The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 28, 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
=> Thirteen-Year Wildland Fire Comparison Statistics
=> Marines Temporarily Suspend Flights For Three Aircraft Models
=> Insurance Agents - New Elevation Certificate Training Now Available
Online
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 28, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Sun...109 At Lawrence KS
Low Mon...31 At Kalispell MT
=> Special Notes
Fires still dominate the Situation Report.
Red flag warning is posted in western Wyoming
A firestorm started by a motorcycle gas tank which exploded after an
accident south of Red Lodge, MT has caused the evacuation of at least 100
homes late last night. According to a report by HSUS
=> Current Tropical Weather Outlook For The North Atlantic Caribbean Sea And
The Gulf Of Mexico
A weak area of low pressure is located just offshore of the central east
coast of Florida. Cloudiness and showers associated with this system are not
well organized at this time...but there is some potential for tropical
development over the next day or two.
Cloudiness and showers associated with a tropical wave in the eastern
Caribbean sea have diminished.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected through Tuesday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
Active Warnings:
Updated Mon Aug 28 11:52:45 2000
Flash Flood
California
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA
THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING UNTIL 9 PM...
Special Marine
Alabama
* SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR THE... COASTAL WATERS FROM FORT MORGAN TO
DESTIN AND OUT 20 NM * UNTIL 1100 AM CDT
Non Precipitation
Arkansas
...VERY HOT CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE...
Kansas
Missouri
...HEAT ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE SOUTH CENTRAL...CENTRAL AND
ALL OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FOR TODAY...
Oklahoma
THE HEAT ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH TUESDAY.
South Dakota
VERY WINDY CONDITIONS THIS MORNING.
Severe Thunderstorm
Minnesota
North Dakota
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... EASTERN PEMBINA COUNTY IN NORTHEAST
NORTH DAKOTA... KITTSON COUNTY IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA... * UNTIL 1050 AM CDT
=> 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 less than a 2% probability if a tornado within 25 miles of any
point
Hail Risk - Slight
The 5% probability area for hail 3/4 inch or larger covers far east North
and South Dakota, Minnesota, north central and northern Iowa, Wisconsin
except the far southeastern and far eastern areas, and the western corner of
Michigan's northern peninsula.
The 15% probability area covers Minnesota's central, eastern central, and
southeast areas, and Wisconsin's western central and northwestern areas.
Wind Risk - Slight
There are two 5% probability areas for winds in excess of 50 knots.
One area covers east southeast South Dakota, Minnesota, northeast Nebraska,
central and northern Iowa, Wisconsin except the far southeastern and far
eastern areas, and the western corner of Michigan's northern peninsula.
The 15% probability area covers Minnesota's central, eastern central, and
southeast areas, and Wisconsin's western central and northwestern areas.
Tomorrow's Risk -
There are no risk areas tomorrow for severe weather.
Areas at lesser risk include southeast California, southern Nevada,
southeast Utah, and Arizona except the far eastern area, northeast Missouri,
central Illinois east to west, central and northern Indiana, southeast
Michigan, and northwest Ohio.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The 24 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of rainfall off
the coasts of North Carolina, and southeast Florida.
The 24 - 48 hr precipitation forecast is not showing any area receiving over
an inch of rainfall.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Flash flood values may be exceeded over portions of California central east
to southeast areas, southern Nevada, southeast Utah, Arizona except the
northeast 1/4 and southwest New Mexico.
=> USA Flood Report
Not yet available
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2000 - 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
A total of ten new large fires were reported, seven of which were in the
Northern Rockies Area. Crews reached containment goals on six large fires
in the Northwest, Southern and Western Great Basin Areas. Initial attack
activity was light to moderate in all areas, but large acreage gains
occurred on some fires in the Northern Rockies, Northwest and Eastern
Great Basin Areas due to strong winds. Diminishing winds today should aid
crews in making progress toward containment goals. Very high to extreme
fire indices have been reported in all western states and in Texas. The
Army's 1st Battalion 321st Artillery from Ft. Bragg, NC, commanded by LTC
Mathis, is traveling to Kalispell, MT today to be deployed on the Troy
South fire on the Kootenai National Forest.
