Australia: Catastrophe Continent

IN PROGRESS…

• TIA [September 24, Confidential 10]
• TNWG [October 22, Confidential 10]

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Nominated Groups:

• ALL Groups

FIRE-EARTH REPORT 112805

200 fires burning across Queensland, Australia

Catastrophic Fire Warning has been issued for the first time in Queensland

Queensland bushfire forces mass evacuation from Gracemere

Nearly all residents have fled the central Queensland town of Gracemere after authorities issued a state of emergency as a fast-moving and dangerous bushfire burnt toward the town.

• Catastrophic fire threat declared for Capricornia, Central Highlands and Coalfields

And this is why people are being urged to evacuate from Gracemere to Rockhampton. That wall of flames is dangerous. #qldfires @abcbrisbane pic.twitter.com/cgarcV3k13

— Allyson Horn (@allysonhorn) November 28, 2018

More horrific vision coming in from Deepwater in Central Queensland. These fires are catastrophic. Truly scary. #QLDFires @abcbrisbane pic.twitter.com/y0el1Ounqw

— Allyson Horn (@allysonhorn) November 28, 2018

 

Record-breaking heatwave

Extreme #heatwave conditions are impacting far north Queensland from #Cooktown and #Cairns to #Townsville, #Mackay and #Rockhampton. Max. temps are well above average, with records already broken. Tips from @qldhealthnews to beat the heat: https://t.co/jWnU3nkDIh. @ABCemergency pic.twitter.com/jABTAntQEi

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) November 26, 2018

Devastating Impact: Sydney has had its wettest November day in 34 years

Significant raised dust observed in southern inland QLD this morning

💨Significant raised dust observed in southern inland QLD this morning, with visibility as low as 1000m in #Charleville. Dust haze will move eastwards today. Widespread smoke can also be seen in eastern parts of QLD. Track it all on our satellite viewer: https://t.co/ql9VhgwhbC pic.twitter.com/HjSrDxkHEj

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) November 27, 2018

[Report Australia: Catastrophe Continent 112802 prepared by FIRE-EARTH Science Teams and affiliated scientists.]

• Presentation available via FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

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FIRE-EARTH Top Ten Alerts

• All Groups

Latest FIRE-EARTH DIRECTIVES, ALERTS, FORECASTS, BULLETINS and MESSAGES available via FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

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Northern California Wildfire Destroys Town, Forces Thousands to Flee

“This fire moved so fast and grew so fast a lot of people got caught by it.” –Cal Fire

A fast-moving wildfire dubbed the Camp Fire has destroyed the town of Paradise in Northern California  and has  reached the outskirts of the city of Chico, forcing tens of thousands to flee.

More than a dozen fires are currently burning across California, consuming tens of thousands of acres and threatening thousands of buildings.

Paradise on Fire from Hell: “The whole town is burning”

Camp Fire destroyed Paradise, about 85 miles north of Sacramento, forcing the town’s population of 27,000 to flee.

“The town is devastated, everything is destroyed. There’s nothing much left standing,” Cal Fire spokesman said.

In addition to utter destruction, there are reports of fatalities and casualties, but the details are as yet unconfirmed.

Chico, CA

The City of Chico [population 93,000,] is in the path of the wildfire, said Butte County Fire Dept.

Current map of evacuation zones in the City of Chico. Firefighters continue to actively engage the fire in order to protect life and property. Chico PD has alerted residents in the affective areas. #CampFire #ChicoFD pic.twitter.com/RdXQjcTf5e

— Chico Fire Department (@ChicoFD) November 9, 2018

In addition to the Camp Fire, Chico Firefighters have been busy responding to emergencies throughout the city. There have been multiple traffic collisions, vehicle fires and medical emergencies, including a call for CPR in progress. We are proud to serve our community! #ChicoFD

— Chico Fire Department (@ChicoFD) November 9, 2018

Camp Fire Incident Information:

• County: Butte County
• Location: Pulga Road at Camp Creek Road near Jarbo Gap
• Acres Burned – Containment: 20,000 acres
• Structures Threatened: 15,000
• Evacuations: Evacuation orders established for Paradise, Magalia, Concow, Butte Creek Canyon and Butte Valley

#CampFire [update] Pulga Road at Camp Creek Road near Jarbo Gap (Butte County) is now 20,000 acres. Evacuations in place. https://t.co/CJkryyPNVZ pic.twitter.com/svhiCipxz6

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) November 9, 2018

#HillFire [update] at Hill Canyon Rd and Santa Rosa Rd, Santa Rosa Valley (Ventura County) per Ventura County Fire is now 10,000 acres. https://t.co/m9mxnWQh0T pic.twitter.com/MWOXL4vThd

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) November 9, 2018

 

 

 

California Burning: Deadly Wildfires Update 101501

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across N. California as strong north winds increase fire activity

Gusty winds increased fire activity on Saturday, forcing more than 100,000 people to abandon their homes including 3,000 from the city of Santa Rosa, as of Saturday, Cal Fire reported.

