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Public Forums => Disaster Awareness & CERT => Topic started by: storm on Jul 13, 06, 11:04:28 AM

Title: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: storm on Jul 13, 06, 11:04:28 AM
i'm over here at Blue Sky Meadow Science Institute to help with Summer Camp at 8100 feet in the San Bernardino Mtns. the Sawmill Complex, as well as the Millard Complex, fires are approaching our general direction.  some estimates put the advance at about 100 feet per hour.  the terrain is extremely rocky and steep--quite inapproachable.  here's a pic from last night (all photos are taken from the middle of our campus):
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawtoothComplexFire1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawtoothComplexFire2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawtoothComplexFire3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawMillfire1.jpg)

i awoke to this today:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawMillfire2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawMillfire3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawMillfire4.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/SawMillfire5.jpg)

this is the Millard Complex fire:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/stormbythesea/other/MillardComplexfire1.jpg)

the smoke is beginning to come down into our basin.  we evacuated the kids yesterday, and we'll go once the Sherriff calls.  we'll have to shut off all propane tanks, shut the generator off (we have no incoming power--we run totally on a large propane generator), collect file boxes and computers, etc.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: RobertW on Jul 13, 06, 11:10:30 AM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 11:16:33 AM
Wildman is still working on the Millard Complex fire.
Yesterday he mentioned to me that these fires have the possibility to set some new records for size.

Thanks for your post storm and stay safe over there!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: RobertW on Jul 13, 06, 11:27:33 AM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: lagomorphmom on Jul 13, 06, 01:04:36 PM
Anybody know what kind of air support is being allocated to this situation? In fact I'm confused about what winged support is available now with all the decommisions for upgrade (or for good), and I think, some new planes. In the Souper Scooper dept. specifically, did the state or some state entity ever buy any? I know it's way too early for the fall contract we've had in the past with the Canadian folks for those planes to be available.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: RobertW on Jul 13, 06, 02:01:59 PM
Quote from: lagomorphmom on Jul 13, 06, 01:04:36 PM
Anybody know what kind of air support is being allocated to this situation? In fact I'm confused about what winged support is available now with all the decommisions for upgrade (or for good), and I think, some new planes. In the Souper Scooper dept. specifically, did the state or some state entity ever buy any? I know it's way too early for the fall contract we've had in the past with the Canadian folks for those planes to be available.

There are 9 Air Tankers (7 from CDF) and 12 Helicopters (2 from CDF)  Assigned to the fire:

Here is a list of Air Tankers with photos:  Check out the CDF air tankers:

http://www.ruudleeuw.com/airtanker-id.htm (http://www.ruudleeuw.com/airtanker-id.htm)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: angelwolf326 on Jul 13, 06, 02:22:12 PM
Any updates?  I just got a call that they are getting ready to evacuate parts of Big Bear?  Please advise.  The Wolf Sanctuary is on the back side (north of Big Bear).  We do have Mitsibushi standing by with water trucks as we cannot evacuate 17 wolves in this heat.   They would probably die due to stress and heat..

Thanks,
Danna
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 02:36:20 PM
Desert Sun article
July 13, 2006
http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/BREAKING/60713002

Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 02:38:36 PM
From: KBHR
 
Erwin Lake and Lake Williams Advised to Get Ready (7/13/06 2:25 p.m.) No mandatory evacuations have been called in Big Bear, but local Sheriff's deputies have begun going door to door in Erwin Lake, advising them to be prepared in the event of an evacuation. They gave the same warning to Lake William residents earlier in the day. Once again, NO mandatory evacuations have been called in Big Bear at this time.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: RobertW on Jul 13, 06, 02:42:47 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: angelwolf326 on Jul 13, 06, 03:00:50 PM
Thank you both!!!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 03:01:53 PM
New evacuations are now ordered in Morongo Valley
July 13, 2:47 p.m.
Evacuations are mandatory from the Riverside County line north Palo Verde Drive to west of Highway 62.

-- The Desert Sun
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 03:03:21 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: clint on Jul 13, 06, 03:24:23 PM
Quote from: lagomorphmom on Jul 13, 06, 01:04:36 PM
Anybody know what kind of air support is being allocated to this situation? In fact I'm confused about what winged support is available now with all the decommisions for upgrade (or for good), and I think, some new planes. In the Souper Scooper dept. specifically, did the state or some state entity ever buy any? I know it's way too early for the fall contract we've had in the past with the Canadian folks for those planes to be available.


