noted.
SIAMESE, Lolo National Forest. The fire was ignited by lightning on 8/10.
It is 15 miles southwest of Tarkio, MT. Fuels include subalpine fir,
douglas fir, lodgepole pine and spruce. Air patrol is monitoring the
fire's spread and behavior. After today this fire and the Trio fire will
be incorporated into the Upper Ninemile Complex.
MINARET PEAK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is near the Spotted Bear
Ranger Station in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. No significant growth has
occurred. Forest personnel continue to monitor the fire.
EAST THUNDER 14, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is 23 miles
east of Sandpoint, ID. Fuels are subalpine fir, spruce, brush and grass.
Forest Service personnel are monitoring the fire. Spread is to the north
and southwest. Fire activity is increasing with warmer and drier weather.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 12 miles southeast
of Powell, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
Active burning with some torching has been observed. The fire is backing
mostly toward the east. Helicopter bucket work is continuing on the north
and west flanks.
PARKE PEAK, Glacier National Park. The fire is in the northwest corner of
Glacier Park. It was ignited by lightning on 7/23. No new information was
reported. This will be the last report unless new information is received.
FROG LAKE, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 16 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
An afternoon reconnaissance flight revealed no smokes visible.
ELIZABETH, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 33 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
SNOW CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 30 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. US Forest Service personnel are monitoring the fire.
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.
TRAIL CREEK, Boise National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Shell) is assigned. This fire is near the community of Atlanta, ID.
Structure protection and safety remains a primary concern. The fire
continues to exhibit intense fire behavior on the west and southeast
flanks.
TETON COMPLEX, Grand Teton National Park, NPS. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Murphy) is assigned. This complex is north of Jackson,
WY. It consists of the Wilcox, Moran, Hechtman, Glade and Enos fires.
Developed areas in the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National
Park remain a primary concern. Crews are being transported by boat to the
Wilcox and Moran fires. Some torching and spotting is occurring on all the
fires.
RANKIN, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Stam) is assigned. This fire is 25 miles southwest of Challis, ID.
Structure protection remains in effect. Current threats are to the Challis
watershed, the town of Challis and surrounding communities.
BLIND TRAIL COMPLEX, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Williams) is assigned. This complex consists of the Blind
and Boulder Fires. The fires are 26 miles southeast of Jackson, WY. The
Boulder fire is being mopped up and patrolled.
FONTENELLE, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is
20 miles north of Kemmerer, WY. Dry fuels, high temperatures, high winds
and low humidity are contributing to active fire behavior. The fire
continues to spread south and west. The last three miles of burnout
operations have been completed.
NICK, Payette National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team (Saleen)
is assigned. This fire is burning in subalpine fir 12 miles east of
McCall, ID. Structure protection plans and evacuation plans are in place.
Favorable weather conditions are allowing crews to make progress in
establishing and holding fireline.
CLEAR CREEK, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Hutchison) is assigned. The fire is ten miles west of Salmon, ID.
The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines from Camp Pendleton, California, commanded by
Col. Callihan, is assigned. Structure protection plans are in place for
the communities and towns of Salmon, Gibbonsville, North Fork, Cobalt and
Shoup.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Dague) is assigned. The 3rd Battalion 16th Field Artillery from Ft.
Hood, Texas, commanded by LTC Darryl Williams, is assigned. The fire is 23
miles north of McCall, ID. Crews have begun burnout operations above Huntz
Gulch. Mopup and rehabilitation are progressing.
MARLIN SPRINGS, Salmon-Challis National Forest. This fire is burning along
the ridge between Montana and Idaho, 40 miles northwest of Salmon, ID.
DRY CANYON, Caribou National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is ten
miles southeast of Malad, ID. The fire is burning in moderate to heavy
timber with active torching and spotting. Heavy fuels and treacherous
terrain are hampering containment efforts.
NORTH STANSBURY, Salt Lake Field Office, BLM. This lightning-caused fire
is nine miles west of Grantsville, UT. The fire is less than a mile away
from an explosive storage plant and residences. Containment objectives are
being met despite small flare-ups on or near firelines. Steep rocky
terrain and poor access continue to be a concern.
