The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 31, 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
=> President Declares Major Disaster for Montana Wildfires
=> National Drought Summary -- August 29, 2000
=> USFS Fire News -- IMETs Like Rain Only When They Forecast It
=> Classified Ads
=> Annual National Household Survey Youth Drug Use Continues Downward Trend;
First-Time State-by-State Data
Available
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 31, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
National Temperature Extremes
High Wed...111 At North Little Rock And Hot Springs AR
Low Thu...30 At Stanley ID
=> Special Notes
Preparations in Galveston are underway for the 100th anniversary of the
worst disaster in US history.
Report: We had a report yesterdayabout the rainfall in Timberon, NM, which
received 1.34 inches of rain measured by a weather spotter..
=> Current Tropical Weather Outlook For The North Atlantic Caribbean Sea And
The Gulf Of Mexico
The area of disturbed weather in the eastern Atlantic...now located about
850 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands...is not becoming any better
organized at this time. Upper-level winds are not currently favorable for
development...but are expected to become more favorable over the next day or
two as the system moves toward the west-northwest at about 15 mph.
A westward-moving tropical wave is located about 400 miles east of the
Windward Islands. Upper-level winds remain unfavorable for development.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected throughFriday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
Active Warnings:
Updated Thu Aug 31 11:56:25 2000
Non Precipitation
Arkansas
Louisiana
Texas
Oklahoma
...ALL TIME RECORD TEMPERATURES IN JEOPARDY FOR PORTIONS OF THE FOUR STATE
REGION TODAY AND FRIDAY...
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT TODAY AND FRIDAY FOR ALL OF NORTH
LOUISIANA...EAST TEXAS...SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS AND MCCURTAIN COUNTY IN
SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA...
Iowa
HIGH DEW POINT READINGS COMBINE WITH THE HOT TEMPERATURES WILL PRODUCE HEAT
INDEX VALUES FROM 105 TO 110.
Illinois
...VERY HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS CAN BE EXPECTED THROUGH FRIDAY...
Indiana
Kentucky
...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING CONTINUES TODAY AND HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE
THE ENTIRE QUAD STATE...
Kansas
Missouri
...EXCESSIVE HEAT WILL CONTINUE OVER THE OZARKS THROUGH FRIDAY... .HIGH
TEMPERATURES WILL AGAIN APPROACH OR EXCEED RECORD LEVELS THIS AFTERNOON OVER
ALL OF THE MISSOURI OZARKS AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS.
Montana
...LAKE WIND ADVISORY FOR FORT PECK LAKE TODAY AND TONIGHT...
=> 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 a tornado within 25 miles of any
point
Hail Risk - Slight
There area three 5% probability areas for hail 3/4 inch or larger within 25
miles of any point
One area covers the northeast side of southeast Cailfornia, southeastern
Nevada, south southwestern Utah, northcentral and northern Arizona.
Another area covers the southeastern 1/3 of Louisiana, southern Mississippi,
and far southern Alabama.
The last area covers southeastern Minnesota, central and northern Wisconsin,
and Michigans northern panhandle.
The 15% probability area covers northern Wisconsin and the western 1/2 of
Michigans northern panhandle.
Wind Risk - Slight
There area three 5% probability areas for winds over 50 knots within 25
miles of any point
One area covers the northeast side of southeast Cailfornia, southeastern
Nevada, south southwestern Utah, northcentral and northern Arizona.
Another area covers the southeastern 1/3 of Louisiana, southern Mississippi,
and southern Alabama.
The last area covers southeastern Minnesota, central and northern Wisconsin,
and Michigans northern panhandle.
The 15% probability area covers southeastern Louisiana, southern
Mississippi, and far southwestern Alabama.
Tomorrow's Risk - Slight
There are no areas at risk for severe weather.
Areas at a lesser degree of risk include:east southeast Nevada, northcentral
and northern Nevada, central and southern Utah, west southwest Colorado, far
northeast New Mexico, South Dakota, southeast Louisiana, southern
Mississippi, and far southwest Alabama.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The 24 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of rainfall
over portions of northeast Wisconsin, over the western 1/2 of Michigans
northern panhandle, central eastern Alabama, west central to northeast
Georgia, and southwestern North Carolina.
The 24 - 48 hour precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of
rainfall over a portion of northwest South Carolina, and southwest North
Carolina.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Rainfall is not expected to exceed flash flood values.
=> USA Flood Report
AGAIN NO FLASH FLOOD SUMMARY
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2000 - 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
A total of three new large fires were reported, two in the Southern Area
and one in the Northern Rockies. Crews reached containment goals on ten
large fires in the Southern, Rocky Mountain, Northern Rockies, Eastern and
Western Great Basin Areas. Initial attack activity was light to moderate
in most areas. An approaching trough, which is predicted to bring showers
and cooler temperatures to the northwest and northern Rockies, will assist
crews in making progress toward containment goals on the large fires.
Very high to extreme fire indices have been reported in all western states
and in Texas, Kansas, 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. Cloud
cover, light sprinkles and elevated relative humidities are keeping fire
behavior to a minimum. Some torching has been observed in the dwarf
huckleberry. State Highway 212 remains closed south of Red Lodge.
Structure protection continues for 150 residences and 15 commercial
businesses. The acreage decrease is due to better 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. Fire activity has
increased on most of the fires due to decreased humidities and poor
humidity recovery. A portion of the Marlin Springs fire on the
Salmon-Challis National Forest has burned into this complex.