More than 10,000 fire personnel are trying to control 16 large wildfires that in total have burned at least 214,000 acres (~86,600 hectares).

These extremely destructive blazes, have destroyed an estimated 5,700 structures, killing at least 40 people, with hundreds of others reported as missing including 235 in Sonoma County alone.

The death toll is expected to rise as cadaver dogs  begin searching the rubble from thousands of incinerated homes.

Red Flag Warnings 

Red Flag Warnings remain in effect across Northern California due to strong north winds, which have already increased fire activity. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect in Southern California through the weekend, Cal Fire reported.

Deadliest Wildfires in California History

The wildfires are now the deadliest in California history, surpassing the previous record of 29 deaths from the 1933 Griffith Park fire in Los Angeles.

Wildfire Season Currently Third Worst in the US History

This year’s wildfire season is currently (Saturday, October 14) the third worst in the US history, with more than  8.7 million acres charred, behind 2015 (9.3 million acres) and 2012 (8.9 million acres). The ten-year annual average (2006 – 2016) is 6 million acres, according to NIFC.

Countrywide Active Resources (NIFC)

Fires: 28 | Cumulative: 605,997 acres | Crews: 251 | Engines: 933 | Helicopters: 60 | Personnel: 11,254

Since Monday, aircraft across CA have dropped over 2 million gallons of retardant to help aid firefighters on the ground. #CAwildfires pic.twitter.com/hp2gXsRrVZ

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) October 14, 2017

#NunsFire [update] north & east of Glen Ellen (Sonoma County) is 47,106 acres & 15% contained. #CentralLNUComplex https://t.co/JGQ2fvah3a pic.twitter.com/eiRSaEAocz

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) October 15, 2017

 

Bali’s Mt Agung Volcano Continues Heating Up

Mass Evacuation: 140,000 people flee Bali town of Amed turning it into a ghost town

Mt Agung Volcano continues to exhale a large column of steam, smoke and ash, while ominously eying the town of Amed.

The normally bustling tourist town, located about 4km outside Mt Agung volcano’s exclusion zone, has been experiencing  more than 1,000 tremors per day, prompting residents and tourists to abandon the town.

More than 100,000 others are expected to abandon nearby villages as fears of an “imminent eruption” mount.

Authorities has set up about 500 temporary shelters outside the exclusion zone around the volcano, said the National Disaster Management Agency.

However, the shelters may prove unsafe, if a large, explosive eruption occurs.

Vanuatu Volcano: State of Emergency Declared

Meanwhile, most of 11,000 residents in Vanuatu’s Ambae island have abandoned the volcanic island under evacuation orders, as the Manaro Voui volcano continues emitting ash, smoke and volcanic gases, stoking fears of an imminent eruption.

Vanuatu: State of emergency on Ambae island; Monaro #Volcano on Alert Level 4. Paama & Abrym Islands also on alert. https://t.co/UzZFJPAltO

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 28, 2017

Mass Evacuation Ordered in Puerto Rico Due To “Significant Rupture” in Dam

Guajataca Dam: “Stay away, or be swept away”

More than 70,000 people living downstream from Guajataca Dam northwest of Puerto Rico are under order to evacuate, as the retaining wall threatens to collapse.

A fissure caused by heavy rains from Hurricane MARIA has become a “significant rupture,” the island’s governor told reporters.

Life-threatening flooding would occur, if the dam collapses, warned the National Weather Service (NWS).

“Stay away, or be swept away,” NWS warned.

Mass Evacuation Planned in Vanuatu as Ambae Volcano Eruption Intensifies

Alert Level for Ambae volcano is raised from Level 3 to Level 4 [0-5 scale]

Authorities in Vanuatu were preparing to evacuate up to 5,000 people on Saturday, as eruption on the 400sqkm Ambae island [Manaro Voui] continued to intensify.

“Volcanic activity at Ambae is continuing to increase. The Alert Level for Ambae volcano is raised from Level 3 to Level 4, or moderate eruption state,” said  Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (GMVD).

“In the early hours, around 3-4am [on Saturday,] we noticed that the activity started to increase, followed by another eruptive phase… So the ash plume from Ambae is still there now. The ash fall is expected all around the island,” said the manager of the Geohazards Department at GVMD.

