September 07, 2007
Revisiting The Inyo Wildfire Complex
This post by the administrator of Wildlandfire.com draws attention to the injured CDF/Cal Fire firefighters hurt in the burnover on the Inyo Complex in July.
Firefighter Blog followed the Inyo Complex Fire from beginning to end but I never heard details of the burnover other than up to 7 firefighters were injured to varying degrees. The injured firefighters were evaced to Fresno for treatment. Local (Fresno) news reported their arrival but the reporting ended there and no further information on the condition of the men has been mentioned publicly since.
I assumed the burns were minor but the thread on Wildland Fire indicate an engineer may have permanent lung damage.
CDF/Cal Fire does not cover up injuries or accidents. An accident investigation team has certainly been assembled and the team will review every step leading up to, during and after the incident.
Various accounts confirm the pilots of a P2V from Neptune Aviation Services made a crucial, possibly life saving drop on the crews that at a minimum mitigated their injuries.
Something very dramatic happened during that time line and I am hoping you can read about it here, in time.
I'm also in agreement with the suggestion the persons involved should not sign any papers until the full review is completed, and then only under the supervision of legal counsel.
If any parents or concerned parties wish to share information anonymously or otherwise.
Mikes web mail @ Gmail dot com
.
Firefighter Blog followed the Inyo Complex Fire from beginning to end but I never heard details of the burnover other than up to 7 firefighters were injured to varying degrees. The injured firefighters were evaced to Fresno for treatment. Local (Fresno) news reported their arrival but the reporting ended there and no further information on the condition of the men has been mentioned publicly since.
I assumed the burns were minor but the thread on Wildland Fire indicate an engineer may have permanent lung damage.
CDF/Cal Fire does not cover up injuries or accidents. An accident investigation team has certainly been assembled and the team will review every step leading up to, during and after the incident.
Various accounts confirm the pilots of a P2V from Neptune Aviation Services made a crucial, possibly life saving drop on the crews that at a minimum mitigated their injuries.
Something very dramatic happened during that time line and I am hoping you can read about it here, in time.
I'm also in agreement with the suggestion the persons involved should not sign any papers until the full review is completed, and then only under the supervision of legal counsel.
If any parents or concerned parties wish to share information anonymously or otherwise.
Mikes web mail @ Gmail dot com
.
Labels: 2007 fire season, Firefighter Injuries, Inyo Complex
July 18, 2007
Inyo Complex Fire Photo Journal
Fantastic fire photo journal Holding On To Independence put together by residents of Independence California following the Inyo Complex Wildfire.
A crew from Neptune Aviation Services laid down a key drop that contributed to saving the lives of two CDF engines crews.
A crew from Neptune Aviation Services laid down a key drop that contributed to saving the lives of two CDF engines crews.
Labels: Inyo Complex
July 10, 2007
Inyo Complex Threat Contained, Demob Begins
Source, National Wildfire Coordinating Group
Inyo Complex Wildfire
35,176 ACRES 80% Containment
Expected Containment
Date: 07/11/2007
"The threat to power and water lines (aqueduct and DWP) that supply the Eastern Sierra Front and greater Los Angeles area has abated, but the potential remains a possibility. Forecasted LAL of 6 presents concerns to the west firelines due to potential increased activity.
The Inyo Complex consists of the Seven/ Oak and Sage fires. The incident is managed under a unified command (CALFIRE/ Thompson). DEMOB of excess resources is occurring as long as conditions remain favorable. Very good progress made towards containment. An anticipated areawide weather event may compromise the containment efforts."
Inyo Complex Wildfire
35,176 ACRES 80% Containment
Expected Containment
Date: 07/11/2007
"The threat to power and water lines (aqueduct and DWP) that supply the Eastern Sierra Front and greater Los Angeles area has abated, but the potential remains a possibility. Forecasted LAL of 6 presents concerns to the west firelines due to potential increased activity.
The Inyo Complex consists of the Seven/ Oak and Sage fires. The incident is managed under a unified command (CALFIRE/ Thompson). DEMOB of excess resources is occurring as long as conditions remain favorable. Very good progress made towards containment. An anticipated areawide weather event may compromise the containment efforts."
Labels: 2007 fire season, Inyo Complex
July 09, 2007
Inyo Complex Wildfire Threat Diminishes
Source FamWeb.gov. Taken in part from incident 209 forms.
Size/Area Involved
37,403 ACRE
% Contained
55 Percent
Expected Containment
Date: 07/11/2007
Today's observed fire behavior (leave blank for non-fire events):
Interior torching with isolated runs during burning period but moderated fire behavior due to lighter winds. Fuel beds remain highly receptive to ignition.