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. There was increased activity on the north
slopes. The fire remained active with intermittent flareups and tree
torching south of Skalkaho Road. There was some activity observed on the
west side of the Coyote Fire. Short crown runs to ridgetops were
observed. Structure protection remains 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 was light with smoldering and
creeping through unburned fuels. Helicopters and pumping operations were
utilized to keep 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 15 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
south of Magruder exhibited the most activity, while columns were also
observed on the Throng and Thirty fires. Helicopter bucket work continues
on the Lonely fire to slow the spread towards 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. The burnout operation has been completed and
fireline construction continues on the Flat Creek fire. Mopup operations
have been initiated on the Landowner fire.
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. Activity has
been minimal and there was no growth on the Nemote, Trio and Jacks fire.
The Siamese fire is spreading slowly to the south and continues to be
active in unburned islands within the interior. Indirect fireline is
being constructed on some of the divisions and should be completed in the
next few days. Sprinkler systems are being installed on structures in
Fish Creek drainage.
CLEAR CREEK DIVIDE COMPLEX, Flathead Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Orich) is assigned. This complex, 60 miles northwest of
Missoula, consists of the Clear Creek, Vanderburg, Siegel, Seepay and
Magpie Creek fires. Crews continue with direct attack on Vanderburg.
Dozer line in the Upper Seepay is holding. Rainfall was reported on the
east side of Clear Creek.
ALDER CREEK, Lolo National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Hoff) is assigned. This fire is 31 miles southeast of Missoula, MT.
Engine crews provided structure protection for homes along the northwest
side of the fire in Rock Creek. Crews worked a spot in the southeast
corner of the fire and gridded the area east of Rock Creek for spot fires.
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.
The northern portions of the Crimson, Monture and Spread fires continue to
grow and have significant potential for fire growth. Hand crews are
holding the southern edge of the Spread fire. Line construction has been
completed on the western flank on the Monture fire. Coordination with
local officials on structure protection and points for effective
evacuation of local residents continues.
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. Minimal activity was observed over the majority of the
fire. Crews continue to mopup with assistance of infrared technology.
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. Overall fire behavior has been low intensity, with smoldering and
creeping fire behavior noted.
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, Skalkaho Pass,
Lick Creek and Cooper Creek fires, 30 miles southwest of Philipsburg, MT.
The fire continues to show activity despite cooler temperatures and
minimal wind. Indirect line was completed north of the Skalkaho Pass
fire. Burnout operations and helicopter bucket work continue along the
northeast extension of the Coyote fire.
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. No new information was received.
STONE YOUNG, Kootenai National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Kearney) is assigned. The complex is 65 miles northeast of Libby, MT.
Cliff Point and the Loop fires have burned together according to control
strategy. Heavy mopup and strengthening of firelines continue.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Longpre) is assigned. These fires are 20 miles northwest of Libby,
MT. Good progress on containment objectives continues. Lucky Point
remains a problem with downslope winds keeping the fire active.
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. Rain was reported on the fire yesterday and helped to
reduce fire activity, but was not enough to have a long term effect.
Crews continue to construct, patrol, hold and mopup firelines.
Rehabilitation of indirect dozer lines has begun.
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 to the east as it encounters lighter fuels. Spotting
has occurred across Bunker Creek. Minimal precipitation was received
yesterday. Monitoring continues on the northeastern flank to assess
activity and rate of spread to help prepare contingency plans.
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.
BURNT FLATS, Clearwater area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type I
Incident Management Team (Stoval) is assigned. The fire is three miles
from Whitebird, ID. Burnout operations were successful. Majority of
fireline construction has been completed in White Bird Creek drainage.
Mopup and patrol of fireline previously established continues.
Rehabilitation plan is in place and primary steps are being taken.
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 continue at
Campbells Ferry and the Jim Moore Place.
SUGARLOAF, Gallatin National Forest. The fire is 13 miles northeast of
Wilsall, MT. Low fire activity was observed.
WOLF CREEK, Helena National Forest. This fire is half a mile from the
town of Wolf Creek, MT. The fire was ignited by a vehicle breakdown.
Evacuees have been permitted to return to their residences and structure
protection engines will be released.
CYCLONE RIDGE, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 35 miles north of
Kalispell, MT. The fire received some light precipitation yesterday. No
significant growth was observed.
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. Low fire activity with
little growth was observed yesterday. The Unlucky fire is staffed with
monitors to observe fire activity.
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. The fire received light rain.
BLACKTAIL COMPLEX, Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This complex of four
fires is 20 miles north of Medora, ND. Lower temperatures, higher
humidities and decreased winds allowed crews to make good progress toward
containment. Hose lays are nearing completion, mopup and patrol
activities are ongoing and helicopter bucket drops are assisting
suppression efforts in inaccessible sections of fireline. The acreage
increase is due to better mapping.
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.
Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidities helped to moderate fire
activity. The west, south and east sides of the fire are lined. Crews
continue to work on containment lines on the north side of the fire.
SHARON, Glacier National Park. This fire is near North Fork in Glacier
National Park, MT. Fire activity has been low. The National Park Service
is monitoring the fire on daily aerial observation flights. Minimal
activity was observed yesterday.
POACHER, Clearwater National Forest. This fire was ignited by lightning
on 8/19. It is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
LIGHTNING MOUNTAIN 17, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This fire is 18
miles northeast of Sandpoint, ID. Fuels are subalpine fir, Engleman
spruce, brush and grass. The fire is being to be monitored by U.S. Forest
Service personnel.
COPPER, Clearwater National Forest. This fire is 40 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by U.S. Forest Service personnel.
PORPHYRY, Clearwater National Forest. This fire is 18 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. No new information was received. U.S. Forest Service
personnel are monitoring the fire.
HELEN CREEK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 22 miles south of
Spotted Bear, MT. The fire received some precipitation yesterday. 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. There were no significant changes yesterday.
