Firebomber Publications Blog

2009-11-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 111309

The US Forest Service has released their preliminary report on their response to the Station Fire (the report can be read here), our first wildfire story today; but in a legacy of the Station Fire, residents of the La Canada/Flintridge area suffered through a mudslide spawned by heavy rains in burn areas early today. A look at the financial cost of wildfires in Southern California is provided by an article from Bloomberg; while an inmate who is accused of setting the 2003 Old Fire outside of San Bernardino has pleaded not guilty to five counts of murder. Orange County Fire Authority, as part of their beefed up response to wildfires, will begin flying flags on high fire danger days as a visible reminder to homeowners of the wildfire danger. Allstate insurance Co. donated $80,000 for a number of billboard ads urging residents of San Diego to make preparations for wildfires; but a lawsuit has been filed to halt development of an area in Tejon Ranch that frequently hosts wildfires. Forest owners in Central California will be able to attend a workshop that shows how to maintain a healthy forest amid wildfire hazards. Good news from Lake Tahoe: despite the ash dumped into the lake by the 2007 Angora Fire, the lake has retained its clarity; but there was some bad news for the US Forest Service, which is being accused of being unprepared for debris flows from recent rains in areas ravaged by the Angora Fire. A team of experts is being put together by US Forest Service to tackle the bark beetle problem in Colorado and other parts of the West; with their next stop probably being Montana, where hundreds of thousands of acres of beetle-killed trees present a sizable fire hazard to the national forests in that state. Farmers in parts of Texas will be able to get loans to help repair the damage done to their crops by wildfires; but Upstate New York firefighters used ATVs, leaf blowers, and rakes to rope in a 100 acre wildfire. Over $1 million in government money will be used to help reduce the danger from wildfires in British Columbia, also providing up to 40 part-time jobs to unemployed foresters. A symbolic tree planting ceremony in burn areas north of Athens, Greece, was attended by members of the US Embassy, as well as US Forest Service personnel via video link from Montana. A blogger from Australia laments the ad-hoc approach to the bushfire threat after the Black Saturday disasters; and police are on the lookout for someone who is using illegal fireworks to spark bushfires in state parks in Victoria. The age-old problem of safely evacuating civilians from an area threatened by a bushfire is examined in the next article from Victoria; even as a 100-acre bushfire burning in South Australia has been contained. Campers were chased out of their campground by a bushfire on Queensland's Sunshine Coast; but an incoming thunder storm is expected to clear thick smoke from the fire out of Brisbane later today (although the same winds that clear the smoke could stir up the fire!) And finally, Iowa State University researchers are taking a swing at developing new PPE for firefighters, from head to toe (the question is, will it be fashionable?)

Report: Terrain, brush to blame in huge wildfire

SoCal Rain Triggers Mudslide in La Canada Flintridge Area

Southern California Fire Tops List of 2008’s Costliest Blazes

Calif. fire suspect pleads not guilty to murder

SoCal county to use red flag fire danger system

Billboards to stress emergency preparation

Lawsuit Filed to Stop Condor-Killing Development, Save Tejon Ranch

Workshop on forest fire hazards

Lake Tahoe remains clear despite 2007 wildfire

Recent storms proved too much for fire-damaged areas near Angora

National team to help manage bark beetle problem

Shoshone Forest faces beetle budget bust

Heat-damaged farms eligible for loans

Firefighters contain 100-acre brush fire in Fishkill

Funding for off-the-job forest workers

Tree planting at wildfire-ravaged site by US embassy staff, vols

Water bombers but no bunkers for the summer

Illegal fireworks spark blaze near bushfire towns

Gridlock danger in bushfire zones

Bushfire contained on Eyre Peninsula

Campers forced to flee Sunshine Coast bushfire

Bushfire shrouds city in smoke

Firefighter Fashion: Iowa State Research and Design Team Develops New Protective Gear for Firefighters

2009-11-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 111209

First up in wildfire news today, boxer Alex Ariza will be paying homage at a boxing match in Las Vegas this weekend to a fallen LA County firefighter who died trying to get his crew to safety during the Station Fire. A series of public education meetings sponsored by a coalition of fire agencies and the California Fire Safe Council was conducted in the Malibu/Topanga Canyon area of western Los Angeles County. A hungry bear that had been rummaging through people's trash in La Crescenta was tranquilized by wildlife authorities and will be relocated to the Angeles National Forest (if they can find any areas locally that haven't been burnt to a crisp by the Station Fire, that is); and the superintendent of the Mount Wilson Observatory recounts the harrowing experience of living through the Station Fire as it approached the historic site. Some additional details on an earlier story about a US Forest Service firefighter who lost his trailer-home to the Sheep Fire are provided by the next article. Although San Diego Gas & Electric and Cox Communications paid settlements to the State of California and other parties for the 2007 wildfires (in which neither company admitted wrongdoing), the investigation into exactly how the wildfires started continues; even as residents of a San Diego community are showing their appreciation for a local fire station whose firefighters protected them during the 2007 wildfires. A former US Forest Service firefighter who has battled wildfires near Santa Barbara over the years, has just been appointed that city's fire chief; and the US Forest Service will be darkening the skies around Lake Tahoe as a conduct controlled burns. The Department of the Interior is declaring war on cheatgrass (among other things) in the Great Basin; while firefighters on New Mexico's Mescalero Apache Reservation had a 900 acre wildfire to battle. The pioneer who began the practice of smokejumping for the US Forest Service has died in Montana at the ripe old age of 98! Residents of a community in Mississippi that has the same name as a legendary wildland firefighting tool will be receiving Firewise instruction on how better to protect their homes from wildfires in that state. A New York Times article tells how a number of environmental groups are urging protection of Canada's boreal forests, which account for 60% of the carbon sinking done by vegetation worldwide. Taking bushfire precautions one step further, Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia, is going to be requiring schools and day care centers to close down on red flags alert days; and in addition to the usual heightened vigilance during bushfire season in Gippsland, police will also be keeping tabs on known arsonists. Local officials in Victoria are renewing pressure to fix the communications problems that so vexed firefighters during Black Saturday; while Blaze Aid, a nonprofit that boasts 3,500 volunteers, has repaired over 400 km of fence line destroyed by the Black Saturday bushfires. A lightning-sparked wildfire that broke out along the Queensland-Northern Territory border now covers several kilometers; even as New South Wales' Rural Fire Service has imposed a total burn ban and warned homeowners to review their bushfire preparedness plans. And finally, a farmer on New Zealand's North Island was stunned when he received a bill for over $65,000 for a controlled burn got out of control!

Alex Ariza dedicates "FIREPOWER" to fallen LA County Firefighter

Residents Urged to Organize Fire Safe Councils

Napping bear found in yard

Superintendent who helped save Mt. Wilson Observatory is raising funds to preserve it

Pet project: A Calif. community rallies to aid of local animal rescuer who lost home to wildfire

Fire Cause

Firefighters' efforts spark campaign

Andrew DiMizio to be sworn in as new Santa Barbara city Fire Chief

Smoke from controlled burn expected in sky today

U.S. Interior Dept. changes stance on climate

Wildfire scorches 900 acres

Smokejumping trailblazer Earl Cooley dies at age 98

Wildfire safety class in Pulaski

Group Urges Protection of Northern Forests

Schools to close across Melbourne on red alert fire days

Police to monitor known arsonists in bushfire season

Calls to fix firefighter radio woes

Addicted to helping bushfire victims

Bushfire closes highway

Total fire ban as temperatures soar

Firefighting bill shock for farmer

2009-11-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 111109

In our first wildfire article today, Southern California's Orange County Register newspaper provides a useful utility for looking at wildfires in that county over the past 50 years; even as fire resistant materials go high-tech in that county: a company in Placentia is offering wood for new home construction that can hold off flames better than standard wood products. Kern County fire agencies, working in conjunction with a local Fire Safe Council, are conducting a number of controlled burns in that region; but recreational activities have been labeled as the cause of a $12 million fire in Central California's Stanislaus National Forest. One Colorado county is considering the extensive logging of an area that could burn in future wildfires; while suspicious wildfires in eastern Kentucky have drawn the attention of arson inspectors there. Fire agencies in Missouri reported a wildfire burning in a forested area at Juden Creek; while residents of Pennsylvania are being advised to bag their leaves instead of burning them due to the danger of wildfires. Arson inspectors in Maine are investigating a pair of grass fires that are suspicious in origin. Scientific American looks at how some of the lessons learned in Australia, the Earth's driest inhabited continent, could provide hope for other parched areas of the world. A bushfire burning in Portsea, Victoria, has drawn the attention of a third water-bombing aircraft; even as $11 million in additional funds are being made available to Victorians who suffered losses in the Black Saturday bushfires. With an influx of city-dwellers into rural parts of Victoria, fire education of the newcomers is considered a good first step to help reduce the bushfire danger they face in their new neighborhoods; hopefully helping them to avoid the psychological and physical impact that the Black Saturday bushfires had on some of those who lived through them. A bushfire in northern Queensland has been brought under control, but not before burning many acres of pastureland and bush; while a follow-on article to one from New South Wales yesterday about arson penalties reveals more details on the fines for lighting bushfires in that state. And finally, firefighters in Tyler, Texas, used to the customary call to get a cat out of a tree, this time received a call to get a 50-year-old woman out of a tree!

