Two Idaho Towns Evacuated Due To Massive Wildfire

Pine, Featherville evacuated as Elk Complex Fire continues to spread

The Elk Complex threatens the mountain town of Pine and the neighboring hamlet of Featherville, about 70 miles east of Boise, Idaho.

Evacuation orders have been issued for the Featherville and Pine areas due to increased fire activity, said the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire has destroyed an estimated 20 homes, and many structures.

The Elk Complex Fire. Running crown fire into Pine. Credit: Boise National Forest/ U.S. Forest Service.

The Elk Fire resulted from several lightning fires which burned together on the night of August 8th. Fuels continue to be extremely dry and when combining with steep terrain, is creating plume dominated fire behavior. Areas concern are the small settlement of Prairie on the west side of the fire and the Pine/Featherville corridor on the east side. The southern perimeter follows the South Fork of the Boise River from Smith Creek to the end of Anderson Ranch Reservoir near Pine. The fire continues to move up the river corridor on the west side from Pine towards Featherville. Primary objective is to secure the fireline between all homes/subdivisions and the mountains to the west. Securing Prairie homes and ranches is a high priority. Ultimately the plan is to push the northern portion of the fire into the Trinity fire from last year.

The Elk Complex Fire. Lead plane marks the spot. Credit: Boise National Forest/ U.S. Forest Service.

The Boise National Forest has expanded a large area closure that is described specifically in the CLOSURES portion of this site. A map of the closure area can be found under MAPS. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has a mandatory evacuation in effect from Hwy 20 to the Johnson Creek Bridge south of Featherville. [Inciweb]

The Elk Complex Fire. Blaze starting to crest over ridge. Credit: Boise National Forest/ U.S. Forest Service.  

Fire  Information
Cause: Lightning
Date of Origin: Thursday August 08th, 2013 approx. 09:00 PM
Location: 10 miles southwest of Pine

Total Personnel: 631
Size: 98,413 acres
Percent Contained: 10%
Estimated Containment Date :Tuesday October 01st, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM

Pony Complex Fire PM Update August 13, 2013

The Pony Complex fire, about  12 miles Northeast of Mountain Home, ID, has consumed at least 143,900 acres with about 30 percent containment.

The Pony Complex Fire. Credit: Boise District/ Bureau of Land Management.

Fire Situation:

There was no reported change in acreage today due to smoke and thunderstorms in the area making aerial mapping unattainable. Fire behavior today remained active, running through grass and sage while backing across timbered areas. Some single tree torching and short range spotting was observed.  The fire is slowly progressing north, towards Blacks Creek. [Inciweb]

Wildfire Cause: Lightning
Date of Origin: Thursday August 08th, 2013 approx. 09:00 PM
Location: 12 miles northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho
Total Personnel:  342
Size:  143,900 acres
Percent Contained:  40%
Fuels Involved: Grass, sage with intermixed timber.
Fire Behavior:  Fire behavior remained active, running through grass and sage and backing through timber. Single tree torching and short range spotting was observed.
Growth Potential: High
Terrain Difficulty: High
Wind Conditions: 17 mph W
Temperature: 93 degrees
Humidity 8%

Related Links

• Disaster Declared in Elmore County, Idaho  August 13, 2013
• Idaho Wildfire Threatens Entire County August 12, 2013
• Idaho Town Evacuated as Wildfires Rage  August 10, 2013

Disaster Declared in Elmore County, Idaho

Gov. Otter issues a state disaster declaration in Elmore County

The Elk and Pony Complex fires have grown explosively, covering at least 240,000 acres, forcing mass evacuations and large area closures.

In addition to large numbers of mandatory evacuations, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has urged other residents to leave the area to ensure the fire crews can focus on suppressing the fire, said a report.

The two fire complexes have destroyed or damaged dozens of structures, but the exact toll is not yet known/released.

More than two dozen wildfires in Idaho have scorched at least 400,000 acres since mid-July 2013.

The Elk Complex

Cause: Lightning
Date of Origin: Thursday August 08th, 2013 approx. 09:00 PM
Location: 10 miles southwest of Pine
Size: 90,249 acres
Percent Contained: 5%
Estimated Containment Date: Tuesday October 01st, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM
Total Personnel: 405

The Elk Complex Fire. Elk Statesman12. Night fire from Base Camp. The Incident Command Post threatened by the Elk Complex 08112013. Credit: Boise National Forest/ U.S. Forest Service.