LONG RIDGE, Nez Perce National Forest. This fire is in the Selway-
Bitterroot Wilderness, 14 miles southwest of the Moose Creek Ranger
Station. No new information was received. The fire is being monitored by
reconnaissance flights and by the Gardiner Lookout.
MINARET PEAK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is near the Spotted Bear
Ranger Station in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. No new significant has
been observed. U.S. Forest Service personnel are monitoring the fire's
activity.
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 west flank of the
fire is backing down steep terrain. Strategies have been prepared if the
fire leaves the wilderness area.
PARKE PEAK, Glacier National Park. The fire has been burning since 7/23
in the northwest corner of the park. Fire activity has been low to
moderate with minimal perimeter increase. Occasional spotting has been
observed in Kintla Creek, with burning up to the glacier with open flames
visible.
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 new activity has been observed.
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.
COLLINS CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 25 miles northeast
of Pierce, ID. There are no resources assigned at this time. The fire
was staffed, but were pulled off due to safety concerns related to high
winds.
CRIMSON PEAK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is located in the Bob
Marshall Wilderness. The fire is steadily backing into the Young Creek
and Marshall Creek drainages. The fire 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 is
nearing full containment, due to the ten miles of line and burn out
operations that have been completed. There continues to be some minor
spotting across control lines.
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 Clear Creek and Aparejo fires burned
together, the combined fire will be called the Clear Creek fire.
Resources are gaining some control on the eastern flank due to cooler
temperatures, higher humidities and successful burning operations.
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
fire continues 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.
Structure protection remains in place. Containment problems for the fires
in this complex include high winds, low relative humidity and heavy fuels.
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 continues to be a major concern with
evacuation plans in place. Occasional torching and spotting is still
occurring.
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 Blind fire is in mopup and patrol status. The fire received some rain
that is conducive to control efforts.
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. Containment continues to be hampered by limited
access, steep slopes and high winds. The decrease in acreage is due to
more accurate GPS mapping. The fire has received some rain.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Dague) is assigned. The fire is 23 miles north of McCall, ID. No
sustained runs occurred today, creeping ground fire and individual tree
torching was the observed fire behavior.
HARMON CREEK, Dixie National Forest. This fire is located 25 miles north
of St. George, UT. The fire received measurable precipitation yesterday.
MORSE, Salmon-Challis National Forest. The fire is burning in grass,
sagebrush and douglas fir five miles east of May, ID. Very little fire
activity was observed today as smokey skies and scattered clouds moderated
surface and air mass heating over the fire. Structure protection for
seasonal residences are in place.
SIDDOWAY, Targhee National Forest. This fire is burning in moderate to
heavy timber 14 miles east of Swan Valley. Limited access, torching and
spotting is hampering control efforts. The fire did receive some
precipitation today which moderated 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.
Aerial reconnaissance reports low fire spread. The fire remains active
east of Monumental summit.
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. Heavy smoke is limiting
accurate observations. Closure orders remain in effect for the area.
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. Structure
protection remains in place for Big Creek and Edwardsburg.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. These fires are 50 miles
northeast of McCall, ID. Structure protection continues at Root Ranch.
No new information received.
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. Crews are making good progress establishing firelines along the Deep
Creek and Thorn Creek portions of the fire perimeter. Parts of the Jim
Creek fire and the Thorn Creek fires have burned together. Structure
protection remains a high priority.
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 ground fire is still evident, with
occasional torching in unburned islands of fuel. Oregon National Guard
personnel remain in place to assist with fireline construction.
HASH ROCK, Ochoco National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Jackson) is assigned. This fire is 18 miles northeast of Prineville, OR.
Some torching and spotting in isolated pockets of heavy fuels have been
noted. The fire is now burning out of the wilderness area on the east
side. Crews are concentrating on construction and holding of firelines in
two divisions. A structural task force has been mobilized for protection
of 30 residences and 32 commercial buildings that are threatened. A pilot
car is being used to control traffic on Highway 26.
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 is still torching
and spotting, mostly within pockets of unburned fuel. Mopup operations
are progressing.
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. Heavy rain was received on the fire, allowing
personnel to make good progress toward objectives.
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.
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.
Fire continues to spread north and northwest. Line construction with
burnout operations have been successful. This fire did not receive any
precipitation. Some evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes.
Highway 16 remains closed on either side of the monument.
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. Burning operations continue along indirect fireline on the
west and northwest flanks. Some interior burning using aerial ignition is
occurring. Spotting remains a problem. Helicopter water drops are being
used to retard eastward progression of a spot fire which has burned
through portions of the Bucks Lake Wilderness.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
HUNTER, Madera-Mariposa-Merced Ranger Unit, California Department of
Forestry. A Type I Incident Management Team (Kerrigan) is assigned. This
fire is 25 miles northeast of Merced, CA near Lake McClure. A major
backfiring operation has been a success. Residents of Hunter Valley have
been allowed to return to their homes.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
RANGER HILLS, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is burning in heavy
brush and cedar 50 miles east of Abilene, TX. The power grid to two small
towns has been shut down due to the fire. A nearby nursing home was
evacuated as a precautionary measure. A gas processing plant is also
threatened.
MCGEE CREEK #2 COMPLEX, Oklahoma Division of Forestry. This fire is near
Antlers , OK. The fire is spotting one mile in front of the fire and
threatening two small communities. Rough terrain and poor access are
hampering containment.
POSSUM KINGDOM, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is 60 miles west of
Fort Worth, TX and is burning in oak, cedar, juniper and mesquite fuels.
Access is difficult due to rough terrain.
