It was a good read written by, I think Greg Keller.

I would like to read it again if anybody happens to have a copy of it.

Curious and looking...

Dave

Two_More_Chains_Summer_2012 (pdf)

While I know many of you are still on the lines, it is now very apparent that one of the topics that will be brought up in Washington next month is the decision made by the Deputy Chief of State & private Forestry James Hubbard to adopt a "full containment" policy on all wildfires.

I'd like some feedback from folks in the field as to their thoughts on this policy shift which, according to Hubbard is only for the remainder of this season. It is unfortunate that politics have come to play such a significant role in wildland firefighting.

Casey Judd
President
Federal Wildland Fire Service Association
208-775-4577

1. What does government do right when it comes to supporting the rural community? Where does it present challenges?
2. How can we support your efforts?

Notes will be taken at the meeting and distributed to all the Senators. Guests are welcome to bring handouts, but we will distribute them after them meeting.

Complete story here...
http://inciweb.org/incident/article/16516/

CA-PNF-Chips HOTLIST thread

For those of you who don’t know, Union IHC is putting on a fundraiser for Krs Evans. Krs needs a new vehicle and OWCP will only replace his old van with a used van. This type of vehicle does not suit his needs. The van costs way too much to drive and limits his ability to be independent. He needs a smaller, appropriate, fuel-efficient and adapted vehicle.

So it is time we all step up and help a fellow Firefighter.

If you choose to give, also spread the word. For those that have given already, thanks.

Jody Prummer

KRS Evans Fundraiser Flyer

If any wealthy, generous donors are reading, you could give the ENTIRE Wildland Fire fighting community a real BOOST with a sizable donation toward a vehicle for KRS. Thanks in advance!

Firefighters, please dig deep. This donation is not tax deductible, but it will make your heart sing... and it's the right thing to do!
KRS could be any one of us, struck by a falling snag and surviving, but barely. Ab.

HOTLIST: Rush is the new largest fire-in-CA-history

Ab.

2nd Yosemite visitor dies of rodent-borne illness

AP - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. -- A second person has died of a rare, rodent-borne disease after visiting Yosemite National Park earlier this summer and park officials are warned past visitors Monday to be aware of some flu-like aches and symptoms. Health officials learned this weekend of the second hantavirus death, which killed a person who visited the park in June, spokesman Scott Gediman said in a statement. There was one other confirmed case of the illness, and a fourth is being investigated.

Yosemite officials said the four visitors might have been exposed while vacationing at the park's Curry Village, and are warning those who stayed in the village's tent cabins from mid-June through the end of August to beware of any symptoms of hantavirus, which can include fever, aches, dizziness and chills. An outreach effort is under way to contact visitors from that period who stayed in "Signature Tent Cabins," which have more insulation and amenities than other tent cabins.

Federal health officials say symptoms may develop up to 5 weeks after exposure to urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, and Yosemite advised visitors to watch for symptoms for up to six weeks.

Of the 587 documented U.S. cases since the virus was identified in 1993, about one-third proved fatal. There is no specific treatment for the virus.

After-hours calls to Yosemite officials seeking further details were not immediately returned Monday night. Following the first death, which was reported earlier this month, state health officials advised anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention and let doctors know if they were camping in Yosemite. Officials said thousands of people visit the park every month, so it would be impossible to track everyone who had set foot in Curry Village.

Curry Village is the most popular and economical lodging area in the park, a picturesque assemblage of rustic cabins at the base of the 3,000-foot promontory Glacier Point.

Gediman told the San Francisco Chronicle that of the 408 tent cabins in the village, 91 are of the "signature" variety where the four cases had stayed, which feature more insulation and amenities than the others. It was not clear how many people stayed in the cabins in the period in which park officials are warning visitors. Gediman said contractors are working on the signature cabins to protect park-goers. "They're doing everything they can to eliminate areas where mice can get into the cabins," Gediman told the San Francisco Chronicle. "This was never because the cabins were dirty, it was never because we didn't take care of them. This is just because approximately 20 percent of all deer mice are infected with hantavirus. And they're here in Yosemite Valley." This year's deaths mark the first such deaths in park visitors, although two others were stricken in a more remote area in 2000 and 2010, officials said.

fair use disclaimer

72 hour report - Burn Injury on MM71 184 Fire (87 K pdf)

I and others assisted Chris Burchfield with documentation and interviews for his new book "The Tinder Box" which has been out a few months. This book is excellent. It covers all aspects of the Consent Decree and how the Forest Service used and abused its own employees in implementing it. It is a perfect in depth summary and a TRUE and factual history of the Consent Decree! A  The names of some of the reviewers on amazon should be familiar to a lot of you!