The Elk Fire resulted from several lightning strike fires which burned together on the night of August 8th. Fuels continue to be extremely dry and when combining with steep terrain, is creating plume dominated fire behavior. Areas concern are the small settlement of Prairie on the west side of the fire and the Pine/Featherville corridor on the east side. The southern perimeter follows the South Fork of the Boise River from Smith Creek to the end of Anderson Ranch Reservoir near Pine. The fire continues to move up the river corridor on the west side from Pine towards Featherville. Primary objective is to secure the fireline between all homes/subdivisions and the mountains to the west. Securing Prairie homes and ranches is a high priority. Ultimately the plan is to push the northern portion of the fire into the Trinity fire from last year.

The Boise National Forest has expanded a large area closure that is described specifically in the CLOSURES portion of this site. A map of the closure area can be found under MAPS. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has a mandatory evacuation in effect from Hwy 20 to the Johnson Creek Bridge south of Featherville.

Stage I fire restrictions remain in effect including no campfires outside of an agency designated recreation site until further notice. For more information, please visit www.blm.gov/id.  [Inciweb]

The Pony Complex Fire

The Pony Complex fire, about  12 miles Northeast of Mountain Home, ID, has consumed at least 143,900 acres with about 30 percent containment.

The Pony Complex Fire. Credit: Boise District/ Bureau of Land Management.

The Mile Marker 111 Fire and the Mudd Fire burned together on Sunday and areas of the combined fire are still exhibiting high resistance to control. The fire is continuing to push to the south and east threatening the Highway 20 corridor.

• Numerous road closures and an area closure remain in effect.
• Burnout operations were conducted along Cow Creek Road in attempt to mitigate the fire from crossing Blacks Creek. 

Basic stats

• Start date: 8/8/2013
• Location: 12 miles Northeast of Mountain Home, ID
• Cause: Lightning
• Size: 143, 900
• Fuels: Grasses, sagebrush and pockets of timber
• Observed Fire Behavior: Extreme running fire spread
• Assigned Resources: 330 personnel
• Containment: 30%

Related Links

• Idaho Wildfire Threatens Entire County August 12, 2013
• Idaho Town Evacuated as Wildfires Rage  August 10, 2013

Idaho Wildfire Threatens Entire County

Elk Complex Fire consumes more than 80,000 acres, forces evacuations of 3 towns

The fast-growing Elk Complex, said to be nation’s No.1, has consumed more than 80,365 acres since late Thursday and is only 5% contained.

The massive fire complex has forced large-scale evacuations and threatens structure across Elmore County.

Two small towns of Pine and Prairie have been evacuated.

The Elk Complex fire.  Viewed from I-84, photo taken Saturday afternoon. Credit: Boise National Forest/U.S. Forest Service.

The Elk Complex is now estimated at 80,365 [acres] and 5% contained. After the inversion broke, sustained crown runs were observed. Plume dominated fire activity has made parts of the fire inaccessible. Many access roads into the fire area are impassible due to downed power lines, debris and fallen timber. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has implemented evacuations in the Pine area. Road closures include the Pine/Featherville Road, Cow Creek Road and Blacks Creek Road. The lodge in Fall Creek and approximately 20 structures were not damaged by the fire, but it is believed there is significant structure loss further up the drainage. Fire officials will gain access to assess the situation as soon as it is safe for them to enter the area. [More…]

The Pony Fire Complex

Meantime, the Pony Fire Complex continued to grow, consuming about 120,000 across and forcing the evacuations of hundreds of homes in Prairie and Mayfield, including the communities Baseline, Indian Creek and Regina.

The 119,543 acre Pony Complex is now 20 percent contained. Two cabins and an outbuilding in Syrup Creek were destroyed this morning as a result of the extreme fire behavior. Evacuations were ordered for the Syrup Canyon area. Multiple residences in Syrup Canyon and Miller Ranch were defended today. Evacuations were ordered including the community of Mayfield, Canyon Creek area and the Danskin and Bennett Mountain Lookouts. Livestock was continued to move from out in front of the fire. Numerous road closures are in effect along with an area closure. Firefighters remained on the fire last night and will tonight continuing to construct direct lines while securing and protecting structures.  [Inciweb]

Dozens of structure have been destroyed or damaged by the two fire complexes, but the exact toll is not yet known/released.