OAKRY, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is burning in a pine
plantation 100 miles east of Dallas, TX. No new information was received.
COCKRUM, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is 30 miles north of
Austin, TX. It is burning in heavy brush, juniper and cedar. No new
information was received.
SNAKE EYES, Mississippi National Forest. This fire is located near Potts
Camp, MS. The fire is burning in a 15 year old plantation. No new
information was
POSSOM, Florida Division of Forestry. The fire is near Orlando, FL. No
new information was received.
LOCO GRANDE, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is located 40 miles
west of Austin, TX. This will be the last report unless new information
is received.
SOUTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
FIVE, Gila National Forest. This fire is burning in ponderosa pine and
mixed conifer in Catron County, NM. The fire is being monitored by U.S.
Forest Service personnel. This will be the last report unless new
information is received.
OUTLOOK:
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN THE EAST CENTRAL IDAHO MOUNTAINS FOR
STRONG RIDGETOP WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN CENTRAL OREGON AND THE COLUMBIA
RIVER BASIN FOR STRONG WINDS ***
*** A FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS POSTED IN MOST OF EASTERN WASHINGTON FOR WINDY
CONDITIONS ***
A Pacific trough continues to move across the northern states along the
Canadian border. Cool and dry weather will prevail across Washington,
Oregon, Idaho and western Montana. A chance of showers will continue
across eastern Montana and into Wyoming with isolated thunderstorms.
Monsoonal moisture will bring thunderstorms to the higher elevations in
the Sierra Nevada, across central Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and southward.
Winds will increase over the northwest, along with dry conditions. Winds
will generally be south to southwest at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph
in the watch areas.
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. The
exception will be in the northwest, temperatures will be in the 60's in
the mountains and in the 70's to lower 80's in valleys.
Relative humidities 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 31 at 00:15 UTC
EARTHQUAKES IN SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES
(29.0 TO 35.8 N, 102.0 TO 125.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 30 03:52:48.00 35.7 N 117.6 W 0 km 3.5
NEAR Ridgecrest, California
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 29 22:54:08.00 36.7 N 121.3 W 6 km 2.8
15 miles SSE of Hollister, California
2000 AUG 29 22:54:54.00 36.7 N 121.3 W 6 km 2.8
15 miles SSE of Hollister, California
EARTHQUAKES IN NORTHWESTERN UNITED STATES
(40.3 TO 50.0 N, 102.0 TO 125.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 30 08:21:57.00 42.0 N 112.6 W 6 km 3.7
20 miles SW of Malad City, Idaho
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 30 16:10:41.00 37.3 N 90.4 W 2 km 2.9
35 miles S of Farmington, Missouri
EARTHQUAKES IN STATE OF ALASKA
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 29 19:30:34.01 50.7 N 177.6 W 33 km 4.2
90 miles SSW of Adak, Alaska
2000 AUG 30 19:43:57.37 57.1 N 155.9 W 61 km 4.5
110 miles SSE of King Salmon, Alaska
2000 AUG 29 18:01:11.21 51.1 N 177.5 W 33 km 4.7
65 miles SSW of Adak, Alaska
2000 AUG 30 12:11:24.70 53.0 N 173.2 E 33 km 4.9
NEAR Attu, Alaska
2000 AUG 30 12:17:17.77 53.0 N 173.2 E 33 km 5.1
NEAR Attu, Alaska
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
=> Guest Column
No Column Today
=> President Declares Major Disaster for Montana Wildfires
Washington, August 30, 2000 -- Federal disaster aid was made available today
for families and businesses victimized by wildfires that have raged in
central and western Montana beginning July 13, according to the head of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA Director James Lee Witt said President Clinton ordered the assistance
under a major disaster declaration issued this afternoon following a review
of the agency's analysis of the state's request for federal relief submitted
yesterday.
Immediately after the President's declaration, Witt designated the following
jurisdictions eligible for federal aid to affected residents and business
owners: Beaverhead, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Deer Lodge, Flathead,
Gallatin, Glacier, Granite, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lake, Lewis and Clark,
Lincoln, Madison, Meagher, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Pondera, Powell,
Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Teton and Wheatland
counties, and the Flathead Indian and Blackfeet Indian reservations.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay
for temporary housing, minor home repairs and other serious disaster-related
expenses. Funding also will be provided to pay unemployment benefits for
those who normally do not qualify for state compensation and for crisis
counseling programs to help individuals and families adjust to the stress
and trauma caused by the fires.
In addition, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration
will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully
compensated by insurance, including business economic losses.
Under the declaration, Witt said federal funds also will be provided for the
state on a cost-share basis for approved projects that reduce future
disaster risks. He indicated that additional forms of aid for state and
local government agencies may be made available later if requested and
warranted by the results of further damage assessments. More than $6.1
million in FEMA fire suppression grants already has been approved to date to
cover the state's firefighting costs.
Carlos Mitchell of FEMA was named by Witt to coordinate the federal relief
effort. Mitchell said residents and business owners who sustained losses in
the designated jurisdictions can begin the disaster application process by
calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech
impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting
Thursday, August 31, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further
notice.
=> National Drought Summary -- August 29, 2000
The South: Significant rainfall (more than 2 inches) was confined to the
lower Ohio Valley and a few locations in southern Louisiana, the southern
Appalachians, the Carolina piedmont, and southern Florida. Long-term drought
remained unchanged or showed slight improvement in these areas. However,
mostly dry weather prevailed from Texas eastward into Alabama and southern
Georgia, accompanied by very hot conditions. As a result, the western and
northern edges of extreme (D3) to exceptional (D4) drought showed some
expansion, particularly into Arkansas and Mississippi. Significant increases
in dryness/drought were also observed in the south-central U.S., where
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas, noted a record-setting 59th consecutive day without
measurable precipitation on August 28. Dallas' previous longest dry spells
were 58 days, observed in November-December 1950 and May-July 1934. After
5.68 inches of rain soaked Dallas during the first 17 days of June, only
0.25 inch was measured from June 18-30 and only a trace has fallen since.