Bob Grate

Posted it on the Fire Books Review page. Ab.

24 hour report - Burn Injury on MM71 184 Fire (72 K pdf)

24 Hour Report / Burn Injury on MM71 I84 Fire
To: Meagan Conry, Boise District Manager (acting)
Steve Ellis, Idaho State Director

Subject: 24 Hour Report- MM71 I84 Fire, Minor Burn Injury
The Following information is preliminary and is subject to change

LOCATION: MM71 I84 Fire, Southeast of Boise
DATE OF OCCURRENCE: August 23, 2012
TIME OF OCCURRENCE: Approximately 1500 Hours
ACTIVITY: Wildland Fire Suppression
NUMBER OF INJURIES: 1
NUMBER OF FATALITIES: 0
PROPERTY DAMAGE: None

Narrative:
On August 23rd at approximately 1500 hours a Boise District BLM employee received Quarter size 2nd degree burns to his wrist and elbow. The firefighter was performing mobile attack with a hardline hose when the injury occurred. The fire fighter was transported by incident personnel to St Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Boise Idaho, where he was treated and released. A Wildland Fire Accident Investigation Team has been assembled and will be in briefed at 1500 on August 24th.

/s/ Andy Delmas, Fire Management Officer, Boise District

cc:
BLM-Idaho Safety Manager
National Office Fire and Aviation Safety Manager
Idaho State Fire Management Officer

Great news! Ab.

Wildland Firefighter Apprentice Hiring:

To the best of my knowledge, R5, who hires the overwhelming majority of Apprentices, hasn't hired an Apprentice using a student program for a few years now.  Might be a few here or there; however the regional sponsored apprentice hire uses the 0462 series.

ms
~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to personally inform you that an issue has been raised about the accreditation of the Wildland Firefighter Apprentice Program during the implementation of the new Pathways Program.  Resolving the issue is a top priority for Forest Service Leadership and we are confident that we will be able to resolve it.

At this time, no action is needed on your part. Enclosed is a Question and Answer document to provide additional information. If you have any questions, please contact your regional fire apprentice coordinator.

As information becomes available, updates will be provided to you on leadership’s progress towards resolution. Please keep up the great work and know that your dedication to the Firefighter Apprentice Program is recognized and valued.

Enclosure
cc:  Apprentice Coordinators
August 2012

Pathways and the Wildland Firefighter Apprentice Program

1. What is Pathways?

The new Pathways Programs consist of three student programs that include: 1) an Internship Program for current students; 2) the Recent Graduates Program for people who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs (2 years from the date the graduate completed an academic course of study); and 3) the reinvigorated Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program for people who obtained an advanced degree (e.g., graduate or professional degree) within the preceding two years. These programs collectively are the Pathways Programs.  The Internship Program effectively replaces the Student Career Enrichment Program (SCEP) and the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP).  The Pathways Programs should be fully implemented by January 5, 2013.

2. What is the accreditation requirement under the Pathways Program?

At the time the education was obtained, the entire institution, applicable school within the institution, or the applicable curriculum was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (from Office of Personnel Management’s Qualification Standards for General Schedule Position, Policies and Instructions).

3. What is the issue with accreditation as it relates to the Firefighter Apprenticeship Program, and how was it identified?

In line with requirements for the implementation of new guidelines regarding the Pathways Programs, every agency is reviewing its student programs to ensure compliance with the new guidelines and regulations. It was during this review that questions were asked about the Department of Education accreditation requirement for the Fire Apprentice Program. While the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program is accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) it is not accredited by the Department of Education and therefore, not considered a qualifying education institution/program per established Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations for Pathway student hire programs.

4. Why is this only now an issue? The Firefighter Apprenticeship Program has been a successful program for some time.

The Forest Service knew that the Firefighter Apprenticeship Program was accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor and believed that the DOL accreditation was sufficient to meet compliance with OPM regulations.