Related Links

• Idaho Town Evacuated as Wildfires Rage  August 10, 2013

Global Disasters/ Significant Events – 24 July 2013

Fire breaks out on evacuated Gulf gas well

Fire has broken out on a blown-out Gulf of Mexico gas well, a federal official has just confirmed.

Natural gas spewing from the Hercules 265 drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico about 55 miles off the Louisiana off the coast of Louisiana, Tuesday, July 23, 2013.  Photo released by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. 

The drilling rig operated by Walter Oil & Gas was evacuated early Tuesday after the blowout occurred; the fire broke out late Tuesday.

“All 44 personnel on board have been safely evacuated and are being transported to a secure location. No injuries have been reported. No oil has been released.” Walter Oil & Gas said in a statement.

Earlier The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) posted the following statement on their website:

BSEE Responds to Well Control Event at South Timbalier Block 220, 55 miles offshore Louisiana

July 23, 2013– The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is responding to a report of a loss of well control 55 miles offshore Louisiana in 154 feet of water. Walter Oil & Gas this morning reported the loss of control of Well A-3 on an unmanned platform at South Timbalier Block 220 while doing completion work on the sidetrack well to prepare the well for production. The well is flowing gas and no oil is being released. The operator reports that 44 personnel have been evacuated safely from the Hercules 265 jack-up rig.

BSEE inspectors conducting an overflight reported a light sheen one-half mile by 50 feet in area which is dissipating almost immediately. BSEE inspectors will remain at a near-by platform to keep abreast of the situation. BSEE is closely monitoring Walter Oil & Gas’ mobilization of its response efforts to stop the flow of gas and secure the well.

BSEE is closely coordinating with the Coast Guard and other federal agencies on response efforts.

-oOo-

Other Major Disasters/ Significant Events

Lake County, Ohio, Declared Disaster Area after Extensive Flooding

Officials have declared the Lake County a disaster area, after flooding hit many cities in the County on Saturday affecting thousands of residents, and damaging at least 3,000 homes.

The heaviest flood damage occurred in the western half of Lake County from Wickliffe to Mentor, officials stated.

-oOo-

Warm Springs wildfire spreads, more Oregon homes evacuated

The Sunnyside Turnoff fire started at about 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 along Highway 3 near Warm Springs, Oregon. Unseasonably hot weather, coupled with low humidities and strong winds caused the fire to escape initial and extended attack efforts. Inciweb reported.

“Firefighters evacuated about 40 homes in the Warm Springs area Sunday afternoon as a raging wildfire spread across thousands of acres of open country on the Indian reservation,” said a report.

Fire crews had earlier evacuated 200 homes, according to reports.

-oOo-

Wildfire forces Idaho’s Redfish Lake campers and gusts to evacuate

The 210 Road Fire, which ignited Monday, has consumed about a square mile of pine and brush in the Sawtooth National Forest.

Officials have evacuated the campgrounds on the lake’s southern edge and guests staying at the Redfish Lake Lodge located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, said a report.

There are currently 11 major wildfires burning tens of thousands of acres across southern and eastern Idaho, fueled by drought, high temperatures and low humidity. The blazes include Papoose Fire, Ridge Fire, Brown Butte, Thunder City, Lodgepole, Rough Creek, Gold Pan, Pine Creek Fire, Bradley and Summit Fire.

-oOo-

The Disaster President Signs Missouri Disaster Declaration

The Disaster President has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 29 to June 10, 2013.

The areas most severely affected were the counties of Barton, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Clark, Howard, Iron, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Maries, Marion, Miller, Montgomery, Osage, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Sullivan, Texas, and Webster.

-oOo-

NW China Earthquake Update

Death has climbed to at least 95 after a 6.6-magnitude quake  followed by a significant aftershock struck NW China on Monday.

“As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the number of people that have been treated by medical institutions was 1,243, including 185 patients reported to be in a serious or critical status,” said a report.

