High pressure lingering in the area this morning will produce breezy northerly winds of 5-15 mph with gusts over 20 in some spots across the Sacramento Valley as well as the adjacent coastal mountains thru the East bay Hills as well as the western Sierra.  Elsewhere mainly light winds. Despite the north winds, humidity will not reach critically low levels, thanks to the recent rainfall and higher soil moisture. A weak cold front will brush the far northern areas along the Oregon border with some light showers tonight.  High pressure builds back in for Saturday along with a return to NE/offshore winds. 

High pressure builds back in with a general warming trend today with NE/offshore winds of 7-15 mph with some higher gusts thru the Sacramento Valley and adjacent Coastal and Sierra foothills.  A weak cold front will move in Friday with increasing clouds, but the only light rain with this system should be confined to near the Oregon border. 

Rain is recorded by RAWS in all PSA's except the Eastside at this time.

The Mill Creek 4 Incident, CA-HIA, is 2,750 acres and is 25 percent contained. The fire was turned back to the local units this morning at 0600. This will be the final report on this incident unless significant activity occurs.

Initial attack activity was very light in the GACC today.

The Mill Creek 4 incident, CA-HIA is 2,500 acres and is 25 percent contained. The Wilson Incident, CA-HUU is 100 percent contained at 265 acres. Heavy demobilization occurred on both incidents today.

The National Weather Service has several warnings out for winds, rain, flooding, and debris flow that affect most of the Northern California GACC. Please keep up your situational awareness during this first major storm of the year.

The Mill Creek 4 Incident, CA-HIA is now 1,550 acres and is 20 percent contained. The Wilson Incident, CA-HUU is 260 acres and is 75 percent contained.

Initial attack activity was light in the GACC today.

The Mill Creek 4 Incident, CA-HIA was mapped using the Cobra at 1,107 acres with 10 percent containment. The Wilson Incident, CA-HUU (2 fires) is 150 acres and 40 percent contained.

Initial attack activity was light elsewhere in the GACC today, with a total of 18 fires reported.

The Mill Creek 4 Incident, CA-HIA is 290 acres with 25 percent containment.

The Wilson Incident, CA-HUU, is 125 acres and the Tall Incident, CA-RWP is 5 acres.

The Mill Creek 4 Incident, CA-HIA, is now 283 acres with 20 percent containment. The fire has burned onto the Six Rivers National Forest and is in unified command.

Initial attack activity was light in the GACC today with 12 fires burning 57 acres.

High pressure will remain offshore through Sunday as low pressure continues over the Northern Rockies.  This pattern will produce a NW flow aloft over the North Ops region through Sunday, with periods of high clouds during the weekend.  Dry and mild conditions will continue during this time, with night and morning offshore/NE winds becoming gusty in wind-prone areas.  On Monday low pressure in the Eastern Pacific will approach Northern CA and cause increasing SW winds, humidity, and clouds.  Light rain is possible overnight Monday night, and periods of moderate and brief heavy rain are possible until early Thursday.

High pressure will continue to build over Northern CA over the next few days.  This will result in a continued warming and drying trend, with daytime temperatures about 5 degrees above normal.  This warm weather will affect all areas, except for the immediate coast, where temperatures will remain in the 60s.  Humidity levels will remain dry, with afternoon readings of 12-20% in most areas. Winds will be very light today, mainly upvalley/upslope at 2-6 mph most areas. The only exceptions will be thru late morning across the Western Sierra and parts of the Coastal Range where local easterly breezes of 6-12 mph are expected. Similar weather pattern for Friday into the weekend.  A significant change to cool, wet weather is looming for early next week.

High pressure should govern our weather pattern for the next several days, with fair skies and further daytime warming on tap.  At lower levels, pressure gradients have relaxed somewhat compared to Tuesday, for lighter NE to SE winds today.  The main upper ridge axis will stay off the West coast through Friday, with the winds aloft backing from the recent NE and E to more of a Northwesterly flow.   It now appears pretty certain that the upper ridge will flatten and shift east into the Great Basin by early next week, which will allow a major weather pattern shift to occur.   A strong band of Pacific westerlies (i.e. jet stream) are forecast to advance eastward into Oregon and northern CA by next Monday midday, opening the door for a widespread and potentially very wet weather system roll into North Ops.  This would be centered on Tuesday, with snow levels staying above 6500-7000’ for the brunt of the event. 

Gusty NE/offshore winds this morning will gradually diminish as the day goes on.  Peak winds this morning could exceed 30 mph across the Western Sierra and the East Bay Hills.  Otherwise...remaining dry with significant drying and warming the next several days, with lighter N to E winds.

A RED FLAG WARNING is still in effect for the greater Lake Tahoe Area for today from 1100 to 1600 hours for gusty winds and low relative humidity: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/rfwwarningsbycwa.php?pil=XXXRFWREV

A WIND ADVISORY is in effect for portions of the Bay Area and Mid Coast Predictive Services Areas for today from 1200 to 2200 hours for very gusty winds: http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/

Lower atmospheric pressure gradients have tightened since Wednesday, bringing about a moderate, though probably short-lived foehn wind pattern.  The winds will affect mainly the lower elevation PSAs of northern CA with dry NNE to East winds this morning.  The north state airmass will average about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday due to the rebuilding of high pressure aloft along the West coast.  Humidity will also be down, with some single digit minimums reappearing in drier areas this afternoon.  The NWS currently has Red Flag warnings out for an area that includes the western foothills of the northern Sierra, as well as the entire Sacramento Valley/ Foothills southwestward into the portions of the Bay Area.  All these warnings expire by 6 pm today.   Look for the ridge to hold fairly strong over northern CA today, while a Pacific low pressure trough moves into BC.  That trough forms a closed low near the WA- Canadian by Friday evening.   Amplification of the Pacific upper ridge northward on the weekend will cause that BC low to drop southward through the Pacific NW, with the center reaching northern NV by late Saturday night.   That closed low will bring renewed cooling to North Ops, but it will produce just spotty light precipitation, which could be limited to the Cascade crest to Lassen NP and eastward.   

• LRA  
• Unified Command with Roseville City, CHP, Placer County S.O.
• Start 12:25
• 50 Acres 0%
• Rapid rate of Spread
• NW winds 6
• Expected high winds per Red Flag
• Evacuations in process on Deluth Ave. north of the town of Roseville
• Threat to Commercial Buildings,  and residential structures 

President Declares Major Disaster For Territory Of American Samoa

WASHINGTON - The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the territory of American Samoa and ordered federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by an earthquake, tsunami, and flooding beginning on September 29, 2009, and continuing.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said the president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the territory of American Samoa. 