Major Orange County fires since 1958

Placentia Company's Wood Is Fire-Resistant

Series of Controlled Burns Throughout the County

Officials Determine Cause Of Knight Fire

Extensive logging proposed near Breckenridge

Pikeville Forest Fires Under Investigation

Fire burns area of woods at Juden Creek

Leaves — bag ’em, don’t burn ’em

Authorities suspicious of Down East fires

Baked Australia: Water Management Lessons for the World from Down Under

Third water-bomber called in to fight Portsea bushfire

New funds for families hit by Black Saturday

Cut the risk of bushfires

Living with the fear of fires yet to come

Bushfire brought under control near Camooweal

Harsh new penalties for lighting bushfires

Whitehouse Firefighters Rescue Woman From Tree

2009-11-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 111009

We lead off wildfire news today with an announcement from Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Freeman, sent along by Kristina Hajjar, Director of Communications for the department, about the importance of wildfire preparation by residents of the county; something that may be of increased importance to foothill residents near the Angeles National Forest as the next article shows: the Station Fire may be down, but it's not quite out! The US Forest Service used social media, in this case Twitter, for notifications for the first time on the Station Fire; and Orange County has implemented a new program to diminish wildfires in the area: OC Fire Watch. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department carried out some practice helicopter drops using night-vision goggles in canyon land last night; while the politics of wildfires have entered the California gubernatorial contest as Steve Poizner touted his success in retrieving $27 million for survivors of the 2007 San Diego wildfires. A letter to the editor of a Central California newspaper thanks volunteers who have kept an eye out for wildfires in their vicinity; but a wildfire is burning in Ohio's only national forest. Fire authorities in Missouri plan to carry out a number of controlled burns to improve the ecology of county parks in the area; however, firefighters in eastern Kentucky are evidently dealing with a number of arson fires. An out-of-control debris fire in Virginia may prove costly for the person who ignited it, due to a law that requires them to pay the suppression costs; even as arson investigators in Brevard County, Florida, are on the trail of a serial arsonist who has apparently lit a number of wildfires in the area. Australia's iconic koala bears may be facing extinction in as little as 30 years, in part due to rampant bushfires devastating their habitat. Arson investigators in Victoria are taking a look at a wildfire that burned in the Linton State Forest; but as Victoria reports high temperatures, fire agencies are defending their decision to light a control fire which breached its lines. Amid concerns from the building industry and pressure from the Royal Bushfire Commission, the Victorian government has reluctantly released interim bushfire bunker building standards. The harrowing experiences of a South Australia family during bushfires some months back are used as a cautionary tale by fire officials for homeowners to be prepared as bushfire season continues in that state; and firefighters had a small bushfire to deal with in Port Pirie. New South Wales is putting some teeth into its tougher bushfire arson policy by expanding the ranks of arson investigators. And finally, in a follow-up to yesterday's article about British firefighters rescuing a duck trapped in a pipe for six hours, we have another affirmation that no good deed goes unpunished, as a British taxpayers group derides the effort as a waste of taxpayer dollars!

Ready! Set! Go!

Station Fire still burning in Mt. Wilson root system, bringing out more firefighters [Updated]

Angeles Forest officials use Station Fire to fine tune Twitter policy

Orange County to Take Aggressive Approach in Preventing Major Wildfires

San Diego Firefighters Test Out Night Vision Goggles, Making Firefighting At Night Possible

Candidate for Governor Says he Helped Wildfire Victims Collect $27 Million

A big thanks to volunteers on the lookout for wildfires

Firefighters battle wildfire in Wayne National Forest

Prescribed burns to improve county parks

Forest fires burning across eastern Ky.

Debris fire burns 125 acres on Powell Mountain in Scott County

Two More Suspicious Wildfires In Brevard Co.

Australian koalas fast declining, researchers say

Grass fire near Linton dubbed suspicious

Fires raging as Victoria continues to swelter

Bid to make bunkers safe with interim standards

We will defend our home from bushfire again

Port Pirie bushfire contained

Fighting bushfire arson

Firefighters criticized for duck rescue

2009-11-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 110909

As Wildfire News Of The Day returns, we lead off with a story about a resurrection: rising from the ashes of the 2007 Southern California wildfires that destroyed it, Malibu Presbyterian Church has finally been rebuilt. Budget cuts have snuffed out a hand crew from Orange County that was credited with yeoman work on the Freeway Complex last year, along with other fires in that region. Aviators from San Diego Fire-Rescue Department put their night flying skills to use in battling a blaze in Dell Cerro Saturday night, using night vision goggles to pilot their gel-dropping helicopters over the fire; while a fire consultant from San Diego discusses options for residents of that region during the remainder of the wildfire season. A 100-acre wildfire near Santa Maria was blamed on faulty power lines; followed by an article that provides some details on the continued push to thin vegetation in parts of California as advocated by the California Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention and Community Protection Act. Firefighters in Iowa had a small ravine wildfire to deal with; while unseasonably warm weather in Pennsylvania led to some small wildfires over the weekend. Tennessee fire officials have announced that their wildfire season has officially begun; something which is underscored by the following article from nearby Virginia; and echoed by another article from West Virginia. Firefighters in Florida had a daunting task putting out a wildfire by a phosphate pit over the weekend. A community in British Columbia will be receiving a substantial grant from the Canadian government to help with wildfire mitigation in their area. As southern China suffers through a drought, fire officials are warning everyone in the region about fire prevention. It appears that the DC-10 may be heading Down Under in the near future, as Victoria's government considers leasing the mammoth firefighting aircraft to fight bushfires; with testing to began in January amid concerns about where the aircraft would be based due to the need for a long runway; even as Opposition politicians and firefighter unions blast the government for not having availed themselves of such an aircraft prior to the Black Saturday bushfires. Despite official optimism, many commentators consider that it will be years before areas devastated by the Black Saturday bushfires are rebuilt; even as fire agencies in Victoria are bracing for an active bushfire season as one in Gippsland that ignited last week continues to burn; and probably will do so for a couple more days. The University of Melbourne has uncovered some revealing items from Victoria's past bushfires to compare with information on the Black Saturday bushfires. Harkening back to a devastating fire season over 30 years ago, authorities in Tasmania fear a repeat of the Black Tuesday bushfires; and as part of those preparations, bushfire refuges are being identified. Country Fire Service leadership is warning residents of South Australia that it's only a matter of time before that state has a massive bushfire and that they have to do their part to prepare. And finally, British firefighters added a new chapter to their Urban Search and Rescue book by retrieving a wayward duck trapped in a pipe for six hours!

After trial by wildfire, Malibu Presbyterian Church returns

Specialized Calif. wildfire teams hit by budget cuts

Del Cerro fire proves stubborn

Risky firefighting concept goes up in flames

Crews Battle Wildfire at Twitchell Dam

A push to thin forests to curb wildfires

Burlington firefighters put out brush fire

Weather cultivates Armstrong brush fires

TN enters wildfire season

Forest Fire Between Washington County, Virginia and Russell County

Beautiful Weather Has Increased Fire Threat

Alafia blaze under control, but phosphate pits challenge firefighters

McLeod delivers $1.23 M for jobs

Chinese vice premier stresses fire prevention efforts amid prolonged drought

State Government to lease multi-million dollar fire-fighting jet

Aussie state to get new firefighting jet

Water bomber could have saved lives

Bushfire rebuild still years away

Victoria on alert as bushfires break out

Battle to stop bushfire

New papers compare a history of fires

Tasmania facing 'major' bushfire threat

Bushfire campaign

Monster SA bushfire inevitable

Firefighters in six-hour rescue of pet duck

2009-10-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 103109

Wildfire News Of The Day will be on hiatus all next week, returning on 11/9. The LA Times takes another look at mistakes made in the early hours of the Station Fire that allowed it to become a monster; even as TreePeople, along with actress Victoria Principal, are raising funds to help restore Angeles National Forest following the devastation of the fire. SDG&E and Cox Communications have agreed to pay out $17 million in settlements for wildfires started in San Diego County in 2007 by their equipment. A study published in Open Forest Science Journal argues that the Forest Service should not be clearing out dead trees that clutter forested areas, as told in an article from Arizona; but firefighters are once again planning a controlled burn in northern Arizona, where a previous burn that got out of control burned thousands of acres a few weeks ago. A program on FireWise landscaping will be conducted in a Texas community next week; while firefighters in Illinois will be conducting a controlled burn in a wetland area south of Chicago. Forest owners in Alberta, Canada, are asking the federal government to set controlled burns to halt the advance of the destructive bark beetle into their stands of timber. Citizens of the African nation of Ghana are lobbying for fire officials to form anti-bushfire committees as the dry season approaches. Firefighters in New Zealand battled a 200 acre blaze with some help from a helicopter air-tanker, as the next two articles show. A report from Victoria has revealed the pay raises for Country Fire Authority leadership in that state; and former heads of South Australia's Country Fire Service weigh in on the issue of appropriate firefighting aircraft for that region, with comments by Wildfire NOTD subscriber David Cant, the current CFS Aviation Services Manager. There is also a debate between Tasmanian fire chiefs past and present, over whether houses are 'blacklisted' by firefighters during bushfires.