-oOo-

UPDATED: Wednesday, 24 July 2013, 16:09

Severe Storms and Hail Damage up to 90% of France’s Burgundy Vine

Tuesday’s storms have damaged or destroyed up to 90 percent of the vines, threatening output for both the 2013 and 2014 vintages, said a report quoting producers.

“It is awful to see these vines ripped by hail and several years of wine growers’ work destroyed by the weather in one afternoon,” said the head of France’s independent wine makers.

-oOo-

Wildfires Force State of Emergency in Eastern Washington

DISASTER CALENDAR SYMBOLIC COUNTDOWN: 1,277 Days Left

[September 16, 2012] Mass die-offs resulting from human impact and the planetary response to the anthropogenic assault could occur by early 2016. 

• SYMBOLIC COUNTDOWN: 1,277 Days Left to the ‘Worst Day’ in Human History

• Symbolic countdown to the ‘worst day’ in human history began on May 15, 2011...

.

Global Disasters/ Significant Events

• Washington, USA. Gov. Gregoire has declared a State of Emergency for all counties east of the Cascades on due to destructive wildfires.
  • “This is one of the worst fire situations that I can recall during my time as governor.  Firefighters have done a tremendous job to keep people safe, and keep the number of homes lost to a minimum. But they need more resources – especially as we expect weather conditions to remain less than favorable.” Gregoire said.
  • Multiple fires “currently threaten over 500 homes, resulting in numerous evacuations,” she added.
  • The Wenatchee Complex includes over 50 lightning-caused fires burning in Chelan County.

• Alaska. “An unseasonable storm of considerable size and strength is affecting the southern mainland this weekend with strong winds and heavy rains. The low is near the Alaska Peninsula moving towards Bristol Bay.” NWS reported.

• Utah. Washington County has declared a state of emergency after flash floods damaged Santa Clara, Ivins and St. George, reports said.

• Idaho. Up to a million acres are being consumed by wildfires across Idaho.  The largest blazes include:
  • Mustang Complex: 315,000 acres
  • Trinity Ridge Fire
  • Sheep Fire
  • Mcguire Complex
  • Halstead
  • Porcupine Complex
  • Powell Sbw Complex

• Portugal.  In the first 8 months this year,  16,168 forest fires consumed 73,055 hectares of forest, up 81 percent from 2011, said a report.
  • “One single giant blaze at Tavira, in the Algarve, which broke out on 18 July, ravaged 21,347 hectares of forest – some 29 percent of the total for all of Portugal from January and August.”

• Okinawa.  NEWS BLACKOUT IN EFFECT CONCERNING THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY TYPHOON SANBA

Global Disasters: Links, Forecasts and Background

• The First Wave of World’s Collapsing Cities
• Back to the Primordial Future
• The Fate of Energy Dinosaurs
• Mass Die-offs

• 2010 Disasters [Links to 2010 Disaster Calendar]
• Mega Disasters
• 2011 Disaster Calendar
• 2012 Disaster Calendar

GLOBAL WARNING

• WARNING: Human impact 2.85 x Earth’s diminishing carrying capacity
• WARNING: RAPID DECLINE IN PROGRESS!

Explosive Wildfires Continue Erupting Across the U.S.

Waldo Canyon fire the most destructive in Colorado history: Officials

The Disaster President [Obama] has declared the state of Colorado a major disaster area due to the damage and losses caused by deadly wildfires in  El Paso County [Colorado Springs’ Waldo Canyon fire] and Larimer County [High Park Fire] which began on June 9, 2012, and continuing.

More counties may be designated subject to ongoing damage surveys, FEMA said.

The 5-day old Waldo Canyon fire in Pike National Forest, El Paso County, has now consumed an estimated 20,000 acres, destroying at least 346 homes [preliminary damage report,] forcing tens of thousands of people out of their homes, and threatening 20,085 residences and 160 commercial structures.

Until yesterday, the High Park fire, still burning near Fort Collins north of Denver, was officially the most destructive Colorado fire on record having consumed 257  homes and 87,284 acres of forest and grassland.

Waldo Canyon Fire Map (June 27).

Map of Waldo Canyon Fire Mandatory Evacuation Line – as of June 28, PM.