This assistance will provide immediate resources to address response, including urgent life sustaining and public health and safety measures.  Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to the territory of American Samoa and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the territory of American Samoa.

Fugate named Kenneth R. Tingman as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Tingman said that damage surveys have been requested and will be conducted as soon as the situation permits.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the territory can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. 

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake occured near American Samoa.

FEMA_R09_Oakland_CA_20090929_12400PDT_Tsunami_Am Samoa

INCIDENT: AM-Tsunami 09/29/2009, 1545 EST

DESCRIPTION: An earthquake occurred about 140 miles southwest of Pago Pago American Samoa. Earthquake was magnitude 7.9. A Tsunami impacted American Samoa about 18:30 GMT.

STATE/LOCAL RESPONSE: American Samoa EOC has directed the evacuations to higher ground.

POTENTIAL FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT: Heavy
a) The RRCC will be fully activated at Level I with full EFS support

SOURCE OF INFORMATION: US Geological Service, American Samoa EOC

The National Weather Service has updated it's watches and warnings - see their webpage: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/index.php

It includes a FIRE WEATHER WATCH as well as a RED FLAG WARNING for the coming week.

Initial attack activity was light and very successful in the GACC today - 22 fires for 16 acres were reported. The Silver Incident, CA-PNF, is 100 percent contained, and has been turned back to the Forest.

The warm, dry conditions have had a dramatic effect on fuels and fire danger indices, check out the ERC's by Predictive Services Area : http://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/fuels_fire-danger/psac/erc/index.htm

Continued hot and very dry for the next several days...with single digit humidity for many inland areas the next few afternoons.  Strong thermal belts expected the next few nights with very poor humidity recoveries of only 20-40% on most upper slopes.  Winds will be mainly light and variable, less than 6 mph most areas...except locally breezier on the west slopes of the Sierra late at night with NE winds of 5-15 mph.  Temperatures today and Friday may cool just 1-3 degrees but should bounce back up to record levels for the weekend.

Northern California RAWS stations are showing numerous stations with Relative Humidity at or below 10 percent. This is a very rare occurrence at any time, and especially in the last hours of summer: http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/raws_ca_monitor.cgi?state=NOCC&rawsflag=2&timeobs=12&orderby=n&type=0

This equates to high to very high fire danger in the GACC: http://www.cefa.dri.edu/HourlyFD/

A large and dominant high pressure system is currently centered over central OR, with a ridge axis extending from off the central CA coast up to the northern tip of Idaho.  The high is producing end-of-summer maximum temperatures that range from 6-18 degrees above normal across much of the West.  For WA, OR and CA, the associated airmass is also quite dry, with minimum RH in a 4-16% range over most of North Ops the past couple of days, and overnight RH recovery ranging from very poor (12-25%) to just moderate.  The NE to East foehn pattern of Sunday p.m. into Monday continues, but overall morning wind speeds are lighter today, and will become even lighter and more variable by Wednesday.   A weakening Pacific frontal system will weaken the northern part of the high Thursday, bringing a temporary minor cooling and RH increase.  But the high strengthens again over the NE Pacific Friday and holds fairly strong on the weekend, before a possibly stronger and cooler trough brushes northern CA early next week.   

The Pine Incident, CA-LNU, is 350 acres with zero percent containment.

The Silver Incident, CA-PNF, is 305 acres with 100 percent containment

The Silver Incident, CA-PNF, is 300 acres with 80 percent containment.

The National Weather Service has issued several red flag warning for winds and humidities, the areas affected have changed: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/index.php

The Silver Incident, CA-PNF, is 300 acres with 80 percent containment.

RED FLAG WARNINGS exist for portions of NOPS: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/index.php

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH remains in effect from Sunday evening through Tuesday for winds and low humidity for portions of the Bay Area, Mid Coast, Northwestern Mountains, and Sacramento Valley Predictive Service Areas: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/index.php

The GACC experienced light initial attack on Friday.

Significant warming will start today as high pressure rapidly takes over the weather pattern. A weakening system will move on shore Wednesday for a slight chance of some light showers north of Cape Mendocino, otherwise just some high cloudiness further inland. Strong high pressure will take over the weather pattern from Thursday on into early next week with unseasonably warm temps on the order of 10-15 degrees above normal by the end of the weekend. Warmest inland areas will be 95-104 then. Nighttime periods of N to E wind are expected beginning Thursday night with the strongest event expected to be easterly winds Sunday night. The marine layer will be quite thin through the weekend.

The Robinson Incident, CA-MEU no size reported.

The Mines Indident, CA-SCU no size reported.

Sacramento Weather service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for portions of interior Northern California into this evening, in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM, 09/12/09 for dry lightning.

The National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a RED FLAG WARNING, for dry lightning, in effect until 5 PM PDT 09/12/09.

Medford Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENINGFOR SCATTERED DRY LIGHTNING WITH EXISTING DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 280...281...282...284...617...621... 623...AND 624.

Take a look at the complete text: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/SFOFWFMTR.html

We Will Not Forget

The National Weather Service, Monterey Office, has issued a RED FLAG WARNING from this evening through Saturday morning for dry lightning for the north bay and the hills of the Bay Area as well as the hills of Santa Cruz County. Take a look at the complete text: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/SFOFWFMTR.html

The Oasis Incident, CA-LNU is 90 percent contained tonight.

Initial attack activity was light in the GACC today, although one incident on HUU grew to 80 acres and a second incident on LNU is requiring additional support.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR DRY LIGHTNING. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A FIRE WEATHER WATCH. WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

UPDATE FOR FIRE WEATHER WATCH. SCATTERED DRY THUNDERSTORMS FROM 5 AM PDT SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH 11 PM PDT SATURDAY NIGHT ACROSS EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE CDF MENDOCINO UNIT. SHASTA T AND MENDOCINO NF.

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH. WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR SCATTERED DRY LIGHTNING WITH EXISTING DRY FUELS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 280...281...282...284...621...623...AND 624.

Slight warming and drying today with mainly light/slope driven winds less than 7 mph across most areas.  Highest winds will be along the coast, as onshore westerly winds of 6-12 mph develop this afternoon.  A significant warming and drying trend expected to begin today...with 2-3 degrees of warming each day thru the end of the week.  No significant wind or thunderstorm issues expected thru the week.