They tried to use a Super Scooper here two seasons ago, filling from Lake Silverwood. Our lakes are just to small to make it feasible. They made a few runs and the pilot politely declined to continue. So we don't see them used much in the Angeles and San Beranardino even when they are contract. They are quite effective on fires over in Malibu where the Pacific provides a long approach and quick turn around times. CDF flys a lot of Grumman S-2 Trackers, small and very manueverable. There are still full size tankers in use, and we also occasionally see Airtractor AT-802s called SEAT planes. Single Engine Air Tanker. These only carry about 800 gallons of retardent though.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 03:26:04 PM
Big Bear Area Community Fire Meeting Tonight At 6 PM

Breaking News

By RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
Thursday, July 13, 2006

The National Forest Unified Incident Command will hold a community meeting to discuss the fire status. The meeting will be at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center at 42900 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake at 6 PM. Officials from the San Bernardino National Forest, the California Department of Forestry, and the San Bernardino County Fire Department will be present.

The fires have continued to chew through vegetation with 100 foot tall flames and movement rates of up to a mile per hour. Spotting is occurring up to 2,000 feet from the main fire. The fires are countinuing to burn northward and eastward. Structure protection teams are in place poised to protect homes and businesses if the fire approaches.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the San Bernardino County Fire Department are notifying residents of the Erwin Lake, Lake Williams, and Onyx Summit areas that an evacuation may be ordered if the fire continues to approach. At this point, no residential evacutions have been ordered.

The fire is expected to reach Highway 38 today, according to air operations chatter. Fire officials are clearing additional brush along fire roads in the Onyx Summit area. Three air tankers are performing retardant drops on the Onxy Summit communication towers. Big Bear Valley firefighters have been activated and are peparing to assist with structure protection along Rainbow Lane in Onyx Summit. An evacuation center for affected areas of the Onyx Summit area is being established at the Big Bear Elementary School at 409040 Pennsylvania, Big Bear Lake, CA. No evacuation orders have been made, at this time.

The western flank, or "Branch 2", of the Sawtooth Fire is about 3/4 of a mile east of homes in the Onyx Summit area. CDF Fire Prevention Specialist Karen Guillemin told the Associated Press this morning that if a fire did make it into the bark beetle and drought ravaged trees, "it will be almost impossible to stop."

The Sawtooth Complex Fire is now 20% contained, according to fire officials. Most of the containment is along the north side near Old Woman Springs Road. Air Attack has resumed this morning with a full air assault of nearly twenty aircraft attacking the fire today.

With the western edge of the fire less than a mile from the outlying homes near Onyx Summit, Big Bear and San Gorgonio area residents are urged to start thinking about what they may need if they're asked to evacuate. So far, however, only three children's camps have been evacuated.

Big Bear Fire Department personnel have been strategizing how to fight a fire at Onyx Summit and protect the few dozen homes there and the Predators In Action compound with its large cats, bears, and other exotic animals. Fire crews from the California Department of Forestry cleared brush and other hazards from around properties in the area, hoping to help with structure protection efforts, should they be needed.

The front of the Sawtooth Complex Fire was about three miles east of Highway 38. It's progress slowed overnight. The newly expanding Millard Complex Fire was burning northward toward the Onyx Summit area. It was burning about five to seven miles south of Highway 38 as of Wednesday evening.

The slight chance of thunderstorms for the remainder of the week could provide a mixed blessing. Winds from the storms could fan the flames further and additional lightning strikes could lead to more fires with fewer resources to attack them. However, higher humidity and the possibility of rain and cloud cover could slow the progress of the existing fires.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 03:54:25 PM
Temporary air control tower could be installed
July 13, 3:46 p.m.
Officials are contemplating installing a temporary air control tower near Banning to help with firefighting aircraft.

-- The Desert Sun
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 04:12:44 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: lagomorphmom on Jul 13, 06, 05:06:38 PM
Glad to hear about the "high tech" helos, I know they've gotten rave reviews and really help with where to drop.

Was talking about this at work today, and someone mentioned whatever happened to the 747 super tankers? Are there any around to rent? I don't imagine the state actually bought any?
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 13, 06, 05:10:32 PM
We have a topic on the 747's:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,6291.0.html
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: lagomorphmom on Jul 13, 06, 10:26:04 PM
Great shots. I looked at the satellite links up above on the thread this afternoon and at the time that they were taken, the plume goes just past and south of Lake Mead....
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: KWBoy on Jul 13, 06, 11:35:09 PM
Quote from: lagomorphmom on Jul 13, 06, 05:06:38 PM
Glad to hear about the "high tech" helos, I know they've gotten rave reviews and really help with where to drop.