5. What is Forest Service doing to resolve this?

We are in the process of reviewing all employees who are currently in student programs as STEP and SCEP to determine they meet all the requirements of the new Pathways Program. This review includes employees in SCEP appointments as Wildland Firefighter Apprentices.

6. What are the next steps?

We will be working with your Regional Fire Apprentice Coordinator to complete a detailed review of your employee records to determine if there is a possibility of your eligibility for a different hiring authority, such as VRA, Peace Corps, Schedule A, or Student Program (if we can verify and document actual enrollment in a degree or certificate program through an accredited college). We are also researching to see if some of our apprentices may have been previously eligible for selection for a competitive appointment. This research is necessary to ensure employees can be placed in legal appointments as soon as possible.

7. What will happen once the reviews are complete?

Once determinations have been made, employees who meet another hiring authority will have their appointment corrected to a legal appointment. Employees who are still deemed ineligible for another hiring authority will be considered in a “Variance” request that would be presented to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through USDA for approval to allow them to complete the program. This step cannot happen until we exhaust all other efforts to place Fire Apprentices in a legal hiring authority.

8. What is a variance and what is the process to request one?

A variation (or variance) is an exception from the strict letter of the regulations that OPM is permitted to make when precise compliance with those regulation would impose practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship and when no other remedy exists within the regulation. The package is prepared by Forest Service and routed through USDA who in turn must request the variance from OPM.

9. While this is being resolved, what happens to career or career conditional conversions or promotions that become due?

Personnel actions for our Firefighter Apprentices that were hired using the student employment hiring authority (Schedule B), including promotions or conversions to career or career conditional appointments, are currently on hold. If we are able to find an appropriate hiring authority, we would then be able to process conversions, promotions, and other actions.  Promotion actions will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine whether they can be processed retroactively.  When we request the variance to staffing regulations from OPM we plan to request authorization to make conversion actions retroactive to the date they would have been effective absent this issue.

Ok Guys, I need some help.

December 12 2012 my friends are getting married in Thailand.
I want to go, but haven't the coin for an airplane ticket let alone
any incidentals while there so I've come up with an idea to get myself
there & back.
What is it? Film the trip and hand it to the Travel Channel or
Discovery or one of the reality channels.
They flow $$ for the trip and get to document my trials & tribulations
along the way.
Sounds like a plan, right? Well, thing is those places do not accept
unsolicited ideas. So how do you get your foot... Or in my case, wheel
in the door? Apparently you have to "align with a production company
or agent in order to submit to us."
Now I can just google "video production company" or "agent" and take a
bunch of shots in the dark, which I'm going to do but I thought
someone I know might know someone who might know someone... You know
how those sort of things work.
So. Here's the gist:
Guy in a wheelchair who has flown 40+ times domestically flies
literally to the other side of the world and drops himself into
Thailand for a week.
There are obstacles to overcome at every turn even here in the 'states
where we have had the Americans with Disabilities Act since 1990.
Imagine another country- Are there ramps? Can I get into the bathroom?
In the taxi? On the bus? Do they have 'accessible' rooms at the hotel?
I understand most travel over there is by "Water Taxi". How the heck
does a guy in a chair get himself into (and out of) one of those? I
have no idea, but you all know my ability to Adapt & Overcome... I'll
figure it out.
How to overcome the foreseen challenges, and deal with the unforeseen
ones? Might make for some good TV, don't you think?

Now Gimps what to travel just as badly as anyone else, so I figure
I'll make myself the proverbial guinea-pig. Maybe I can cause a few
folk to overcome that fear of travel and go see Grand-Ma or something.
Plus imagine all the AB's (what we call you Able Bodied folk) who will
be curious.. Should get some pretty high ratings as well.

So. "All" I have to do is get it in front of the "right" person, who
one of you might know.
I'm busy writing up "The Pitch" so if you think you might know that
Right Person and could pass me a name I'd appreciate it.