Slight warming and drying today with mainly light/slope driven winds less than 7 mph across most areas.  Highest winds will be along the coast, as onshore westerly winds of 6-12 mph develop this afternoon.  A significant warming and drying trend expected to begin today...with 2-3 degrees of warming each day thru the end of the week.  No significant wind or thunderstorm issues expected thru the week.

The Cherry incident, CA-LNU, is 250 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 7,800 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Cherry incident, CA-LNU, is 250 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 7,800 acres and 100 percent contained.

RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 624 284 AND 285 IN SOUTH-CENTRAL OREGON AND NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY.

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 8 PM PDT SATURDAY IN FAR NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA AND NORTHWESTERN NEVADA FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY.

For additional information go to: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/RNOFWFREV.html

The Cherry incident, CA-LNU, is 250 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 7,800 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 1,364 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Black Incident, CA-SKU, is 103 acres and 95 percent contained.

Updated Fire Weather conditions.

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN NEVADA FROM 1 PM TO 8 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR ZONES 625 284 AND 285.

For additional information go to: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/RNOFWFREV.html

The Cherry incident, CA-LNU, is 250 acres and 50 percent contained.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 7,800 acres and 100 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 95 percent contained at 1,364 acres.

The Black Incident, CA-SKU 103 acres 80 percent contained.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING OVER PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN NEVADA FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY.For additional information go to: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/RNOFWFREV.html

North OPS. is adjusting the GACC Preparedness Level to 2.

The Black Incident, CA-SKU, is 103 acres with 90 percent containment.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 7,800 acres with 80 percent containment. The Honolulu Office of the National Weather Service says critical fire weather conditions may return on Friday as drier conditions are expected.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 1,364 acres with 95% containment. The closeout with Custer's NIMO team was held this morning in Yreka.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 7,800 acres and 80 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 90 percent contained at 1,364 acres.

The Black Incident, CA-SKU 103 acres 70 percent contained. .

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 90 percent contained at 1,382 acres.

From the Medford office of the National Weather Service: RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR ZONE 624 IN OREGON AND 281 AND 284 IN CALIFORNIA...

The Forty Nine Incident, CA-NEU, is 340 acres with 70 percent containment. State Route 49 is now open without restrictions.

The Kaunakakai Incident, HI-CNTY, is 6,500 acres and 30 percent containment. Located on the Island of Molokai, this fire is being managed by the Maui Fire Department.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 1,382 acres and 85 percent contained. The Type 2 Team was released this morning.

The Pacheco Incident, CA-SCU, is 100 percent contained at 1,650 acres.

The 49 Fire, CA-NEU is reported at 275 acres with 50 percent containment. Over 50 structures were lost yesterday afternoon.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 1,373 acres with 80 percent containment.

The 49 Fire, CA-NEU is reported at 500 acres with 0 percent containment. The fire is less active and the 747 was cancelled prior to take-off.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 1,373 acres with 80 percent containment.

The Pacheco Incident, CA-SCU, is 1,650 acres with 100 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU, is 853 acres with 100 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF, is 142 acres with 100 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU is 853 acres with 95 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 1373 acres with 80 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 142 acres with 95 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU is 853 acres with 90 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 1373 acres with 80 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 142 acres with 95 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU is 853 acres with 85 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 1373 acres with 75 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 142 acres with 90 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU is 853 acres with 50 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 1355 acres with 75 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 142 acres with 90 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU is 1000 acres with 5 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 1277 acres with 75 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 142 acres with 80 percent containment.

The Day Incident, CA-LMU is 250 acres with 10 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 1277 acres with 75 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 165 acres with 80 percent containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 965 acres with 60 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 165 acres with 75 percent containment.

The Morris Incident, CA-ANF, started yesterday afternoon, is reported at 1700 acres with 10 percent containment, Woychak's Type 2 Team is committed.

IA in Southern California picked up today, they are reporting 4 fires that are evolving and may become large fire incidents.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 871 acres with 50 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 165 acres with 60 percent containment.

The Morris Incident, CA-ANF, started yesterday afternoon, is reported at 600 acres with 10 percent containment, Woychak's Type 2 Team is committed.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is reported this evening at 871 acres with 50 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF, is 165 acres with 60 percent containment.

No change in size or containment on the Klamath NF Incidents.

The GACC experienced light initial attack activity yesterday.

Fire danger indices averaged across the GACC are at the 97th percentile.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 802 acres and 45 percent contained.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 165 acres and 30 percent contained.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 785 acres and 10 percent contained. The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 165 acres and 30 percent contained. These fires are being managed by Paul's Type 2 Team and Custer's NIMO Team.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is 3,891 acres and 99 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU, is 7,817 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU, is 3,891 acres and 99 percent contained.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 735 acres with 10 percent containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF, is 165 acres with no containment.

No lighting occurred within the GACC boundary in the last 24 hours.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU, is 7,817 acres and 98 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU, is 3,891 acres and 95 percent contained.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF, is 701 acres with no containment.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF, is 165 acres with no containment.

The Red Rock Incident, CA-KNF is 436 acres and 0 percent contained.

The Harrington Incident, CA-KNF is 150 acres. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,799 acres and 96 percent contained.

The Wild Incident, CA-SHU is 50 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,799 acres and 94 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is 3,891 acres and 95 percent contained. The fire has transitioned back to the local unit.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is 448 acres and is 83 percent contained with 17 percent in confinement strategy. The fire has transitioned back to the local unit

The Wild Incident, CA-SHU is approximately 60 acres, crews are making good progress on this fire near Hayfork.

The GACC moved to MACS Mode 2 at 1800 hours yesterday.

No lightning was observed in the NOPS GACC yesterday. Lightning is predicted for portions of the GACC today. No red flag warnings or fire weather watches have been issued by the National Weather Service.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 448 acres, and 83 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,891 acres, and 95 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,597 acres, and 92 percent contained.

CA-KNF Harrington. This resource benefit fire grew 64 acres to approximately 149 acres today.

CA-KNF Harrington. This resource benefit fire grew 64 acres to approximately 149 acres today.

