The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 29, 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
=> Disaster Response By Eric Auf Der Heide Now Available On Line!
=> Interior West Fire Council Meeting
=> MDS Update
=> Firefighter Fatality:
=> USFA Reports Firefighter Fatalities Increased In 1999
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 29, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Mon...109 At Lawrence And Manhatten KS
Low Tue...31 At Stanley ID
=> Special Notes
Federal Funds Authorized To Help Fight Texas Wildfire
By Thursday, widespread precipitation is possible throughout the West. In
addition, some of the coldest air in months will invade MT and ND tomorrow,
setting up a mechanism for orographic precipitation which may help to douse
the stubborn fire hazard in Big Sky Country.
"You can subscribe to Larry Cosgrove's free WEATHERAmerica Newsletter by
contacting him at mailto:weatheramerica{at}msn.com
=> Current Tropical Weather Outlook For The North Atlantic Caribbean Sea And
The Gulf Of Mexico
A broad area of low pressure is located just east of the central east coast
of Florida. Cloudiness and showers associated with this system remain
disorganized...and upper-level conditions are unfavorable for tropical
development at this time.
Cloudiness and showers associated with a westward-moving tropical wave are
passing just to the south of the cape Verde islands. Development of this
system...if any...is expected to be slow.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected through Wednesday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
Active Warnings:
Updated Tue Aug 29 13:23:22 2000
Flash Flood
Arizona
* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... SOUTHWESTERN MOHAVE COUNTY IN NORTHWEST ARIZONA
THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...GOLDEN VALLEY...KINGMAN... NEW
KINGMAN-BUTLER...WIKIEUP...YUCCA * UNTIL 1200 PM MST
Nevada
* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... SOUTHWESTERN MOHAVE COUNTY IN NORTHWEST ARIZONA
THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...GOLDEN VALLEY...KINGMAN... NEW
KINGMAN-BUTLER...WIKIEUP...YUCCA * UNTIL 1200 PM MST
Flood
Connecticut
New York
...MINOR COASTAL FLOODING POSSIBLE...
Non Precipitation
Arkansas
...VERY HOT CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE...
Illinois
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT TODAY FOR ALL OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI...AS WELL AS
ALEXANDER COUNTY ILLINOIS AND FULTON COUNTY KENTUCKY...
Kansas
...HEAT ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR TODAY ACROSS EAST CENTRAL KANSAS AND WEST
CENTRAL MISSOURI...
Kentucky
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT TODAY FOR ALL OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI...AS WELL AS
ALEXANDER COUNTY ILLINOIS AND FULTON COUNTY KENTUCKY...
Missouri
...HEAT ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR TODAY ACROSS EAST CENTRAL KANSAS AND WEST
CENTRAL MISSOURI...
Oklahoma
A HOT AIRMASS WILL REMAIN ACROSS THE AREA TODAY
=> 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 of tornado.
Hail Risk - Slight
There is a 5% probability of hail 3/4 inch or larger over northeast
Missouri, central Illinois east to west, and central and northern Indiana.
Wind Risk - Slight
There are Four areas with a 5% or greater probability of winds in excess of
50 knots.
One area covers southeast California, far southern Nevada, and Arizona
except the east northeast section.
The second area covers northeast Missouri, central Illinois east to west,
and central and northern Indiana.
The third area covers southeast Louisiana, southeast Mississippi, south
southwest Alabama, and the Florida panhandle.
The last area covers central south Florida.
Tomorrow's Risk -
The risk area tomorrow covers far east southeast North Dakota, east
southeast South Dakota, Minnesota except the southeast corner, and far
northwest Wisconsin.
The main risk is over northwest Minnesota and over east southeast North
Dakota.
Areas at a lesser degree of risk include southeast California, southern
Nevada, far southwest Utah, and the southwestern 2/3 of Arizona.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
the 24 hr precipitation forecasts over 2 inches of rainfall over far central
east North Carolina, and over an inch of rainfall over eastern North
Carolina.