Pine Ridge Fire

The Pine Ridge Fire is very active wildfire ignited by lightning 10 miles NE of Grand Junction, Mesa County, CO, on Wednesday June 27th, and has since grown to more than 1,500 acres.

• Fire Behavior: Fire behavior remains extreme and is now threatening Northern Mesa County including the community of De Beque. The Mesa County Sheriff’s department has ordered immediate evacuation of all areas south of S ½ road, west of 45.5 Rd and east of I 70.

Utah Fire Explodes to 20,300 acres in 2 Days

Seeley Fire wildfire, ignited by dry lightning in Huntington Canyon and Gentry Mountain, 15 miles NW of Huntington, Utah, on June 26, has exploded to 20,300 acres threatening an unknown number of structures and forcing evacuations in the area. Road closures are in effect.

• Growth Potential:  Extreme
• Terrain Difficulty:  Extreme
• Wind Conditions: 16-28 mph SW
• Temperature: 75-77 degrees
• Humidity: 10-12%

Idaho Wildfire

Charlotte Fire, a blaze ignited in the Charlotte Road area of Mink Creek early afternoon on Thursday, has quickly spread, engulfing about 500 acres in just 5 hours, destroying or damaging at least a dozen homes.

• Bannock County Commissioners issued a disaster declaration for the County and immediately evacuated the residents in the Gibson Jack, Johnny Creek and Mink Creek area down to Portneuf Road. The evacuations have since expanded toward Pocatello past Juniper Hills Country Club, said a report .

• An emergency shelter has been set up in the Idaho State University Holt Arena for evacuees of the Gibson Jack and Mink Creek areas that have been affected by wildfire on Thursday, June 28, announced Stephen Chatterton, director of ISU Public Safety.

• “Multiple fire agencies are battling the grass fire that is burning dangerously close to homes. The fire sparked just after 2:30 p.m., Thursday, near Charlotte Road. Bannock County is handling evacuations,” said a report.

Montana Wildfires:

A dozen wildfires in Montana have destroyed more than 100 structures and forced up to a 1,000 people to flee their homes.

Dahl Fire. Fueled by dead and dying timber, high temperatures, low relative humidities and gusty winds, the Dahl Fire in Musselshell County, Montana, has grown to an estimated 20,000 acres and is currently uncontained.

• Montana Governor has signed an emergency declaration for Musselshell, Rosebud, Custer, Treasure, Yellowstone and Big Horn Counties and the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
• An unknown number of residents have been evacuated.
• Road closures are in effect.
• A second fire in Musselshell County has been reported and located.

Ash Creek Complex Fire. The Ash Creek Complex fire, burning 10 miles east of Lame Deer in Custer National Forest, has exploded to 110,700 acres since it began Monday June 25th, 2012.

• Significant Events:  Residences remain threatened, and portions of Highway 212 remain closed due to fire activity and smoke.
• Fire behavior: Active on the northeast flank in the Cook Mountain hiking and riding area.
• Containment: 5%
• Growth Potential: Extreme

Utah Wildfires

• The Wood Hollow Fire, a blaze about 1 mile south of Fountain Green in Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands has now grown to 46,190 acres, claiming at least one life and destroying a reported 56 structures  and scores of farm animals, mostly sheep.
  • The communities of Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Big Hollow, and Oaker Hills communities are under mandatory evacuation.
  • About 2,000 have been evacuated from surrounding communities.

Other fires are listed at Destructive Wildfire Activity Intensifies in Colorado (Posted on June 28, 2012) and the previous posts.

Some 4 dozen active wildfires are currently burning across a dozen states:  Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, South Dakota, Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, California and Hawaii.

U.S. Weather Hazards

US Weather Hazards Map, June 29, 2012 – Update

Excessive Heat Warnings: Excessive Heat Warnings are currently in effect in parts of at least 8 states.

Heat wave. The core of the heat wave currently broiling the central U.S. could shift to the east late this weekend, however critical wildfire conditions and debilitating heat will continue into next week, NOAA forecast.

Fire Weather. Critical Fire Weather conditions prevail in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Red Flag Warnings. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for parts of Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming,  Colorado, Indiana and Kentucky, NWS said.

Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect until Saturday evening in many areas and record high temperatures are expected to continue into and through the weekend. Excessive Heat Warnings cover the eastern half of Kansas, western Missouri and parts of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Heat Advisories cover parts of western Kansas, all of Oklahoma but the Panhandle, southern and eastern Iowa, northern and eastern Missouri, southern Wisconsin, most of Illinois, west-central and northeast Arkansas, the western half of Tennessee, northern Mississippi and all but the southern third of Alabama.

Record Heat. SE Colorado and SW Kansas locations have set numerous high temperature records in the recent days:

• Dodge City, KS – 111 degrees Wed. – the all-time record for the city since record keeping began in 1874; also broke high for the day by 4 degrees (107 degrees in 1980).
• Garden City, KS – 109 degrees broke old record of 106 set in 1979
• Medicine Lodge, KS – record 109 degrees broke old record of 107 set in 1980
• Colorado Springs, CO – broke all-time maximum temperature record Tuesday, hitting 101, tied 101 on Wed.
• Pueblo, CO – record high 106 degrees reached Tue, hit 106 again Wed; Pueblo airport recorded 105 degrees or higher for six consecutive days .
• Source: NWS

U.S. River Conditions

Some 24 locations are currently under flood conditions, with 7  river gauge sites at Major Flood level, 3 at Moderate Flood and 14 at Minor Flood; 22 sites were Near Flood, Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service reported.

U.S. Drought

The drought in the U.S. has intensified since last week  with 72.01 of the lower 48 in D0-D4 (Abnormally Dry to Exceptional Drought) conditions.

• No reported change in Hawaii since last week, with 78.89 of the state in D0-D4 conditions.
• Alaska has reported an increase in dry conditions since last week, climbing from 18.35% to 42.00% in D0.

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor

Arizona Drought. Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions (D1-D3) currently prevail throughout the state of Arizona.

Colorado Drought. The entire state of Colorado is currently experiencing Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions (D1-D3).

Arkansas Drought. Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions (D1-D3) reported in 98.55% of Arkansas, with the entire states experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

Illinois.  The entire state of Illinois reporting Abnormally Dry to  Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3).

Kentucky. Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3) reported in 96.59% of Kentucky.

Georgia.   Abnormally Dry to Exceptional Drought Conditions (D0 – D4) reported in 86.09% of Georgia.

Indiana Drought. Drought conditions for Indiana have deteriorated during the past week.  Severe to extreme drought conditions cover two thirds of the state. Abnormally dry conditions cover 99.86% of the state.

Indiana Drought Map  – released June 28, 2012.

• At least 83 counties reporting active burn bans, as of posting.
• Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect throughout half of the state.

Kansas Drought. Drought has returned to Kansas with 100.00% of the state reporting abnormally dry or drought conditions (D0 0D4).

• Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect throughout about two-thirds of the state.

Nevada.  The entire state of Nevada reporting Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3).

New Mexico.  D0 – D3 Drought Conditions reported throughout New Mexico.

Oklahoma.   D0 – D3 Drought Conditions reported in 99.68% of Oklahoma.

South Carolina.  Abnormally Dry to Exceptional Drought Conditions (D0 – D4) prevail in 86.34% of S. C.

Tennessee. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions reported in 96.03% of Tennessee.

Texas.  Abnormally Dry to Extreme Drought Conditions (D0 – D3) prevail in 95.92% of Texas.

Utah.  D0 – D3 Drought Conditions prevail throughout Utah.

Wyoming. D0 – D3 Drought Conditions exist in 93.50% of Wyoming.

Missouri Drought.  Severe Drought conditions persist in Missouri and the drought is likely to worsen, said NWS.

• Currently 98.70% of the state is reporting drought conditions.
• Excessive Heat Warnings are in effect in about 40% of the state, as of posting

Percent of Normal Precipitation – Last 7 days

Air Quality

NESDIS Map of Analyzed Fires from Satellite Data – June 29, 2012 – Time: See inset. 

Current Hazard Mapping System Fire and Smoke Analysis – NOAA/NESDIS – June 29, 2012 – Time: See inset.

Other Global Disasters/ Significant Events

• Assam, India. Floods of epic proportion caused by extreme monsoon rainfall have left at least 30 people dead, many injured and about a million displaced in the Indian state of Assam, reports said.