Significant events today (closures, evacuations, significant progress made, etc.):
Independence water system sustained significant damage that State and County Officials continue to mitigate. No evacuations; State Hwy 395 remains open.
Projected Final Size:
50000
Actions planned for next operational period:
Continue Community protection, perimeter control, and containment efforts.
Major problems and concerns (control problems, social/political/economic concerns or impacts, etc.) Relate critical resources needs identified above to the Incident Action Plan.
Scattered ranches remain threatened near the communities of Independence and Big Pine. Interior burning with torching occurred. The threat to power and water lines (aqueduct and DWP) that supply the Eastern Sierra Front and greater Los Angeles area has abated, but the potential remains a possibility.
Remarks:
Inyo Complex consists of the Seven / Oak Fire (29567 acres) and the Sage Fire (7836 acres). The Incident remains in Unified Command (CalFire / Thompson). Very good progress was made towards containment efforts on both fires. Lighter winds and slightly cooler temperatures moderated fire behavior. An IR flight is planned for today at 0730 to obtain more accurate fire perimeters. Some areas may be open to residents at 1000 hrs today.
Size/Area Involved
37,403 ACRE
% Contained
55 Percent
Expected Containment
Date: 07/11/2007
Today's observed fire behavior (leave blank for non-fire events):
Interior torching with isolated runs during burning period but moderated fire behavior due to lighter winds. Fuel beds remain highly receptive to ignition.
Significant events today (closures, evacuations, significant progress made, etc.):
Independence water system sustained significant damage that State and County Officials continue to mitigate. No evacuations; State Hwy 395 remains open.
Projected Final Size:
50000
Actions planned for next operational period:
Continue Community protection, perimeter control, and containment efforts.
Major problems and concerns (control problems, social/political/economic concerns or impacts, etc.) Relate critical resources needs identified above to the Incident Action Plan.
Scattered ranches remain threatened near the communities of Independence and Big Pine. Interior burning with torching occurred. The threat to power and water lines (aqueduct and DWP) that supply the Eastern Sierra Front and greater Los Angeles area has abated, but the potential remains a possibility.
Remarks:
Inyo Complex consists of the Seven / Oak Fire (29567 acres) and the Sage Fire (7836 acres). The Incident remains in Unified Command (CalFire / Thompson). Very good progress was made towards containment efforts on both fires. Lighter winds and slightly cooler temperatures moderated fire behavior. An IR flight is planned for today at 0730 to obtain more accurate fire perimeters. Some areas may be open to residents at 1000 hrs today.
Labels: 2007 fire season, Inyo Complex
Inyo Complex Wildfire
According to CalFire current incident page the fire is 55% contained and had consumed over 34,000 acres.
CDF/CalFire and the Forest Service refer visitors to Inciweb.org for specific information however Inciweb has apparently crashed due to demand. Growing pains no doubt but they should have anticipated the growing hunger for fire news online!
The The Inyo Register in Bishop tells me to expect a full reporting of the incident on their site tomorrow.
ABC30 Fresno reports three injured firefighters from the Inyo Complex were flown in for treatment but fail to follow up on the severity of injuries or current condition of the firefighters. The article also had a fantastic hyped title about Independence being evacuated that begged for more detail. Who wrote that copy and how are those firefighters?
Their disclaimer:
Copyright KFSN-TV, www.abc30.com, and myabc30.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without explicit written permission.
No need to worry.
Firefighter Blog Inyo Complex Fire Archive
Update on injured firefighters. KCRA Sacramento reports;
"The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is investigating an incident Saturday afternoon that resulted in minor injuries to three firefighters. At around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, three firefighters were injured and taken to the Fresno Burn Center by helicopter while fighting the fire line of the Inyo Complex near Independence. The three were assigned to two engines working together.When the fire became critical, all nine firefighters from both engine units deployed their fire shelters. One of the engines was destroyed."
CDF/CalFire and the Forest Service refer visitors to Inciweb.org for specific information however Inciweb has apparently crashed due to demand. Growing pains no doubt but they should have anticipated the growing hunger for fire news online!
The The Inyo Register in Bishop tells me to expect a full reporting of the incident on their site tomorrow.
ABC30 Fresno reports three injured firefighters from the Inyo Complex were flown in for treatment but fail to follow up on the severity of injuries or current condition of the firefighters. The article also had a fantastic hyped title about Independence being evacuated that begged for more detail. Who wrote that copy and how are those firefighters?
Their disclaimer:
Copyright KFSN-TV, www.abc30.com, and myabc30.com. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without explicit written permission.
No need to worry.