New Start on SHU. The Wild Fire is near Hayfork.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 437 acres, and 75 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,891 acres, and 90 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,597 acres, and 90 percent contained.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 437 acres, and 75 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,891 acres, and 85 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,364 acres, and 85 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,664 acres, and 100 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit. Final report

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 274 acres, and 60 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,891 acres, and 85 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,364 acres, and 80 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,664 acres, and 95 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 274 acres, and 60 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,891 acres, and 80 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,243 acres, and 80 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,664 acres, and 95 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 150 acres, and 60 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,582 acres, and 30 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,163 acres, and 80 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,664 acres, and 65 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Elephant Incident, CA-PNF is reported at 150 acres, and 0 percent contained.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,260 acres, and 15 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 7,017 acres, and 65 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 95 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 12,500 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,650 acres, and 35 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 287 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 100 percent contained

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 3,260 acres, and 15 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 6,843acres, and 65 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 90 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 12,500 acres, and 85 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,400 acres, and 30 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 287 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 100 percent contained

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 2,200 acres, and 15 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 12,500 acres, and 85 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 6,843acres, and 50 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 100 percent contained.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 287 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 90 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,400 acres, and 30 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 4,000 acres, and 15 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 15,000 acres, and 60 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 6,843acres, and 40 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 100 percent contained.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 287 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 85 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,400 acres, and 30 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 1,000 acres, and 35 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 15,000 acres, and 20 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 6,843acres, and 15 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 85 percent contained.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 287 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 80 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,100 acres, and 20 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Yuba Incident, CA-NEU is reported at 1000 acres, and 0 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 15,000 acres, and 20 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 5,036 acres, and 15 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 75 percent contained.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 350 acres, and 100 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 70 percent contained.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP is 1,100 acres, and 20 percent contained. This fire is being managed for resource benfit.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 10,000 acres. 10 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 4,100 acres, 5 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU is 1,200 acres, 50 percent contained.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is reported at 350 acres, and 50 percent contained.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 70 percent contained.

The Corral Incident, CA-SCU is approximately 3,000 acres. 10 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 2,600 acres, CALFIRE Team 9 has been committed.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU, is 1,200 acres, a Type 1 Team has been ordered.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF, is reported at 350 acres, and 40 percent contained. Swartzlander's Team has assumed command.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 17,623 acres, and 70 percent contained.

The Lockheed Incident, CA-CZU is 1,000+ acres, CALFIRE Team 9 has been committed.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU, is 1,200 acres, a Type 1 Team has been ordered.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF, is reported at 120 acres, Swartzlander's Team has been ordered.

The SHU Lightning Incident, CA-SHU is 16,881 acres, and 70 percent contained.

The Coffin Incident, CA-SHU, is 550 acres and 0 percent contained. This fire is burning near the community of Lewiston.

The SHU Lightning Incident is 16,881 acres and 69 percent contained.

The Summit Incident, CA-MNF is approximately 25 acres.

New incident - Summit, CA-MNF reported at 5 acres with spotting, torching, and crowning.

New incident - Coffin, CA-SHU, 20 plus acres, with spotting.

This evening the SHU Lightning Incident is 17,154 acres and 67 percent contained. Evacuations and road closures remain in place.

The GACC experienced light IA today with 27 fires reported to North Ops. The Santa Clara Unit was busy with three starts that burned over 100 acres.

The SHU Lightning Complex is reported at 15,954 acres and 67 percent containment. Mandatory evacuations of Skunk Ridge Road are in effect.

The Hat Creek Complex, CA-LNF, is 11,269 acres and 90 percent contained. The incident transitioned back to the Forest tonight at 1800. This will be the last report unless significant activity occurs.

The Fairfield Incident, CA-LNP, is 115 acres with an MMA of 1800 acres. This will be the final report unless significant activity occurs.

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 11,269 acres 85 percent contained.

SHU Lightning Complex update - 15,1004 acres 65 percent contained.

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 11,269 acres 80 percent contained.

SHU Lightning Complex update - 14,504 acres 45 percent contained.

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 11,315 acres 70 percent contained.

SHU Lightning Complex update - 14,504 acres 30 percent contained.

LMU Lightning Complex update- 187 acres 100 percent contained.

Well below normal temperatures and higher humidity will continue today as the low pressure moves slowly eastward. A few showers and wet thunderstorms are also expected in the northern and eastern areas. Warmer, drier weather will return this weekend under higher pressure with warmest inland temps back near 100 Sunday. Some fairly light northerly winds will help with the drying and warming and lower overnight humidity recovery in some areas.

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 10,125 acres 40 percent contained.

SHU Lightning Complex update - 14,504 acres 28 percent contained.

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 9,978 acres 40 percent contained.The Hat Creek Complex consists of the Sugarloaf Fire approximate acreage of 8037 and 25% contained, The Brown Fire at approximately 1893 acres with 90% containment, and the Butte Fire is 48 acres and 100% contained and in patrol status. Expected Containment (Block 17) of fires in the Hat Creek Complex are Butte; 8-5-09, Brown 8/8/09, Sugarloaf 8/12/09. Structures threatened in Block 24 are broken down as follows; 100 from the Sugarloaf Fire. Critical resource needs are 1 Type 3 Engine Strike Team. Resources assigned to the Hat Creek Complex will also have I.A. responsibility for the Hat Creek Ranger District.

SHU Lightning Complex update - 14,454 25 percent contained.Complex consists of several fires. All have been contained except for the following: Cassel - 5000 acres (50% containment), Chalk - 2800 acres (35% containment), and Goose - 6000 acres (10% containment). 230KV Power Generations Lines at the Pit #3 Powerstation were reenergized on 8/6/09. Road closures still inplace. Currently no evacuations in place. Interior firing operations to begin. One new start in the Burney LCA, was contained at 1/8 acre.

LMU August Lightning CA LMU update - 187 acres 98 percent contained.

LNF Lightning Complex CA LNF update - 225 acres 85 percent contained.

An unseasonably strong low pressure center will move eastward across the North Ops region today.  This cool moist system will continue to produce showers and thunderstorms, coming to an end in the coastal mountains by early afternoon and the eastern areas this evening.  Some rainfall totals will be over 0.50 inches by the time this feature moves east.  Friday and Saturday will be dry and warmer as a high pressure ridge briefly passes overhead.  Temperatures will warm to near normal by late in the weekend, but the next Pacific low pressure trough will bring mild conditions by early next week, but with little chance of precipitation.