HALF MOON COMPLEX, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Williams) is assigned. This complex, consisting of the
Half Moon and the Triangle Lake fires, is near Pinedale, WY. The Half Moon
portion of this complex is contained.
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.
Very little fire activity is occurring.
BURLEY COMPLEX, Upper Snake River District, Southcentral Idaho, BLM. This
complex consists of the Coal Banks Complex and C Rocks for a total of 20
fires. Fire behavior has moderated due to calmer winds. Current threats
are to livestock, wildlife habitat and winter range.
MORSE, Salmon-Challis National Forest. The fire is burning in grass,
sagebrush and douglas fir five miles east of May, ID. Efforts are being
directed toward containing the fire at the head of Cold Creek.
TIMMERMAN, Upper Snake River District, BLM. This fire is 30 miles
northeast of Shoshone, ID. The fire has been very active due to wind speed
and slope, also spotting was observed at 100 yards or more. Tactical
operations have been successful due to heavy retardant drops.
DIAMOND PEAK, Payette National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 42
miles northeast of McCall, ID. Structure protection remains in effect.
INDIAN/PROSPECT, Payette National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Saleen) is assigned. The fire is 33 miles east of McCall, ID. Some
existing rehabilitation efforts on old mining claims are currently
threatened.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. These fires are 50 miles
northeast of McCall, ID. No new information was reported.
SCF WILDERNESS, Salmon-Challis National Forest. This complex is made up of
the North Fork Wilderness Complex and the South Zone Wilderness fire. The
heavy inversion lifted somewhat, allowing for clear visual observations
which have resulted in more accurate mapping. Structure protection remains
in effect. Current threats are to local ranches and a guard station in the
area.
NORTH SHELLROCK, Payette National Forest. The fire is 55 miles east of
McCall, ID. No new information was reported.
SOUTH SHELLROCK, Payette National Forest. The fire is burning in the Frank
Church River of No Return Wilderness Area 55 miles east of McCall, ID. No
new information was reported.
1 E GOOSE CREEK, Utah State, Northwest State. The fire is 20 miles
southwest of Oakley, ID. Wind speeds have decreased, resulting in
moderation of fire behavior.
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.
WEST BASIN, Elko Field Office, BLM. This lightning-caused fire is located
12 miles east of Jackpot, NV. It is burning on both sides of the
Idaho/Nevada border on BLM land and the Sawtooth National Forest. Fire
behavior has moderated. Current threats are to wildlife habitat, cultural
sites and grazing allotments.
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. No new information was received.
PHILLIPS RANCH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Great Basin National
Park. The fire is 50 miles southeast of Ely, NV and is being monitored by
Park Service personnel.
CHERRY, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is 30 miles northwest of Ely, NV.
Wildlife habitat and the Goshute Wilderness Study Area remain threatened.
No new information was received.
LITTLE WATER, Humboldt National Forest. This fire is 60 miles southeast of
Elko, NV, burning in white fir, isolated pinyon pine and mahogany. No new
information was received.
MAMMOTH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire is burning in white
fir and pinyon pine 75 miles southwest of Ely, NV, within the Grant Range
Wilderness Area.
No new information was received.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
PAHASKA COMPLEX, Shoshone National Forest. These lightning-caused fires
are located 50 miles west of Cody, WY. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Sisk)is assigned. Containment has been reached on two of the fires within
the complex.
BURRO FLATS, Shoshone National Forest. The fire is 12 miles south of
Dubois, WY. It is burning in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness at high
elevations. Final mopup around the perimeter is occurring and
demobilization is underway.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
STORRIE, Plumas National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team (Vail)
is assigned. The fire is 20 miles west of Quincy, CA in the Feather River
Canyon. Stronger winds and decreasing atmospheric stability has caused
fire activity to increase. Torching, short runs and spotting have been
observed in several areas. Crews are working to contain spot fires and
slopovers. Highway 70 has been reopened, subject to traffic control in
areas where rock slides are occurring.
SOUTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
NORTH, Tonto National Forest. This fire is burning in ponderosa pine in
the Mazatzal Wilderness, six miles southwest of Payson, AZ. The fire is
being monitored and managed by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
PEAK, Tonto National Forest. The fire is burning in dense brush and steep
terrain six miles south of Globe, AZ. Temporary repairs have been made to
the main road to allow crew bus and equipment passage. The fire area has
received heavy lightning and light moisture. One new fire was reported
near the main fire.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
POSSOM, Florida Division of Forestry. The fire is near Orlando, FL.
Highways 50 and 520 are closed due to poor visibility. Smoke is impacting
the Orlando area.
ROCKY POINT, National Forest in Florida. This fire is burning in Marion
County. A burnout operation is underway. The fire has received some
precipitation.
CHICKEN COMPLEX, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is burning 20 miles
east of Nacogdoches, TX. Evacuation of a subdivision has occurred.
HOPE, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is burning 80 miles north of
Houston, TX. The fire is currently in a 15-year old pine plantation.
Extreme fire behavior has been exhibited due to dry fuels and shifting
winds. A camp has been evacuated. The National Guard helicopters are
assisting with bucket drops.
BROADDUS, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is located 100 miles
northeast of Houston, TX. The fire is burning in a mature pine plantation.
Two homes are threatened. The Texas Army National Guard is assisting with
suppression objectives.
KEECHI, Anadardo Area Office, BIA. The fire is five miles northwest of
Binger, OK. Containment problems and very extreme fire behavior are the
result of high temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty winds. A
cooperative effort between the State of Oklahoma, the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and the local volunteer fire departments has been established.
OUTLOOK:
*** A RED FLAG WARNING IS POSTED IN SOUTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL WYOMING FOR
DRY LIGHTNING, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES AND GUSTY THUNDERSTORM WINDS ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN MOST OF EASTERN AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA
FOR DRY LIGHTNING AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES ***
Warming and drying continues over the northwest states, as an upper level
ridge builds over the area. No thunderstorms are forecast in Washington
and Oregon, as it is too dry. Further south, monsoon moisture will be
moving north and west with the building ridge. As a result, thunderstorms
will develop in Idaho and Montana and possibly eastern Nevada.
Thunderstorm activity will also occur in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New
Mexico and Arizona.
Winds will generally be upslope or southwest at speeds under 20 mph.
Temperatures will be in the 70's to mid 80's in the mountains, and the mid
80's to mid 90's at lower elevations. Desert areas will see temperatures
from 100 to 110. Minimum relative humidities will be in the teens and
20's, with some single digit readings occurring in the driest areas.
FIRES AND ACRES YESTERDAY:
=> 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 23 at 00:15 UTC
EARTHQUAKES IN EASTERN UNITED STATES
(25.0 TO 50.0 N, 65.0 TO 102.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 22 05:45:12.46 41.4 N 73.6 W 5 km 2.5
10 miles WNW of Danbury, Connecticut
2000 AUG 22 20:12:14.69 36.4 N 91.0 W 5 km 3.9
25 miles ENE of Hardy, Arkansas
=> 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
1235 175 20 SE ISABEL DEWEY SD 4514 10109 (ABR)
1410 75 SULLY COUNTY SULLY SD 4476 10011 DIME SIZE HAIL. (ABR)
1450 88 1 S RANDALL HAMILTON IA 4221 9359 REPORTED BY MEDIA. RELAYED REPORT
FROM KCCI. (DSM)
1930 75 5 E CUSTER CUSTER SD 4376 10348 REPORTED BY CUSTER STATE PARK
OFFICIALS (RAP)
2230 75 BASALT PITKIN CO 3936 10703 REPORTED BY PUBLIC. (GJT)
2320 75 7 N KIRKSVILLE ADAIR MO 4031 9258 REPORTED BY MEDIA. (MCI)
2345 150 7 SE MATHESON ELBERT CO 3908 10387 REPORTED BY SPOTTER (DEN)
0016 175 KIRKSVILLE ADAIR MO 4019 9258 (MCI)
0105 150 6 S KNOX CITY KNOX MO 4004 9201 (STL)
0339 75 3 NW LITCHFIELD MONTGOMERY IL 3921 8969 (STL)
0410 75 GILLESPIE MACOUPIN IL 3913 8983 (STL)
Wind Reports
Time Speed Location County State Lat Lon Comments
2115 UNK BOONEVILLE LOGAN AR 3513 9393 TREES AND POWER LINES DOWNED. MINOR
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE SUCH AS ROOF SHINGLES REMOVED AND SHEDS BLOWN OVER.
REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. (LIT)
2155 UNK HARRISON BOONE AR 3623 9311 TREES AND POWER LINES DOWNED. REPORTED
BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. WIND DAMAGE TREE DOWNED ON HIGHWAY 201.
REPORTED BY LAW (LIT)
2235 UNK OAKDALE ALLEN LA 3081 9266 TREES DOWN REPORTED BY LOCAL MEDIA
WEATHER WATCHER. (LCH)
2245 UNK GAINESVILLE OZARK MO 3659 9243 ROOF DAMAGE. TREES AND POWERLINES
DOWN. . REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. (SGF)
2310 UNK ELTON JEFFERSON DAVIS LA 3048 9269 POWER LINE DOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 26
EAST OF ELTON REPORTED BY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. (LCH)
2315 UNK LACASSINE JEFFERSON DAVIS LA 3023 9291 TREES DOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 101
JUST SOUTH OF LACASSINE...REPORTED BY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. (LCH)
2330 UNK MAGNOLIA COLUMBIA AR 3326 9323 *** 1 DEAD *** TREE FELL ON HOUSE
RESULTING IN ONE FATALITY. OTHER TREES DOWN IN AND AROUND MAGNOLIA. REPORTED
BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL. (SHV)
2335 UNK MUSKEGON MUSKEGON MI 4323 8623 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED NUMEROUS
REPORTS OF TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN. SMALL AIRPLANE FLIPPED AT MUSKEGON
COUNTY AIRPORT (NOT TIED DOWN AT THE TIME.) (GRR)
2345 UNK SPRING LAKE OTTAWA MI 4306 8618 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED WIND
DAMAGE TO THE ROOF OF AN ICE CREAM SHOP IN SPRING LAKE. (GRR)
2352 UNK FORT POLK VERNON LA 3104 9319 LARGE TREE DOWN REPORTED BY PUBLIC.
(LCH)
2352 UNK FREMONT NEWAYGO MI 4346 8594 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED NEWAYGO
COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH REPORTED SEVERAL TREES DOWNED IN AND AROUND FREMONT.
(GRR)
1628 78 HOUSTON HOBBY ARPT HARRIS TX 2964 9528 KHOU METAR 221628Z 10035G68KT
3/4SM +TSRA (SPC)
2205 60 FOND DU LAC FOND DU LAC WI 4378 8844 REPORTED BY EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT. SCATTERED REPORTS OF TREES OR LARGE TREE BRANCHES DOWN ACROSS
THE COUNTY. (MKE)
2305 62 BENTON BOSSIER LA 3269 9373 GUST MEASURED BY UNKNOWN TYPE
INSTRUMENT. REPORTED BY COOP OBSERVER. (SHV)
0000 UNK RAVENNA MUSKEGON MI 4318 8594 TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED TREES
REPORTED DOWNED. (GRR)
0000 UNK GRANT NEWAYGO MI 4333 8581 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED SCATTERED
REPORTS OF TREES AND POWER LINES DOWNED, AS REPORTED BY NEWAYGO CENTRAL
DISPATCH. (GRR)
0008 UNK SPARTA KENT MI 4316 8571 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED LARGE BRANCHES
DOWNED IN THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS. SPOTTER REPORTED A WIND GUST TO 53 MPH AT
8:08 PM EDT. (GRR)
0015 UNK KENT COUNTY KENT MI 4300 8553 TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED TREE
BRANCHES REPORTED DOWNED IN THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS. (GRR)
0045 UNK STANTON MONTCALM MI 4329 8508 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED MONTCALM
COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER LINES WERE
DOWNED AROUND STANTON AT 8:45 PM EDT AND ACROSS THE COUNTY BE (GRR)
0100 UNK IONIA IONIA MI 4298 8506 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED SEVERAL TREES
REPORTED DOWNED IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF IONIA. (GRR)
0100 UNK QUINCY ADAMS IL 3993 9139 TREE AND POWER LINES DAMAGED BY HIGH
WINDS. (STL)
0140 UNK OWOSSO SHIAWASSEE MI 4300 8416 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED POWER LINES
BLOWN DOWN (DTX)