The 24 - 48 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of
rainfall over central north Minnesota, southeast Virginia, central and
eastern North Carolina, and the northeast 1/2 of South Carolina.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Flash flood values may be exceeded over central east to southeast
California, central to southern Nevada, the west southwest 1/3 of Arizona
and eastern North Carolina.
=> USA Flood Report
The flood reprt is still not ready.
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2000 - 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
A total of nine new large fires were reported, three in the Northern
Rockies, three in the Southern Area and one each in the Northwest, Southern
California and Northern California Areas. Crews reached containment goals on
eight large fires in the Northern Rockies, Northwest, Southwest and Southern
Areas. Initial attack activity was light to moderate nationwide. Predicted
strong winds in Wyoming and Montana will present challenges for firefighters
on the large fires in the northern Rocky Mountains. Very high to extreme
fire indices have been reported in all western states and in North Dakota,
Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.
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.
WILLIE, Custer National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team (Frye) is
assigned. This fire is five miles southwest of Red Lodge, MT. The fire is
moving north and west with some slopover into Rock Creek. Retardant has been
used very effectively. Approximately 100 structures are threatened. Acreage
decrease is due to more accurate mapping.
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. The Fat and Taylor fires have
grown due to winds. Fire activity has increased on most of the other fires
also. Poor visibility is hampering aerial support and reconnaissance
flights. At least 700 homes are still evacuated.
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.
Protection of structures in Skalkaho, Sleeping Child, Little Sleeping Child
and the east side of Old Darby Road remain 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 again been light, with 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. Helicopter bucket work has been
initiated on the Lonely fire to reduce spread near the Magruder Ranger
Station.
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. Structure protection continues in the Trout Creek and Quartz Flat
areas.
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. Indirect fireline construction on two
divisions of the Ninemile fire should be complete in one or two days. All
firelines on the Alpine fire are holding and mopup operations are
continuing.
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. Crews are maintaining fireline west of Magpie Creek and
securing fireline along the south side of the Vanderburg fire. The fireline
constructed by dozers on the Upper Sepay fire is holding.
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. Helicopter bucket drops
have been utilized on the Alder Creek fire.
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.
Winds have been relatively calm. The northern and northeast portions of the
Crimson, Monture and Spread fires continue to grow. Crews are holding the
southern edge of the Spread fire and constructing fireline on the western
flank of the Monture fire.
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. Burnout operations on the south flank of the fire are continuing.
Some isolated torching has been observed on the interior of the fire, but
otherwise activity has been minimal overall.
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. Interior
islands continue to burn out with some torching. Rehabilitation plans and
specifications are being developed.
MIDDLE FORK COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Hart) 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. Fuels are
burning actively with single and group torching continuing throughout the
afternoon. Short crown runs, mainly in the interior and on the Skalkaho Pass
fire, have been observed. The acreage reduction is due to counting only that
portion of the Coyote fire which is on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National
Forest. The rest of the Coyote fire is being counted as part of the Skalkaho
Complex.
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. Efforts have been initiated to strengthen the
fireline by burning the interior grass and sage fuels.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Longpre) is assigned. These fires are 20 miles northwest of Libby, MT.
Crews have initial attacked the North Grizzly fire and will suppress the
West Grizzly fire today.
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 and higher humidities are aiding suppression efforts. No
major spots have been located outside the firelines. On the Cliff Point
fire, construction of indirect firelines has been completed and a burnout
operation is in progress.
TROY SOUTH, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Gauger) is assigned. The Army's 1st Battalion 321st Artillery from Ft.
Bragg, NC, commanded by LTC Mathis, is assigned. This complex of fires is
near Troy, MT. Torching and occasional short runs are causing short range
spotting and some fire growth. Crews continue to patrol, suppress and mopup
the Studebaker Draw, Kadsie Creek, O'Brien, No See Um, Frezkat East and West
fires. Mopup operations continue on the Pulpit and Taylor Peak fires.
CHIPMUNK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is burning in spruce, subalpine
fir and brush 45 miles southeast of Kalispell, MT. The fire continues to
move east with slowed fire activity occurring as the fire encounters lighter
fuels. Spotting to the north is a concern. The fire received .03 inch of
rain overnight.