Was talking about this at work today, and someone mentioned whatever happened to the 747 super tankers? Are there any around to rent? I don't imagine the state actually bought any?

A Boeing 747 is too big of an aircraft to get into this area. They can't dive in drop the fire retardant and pull up and clear the mountains like the Grumman S-2 can. The helicopters can get in to even tighter places than the Grumman S-2 can. If the 747 was contracted out it would not be used on any mountain fires because it is just to big of an aircraft. Im sure a 747 wouldn't look good if it hit a mountains. I forget how much clearance a 747 has to have to clear the mountain tops...

ok back to the fire  ;D

Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: artology on Jul 14, 06, 08:42:10 AM
Great pics, Justa! :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: storm on Jul 14, 06, 09:52:03 AM
the situation looks a little better this morning.  we were working on housing and feeding about 170 firefighters, but the fire halted about 2 miles away from camp, so that became unnecessary.  one can see hazy smoke and smell it all around us here, but there's no evacuation in the works thus far.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Calindy on Jul 14, 06, 10:35:34 AM
Like Justagiglio, I first saw this fire from a passenger plane. These are photos I took on approach to Ontario Airport from Chicago on Wednesday. Scary and sad thing to come home to...

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_15671.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_15751.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_15691.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_15961.jpg)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: RobertW on Jul 14, 06, 11:20:36 AM
For a great satellite picture of the fire taken yesterday, click on the following link:  (It is 1.53 Megabytes)

http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/resources/2006194/ca-bdu-007229/crefl2_A2006194210701-2006194211458_250m_ca-bdu-007229_143.jpg (http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/resources/2006194/ca-bdu-007229/crefl2_A2006194210701-2006194211458_250m_ca-bdu-007229_143.jpg)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: KWBoy on Jul 14, 06, 12:37:24 PM
Here i go off topic again...
Calindy what kind of camera are you using? Thoes look so chrisp and clear!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire a mile from our camp...pics
Post by: RobertW on Jul 14, 06, 02:43:11 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 14, 06, 03:02:46 PM
Last Updated:     July 14, 2006 12:00 pm       
Date/Time Started:    July 9, 2006 8:30 am 
Administrative Unit:    CDF San Bernardino Unit
County:    San Bernardino 
Location:    East of Yucca Valley 
Acres Burned:    53,000 
Containment    20% containment 
Structures Destroyed:   45 residences, 118 outbuildings (detached garages & barns), 89 cars and pick-up trucks, & 2 R.V.s 
Threatened:    3,000+ structures continue to be threatened in the fire area. 
Evacuations:    

Mandatory evacuation for residents in a small area of Morongo Valley, west of Juniper and north of Pioneer Drive. Also for Burns Canyon and Rimrock.

Mandatory evacuations have been lifted for residents with identification for Pioneertown, Skyline Ranch, Pipes Canyon and Gamma Gulch. 
Injuries:    6 total - all minor 
Cause:    Lightning
Cooperating Agencies:    CDF, San Bernardino County Fire, U.S. Forest Service, CHP, LA County Fire, CA Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Red Cross & Office of Emergency Services 
Total Fire Personnel:    1,979 (1,914) 
Fire crews:    62 (52 CDF) 
Engines:    181 (67 CDF) 
Airtankers:    10 (9 CDF) 
Helicopters:    13 (2 CDF) 
Dozers:    18 (10 CDF) 
Water tenders:    20 
Costs to date:    $6.1 million 
Major Incident Command Team:    CDF Team #8/Unified Command with U.S Forest Service/San Bernardino County Fire 
Conditions:    

The fire is burning in extremely steep rugged terrain with little access.

No evacuations in the Big Bear Valley at this time. San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies from the Big Bear Station are currently notifying residents of the Lake Williams area and east side of Lake Irwin with a public safety alert regarding the Sawtooth Complex Fire. Residents of these areas are encouraged to stay tuned to their local media outlet for any change in the status of their area.

Evacuation Centers have been set up at the Yucca Valley High School, 7600 Sage Ave,and Big Bear Elementary School, 40940 Pennsylvania (for Burns Canyon residents).