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 9,978 acres 20 percent contained.The Hat Creek Complex consists of the Sugarloaf Fire approximate acreage of 8037 and 15% contained, The Brown Fire at approximately 1893 acres with 80% containment, and the Butte Fire is 48 acres and 100% contained and in patrol status.. A future change in the incident numbering (Block 4) is a result of consolidating all incidents within the Hat Creek Ranger District into one complex. Additionally 34 fires have been added to the complex. Expected Containment (Block 17) of fires in the Hat Creek Complex are Butte; 8-5-09, Brown 8/8/09, Sugarloaf 8/17/09. Structures threatened in Block 24 are broken down as follows; 100 from the Sugarloaf Fire, and 30 Structures from the Brown Fire. Critical resource needs will be utilized for water drops (Type 1 Helicopter). The Type 3 Engine Strike Teams will be used for suppression and holding actions. Resources assigned to the Hat Creek Complex will also have I.A. responsibility for the Hat Creek Ranger District.
SHU Lightning Complex update - 12,704 20 percent contained.Complex consists of several fires. All have been contained except for the following: Cassel - 3100 acres (35% containment), Chalk - 2700 acres (30% containment), and Goose - 6000 acres (10% containment).230KV Power Generations Lines at the Pit #3 Powerstation shut down at 1700 on 8/5/09 due to fire activity. Several significant runs in the Chalk and Goose Branches. No entry allowed on Cassel Road, Forest Service Road 36 North 18, West end of Shoshone Road and Cassel. Residents only allowed on Cassel and Dee Knoch Road. Currently no evacuations in place. Firing operations on Cassel Branch with much success.
LMU August Lightning CA LMU update - 187 acres 98 percent contained.

LNF Lightning Complex CA LNF update - 225 acres 80 percent contained

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 8558 acres 20 percent contained.

LMU August Lightning CA LMU update - 187 acres 95 percent contained.

SHU Lightning Complex update - 9,904 15 percent contained

LNF Lightning Complex CA LNF update - 615 acres

Hat Creek Complex CA LNF update - 4,606 acres 15 percent contained

SHU Lightning Complex update - 7,634 15 percent contained

Dodge Complex, CA-NOD, is 1600 acres and 95 percent contained.

LNF Lightning Complex CA LNF update - 215 acres

Low pressure off the Nrn CA coast will slowly approach the coast...moving onshore by Thursday morning.  Today will feature a slight 1-3 deg cool down but little if any thunderstorm activity.  However....thunderstorm potential increases Wednesday into Thursday for most of the Nrn Mtns...as well as increasing S-SW winds ahead of the approaching low.  Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings have been issued for both lightning over most of the mountains and gusty winds of 15-30 mph for far NE CA for Wednesday.  

The SHU Lightning Complex update - 7,249 10 percent contained. 39 fires have been reported. Containment status unknown. Large fires include: 1-23 Gomez Fire - 300 acres estimated, 1-33 Cassel Fire - 600 acres +, 1-21 Goose Fire - 2000 acres +, 1-11 Chalk Fire - 2500 acres +. Current priority is to identify, obtain perimeters, and prioritize fires. No entry allowed on Cassel Road, Forest Service Road 36 North 18, West end of Shoshone Road and Cassel. Residents only allowed on Cassel and Dee Knoch Road. Currently no evacuations in place.
The Upper Complex, CA-MDF, is 129 acres and 100 percent contained.

The Dodge Complex, CA-NOD, is 1600 acres and 85 percent contained.

LMU August Lightning CA LMU update - 193 acres 60 percent contained, Thunderstorm activity forecast for today will bring wind to the area. A total of 50 fires have been confirmed on State DPA, with continued possibility of new fires associated with drying fuels and continued wind.

NOPS has recorded 3232 lightning strikes during the period July 29 to August 3, 2009. Over 300 fires were started from the lightning. Today the units are reporting 84 fires. Yesterday several fires grew and burned actively, making it difficult to provide updated information.

The SHU Lightning Complex is reported at 1250 acres with 10 percent containment. Located in the Burney area, the complex consists of 39 fires in total. Large fires include the 1-23 Gomez, 400 acres; 1-33, Cassel, 600 acres; 1-11 Chalk, 100 acres; 1-12 Chalk Mtn 50 acres. Evacuations remain in effect for the communities of Sam Wolfin Springs and Big Eddy Estates. The Cassel-Fall River Road is closed.

The Brown Incident, CA-LNF, is reported at 1050 acres and 20 percent contained. This fire is located near the Hat Creek Work Center on Highway 89. Evacuations along Highway 89 were enacted today. Molhoek's Type 2 Team will assume command of the fire at 0600 tomorrow.

The LNF Multiple Lightning Complex is reported at 1000 acres and 2 percent containment. This complex consists of more than 60 fires across the Forest. One of the fires is threatening the community of Old Station along Highways 44 and 89.

The Dodge Complex, CA-NOD, is 1600 acres and 75 percent contained.

The Upper Complex, CA-MDF, is 129 acres and 100 percent contained.

Update for weather in NOPS...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FOR THE SIERRA AND SIERRA FRONT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND TUESDAY EVENING... http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/RNOFWFREV.html

CA-NOD, W-4, reported at 1,000 acres this evening. This fire and several others on NOD will be managed as a Type 3 incident as the Dodge Complex.

CA-MDF, Upper Complex, has numerous fires and still receiving lightning.

Strong high pressure aloft has peaked in strength, and it will weaken at least a little over northern CA for each of the next several days.  Maximum temperatures should drop back to near normal inland on the weekend.   There is sufficient moisture and instability in place that a sizeable portion of northern CA could see isolated to perhaps scattered afternoon and early evening thunderstorms today and Thursday.  The cores of these thunderstorms are looking a little wetter than we were predicting yesterday, but still some cells will produce strikes that don’t have wetting rains with them.  Starting Thursday, a closed low pressure system approaching from the eastern Pacific will be the cause for the thunderstorms.  It will also be deepening the coastal marine layer though, and bringing some welcome cooling into the interior.   SE to SW gradient winds can be expected to increase late Thursday and Friday as the low draws closer, particularly over mid and higher terrain.  

LINE-OF-DUTY DEATH FUNERAL DETAILS
FOR US FOREST SERVICE FIREFIGHTER THOMAS MAROVICH JR.

Hayward, CA----On Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 10:30 AM, the funeral service for US Forest Service Firefighter Thomas Marovich Jr. will take place at St. Clement’s Church (750 Calhoun Street, Hayward).