• Bangladesh.  Death toll in Bangladesh flooding and landslides has climbed to at least 112, injured hundreds of others, with more than a quarter of a million people displaced.
  • Widespread damage to crops, farmland, homes and business reported throughout affected areas.

Global Disasters: Links, Forecasts and Background

• The First Wave of World’s Collapsing Cities
• Back to the Primordial Future
• The Fate of Energy Dinosaurs

• Mega Disasters
• 2010 Disasters [Links to 2010 Disaster Calendar]
• 2011 Disaster Calendar
• 2012 Disaster Calendar
• Mass Die-offs

Texas Declared Major Disaster Area

Wildfires have destroyed about 2,000 homes since Aug 30

The White House declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas due to wildfires beginning on August 30, 2011, and continuing.

READ THIS FIRST

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FIRE-EARTH will continue to update the 2011 Disaster Calendar for the benefit of its readers.

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Disaster Calendar 2011 – September 10

[September 10, 2011]  Mass die-offs resulting from human impact and the planetary response to the anthropogenic assault could occur by early 2016.  SYMBOLIC COUNTDOWN: 1,649 Days Left to the ‘Worst Day’ in Human History

• Texas, USA. The White House declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas due to wildfires beginning on August 30, 2011, and continuing.
• Bastrop County Complex Fire has consumed about 34,068 acres, TFS reported. The 719-acre Union Chapel Fire is now included in this complex. An assessment team has confirmed 1,386 homes have been destroyed on the main fire, with 28 lost on the Union Chapel Fire. Two civilians were found dead Tuesday.
• BEAR CREEK (#536), Cass County. 49,997 acres, 30 percent contained. The fire is burning very actively in heavy timber and is threatening numerous houses. Twenty-four homes have been destroyed southeast of Linden.
• RILEY ROAD, Grimes/Montgomery/Waller counties. 21,269 acres, 30 percent contained. About 58 homes have been destroyed on this fire burning west of Magnolia.
• At least 23 other large fires are currentlt burning in Texas (NIFC).
• TFS  has responded to 179 fires for 170,686 acres in the past 7 days.

YTD Fire Stats, September 10, 2011. Source: TFS

• For additional details see earlier entries including
• Flooding in the U.S. Northeast Forces Mass Evacuations
• Texas Wildfires Destroy 1,626 Homes, as Drought Worsens
• Texas Wildfires Torch 1,100 Homes
• Texas Bastrop Blaze Burns 25,000 Acres, 476 Homes
• Drought Intensifies in Southern U.S.

US Wildfire:

• States currently reporting large fires (NIFC):
• Arizona (3)
• California (2)
• Florida (1)
• Idaho (6)
• Minnesota (1)
• Montana (4)
• Oklahoma (3)
• Oregon (7)
• Texas (26)
• Washington (2)

• Washington, USA. A large wildfire in Goldendale, Washington, has consumed about 5,300 acres and destroyed at least 64 buildings, reports said.
• A firefighter described the fire as “a greased pig rodeo,” moving first in one direction, then another by shifting winds. Hundreds of people have been evacuated.
• Oregon, USA. Major wildfires, continue to burn in Central and Eastern Oregon, Most of the blazes have been ignited by lightning.
• The largest blaze burning in Oregon is the High Cascades Complex near Madras, which was started by lightning, has so far consumed about 108,000 acres, reports said.
• The Shadow Lake Fire has consumed more than 7,000 acres since August 28 when it was ignited by lightning.
• Wyoming, USA. A large wildfire located about 24 miles north of Dubois, WY, near the Double Cabin Campground and Guard Station, has consumed more than 20,000 acres.
• The Norton Point fire was started by lightning.
• Idaho, USA. The Saddle Complex Fire, which was ignited by lightning on August 10, has consumed 30,511 acres, InciWeb reported.
• 30 Wyoming Air National Guard members have been deployed to Idaho to help fight wildfires, reports said.
• Salt (Salmon-Challis National Forest): 17,546 acres at 17 percent contained. This fire is 16 miles southwest of Salmon. Evacuations are in effect. (NIFC)
• California. Canyon Fire (Kern County Fire Department): 14,802 acres at 91 percent contained. This fire is five miles southeast of Tehachapi.
• Montana. Forty One Complex (Bitterroot National Forest): 6,027 acres. This complex of four fires is eight miles east of Hamilton.
• Oklahoma. Ferguson Fire (Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge): 40,002 acres at 85 percent contained. This fire is 12 miles northeast of Cache.