Missed opportunities let Station fire become a disaster

Angeles Forest Fire Restoration, $25,000 Gift Kicks Off $250,000 Goal

Companies to pay $17M in San Diego wildfires case

Woodman, spare that snag

Four hundred acres to be ignited

Learning about wildfire awareness and landscape

County plans controlled burn of Elgin wetland area

Alberta forest industry wants Ottawa to take over front-line beetle fight

Chiefs should form anti-bushfire committees- Obeng-Forson

Firefighters battled scrub fire in Northland

Firefighters dampen blaze

Top brass enjoy big pay rises

Heat on CFS fireplan

TFS denies unofficial 'no-go' policy for high-risk bushfire areas

2009-10-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 103009

We lead off wildfire news today with a correction on one of yesterday's articles about a bomb scare at a fire station. Wildfire News Of The Day reader Kristina Hajjar, Director of Communications at LA County FD, pointed out that the incident took place at an LAFD station, not an LA County station as I had indicated (oops!) A sheriff's deputy is under investigation for setting two illegal campfires in Washington state. Residents of Florida are being reminded to watch their debris burning as that state enters its wildfire season; even as firefighters in North Fort Myers are setting prescribed burns. With 73% of British Columbia's firefighters coming from the volunteer ranks, a shortfall in new recruits has the Canadian province worried; but with the order of four CL-415 aircraft from Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Canada, aircraft manufacturer Bombardier should be able to keep its doors open at least until 2011 on this one order alone! Greek politicians are finally clamping down on construction projects in areas burned by wildfires, something which had resulted in many suspicious fires on prime forested real estate in the past. Due to wildfires that destroyed 40% of their timber plantations, a pulp mill in the southern Africa nation of Swaziland has been forced to close. Southeast Asian nations, like Singapore, are hopeful that they will have less smoke to contend with now that Indonesia has pledged to cut wildfires by 20% per year. Heading Down Under, a fire captain from Victoria counsels for reason versus hysteria when deciding whether to evacuate areas during high bushfire danger; while a reporter from Victoria who lost everything in the Black Saturday bushfires has won a prestigious journalism award for his first-person account of the tragedy. As demand for bushfire bunkers has skyrocketed in Victoria, the Royal Bushfire Commission is pressing for building standards to be implemented quickly; and a group is trying to raise more funds for bushfire recovery in Victoria. In a follow-up to one of yesterday's stories, Victoria's premier will not merge that state's two firefighting agencies into one; but a New South Wales fire official fears that a merger of their rural and metropolitan fire agencies could alienate many of their volunteer firefighters. And finally, one of the beneficial side effects of wildfires in Southern California appears to be larger deer!

King County deputy is cited for illegal fires

Wildfire Concerns

Prescribed burn began at 10 a.m. today in North Fort Myers

B.C. fire services struggle to attract volunteers

Good News at Bombardier

Draft law on Greece's fire-ravaged regions of east Attica unveiled

Sappi closes Usutu

Indonesia to cut forest fires by 20% yearly

Fire captain warns bushfire 'hysteria' may cost lives

Tale of courage amid fires takes top News Award

Bushfire bunker standards 'needed fast'

Bushfire group seeks recovery funds

Brumby won't merge firefighting services

Fire merger could alienate volunteers

Wildfires responsible for bigger deer?

2009-10-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102909

In wildfire news, a small wildfire broke out near homes in the Hollywood Hills yesterday; but as a writer, you just never know where your work may end up - in this case someone who survived the 2007 wildfires in San Diego County had her submission included in the latest 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' book! An Op-Ed piece from Santa Cruz discusses the pros and cons of controlled burns; followed by another from the same paper that discusses how CAL FIRE's decision to delay releasing seasonal firefighters will increase the strain on a fire budget that is already nearly spent and the fiscal year is only halfway done! The role of ham operators in providing information during the Loma Fire is revealed in the next article. Power utilities in California, burned by recent lawsuits and insurance costs, are lobbying the Public Utilities Commission to allow them to increase rates to cover rising insurance costs. Anti-logging activists in Oregon have won another court battle in a salvage logging case within the burn area of the Biscuit Fire; but a controversial grant of $2.8 million has been awarded to the US Forest Service for work in Washington DC, despite several complaints from Western states that the money could be better used in preventing wildfires west of the Mississippi. Trouble in paradise, as firefighters on the Hawaiian island of Maui have a 30-acre wildfire to deal with. One possible explanation for fires spotted burning in North Korea in mid-October may be that farmers were burning off some of their land rather than the earlier explanation that it was massive forest fires. Indonesia is working with Australia to implement a satellite surveillance system that will help them better identify wildfires early. As we head south, a forested area on New Zealand's South Island is being scrutinized for its potential as a fire hazard. Citing waste and inefficiency as problems for the current two-tier arrangement in Victoria, Australia, the Royal Bushfire Commission is recommending that Country Fire Authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment be combined into one agency; something which may be reflected in the next article about fire spotters in Victoria who complain that they don't have binoculars and other necessary tools with which to perform their duties due to a lack of funds. An article underscores the importance of timely and accurate information on bushfires in Victoria. Whereas most of the focus in bushfire recovery stories has been on homeowners, the next one focuses on businesses trying to recover from the Black Saturday bushfires; even as residents of the Yarra Valley are considering various locations as bushfire refuges. Psychologists stress the need for the right mindset for civilians dealing with bushfires, such as the recent ones in Queensland. Fire agencies in South Australia fear that residents have become complacent, leaving them unprepared for the bushfire season; but an editorial leaves no doubt as to the danger. Firefighters in Tasmania are learning survival techniques in the event they are trapped in burnovers. And finally, beware of visitors bearing gifts, as one Los Angeles County fire station crew found out when someone appeared with what looked to be a bomb!

Small fire burning near homes in Hollywood Hills

Author relives 2007 wildfire evacuation in 'Chicken Soup' book

As We See It: Fire and rain: Controlled burns can benefit forest and fire management

Loma Fire prompts state to increase California's firefighter staffing

Santa Cruz County Hams Called to Assist During Wildfires

Utilities: Wildfire insurance costs killing us

Court backs those who protested salvage logging after Biscuit fire

Funds for D.C. wildfires rebuked, then restored

Maui firefighters contain Lahaina brush fire

North Korea may be burning farmland

Online forest fire monitoring system launched in Indonesia

Naseby forest fire hazard reassessed

Commission considers single fire agency

Crews lack firefighting equipment

Fires leave little room for error

Business struggle to recover from February bushfires

Shelters a place of last resort in bushfire-prone Yarra Valley

Preparing Psychologically For Bushfires: Resources For The Public, Australia

Residents unprepared for fires

Editorial: Pay attention to warnings on fire risk

Vic Bushfires Help Develop New Firefighter Training

Eagle Rock fire station evacuated

2009-10-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102809

Fire departments around the San Diego area are beefing up their reserves as windy weather arrives in our first wildfire article today. CAL FIRE officials explain why controlled burn risks are outweighed by the benefits; even as firefighters continued to mop up the wildfire which destroyed a trailer and two outbuildings, and forced the evacuation of nearly 100 homes. As in show business, timing is everything in aerial firefighting, as an article about an air-tanker that was scheduled to depart Medford, Oregon, on the day wildfires broke out underscores. Plans to thin vegetation in New Mexico are themselves being thinned; while a large wildfire burning near Arizona's world-famous Kitt Peak observatories is not currently threatening any structures. Some pointers on means to retard the spread of bark beetles (thereby reducing the fire danger from beetle-killed trees) comes to us from Colorado; and federal government officials are discussing forestry jobs in Missoula, Montana, as the next article shows. A man accused of starting a debris fire that eventually consumed 76 homes and damaged 100 others in South Carolina earlier this year will have to pay a fine of $732; even as Florida fire agencies are advising residents that wildfire prevention measures need to be implemented year-round. A forthcoming article in The American Naturalist provides some insight into how trees in savanna areas help promote wildfires to keep the stands healthy. Bombardier announced that they will be selling four CL-415 aircraft to the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. An Israeli study shows how a hyperspectral remote sensor network can detect toxic runoff from burn areas following wildfires (something that would probably be useful in parts of Southern California affected by runoff from the Station fire debris). The next article takes a look at the wildfire situation in the African nation of Uganda. Chinese firefighters had a blaze to deal with along the Taiwan Strait; and forest rangers in Vietnam got more than they bargained for when they tried to interfere with some illegal loggers in the Central Highlands! Heading Down Under, an Australian wildfire expert is advising Victoria to burn off 12 to 14% of their vegetation, as opposed to the 1% that they currently plan to burn. Poor communications have once again been blamed for much of the grief caused by the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria; and communications problems could plague police and firefighters in that state again, not to mention the danger to civilians because the national fire warning system is about a month behind schedule. The Royal Bushfire Commission is probing why firefighters were not told of an imminent wind change until an hour after aircraft had received the warning during Black Saturday; while a pair of fire spotters who had a panoramic view of the Black Saturday bushfires recount what they saw in words and photos. And finally, a New York State firefighter found a unique way to propose to his girlfriend - and it was no accident!

