• 2 hr:CA
• 8 hr: CA
• 24 hr: NW

• 2 hr: NC
• 8 hr: SC

• 2 hr: Team 3 Pincha-Tulley * avail. R5/only
• 8 hr: Team 4 Opliger
• 24 hr: Team 5 Dietrich

• 2 hr: Team 2 Woychak
• 8 hr: Team 3 Fiorella

Honey bee (CA-INF-282), Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit, 950 acres and is 0% percent contained. No major problems, just smoke concerns. Fire has crossed Kern River to the West and is creeping along east flank and South Fork of Kern River.

Bighorn Fire (ANF-1444) Fire is now 420 acres and 60 percent contained. Increase in fire size is due in part to fire growth (30%) and better mapping (70%). Fire activity remained minimal and was limited to roll out and short runs back into the black. Crews made good progress building direct fire line and cold trailing in steep rugged terrain. Fire continues to pose a moderate threat to the cabins that line the West Fork of Bear Canyon. Fire poses a minimal threat to the Village of Mt. Baldy. Fire may continue to back its way down the slope of the West Fork Bear Canyon . Spread is moderate in intensity and is driven by heavy dead and downed fuels. There will be no night shift working the fire, engines will continue to patrol and monitor conditions and provide structure protection.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hilary Clark (909) 382-2922

Pacific Crest Trail on the San Jacinto Wilderness to Re-Open Following Apache Fire  

IDYLLWILD , CALIF. , May 14, 2008 – San Jacinto District Ranger Laurie Rosenthal announced today that the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the San Jacinto Wilderness will be opened to public entry starting Saturday, May 17. The PCT was closed on April 29 due to the Apache Fire. Approximately one mile of the Pacific Crest Trail, North of Spitler Trail, and South of South Ridge Trail was damaged during the fire. Trail crews have surveyed the trail for hazards and have deemed the trail safe for foot and equestrian traffic. Hikers should always be prepared when visiting the National Forest, and especially near areas with recent fire activity, since conditions can change without prior warning, especially during a storm event, due to sloughing, erosion, and the possibility of rock slides.

“Know Before You Go” – For current trail or permit information, please call the Idyllwild Ranger Station at (909) 382-2922.

Inyo National Forest fire management officials report that the Honeybee Fire, sparked by lightning on May 6th and being managed as a wildland fire use fire, is continuing to grow according to resource objectives.

The fire, burning in timber and brush in the Sierra Nevada southwest of Olancha, had reached 185 acres when mapped on Monday, May 12th, and was burning with low to moderate activity. The fire is burning in the area between Haiwee Pass and Olancha Pass, towards the south and west.  It has reached the South Fork of the Kern River, and is expected to continue growing, burning onto the Sequoia National Forest.  Fire management officials from the Inyo National Forest are working closely with fire management from the Sequoia National Forest in the monitoring of the Honeybee Fire to ensure that it continues to meet resource objectives as it burns. A hand crew, specially trained in wildland fire use, is assigned to the fire and is camping out in the vicinity of the fire, providing on-the-ground observations and monitoring of weather conditions and fire spread predictions.  A helicopter is also assigned to the fire and will be used for reconnaissance flights as necessary. With the north winds, smoke from the Honeybee Fire is traveling down-canyon towards Kennedy Meadows and is expected to have some impact on the area.  As winds shift in direction, this impact will be lessened.  Smoke may also travel to Kennedy Meadows in the evenings as it gathers at lower elevations down-canyon from the fire.  However, fire officials have a smoke monitoring device in the Kennedy Meadows area and are closely watching the effects of the smoke in the area.  If smoke becomes too intense, appropriate management actions will be taken.

Smoke may continue to be visible along Highway 395 and as far away as Ridgecrest, Big Pine and Kennedy Meadows.

Governor Schwarzenegger Takes Action to Bolster State's Firefighting Resources

http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/9545/

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued Executive Order S-03-08, which boosts the state's preparedness for wildfire season and directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to immediately mobilize critical firefighting resources and personnel to save lives and homes statewide.

"This year's fire season has already begun," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "We need every firefighting resource and tool on ready alert, so we can spring to action when disaster strikes. This Executive Order gives CAL FIRE the ability to increase staffing and pre-deploy equipment in anticipation of extreme and threatening fire weather."

The Governor also directed state agencies, including the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, California National Guard, California Conservation Corps and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to coordinate their actions with federal and local agencies, maximizing California's fire prevention and fighting capabilities.

Today's Executive Order follows last week's letter to the President requesting that federal Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) capabilities be made available for this wildfire season. Earlier this week, the Governor issued a proclamation declaring May 4-10, 2008 "Wildfire Awareness Week. /http://www.gov.ca.gov/proclamation/9453/

Highway dedicated to fallen Esperanza firefighters Friday

State Highway 243 will be officially dedicated as the Esperanza Firefighters Memorial Highway in a special ceremony Friday. State Assemblyman John J. Benoit will speak at the public dedication, set for 10 a.m. at the Silent Valley RV Club in the small mountain community of Poppet Flats.