Elsewhere in Texas, Lubbock's August 1-28 rainfall totaled 0.01 inch,
representing its driest August since only a trace fell in 1943.
The Great Lakes Region: More than one inch of rain dampened abnormally dry
(D0) sections of extreme northern Lower Michigan, but only light showers
fell in first-stage drought (D1) areas of the eastern Upper Peninsula.
The Plains: Severe late-summer heat gripped the central Plains, pushing
weekly temperatures as much as 15 degrees F above normal for the week ending
August 28. Extreme maximum temperatures soared above 100 degrees F as far
north as southeastern Montana and peaked between 105 and 110 degrees F in
much of eastern Kansas. During the first 28 days of the month, Wichita,
Kansas, registered 20 days with highs at or above 100 degrees F, second only
to the August 1936 record of 22 days. Through August 28, the year-to-date
number of days with highs at or above 90 degrees F reached 55 in both
Denver, Colorado, and North Platte, Nebraska. The records are 60 days (set
in 1994) in Denver and 67 days (set in 1934 and 1936) in North Platte.
Beneficial rainfall was confined mostly to the central High Plains, where
Denver's August 1-28 rainfall totaled 2.68 inches, 1.18 inches above normal.
Elsewhere, however, deteriorating crop and pasture conditions, an increased
threat of wildfire activity, and growing water supply concerns brought
general increases in drought coverage and intensity throughout the region.
Even in areas not depicted as abnormally dry (e.g. much of southern Kansas),
recent heat and short-term dryness have adversely affected agricultural
interests and raised concerns about the soon-to-be-planted winter wheat
crop.
The West: Seasonal downpours continued for the third consecutive week across
parts of the Southwest, especially from Arizona to Colorado, easing
irrigation requirements and resulting in slight reductions of abnormal
dryness (D0) and first-stage to severe drought (D1 to D2). Moisture spread
as far north as the southern Great Basin and as far west as southern
California, where localized rainfall in excess of 1 inch caused flash
flooding. Farther north, mostly dry weather persisted in the northern Great
Basin, northern Rockies, and the Northwest, maintaining the wildfire threat
and fostering the spread of existing fires. According to the National
Interagency Fire Center, wildfires consumed more than 6.2 million acres by
late August, about 230 percent of the 10-year average. Fires in Montana,
Idaho, and Nevada accounted for more than 2.5 million burned acres, over 40
percent of the national total. Drought continued to gain a foothold in the
Interior Northwest, resulting in an expansion of first-stage (D1) to severe
drought (D2) areas, and the introduction of an extreme drought (D3) pocket
in the northern Rockies.
Hawaii and Puerto Rico: In Hawaii, widespread, beneficial showers continued
following the passage of Hurricane Hector's remnants, bringing some
additional long-term drought relief to leeward areas. On Oahu, Honolulu's
August 1-28 rainfall reached 1.17 inches, representing the city's highest
monthly total since 1.27 inches fell in January, and only the seventh
occurrence of monthly rainfall greater than one inch during the November
1997 - August 2000 period. Honolulu would typically observe 23 months with
an inch or more of rain during such a 34-month period. Despite the showers,
a pocket of extreme drought (D3) persisted on the northwestern portion of
the Big Island. Meanwhile, in the Atlantic Basin, Hurricane Debby passed
less than 40 miles north of Puerto Rico's northern coast on the afternoon of
August 22, helping to reduce an area of first-stage drought (D1) on
northeastern parts of the island. Much of the rain that affected Puerto Rico
fell in feeder bands that trailed the storm's passage. Storm-total rainfall
locally topped 10 inches in the central highlands, eliminating an area of
abnormal dryness (D0). Specific 24-hour totals on August 22-23 included
12.64 inches at Rio Piedrad and 10.29 inches at Rio la Plata. Along the
northern coast, more than 5 inches drenched San Juan, boosting its August
1-28 rainfall to 9.15 inches. Nevertheless, San Juan's year-to-date rainfall
of 23.14 inches stood 7.08 inches below normal.
Outlook: Weather events that may affect some of the nation's dry or drought
areas include: 1) Locally heavy, drought-easing showers are possible in the
Southeast, especially in the southern Atlantic States; 2) Hot, mostly dry
weather is forecast to persist in the south-central U.S. and across the
South west of the Appalachians; 3) A marked change in the overall weather
pattern will bring much cooler air into the West, accompanied by a chance of
precipitation in the Interior Northwest that may aid fire containment
efforts; and 4) Seasonal showers are forecast to continue in portions of the
Southwest and Great Basin, further boosting soil moisture reserves.
=> USFS Fire News IMETs Like Rain Only When They Forecast It
AUGUST 30 -- SALMON, IDAHO: Mike Smith watches the weather for the
firefighters who fight the fires. He keeps track of weather patterns,
forecasts the weather that determines the fire behavior, and gives fire
managers the heads-up when things look like they might go south. A senior
meteorologist with the National Weather Service, Smith is an IMET -- an
incident meteorologist who works on-site for the team managing a wildfire.
"You are the only weather person on the fire," Smith told CNN, "so it's not
like there's anyone else to lay the blame on if the forecast goes bad. They
don't go to the weather office ... they come to me, because I'm
responsible."