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. No new information was received.
BEAVER CREEK, Gallatin National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Corbin) is assigned. This fire is south of Big Sky, MT. No significant fire
behavior or perimeter growth has been reported.
BURNT FLATS, Clearwater area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type I
Incident Management Teams (Stovall) are assigned. The fire is three miles
from Whitebird, ID. No new information was received.
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. Fireline has been
completed along the northwest perimeter and is being built around a slopover
on the southwest flank. Fire behavior has been mild, but a large amount of
unburned fuel in the interior has the potential for reignition, torching and
spotting. Helicopter bucket work and mopup operations continue on several
spot fires.
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. Site protection measures are complete at Lantz Bar.
Protection of Campbells Ferry and the Jim Moore Place are underway. The fire
has been given responsibility for structure protection along a 14 mile
stretch of the Salmon River Canyon, and evaluation of the sites there has
started.
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 is located in an area of very steep, rocky
terrain.
CYCLONE RIDGE, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 35 miles north of
Kalispell, MT. No fire growth was observed on 8/27. Then the fire jumped
containment lines on 8/28 and has grown to 200 acres.
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 are showing heat on
their perimeters but no major acreage gains have occurred.
NOSEBAG 22, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is burning in
subalpine fir, spruce, brush and grass 18 miles northeast of Sandpoint, ID.
Crews and hose lays are being used on hot spots along the northern and
northeast perimeters of the fire. Extremely heavy brush and deep-burning hot
spots are slowing containment efforts.
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. High relative humidities kept the fire inactive
until late afternoon, when some torching occurred on the southeast corner.
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. Crews and
dozers are making good progress toward containment.
SHARON, Glacier National Park. This fire is near North Fork in Glacier
National Park, MT. The fire continues to spread actively to the southeast.
Passive torching and spotting has been noted. Winds are hampering
suppression efforts.
POACHER, Clearwater National Forest. This fire was ignited by lightning on
8/19 and has now grown to reportable size.
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 received some retardant drops to slow
the spread into sensitive ecosystems and areas with erosion-prone soils. A
crew has been flown in to construct a helispot on a ridge at the southern
end of the fire, to facilitate planned suppression efforts.
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. An excavator
has built a fireline along the east flank of the fire. Crews are laying
hose, constructing fireline and suppressing hot spots. Cooler temperatures
and higher relative humidities are helping to moderate fire activity.
COPPER, Clearwater National Forest. This fire, which was ignited by
lightning on 8/5, is 40 miles northeast of Pierce, ID. 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. Four structures are threatened, but the
threat to the Mud Lake Lookout has been reduced. The fire is being monitored
by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 12 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. The fire has been burning actively on all flanks. Movement has
been toward Big Sand Creek. Helicopter bucket drops are preventing the fire
from moving out of the wilderness to the northwest.
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.
Minimal fire activity has been noted.
MINARET PEAK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is near the Spotted Bear
Ranger Station in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. No significant fire activity
has been reported.
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 suppression if the fire leaves the proposed wilderness area.
MCDONALD II, Lewis and Clark National Forest. This fire is 36 miles
northwest of Choteau, MT. 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. No significant fire activity has been
reported.
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 visible for several days.
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. Fire activity has primarily been in the fire's interior. The
fire movement is backing down to Rock Creek.
CRIMSON PEAK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is located in the Bob
Marshall Wilderness. The fire is backing into Young's Creek drainage. The
rate of spread 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. The fire
continues to burn actively. Southwest winds are persistent in pushing the
fire back against itself.
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. Unfavorable fire weather combined with frequent spot
fires is making containment objectives difficult to attain. The Clear Creek
and Aparejo fires are one half mile apart, and are expected to burn
together. Burnout operations continue on the northeast corner of the fire.
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. The fires continue to
increase in size. Heavy smoke has prevented any detailed reconnaissance.
