BS: Wild Fires in Western US- Good thoughts Please

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 05:59 PM

Me, too.

Here's the latest:

Sunday Weather: Another day of hot, dry conditions with southwest winds. Winds will be light, five miles per hour early in the day and increase to 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 25 miles per hour by mid-afternoon. The Haines Index, which measures the stability and dryness of air over a fire, is six, which is the highest measure for this index. This indicates that there is a high potential for extreme fire behavior, intensity and growth.

Current Situation: On Saturday, firefighters took advantage of downslope winds to conduct burnout operations that will aid in strengthening firelines for Sunday's expected weather. A wind shift is expected that will test the north, northeast and southeast parts of the fire. On Sunday, fire crews will work with aviation resources to tie fire line to the Colorado River and suppress hot areas of the fireline. In addition, Union Pacific is working with firefighters to help them gain access and deliver water by rail.

Due to numerous resource concerns, like oil and gas well locations, cultural resources, threatened and endangered species, and the Wild Horse range, four resource advisors from the area are working with firefighters to ensure protection of resources during suppression efforts.

Evacuations and Public Safety: Mesa County Sheriff's office, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Department of Transportation, Union Pacific, and utility companies, have been critical in coordinating with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team on public safety. They will remain involved throughout the remainder of the fire activity.

Mesa County residents can register for the Emergency Notification through the City of Grand Junction website at: www.gjcity.org. This will allow 911 operators to notify residents by land line and cell phone of emergencies or evacuation orders being reinstated.

1-70 is currently open but travelers should be aware that road closures could be implemented if fire activity warrants. Check with Colorado Department of Transportation at www.cotrip.org for latest updates on road closures across the State of Colorado.

Fire Statistics:
Location: 13 miles east of Grand Junction, CO in the Bookcliffs Start Date: June 27, 2012
Size: 12,752 acres
Percent Contained: 25
Cause: Lightning
Total Personnel: Approximately 321
Resources Include: 2 Type 1 hand crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 32 engines, 2 watertenders, and overhead personnel
Air Resources: 3 helicopters, 1 Skycrane, 4 heavy air tankers and fixed wing support
Cost: $986,561

My ex still is not out of the "woods." He did get his sheep taken to another farm in a different area altogether. He's working on the rest.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 05:03 PM

My relatives have been and are municipal firefighters. My wife's relatives have been hot shot crew, smoke jumpers, and Forest Service (both Federal and state level). I've got good friends who have been and are firefighters. You bet yer ass I signed that petition.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 02:06 PM

Becky's link to the petition to redress the situation is timely - and I signed. Like many people I had no idea that these essential and heroic activities are not covered by insurance. ANY injury sustained by these heroes should be covered and their families should be included as in any other loss.

Any state that fields firefighters and any state that sends them out to other states should insure them as a matter of course.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 01:42 PM

NPR has a story on the Forest Service's aging aircraft fleet... Firefighting Planes Battle Wildfires And Old Age. Updates (to the fleet) are coming slowly.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: maeve
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 07:51 AM

Friend Bruce- I can only begin to imagine what such huge and increasing fires would be like to live with; how a person can survive days and weeks of firefighting on such a scale. My husband and I are well aware of and grateful for the work and daily risks of neighbors who are firefighters. The firefighters from eight towns who tried to save our home are unpaid volunteers. Your own compassion and experience helped us begin our recovery.

All I have read here strikes me as being born of real concern, and more than a little at that. Sometimes others' responses in a thread can seem to fall far short of what one wishes they could be (and my own posts are never as eloquent as I would wish), but it's not necessarily attributable to a lack of empathy or refusal to take corrective action. I hope we can speak truth here, yet still be gentle with one another.

Our empathy for and gratitude to our neighboring firefighters, to you and your colleagues, as well as for the sacrifices of the amazing and embattled men and women fighting the blazes out West, are usually what we can offer in public. Whether I post to this or any other thread relating to tragedy has no connection to my interest in it, nor is it an accurate indicator of what action we've managed to take in support.

We're here. We care. We will do what we can. If anyone knows of s specific need, please send me a PM. To all firefighters and their families- Thank you from the bottom, middle, and top of my heart. To those in the path of fire, you are not alone.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Jun 12 - 10:22 PM

Well, yes, the offer has been made.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Deckman
Date: 30 Jun 12 - 09:21 PM

Hang in there RAP ... as if you had a choice. You've a big house, lots of room ... knowing YOU ... you'll bring in lot's of fire victums and do all you can to help them./ bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: GUEST,999
Date: 30 Jun 12 - 07:55 PM

Becky, thank you..