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) is 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.
VALLEY COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Stutler) is assigned. The Army's 3rd Battalion 327th Infantry from
Ft. Campbell, KY, commanded by LTC Lehr, 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. Fire activity has
increased, pushed by winds of 20 mph. The Fat fire has moved
approximately one mile to the north. The decrease in acreage for this
complex is due to acreage transferred to the Mussigbrod Complex for the
portion where they burned together.
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. Increased activity has been observed on the
north slopes. The fire is backing with moderate torching and some
crowning. Short crown runs to the ridgetops have been observed.
Protection of structures in Skalkaho, Sleeping Child, Little Sleeping
Child and the east side of Old Darby Road are the priority.
BLODGETT TRAILHEAD, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Hendricks) is assigned. This fire is three miles
northwest of Hamilton, MT. Fire activity has been smoldering and creeping
through unburned fuels with little open flame observed. Helicopters have
been utilized to keep the fire out of the Sheafman Creek and Canyon Creek
drainages.
WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Cook) is assigned. The complex consists of 14 fires in
the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wildernesses, 40
miles southwest of Hamilton, MT. Large fires in the complex include the
Hamilton, Lonely, Fitz, Thirty, Echo and Throng fires. The Lonely fire
has moved within half a mile of the Magruder Ranger Station. The Thirty
fire is burning in the Indian Creek drainage.
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. A burnout operation along the northeast portion
of the Flat Creek fire has been slowed due to increasing winds developing
in the area. Crews on the Moore fire continue to make good progress.
Spot fires along the north, west and east flanks of the Landowner fire are
being suppressed.
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Bateman) 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. Strong gusty
winds tested firelines, but all have held. Crews supported by air tanker
retardant drops are making good progress on the Alpine fire.
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. Cooler temperatures, lower relative humidities and
lighter winds have assisted with suppression efforts. Air tankers are
working the Upper Sepay area along the divide, and the area is being
assessed for a possible burnout operation.
RYAN GULCH, Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type II Incident Management Team (Hoff) is
assigned. This fire is 15 miles east of Clinton, MT. Crews are making
good progress with mopup and rehabilitation operations.
SCHLEY, Flathead Agency, BIA. This fire is burning eight miles south of
Arlee, MT. Despite windy conditions two days in a row, crews have been
successful in holding the fire within containment firelines.
MONTURE/SPREAD RIDGE, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Wands) is assigned. The fires are 15 miles east of Seeley Lake, MT.
High winds with gusts up to 50 mph have caused the fire to grow by nearly
2,000 acres on the northern perimeter. Resources from this fire assisted
the district with suppression of a new start nearby. Crews continue to
hold the southern perimeter of the Spread fire and are working to keep the
Monture fire out of Lodgepole Creek.
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. The fire is moderately active in
the interior, due to increased winds. All firelines are holding.
MAUDLOW/TOSTON, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. Two Type II Incident Management Teams (Joki
and Greene) are assigned. These fires are 25 miles northeast of Belgrade,
MT. Fire behavior has been moderate in interior islands. Helicopter
bucket drops and air tanker drops supported ground forces as they built
fireline around hotspots. The decrease in acreage is due to more accurate
mapping.
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/Medicine Lake (CCML),
Skalkaho Pass, Lick Creek and Cooper Creek fires, 30 miles southwest of
Philipsburg, MT. A 300 acre crown and ground spread has been noted along
the southeast perimeter of the Coyote fire. A new fire has been detected
on the wilderness boundary near Clifford Peak.