Smith is one of 36 meteorologists in the country who are qualified to work
on-site at a wildland fire. Most of them are now out on fires, ordered up by
an incident management team to leave their office and show up with their
gear at the fire camp. John Saltenberger, an IMET based in Portland, Oregon,
says that IMETs provide the team with weather information tailored
specifically for the incident. They deploy on short notice, and remain on
site with the incident management team for as long as necessary. The IMET
works closely with the planning section under the supervision of the Fire
Behavior Analyst. They're responsible for producing detailed and accurate
weather forecasts in complex terrain so that the team can make informed
decisions on firefighting strategy.
As the season grinds on, firefighters who have been out on the lines for
weeks are sometimes cheered by the sound of rain on their tents. An IMET's
appreciation of the sound of rain on a tent is qualified, though. "Only if I
forecast it," Smith says. The CNN story is online, and more information on
incident meteorologists and their role in fire suppression is available from
John Saltenberger's website. Fire weather training modules and related
information are available from the National Weather Service.
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=> Annual National Household Survey Results Released
Youth Drug Use Continues Downward Trend; First-Time State-by-State Data
Available
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today released findings of the 1999 National
Household Survey showing that the decline in illicit drug use among young
people age 12-17 that began in 1997 continued through 1999. Illicit drug use
among the overall population 12 and older remained flat.
According to the trend data in the report, an estimated 9.0 percent of
youths
age 12-17 reported current illicit drug use in 1999, meaning they used an
illicit drug at least once during the 30 days prior to the time of the
survey
interview. There is a significant consistent downward trend over the last
three years, from a 11.4 percent in 1997 to 9.9 percent in 1998 and 9.0
percent in 1999.
For the first-time ever, the survey provides state-by-state estimates of
illicit drug, alcohol and cigarette use by age group, as well as information
about the brands of cigarettes that Americans smoke. This new, expanded data
on demographic and geographic populations will be a valuable tool for states
and community-based organizations to better tailor their programs to their
communities. According to this new expanded survey, current drug use varies
substantially among states, ranging from a low of 4.7 percent to a high of
10.7 percent for the overall population, and from 8.0 percent to 18.3
percent
for youths age 12-17.
"We now have a consistent downward trend in drug use among teenagers that is
very gratifying," said Secretary Shalala. "We must continue to build on our
recent efforts to push the rate of drug use down further and to address the
real threat to our young people from tobacco and alcohol. Parents and
teachers are our strongest allies in the battle to keep our young people
drug-, alcohol- and tobacco-free, but Congress can and should do more to
help
communities in this fight."
Barry McCaffrey, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control
Policy, said, "The survey provides extremely encouraging news that teen drug
use is going down significantly. However, we must be aware that the younger
a
person is when first trying marijuana, the greater the risk of drug
dependency
later. Young people may think that they are only experimenting, but, as this
study shows, they are really gambling with their futures."
Marijuana use for youths age 12-17 has also decreased since 1997 (9.4
percent
in 1997, 8.3 percent in 1998, and 7.0 percent in 1999). Among youths age
12-17, the rate for cigarette use was 15.9 percent in 1999, not
statistically
different than in 1998 (18.2 percent), but significantly lower than the rate
in 1997 (19.9 percent). Marlboro, Newport and Camel account for the vast
majority of adolescent cigarette smoking, with 54.5 percent of current
smokers
age 12-17 reporting Marlboro as their usual brand.
In a separate study, HHS reported that the number of emergency room visits
for
drug-related reasons decreased 11 percent for youths age 12-17 from 1998 to
1999. The 1999 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) records drug-related
emergency department episodes, not drug use prevalence, and helps provide a
fuller picture of drug problems across the country. Overall, there were more
than 550,000 drug-related hospital emergency department episodes in the
United
States in 1999.
Among other national trend data, the National Household Survey also showed
current use of cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens and heroin for individuals
age 12 and older was stable, and use of smokeless tobacco did decrease
significantly from 3.1 percent in 1998 to 2.2 percent in 1999.
Among youths age 12-17, current use of cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and
inhalants remained stable. The survey also showed there were no significant
changes in the percent of youths who report great risk of using marijuana
once
a month (30.8 percent in 1998 to 29.0 percent in 1999). Among youths age
12-17, perceived risk of cocaine use decreased significantly from 54.3
percent
in 1998 to 49.8 percent 1999.
The national trends from the National Household Survey are generally
consistent with results from other HHS surveys. Both the Monitoring the
Future Study and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey have shown a leveling or
declining trend in illicit drug use, marijuana and cigarette use among
adolescents since 1997, after a period of significant increases in the early
1990s.
The rate of current alcohol use among youths 12B17 and the general
population
has remained relatively flat for the past several years. According to
national trend data in 1999, 19 percent of youth age 12-17 reported that
they
drank at least once in the past month and 52 percent of Americans age 12 and
older reported current alcohol use. In 1999, 7.8 percent of youths age 12-17
reported past month binge drinking and 3.6 percent reported past month heavy
alcohol use.
Among adults age 18-25, the survey found increases in current illicit drug
use. The rate increased between 1997 and 1999 (14.7 percent in 1997, 16.1
percent in 1998, and 18.8 percent in 1999). The rates for the age group
26-34
years old and 35 years and older in 1999 have not changed significantly
since
1994.
Dr. Nelba Chavez, administrator of HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA), which directs the annual survey, said,
"Our
efforts appear to be paying off in lower levels of drug use among teens, but
we must do more to reduce illicit drug use among adults, particularly those
age 18 to 25. The need for drug treatment is real and growing. People need
to know that treatment can help people get off and stay off drugs."