Thanks Much-
Krs

Back on 8/6 Brenda Bowen posted to "They Said" about starting a Facebook page to consolidate all the thank you notes, photos, etc. to firefighters that were received on incidents that her IMT had managed. I read the post with a passing interest..... and, then, amazingly, the Rocky Mountain Type 1 Team that Brenda is a member of was assigned to manage the Springs Fire which was threatening Garden Valley, Idaho -- which is my home.

All of a sudden, I was on the other side of the incident -- I was a community member instead of a team member -- not something I was familiar with. I have to tell you -- Brenda's idea was absolutely embraced and wonderful for this community. People wanted to thank the firefighters -- and now there was a place to send their gratitude.

I was amazed at how this one idea took hold! The team then took the letters, notes, thoughts.....coupled them with Kari Greer's photography work and sent a thank you back out to the people of Boise County and Garden Valley via youtube. Remember what we always preach to teams and fire personnel about leaving a community with good, positive impressions? Well...this is over the top great interaction -- way to interface with a community Rocky Mtn team! Here's the link to the video: www.youtube.com

Cache Queen

Nice. Ab.

This is the year that the Sierra Hotshots celebrate 35 years of being an established crew. We would like to put on a reunion for past crew members to present.. 1978- Now.

If you have a contact or contact information please share it with me. Our archives are pretty slim. Please contact me ASAP so we can plan accordingly.

Spread the word,

Brian "Reggie" Grossman
Sierra 15D

grossmanbrian@yahoo.com

Report: Hot Shot crew refused to work forest fire day before firefighter was killed

GRANGEVILLE — A U.S. Forest Service specialized fire crew refused to work on the Steep Corner Fire managed by the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association the day before a 20-year-old firefighter was killed, according to a report posted online.

In a SAFENET Wildland Fire Safety and Health Reporting Network document, a superintendent of a Hot Shot crew of firefighters indicated there were a number of safety hazards on the Steep Corner fire on which Anne Veseth was killed Aug. 12.The report says the superintendent of the Forest Service crew "said to send no one down the burned line through the middle of the fire the (incident commander) has directed to go down, due to snags and previously cut log decks. Line was still hot. As supt was hiking, he observed multiple cedar snags burning from half way up down to the base."

The report went on to indicate the Forest Service crew refused to work on the fire because of the way it was being managed by the CPTPA and the danger of snags and other issues.

The next day Veseth was killed when one tree fell and crashed into another tree, causing it to fall in a domino effect.

Fair Use Disclaimer

SAFENET 8X6NAGSAFE

HOTLIST thread: ID-NPF-Steep-Corner Firefighter Fatality

Rare flying tanker hit by vandals; fires rage, damage to plane's stabilizer puts aircrews at risk

Ab.

72-hr-nv-wid Holloway Entrapment Shelter Deployment

As most of you know, Anne Veseth, age 20, was struck and killed by a falling tree on Sunday Aug 12 while building line around the 43-acre Steep Corner Fire near Orofino, ID (north-central ID). Anne was a North Fork Ranger district employee, and at the time of the accident, she was assigned to Engine 31 and working with a mix of folks and employees from Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protection Association. Anne was in her second summer of wildland firefighting. In the winter, she was a student at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID. Her older brother is also a wildland firefighter. In addition, she has older sisters.

Two investigations, a Serious Accident Investigation (SAI) and an OSHA investigation, are underway. Such investigations are standard to determine what happened and whatever we can learn to make wildland firefighting safer.

Anne's memorial service
will take place this Saturday (8/18) 11 AM
in her hometown of Moscow, Idaho.

The service location was moved from the local Catholic church to the larger Church of the Nazarene to accommodate the large number of family and friends who attend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and co-workers.

Ab.

Always Remember: Anne Veseth

Tom J

Readers, does anyone know? Ab.

We have lost another promising young firefighter to a falling snag and our hearts go out to Anne's family, friends and co-workers. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

I've been in touch with Burk Minor at the Wildland Firefighter Foundation; they're helping make arrangements and smooth the way as much as is possible.

I suggest that if you haven't stopped by the WFF BOOT recently, you should. Our "safety net" could use some bolstering so Burk and Vicki and crew can keep helping our families in the middle of these sad and stressful times.

Ab.