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type I
Incident Management Team (Humphrey) is assigned. These fires are 12 miles
northwest of Wisdom, MT. The complex includes the Mussigbrod and Maynard
fires which have now burned together. Aggressive runs have caused minor
slopovers in two divisions. Structures at the Buck and Lewis ranches have
been successfully protected. The wooden Bender Creek Bridge has been
confirmed destroyed and the Johnson Creek bridge is threatened.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Longpre) is assigned. These fires are 20 miles northwest of Libby,
MT. Fire personnel have initial attacked two new fires. Good progress is
being made on fireline construction on all staffed fires. The Vinal and
Upper Beaver fires have now joined on the west side. Light to moderate
fire behavior has been noted.
STONE YOUNG, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Colla) is assigned. The complex is 65 miles northeast of Libby, MT.
Spotting across firelines is continuing in the area of Pinkham Creek Road.
Calmer weather is aiding firefighters, but winds are testing the
firelines. Burnout operations have been completed on the Fan Creek, Stone
Hill and Lydia fires. Good progress has been made with suppression
efforts on the Cliff Point fires.
TROY SOUTH, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Berndt) is assigned. This complex of fires is near Troy, MT. Threats to
urban interface and wilderness continue. Twenty three fires within the
complex have been controlled and are in patrol status.
GREEN MOUNTAIN, Kootenai National Forest. These fires are seven miles
northwest of Trout Creek, MT. The complex includes the Green Mountain,
McNeeley, Basin Creek and Engle fires. Despite windy conditions,
Containment lines have been successfully held. Helicopter bucket drops
have been used to cool hot spots on interior islands.
CHIPMUNK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is burning in spruce,
subalpine fir and brush 45 miles southeast of Kalispell, MT. The fire is
continuing to move east with significant fire activity occurring as the
fire encounters lighter fuels. Continual spotting to the north is a
concern.
BEAVER CREEK, Gallatin National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Corbin) is assigned. This fire is south of Big Sky, MT. The fire
received 1/4 to 1/2 inch of precipitation, along with some gusty winds.
No significant fire behavior has been observed.
BURNT FLATS, Clearwater area, Idaho State Department of Lands. Two Type
II Incident Management Teams (Stoval and Christie) are assigned. The fire
is three miles from Whitebird, ID. The fire has not grown significantly.
It has mostly been creeping and smoldering, although with the approaching
weather front some torching has been observed.
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. The Eagle Creek slopover has been burned out
on top. Crews have constructed fireline around three spot fires in Eagle
Creek.
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 40 miles northeast of Bonners Ferry, ID. Crews
have completed fireline construction on the northwest perimeter and will
begin on the southwestern edge today. Helicopter bucket work is focused
on the southwest end of the fire. Higher relative humidities are
moderating fire behavior, despite higher winds.
THREE BEARS, Nez Perce National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Stump) is assigned. This fire is on both sides of the Salmon River,
29 miles from Elk City, ID. The majority of the fire is inactive.
However, several locations in Fortune Creek and Smith Gulch are
experiencing short- term to intermediate-term runs. Some torching is also
occurring. The fire is holding on the east side of Bargamin Creek.
SPRUCE COMPLEX, Yellowstone National Park. This is a complex of 11 fires
in Yellowstone National Park. The complex consists of the Plateau, Moose,
Unlucky, Boundary and several smaller fires. The fires have received
winds and an acreage increase is expected today.
NOSEBAG 22, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is burning in
subalpine fir, spruce, brush and grass 18 miles northeast of Sandpoint,
ID. The higher wind speeds have been moderated somewhat by higher
humidities and cooler temperatures. Crews are working hot spots on the
northern and southern ends of the fire.
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. Moderate fire behavior has been observed with
occasional torching.
WILLY, Custer National Forest. This fire is five miles southwest of Red
Lodge, MT. The fire, which was caused by a motorcycle accident, grew to
3,500 acres in less than three hours. Approximately ten residences are
threatened in the Piney Dell area.