0145 UNK VERMONTVILLE EATON MI 4263 8501 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED EATON
COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH REPORTED TREES WERE DOWNED IN VERMONTVILLE. (GRR)
0215 UNK 2 N BURTON GENESEE MI 4303 8428 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED TREE AND A
FEW BRANCHES BLOWN DOWN (DTX)
0215 UNK FRANKENMUTH SAGINAW MI 4333 8374 TRAINED SPOTTER REPORTED POWER
LINES BLOWN DOWN (DTX)
0230 UNK WHITE HALL GREENE IL 3943 9039 TREES DOWNED BY HIGH WINDS. TIME
APPROXIMATE. (STL)
0250 UNK 2 E MODESTO MACOUPIN IL 3948 8994 NUMBER OF TREES DOWNED JUST EAST
OF MODESTO. ONE OUTBUILDING ALSO DAMAGED. (STL)
0400 UNK COFFEEN MONTGOMERY IL 3908 8939 LARGE LIMBS AND ONE POWER POLE
DAMAGED. (STL)
0104 90 PALOMA ADAMS IL 4001 9119 SPOTTER ESTIMATED 90 MPH WINDS. LARGE
TREES SNAPPED BY HIGH WINDS. TIME APPOX. (STL)
0303 60 WATERFORD OAKLAND MI 4266 8338 ASOS OBSERVATION (DTX)
0337 60 STERLING HEIGHTS MACOMB MI 4256 8303 (DTX)
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
=> U.S. Weather Threats Assessment
Valid Friday, August 25, 2000 - Tuesday, September 5, 2000.
Summary of Forecasts & Threats
SYNOPSIS: Models predict, on average, troughs in the Northeast and Northwest
and a ridge in the central part of the Nation to continue, but with large
day-to day variations likely in the strength and position of the ridge and
the troughs. The projected path of Hurricane Debbie beyond Aug. 26 is quite
uncertain due to model and ensemble member differences, but at this time
appears most likely to affect Florida and the Atlantic Seaboard as far north
as southern New England.
THREATS
Global atmosphere-ocean conditions have returned to near-normal over the
central and western tropical Pacific. The atmosphere in the global tropics
continues cooler than average, a residual from the recent La Nina, while the
middle latitudes continue to exhibit enhanced ridges.
Conditions favor a slightly enhanced Atlantic hurricane season.
Risk of locally heavy rain, strong winds and flooding along the Eastern
Seaboard from Florida to southern New England from possible future projected
path of Debbie.
Excessive heat is expected over the southern half of the Great Plains and
lower Mississippi Valley, at least through the middle of next week.
Risk of wildfires will remain high over most of the interior West due to
continued high temperatures, dry air and lack of widespread rain,but some
relief due to lower temperatures and more widespread rain in northern
portions is possible later next week and again around Labor Day.
Long-term drought will continue over portions of the Southeast, with some
relief possible near the Atlantic Coast, but will expand northward in Texas.
DETAILED SUMMARY
For Friday August 25 through Sunday August 27: Models predict mean troughs
to continue over the Northwest and Northeast with short waves moving over
the top of a strong ridge over the Southern Plains, where excess heat will
continue. The future path and intensity of Debbie are rather uncertain this
far ahead, but a consensus of NCEP and NHC forecasters is that the southeast
coast from Florida to the Carolinas will be most at risk.
For Monday August 28 through Tuesday September 5: Models currently predict a
ridge to strengthen over the Gulf of Alaska into northwestern Canada which
will push an upper level trough and a surface high with upslope
precipitation and cooler temperatures across northern portions of the
Rockies and Great Plains , but wildfire danger will remain high to the south
with continued warmth and widespread monsoon thundershowers, many with
lightning but little rain.