That's near where five U.S. Forest Service firefighters based in Idyllwild were overrun by the Esperanza wildfire on Oct. 26, 2006 . Four died at the scene; the fifth five days later. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, last year authored Assembly Concurrent Resolution 4, which formally dedicated Highway 243 in honor of the five firefighters of Engine Company 57— Mark Loutzenhiser, Jess McLean, Jason McKay, Daniel Hoover-Najera, and Pablo Cerda. "While the Esperanza Fire died out a year and a half ago, the memories and sacrifices of the five firefighters who perished that day will live forever," Benoit said in a statement. The Owen Coffman American Legion Post in Palm Springs first originated the idea to designate the highway in memory of the fallen firefighters. The 30-mile stretch of highway between Banning and Mountain Center will carry the designation, with memorials on both ends provided for by a $3,700 donation by the American Legion Palm Springs Post. "Dedicating this highway will remind motorists along the route of the crew of Engine Company 57 who selflessly sacrificed everything to defend lives and property," Benoit said. "We shall always remember the courage of our firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect us."

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/NEWS0806/805080308/1006/news01

CA-BDF-5147 APACHE 784 acres 100% contained. Transition to Type 3 ICT has occurred. Projected personnel count by end of shift today will be 50.

CA-BDF-5147 APACHE So CAL Type II (Team 1). Fire has burned 784 acres and is 25%percent contained. There has been minimal movement of the fire toward a South, South East direction with smoldering and backing. All crews will spike out and work two consecutive day shifts. Crews will be flown out at the end of shift Saturday 5/3/08 . The incident is operating in the San Jacinto Wilderness and the Santa Rosa / San Jacinto Monument . MIST practices are being utilized.

Santa Anita Fire (CA-SMD-08-22735) Fire has burned 584 acres and is 100 % percent contained. Incident remains in Unified Command with USFS (Fiorella) and Sierra Madre (Heydorf) continues until 0800 on 5/2/08 . The fire will be transitioning back to the local district on Friday, May 2nd at 0800 under a Type 3 organization. Acreage apportionment: USFS=248 acres and Sierra Madre=346 acres. This will be the last report on this incident.

CA-BDF-5147 APACHE So CAL Type II (Team 1) IC Joseph assumed command at 0600 hours this morning. The fire has consumed 700 acres and is 5 % Percent contained. Steep inaccessible terrain with snag hazards limits night time operations. High winds over fire have been observed. Ground resources have lengthy travel times to access incident. This incident fire behavior is wind driven in the morning hours and moderating in the afternoon. Based on fire weather forecasts, fires projected movement is expected toward the South / South East. Threats remain to Cultural Sites; Painted Rock in the West Fork of Painted Canyon structures in Zen Center and Bonita Vista Rapid.

Per the US Geological Survey the 4.4 magnitude quake hit at 01:11 A.M. and was centered 12 miles south east of Lake Isabella CA, A previous quake occurred approximately four hours earlier recording a 4.2 magnitude temblor outside just Palm Springs . Two micro quakes registered 1.1 on the scale have occurred this morning. No damage has been reported from any of these. http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/latest.htm

CA BDF-005147 Apache . Joseph's – SO CAL type II team is being Mobilized to this incident and tentatively transitioning by 1800 todays date. Fire is 700 + acres 0% percent containment with a potiental to burn another 2000 to 5000 acres . Fire continues to burn at rapid rates of spread in heavy down logs and timber moving into grass and brush and is a threatening Agua Caliente Reservation, the San Jacinto wilderness, and the Santa Rosa-San Jacinto National Monument. This incident is in deep and inaccessible terrain, with high winds over fire, and is inaccessible to resources due to steep terrain, aircraft have been grounded due to high winds over fire 25 mph plus. fog at lower elevations also grounding aircraft.

CA BDF-005147 Apache . Joseph's – SO CAL type II team has also been Mobilized to this incident. Fire is 650 + acres 0% percent containment. This fire is burning near Apache Peak in San Jacinto Wilderness area of the San Bernardino National Forest in Riverside County . This fire began last night and remained quite small, but it is growing and suppression action commencing this early this morning. Incidents is located near Apache Peak , on the eastern most ridge of mountains over looking the desert. Fire is being wind-driven, with ridge top winds in the area measuring approximately 35 mph. It is burning in a mix of timber and brush. Eight CDF Handcrews are ready to be flown into the fire. We have diverted aircraft from the Santa Anita Fire (in Sierra Madre) for this new fire.