FIRE SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Class A attire is preferred, however Class B is acceptable.
• Public agencies are requested to limit Engines and Trucks to two (2) per agency, except Modoc NF. Personnel are encouraged to carpool to the funeral.
• Due to normal morning services at the church, apparatus are asked to arrive no earlier than 9:15 am, but no later than 10:00 am.
• All apparatus will be directed to staging as you arrive in front of the church on Mission Blvd at Calhoun Street. Mission Blvd will be closed to accommodate apparatus arriving.
• Due to the close proximity of the church to the cemetery, personnel are invited to participate in a walking procession.
• Details of the funeral and family wishes are being worked out the next two days. Information will be released as it becomes available as well as specific directions will be communicated the morning of the funeral as personnel arrive in staging.
• All family, friends and colleagues are invited to participate in a “Celebration of Life” event following the funeral. Details of the event will be available the day of the funeral.

Funeral details will be updated as they occur on Fremont Firefighters Local 1689 Website fremontfire.org

Due to anticipated high attendance for this service, it is requested all agencies planning on sending agency representatives and apparatus RSVP by e-mail to Gerry Fogel gfogel@ci.fremont.ca.us by Wednesday, July 29th at 5 PM so that organizers can properly support the event and its participants.

Strong high pressure aloft will remain over northern CA today, with the max temperatures of low interior valleys again between 105 and 113.   The high will weaken only slightly through Thursday, and then more so on Friday and the weekend, as a closed low pressure system from the eastern Pacific draws closer to CA.  The big questions in the fire weather world center on the details of expected thunderstorm activity in the SE corner of NOPS today and elsewhere for Wed. through Sunday.  The first significant North Ops activity could occur in the NW and northern mountains Wednesday, right under the ridge. Confidence is still low, as to just how much lightning might be produced, but rainfall reaching ground could be minimal.  Activity of Thursday into the weekend will be more associated with the approaching Pacific low, and would tend to get wetter with time, from day to day.  There are no significant/ widespread gradient winds expected today or Wednesday.

Little change in the weather is expected today from Wednesday. Hot, dry conditions will continue for the next few days as well with a high pressure ridge remaining over the region. SW winds aloft will tend to keep most of the moisture east of North Ops over the next few days, so the chances of thunderstorms will be minimal with the best (small) chances east of the Cascade/Sierra crest south of Tahoe. Winds will remain light, inland valley max temps will continue to be over 100 degrees, and overnight RH recovery will generally be poor to moderate outside the marine layer.

The governing weather feature over the western U.S. continues to be a strong ridge of high pressure aloft.  Today, that ridge axis stretches from SE British Columbia down to NW Arizona, keeping northern CA on the western side of the ridge.   Hot dry weather will continue to prevail, with occasional weak weather disturbances and / or moisture impulses up from the south temporarily increasing convective potential for mainly the counties bordering NV.   No thunderstorm chances are in the North Ops forecast for today.  However, by late Thursday the Tahoe Basin could see a chance of isolated thunderstorms, and a slight chance could extend north along the Lassen Co.- NV border area.  Minimum humidity will remain in a 7-17% range inland, and there will be just poor to mediocre nighttime RH recovery, especially midslope and higher. 

Release No. FS-07_21_09 (2)                                                                   July 21, 2009
Fire Information:  530-629-2816
Email: backbone.fire.info@gmail.com                        www.inciweb.org/incident/1716/

Fatal Accident During Routine Training At the Backbone Helibase Update

WILLOW CREEK, Calif. – Thomas Marovich, 20, of Hayward California incurred fatal injuries while performing routine rappel proficiency skill training, at the Backbone Helibase in Willow Creek.  

Marovich was a second year apprentice with the Forest Service at the Modoc National Forest, and was working with the Chester Helitack Crew from the Lassen National Forest which was assigned to the Backbone Fire at the time of the accident.

At 10:10 this morning Marovich fell and incurred fatal injuries while performing the required training which is conducted at a minimum every 14 days to insure the crew’s skill and proficiency.
Mr. Marovich was provided advance life support treatment immediately at the scene.  The Base medical staff, the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, and the Humboldt County Sherriff’s Office were also involved in the response.
The Forest Service has mobilized an accident investigation team and is working with the National Transportation Safety Board.

#  #  #

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Release No. FS-07_18_09 (2)                                                                   July 21, 2009
Fire Information:  530-629-2816
Email: backbone.fire.info@gmail.com                        www.inciweb.org/incident/1716/

Fatal Accident During Routine Training At the Backbone Helibase  

WILLOW CREEK, Calif. – During a routine training exercise an individual was involved in an accident Tuesday morning.  A Helicopter and its crew, who are assigned to the Backbone Fire, was conducting weekly skill proficiency acceptance training and was involved in an accident that took an individuals life.   
At 10:10 this morning while performing a proficiency skill acceptance training, at the Backbone Helibase in Willow Creek, an individual fell and incurred fatal injuries.  The training is required to be conducted weekly to insure the crew’s safety and proficiency.
Information is limited at this time and all names of individuals involved are being with held until notifications to families have been made.  We will be happy to provide information as soon as it is available.
The individual was provided medical attention immediately at the scene.  The Base medical staff, the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, and the Humboldt County Sherriff’s Office were dispatched and involved in the initial response.

Little change in the overall weather pattern is expected for the next few days with hot and dry weather continuing  for the 8th day in a row...as a strong high pressure ridge remains anchored across the West Coast.  Max afternoon temps in the warmer inland areas will be on the order of 102-107, and widespread min RH of 7-14% will continue. Poor to moderate nighttime RH recovery will also continue. No thunderstorms are expected thru Wednesday...but isolated thunderstorms moving up the Sierra from the south may approach the Tahoe area by Thursday.

Update CA-KNF, Tennant, this morning is reported at 1,000 acres and 25 percent contained. Molhoeks's Type 2 team has been ordered.

The Backbone Incident, CA-SRF/SHF/KNF is 6,324 acres and 65 percent contained.

The Backbone Incident, CA-SRF/SHF/KNF, is 65 percent contained at 6,324 acres.

New incident: CA-KNF, Tennant, is reported at 25 to 30 acres on the Goosenest Ranger District near Highway 97.

The Mammoth Incident, CA-NEU, is 100 percent contained at 643 acres.

The Backbone Incident, CA-SRF/SHF/KNF, is 60 percent contained at 6,324 acres.