BLACKTAIL COMPLEX, Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This complex of four
fires is 20 miles north of Medora, ND. They were caused by lightning on
8/26. The Maahdaahhey Trail and Scenic Drive Loop in the South Unit of
the park have been closed. The fires are burning in badlands with steep
terrain, limited access and dry fuels hindering containment efforts.
PEASE, Crow Agency, BIA. This fire is five miles east of Billings. One
primary residence has been confirmed destroyed. Predicted winds gusting
up to 40 mph will challenge containment efforts.
SHARON, Glacier National Park. This fire is near North Fork in Glacier
National Park, MT. The fire started on 8/25 and had been 30 acres until
the next day, when high winds pushed the fire in all directions.
Protection measures have been taken on three backcountry cabin sites.
LIGHTNING MOUNTAIN 17, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is 18
miles northeast of Sandpoint, ID. It started on 8/12 and is burning in a
remote area of steep, rocky terrain. Fuels are subalpine fir, Engleman
spruce, brush and grass. This fire has been monitored by U. S. Forest
Service personnel since it started. It is primarily a ground fire, with
some torching observed. Threatened species habitat and timber resources
are threatened.
SHEEP LIGHTNING 3, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is 18 miles
northeast of Sandpoint, ID. It was ignited on 8/10 by lightning. The
fuels involved are subalpine fir, Engleman spruce, brush and grass. A
fireline has been completed on the south and west sides of the fire, with
further fireline currently being constructed along the east side.
Resources threatened include timber and plantations.
COPPER, Clearwater National Forest. This fire, which was ignited by
lightning on 8/5, is 40 miles northeast of Pierce, ID. No resources have
been assigned. The fire is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service
personnel.
HELEN CREEK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 22 miles south of
Spotted Bear, MT. The fire is actively backing to the west and south with
minimal movement to the north. The primary threat is to the Mud Lake
Lookout. The fire is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Anderson) is assigned. The fire is 12 miles southeast of Powell,
ID. The fire has been burning moderately actively, mostly on the
southwest side. Movement has been toward Big Sand Creek.
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. Backing fire behavior in rocky terrain has been noted.
MINARET PEAK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is near the Spotted Bear
Ranger Station in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The rate of spread is slow
and the fire is backing.
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. The fire is less than
0.2 miles from the boundary of a proposed wilderness area. Strategies are
being prepared for partial suppression if the fire leaves the proposed
wilderness area.
SUGARLOAF, Gallatin National Forest. The fire is 13 miles northeast of
Wilsall, MT. Observed fire behavior includes individual tree torching and
small uphill runs. The fire has been staffed.
MCDONALD, Lewis and Clark National Forest. This fire is 36 miles
northwest of Choteau, MT. Fire activity has picked up, mostly on the east
side. This will be the last report unless significant activity occurs.
PARKE PEAK, Glacier National Park. The fire has been burning since 7/23
in the northwest corner of the park. Fire activity has increased with
higher winds. Some spotting is occurring along Kintla Creek. Open flames
are visible up to the glacier.
FROG LAKE, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 16 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. The fire is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
No smokes have been observed during a reconnaissance flight.
ELIZABETH, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 33 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
SNOW CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 30 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. U.S. Forest Service personnel are monitoring the fire.
ALDER CREEK, Lolo National Forest. This fire is 31 miles southeast of
Missoula, MT. Increased winds have caused significant fire activity.
Torching has been observed along with spotting 1/2 mile ahead and across
Rock Creek Road.
CRIMSON PEAK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is located in the Bob
Marshall Wilderness. The fire is steadily backing into Young's Creek
drainage. It is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
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 remain the primary concerns. Suppression
action is going well and resources have been able to contain any slopovers
that have occurred. Weather conditions have been favorable.
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. The fire has established itself in Panther
and Silver Creek. Current threats are structures in Morgan Creek, 400
structures east of Panther Creek, the watershed for the city of Salmon and
the communities of Ramshorn, Castle Creek and Iron Lake. High winds and
low relative humidities are hampering containment efforts.