For animal/pet information - 1-800-472-5609 (So. CA only), www.sbcounty.gov/acc
The Millard Fire on the San Bernardino National Forest and the Sawtooth Complex were within 1/2 mile of each other as of 8 a.m. this morning. Millard Fire Information 
Phone Numbers     1 (909) 383-5688 (Sawtooth Fire Information)
Phone Numbers     1 (800) 472-5609 (Animal Evacuation Information, So. CA Only)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: mudslide on Jul 14, 06, 03:56:46 PM
Thank you guys for the pics...amazing!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: angiepoo on Jul 14, 06, 06:39:32 PM
Did anyone else get to see Wildman on the channel 7 news a little while ago?  What a good guy he is.  Out there doing his job!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Calindy on Jul 14, 06, 09:20:30 PM
Quote from: FunkyGorilla on Jul 14, 06, 12:37:24 PM
Here i go off topic again...
Calindy what kind of camera are you using? Thoes look so chrisp and clear!

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT..8 mp.
Here is what it looks like in Phelan tonight (the smoke came our way this afternoon)
The fire makes for a beautiful sunset, but it's not worth the cost!

I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it is fighting this fire in this heat. My family was evacuated during the "Old Fire", this fire sure brings up all those awful feelings...especially for my kids.
The ones fighting this fire (and all the other fires) are true heroes!!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_1968.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_1974.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_1973.jpg)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/Calindy/IMG_2033.jpg)


Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: ForestGal on Jul 14, 06, 09:49:07 PM
Wow, Calindy,
This tragedy sure was an opportunity for some incredibly beautiful pics! Thanx for sharing.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: RobertW on Jul 14, 06, 10:32:08 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: ForestGal on Jul 14, 06, 10:47:29 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: KWBoy on Jul 14, 06, 11:12:54 PM
He retired but really he will never fully retire  ;) he worked with the lone pine rx burn now this. This just goes to show how dedicated Jim is!  :wave:
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wildman on Jul 15, 06, 12:09:56 AM
OK--you have ten minutes to stop with all that!  Thanks...I'm having a great time getting back in the saddle...I told one reporter that if I felt any better, I'd pay to be here.  I would rather be doing this then most anything. 

This fire is very challenging...both physically and politically.  Trying to keep all factions informed on a timely basis is a lot of work but we have a wonderful Incident Management Team who  bring much to the plate.
Fire condtions here have been extreme at times but we have  received all of the resources that have been requested and that really makes a difference.  Today we had 22 helicopters and 12 airtankers dropping retardant on the Millard Complex along with the two USFS Fire Watch Cobra helicopters that have live color TV and Forward Looking Infrared Radar that can see smoke.  The Incident Commander used the live picture and FLIR to make the decision Wednesday to pull all the Hot Shots of the fire just ahead of the big blow up.  Great tools!

Hot shots are contending with temps on the ground of 105+....5% humidity and and area that hasn't burned in 100 years in places with SW winds pushing the fire.  Some of the slopes they are working around are over 70 degrees.  We have over 26 miles of open fire line on the Millard Complex....the Sawtooh is much bigger.  It will take a great deal of effort to close those lines.  Maybe we can get some monsoonal rain (without the lightning).

Wish I could find a C-phone batteries that would last.  Twice, my two phones have died while doing live remotes with tv folks.  I spend 90 percent of my 20 hour days talking on phones to reporters and the other ten percent giving interviews.  In between that, I talk with anxious residents.  Just got off the phone with BBC in London.  Very cool accents.

You can go to inciweb.org and click on the Millard Complex to get information and see pictures.  More later.

Wildman
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 15, 06, 07:24:59 AM
Thanks Wildman and stay safe!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: storm on Jul 15, 06, 07:30:56 AM
here's a link to a map showing where the fire is:

http://www.kbhr933.com/bigbearnews.php (http://www.kbhr933.com/bigbearnews.php)

i live just north of the B in Heart Bar State Park, right on the extreme corner of that highway (Hwy 38). 

it's 7:30am and the smoke is pouring into our basin...
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Calindy on Jul 15, 06, 10:55:57 AM
Thanks for the update Wildman! Back in the saddle again!

Today in The "Daily Press", a fire official said had people cleared their brush as they should "we wouldn't have lost a single home"

WOW!! If that does not make people clear the brush from their homes, nothing will!