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. Yellowstone National
Park employees are providing structural protection for Flagg Ranch. The
Wilcox fire continues to spot and advance to the west and north. Structure
protection continues for the Berry Creek patrol cabin.
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. The fire continued to advance down Fitsum Creek to within one mile of
Krassel Work Station. 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 in mopup and patrol status. Rough terrain is slowing
containment on the Blind Trail 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. Current threats are two ranches and 150 to 200 summer
homes.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Dague) is assigned. The fire is 23 miles north of McCall, ID.
Structure protection continues to be successful. An inversion reduced fire
intensity. The fire has spread slowly into the Mackay Bar area, as well as
Warren and Mann Creek.
HARMON CREEK, Dixie National Forest. This fire is located 25 miles north of
St. George, UT. Some torching and ground fire have been noted with minor
runs and minimal spread.
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. Crews are constructing a fuel
break in the east fork of Little Morgan Creek. Structure protection is also
in place for that area.
SIDDOWAY, Targhee National Forest. This fire is burning in moderate to heavy
timber 14 miles east of Swan Valley. Limited access, torching and spotting
are hampering control efforts.
HALF MOON COMPLEX, Bridger-Teton National Forest. 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. The Triangle fire
is 50 percent contained by natural barriers with minimal fire activity.
INDIAN/PROSPECT, Payette National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Saleen) is assigned. The fire is 33 miles east of McCall, ID. Resources
have been committed to structure protection at Zena Ranch and Krassel Work
Station.
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
crossed the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, burning 17 primary structures
and four outbuildings at Pistol Creek Ranch. The Indian Creek Guard Station
is currently threatened. Middle Fork Lodge has been evacuated. Smoke is
hampering aerial observations.
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. Loss of the Acorn Butte
Lookout in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness has been
confirmed.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. These fires are 50 miles northeast
of McCall, ID. Structure protection continues at Root Ranch.
NORTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
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. Efforts are focused on structure protection. All fires in the complex
continue to spread, with the Deep Creek fire spread primarily to the south.
Threatened resources include historical structures, residences, powerlines,
grazing lands, private lands and archeological sites.
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. Fire activity has moderated. Some minor
spotting is occurring, but helicopter bucket drops are helping to manage
that situation. A burnout operation is underway on the southwest end of the
fire.
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. The fire has been staying within
containment firelines with few spotting problems.
HASH ROCK, Ochoco National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Jackson) is assigned. This fire is 18 miles northeast of Prineville, OR.
Isolated ground runs and minor torching on the interior of the fire have
been observed. Long range spotting is a concern.
RAIL CREEK, Oregon Department of Forestry. The fire is ten miles east of
Pilot Rock, OR. The primary fuel is grass. Engines and dozers are close to
containment and plan to patrol the fire overnight.
FLAT CREEK, Wenachee National Forest. This fire is 70 miles south of Chelan,
WA, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The fire is being monitored by U.S.
Forest Service personnel. No new information was received.
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 are mopping up along the west side as the fire
continues 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.
The fire continues to spread north and west. Good progress is being made
south of Highway 16, although the highway remains closed. Direct fireline
construction with dozers is progressing on the east and west flanks.
Evacuations are still in effect 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. Low relative humidities
and increased winds have resulted in active fire behavior mainly in the
interior.
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. Two firing operations are working toward meeting at the head of
Chips Creek drainage. Crews continue constructing indirect fireline on the
northeast and west flanks of the fire. The south end of the fire is in
patrol status. Structure protection activities continue along Highway 70 in
the Rich Bar area.
AMERICAN, Nevada-Yuba-Placer Ranger Unit, California Department of Forestry.
This human-caused fire started on 8/27 in the American River Canyon. The
fire threatened a subdivision on the outskirts of the city of Auburn. Low
fuel moistures, poor access and low relative humidities are causing
challenges to crews. Containment was expected late last night.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
HUNTER, Madera-Mariposa-Merced Ranger Unit, California Department of
Forestry. This fire is 25 miles northeast of Merced, CA near Lake McClure.