REGION: Firefighting staff increased during dry, windy weather

Benefit of controlled burns outweighs risk, firefighters say

Crews mop up fully contained Santa Cruz wildfire

Air tanker was set to leave on day of fires

Forest restoration project reduced

Wildfire south of Kitt Peak burns on

Wildfire protection and beetle control committees to meet Nov. 9

Talking about trees: Tester discusses forest, jobs bill in Missoula

Man pleads guilty for burn that became SC wildfire

Wildfire Prevention Important Year Round

Trees facilitate wildfires as a way to protect their habitat

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Upgrades its Firefighting Capability-Orders Four Bombardier 415 Amphibious Aircraft

Sensing our Planet’s Disasters from Space

Bush fires: An environment threat to Moyo

Xiamen forest fire stamped out

Loggers kill forest ranger in Vietnam

Fire experts call for more early burn-offs

Bendigo controllers unable to contact fire crews

National fire warning system not ready

Commission told of Churchill wind change discrepancy

GALLERY: Bird’s-eye view of Black Saturday

CAPTION THIS: Firefighter stages mock accident for marriage proposal

2009-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102709

Red flag warnings in San Diego County, California, are the topic of our first wildfire story today; but CAL FIRE will begin investigation into whether the Loma Fire in Central California was caused by embers left over from debris burned by CAL FIRE several days before. Hollister Air Attack Base has had an additional pair of S-2T air-tankers stationed there during the Loma Fire; and the same meteorological event causing red flag warnings in Southern California will be doing so in southern Nevada as well. Eastern red cedar trees are considered to be a fire hazard that needs to be addressed by firefighters in Oklahoma; but, having suffered through a devastating wildfire that destroyed dozens of homes, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, politicians are focusing on public safety this election. A study takes a look at the Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (PIOD) effect on bushfires in Australia; followed by a laundry list of preparations in Victoria as bushfire season officially begins. As part of the overhaul of Victoria's bushfire strategy, the head of Country Fire Authority will be legally responsible for getting word out about the bushfire danger to civilians; followed by a story about the terrifying flight of one woman during the Black Saturday bushfires that was recounted for the Royal Bushfire Commission in Victoria. Another bushfire auto donation scam in Victoria has been exposed. A summary of the wildfire situation in Queensland includes some details on political mudslinging taking place in Parliament; even as a quartet of Queensland park rangers are on the hot seat as investigators delve into why they refused to fight a bushfire. A bushfire that has burned several hundred acres in Western Australia has been contained. And finally, although they normally remain at airfields to help with firefighting on aircraft, Australian Airport Rescue Firefighters (ARFFs) have been seeing some action as an important backup to bushfire firefighters as well (so the next time you have a bushfire, remember to invite an ARFF to the party!)

Experts say expected winds won't pose a major fire risk

Cal Fire official confirms that crews were burning brush in Loma fire area last week

Extra aircraft stationed in Hollister for Loma Fire

High wind and wildfire warnings issued for Las Vegas

Control of Eastern red cedar trees urged to better control wildfires

Public safety tops concerns of candidates in North Myrtle Beach

Link established between Aussie bushfires and Indian Ocean conditions

Warnings for bushfire season

CFA head will issue public bushfire warnings under new emergency management structure

Woman tells of fear fleeing fire

Ringwood man faces court on bushfire fund fraud claims

MPs trade blows over bushfire management

Park rangers grilled for failing to fight bushfires

Prevelly bushfire contained

Aviation Fire Fighters In Australia Give Bushfire Assistance

2009-10-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102609

We lead off Wildfire News Of The Day with the following announcement by Wayne Coulson, owner of the Martin Mars:

Hi Michael, I forgot to mention to you that the Mars is being featured on the Science Discovery Channel "Heavy Metal Task Force" today and Monday. It has aired the last couple of nights as well. Its on in the US only right now so I have not seen the show, but I have had emails that people have enjoyed the show. Cheers Wayne

In wildfire news today, some interesting parallels are drawn in the next article between experimental aircraft and aircraft modified for firefighting, like the DC-10. Transportation officials have indicated that some of the roads through portions of Southern California's Angeles National Forest closed due to the Station Fire will be reopening by the middle of next month; followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo in Fresno which is caring for endangered tadpoles taken out of the Angeles National Forest for safekeeping following the devastation of their habitat by the Station Fire. A small wildfire broke out in the Inland Empire over the weekend; even as hydrologists from the US Forest Service are studying flood potential in parts of the San Bernardino National Forest burned by the Sheep Fire, including a 1940s era dam whose timbers may have been weakened in the blaze. Contractors in San Diego are being probed by federal investigators over mischarging taxpayers during debris clearance following the 2007 wildfires. A wildfire broke out in Santa Cruz early Sunday morning and investigators are checking to see if debris burning in that area may have been the cause; something which may put CAL FIRE officials on the hot seat; even as an inmate firefighter helping with the fire had to be evacuated following an injury. A study from Oregon shows that, due to Global Warming, forests in the northwestern United States could produce less timber than in the past; but in echoes of the Station Fire, a US Forest Service administrator in Utah admits that they missed the danger signs when they lost control of a prescribed burn that eventually scorched thousands of acres and several homes. Greek firefighters have been exonerated after investigation of the cause of a blaze on the island of Evia revealed that power lines sparked the wildfire. Fires that were deliberately set are being blamed for forest fires that destroyed over 100 acres in Indonesia; however, Indian officials are calling for more participation from the public in fighting wildfires that often ravage the forested areas of that country. A spraying contractor in New Zealand may find himself paying a hefty tab if investigators conclude he was indeed responsible for a bushfire; and overhaul of the Victoria bushfire coordination center that has been lambasted by critics for poor performance during Black Saturday is underway. A study of Black Saturday survivors has shown the importance of community ties in helping people recover emotionally from such a trauma; followed by the odyssey of one Victoria family from Black Saturday until now. Dozens of commercial radio stations are now qualified to provide bushfire warnings to the citizens of Victoria; but officials at an electrical utility company have finally admitted that their equipment probably caused at least one of the Black Saturday bushfires in that state. Although rain has helped damp down a bushfire burning in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, firefighters still expect to be on the line for a few more days; even as another bushfire that broke out on Saturday has been labeled 'suspicious' by NSW fire officials. A Western Australia town has received a bushfire alert. As the weather improved a bit in Queensland, over 500 weary firefighters took a break, but officials still urged homeowners to do their part in protecting their property from bushfires; while sparks from a trailer that burst a tire apparently ignited over half-a-dozen bushfires in that state on Saturday. And finally, a cautionary tale about a QL firefighter who asked a group of men to stop lighting fires recounts how he was roughed up for his efforts!

Despite risks, Inland pilots enjoy building and flying experimental airplanes

Officials say Angeles National Forest roads to reopen next month

Fresno zoo leaps to rescue imperiled frog

Vegetation Fire Contained in Thermal

U.S. Forest Service study shows flooding possible

Federal agency launches probe of debris haulers

600-acre Loma Fire now 20 percent contained

Cal Fire Taking Heat Over Summit Wildfire

Good progress reported against Calif. blaze

Injured firefighting prisoner rescued in Loma fire

Study: Warmed NW forests may yield less timber

Forest Service misses 'red flag'

Fire service cleared over blaze on Evia

Forest conversion activities cause fire

Minister for public participation in fighting forest fires

Worker could be liable for $200k bill

Top cop to reveal bushfire overhaul

Community key to support

Black trees, red dreams

Commercial stations sign bushfire warning deal with State Government

Power company concedes fire calculations wrong

Rain eases bushfire in Blue Mountains

Nymboida bushfire 'suspicious'

Gnarabup on bushfire alert

A break for firefighters

Burst tyre sparks seven bushfires

Man charged over alleged firefighter assault

2009-10-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102409

Wildfire news today leads off with a story from the New York Times that provides a retrospective on rebuilding in the San Diego, California, community of Rancho Bernardo two years after the devastating Witch Fire; followed by an article about how NASA and Northrop Grumman will be performing tests with the Global Hawk UAVs prior to launching a campaign of environmental research in which the aircraft will be examining atmosphere over the Arctic and elsewhere to measure global warming effects. Due to the release of seasonal firefighting personnel by the US Forest Service, firefighters in Arizona who are battling three wildfires have a limited number of crews with which to deal with the blazes; but the rebirth of vegetation in Florida's Wekiwa Springs State Park following controlled burns is examined next article. The new Environment Minister for one Indonesian state has vowed to address the problem of wildfires that have ravaged the area. Heading Down Under, firefighters in New Zealand are keeping a wary eye on an area in Tiwai which is (hopefully) controlled. An Australian newspaper poll reveals the public's feelings about the Victorian government's preparedness for the new fire season; followed by a look at the long road ahead for rebuilding in that state. Firefighters in New South Wales are battling a 1,000 acre blaze that continues to expand in the Blue Mountains; but, although firefighters averted disaster in Rockhampton, Queensland, the mayor feels that the bushfire alert system needs to be overhauled.

Out of the Ashes

NASA to use unmanned Global Hawk for environmental research

Limited crews fighting three wildfires on national forests

Controlled fires bring November wildflowers

Gusti to focus on climate change, fires and river basins

Firefighters back at Tiwai Point

Mixed reviews for fire tactics

Rebuilding on track, but still a long wait for bushfire towns

Firefighters working to contain fire in Blue Mountains

Rockhampton bushfire alert system a failure - Mayor Brad Carter

2009-10-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102309

First up in wildfire news today, frogs that are in danger from mudslides in Southern California's Angeles National Forest areas that have been burned by the Station Fire are being relocated by wildlife biologists; while the USDA Office of the Inspector General is still compiling information on the 2006 Esperanza fire that killed five Forest Service firefighters, much to the chagrin of the firefighters' families. A new, hard-line approach to arson wildfire penalties may be set by a court case that's being tried in California at the moment; just as fire officials are easing restrictions in the San Bernardino National Forest, however, with Santa Ana conditions predicted for next week, that decision could change. A wildfire researcher from UC Santa Cruz will be giving a talk in Pescadero tomorrow about living with wildfires along California's Central Coast. There is a bit of a spat between the US Forest Service and a Washington State fire protection district over road use; while another article from that state tells us that Smokey the Bear has some new assistants: goats! A forest ecologist from Northern Arizona University dispels some myths about trees curbing climate change; but a curious situation has developed in a Michigan community where a man was charged for the services of more firefighters than actually showed up to handle a wildfire! The Florida Division of Forestry is conducting a small controlled burn in Collier County. Heading Down Under, a new report shows that hundreds of volunteer firefighters have left Country Fire Authority in Victoria; while fire refuges are still being selected in that state, but the process is a difficult one; even as the police are stepping up arson patrols in some districts. The next article explores the lives of Black Saturday survivors who still live like refugees within sight of Melbourne. A child has been charged with starting two bushfires in Queensland; firefighters had 'eyes in the sky' to monitor bushfire activity; something that has been very useful, considering the fact that these are considered the worst fires to be seen in that state for generations. Although a fire in New South Wales' Blue Mountains is generating a lot of smoke, fire officials are advising residents there is no danger to homes; but South Australia's Country Fire Service is letting residents know that firefighters won't defend properties that have not been properly prepared for bushfire season. And finally, firefighters in St. Petersburg, Florida, are getting all dressed up for a haunted house at their fire station this Saturday (let's hope they remember to take the makeup off before they go on a call!)