The potential for large fire will be moderate over the Desert PSA and over the Owens Valley due to locally strong and gusty winds and low humidity through tonight. The remainder of the region will see very little in the way of fire activity through tonight due to the below normal temperatures and near normal humidity.

http://gacc.nifc.gov/oscc/predictive/outlooks/Fire_Potential.html

Forecasted winds for Saturday will become strong and gusty over the mountains and deserts, especially over the Antelope Valley , Mojave, and Tehachapi's with sustained speeds in the 25 to 40 mph range. Winds will diminish some on Sunday but still could be quite gusty over the deserts in the afternoon. For complete synopisis see the Predicitive Services, Southern California 7 day Significant Fire potential website. http://gacc.nifc.gov/oscc/predictive/outlooks/Fire_Potential.html and http://gacc.nifc.gov/oscc/predictive/weather/daily_product/DailyOutlook.html

CA-LPF 821 Escalon Incident holding at 15 acres an increase in relative humidity has slowed the rate of spread. unknown containment, however anticapate to have hose lines around fire tonight. Structure threat has ben reduced ddue to changes in weather and fire activity. USFS and Cal Fire resources consisting of 4 hand crews,2 Type 3 engines and 2 overhead will remain assigned overnight. Day shift (4/17/08) planned need resources should be minimal.

New Study Shows Odds High for Big California Quakes A new study issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey determined the probabilities that different parts of California will experience earthquake ruptures of various magnitudes. The new statewide probabilities are the result of a model that comprehensively combines information from seismology, earthquake geology, and geodesy (measuring precise locations on the Earth's surface).  For the first time, probabilities for California having a large earthquake in the next 30 years can be forecast statewide.

The new information is being provided to decision makers who establish local building codes, earthquake insurance rates, and emergency planning and will assist in more accurate planning for inevitable future large earthquakes. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1914&from=rss_homeSee Link for further information

CA-CSR 021 Special Staffing April Due to the anticipated extreme temperature increase and relative humidity drop this weekend effective 0800 Hrs Friday April 11th 2008, the following Staffing Pattern will be in effect:

O-1 RRU: At Rayn Air Attack Staff 1 Air Tactical and 2 Air takers(S-2T's) and staffing to accommodate reload operations.

O-2 Staff H-404 in TCU (Water drop only) and H-301 in RRU

O-3 Staff 2 Hand Crews per camp in Strike Team Configuration in the following Units SLU; BDU; RRU;MVU This staffing pattern will be reevaluated by CSR Monday Morning 04/14/08

CA-BDU-002993 Bluff Inyo County, Incident began on 03/16/2008 at 1237 hours and burned 648 acres of Chaparral (6 Feet) Rabbit Brush, sage, Willows and salt grass and is 100% contained. Incident Latitude and Longitude Lat: 37° 23´ 22" Long: 118° 30´ 3" Fire is located at Pleasant Valley Dam RD / Chalk Bluff RD, 6 miles north of Bishop CA. All road and camp ground closure's will be lifted at 0800 hrs on Today There are 16 T/1 Crews, 22 Engines 2 Dozers, 6 Water Tenders assigned. Anticipate demobilization of resources to begin at 0800 today

The Federal Interagency Situation report completed by the Forests and Units previously required to be completed daily prior to 1700 hrs, will now be only be required to submit a weekly report . This report will be required to be completed every Thursday prior to 1700 hours or when either of the following conditions are met:

1. When wildland Fire activity occurs (including WFUs and prescribed fire).  

2. Forest(s) or Unit(s) Fire Danger is reported at very high or extreme and or there is a increase in level of incident activity, NICC requirements or direction from the GACC (South Ops) that may require a change in the frequency of reporting. Should you have any questions please contact your Geographic Area Intelligence Coordinator/Officer

California Incident Management Team 2 (Molumby) is mobilized on CA-OSC-0120 to Ontario CA. with a specific location to be determined.

Effective 0930 hrs today's date The Southern California Geographic Area has moved to a MACS mode 2. The decision to change modes was made by a MACS Conference Call, collectively by the OES Southern California Deputy Chief, CDF Region Operations Chief, and USFS South Zone Emergency Operations Coordinator or representative designees.

Modes 1 and 2 reflect a non-critical regional situation. In general, in modes 1 and 2 there are no major multiple incidents which would require extended use of multi-agency resources. Most of the MACS coordination points will be operational on a 24 hour day basis in modes 1 and 2, although several points will make alternate arrangements for contacts and responsibilities during night time and /or weekends. The basic distinction between Modes 1 and 2 is seasonal based on activity levels and Incident complexity.

Update Santiago Fire; has burned 28,012 acres. It is 65% contained. Fire moving in to extremely heavy fuels of the Cleveland National Fire. Structure protection is engaged at the communications facility at Modejeska Peak and in Silverado Canyon.