Current threats are to endangered plant and animal species. Steep terrain is
deterring containment efforts.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
SNAKE EYES, Mississippi National Forest. This fire is located near Potts
Camp, MS. The fire is burning in a 15 year old plantation. Containment is
proving difficult due to heavy fuels, low humidities and high temperatures.
POSSOM, Florida Division of Forestry. The fire is near Orlando, FL. No new
information was received.
ROYAL GORGE, Florida Division of Forestry. This lightning-caused fire is
located near Lafayette, FL. No new information was received.
ROBERTSON ROAD, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is 30 miles north of
Beaumont, TX. This fire is burning in a thick pine plantation and has jumped
several roads. National Guard Blackhawks are assisting in containment
efforts.
ROSELAND, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is burning in grass, brush,
mesquite and juniper 50 miles southwest of Dallas, TX. Helicopter bucket
drops are assisting efforts to protect structures.
LOCO GRANDE, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is located 40 miles west
of Austin, TX. This fire is burning is in cedar, oak and juniper. The
terrain is making access difficult.
OUTLOOK:
*** A RED FLAG WARNING IS POSTED IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL WYOMING FOR GUSTY
WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES, DRY FUELS AND DRY LIGHTNING ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED ON THE EAST SLOPES OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
IN CENTRAL MONTANA FOR GUSTY WEST WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES ***
A Pacific trough will move across the northwest along the Canadian border.
This will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms to northern
Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana. The air mass will remain dry
in Oregon and central and southern Idaho. Monsoonal moisture will bring
thunderstorms to the higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada, across central
Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and southward. Some storms in Wyoming may produce dry
lightning, but the lightning will be wet elsewhere.
Winds will generally be southwest to west at 10 to 20 mph in the northwest
United States. East slopes of the northern Rockies will be a little
stronger. Further south, winds will be upslope or southwest at 15 mph or
less.
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.
***A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN THE INLAND AREAS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA
FOR A HIGH DISPERSION INDEX DUE TO INCREASED WINDS AND DEEP MIXING.
=> 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 29 at 00:15 UTC
EARTHQUAKES IN WEST CENTRAL UNITED STATES
(35.8 TO 40.3 N, 102.0 TO 125.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 28 01:27:05.00 37.5 N 118.6 W 14 km 3.0
15 miles NW of Bishop, California
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
=> Guest Column
No Column Today
=> Disaster Response By Eric Auf Der Heide Now Available On Line
(August 7, 2000)
HONOLULU, HI --- The widely popular Disaster Response: Principles of
Preparation and Coordination by Erik Auf der Heide is out of print but, by
special arrangement with the author, it can be viewed in its entirety online
by going to the Center of Excellence's Web site at: coe-dmha.org.
"Since the book went out of print, I have received numerous inquiries by
those still wanting to obtain a copy," writes Heide in the preface to the
online version. "It is our intent to make this version of the book available
gratis via the Internet, so the process of knowledge dissemination can
continue to grow."
The book, first published in 1989, has been widely used by disaster
management and disaster medicine communities, both in the United States and
abroad. It was written to inform planners and clinicians about some of the
important findings from disaster research literature. With 10 chapters and
eight appendices the publication provides a broad overview of disaster
management. Some of the topics include defining the problem, resource
management and communication with the public. It also contains a guide to
additional resources including directories for organizations, publications
and further education.
"We are pleased to offer this first version of the electronic edition and
hope that it will continue to offer valuable assistance to those involved in
disaster planning, preparedness, mitigation and response," writes Heide.
To view the publication, go to the following URL:
http://coe-dmha.org/dr
=> Interior West Fire Council Meeting
AUGUST 28 -- EDMONTON, ALBERTA: The 2000 Interior West Fire Council Annual
Meeting and Workshop is scheduled for October 3 - 5 at Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada. Wildland firefighting experts from the U.S. and Canada will focus on
"People, Ecosystems and Wildland Fires -- Working in Harmony." Sessions and
workshops will focus on ecological and environmental issues, emerging legal,
socio-economic, and technological issues, solutions, innovations, and
success stories. Steve Woodley from Parks Canada will be the keynote
speaker. Subjects for interaction will include Aboriginal Uses of Fire,
Elk-Aspen-Fires-Wolves-Humans Interrelations in Banff National Park,
Litigation Associated with Wildland Fires, and Implications of Climate
Change on Fire Management.