Saving the Frogs from the Station Fire's Damage

Federal investigation into the deadly 2006 Esperanza Fire drags on

Arson-related heart attacks murder? DA says yes

Fire restrictions reduced today in San Bernardino National Forest

Wildfire lecture, Saturday in Pescadero

Fire district files suit over road use

Only you — and goats — can prevent forest fires

Using Trees To Curb Climate Change Not So Simple

Man billed for no-show firefighters

Five-acre prescribed burn underway in Collier County today

CFA volunteers thin on ground after bushfires

Last-ditch zones for fire towns

Fire season: Police ramp-up arson patrols

Bushfire survivors 'living like refugees'

Child charged with lighting bushfires

Chopper used to monitor bushfire

Qld fires worst in generations

Fires fill mountain sky with smoke

SA volunteer firefighters won't defend the undefendable

Firefighters turn fire station into haunted house

2009-10-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102209

First up in wildfire news today, a house fire in Pasadena prompted frantic calls from nearby residents fearing that another forest fire had broken out; and LAFD firefighters pounced on a small wildfire in Tujunga yesterday. A series of meetings will be held in Malibu and Topanga Canyon to discuss wildfire protection plans for the Santa Monica Mountains, hosted by LA County Fire and the US Forest Service. A video retrospective on the 2007 wildfires in San Diego County is provided in the next item; followed by an article in which San Diego's new fire chief, who helped fight the wildfires of 2007, spoke at a ceremony commemorating that event. An update on the Bachelor Fire, which has burned over 600 acres in eastern Arizona, is provided by the next article. Despite a bad beginning, Nova Scotia's fire season turned out to be rather tepid, allowing them to send help to other Canadian provinces who were less well off fire-wise. The African nation of Mozambique faces a cashew shortage due to damage to the crop from bushfires. Intelligence agencies are scrutinizing satellite photos which appear to show a number of massive wildfires burning in North Korea. As testimony continues at the Royal Bushfire Commission hearings, Country Fire Authority firefighters revealed that they had left their trucks in attempts to rescue Australians threatened by the Black Saturday bushfires. Men who were caught stealing bushfire donations from a warehouse in Victoria have been given a court date; and the issue of the missing Russian airtankers during Black Saturday is revisited in the next article, which also discusses the 747 Supertanker. Like their counterparts in Victoria after Black Saturday, livestock owners in Queensland are now faced with reseeding pastureland and repairing fences burned in the recent bushfires; even as Opposition politicians are questioning Queensland's preparedness for the bushfire season. Firefighters in Queensland, attempting to assist a homestead threatened by bushfires, instead found themselves attacked by a log-wielding resident! A report released yesterday by government officials shows that Western Australia is prepared for the bushfire season; and, echoing moves by San Diego Gas & Electric, Western Australia utility Western Power is granting funds to local bushfire brigades. A special bushfire information hotline is now available for residents of South Australia who have questions about bushfire issues; while a new water tank, touted as being bushfire-proof by an Australian manufacturer, is being offered to residents of bushfire-prone areas. And finally, homeowners need to beware of using smoke bombs to evict raccoons under mobile homes, as a resident of Indiana and local firefighters found out the hard way!

Pasadena house fire sparks concern in foothills

Small Brush Fire Ignites Near Angeles Nat'l Forest in Tujunga [Updated]

Community meetings to focus on wildfire protection plan for Santa Monica Mountains

Fire Storm: Two Years Later

Sanders, chief: San Diego better prepared for wildfires

USDA: Eastern Arizona wildfire growing, now at 640 acres

Forest fire stats drop after blazing start

Mozambique: Bush Fires Damage Cashew Production

Multiple fires rage in NKorea, satellite images show

Firefighters left their trucks to rescue residents

Russian jets could have held back fire

Bushfires set graziers back years

Bushfire preparation questioned

Firefighter 'bashed with log' while trying to help

WA ready for bushfires: report

Grants help local bush fire brigades

Special bushfire information hotline opens today

Rhino tank for bushfire days

Ind. woman trying to smoke out raccoon sets home on fire

2009-10-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102109

A man has been charged with setting Southern California's Old Fire in 2003, just before the statute of limitations on arson would run out towards the end of this month, in our first wildfire story today. Ground crews, assisted by helicopters, managed to rope in a small brush fire in San Diego County yesterday; while the next article provides some details of the agreement between the San Diego County Supervisors and San Diego Gas and Electric on cost sharing for the S-64 helicopter SDG&E has leased. An article from Washington state takes another look at two control fires which were decidedly out-of-control earlier this year. The Coconino National Forest in Arizona is planning some prescribed burns this week; and a summary of the wildfire situation in northern Arizona is provided by the next article. A fascinating look at the Coeur D'Alene Nursery, a seed and seedling storehouse in Idaho that provides the means to restoring wildfire-ravaged forests, is provided by the next item; followed by a book review by the Wall Street Journal about a gigantic 1910 wildfire in Montana's Bitterroot Mountains. Homeowners in northern Minnesota have received federal funds to help them set up wildfire sprinkler systems; while rebuilding is continuing apace in a South Carolina community ravaged by wildfires six months ago. Firefighters will allow a small blaze in Florida to burn itself out over the next few days. BAE Systems will be conducting low altitude demonstrations over Loch Doon in Scotland this week to show off the firefighting capabilities of its BAE 146 jet for interested parties from the US and Australia. A new report from the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment argues that a proposed kangaroo cull in Australia's Capital Territory will increase the bushfire danger and reduce biological diversity. Echoing American fire officials' worries when supertankers were introduced into aerial firefighting in the US, Australia's fire officials were reluctant to use IL-76 aircraft offered by Russia during the Black Saturday bushfires due to concerns about their lack of maneuverability in rugged terrain and slow turnaround time. A family in Victoria is not waiting for resolution of the bushfire bunker building code debate, but is pressing forth with having their own bunker in place as bushfire season gets underway; but South Australia's Country Fire Service is advising homeowners to focus on more than just bushfire bunkers as means of survival in a bushfire. 'No rest for the weary' is the watchword for Queensland firefighters as the weather promises no rain for the next few days, allowing bushfires to continue to burn; however, rural firefighters there feel they are being treated like second-class citizens by their urban brethren. As investigators continue to probe several arson fires set around Rockhampton, one man has been arrested for setting fire to a pile of leaves, ostensibly to keep warm; but as bushfires continue to blaze across the central of that state, a firefighter has been hospitalized after a tree fell on his truck. Another contingent of firefighters from New South Wales has arrived in besieged Queensland, where an estimated 3,800 bushfires have broken out in the past few weeks! The price tag for the blazes to date is tabulated in the next item. A community in New South Wales was threatened by a bushfire yesterday; followed by an update on plans for safe havens within communities threatened by bushfires there. And finally, a motorist whose car caught fire received an assist from an unexpected source: the New South Wales Fire Commissioner!

Murder, arson charged in 2003 California wildfire

Crews get upper hand on San Marcos brush fire

Supes will cover costs of firefighting copter

Looking back on two out-of-control burns

Prescribed fires set for today, Thursday

Family cabin destroyed in wildfire

CdA nursery grows saplings to order for Forest Service

In the Line of Fire

Federal grant aids wildfire area sprinkler systems

Community rebuilds, 6 months after wildfire

Firefighters contain Rockledge blaze | VIDEO

Loch Doon Testing For Fire Fight Plane

Roo cull 'will increase city's bushfire risk'

Russian firefighting aircraft unsuitable

Bunker part of Warrandyte family’s bushfire plan

Consider all bushfire options: CFS

Heat still on firefighters

Country firies feel 'second class'

Man burnt leaves in bushfire zone 'to keep warm'