Keep safe....you all our real heroes!!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: K9luvr on Jul 15, 06, 11:38:15 AM
I went and read the original article.  I find myself both sad and angry.  I'm sad that these people lost their homes, what a devastating event!  But I'm also angry at them at the same time.  You live in a fire adapted community, there are all kinds of advertisements, fire safe council ads, etc. that harp on the necessity of doing just simple clearances.  The reason I'm angry is that firefighting is inherently a high risk job--it gets a heck of a lot worse when you are trying to save a house at the last minute when the homeowner hasn't done their job.  Why should a firefighter risk their life to save a home when the homeowner doesn't seem to care?  (uh oh, there goes my karma... 8) ) 

Let me tell you--the direction on the ANF is no bush, no tree, no house, is worth your life!  Make their job easier, make their risk much less.  These guys could have been out there actually doing things to fight the fire, and from the article, they were doing hazard reduction around individual properties. 

And I practice what I preach.  When the Crown Fire was threatening my house almost 2 years ago, the structure guys parked at my house spent a lot of time feeding my dogs, playing with my dogs, sleeping with my dogs....  (I panicked one morning when I went out and no sign of the hounds--I tiptoe around the guys crashed out on the ground and curled up with two engine crews are all four snuggled up with them snoozing away!) The engines were there in a "just in case" scenario and had quite a vacation!  Too bad I don't have a pool!  :D
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex fire
Post by: Horse Apples on Jul 15, 06, 02:22:29 PM
Well, dang, there go those plans!  I've seen "Mr. Wilkins" multiple times and met him once.  Wildman on the other hand, I felt I had some similarities with (military, location & horse) and was planning on talking "horse" with him in the near future.  Now that I realize they are one and the same, I will have to put those plans on hold as I am jus not worthy :)  I'll stand in the background and watch ... in awe.  Keep up the good work Wildman!
Title: Re: Millard Complex fire
Post by: storm on Jul 15, 06, 02:56:42 PM
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/MillardComplexfire6.jpg)

the sherriff forced us (along with all other camps south of Onyx Summit) to evacuate our user groups--but residents can stay.  the Millard Complex fire is about four miles south of us, burning north. 

the USFS might use our camp as a base...

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/MillardComplexfire7.jpg)
Title: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 15, 06, 05:25:32 PM
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: angelwolf326 on Jul 15, 06, 08:42:02 PM
THANK YOU Wildman and all those brave souls fighting to save the desert, forest and people's homes, lives and animals!!!  You are all HEROS in my book!!!!  BRAVA!!!

Here's a shot I took of the sunset last night, it was creepy....  Sun of fire.....

(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i82/dannacruzan/sunset-of-fire-071406-web.jpg)

All of you fighting and those of you that have lost are in my prayers!!!

Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: angiepoo on Jul 15, 06, 08:53:47 PM
That is a creepy picture.  But cool too! :)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: hill okie on Jul 16, 06, 08:56:50 AM
Thanx again Wildman and firefighters and also the other police, sheriff, CHP et.al. who daily protect us from harm!! LOVE YA!!
Title: firefighters here
Post by: storm on Jul 16, 06, 11:40:55 AM
here are some of the crews who are using our camp as a base currently:

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/firetruck6.jpg)

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/firetruck5.jpg)

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/firetruck4.jpg)

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/firetruck1.jpg)

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/firetruck2.jpg)

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/firetruck3.jpg)

i'm running around making sure folks get food and showers, keeping our 100,000 gallon water tank topped off (in case they need it and to offset the shower usage), and waiting for word.  we'll probably cancel summer camp for this coming week.

and here's a good example of the smoke-to-cloud phenomenon--the Millard Complex fire as of this morning:

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/stormbythesea2/MillardComplexfire8.jpg)
Title: historic DC10 air drop--12,000 gallons of fire retardant
Post by: storm on Jul 16, 06, 01:50:49 PM
i just watched the DC10 jetliner wrap around our meadow 360-degrees, twice, as it dropped 12,000 gallons of retardant on the fires...
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 17, 06, 02:46:00 PM
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF CALIFORNIA...INCLUDING THE
  FOLLOWING AREA...IN CALIFORNIA...THE SAWTOOTH AND MILLARD BURN
  AREAS IN AND NEAR THE MORONGO BASIN.

* FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING

* THE ONGOING FIRES HAVE BURNED AWAY VEGETATION AND LEFT BEHIND A
  LAYER OF ASH THAT WILL NOT ABSORB WATER. THEREFORE...ANY
  SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL OF A QUARTER INCH OR MORE IN A SHORT TIME
  WILL LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING...MUD SLIDES...AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN
  THE BURN AREAS.