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 30 Jun 12 - 07:14 PM

Temporary government workers, like wildlands firefighters, are not offered benefits like health insurance coverage. Even if in the course of a season they work the equivalent of a year's full-time work. And they work multiple years in a row.

Uninsured and fighting blazes: Welcome to the life of a federal firefighter (Washington Post)

petition at Change.org

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 11:51 PM

There was supposed to be a crack team brought in this morning. First Line or something is what they called them. The Best of the Best at fighting wildfires. We used to call them hot-shots, but I think this team is above that even. Last I heard, it was over 12,000 acres. Haven't heard anything about loss of homes. It is sparsely populated btu too close to a small town and just below a huge, swanky settlement on a small mesa.

Whatever they do, I give thanks for their safety. We on the Western Slope never forget the terrible loss of firefighters' lives a few years back when they got caught on a ridge near Glenwood Springs.

No news from Stan since this morning, so I am taking that as a good sign they are still okay and he got a breather re' what to do with the critters, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: GUEST,999
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 11:35 PM

Ditto, Rap.

Fires are part of what nature--and sometimes arsonists do. The aftermath of situations is ugly and heart-breaking. I have liked you since the first post I ever saw of yours. I do know from where you come. I will never forget you and your missus sitting in the fire hall while I was nodding off.

Reminds me of the old song sung by Kenny Rogers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B39i4o-v5jA&feature=player_detailpage

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 11:07 PM

The Rocky Mountain west is burning. The Bridger-Teton Nation Forest has a good-sized blaze going, there's a 1,200 acre blaze in Swan Valley, ID.

The fire season isn't even half over. What the total will be no one knows, but it's already too high.

There are a LOT of people who no longer have a home. If you get a chance, contribute something to help folks out. It doesn't matter where they are -- CO, NM, AB, ID, MT, WY, CA, AZ, UT, OR, WA, BC.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: GUEST,999
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 10:38 PM

"Fire companies from as much as 100 miles away are helping, as well as the Federal agencies."

I posted on another thread that federal firefighters have no insurance on their lives for injury or death. None of the people on that thread gave a shit. Some are posting here. Yes, everyone loves drama, and to be involved with that drama, but it just ain't yer asses on the line.

The situation will not be corrected until 2014 if my memory is correct. No offense, but being close to fires is NOT the same as being in them.

That remark is NOT directed at Rap. One of his brothers is a firefighter. You want to help, send cash. You want to be seen as concerned and helping, post.

######################

I just noticed that that thread is this thread. Take a good look at yourselves. Yes, indeed we love to be associated with drama, and the bigger the better. In the words of the prophet, I'll light a candle for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Bert
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 10:16 PM

Here in Colorado Springs, 17,073 acres, 346 homes, 2 fatalities.

Check The Gazette for details.

and for the map

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 09:39 PM

Here are some aerial photos of the burned area. Note the roads -- they used to have houses along them. The orange stain is air-dropped fire retardant.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Janie
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 09:13 PM

I've never lived in "fire country" so really can not imagine....can only read,m watch, and hope all remain safe. My heartfelt thoughts to fire fighters everywhere.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 06:24 PM

Brings new meaning to the expression "Safe home." My heart goes out to all of you who are, or may soon be, in jeopardy. Even if you are not in jeopardy, you may be stressed. Good thoughts? Done and continuing.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 06:23 PM

Fire is at 1040 acres, 66 homes have burned. If the wind stays down people may be allowed back in three to five days. Fire companies from as much as 100 miles away are helping, as well as the Federal agencies.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: gnu
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 03:08 PM

Gosh. Good thoughts fer sure.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 02:53 PM

THis one was 10,000 acres and county, mostly desert/rural, but there are at least 50 well heads in line. Th oil companies have shut them down.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 01:11 PM

1,038 acres and 20 homes, so far. We'll know more after a news conference at 11:30. They made some headway overnight, but the wind is picking up now.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 10:32 AM

Thanks, folks. As of this morning the fire had not reached Stan's place as the wind changed direction. Nature is fickle, though. Here's hoping the wind just stops.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 07:10 AM

Much love and good thoughts to all being affected by the fires, drought and heat.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 07:07 AM

I remember fire. Thinking of all who are within reach of the flames.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 04:32 AM

sending good thoughts

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 04:03 AM

That's deadly heat, John.