“The increased level of activity means increased area of risk. There’s more risk to people exposed on the island.”

The increased activity follows a 6.4 magnitude quake that struck 85km NNW of Isangel, Vanuatu, on September 20. [FEWW Ref: JQHM]

• A Tsunami of Earthquakes Striking Globally

Click box to retrieve image!

Meanwhile, the Alert Level for Ambrym volcano remains at the Level 3 [since September 15.]

AMBRYM VOLCANO – 16°15’00”S, 168°07’00”E Summit Elevation 4377ft (1334m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 3 Source: GVMD [Copyright]

250,000 People Fleeing ‘Imminent’ Bali Volcano Explosion

Bali Volcano Threatens to Blow

Up to million people are urged to evacuate Mt Agung precinct on the island of Bali, eastern Indonesia, as the restive volcano threatens to explode imminently.

Authorities raised the warning to the maximum level “four” on Friday night, indicating  a dangerous eruption was imminent within hours.

Up to 2,000 tremors have been shaking the massive volcano since Wednesday, increasing the probability of an explosive eruption.

SRBI seismic station, tectonic eq by vulcanic activities of Mt. Agung, Bali. Hybrid? @IRIS_EPO pic.twitter.com/PQXBudvFsJ

— Wendy Sukmajaya 🤪 (@wendysukmajaya) September 22, 2017

The volcano last erupted (VEI 5) in 1963-1964, sending about 1.8 cubic meter of volcanic material 10km into the air, and killing at least 1,100 people. Mt Agung [aka, Gunung Agung] is one of Indonesia’s 132 active volcanoes.

FIRE-EARTH Ref: PDN3, RJV3

Ferocious wildfire burns 5,000 acres; forces mass-evacuations in L.A., Burbank

Wildfire threatens hundreds of homes in L.A., Burbank

A fast-moving wildfire exploded to 5,000 acres in the Verdugo Mountains Saturday morning, threatening hundreds of homes and forcing the closure of 210 Freeway.

Los Angeles Fire Department issued an alert ordering mass evacuation of residents in multiple areas.

The so-called La Tuna fire has forced the closure of a long stretch of the 210 Freeway and threatens many homes in the Tujunga area, fire officials said.

#LaTunaFire For affected residents, evacuation center is Verdugo Hills High School 10625 Plainview Ave, Tujunga, CA 91042

— LAFD (@LAFD) September 1, 2017

MANDATORY EVAC ORDER: Haven Wy frm Joaquin to the top. Olney Pl, Ramey Pl., Mystic View, View Crest all under immediate mandatory evac order

— Burbank Police (@BurbankPD) September 2, 2017

Toxic ‘Mist from the Sea’ Sickens Dozens in the UK

Cloud of toxic gas forces mass evacuation at busy UK beach

At least 150 people have been “decontaminated” in hospital after a suspected chemical leak along the East Sussex coast in the UK, a report said.

“Birling Gap beach was evacuated on Sunday after people reported breathing difficulties, stinging eyes and vomiting when a ‘mist’ appeared.”

An eyewitness said a “foggy haze rolled in out of nowhere” and there was a “strong smell of chlorine in the air.”

Meanwhile, UK police issued a “chemical haze” warning for the Birling Gap area, where the toxic cloud was reported.

Police also warned people to stay away from the beaches, on a busy public holiday weekend, and “urged people to keep doors and windows shut in the affected area, between the resort town of Eastbourne and Birling Gap, a few miles along the coast.”

 

Fire-Ravaged Areas of B.C. Look Like Alien Landscape

Evacuation orders issued in multiple communities, 14,000+ residents displaced

“Wide swaths of forest in British Columbia’s Interior are burning after a lightning storm Friday afternoon ignited brush parched from weeks of hot, dry weather.”

The Cariboo, Kamloops and Southeast regions of the province have been under extreme fire danger for the past two weeks, and hot, dry conditions — including temperatures up to 39 C — led to a highly combustible environment.

The entire towns of 100 Mile House and Cache Creek have been evacuated and the City of Williams Lake, with over 10,000 residents, is on evacuation alert as of early morning on Tuesday.