Firefighter Blog Inyo Complex Fire Archive
Update on injured firefighters. KCRA Sacramento reports;
"The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is investigating an incident Saturday afternoon that resulted in minor injuries to three firefighters. At around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, three firefighters were injured and taken to the Fresno Burn Center by helicopter while fighting the fire line of the Inyo Complex near Independence. The three were assigned to two engines working together.When the fire became critical, all nine firefighters from both engine units deployed their fire shelters. One of the engines was destroyed."
Labels: 2007 fire season, Inyo Complex
July 08, 2007
Inyo Complex Wildfire Photos
Inyo Complex Triples As Resources Thin Statewide
Check out the satellite imagery from NOAA. Notice the Plumas Fire and Inyo Complex Wildfire areas. It's not all smoke but the imagery is interesting.
The Inyo Complex Wildfire doubled again during the last shift according to the most recent update from Inciweb.
The report shows no new personnel were added to the incident in spite of the the rapid growth and anticipated spread of the two blazes. Fires elsewhere, Zaca and Plumas are drawing state resources. Forest Service and BLM people are spread out in Utah and Nevada.
The Inyo Complex Wildfire doubled again during the last shift according to the most recent update from Inciweb.
The report shows no new personnel were added to the incident in spite of the the rapid growth and anticipated spread of the two blazes. Fires elsewhere, Zaca and Plumas are drawing state resources. Forest Service and BLM people are spread out in Utah and Nevada.
Image FireMapper/USDA.gov
Labels: Inyo Complex
July 07, 2007
LA Times Comes Up Short & Late On Inyo Complex
The LA Times decided to cover the Inyo Complex Wildfire a day late but they made up for the lack of timeliness by throwing three journalists on the one page of copy. Read the epic story here.
Compare the works of the three well paid journalists to the efforts of the blog team at Inciweb or the one man effort at Cal Fire News Blog.
I touched on the subject of newspapers vs. blog coverage of fires with local interest here. We are quickly closing in on a day that blogs will be the readers choice for breaking news that matters.
Compare the works of the three well paid journalists to the efforts of the blog team at Inciweb or the one man effort at Cal Fire News Blog.
I touched on the subject of newspapers vs. blog coverage of fires with local interest here. We are quickly closing in on a day that blogs will be the readers choice for breaking news that matters.
Labels: Inyo Complex
Inyo Complex Wildfire Races
Inciweb reports news of the rapidly growing Inyo Complex Wildfire comprised of the Sage Fire at 5,000 acres and the now merged Oak and Seven Fires that together have claimed a total of 12,000 acres. Just under 500 fire personnel are on the fires at the moment with more en route.Structures threatened, this one bears watching but don't expect the national news to get wrapped up in this one, it's just not sexy enough and that's a shame.
Continuous coverage from Cal Fire News.
Image from Inyo National Forest
Labels: 2007 fire season, Inyo Complex
July 06, 2007
Inyo Complex Wildland Fire, 4000 Acres, Running
Report from Inciweb.org on the lightning caused Inyo Complex outside Independence California.
Summary
Independence is where Copter Chick Desiree Horton is stationed. Her bird and crew were assigned to the Zaca Fire near Santa Barbara yesterday according to her recent blog post. It's tough to be away from your home station when an incident breaks out.
From a personal perspective I'll add the smoke from the fires near Independence is blanketing the West side of the Sierras. It's odd seeing smoke from the East side of the range over here. 110 degrees here in the California Central Valley and the weather on the eastern slope of the Sierras is almost as bad with no let up in the near term forecast.
Summary
A thunder and lightning storm moved quickly through the Eastern Sierra Friday afternoon, July 6, 2007,igniting approximately 10 fires being managed as the Inyo Complex. As of 6:00 pm Friday evening, the three biggest fires are:1)The Oak Fire burning up the north fork of Oak Creek out of Independence. 2) The Seven Fire in the Seven Pines area up Independence Creek out of Independence. 3) The Sage Fire up Big Pine Canyon in the vicinity of Upper Sage Flat Campground.
The following areas have been evacuated: Oak Creek Campground, Lower Grey's Meadow Campground, Onion Valley Campground, Seven Pines and Glacier Lodge.
Independence is where Copter Chick Desiree Horton is stationed. Her bird and crew were assigned to the Zaca Fire near Santa Barbara yesterday according to her recent blog post. It's tough to be away from your home station when an incident breaks out.
From a personal perspective I'll add the smoke from the fires near Independence is blanketing the West side of the Sierras. It's odd seeing smoke from the East side of the range over here. 110 degrees here in the California Central Valley and the weather on the eastern slope of the Sierras is almost as bad with no let up in the near term forecast.
Labels: 2007 fire season, Desiree Horton, Inyo Complex