The Interior West Fire Council is a forum for fire managers and interested
private sector participants from the area that encompasses Alberta,
Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Northwest Territories, Nebraska, South
Dakota, Saskatchewan, Utah, and Wyoming. The purpose of the Council is to
foster cooperation and information sharing among the area's fire management
agencies, technical staff experts, fire researchers, and academic
professionals. Forest industries, universities, all levels of government,
and other related groups participate in the meetings.
More information on the meeting is available at www.iwfc2000convention.com,
or email Marty Alexander for details. Related sites include the Northwest
Territories International Crown Fire Modelling Experiment (ICFME) website
and the Canadian Forest Service Fire Research Network and the Department of
Renewable Resources in Edmonton.
=> MDS Update
A live update is available on the webpage of Mennonite Disaster Service,
http://www.mds.mennonite.net. Unlike this e-mail update, the web update is
updated as soon as information is received in the Akron office. The website
also
contains information from earlier updates. If you have any information to
provide for these updates, please e-mail tdh{at}mdsbinat.org or call MDS Akron
at
717-859-2210.
Western Wildfires
08/28/00: Most of the fires in Idaho are wildfires. The town protection
efforts
of fire fighters seem to be working and structural damage has been kept to a
minimum. Some summer cottages have been burned as well as several houses in
Atlanta. Montana is a different story. The governor has closed 1/5 of the
state
to public access. That is an area about the size of Maine. Scott Landis was
in
the area and reported on seeing homes "burned to the ground." We do not have
verifiable numbers as they are changing every day, but quite a few houses
have
been lost.
Wilmer Leichty, Region IV Director, will work closely with the local MDS
Units
to assess the situation and prioritize response efforts. Wilmer can be
reached
at (541) 928-8294.
Camilla, Georgia
08/28/00: Bob Bender, Goshen, IN, will be leading a couple of carpentry
crews in
the framing of four houses the week of September 18. In preparation for that
event, slabwork will begin today. A local plumber and contractor, Marty
Miller,
will rough in plumbing and Daryl Yoder and David Ebersole will order the
material. If you are an experienced carpenter and would like to join this
fast-paced week of hammer-swinging fun, contact Ottis Mast at (662) 738-5366
or
the Akron Office at (717) 859-2210. Transportation may be available for
those
from the Goshen area. Additional volunteers will be needed in October. The
project is scheduled to run through April. Mail can be sent to 3626 Old
Pelham
Road, Camilla, GA 31730. Phones will be connected on August 31 at (912)
336-9952.
Toledo, Ohio
08/23/00: A July storm flooded basements when it doused Toledo with 7 inches
of
rain in two hours. The Ohio MDS Unit responded by sending in over a dozen
volunteers from the Archibold area. The volunteers cleaned out basements and
reconstructed walls. If more funds become available, there will be
additional
homes to work on. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Randy Short
at
(419) 682-6052.
Redding, California
08/23/00: Drywallers and finishers are now needed to complete work on three
houses. To inquire about volunteering between now and mid-October, contact
the
Redding Project at (530) 242-6519. Mail can be sent to 2304 Washington Ave,
Redding, CA 96001. Fax: (530) 242-0561. E-mail: mennods5{at}juno.com
Little Rock, Arkansas
08/23/00: The Little Rock project has closed all 19 of its jobs. The Little
Rock Chamber of Commerce hosted a "final nail" ceremony on the 24th to
celebrate
the completion of MDS activity and welcome homeowners back into their homes.
Snow Hill, North Carolina
07/17/00: Place October on your calendar to work on new houses in Snow Hill.