All FS Employees
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the loss of one of our Fire Fighters yesterday on the Steep Corner Fire near Orofino ID. The victim, Anne Veseth, a seasonal employee of the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forest was apparently killed by a falling tree. Anne was 20 years old and in her second season as a firefighter. I know her family and friends are devastated by this tragic news, as are her colleagues on the forest and in the fire fighting community. A Serious Accident Investigation Team is on its way to try to learn everything we can from circumstances surrounding this horrific event. Please join me in keeping the family, friends, and colleagues of Anne Veseth in your hearts.

Lenise Lago, US Forest Service
Deputy Chief, Business Operations

Thank you for sharing the sad news. She, her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Ab.

Always Remember Ernie Johnson

Did you take into account the possibility of burning sands (tongue firmly in cheek!) Ab.

These two photos are of one of the CA-CCD-Jawbone Canyon Fires in KRN.  Taken coming in from the west of the fires, from Sand Canyon on 8/11/12.

Photos compliments of Rick. (0812)

Hotlist thread

Thanks, I added them to the Fire 47 photo page. Ab.

Today -- One Year Anniversary.

Details and photo on the hotlist.

8/10

Reporter here.

There's a story that ran on the East County Magazine, the photo is from 1/4 up Chihuahua Road last night... feel free to use it.

Lord knows you guys are one of our many resources.

And I need to get more water to put in the truck, since we distributed water.

www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/10676

Tom and Nadin Abbott

Pleased to be of service! Thanks for distributing water and for reporting! I added the photo to the Engines 29 photo page. Ab.

Buena Vista GA: Fire helicopter from Buena Vista GA. Submitted by Ellis Leeder, Buena Vista, GA.

Thanks, I put it on Helicopters 30 photo page. Ab.

Here's a Brief History of the California Department of Forestry from 1957 (916 K pdf), if you'd please share it.

Alex

Interesting read. Thanks, Ab.

Matt,
the definitions currently applied to what the 209 is requesting irregardless of what each agency or department wishes to define them as.

Hence,

Containment - fire line built around a fire. sometimes a moving target with regards to indirect fire line and firing operations. IC's use their own formula for solving that problem but basically build the line and give it 12 to 24 hours to hold and it is good contained line. Using fire scars, rivers, lakes and other natural features are bonus points. Worst thing you can do is put down on the 209 100% contained as soon as a DIVS calls it in and at the end of shift they call and say they just lost it all. Oooops.

Controlled - Each IC has their own comfort level based on fuel type, weather, topography, and resource availability. Build the line and hang on to it for some period of time till you can say with some comfort level "it wont move".

understand, some of the politics and economics with both of these terms. for the federal and some states, these terms mean very real and important milestones that will force questions to be asked if your hanging on to an inordinate about of resources after you call it 100% controlled. Your ability to be ranked in priority (i.e. get stuff) will hinge on these terms as well.

Wow, to think I still remember all this crap!

fyrbill

Matt from Carbondale CO

Generally a fire will be called contained when there is hand line all the way around the fire.

Controlled is a term used when there is no longer a threat of the fire flaring up and crossing the containment lines.
Controlled status can happen quickly on small incidents and can take weeks on larger incidents.

Hope this helps

Former NPS Cap’n

Do you mind tossing a question out for feedback?

There is slight debate here about the definitions of, and the difference between “Contained” and ”Controlled” stages… ie: when to declare a fire one or the other.

Matt from Carbondale CO

Hotlist thread

www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_7IZAJfsvY&feature=fvwp&NR=1

This is being phased out by the Air Force and Guard because Lockheed won the contract for additional aircraft in that category. Congressman Schiff (D) of California has proposed that the Forest Service pick up 27 to use as air tankers. It looks like they would fit the bill quite well. The possible problem I see is that they would try to use a variation of the MAFFS aerosol system instead of a real tank system. With Aero Union not operating they would have to put something together to do the mods. It could probably be about a 3000 gallon tanker. Its the C-27J if the link doesn't work.