MARLIN SPRINGS, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Hefner) is assigned. This fire is burning along the
ridge between Montana and Idaho, 40 miles northwest of Salmon, ID. This
complex consists of the Marlin Springs, Full Circle and Sister fires.
Crews were pulled off the Sister fire due to safety concerns. The Marlin
Springs fire is in volatile fuels and extremely difficult terrain.
Evacuation plans for the communities of North Fork and Gibbonsville, ID,
are in place if the need arises.
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.
Crews continue to make progress on the Glade fire. The Enos fire has
structure protection plans in place for the Buffalo Valley and Pacific
Creek areas. There are some fuel reduction operations in progress. The
Wilcox fire continues to spot and advance slowly to the west and north.
The weather has increased activity on all the fires.
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. High winds with gusts up to 15 mph are contributing to the
fire's spread. Spotting across containment lines has occurred. Structure
protection and evacuation plans for the Zena Ranch, Krassel work station,
the town of Yellowpine and Eiguren Ranch have been developed.
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 70 percent contained, and the Blind Trail fire is 35
percent contained. Minimal activity has occurred on the Blind fire after
wetting rains. Some torching has been observed on the Boulder fire.
FONTENELLE, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Mesenbrink) is assigned. This lightning-caused fire is 20 miles
north of Kemmerer, WY. Continued torching is occurring in subalpine and
fir stands. The fire has grown in isolated areas.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Dague) is assigned. The fire is 23 miles north of McCall, ID. The
fire has been active and has made numerous runs. Structure protection
continues to be successful. Ceremonies were held in recognition of the
Idaho National Guard staff who have worked on the fire.
HARMON CREEK, Dixie National Forest. This fire is located 25 miles north
of St. George, UT. The fire made significant runs as a thunderstorm
pushed it in all directions. Crews are working on protection of a
historical guard station. Steep terrain, flashy fuels, high winds, low
fuel moistures and heavy fuel loading are hindering suppression efforts.
MORSE, Salmon-Challis National Forest. The fire is burning in grass,
sagebrush and douglas fir five miles east of May, ID. Sunny skies and
gusty afternoon winds on the fire caused some runs.
SIDDOWAY, Targhee National Forest. This fire is burning in moderate to
heavy fuels 14 miles east of Swan Valley. Limited access is hampering
control efforts. Four hand crews continue to work the fire during the day.
One flare up in gusty winds has added additional acres to the fire.
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 fire is contained and progress continues with mopup.
INDIAN/PROSPECT, Payette National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Saleen) is assigned. The fire is 33 miles east of McCall, ID. The
fire made a run down canyon along Monumental Creek, and long range
spotting continues to move the fire to the east. The fire has burned to
the perimeter of Stibnite, a historical mining site, and continues to back
downslope toward the historic mining town of Cinnibar.
SCF WILDERNESS, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Adams)has been assigned. Eleven wildland fires are
currently burning within the Salmon Challis Wilderness Complex: Little
Pistol, Indian Creek, Filly, Butts, Papoose, Parker, Packer Meadow, Shell
Rock, Wilson Creek, Jackass and Jack Creek. The Little Pistol fire has
made a six mile run and destroyed an unconfirmed number of structures.
The Middle Fork Lodge has been evacuated. Accurate information is limited
due to smoke and winds.
DIAMOND COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. These lightning-caused fires
are 42 miles northeast of McCall, ID. This complex consists of the
Lookout, Point, North Shellrock and South Shellrock fires.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. These fires are 50 miles
northeast of McCall, ID. Structure protection continues at Root Ranch.
NORTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
CARROL CREEK, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. An Oregon Department of
Forestry Incident Management Team (Gilpin) is assigned. The fire is ten
miles east of Wallowa Lake, OR. Active burning has been observed
throughout the night. Numerous homes in the area are threatened and have
been evacuated. Other threats are to private lands and grazing lands to
the northwest. The fire has doubled in size during the past 24 hours.