I think the fire up the canyon has grown, a lot. We went to bed about 11p. I just was awakened by the heavy, oily smell of smoke. May there be rain and NO wind, now.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 11:51 PM

Although fires in Kansas have been relatively small and are mostly "containable" there has been some loss of structures, and an "Emergency" has been declared by the gov for a few northwestern counties.

Coincidentally, one small town in the state has been recorded as having the "highest temperature in the nation" for the fifth consecutive day (as of yesterday). The record seldom lands in Kansas more than occasionally. Yesterday's high there was 115 F (46.1 C?). "Normal" for the season might be a little above 100F, but 115 is unusual anywhere in the state. I haven't checked on today's report, but the forecast was for "more of the same" recently. (And no rain, badly needed, anywhere in sight.)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: JennieG
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 11:27 PM

Keeping you in my thoughts....here in Oz we know how devastating fires can be.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 10:53 PM

The unnamed guest was me.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: GUEST,999
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 10:49 PM

Hey Rap. Four hundred acres is handle-able. Even by two engines (pumpers). But, when the guys say leave, go.

One of the great pleasures of my life was meeting you and your missus. You seem to me to be a granite piece of detriment to anyone who's ever been antagonistic to decency.

Keep well, and stay safe.

BM

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 10:48 PM

I'm not in much danger -- the house has a golf course in back and the front and back lawns are green and watered. The house is brick and the roof is about four years old and Class A fire rated. Thank God we replaced the old cedar shake roof!

I feel a bit sorry for folks living up the hill from us, in the "high rent district," as there is ONE road into their area. If the hills start burning and we do have to leave we have two ways out on the street and we COULD drive across the golf course (annoying the living hell out of the golfers who would undoubtedly still be playing).

We're more likely to take someone in who's been evacuated. Already some of our friends have done this.

We have our "Grab 'n' Go" box ready.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 10:41 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you. That said - get the hell out if ordered to evacuate.
News report says "Take your Ps"\People, pets, paperwork and prescriptions.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 10:18 PM

There's more than 400 acres burning south of town; it's reported that 10 houses have burned. Everyone in certain neighborhoods (I don't know the number, but it's a lot) are being evacuated. The cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck (it's a "cross the street" relationship) have suspended the licenses of all fireworks vendors and banned the use of all fireworks indefinitely. The fire seems to be "human caused."

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 09:49 PM

Watching from Maine.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 09:41 PM

I hope you know that the Federal firefighters involved have NO life or injury insurance. They are considered to be part-time workers. They are especially trained to deal with situations within situations. Their work is dangerous and they are very skilled. The municipal ffs are exemplary. That speaks well of their training and their chief, Rich(ard) Brown.

A model of how things of this magnitude should be run is being demonstrated by the Colorado Springs people. They have been and continue to be the epitome of excellence. Professional, professional, professional. ALL of the first responders are exemplary. The people of CS are a wonder. If you never again have a chance to see the best of what organization, management and caring have to offer, please be able to tell your children about what these people have done. If I never again see 'calm, cool and collected', I will have seen it there, and it is definitive.

The penultimate reporter is, imo, Dean Radice. He has been reporting on the fire and without any "let's get people excited" stuff.

The best thing you can do is listen to and then do what the first responders tell you to do. Situations of this nature get worse--until they get better. The guys and gals will do their best to protect you, but when they leave, maybe you should too.

BM

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US - Good thoughts Pleas
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 08:28 PM

A woman we know of 'advanced' age moved to Colorado recently so her daughter could help take care of her. She emailed to say they were just ordered to evacuate.

She moved FROM Florida, where there was just torrential rains in the
area she left.

Nature has little sense of fairness....

Subject: PLEASE HELP ASAP
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Jun 12 - 08:21 PM

Please send good thoughts etc. NOW for my ex, Stan, and his critters. There is a fire in the canyon where he lives which is headed right for his place. He has two sheep, several ducks, dogs, and too many cats and not enough trailers or help to get them out of there before it hits. He is convinced they will all die because there just wasn't any time. This one came up fast and unexpectedly. It's about 20 miles up the road from us..just getting ready to jump I70.

Thank you...my heart is breaking for him and his pets.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 10:17 PM

My son said the Buddhist retreat he was at last summer had been ordered to evacuate earlier this evening. The fire was marching over a mountain straight for them. I am gratefull he is not living in the forest or at the Retreat at this time. He and I had a few tears thinking of all the beautiful, precious critters and their loss. So sad and scary.