The National Household Survey provides annual estimates of the prevalence of
illicit drug, alcohol and tobacco use in the U. S. and monitors the trends
in
use over time. It is based on a representative sample of the U.S. population
age 12 and older, including persons living in households and in some group
quarters such as dormitories and homeless shelters. The national trends in
substance use presented in the 1999 report are based on data from a sample
of
13,000 respondents using paper questionnaires similar to those used in prior
years.
Over the years, SAMHSA has made improvements in the National Household
Survey
to provide better and more complete information on substance use. In 1999, a
new, interactive, bilingual, computer-assisted questionnaire was introduced.
A new sample design was implemented and the sample size was expanded almost
fourfold to support the development of both national and state estimates of
substance use. This new sample reflects information obtained from nearly
70,000 persons. Due to changes in the new methodology, national estimates
from the expanded survey cannot be compared to data from prior surveys. The
results from the expanded survey, however, will set a new baseline for
better
year-to-year comparisons for state and national levels. Highlights from the
expanded survey follow.
1999 National Estimates from the New Expanded National Household Survey
Illicit Drug Use
· An estimated 14.8 million Americans were current users of illicit drugs in
1999, meaning they used an illicit drug at least once during the 30 days
prior
to the interview. This estimate represents 6.7 percent of the population 12
years and older.
· Among youths age 12-17, 10.9 percent reported past month use of illicit
drugs in 1999. Marijuana is the major illicit drug used by this group; 7.7
percent of youths were current users of marijuana in 1999.
· Among youths age 12-17, the percent using illicit drugs in the 30 days
prior
to interview was slightly higher for boys (11.3 percent) than for girls
(10.5
percent).
· The rates of current illicit drug use for major racial/ethnic groups were
6.6 percent for whites, 6.8 percent for Hispanics, and 7.7 percent for
African-Americans. The rate was highest among the American Indian/Alaska
Native population (10.6 percent) and among persons reporting multiple race
(11.2 percent). Asian-Americans had the lowest rate at 3.2 percent.
Tobacco Use
· An estimated 66.8 million Americans reported current use of a tobacco
product in 1999, a prevalence rate of 30.2 percent for the population 12 and
older. Of the total population, 57.0 million (25.8 percent of the
population)
smoked cigarettes, 12.1 million (5.5 percent of the population) smoked
cigars, 7.6 million (3.4 percent of the population) used smokeless tobacco,
and 2.4 million (1.1 percent of the population) smoked tobacco in pipes.
· For the first time, the 1999 survey provides information on specific
cigarette brands. Three brands account for most of adolescent cigarette
smoking. Of current smokers age 12-17, 54.5 percent report Marlboro as their
usual brand. Newport was reported by 21.6 percent of youth smokers, and
Camel was reported by 9.8 percent. No other cigarette brand was reported by
even 2 percent of youths.
· Race/ethnicity differences in usual cigarette brands used were evident
among
both adult and youth (age 12-17 years) smokers. More than half of white
(58.4
percent) and Hispanic (59.7 percent) youth smokers reported Marlboro as
their
usual brand. About three quarters (73.9 percent) of African-American
adolescent smokers reported Newport as their usual brand.
Alcohol Use
· In 1999, an estimated 105 million Americans age 12 and older (47.3
percent)
reported current use of alcohol, meaning they used alcohol at least once
during the 30 days prior to the interview. About 45 million people (20.2
percent) engaged in binge drinking, meaning they drank five or more drinks
on
one occasion during that 30 day period. An estimated 12.4 million were heavy
drinkers, meaning they had five or more drinks on one occasion 5 or more
days
during the past 30 days.
· Although consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal for those under 21
years of age, 10.4 million current drinkers were age 12-20 in 1999. Of this
group, 6.8 million engaged in binge drinking, including 2.1 million who
would
also be classified as heavy drinkers.
· Among youths age 12-17, an estimated 18.6 percent used alcohol in the
month
prior to the survey interview. Of youths 12-17, 10.9 percent were binge
drinkers and 2.5 percent were heavy drinkers.
New State-by-State Estimates
First-time estimates of substance use for all 50 states and the District of
Columbia were developed using a small area estimation model that combines
sample data from each state with a national regression model that includes
local indicators related to substance use. State estimates are clustered in
five categories ranging from the states with the highest estimates to the
states with the lowest estimates.
Illicit Drug Use
. Prevalence estimates for overall current illicit drug use in the general
population ranged from a low of 4.7 percent (Virginia) to a high of 10.7
percent (Alaska). Six of the 10 states with the highest rates of current
illicit drug use in the population age 12 and older were in the western
region. Eight of the 10 states with the lowest rates were in the southern
region. However, within the regions, there was considerable variation. Utah,
a western state, had a relatively low rate of past month illicit drug use of
6.2 percent. Delaware, a southern state, had one of the higher rates in the
country at 8.5 percent.
· The range among states for past month use of illicit drugs among youth age
12-17 was from a low of 8.0 percent (Utah) to a high of 18.3 percent
(Delaware).
. Six of the 10 states that were in the highest ranking category for past
month use of any illicit drug for persons age 12 and older were also in the
highest group for youth ages 12-17. The rate for youth was lowest for the
state of Utah (8.0 percent). The highest estimate for youth was in Delaware
(18.3 percent).
Alcohol Use (Binge Drinking Only)
. The state with the highest rate of binge drinking for persons age 12 and
older was North Dakota (28.7 percent). Most of the states with high rates
were northern states and seven out of the top 10 were in the Midwest region.
Most of the states with the lowest rates of binge drinking were southern
states. The state with the lowest rate of binge drinking was Maryland at
15.3 percent.