EASTSIDE COMPLEX, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Gardner) is assigned. The complex consists of 11 fires
adjacent to the Snake and Imnaha Rivers, 37 miles northeast of Enterprise,
OR. Observed fire behavior includes torching, crowning and spotting on
most of the fires. Current efforts are directed toward structure
protection. Threatened resources include historical structures,
residences, powerlines, grazing lands, private lands and archeological
sites.
HASH ROCK, Ochoco National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Jackson) is assigned. This fire is 18 miles northeast of Prineville, OR.
The fire continues making runs up Mill Creek and has entered Desolation
Canyon. South of Mill Creek, the fire is being slowed by an old burn
area. Observed fire behavior includes aggressive ground runs with
torching in heavy fuels. Difficult access within the wilderness and
extreme fire behavior are impeding containment efforts.
MEADOW, Umatilla National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Jennings) is assigned. This fire is 20 miles southeast of Ukiah, OR.
Fuels are subalpine fir and lodgepole pine. Late yesterday afternoon, the
fire jumped containment lines on the north side.
LONG RIDGE, Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is five miles
northwest of Imnaha, OR. It was started on 8/25, but was not reported
until yesterday evening.
SUNDAY HILL, Vale District, BLM. This fire is burning in timber, mahogany
and grass 10 miles south of Durkee, OR. Winds have abated somewhat and
crews are making good progress. Containment was expected late last night.
MULE DRY, Yakima Agency, BIA. A Washington Incident Management Team
(Johnson) is assigned. This fire is 15 miles northeast of Prosser, WA.
Predicted strong winds have not materialized, so all firelines have held.
Mopup has been very effective in the light fuels. The large acreage
decrease is due to more accurate mapping.
FLAT CREEK, Wenachee National Forest. This fire is 70 miles south of
Chelan, WA, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. It has been monitored by
aerial reconnaissance since 7/27 with no significant acreage change since
8/25.
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.
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. Crews mopped up along the west side as the
fire continued to smolder in stumps and duff.
CHERRY, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is 30 miles northwest of Ely,
NV. Wildlife habitat and the Goshute Wilderness Study Area remain
threatened. BLM personnel are monitoring the fire.
LITTLE WATER, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This fire is 60 miles
southeast of Elko, NV, burning in white fir, isolated pinyon pine and
mahogany. U.S. Forest Service personnel are monitoring the fire.
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. U.S. Forest Service personnel continue to monitor this
fire.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
JASPER, Black Hills National Forest. This fire is 15 miles east of
Newcastle, WY. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Waterbury) is assigned.
Acreage of the fire grew from 15,000 to 60,000 acres. Highway 16 is still
closed due to the fire spreading along both sides of the roadway. The
fire is in rough broken canyons and timbered hillsides. Evacuations
continue around the fire.
ST. LAWRENCE, Wind River Agency, BIA. This fire is burning in the Wind
River Roadless Area ten miles northwest of Fort Washakie. Minimal fire
activity has been reported.
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. Gusty winds have caused fire activity to increase.
Spotting on the east flank is a problem, where a five acre slopover has
occurred. The northwest flank is also active. Eastward spread into the
Bucks Lake Wilderness continues.
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. No
significant activity has been observed. The fire received precipitation.
U.S. Forest Service personnel continue to monitor the fire.
CRAZY, Gila National Forest. This fire started on 8/8 in Catron County.
The U.S. Forest Service is monitoring the fire by air and ground as
needed. This will be the last report unless new information is received.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
ROYAL GORGE, Florida Division of Forestry. This lightning-caused fire is
located near Layfayette, FL. The fire is experiencing flare-ups and
moderate fire behavior.
LOCO GRANDE, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is located 40 miles
west of Austin, TX. The National Guard helicopter was effective in the
cedar, oak and juniper fuels. Five homes were saved despite the steep
terrain.