Firefighter injured in central Qld

More NSW firefighters arrive in Qld

Fire fight burns millions

Bushfire threat near Nimbin

Plans for bushfire safe havens

Car catches fire: commissioner comes to the rescue

2009-10-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102009

First up in wildfire news today, a New York Times article discusses US Geological Survey's examination of slide zones in parts of California burned by recent wildfires; while a transient from Nigeria has been arraigned in a Southern California court in regards to starting a wildfire several days before the Station Fire erupted. Rancho Palos Verdes city officials hosted a meeting to discuss a wildfire that burned in that city a few weeks ago; and a lecture about wildfires in Southern California will be conducted by a UC Irvine professor in Irvine later this week; something which might be of interest to the city of Yorba Linda, which is being sued by an insurance company for inadequate water pressure during wildfires last year that led to the loss of some homes. More details of the press conference announcing SDG&E's rental of an Erickson Air-Crane for San Diego is provided in the next item; even as the state of California nears a settlement with the utility over the 2007 wildfires sparked by their power lines. CAL FIRE is posting a $10,000 reward for information about arson fires in the vicinity of Auburn, California, that destroyed dozens of homes this summer. A study from Oregon State University offers hope that accelerated tree growth in the Pacific Northwest could help offset greenhouse gases in the future. A Colorado firm will help Yuma County, Arizona, develop a wildfire plan for their community; even as a quartet of wildfires is burning in the northern part of that state. A wildfire that had been nearly contained brewed up again, causing Florida firefighters to return to the scene; but firefighters elsewhere in that state are declaring victory over the Pioneer Trail blaze that burned within 300 feet of forest homes. Canadian aircraft firm Bombardier, makers of the CL-415 Super Scoopers, may be getting a Teutonic competitor as a neighbor in North Bay, Ontario; even as a small wildfire was reported elsewhere in that province. Several European countries have asked the EU to put forth a forest protection strategy; while high temperatures and possible human agency have sparked wildfires in Lebanon. Chagrined about having to rent two large, expensive Russian firefighting helicopters to fight fires in their country, Chinese officials announced that their mammoth flying boat, which aims to replace these aircraft, should make its debut in 2013. Fire officials in India are reporting that several hundred acres burned in a wildfire in the eastern part of the country. A study on property losses to bushfires in Victoria, Australia, disputes some popular climate change assumptions; but Russia has revealed that their offer of two IL-76 firefighting aircraft during the Black Saturday bushfires was never accepted by the Australian government. Representatives of the police and Victoria's Department of Sustainability and Environment will be testifying before the Royal Bushfire Commission. Firefighters on the ground were assisted by aircraft in battling bushfires in central Queensland; followed by a blow-by-blow description of what happened outside of Rockhampton, Queensland, as bushfires raged. The government has contributed $5.2 million to help educate South Australian residents facing a bad bushfire season. And finally, firefighters in the UK are adding a new facet to their training: cow whispering!

Where Land Slides, Trying to Learn Why

Transient denies starting fire

RPV to discuss August wildfire Tuesday

Final Great Park Fall Natural History Lecture

Wildfire Victims' Insurer Sues Water District

Erickson Air-Crane and San Diego Gas and Electric Protecting Lives and Property in and Around San Diego

SDG&E nearing settlement with state over 2007 fires

Arson blamed for destructive Calif wildfire

Forest study sees upside of climate change

County wildfire plan to be developed

Four wildfires burning in northern Arizona

Firefighters Keep Eye On Blazes In Brevard, Volusia County

New Smyrna Beach wildfire contained

North Bay on short list for seaplane assembly plant

One new fire reported on Eagle Lake

Seven states call for EU forest protection strategy

Heat wave sparks off massive forest fires across Lebanon

Water aircraft lands in 2013

About 7000 trees scorched in forest fire

Climate Change and Australian Bushfire Property Losses

Russian offer of fire jets rejected

Police to address bushfire commission hearing

Aircraft fight central Queensland bushfires

How the Rocky bushfires unfolded

Govt gives $5.2m for SA fire season

Firefighters learn cow whispering techniques

2009-10-19T13:25:00.001-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101909

As our first wildfire story today shows, the Station Fire, which killed two firefighters, burned dozens of homes, and cost over $100 million to suppress, is officially contained following recent rainstorms; but adding insult to injury, DirecTV has charged patrons who lost their homes in the Station Fire for satellite equipment destroyed in the fire! Survivors of San Diego's 2007 wildfires are finding it increasingly difficult to rebuild in the bad economy; even as the San Diego-based Chaparral Institute is at loggerheads with CAL FIRE over vegetation clearance near Palm Springs, California. As cooler temperatures arrive in Central California, CAL FIRE is standing down fire units in the area; but a wildfire burning in northern Arizona has scorched several dozen acres and threatens some vacation homes. US Forest Service in Colorado has targeted beetle-killed trees for removal in order to reduce the fire hazard. Fire crews in Florida had a wind-driven wildfire to deal with that was threatening dozens of homes; and another one that threatened a gas station; at a time when cooler, drier weather is increasing the fire danger in that state. Meanwhile, Down Under, a Country Fire Authority controller is having difficulty recalling the details of what happened in Victoria, Australia, on Black Saturday; while residents of that state are counseling for more assistance in clearing vegetation to prepare for bushfire season. Officials in Victoria concede that the infirm could be in jeopardy in future bushfires; and children in that state are concerned about another summer of bushfires, according to psychologists; even as survivors blame themselves for the deaths of loved ones. Fire authorities in New South Wales are getting a handle on bushfires as hot, dry weather is forecast. Residents of Rockhampton, Queensland, have been warned to prepare to evacuate; but as the weather changes, it is hoped that the fire threat will diminish. Queensland Wildlife Care points out the damage bushfires in that state are doing to the wildlife. A number of communities in South Australia are gearing up for bushfire season by holding meetings to discuss the topic. And finally, New York firefighters have found a new use for fire extinguishers: kitten extractor!

Big LA-area wildfire officially contained

DirecTV Charges Wildfire Victims For Incinerated Satellite TV Receivers

Fire Victims Struggle to Rebuild

The Chaparral Institute is fighting plans for controlled burns

Cal Fire plans to adjust staffing for winter

Wildfire burns on San Francisco Peaks

Forest Service addressing beetle problem

Crews Extinguish 3-Alarm Wildfire In Volusia County

Small Wildfire Contained Before Hitting Brevard Gas Station

Cooler, dryer weather brings fire danger to N. Florida

Bushfire controller 'can't recall' details from Black Saturday

Yarra Ranges bushfire group calls for more free tipping

Old, sick could be at risk under new bushfire policy

Black Saturday kids scared of summer

Fire survivors blame themselves for deaths

All fires but one contained in NSW

Residents face forest fires on Australia's east coast

Improved weather eases bushfire threat

Bushfires take toll on wildlife

Bushfire meetings to be held

N.Y. Firefighters Rescue Freezing Kitten From Drain

2009-10-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101709

Fire Department Network News provides some video of San Diego, California's, new S-64 heli-tanker in our first wildfire news item today; while Grass Valley has apparently dodged the wildfire bullet this year, with below-normal fire activity reported. Oregon has had a thankfully quiet year for forest fires, despite a few large blazes; in contrast to their northern neighbor, Washington, which recorded more wildfires, though less acreage burned in 2009. An official in Colorado is proposing a grassroots approach to wildfire mitigation in the area; but with rain coming in, Virginia forestry officials may get their wish of a quiet fall fire season. Destructive wood beetles devastating forests in the US are receiving an unexpected assist from an unlikely source: man! As bushfires multiply across Australia, the S-64 Erickson Aircrane known as 'Elvis' is prepped and ready to fly in Victoria; but they might consider loaning it to their neighbors in the eastern part of the country, where fires are already raging. After winter rains boosted vegetation growth in Western Australia, fire officials fear they are facing their worst bushfire season in a decade; even as firefighters there have been successful in stopping an arson bushfire from reaching homes. Evacuees wait to return home from wildfires in Queensland; followed by a late update on the situation in that state; where arson is apparently the cause of a fire that destroyed a home; but it's hoped that rain will give weary firefighters a break.

SDG&E to Pay the Lease of a Firefighting Helicopter for San Diego Fire-Rescue

Living with fire

Oregon's forests go relatively unscathed by wildfire this year

Wash. firefighters see more fires in 2009

Official pitches joint wildfire mitigation program

Wildfire risk dampened but not doused by rain

Beetle threatens New England wood

Elvis ready to fight bushfires

Wildfires Rage In Eastern Australia

WA faces worst 'fire season' for a decade

Homes saved from 'deliberately lit' fire

Nervous Ross hopes for bushfire miracle

Fire crews face another hectic day

'Terrifying' bushfire arson fears

Hopes for rain as firefighters tire

2009-10-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101609

A forested region in Challis, Idaho, had the least fire activity it's seen in over 30 years, our first wildfire story today. Red River County, Texas, has had abundant rainfall, but volunteer fire departments are still warning residents of the fire danger. Michigan Tech will be receiving stimulus funds to help study the effects of wildfire smoke on respiratory health; and a letter to the editor of a Massachusetts newspaper pleads with government officials not to cut state forest worker numbers. Firefighters from across North Carolina have picked up useful info on wildfires, including air operations, at a forestry firefighting school. Heading Down Under, three Australians from Victoria have been arrested over the theft of $500,000 worth of bushfire relief items; and a volunteer firefighter who lit several bushfires prior to the Black Saturday blazes has been sentenced to jail. Nearly $200 million in additional bushfire relief funds will be tapped to help rebuild infrastructure in parts of Victoria hardest hit by the Black Saturday bushfires; while the commercial forestry arm of that state, which registered several million dollars in timber losses, mainly due to the Black Saturday bushfires, is anticipating a return to profitability in the near future. Fire crews in northern New South Wales continued to battle wind-driven bushfires; and it was reported that a firefighter died after fighting a grass fire in that state. Firefighters from Sydney are being dispatched to northern New South Wales to help reestablish firelines that were breached; even as additional firefighters from that state are heading to Queensland to relieve exhausted firefighters on the firelines there. Residents of Central Queensland are facing possible evacuation as bushfires near their homes; and a heroic (some might say foolish) stand by residents and firefighters to protect a neighborhood on the Gold Coast yesterday staved off disaster. Country Fire Service is warning that residents of South Australia could face the same devastation as Victoria experienced on Black Saturday if they don't take proper precautions around their homes. A slash and burn operation in the Northern Territories has sparked an out-of-control bushfire. A tussle over control of bushfire-fighting in West Australia is the topic of the next item; but one of the casualties of the bushfires near Broome yesterday was the outdoor set for a children's television program. And finally, Kristina Hajjar, Director of Communications for Los Angeles County Fire Department, forwarded a story about firefighters finding a most unusual package on their front doorstep when they returned from a call!