JB

Engines 28,
Engine from Reserve NM, Clearwter NF Engine 51 with storm a'brewin'. Thanks to Cecil R.
Engines 29
Engine 61 from The Nez Perce NF;
the Round Top Fire Crew
ID - Liz Butte Cabin Wrap, 2011. Thanks to Cecil R.
Fire 47
ID- The Liz Butte Fire and Wietas Column, 2011. Thanks to Cecil R.;
the CA- Chips column photos from earlier today;
also, there's a wonderful photo of Elk running from the Mill Fire on the CA- Mendocino NF. Thanks to Eric C.
Handcrews 29
has a nice photo of the Lakeview Vet Crew with the VLAT 911 in Phoenix AZ. Colorful. Thanks, Mike.
Logos 20
has the Old Lochsa FAM Emblem from Cecil R. Thanks;
the Texas Canyon Engine 31 logo from the ANF, thanks SF;
and the Slate Mountain WFM Logo from the Sequoias. Thanks SR.

Thanks everyone! Ab.

Pam -

You made me go out into the garage and dig thru the box of old books. Found Fire and also another one by Stewart called Storm. Both great books and worth the time to read. He was great in his day – guess I’ll read both again.

Thanks,

Rick

Photos of the column/blowup on the LPF Chips fire on 8/5/12. There's a photo from near Quincy, one from Jim in Chico and one by Cafban from a high vantage point. Chips is expected to be very active again this afternoon:

Fire Photos 47

Also check out the 2 small photos on the same page from the WA-BLM-Antoine 2. Ab.

Original Ab,

Here's a photo of the cumulus from the Chips Creek burn as seen from Chico today around noon 8-5-2012. My old team is there again on the same piece of ground we were on in 2000 for the Storie Fire. My, these fires are really repetitive. Seams like the same ground just burns over and over.

Jim

PS I'm hoping to be a neighbor by September!

Fire Photos 47

AB~

Pretty impressive fire behavior 8/5 on the Chips Incident. I realize that this was a human caused fire, but all these landscapes are going to burn at one time or another, and from my perspective, I would like to see it burn under our terms and conditions (Rx fire). Do nothing and Mother will do it her way. We must be more proactive in out burn programs and get the number of treated acres up or we will end up with more type conversion type fires like this one. They are just too damaging, dangerous and expensive.

Cafban

Fire Photos 47

I have owned this book over 43 years - I know that because it sports my maiden name. I reread this book yearly even though the pages are yellowed and falling out. Truth is truth and reality is reality regardless of how old and basic the knowledge is. Before one fights fire, they need to read this book. Highly recommend it !

Pam Wilson
Mother Nature Always Bats Last

Great idea!. Ab.

Fire 46,
Engines 28,
Fire 47, and
Airtankers 37 photo pages.

All are from current fires this season including the Colorado High Park Fire, the Oregon Long Draw, Wyoming Fontenelle, Oregon Crack in the Ground. Thanks to JH and  JS. I have some more I'm working on. Evidently some contributors watched the PNF Chips blow up and photographed it. Awesome! Ab.

Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Wildland Fire Medical Units Memo

Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Wildland Fire Medical Units Attachment

Thanks, Casey. Ab.

Send us a brochure or a link for it. We're happy to post it here. KRS, we support you, man. Ab.

West Basin fire weather thread:
 http://wlfhotlist.com/threads/26779-West-Basin-Fire-Weather

WGBCC twitter: https://twitter.com/wgbcc

ONCC Northern CA has links to Weather Forecast Offices and a red flag warning map: http://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/intelligence/news_notes/index.htm 

I agree, Nice work! Hotlist on Salt Creek Fire. Ab.

Fires burning SE of Oklahoma City, OK, between Norman and Slaughterhouse,  and the Luther Fire

Fire burning SE of Oklahoma City, OK, between Norman and Slaughterhouse OK; large smoke signature to the east.
The fire near the highway to the ENE between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is "Luther". Large smoke footprint to the east there as well.
Don't know the larger fire NE of there with the small smoke signature, no OK fires are named on the modis map, just appear as hotspots.
 

Screensave of Fires map from wunderground: www.wildlandfire.com/maps/2012/ok-fires-around-ok-city080412.jpg

Screensave of Modis on Google Earth: www.wildlandfire.com/maps/2012/ok-fires-norman-slaughterville080412.jpg

Ab note:

Hotlist thread is in Southern Region/ Oklahoma -Cleveland County Fires/ Questions and Answers because it's not clear what the unit identifier should be. They have a different system than the West, as I understand it... Ab.
http://wlfhotlist.com/threads/29152-OK-Cleveland-County-Oklahoma-City-Suburbs?p=121279#post121279

To Chief John Hawkins re the Volcano Fire:

Thank you Chief for allowing the system to work the way it used to! We didn’t care who showed up on our wild fires. WE needed good strong qualified help and we got it. Color of trucks meant nothing. Quality of firefighters did become a true asset. Together we saved a lot. This operation proved to us old timers that the spirit is still there, as well as the talent.