· Among youths age 12-17, five of the 10 states in the top tier for binge
alcohol use were Midwest states and four were western states.
Cigarette Use
. For cigarette use, five states ranked in the top 10 for both youths age
12-17 and the general population 12 and older. These states were Kentucky,
West Virginia, Minnesota, Delaware and North Carolina.
. States that rank in the top ten for past month cigarette use among all
ages
12 and older include Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, North Carolina
and Indiana. However, these states were not in the top 10 for illicit drug
use or binge alcohol use.
Trends in New Use of Substances (Incidence)
Trends in new use of substances are estimated using the data reported on age
at first use from the computer-based 1999 National Household Survey. Because
information on when people first used a
substance is collected on a retrospective basis, information on first-time
use
or incidence is always one year behind information on current use.
· An estimated 2.3 million persons first used marijuana in 1998. This
translates to about 6,400 new marijuana users per day. More than two-thirds
of these new users were under age 18.
· In 1998, an estimated 1.6 million people began smoking cigarettes on a
daily
basis. About half of these new smokers were younger than age 18.
· An estimated 4.9 million people tried cigars for the first time in 1998,
about 13,000 people per day. This represents a threefold increase in cigar
initiation since 1991, when there were only 1.5 million new cigar smokers.
The DAWN Report
The 1999 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report, also conducted by SAMHSA,
provides information on the impact of drug use on hospital emergency
departments in the U.S. It reports the number of episodes in which visits to
the emergency department were directly related to the use of an illegal drug
or non-medical use of a legal drug. DAWN is not a measure of prevalence of
use, but offers complementary information to the prevalence data found in
the
National Household Survey.
· In 1999, there were 554,932 drug-related hospital emergency department
episodes in the U.S. and 1,015,206 drug mentions, which refers to a
substance
reported in an episode.
· The 1999 DAWN findings confirm an overall trend of stability in the number
of drug-related emergency room visits over the past five years in the
general
population.
· Among 12-17 year olds, drug-related emergency department visits dropped 11
percent from 1998 to 1999.
· Total mentions of marijuana/hashish use for the first time exceeded
mentions
of heroin/morphine use in drug-abuse related visits to hospital emergency
departments in 1999, changing a rank ordering of illicit drug mentions that
had been constant since 1990.
HHS' continuing efforts to reduce tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use in
the
U.S. include SAMHSA's State Incentive Grants for Community-Based Action,
already awarded in 20 states and the District of Columbia to support
coordinated substance abuse prevention services. Regional Centers for the
Application of Prevention Technology work to ensure consistent
implementation
of research-based prevention programs, practices and policies. SAMHSA's new
Targeted Capacity Expansion Grants also assist local governments and Indian
tribal governments to address serious, emerging drug problems at the
earliest
possible stage.
Additionally, HHS' efforts to reduce marijuana use among America's youth
continue through its comprehensive Marijuana Initiative begun in 1995. As
part of this initiative, HHS has funded new research on the effects of
marijuana and launched major prevention-oriented campaigns -- such as the
anti-marijuana campaign "Reality Check" -- to help parents educate children
about the dangers of drugs. A new, updated version of our free publication,
"Keeping Youth Drug Free," targeted at parents of young teenagers, was
issued
today. This publication and other free materials, "Marijuana: What Parents
Need to Know" and "Tips for Teens," can be obtained by calling 1-800-729-668
6
or by accessing SAMHSA=s National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol
Information Web site http://www.health.org.
Note: Findings from the 1999 National Household Survey are available on the
World Wide Web at http://www.samhsa.gov.
=> Links Area
W. Pacific
Typhoon Prapiroon was located in the East China Sea near 29.9N 123.3E at
12:00 UTC. The storm has been moving in a northerly direction at 13 knots
with maximum sustained winds estimated at 75 knots, gusts to 90 knots.
Tropical storm Maria was located in the South China Sea near 18.6N 115.5E at
12:00 UTC. Maria has been moving in a northerly direction at 5 knots with
maximum sustained winds estimated at 35 knots, gusts to 45 knots.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Tropical/W_Pacific/TRCprapiroon243_GM.jpg
E. Pacific
Tropical storm John was located east -southeast of the Hawaiian Islands near
17.5N 140.7W at 18:00 UTC. The storm has been moving in a east-northeasterly
direction at 3 knots and is forecast to resume moving in a westerly
direction. John's maximum sustained winds are estimated at 60 knots, gusts
to 75 knots.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Tropical/E_Pacific/TRCjohn243_G10.jpg
Oregon
Heat signatures (red) and dense smoke (light blue) are visible from the
12,000 acre Hash Rock fire burning in central Oregon and from the 65,000
acre
Eastside Complex burning in northeastern Oregon near the Idaho border.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusOR243_N2.jpg
South Dakota
Heat signatures (red) and smoke (light blue) are visible from the 70,000
acre Jasper fire burning in western South Dakota.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Plains/FSMHSusSD242A_N2.jpg
Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming
Heat signatures (red) and dense smoke (light blue) are visible from the
numerous fires burning in Oregon, northcentral Idaho, western Montana, and
northeastern Wyoming.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusid243_N2.jpg
Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming
Heat signatures and dense smoke are visible from the numerous fires burning
in Oregon, northcentral Idaho, western Montana, and northeastern Wyoming in
this
GOES-8 5:15 MDT 2X zoom image. The smoke extends from the area of the fires
eastward across North Dakota.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusID242A_G8.jpg
Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming
This is a non-zoom GOES-8 image that provides an expanded view of the extent
of the smoke from the western fires. The plume extends east across Minnesota
into Wisconsin.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusID242B_G8.jpg
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