No lightning occurred in the GACC within the last 24 hours.

A strong upper high that remains centered over the southwestern U.S. will continue to gradually put more moisture and instability into the northern CA airmass over the next 24 hours.  This will increase the chances of isolated high-based thunderstorms, with the greatest coverage forecast from the northern Sierra and northeastward.  There will also be a chance of isolated thunderstorms developing up the westside by late today, with the greatest chances from the Yolla Bollas northward.   The activity does have a chance of extending into the nighttime hours, and some in northeastern CA might could even linger into early Sunday.   For all areas, the amount of precipitation reaching the ground could be pretty limited in the first 2-6 hours of activity, so at least a small amount of dry lightning looks possible   As time goes on Sunday, any thunderstorms that might still be occurring should have increased/ moderate rainshowers under/ near their cores.   No significant gradient winds are expected inland over the next 3-4 days, but there is the threat of strong localized downdrafts under convective cells.

The Mammoth Incident, NEU, is being reported at 643 acres with 95% containment.

The Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF is 45 percent contained at 6,324 acres

The Panther Incdent HUU is 30 percent contained at 10 acres.

High pressure over the Desert SW will remain in place during the next several days, but a SE flow on the west side of the high is allowing monsoon moisture to move northward up the Sierra Nevada range.  Thunderstorms from this pattern may reach as far north as Lake Tahoe today.  Also, moist unstable conditions from former Tropical Storm Delores is moving northward off the CA coast, and these conditions may produce isolated showers and thunderstorms in the Bay Area this afternoon and evening. On Saturday these two patterns will combine and give much of Northern CA at least a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Rainfall is expected with any thunderstorms over the Sacramento Valley and coastal ranges, but from the high country of the Cascade-Sierra eastward there is a higher chance of dry lightning strikes.  The NWS has issued a Fire Weather Watch for areas from the crest east on Saturday for dry lightning.  Isolated thunderstorms are possible in mountains areas Sunday, and on Monday isolated convection is still possible from the crest east.

The Mammoth Incident, NEU, is being reported at 650 acres with 95% containment.

The Howland Incident, PNF, is 100 percent contained at 144 acres.

The Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF is 45 percent contained at 6,306 acres

The Mammoth Incident, NEU, is being reported at 450 acres with 5% containment. The fire is burning in steep, rocky terrain in the Auburn area.

The Howland Incident, PNF, is 90 percent contained at 144 acres.

The Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF is 45 percent contained at 6,343 acres. Residual burning and consumption of dead and down logs with the perimeter were observed today.

The Howland Incident, PNF, is reported at 187 acres with 65% containment. There is a line around the fire. Today they will patrol for undetected spot fires.

The Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF is 6,343 acres with 40% containment. Crews continue to complete direct line along several portions of the fire. Klump pumps and hose lays are assisting in holding lines. Line construction around Red Spot complete.

Two large fires are burning on the Carson City District of BLM for a total of over 3,000 acres. These fires are on the state line between California and Nevada, north of Reno, NV, near Highway 395.

Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF, is 6,156 acres. Increased activity and spotting were observed in Sixmile and Soldier Creek drainages. Activity today was moderate on Red Spot.

Activity today in the GACC was light, with 25 fires reported for a total of 23 acres.

Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF, is 6,113 acres with 25 percent containment.

Yesterday's lighting, about 50 strikes in the GACC resulted in at least 12 small fires on the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests.

Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF continues to be reported at 5,890 acres.

Lightning activity occurred overnight in the GACC and continues this morning. A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued by the Medford office of the National Weather Service: http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/ ....... for scattered thunderstorms with insufficient precipitation.

Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF is currently reported at 5,890 acres. The Red Spot has grown to 957 acres, with 10 acres burning onto the Klamath National Forest.

Lightning activity is very light this evening in the GACC with just a few strikes reported. There is a possibility of nocturnal lightning later this evening and into the early morning hours. The Sacramento office of the National Weather Service has issued a short term weather forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mtr&wwa=short%20term%20forecast

Backbone Incident is reported still at 5,549 acres.

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH has been issued by the Medford office of the National Weather Service for WESTERN KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST; CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY INCLUDING SHASTA VALLEY; and SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MT SHASTA...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WITH INSUFFICIENT MOISTURE...for more information: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/PDXFWFMFR.html

Low pressure will remain off the OR coast through Saturday.  Temperatures throughout the North Ops region will be below normal and a strong onshore flow will keep coastal regions under the influence of a deep marine layer.  Inland areas will see afternoon winds and minimum RH readings in a typical range for this time of year.  There is a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon mainly across Siskiyou County as a disturbance rotates around the low into Western OR.  A repeat of this pattern is possible on Friday.  On Sunday the low will begin tracking east across OR and this will produce another chance of thunderstorms across the northern mountains.  A warming trend is expected early next week as high pressure builds in from the SE.

Although temperatures today will continue to be notably cooler than normal for this time of year, a gradual warming trend will be in place the rest of this week as higher pressure slowly becomes the dominating weather feature over the region again. Some areas of moderately gusty SW to W winds with rather low RH are expected again this afternoon. Afternoon cumulus cloud buildups are expected over the northern mountains during the next few days, but for now, the chances of thunderstorms appear to be at a minimum.

The southern edge of a low pressure system moving into the Pacific Northwest will bring unseasonably cool weather to North Ops for the next few days. Today and Wednesday are expected to be the coolest days with the warmest inland valley temps around 90. Some moderately strong SW to W winds (10-18 mph, gusts 25-35 mph) and low relative humidity (7-15%) are expected east of the Cascade/Sierra crest this afternoon into the evening, and possibly again Wednesday. Areas along the coast will have night/morning fog/low clouds and cool, humid conditions. A slow warming trend will take place late this week into the weekend.