=> Researchers Identify Potential Medication For Early-Onset
Alcoholism
Findings advance search for mechanisms of disease--
Investigators at the University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio report in the lead article in today's
"Journal of the American Medical Association"
(Volume 284, Number 8) that the medication ondansetron may
be an effective therapy for patients with early-onset
alcohol dependence (alcoholism). Ondasetron appears to work
by acting on serotonin, one of the brain's many
neurotransmitters. The study was supported by the National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and led by Bankole
A. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Alcohol
and Drug Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, UTHSC.
"Dr. Johnson's findings are consistent with a lengthy
literature on serotonin dysfunction among early-onset
alcoholics," said NIAAA Director Enoch Gordis, M.D. "If
confirmed in future studies, they may predict new treatments
for a subgroup of patients who often are resistant to
behavioral therapies alone."
Early-onset (< age 25) alcoholism is a clinical alcoholism
subtype, or typology, in which patients have a greater
family history of alcoholism, increased propensity for
antisocial behaviors, and a more stable and severe disease
state than those with late-onset alcoholism. First devised
in Europe and the United States more than a century ago and
more recently posited by E.M. Jellinek in 1961, C. Robert
Cloninger in 1987, and Thomas F. Babor in 1992, among
others, typologies are used in research to categorize the
empirical contributions of various biological and
environmental influences on alcoholism. In clinical
settings, typologies may guide treatment decisions;
treatment responses in turn may provide clues to the
neurochemical factors that mediate different behavioral
aspects of the disease.
Today's report is based on a study conducted between 1995
and 1999, in which 271 patients with diagnosed alcoholism
were randomized to receive one of three different doses of
either ondansetron or placebo for 11 weeks. Compared with
those who received the placebo, all groups of ondansetron
patients with early-onset alcoholism had fewer drinks per
day and drinks per drinking day. Early-onset patients in the
most successful ondansetron group (patients who received
4mg/kg twice daily) also reported a significant increase in
the percentage of days abstinent and total days abstinent
per study week. The researchers found no differences between
ondansetron patients with late-onset alcoholism and those
who received placebo.
Patients in the UTHSC study also participated in weekly
group cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. NIAAA research
published in 1996 (see "NIAAA Reports Project MATCH Main
Findings," December 1996, at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov news
releases) showed that three forms of behavioral treatment-
cognitive-behavioral, motivational enhancement, and 12-step
facilitation-contribute to sustained abstinence and reduced
drinking. "Future research-based treatments for alcoholism
will involve various combinations of behavioral and
pharmacological treatments," according to Richard Fuller,
M.D., Director of NIAAA's Division of Clinical and
Prevention Research.
In recent years, NIAAA researchers have mounted a concerted
effort to identify medications that modify the activities of
multiple brain neurotransmitter systems (including the
opioid, glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin systems)
implicated in the actual mechanisms of alcoholism.
Medications to ameliorate biochemical abnormalities that may
underlie inherited risk are one focus of this medications
development effort.
In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the
opioid antagonist naltrexone, the first medication shown to
prevent relapse and help maintain abstinence, probably by
blocking alcohol-induced release of another
neurotransmitter, dopamine. A 1999 study reported that
nalmefene, another opioid antagonist, was similarly
effective. In addition, acamprosate, believed to work on the
glutamate neurotransmitter system, has demonstrated success
in European studies in reducing the intensity of craving
following drinking cessation. Of these mechanistic
agents, the FDA has approved only naltrexone specifically
for the use in alcoholism treatment. (The aversive
medication disulfiram [Antabuse (TM)], approved in 1948, is
still in use.)
Today's report on ondansetron is the most promising to date
on the use of a serotonergic agent to address alcoholism.
Earlier research on general serotonergic agents, including
the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine
(ProzacTM), produced mixed results. Medications that
differentially affect some of the 15 specific serotonin-
receptor subtypes, including the 5HT3 receptor targeted by
ondansetron, are more promising, according to recent
studies.