POSSOM, Florida Division of Forestry. The fire is near Orlando, FL.
There were some flare-ups that threatened a few homes and a church. Smoke
is a concern in the metro Orlando area.
LIVE OAK LOOP, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is located 30 miles
north of Waco, TX. No new information was received.
OUTLOOK:
*** A RED FLAG WARNING IS POSTED IN WESTERN WYOMING FOR GUSTY WINDS, LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS ***
A Pacific trough moving along the Canadian border near Montana will move
eastward, and winds should subside today. However, dry conditions and a
tighter pressure gradient will cause afternoon gustiness at ridgetop level
in the northern mountains. Monsoon moisture will remain over the
southwestern desert states and the east and central Great Basin, bringing
wet thunderstorms to those areas.
Ridgetop winds will be west to southwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30
mph in the northwestern United States. Further south, winds will be
upslope or southwest at speeds under 20 mph with stronger gusts near
thunderstorms.
Temperatures will be in the 70's to mid 80's in the mountains, mid 80's to
90's in the lower elevations and 100 to 110 in the hottest deserts.
Relative humidity will be in the teens and 20's with some single digit
readings occurring in the driest areas.
=> 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 28 at 00:15 UTC
NO EVENTS LOCATED IN REGION
=> 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
1800 100 FLORENCE FLORENCE SC 3419 7976 PUBLIC REPORT OF QUARTER SIZE HAIL
ON I-95 AT I-20. (ILM)
2050 75 2 E BEACH CITY STARK OH 4064 8152 (CLE)
0040 88 MONTGOMERY COUNTY MONTGOMERY VA 3719 8038 945 PM TROUTVILLE (RNK)
0120 175 COVINGTON ALLEGHANY VA 3778 7998 MC (RNK)
0910 75 MAX MCLEAN ND 4781 10130 REPORTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.
DEPUTY SHERIFF STATED THAT THE HAIL WAS PILED UP LIKE SNOW. (BIS)
Wind Reports
Time Speed Location County State Lat Lon Comments
2000 UNK ENTERPRISE COFFEE AL 3131 8584 TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN. HIGH
SCHOOL ROOF DAMAGED. (TLH)
0140 UNK BRIDGEPORT PERRY PA 4038 7734 TREES DOWN ON WIRES (CTP)
0455 UNK PALESTINE CRAWFORD IL 3900 8761 LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED TREE FELL
ON HOUSE (SPI)
0045 58 HARRISBURG DAUPHIN PA 4026 7686 (CTP)
0050 67 SHIREMANSTOWN CUMBERLAND PA 4021 7694 (CTP)
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
=> Thirteen-Year Wildland Fire Comparison Statistics
Year-to-Date for the United States
As of August 28 Number of Wildland Fires Number of Acres
2000 -- 72,130 -- 6,200,080
1999 -- 69,212 -- 4,159,426
1998 -- 58,032 -- 1,904,374
1997 -- 47,926 -- 2,686,803
1996 -- 84,336 -- 4,792,630
1995 -- 61,690 -- 1,560,158
1994 -- 56,998 -- 2,992,397
1993 -- 45,001 -- 1,565,650
1992 -- 69,234 -- 1,460,500
1991 -- 62,325 -- 2,045,489
1990 -- 47,406 -- 3,738,632
1989 -- 44,442 -- 1,438,966
1988 -- 66,801 -- 3,388,464
=> Marines Temporarily Suspend Flights For Three Aircraft Models
Flight operations for three models of Marine Corps aircraft were suspended
temporarily by the Naval Aviation Systems Command this weekend after
officials discovered unrelated problems with each type of aircraft.
The suspension orders were issued late Friday, Aug. 25, for the CH-53E Super
Stallion transport helicopter, AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter and the MV-22
Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. A portion of the Corps' AV-8B Harrier jet fleet
remains grounded, following a July 11 order suspending flights due to
concerns about engine bearing problems.