Thank you for your leadership and resurrection of the fact that together we can be successful. The number of residents whose homes were saved is a true testimony to how good all of us “together" can do a magnificent job! Memories of our “Secret Fire Operation” with Oak Grove, Dripping Springs, Henshaw and Warner Springs still stands as a testimony to that fact. We just went and put it out. If there were differences it was up to the higher ups to work those out. The fire perimeter was stopped. Right now you examples reenergize us all!

Normbc9

Have a GREAT time in Hawaii! Ab.

I am getting old here, But I am looking for a memo that I think came out a couple of years ago. It was about team members going on fires and if it was a long drive you could have someone else go with you for the safety of the drive even if they were not ordered up for the fire.

Thanks

Still have a great time out there

Hi Scott, you're here, simply by emailing Ab, but you should register for the Hotlist. Lots of info shared there...

First of all, it's the Gansner Hosepack for progressive hoselays. If I recall correctly from discussions over a beer with Original Ab (Steve), this configuration originated on the Plumas National Forest and was named after a local bar in Steve's old stompin' grounds. Happy birthday partner!

Does anyone know where the 7/4/2007 link to the pdf went when the new FS website was built? Is there a tinyurl? This one no longer works. http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/academy/Documents/Complete%20hosepack%20Guide.pdf

OK, I found this pdf I had saved in my files. This must be the one: www.wildlandfire.com/docs/2007/complete_hosepack_guide.pdf (2,168 K pdf)

Cheers!

Ab.

Job well done. Be safe out there! Ab.

From: Hawkins, John
Riverside Unit & Riverside County Fire/County OES Personnel,

From my HEART, Thank You so much for the great job you did yesterday at the Volcano Fire. I watched your work whether on the ground or from the air, I heard your heart felt stories about the fire fights you faced at the head of the fire and saw the emotion in your eyes, I saw the support from County OES and from our personnel behind the scenes who support the front line Firefighters and I heard the appreciative statements from victims and residents. Your work was amazing.

Attached are pictures of the fire taken from Air Tac 310 (BC Justin McGough). Picture IMG 0330a was taken 10-12 minutes after the arrival. Picture IMG 0336 was taken before the fire hit the structures in the lower left side of the picture. An orthophoto fire perimeter map is also attached. Volcano Fire map (258 K pdf)

We committed 35 Engine Companies, 11 Fire Crews, 4 Dozers, 6 Copters, 6 Air Tankers and 2 Air Tactical Planes to the Volcano Fire. The Team of Firefighters assembled, were organized, directed and responded to the challenge. Our personnel care and care a bunch. It is so evident! Few Organizations can implement and effectively handle such an emergency in such a compressed time frame.

We are lucky that we enjoy great Public Safety support from our Elected Officials. They built and have supported our integrated, cooperative, Regional Fire Protection System. Our system is strong because of the additive values of the State, County and City’s contributions. Our system is exactly what every major fire after action report recommends. We are lucky enough to enjoy the system. Yesterday, your work via the system paid dividends beyond belief.

Again, from my HEART, I respect and thank everyone of you so much. Words don’t really express how proud you make me. As always, take care, be safe, have fun and live the dream…

Unit & County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins
CAL FIRE
Riverside County Fire Department

Thanks for the photos, map and message, John, and for your leadership and service! Ab.

Hotlist: http://wlfhotlist.com/threads/28993-All-Forest-Service-Fire-Hoses

Firefighters could understand two things:

1. With the requirement of an OIG investigation into every fire fatality, burnover, or entrapment for FS personnel AND the possibility of criminal prosecution, the criminal benefits of PLI are critical to a firefighter’s livelihood and financial security.

2. Most federal firefighters are eligible for partial agency reimbursement for a premium as low as $135 annually.

Ab.

Cafban

Thanks, Cafban. I featured it on our Home page and made it a Wallpaper. Ab.