Additional Information:

• ‘It could get much, much worse’
• B.C. wildfires: 14,000 evacuated and Williams Lake under citywide alert
• Canadian Wildland Fire Information System

Wildfires Threaten Energy Infrastructure, Numerous Structures in US, Canada

UPDATED

Mass evacuations ordered as wildfires threaten numerous buildings, consume 100s of thousands of acres in US, Canada

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Initial attack activity: Moderate 230 new fires
New large incidents: 20
Large fires contained: 9
Uncontained large fires: 50

Active Incident Resource Summary
Total fires: 100
Cumulative acres: 723,737.28
Crews: 337
Engines: 920
Helicopters: 121
Personnel: 13,462

Fires and Acres Year-to-Date

TOTAL FIRES: 32,494
TOTAL ACRES: 3,372,927

Ten Year Average (2007 – 2016 as of today)

Fires: 35,242
Acres: 2,508,108

Prescribed Fires and Acres Year-to-Date

TOTAL FIRES: 61,096
TOTAL ACRES: 2,873,111

Canada

Canada Fires and Hectares
FIRES YEAR-TO-DATE: 1,904
HECTARES YEAR-TO-DATE: 276,677 (683,392.19 acres)

Fires Threatening Energy Infrastructure, Homes; Forcing Mass Evacuations

Great Basin (PL 4)
New fires: 44
New large incidents: 10
Uncontained large fires: 20

Draw Fire. Fifty miles east of Fallon, NV. Extreme fire behavior. Structures threatened. Evacuations and road closures in effect. Energy infrastructure threatened. Sage – grouse habitat threatened.

Barrett Springs Fire. Eight miles west of Winnemucca. Extreme fire behavior. Structures threatened.

Aspen, Truckee Meadows Fire . Eighteen miles northeast of Reno, NV. Active fire behavior. Structures threatened. Evacuations, road and area closures in effect. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Winnemucca Ranch, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Started on private land 15 miles north of Reno, NV. Brush and short grass. Numerous structures threatened.

Earthstone Fire. Started on private land five miles northeast of Sparks, NV. Structures threatened.

Brianhead Fire. One mile north of Brian Head, UT. Numerous residences threatened. Evacuations, road, area and trail closures in effect. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Taber Flat Fire. Sixteen miles west of Wells, NV. Brush and tall grass. Residences threatened. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Dry Gulch Fire. Twenty-three miles southeast of Jackpot, NV. Structures threatened.

Iron Point Fire. Nine miles east of Golconda, NV. Extreme fire behavior. Structures threatened. Evacuations and road closures in effect. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Limbo Fire. Seventeen miles south of Gerlach, NV. Extreme fire behavior. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Coyote Fire. Twelve miles southwest of Park Valley, UT. Active fire behavior. Structures threatened. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Potosi Fire. Twenty-eight miles southwest of Las Vegas, NV. Numerous structures threatened. Reduction in acreage due to more accurate mapping.

White Horse Fire. Thirty-two miles southwest of Wendover, NV. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Limerick Fire. Twelve miles northeast of Lovelock, NV. Residences threatened. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Happy Creek. Forty miles southeast of Orvada, NV. Extreme fire behavior Structures threatened. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Southwest Area (PL 4)
New fires: 36
New large incidents: 2
Uncontained large fires: 7

Roach Fire. One mile from Dudleyville, AZ. Extreme fire behavior. Numerous structures threatened. Evacuations and road closures in effect.

Brooklyn Fire. Twenty-five miles northwest of Cave Creek, AZ. Active fire behavior with running. Energy infrastructure threatened.

Burro Fire. Eight miles northeast of Tucson, AZ. Numerous structures threatened. Evacuations, road and area closures in effect.

Hilltop Fire. Twenty-four miles west of Whiteriver, AZ. Road closures in effect.

Frye Fire. Nine miles west of Swift Trail Junction, AZ. Numerous structures threatened. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

Tiffany Fire. Thirty miles south of Socorro, NM. Structures threatened.

Elk Horn Fire. Nineteen miles southeast of Sells, AZ. Structures threatened.

Goodwin Fire. Eight miles southwest of Mayer, AZ. Numerous residences threatened. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

Southern California Area

New Fires:39
New large incidents: 2
Uncontained large fires: 4

Alamo Fire. Eight miles northeast of Santa Maria, CA. Extreme fire behavior. Numerous structures threatened. Evacuations in effect. (NIFC)

Whittier Fire. Eleven miles northeast of Goleta, CA. Chaparral and brush. Extreme fire behavior. Numerous residences threatened. Evacuations, road, area and trail closures in effect

Schaeffer Fire. Seventeen miles north of Kernville, CA. Structures threatened. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

Parkfield Fire. Three miles east of San Miguel, CA. Road closures in effect.

Quail Complex Fire. Nine miles southeast of McFarland, CA. Structures threatened. Road closures in effect.