Most significant is the grounding of 165 of the Corps' heavy-lift CH-53E
helicopters, eight of which are currently deployed. The decision to suspend
operations is based on the preliminary findings of the crash of a Navy
MH-53E mine-sweeping helicopter off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas, Aug.
10.
Officials suspended AH-1W Cobra flight operations after it was discovered
this week that some older rotor blades may be susceptible to cracking. Each
of the Corps' 198 helicopters will undergo a one-time inspection to identify
and replace, if necessary, the suspect blades before being returned to
flight status. Eight of the Cobras are currently deployed.
Officials also suspended flight operations for the MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft
after one of the Corps' 11 Ospreys made a precautionary landing Thursday at
Camp Lejeune, N.C. The MV-22's backup systems worked flawlessly and the
pilot landed safely, but a subsequent maintenance inspection revealed that a
coupling on the aircraft's interconnect drive shaft failed.
The coupling was repaired, and the aircraft later returned to Marine Corps
Air Station, New River, N.C., where it is based.
Engineers will examine the other 10 MV-22s to ensure the failure was
isolated. The Osprey, which can fly like a plane and take off and land like
a helicopter, completed operational evaluation in July and is awaiting the
go-ahead to proceed with full-rate production. The Osprey is planned to
replace the Corps' aging fleet of CH-46 and CH-53D model helicopters.
Meanwhile, the Marine Corps continues efforts to inspect and test all of its
F402-RR-408A/B engines for the AV-8B Harrier jet before returning the
aircraft to flying status. Since July 11, about 30 of the Corps' 106
Harriers powered by that engine have returned to flying status. About 10
other engines have been inspected and await installation. The remaining
engines are due to undergo vibration-scan testing and, if necessary, be
repaired before returning to service.
=> Insurance Agents - New Elevation Certificate Training Now Available
Online
Washington, August 28, 2000 -- Insurance Agents can take advantage of
state-of-the-art, interactive training on the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) website, Federal Insurance Administrator Jo Ann Howard
announced today. In-depth training on the new flood insurance Elevation
Certificate (EC) introduced last May is the first of a series of on-line
training being developed by the NFIP that insurance producers can use on
their own computers at their convenience, 24 hours a day, Howard said. The
training can be accessed through the NFIP's website.
http://www.fema.gov/nfip/
The self-paced, interactive design allows agents to skip over material they
already know and concentrate on areas that need more emphasis. Frequent
practical exercises help agents to check and reinforce their learning. The
comprehensive training module contains multiple links to other resources,
such as the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual, and also incorporates an annotated
EC that can be used as a handy reference. Upon completing the module and
passing a mastery test, agents will receive a letter of completion from the
NFIP.
"This simple but practical approach to learning will enhance insurance
agents' ability to provide complete service to their clients, as well as
help to eliminate costly errors and omissions claims," Howard said.
The Federal Insurance Administration, which is part of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), developed its new EC after gathering comments from
surveyors, architects, floodplain managers, Write Your Own companies and
insurance agents. Instructions have been clarified, building diagrams
revised, and detailed questions added about property location, Flood
Insurance Rate Map data and survey results.
The revised EC provides space to describe the building's use and an option
to provide latitude and longitude coordinates. New elevation requirements
have been added to the EC. Agents will determine the lowest floor by
comparing the surveyor's information with that provided by the property
owner for consistency.
Additional training in the use of the revised EC will be offered at NFIP
agent workshops across the country. Schedules and registration information
for all workshops during the period August-December 2000 are listed at the
NFIP workshop page. http://www.fema.gov/nfip/a_wshop.htm
The new EC form and instruction packet are available from the FEMA
Distribution Center at 1-800-480-2520 (ask for FEMA Form 81-31). They are
also included in the May 2000 revision to the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual
and can be viewed or downloaded.
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