Other Global Disasters

• Zanzibar. About 200 people have perished after a boat carrying more than 800 people capsized in the Indian Ocean due to strong currents.

Related Links

• Mega Heatwaves Could Kill Tens of Thousands in the U.S. FIRE-EARTH Forecast
• U.S. Disaster Losses Mounting
• 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season: AAA  FIRE-EARTH Forecast
• U.S. back-to-back disasters phase has begun
• 2011 Much More Disastrous: FIRE-EARTH Forecast
• Global Disasters in 2011 Could Impact 1/3 to 1/2 of the Human Population
• Back to the Primordial Future
• Mass Die-offs FIRE-EARTH Forecast

• The First Wave of World’s Collapsing Cities EDRO Forecast
• 2011 Disaster Calendar – August
• 2010 Disaster Calendar 
• 2011 Disaster Calendar

The White House War Vulture Claims 48 More Lives

Obama’s War on Afghanistan Claims the Largest Single U.S. Casualties

[August 7, 2011]  Mass die-offs resulting from human impact and the planetary response to the anthropogenic assault could occur by early 2016.  SYMBOLIC COUNTDOWN: 1,683 Days Left to the ‘Worst Day’ in Human History

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FIRE-EARTH will continue to update the 2011 Disaster Calendar for the benefit of its readers.

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Disaster Calendar 2011 – August 7 Entry

• Russia. The health authorities have declared a state of emergency in a district of Krasnodar Region in south Russia following the outbreak of African swine fever (Montgomery’s disease) a report said.
• “The state of emergency covers an area where 11,839 pigs are being kept, of which 50 have already died, the emergencies center said.”

• California, USA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated San Luis Obispo County in California as a primary natural disaster area because of the losses to wine grapes caused by freezing temperatures that occurred April 8-9, 2011, the department said.
• Oklahoma, USA. Large wildfires in Edmond have destroyed dozens of houses,  mobile homes and outbuildings, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate in several neighborhoods, reports said.
• Idaho, USA. Three major wildfires, which were sparked by lightning a few days ago, have scorched at least 35,000 acres in southwest Idaho and continue to rage, reports said.
• Oregon, USA. Large wildfires sparked by lightning have consumed about 20,000 acres of forest in central Oregon, reports said. Lines of thunderstorms in the region have produced at least 4,100 lightning strikes on Thursday.
• Utah, USA. A fast-moving major wildfire near Cedar City, Utah has consumed about 10,000 acres and was zero percent contained as of posting.
• Obama’s War on Afghanistan. Obama’s war on Afghanistan claimed 42 more lives over the weekend, most of them Americans.
• On Saturday 31 US special forces and seven Afghan soldiers were killed when their Chinook helicopter was shut down west of Kabul.
• On Sunday 4 more NATO troops were killed in two separate attacks in eastern and southern Afghanistan.
• The war vulture in the White House said: “Their deaths are a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our military and their families, including all who have served in Afghanistan.” But, he failed to say what the sacrifice was for, or why it was necessary.
• London, England. Dozens of people were injured and many homes, stores and cars were set alight after rioting broke out in North London borough of Tottenham. Looters ransacked dozens of shops in the area. The violence erupted after a protest calling for justice over the fatal shooting by police of Mark Duggan on Thursday. The victim’s cousin was stabbed to death in a London nightclub in March this year.
• Texas, USA. The official heat-related deaths in Dallas has reached 14, reports said.  At least 11 more deaths are under investigation.
• Missouri, USA. The official heat-related deaths in Kansas City, Missouri has reached at least 24, city’s health department said.
• Maryland, USA. The official heat-related deaths in Baltimore has reached at least 21, reports said.

Related Links

• Nature’s Warnings Exponentially Intensifying  Posted by edro on April 14, 2011
• The First Wave of World’s Collapsing Cities
• 2011 Disaster Calendar – August
• US Nuke Plants Threatened by Extreme Heat