Dr. Johnson and his team based their research on animal
studies in which antagonists at the 5HT3 receptor reduced
alcohol intake in animals. The Johnson team found in humans
in 1993 that ondansetron reduced some of alcohol's positive
subjective effects. The present study found positive effects
only in early-onset alcoholics, leading the researchers to
conclude that ondansetron may ameliorate an inherited
serotonergic abnormality in that alcoholic subtype.
Ondansetron is FDA-approved for the treatment of
chemotherapy-induced nausea at doses much larger than those
used in the alcoholism study. It is likely to remain an
investigational tool in alcoholism research until today's
findings are replicated.
=> USDA Forest Service Fire News Flashes
An Online Chat-Can Your Home Survive a Wildfire? Join a live, online chat
tomorrow, August 23 at 2:00 p.m. EST (12:00 p.m. MDT) at the Firewise Web
site. You will learn what is being done in Montana to help people prepare
survivable space in the event of wildland fire. Guests include Bob Mutch,
Team Leader for the Southwest Montana Zone Fire Prevention Team, from 12:00
until 12:30, and Judith Leraas Cook, Firewise Home Page Manager, from 12:30
until 1:00. The Firewise Home Page is a great resource for wildland fire
protection information. If you have questions or comments, you can contact
Firewise staff at FirewiseHP{at}aol.com. ... The Firewise Home Page is
sponsored by the National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program.
http://www.firewise.org/www/chat_win.htm
"Stand-down for Safety" on the Clear Creek Fire: Clear Creek firefighters
and Forest Service personnel on the Clear Creek Fire today spent 30-minutes
in a "stand-down for safety. The stand-down honored fallen wildland
firefighters and reminded everyone involved in firefighting that public and
firefighter safety is the first priority during this severe fire season.
Regional Forester Jack Blackwell ordered the "stand-down for safety" for all
firefighters and Forest Service personnel in the Intermountain Region.
Firefighters from other agencies will observe the stand-down.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/fire2000/news/clear822.html
Deadman Creek Road in the Greys River Ranger District Closes: Bridger-Teton
National Forest Supervisor announced yesterday, August 21, the closure of
Deadman Creek Road from the Greys River Road to Deadman Mine. Other
unplanned closures may be necessary in the event of new fire danger.
South Entrance to Yellowstone Reopens to Public Access: Grand Teton and
Yellowstone National Parks also announced yesterday the reopening of Highway
89/191 into Yellowstone National Park through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr.,
Memorial Parkway. Some restrictions still apply. The Glade Fire forced the
closing of the entrance August 18. www.tetonfires.com
FEMA Liaison Joins MAC Team: The Federal Emergency Management Agency liaison
Steve Robinson has joined the MAC team to serve as a liaison between NIFC
and FEMA coordinating requests for firefighting resources that come to FEMA
through the states.
USO to Entertain Firefighters: USO troupe called "Catch A Rising Star" will
entertain 1,565 firefighters at the Clear Creek incident on the
Salmon-Challis National Forest in the late evening August 23 and 24. About
570 Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division, Camp Pendleton are among the firefighters.
Advance Team of NIFC Officials to Brief Military: An advance team of NIFC
officials will brief the commanders and support staffs of the 3rd Battalion,
327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) from Fort
Campbell, Ken., on August 22 and the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd
Marine Division at Camp LeJeune, N. Car., on August 23, in firefighter
training, work conditions in the Northern Rockies, and length and location
of duty. The troops from the 327th Infantry Regiment will begin their
training on August 24 and deploy to the Northern Rockies on August 25. The
2nd Marine Regiment will start training soon after and deploy on August 28.
Senator Larry Craig to Visit NIFC: Senator Larry Craig is scheduled to visit
NIFC on Thursday, August 24, to meet with BLM National Director Larry
Hamilton and to hold a press conference to express his appreciation for the
dedicated efforts of firefighters in fighting wildfires in Idaho this past
month.
Gallatin National Forest To Close: On August 22, midnight, a Level V closure
on the Gallatin National Forest goes into effect, closing the forest to all
activities. High fire danger and limited firefighting resources forced the
closure. http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/pgr/fireinfo/index.html
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Aug 31 2000 - 21:00:27 EDT