Some repair jobs may also be scheduled. To volunteer call Bernard Martin at
(540) 434-1916. Mail can be sent to Rt 4 Box 2B, Highway 58 South, Snow
Hill, NC
28471. E-mail: mennods2{at}juno.com
Burgaw, North Carolina
08/14/00: Place November on your calendar to volunteer at Burgaw. Two homes
are
already under roof. One is waiting on electrical and plumbing inspections so
that insulation and drywall work may begin. The other is ready for siding.
To
volunteer, call the project at (910) 259-8601. Mail can be sent to 321
Pinkney
Road, Burgaw, N.C. 28425. E-mail: mennods1{at}juno.com
=> Firefighter Fatality:
Name: Jamie Quinones
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 38
Status: Career
Date of Incident: 08/26/2000
Date of Death: 08/26/2000
Fire Department: Waterbury Fire Department
Fire Department Address: 26 Field Street, Waterbury, CT 06702
Fire Department Chief: Acting Chief James Trainor
Cause of Death: Firefighter Quinones was shot to death while on-duty and
participating in a Muscular Dystrophy "Fill The Boot" charitable event.
Funeral: 08/29/2000 Wake and 08/30/2000 Funeral {at} 1030hrs, both at Church of
the Immaculate Conception, 74 W. Main Street, Waterbury, CT.
=> USFA Reports Firefighter Fatalities Increased In 1999
EMMITSBURG, Md. - One hundred and twelve firefighters lost their lives while
on-duty last year according to the annual report, Firefighter Fatalities in
the United States, released by the United States Fire Administration's
(USFA) National Fire Data Center. This is the highest total number of deaths
since 1989, a year when 119 firefighters died. The number of deaths topped
100 for the first time since 1994 and reverses a four-year downward trend in
firefighter fatalities.
"The increased loss of firefighters' lives last year gives strong voice to
the continued need for data collection to describe the national fire
problem," said USFA's Chief Operating Officer, Kenneth O. Burris, Jr. "The
lessons learned from the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents
are used by fire departments from around the world to help make the work of
fighting fires safer."
The USFA, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, prepares the
annual report in support of its mission to reduce life and economic losses
due to fire and related emergencies. Significant information from the report
includes:
Six multi-fatality incidents resulted in 22 deaths. These include the deaths
of six firefighters in a warehouse fire in Worcester, Mass., three
firefighter deaths in the collapse of a church attic and roof near Fort
Worth, Texas, three firefighters killed in an apartment fire in Keokuk,
Iowa, two Kentucky firefighters killed in a forest fire, two District of
Columbia firefighters killed in a residential fire, and two Indiana
firefighters who died from injuries they received in a fire truck rollover
accident.
Heart attacks were the leading cause of death, claiming 52 lives. Other
leading causes of death were traumatic injuries, asphyxiation, and burns.
In 1999, six drivers and/or apparatus occupants were killed when they were
ejected from fire apparatus that was involved in a collision or rollover.
Fire departments must take steps to assure that seat belts are used by all
firefighters.
All of the 1999 report fatalities were submitted to the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation to be considered for inclusion on the National
Fallen Firefighters Memorial's upcoming October ceremony at the National
Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md.
The 1999 report may be ordered in hard copy or downloaded from the
Publications Section of the USFA web site at
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/usfapubs. More information on firefighter
casualties, including an online database of firefighter fatalities since
1994 and the annual reports since 1986, is available on the USFA web site at
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfdc/ff_casualties.htm.
=> Classified Ads
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=> Links Area
Idaho, Montana
Numerous heat signatures (red) and dense smoke (light blue) are visible from
fires burning in Idaho and western Montana. Fire activity increased
significantly on Sunday in hot, windy conditions.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusID241_N2.jpg
North Dakota
Heat signature (red) and smoke (light blue) are visible from the Jasper Fire
in North Dakota's Black Hills.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Plains/FSMHSusND241_N2.jpg
West U.S.
Smoke from the fires in Idaho and Montana is seen blowing east into the
Upper Midwest and Canada.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusMT241_G8.jpg
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
If you have report or notice that you think would be of interest to the
readers of the SitRep please send an email to: host{at}disastercenter.com
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