The Backbone Incident is now reported at 4,820 acres and 25 percent containment. Tomorrow will be an inbriefing and transfer of command to Custer's NIMO team. The fire continues to burn on both the Six Rivers and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

The Reno office of the National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING: ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 11 PM PDT TUESDAY FOR MUCH OF EASTERN CALIFORNIA AND WESTERN NEVADA FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR EASTERN CALIFORNIA ZONES 273 AND 278 AND WESTERN NEVADA ZONES 450 AND 459 FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY... .DISCUSSION...LOW PRESSURE WILL REMAIN OVER THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST THIS WEEK. DRY AND BREEZY CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH AT LEAST THURSDAY WITH FAIR TO POOR OVERNIGHT HUMIDITY RECOVERY. CRITICAL CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OVER MUCH OF THE AREA TUESDAY AND POSSIBLY WEDNESDAY AS THE JET STREAM PASSES OVER THE AREA. ANOTHER PERIOD OF STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY IS POSSIBLE NEXT WEEKEND. See their webpage for additional information: lhttp://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/RNOFWFREV.html

The Backbone Incident, SRF, is reported at 3,300 acres with 15% containment. The Backbone Fire has merged with the Trinity Fire on the SHF and they will be managed as one incident. Primary mechanism of spread remains log-to-log and spotting in dead standing and surface fuels. An area closure in the Trinity Alps has been put into effect.

The National Weather Service's Reno Office has issued a FIRE WEATHER WATCH from "TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY" for the greater Lake Tahoe area, Lassen County, eastern Plumas County and eastern Sierra County. A FIRE WEATHER WATCH "IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY" for eastern Lassen County.

The Susie Complex on the Six Rivers NF has been contained. The Backbone Incident, formerly the LT 17 Incident has been separated from the Susie Complex and will be managed as a new incident - it is reported at 300 acres and 15 percent containment, a type 3 organization has taken command. The Trinity Incident on the Shasta Trinity NF is reported at 130 acres and 50 percent containment.

High Risk Days have been issued for PSA's NC06 and NC08 for today and Monday afternoon winds of 15-30 mph with localized higher gusts. Check out our 7-day weather product at: http://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/weather/Fire_Potential.html

Independence Day 2009 is off to a quiet start. Last night's lightning (about 100 strikes) came with a bit of precipitation and no new starts reported yet this morning. Most of of our lighting-caused fires are contained. The Trinity Incident on the Shasta-Trinity NF is reported at 100 acres and is 20 percent contained. The Six Rivers NF is working an incident (LT 17, part of the Susie Complex ) nearby that is reported at about 30 acres.

Have a safe Fourth of July.

An upper level disturbance off the Northern CA coast will combine with subtropical moisture to produce showers and thunderstorms over the higher terrain of the North Ops region today and Thursday.  Most activity will be over the high country of the Cascade-Sierra range and eastward, but isolated activity is possible from the mountains north of Clear Lake northward to the OR border.  Light rainfall is expected with any thunderstorm, but isolated dry lightning strikes are possible.  Beginning late Thursday low pressure will gradually deepen offshore and produce an increasing SW flow over the region.  This should push most of the moisture east of the area by Friday, leaving only a slight risk of afternoon thunderstorms in the far northeastern area.  As the low deepens and moves closer to the coast lower temperatures can be expected, but also with gusty S-SW winds in the higher elevations from the Cascade-Sierra crest east.  The low will be over or near Northern CA through early next week, producing below normal temperatures, gusty winds, and a chance of showers and thunderstorms each day.

A moderately strong ridge of high pressure aloft bridges across north-central CA today, connecting high centers near 4-corners in the desert southwest, and a high about 200 miles west of Cape Mendocino.   Moisture to the south of this ridge is drifting northward but, at least for today, only the Tahoe NF and southward into the Sierra Nevada is expected to see a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.   Moisture and instability will further combine and spread north by Wednesday, allowing a larger area to see a chance of convective activity, mainly in the p.m. hours.   Lower level pressure gradients around a thermal trough have relaxed somewhat since Sunday, with fairly light  winds across much of the Area this morning.  The strongest afternoon winds will likely be the sea breeze into the Sacramento Delta, and some SW to West winds in eastern Lassen Co. southward to Lake Tahoe.  The high will weaken and allow a low pressure trough to bring stronger winds and cooling Sunday, and perhaps scattered showers or thunderstorms by Monday.

 High pressure aloft became pretty strong over the weekend, leading to max temps in a 100-109 range over low elevations.  There were plenty of 100+ readings in and west of the coast range, including the Bay Area.   The high will weaken only very slightly through midweek...with more heat as  temperatures remain 10-15 deg above normal.  As for thunderstorms...none are expected today.  However, there may be just enough moisture and instability for a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the Tahoe area Tuesday...possibly  spreading a little further north  toward the Lassen region on  Wednesday.  Overall winds are expected to be light to moderate from the SW to W over the next few days. 

One year ago the Lightning Siege of 2008 was making headlines and keeping fire suppression resources busy in Northern California. Activity is somewhat slower for the summer solstice of 2009.

Weather models show the possibility of mild North wind events early and late next week. The later episode winds look like they will exceed 15 MPH, both events will have significant effect toward curing fuels.  Initial attack activity continues to increase as weather and fuel conditions become more favorable for fire growth.

Wetting rain across the region has delayed or slowed the drying of the fuels in the Geographic Area.  Wetting rains have been sporadic across the area, resulting in a broad range of fuel moistures across the PSA’s.  Areas least affected by the showers will demonstrate fire behavior that match expectations for this time of year.  Continued warming and drying trends in forecasts will work to dry fuels, at what may seem to be surprisingly fast rates.  This is reflected by an increase in initial attack activity at lower elevations, as warming and drying continue, increasingly higher elevations will become active for IA.

Lightning struck the NOPS area again yesterday and throughout the night. About 15 fires were reported as a result of yesterday's lightning. From May 25 through May 31 144 fires were reported in the NOPS area. 86 of these were caused by lightning and burned less than 40 acres.

While the number of lightning strikes recorded is very high for this past week, we must remember fuel conditions are different than they were for last June's Lightning Event. This lightning is coming with much more precipitation and fuels at higher elevations and on northern aspects are not quite ready to burn real actively. This doesn't mean we won't see active fire behavior, it merely means we must maintain our situational awareness at all times and be heads up!

Keep an eye on our seven day fire potential product: http://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/predictive/weather/Fire_Potential.html

Several small fires have been reported as a result of recent lighting. In the past few days lightning has returned to Northern California, bringing with it some precipitation. The Eldorado, Tahoe, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Klamath, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests have each had a few lightning fires.

Activity is not limited to lightning caused fires, though, as the Santa Clara Unit of CAL FIRE has recently had two incidents totaling over 800 acres. Yesterday the Lake Napa Unit had a 155 acre fire near Danville.

Please continue to check our weather page for updates on conditions. And, look for our June monthly forecast to be posted on Monday on the outlooks page.