Great Spirit, Creator of All, blessed be the rains which come, bringing relief to all.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 09:41 PM

artbrooks ate all his cookies:-)

The Little Bear fire (so named because that's where Smokey came from) is pretty bad. We have two others that seem to be under control. We had some heavy smoke here in Albuquerque 10 days or so ago from the fire in the Santa Fe National Forest, but it has cleared out now. Severe fire restrictions (both campfire and stove) are in force...I really didn't want to go camping this weekend.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 08:17 PM

60 acres burned about a mile from my house a week or so ago. THAT is thought to have been teens playing with a lighter; the cops are investigating. We had two other major fires going at the same time as this one.

The smoke of the CO/NM fires was smelt in Cheyenne, WY this morning.

The 4th of July should be interesting!

Yeah, it's shaping up to be a tough summer.

Subject: RE: BS: Wild Fires in Western US
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 06:58 PM

Yes, woke up Tuesday here in Broomfield to the alarming odor of burning.
We are in for a tough Summer out here.

Subject: BS: Wild Fires in Western US
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 05:54 PM

Multiple large fires

6/13/2012

LOVELAND, Colo. — Hundreds of evacuees in southern New Mexico on Wednesday still weren't sure whether their homes were among the 224 destroyed by a wildfire near the town of Ruidoso.

Fire officials broke the news to evacuees Tuesday night, but emphasized that while crews had surveyed the destroyed properties they had no exact locations to share just yet.

The 36,000-acre wildfire also destroyed 10 other structures. Earlier,
just 35 homes and structures were thought to have been burned.
Heaps of burned metal and other debris were found at home sites hit hardest by the Little Bear Fire, which was 35 percent contained.
"It's truly heartbreaking to see the damage done to this beautiful part of the country," New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez said after touring the area Tuesday.

With at least 19 large fires burning in nine states, President Barack Obama called Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to assure him that the federal government stood ready to provide personnel, equipment and emergency grants for Colorado and other states battling fire. Obama also tried to reach Martinez, but her office said poor reception in the fire zone kept the two from connecting.

The 68-square-mile High Park Fire in Colorado shrouded downtown Denver, some 60 miles south, in a smoky haze early Tuesday. The smoke temporarily grounded the air attack on the fire, but helicopters and tanker planes took to the skies by midday.

The fire was 10 percent contained Tuesday. One person has died and 118 structures have been destroyed or damaged.

Larimer County authorities allowed some residents to return home but issued 25 more evacuation notices near the west side of the fire because of limited escape routes. Among those affected by the new evacuations were up to 100 people at a camp, plus Colorado State University's mountain campus at Pingree Park.

The wildfires in the drought-stricken West have tested federal resources. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced late Monday the agency was contracting eight heavy air tankers to increase the aging national fleet to 17.

Across the West:
California: A wildfire that briefly threatened homes in Kern County was fully contained.
Colorado: The 68-square-mile High Park Fire is 10 percent contained. More than 600 people are assigned to the fire.
New Mexico: Nearly 1,000 firefighters and more than 200 National Guardsmen are battling the 56-square-mile Little Bear fire. Containment is 35 percent. More than 500 firefighters bolstered lines around the Gila fire, the country's largest at 438 square miles.
Utah: Two wildfires blackened 4,000 acres in Fishlake National Forest in southern Utah. A third fire believed to have been sparked by target shooting near Centerville, 15 miles north of Salt Lake City, was quickly contained late Monday.
Wyoming: A 4-square-mile blaze at Guernsey State Park is 80 percent contained. Six helicopters and 600 firefighters are deployed. Firefighters contained 95 percent of a 13-square-mile fire in Medicine Bow National Forest and completely contained a 1,700-acre fire in Weston County.
Arizona: A wildfire has charred nearly 2,700 acres but is now 40 percent contained; it began Sunday in the Tonto National Forest northwest of Phoenix. In northern Arizona on the Navajo Nation, a wildfire has burned about 600 acres.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

[end quote]

The total area burning, reported in the summary above, is 537.06 square miles, but the summary only reports the few largest. It was reported in an earlier article that smoke from one 90 miles west of Denver was visible (impressively) in Denver, and similar sightings have been discussed for some of the other fires.

I don't know that we have people likely to be affected by the current ones, but other large areas have shared the same drought conditions (and dead wood from invasive foreign beetles) as are being blamed for the current ones. At least two of the current ones are attributed to lightning, so vulnerable areas don't lack for possibilities of ignition, and fire control resources are already getting thin.

Impressive(?) videos and images are scattered about on the web, and shouldn't be hard to find.

John