* THE MUD AND DEBRIS FLOWS COULD COVER HIGHWAY 247 AS WELL AS
  NUMEROUS OTHER SMALL ROADS IN THE AREA.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: Wildman on Jul 19, 06, 06:18:36 AM
Today is the last day for the Millard Complex.  Most of us are being released today and the excess will be going to Big Bear.  Our side is looking good.  I will be assigned to the Burned Area Emergency Response Team until Sunday when I time out with 14 days assigned then mandatory days off.  Been a challenging assignment but a wonderful group of people to work with.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: storm on Jul 19, 06, 06:27:58 AM
thank you for helping protect our camp here at Onyx Summit!
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: Wildman on Jul 19, 06, 08:46:31 AM
Our pleasure.  Here is a site that has some great photos of their coverage.  SB Sun also has some good coverage also.

http://www.desertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: WWMtnGal on Jul 19, 06, 09:22:13 AM
Wildman there are no words to express just how thankful we are to our firefighters!  Not for just all of the hard work from these fires but for your dedication every single day to protect our communities!

MtnGal

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/WWMtnGal/Firefighters.jpg)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: Hillbillies on Jul 19, 06, 12:08:52 PM
Thanks to all the volunteering Wrightwood locals, and Jensen's for providing lunches for the firefighters....

The Victorville Daily Press did a nice story on these people, and Jensen's in last Saturday's paper. 

There are so many behind the scenes actions that take place and play key role in the success of an operation....
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: clint on Jul 20, 06, 02:24:47 PM
At the Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance meeting last night, Incident Commander Mike Dietrich and Forest Superintendant Jeanne Wade Evans presented a very detailed report on the Sawtooth/Millard/Heart complex. As the fire apparently winds down one very interesting fact is worth noting. Full control is not expected until November or perhaps the end of the year.

The fire is burning in such inaccessable and hazardous terrain that they will not even attempt to have ground crews enter the area. Part of the area is called Hell For Sure Canyon, and it was said that the early surveyors knew what they were talking about. Helicopters may drop on interior hot spots, and hand crews may mop up or control perimeter fires, but nature is the one truly in control. The fire will either expend all available fuel, or will eventually be extinguished by rain and snow. Resources will continue to be allocated to this fire for several months.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: gypsywolf on Jul 20, 06, 02:52:25 PM
Thank you for that post, Clint. How very interesting and informative.
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: MountainGrizzly on Jul 20, 06, 05:44:39 PM

Quote from: Clint on Jul 20, 06, 02:24:47 PM


The fire is burning in such inaccessable and hazardous terrain that they will not even attempt to have ground crews enter the area. Part of the area is called Hell For Sure Canyon, and it was said that the early surveyors knew what they were talking about.

Hell for Sure Canyon is certainly well named.  Here's a link to a TOPO for this area:

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=3772185&e=524241&s=100&size=l&datum=nad83 (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=3772185&e=524241&s=100&size=l&datum=nad83)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: gypsywolf on Jul 20, 06, 06:11:02 PM
Wow..look at all those squiggly lines. Definitely well-named.

MountainGrizzly thank you for sharing that link :)
Title: Re: Sawtooth Complex & Millard Complex Fires
Post by: Wrightwood on Jul 21, 06, 10:40:25 AM
Title: Re: historic DC10 air drop--12,000 gallons of fire retardant
Post by: RobertW on Jul 28, 06, 09:24:58 AM
Quote from: storm on Jul 16, 06, 01:50:49 PM
i just watched the DC10 jetliner wrap around our meadow 360-degrees, twice, as it dropped 12,000 gallons of retardant on the fires...

This is the first time in history a DC-10 had been utilized in a firefighting capacity.

Click here for the CDF Press Release:

http://www.fire.ca.gov/php/newsreleases_content/downloads/2006archive/DC10_NR.pdf (http://www.fire.ca.gov/php/newsreleases_content/downloads/2006archive/DC10_NR.pdf)

Click here for a picture of Tanker #910:

]http://www.air-and-space.com/20050617%20Victorville/DSC_1856%20DC-10-10%20N450AX%20Tanker%20Air%20Carrier%20910%20right%20front%20l.jpg] (http://www.air-and-space.com/20050617%20Victorville/DSC_1856%20DC-10-10%20N450AX%20Tanker%20Air%20Carrier%20910%20right%20front%20l.jpg)