Recalculation shows Challis forest had smallest fire season

Red River County VFDs serious about wildfires

Michigan Tech gets cash to study health effects of wildfires

Letter: Don't cut forest fire control workers

Firefighters train at NC Division of Forest Resources’ fire school

Three arrested for $500,000 bushfire fund theft

Volunteer fireman lit three bushfires

More funds for bushfire communities

Bushfires put VicForests to the torch

Bushfire jumps containment lines

Firefighter dies on NSW mid-north coast

Reinforcements sent to battle bushfires in state's north

Exhausted firefighters may seek help

Blaze menaces central Queensland homes

Neighbours unite to keep flames at bay

Could you save your home from a blaze?

Out-of-control fire threatens homes

Concern over FESA control of bushfires

Film set burns in bushfire

Newborn Baby Abandoned at Los Angeles County Fire Station

2009-10-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101509

As homeowners in Southern California's burn areas breath a sigh of relief over the lack of mudslides after a major rainstorm, CBS news asks whether US Forest Service mismanaged the Station Fire that left the hillsides denuded of vegetation; while the Ventura Fire Chief provides information on how homeowners can do their part to cut down on destructive wildfires. As temperatures cool and rain arrives in northern parts of California, CALFIRE is canceling contracts and releasing seasonal firefighters; and officials from Central California weigh in on the issue of proper forest management. There will be a fundraiser for a Hotshot from California who was severely injured after being run over accidentally by a water tender in September. Arson investigators in Colorado believe that a downed power line probably sparked a small wildfire yesterday; while, on the technology front, Colorado State University has received a substantial grant to help develop a lightweight, water-cooled suit for firefighters to help keep their core temperature under control while fighting fires. The jury trial of the man accused of accidentally starting a large wildfire in South Carolina has been delayed. A wildlife sanctuary in Mozambique was severely damaged by wildfires. A commission in Australia has determined something that firefighters probably don't want to hear: massive bushfires encourage arsonists! More town councils in Victoria are working with Country Fire Authority on preparations for safe havens in case of bushfires; even as Country Fire Authority struggles to hang on to their volunteer firefighters. A summary of bushfires burning across Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia is provided by the next four articles. Testimony from New South Wales homeowners who faced wind-driven bushfires is provided by the next article; while dozens of bushfires burned across Queensland yesterday.

Was Massive L.A.-Area Blaze Mismanaged?

Ask the Chief: Fire Department, community have roles in fighting wildfires

CalFire to release some seasonal employees

Forest management needed to reduce wildfire risks

California Wildland Firefighter Recovering After Water Tender Runs Over Her

Investigators believe power line started small wildfire

Liquid-Cooled Suit Could Soon Protect Firefighters

Trial Delayed In Fire That Sparked South Carolina Wildfire

Mozambique: Bush Fires Strike Gorongosa Sanctuary

Major bushfires may 'encourage arsonists': commission

Councils face big bushfire preparations task

CFA fights to keep numbers

Homes threatened as fires ravage three states

Bushfires spread: Fight to protect NSW village

Bushfires still burning in the Kimberley

Danger warnings as 600 battle fires in Queensland

Bushfire sparks 'night of terror'

Fire near Gateway Motorway causes traffic chaos

2009-10-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101409

Residents of burn areas in Southern California were bracing for mudslides in the wake of the first major storm of the season; but Southern California is not the only burn area worried about mudslides, as residents of Santa Cruz have also been evacuated; and though most burn areas seem to have avoided mudslides, at least one has been reported along the Central Coast. A think tank in Chicago, Illinois, decries the linking of California's Station Fire to Global Warming. Three cities in eastern San Diego County have taken a step closer to a unified fire service by signing a partnership agreement. An article from Arizona explores the multifaceted topic of forest fires; while an 8-acre wildfire in the northern part of that state was contained by firefighters. A report from a forestry advocate cites fewer fires this year, but an aging air-tanker fleet to fight them in the future; even as Virginia fire officials notified the public of the fire danger now that fall wildfire season has arrived. A photo of aircraft fighting a wildfire on the Greek island of Evia yesterday is provided with the next article. Police assisting in rural areas during Australia's Black Saturday bushfires are fortunate not to have become bushfire victims due to faulty communications, as testimony to the Royal Bushfire Commission asserted; while protests about the slow pace of rebuilding in bushfire-ravaged Victoria are being voiced by Opposition politicians. A bushfire guide has been provided by government officials in Victoria to help prepare for the upcoming bushfire season; and a town council in that state will be working hand-in-hand with Country Fire Authority to be ready. The death of an elderly man in Queensland shows another danger of civilians battling bushfires; even as a number of bushfires were being prosecuted in that state. Fire crews in New South Wales battled blazes to protect homes in the path of bushfires; but residents are being allowed to return to Broome, West Australia, after being evacuated when a wind-driven bushfire approached. Medical experts in Australia are counseling that in order to survive bushfires, civilians need to bring their 'A-game', psychologically. And finally, a firefighter in New South Wales performing controlled burns outside of Sydney got a shock when a pygmy possum stuck its head out of his shirt pocket during lunch!

SoCal's Fears Turn from Fires to Floods

Mudslide concern leads to Santa Cruz evacuations

Heavy rain triggers mudslide near Watsonville

California Wildfires Falsely Linked to Global Warming

El Cajon, La Mesa join fire-service partnership

Forests fires: friend or foe?

Freidlein Fire Contained

Timber: Few fires, lawsuit updates, protest damages

State officials warn against wildfires

Forest blaze...

Police radio network used on Black Saturday 'could have killed'

Bushfire rebuild process too slow: Hockey

Bushfire guide aimed at tourism businesses

Casey Council and CFA join forces in wildfire fight

Elderly man dies during Qld bushfire

Bushfire threatens shopping centre

Bushfire crews fight to defend homes

Broome bushfire threat eases

Preparing Psychologically For Bushfires - Updated Resource For The Public, Australia

Possum's safe haven a surprise for firefighter

2009-10-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101309

In our first wildfire article today, more details on the homeless man from Nigeria who is wanted for questioning about the origins of the Station fire are provided in an article from the Los Angeles Times; while law-enforcement officials in San Diego County indicated that they are better prepared to evacuate populations threatened by wildfires than they were in 2007. A report on wildfires burning in Northern California is up next; followed by an update on a wildfire in Washington state that burned 60 acres which is just about out. The US Forest Service is planning some controlled burns in parts of Colorado later this month; but volunteer firefighters in West Virginia are falling prey to a malady that has sparked an unprecedented number of firefighter-caused fires in that state: boredom. Firefighters from Alabama discuss the vicissitudes of fighting wildfires in Texas this past summer, including encounters with illegal aliens and killer bees! Spain is having problems in some wetlands with underground peat fires; while a wind-driven wildfire on the Greek island of Evia forced the evacuation of hundreds of guests from a Club Med resort. Heading Down Under, an Op-Ed piece from Victoria castigates the Royal Bushfire Commission as a 'smokescreen'; while a Member of Parliament's suggestion to locate portable cell phone towers in northwestern Victoria areas which do not have good cell coverage to aid in bushfire evacuations is running into some official resistance. A resident of Victoria, Australia, who is accused of igniting a bush fire that destroyed 30 homes has had his bail extended. The limitations of forcibly evicting citizens from towns threatened by bushfires in Victoria was discussed at the Royal Bushfire Commission hearings; but those who stay could be faced with a lack of water with which to fight the fire. And finally, Australians have been warned that there is no such thing as an approved bushfire bunker design, contrary to claims by some vendors.

Homeless man wanted for questioning in Station fire

SD County: Fire plans upgraded since 2007 disaster

Wilson, Mill Creek fires still burning

Firefighters get upper hand on Clark County wildfire

Forest Service begins prescribed burns

Arson Arrests Up Among Firefighters

Fighting Texas wildfires

Underground fires raging in Spanish wetlands: expert

Greek island fire forces evacuation of hotel

Fire commission a smokescreen

MP suggests temporary phone towers in bushfire areas

Bail extended for Gippsland bushfire accused

Forced bushfire evacuations 'not practical'

Water supplies may fail in fire

Be aware of false bushfire bunker claims

2009-10-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101209

First up in wildfire news today, a transient from Nigeria is being sought for setting a fire several days before the Station Fire erupted in Southern California's Angeles National Forest; while nature lovers were appalled at the damage from that fire when they toured Deukmejian Wilderness Park over the weekend; and sandbags are the order of the day for Southern California communities fearful of mudslides from fire-denuded hillsides. Firefighters responded rapidly to a 20-acre urban wildfire in Long Beach; and a flaming Jeep sparked a wildfire on Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Saturday. A forest thinning project in Oregon will test the Obama administration's commitment to maintaining roadless forests. A wind-driven wildfire was burning in Washington state on Sunday; forcing the evacuation of nearly 40 homes in the area. A pet rescue organization in Seattle, Washington, has put dogs that ran away from their homes during the Southern California wildfires up for adoption, rather than letting these animals be euthanized. Despite snowfall atop wildfires, smoke was still seen to curl skyward in Montana; even as firefighters in that state fear the devastation that could be caused by so many trees that been killed by beetles. Maine Forest Service is utilizing PDAs to catalog the vegetation in the state for future use in determining high-risk areas for wildfires; but a Florida utility is getting rapped for not maintaining enough water on their property for firefighting purposes. Firefighters in Alaska are planning to burn off over 1,000 acres to reduce the wildfire danger near Fairbanks. The plight of the Amur leopard in Russia's Far East, whose habitat is being destroyed by, among other things, forest fires, is examined in the next article. Insurance companies in Australia have made substantial hikes in the premiums residents pay due to an increase in costly disasters, especially bushfires; perhaps helping launch a booming business in bushfire-resistant products; even as government officials are urging country dwellers to have evacuation plans prepared not only for themselves, but for their livestock as well. A six-step bushfire danger evaluation tool is being provided to homeowners in Victoria, though the premier still recommends flight over fight; while a survey of several thousand households is being done to determine how to improve bushfire safety even more. New rules in Victoria for dealing with arsonists after their release from prison hope to keep them out of trouble; but a resident of Victoria who has successfully defended his home from bushfires is concerned about the lack of burn-offs in the area allowing vegetation to become a major fire hazard. Although firefighters feel that their backfire did not increase the damage in Marysville, Victoria, on Black Saturday, they still regret having set it; even as firefighters recounted the terror of that day. And finally, a pair of volunteer firefighters outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ran into a sticky situation trying to rescue an off-roader who got stuck in mud!