To: TCU
Subject: Nathan Fyock

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to report on Nathan’s condition today. Nathan has been recovering well this week and is in good spirits. A very specialized Doctor at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA has accepted him as a patient. The details on the transfer are still being worked out but they are saying it will happen today. Nate and his family are very excited about the transfer. There are still no guarantees about the final outcome but things have been looking increasingly optimistic. Nate and Michelle are thankful for the continued support and well wishes. I will update again when I receive more information.

Paul G. Speer
Assistant Chief
CAL FIRE
Assistant County Fire Warden
Tuolumne County Fire Department

And here's 6+ min of streaming video of the CA-RRU-Volcano (Murrieta area) :
www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Brush-Fire-Wildfire-Murrieta-164636086.html
Hotlist thread

LCES!

Ab.

NTSB Identification: WPR12TA323
14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Monday, July 23, 2012 in Elko, NV
Aircraft: AERO COMMANDER 500 S, registration: N535SA
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On July 23, 2012, about 1745 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Commander 500-S, N535SA, was substantially damaged during an off-airport forced landing near Elko, Nevada, due to the complete loss of power in both engines. Neither the pilot nor the observer was injured. The public-use flight was operated by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an air-attack coordinator for aerial forest firefighting activity. The airplane was owned and piloted by Spur Aviation of Twin Falls, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight plan was filed for the flight.

According to the observer, who was a BLM employee, the flight departed Elko International Airport (EKO) about 1315, and flew to the vicinity of the fire, located about 15 minutes east of EKO. Interagency Dispatch Center records indicated that at 1319, the pilot radioed that they were airborne, with 4 hours 30 minutes of fuel on board. The airplane loitered in the vicinity of the fire and the observer coordinated the air attacks. About 1730, the pilot notified the observer that they had to depart the fire locale for a return to EKO, and shortly thereafter, the airplane turned on course for EKO. While en route to EKO, at a point which the observer estimated was 4 to 5 minutes away from EKO, the engines started "surging," and the pilot then decided that due to distance and terrain considerations, he would land on a road instead of attempting to return to EKO. Interagency Dispatch Center records indicated that about 1744, the flight radioed that the pilot was planning to land on a road, and that they would need assistance controlling road traffic. About 1751, the flight radioed that they had landed on the road and the occupants were uninjured, but that the airplane was damaged.

Dispatch records indicated that the airplane was pushed clear of the road about 1830. According to information provided by first responders, the airplane landed on a straight section of road about 2,300 feet long, at a location about 6 miles southeast of EKO. The landing site elevation was about 5,300 feet above mean sea level. The outboard sections of both wings were damaged by impact with road signs; the airplane was otherwise undamaged. Personnel from the FAA, BLM, and the United States Department of Interior (DOI) examined the airplane 2 days after the event. They reported that a total of about 1 gallon of fuel was recovered from the airplane.

FAA information indicated that the airplane was manufactured in 1972, and was equipped with two Lycoming TIO-540 series piston engines. Spur Aviation held a 14 CFR Part 135 operating certificate. The pilot held multiple pilot certificates and ratings, and was appropriately certificated and rated for the accident airplane make and model. The pilot's records indicated that he had a total flight experience of about 16,800 hours, including about 1,500 hours in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued in April 2012, and his most recent flight review was completed in May 2012.

The EKO 1756 automated weather observation included winds from 330 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 17 knots; visibility 10 miles; few clouds at 11,000 feet; temperature 24 degrees C; dew point 12 degrees C; and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury.

No Info from our Aviation Safety Offices in 7 Days too busy dealing with Air Tanker Study!!!!

Seldom Seen

Thanks for the info. Ab.

Hotlist

Thanks to those that didn't post this but sent Ab a "heads up".

Ab,

In regard to Mellie's post on the Stanza Fire. I just want to clarify that it was 5 crewmembers from Crew 2, Happy Camp RD that initial attacked the Stanza Fire. They were able to contain it during the night and actually turned the fire over to a CDC Crew the next day . The fire escaped containment later that same day. Please post this for Mellie and all to read. Thank you

Retired Wildland Firefighter
KNF

Thanks, man. Appreciate the clarification. Ab.