LA detectives seek transient in wildfire probe

Residents shocked by fire damage to Deukmejian Wilderness Park

Calif. wildfire-area communities prepare for rain

LA firefighters quickly douse urban wildfire

Grapevine Fire Containment Expected Tonight

Oregon thinning project tests Obama forest policy

Firefighters battling brush fire north of Washougal

Evacuation advisories for 38 homes near Cashmere

'Forgotten' dogs rescued from SoCal wildfires

Snow atop the wildfire, Kootenai Creek trail reopens to public

Pine beetle infestation causing firefighting challenges

Foliage reports go high-tech in Maine

State: Not enough water to fight fire in Sandy Creek

Prescribed burns reducing wildfire danger

Land of Leopard in Flames

Insurers blame disasters for rises

Rush to launch bushfire-proof products

Keeping animals safe from bushfire

Fleeing still the safest way

Survey will help improve safety

Move to crack down on convicted firebugs

Burn it now

Firefighter regrets bushfire backburn in Marysville

Marysville chaos and terror retold in court

Firefighters, teen rescued from mud pit in Fayette County

2009-10-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 101009

First up in Wildfire News Of The Day, although the Sheep Fire is not fully contained yet, restoration of the areas burned has already begun; followed by an article about a seldom-seen side of firefighting - local residents providing support to firefighters at the fire camp. Burn areas in Southern California are bracing for the first significant rain of the season; even as homeowners who face the prospect of mudslides when the rains arrive put more faith in easy-to-acquire sandbags than in harder-to-acquire flood insurance! A journalist who warned of the dangers of allowing hillside home development comments on who he feels is really responsible for the devastation of the Station Fire. San Diego, which has seen wildfires that required a superhero to tame them, will now be protected by an S-64E helicopter dubbed "the Incredible Hulk" furnished by Erickson Aircrane, courtesy of San Diego Gas & Electric, as told in the next three articles; while representatives of CAL FIRE discuss their massive-response strategy in dealing with wildfires in northern San Diego County. US Forest Service firefighters will begin control burns in Central California's Eldorado National Forest today; but a number of wildfires cropped up in Lake County late this week; and CAL FIRE reported a couple of blazes in Northern California today. US Forest Service fire managers in the Kaibab National Forest have apologized to the residents of Williams, Arizona, over letting a prescribed burn get out of hand; while fire managers in Arizona's Tonto National Forest plan to begin prescribed burns later this month (let's hope they keep these under control). One of the originators of Landfire, a multiagency program that maps vegetation across the United States for wildfire purposes, earned an award. Heading Down Under, at least one community in Victoria, Australia, is already making preparations for bushfire season; but another article gripes about the sluggish rebuilding pace in that state nine months after the Black Saturday bushfires. The new fire warning system and rules of engagement for residents of Victoria in future bushfires are discussed in the next article. Homeowners in New South Wales who have pools in their backyard will be able to post a "static water source" sign on their fence, indicating that firefighters can tap that water source in a bushfire, something which may save that home; and in an initiative that will launch a thousand safe havens, New South Wales will be selecting sites all over that state in which people can shelter from bushfires. A bushfire along New South Wales' Gold Coast has been contained. As the inquest into the death of three truckers in West Australia continues, drivers have recommended that officials should broadcast bushfire warnings over the UHF frequencies used by truckers. An insurance company provides some useful tips to residents of Queensland to cut down on the bushfire danger, as well as pointers on how to evacuate. And finally, think twice before participating in that TV spot while fighting a fire - the stunt could be more dangerous than it looked!

Sheep Fire 90% Contained, Rehab Work Already Started

Sheep Fire Incident Command Post Visited by RIMOFTHEWORLD.net

Rain heads toward fire-scarred California

Southland homeowners at risk for mudslides have trouble finding insurance

The real villains of the Station fire - Bill Boyarsky

Incredible Hulk to the Rescue

SDG&E leases 'Hulk' of a helicopter for fire season

SDG&E to pay lease for firefighting helicopter

REGION: Officials say region much better prepared to stop wildfires

Forest Service schedules controlled burn of meadow

Fires spark around county

Breaking News-100+ acre wildfire burning in Klamath area

Forest Service apologizes for Williams wildfire

Arizona News: Tonto National Forest Begins Prescription Fires

Fire service program earns St. Johns man national recognition

Hume is all set for bushfires

Black Saturday's survivors deserve much better

Fire code revamp

Pools, tanks important to firefighters

Last resort: state's 1000 bushfire safe havens

Clarence bushfire under control

Bushfire information should be broadcast on 'UHF radio'

Qld urged to prepare for bushfires

Video: Firefighters catch fire during sprinkler demo

2009-10-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 100809

We lead off Wildfire News Of The Day today with a story from Kristina Hajjar, Director of Communications for Los Angeles County Fire Department, about how the local Chinese community made a generous donation to LA County Fire's fallen firefighter fund; even as the US Forest Service firefighter who lost his home in the Sheep Fire was inundated with donations to help him rebuild his life. Next up is an article from LA Weekly in which Tony Morris of Wildfire Research Network, is quoted discussing some of the mysteries surrounding the US Forest Service response to the Station Fire. Large numbers of firefighters are being released from the Sheep Fire, as told in an article by Rich Brooks of the San Bernardino Press Enterprise; a fire in which San Bernardino County Fire Department firefighters employed several Gel Teams using Thermo Gel to protect structures in Wrightwood, saving the structures from otherwise-certain destruction as the Sheep Fire forced evacuations. A wildfire that burned in Thousand Oaks was overwhelmed by Ventura County firefighters; and CAL FIRE's Tree Seedling Nursery Program will be providing seedlings to help re-forest areas ravaged by this year's wildfires. A barn fire in Central California spread to the nearby forest, but was met by a full wildland response by CAL FIRE, limiting its spread to only half an acre; while a couple of small grass fires in that region also drew a quick response from firefighters. A number of small fires broke out in northern California communities; as was the case in some eastern Oregon communities. A group of private citizens is working to restore fire lookout towers in Washington state. The out-of-control prescribed burn near Williams, Arizona, has topped $2 million in suppression costs and is still only 60% contained; prompting residents to ask firefighters to provide better explanations of the danger from such events. Another article details Idaho's minimalist fire season this year; followed by an article from New Scientist Magazine that explores the history of wildfires and how they change the way people live. Bushfires on the island nation of Sri Lanka have destroyed over 4,000 acres of timber. Australian civilians have sometimes been criticized for complacency in the face of the bushfire threat, but testimony to the Royal Bushfire Commission in Victoria highlights the fact that some fire personnel were also skeptical of the dire situation prior to Black Saturday. As the Black Saturday bushfires unfolded, a lack of qualified incident commanders and timely weather information crippled the response, according to testimony before the Royal Bushfire Commission; but lacking timely fire information, a "calculated risk" may have saved hundreds of lives as a convoy set out from one of the towns threatened by the Black Saturday bushfires. Fire authorities in Victoria are expecting a major blaze within the next six weeks; prompting a local community leader to voice concerns a town is in serious bushfire danger. As the inquest into the death of three truck drivers in West Australia continues, radio transcripts of the drivers begging for help before being overwhelmed by the flames were introduced into the record. While bushfires continued to blaze across Queensland, additional firefighters were flown north from Brisbane; with bushfires threatening many residences; including a bed and breakfast in Yungaburra; even as a bushfire broke out on an island near Brisbane. And finally, these "fire prevention specialists" will work for food!

Chinese Community Donates $42,000 for Fallen Firefighter

Donations pour in for Forest Service worker who lost home in Sheep fire

Did Feds Cause the Station-fire Disaster

SHEEP FIRE: Firefighters released en masse

Historic Calif. ranch saved by firefighting technology

Fire no match for Ventura County firefighters

CalFire has seedling program

Barn fire spreads, burns half-acre of forest outside of Boulder Creek

Firefighters battle two grass fires

Several small fires erupt

Several small fires reported in the area

Fire lookouts guard history

Williams firefighting costs top $2 million

Fire managers owe Williams better explanation of risk

2009 third-smallest fire season since 1970

Scorched earth: Wildfires will change the way we live

Bushfires destroy 4,000 acres in Sri Lanka Hill country

Bushfire warnings criticised as going 'overboard'

Commission told weather report request delayed

'Calculated risk' led to evacuation

Bushfire threat looms for Victoria

Clark calls for urgent fire funding

Bushfire truck driver used radio 'to beg for help'

More Brisbane crews to help fight north Qld fires

Busy day for Qld fire crews

Bushfire at Yungaburra B&B

Bushfire breaks out on SE Qld island

Fire department uses goats to clear brush