Rocky Mountain Area (PL 3)
New Fires: 12
New large incidents: 2
Uncontained large fires: 7

Keystone Fire. Thirty-five miles southwest of Laramie, WY. Structures threatened. Evacuations, road, area and trail closures in effect.

Peekaboo Fire. Forty-four miles northwest of Maybell, CO. Structures threatened. Road and trail closures in effect. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Peak 2 Fire. Two miles south of Frisco, CO. Numerous structures threatened. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

Mill Creek Fire. Thirteen miles northeast of Hayden, CO. Road closures in effect.

Chain Fire. Fourteen miles east of Worland, WY. Extreme fire behavior. Sage-grouse habitat threatened.

Northern California Area
New Fires: 33
Uncontained large fires: 3

Wall fire. Eight miles southeast of Oroville, CA. Numerous residences threatened. Evacuations, road and area closures in effect.

Northern Rockies Area (PL 2)
New Fires: 28
New large incidents: 1
Uncontained large fires: 3

Witten Fire. Eighteen miles south of Lame Deer, MT. Extreme fire behavior.

July Fire. One mile southwest of Zortman, MT. Structures threatened. Road and area closures in effect.

Lee Creek Fire. Started on Forest Service land 25 miles southwest of Ashland, MT. Extreme fire behavior. Structures threatened.

Magpie Fire. Twenty-eight miles northeast of Beach, MT. Extreme fire behavior.

Northwest Area (PL 2)
New Fires: 11
New large incidents: 2
Uncontained large fires: 5

Coyote Creek Fire. Four miles east Yakima, WA. Residences threatened.

Dry Creek Fire. Six miles north of Husum, WA. Structures threatened. Road closures in effect.

Rattlesnake Hills Fire. One mile south of Moxee, WA. Residences threatened.

Alaska Area (PL 2)
New Fires: 3

Boulder Creek Fire. Started on FWS land sixty-six miles southeast of Artic Village, AK. Structures threatened.

Campbell River Fire. Started on FWS land 65 miles northeast of Chalkyitsik, AK. Structures threatened.

[Source: NIFC]

State of Emergency Declared in British Columbia as Wildfires Burn Uncontrollably

B.C. wildfires burning uncontrollably fulled by hot, dry weather, thunderstorms

Lightning sparked about 140 wildfires across the western Canadian province of British Columbia prompting the evacuation of an entire town and hundreds more homes throughout the region, forcing the closure of at least one airport (Cariboo Regional District) and the hospital in the town of Ashcroft, said a report.

“​The extended weather forecast is calling for continued hot, dry weather, with risks of thunderstorms in many parts of the province,” officials said in a statement.

One of the largest fires near Ashcroft, about 120 km west of Kamloops, exploded from 50 hectares to more than 4,000 hectares on Friday.

Near 100 Mile House, about 100 km southeast of Williams Lake, a 1,800-hectare blaze has forced up to 4,000 people to flee their homes.

More…

 

Emergency Rain Warnings Issued for Kyushu, Japan

Hundreds of thousands of residents evacuated, many more unable to move to safety

Emergency warnings have been issued for parts of Fukuoka and Oita prefectures in Kyushu, Japan and more than 400,000 residents have been ordered or advised to evacuate after torrential rains paralyzed the western parts of the country, said NHK.

“A Japan Meteorological Agency official says that it is an emergency with imminent risks of danger and that it is a situation where landslides and flooding could have already triggered a catastrophe.”

Serious flooding and landslides have blocked roads and left thousands of homes without power.

Many homes have been flooded and the residents are left isolated, unable to move to safety due to the inundation, said the report.

Forest Fires Force Mass Evacuations in Southern Spain

Wildfires Plague Spain, Portugal and Greece

As many as 1,000 people have been evacuated from homes, and tourist accommodations in southern Spain as major forest fires continued to spread.

Much of Spain is on high alert for wildfires due to a major heatwave. A massive blaze was reported near the municipality of Moguer in the province of Huelva, Andalusia [pop: 500,000,] in southern Spain on Saturday night, authorities said.

Up to 70 people were killed in an apocalyptic forest fire in neighboring Portugal last week.

Forest fires have also been reported on several Greek islands, including the island of Chios.

Disaster Declared amid Deadly Wildfires in South Africa

Thousands flee their homes as Knysna declared a disaster area

Wildfires in the South Africa’s Western Cape town of Knysna are causing large-scale destruction, leaving about 10,000 about thousands of people displaced.

Uncontrolled wildfires have destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes, dozens of schools and scores of businesses, reports say.

At least ten people have been killed by the raging blazes that have also consumed several hectares of veld (grassland). said a report.

Winds of up to 110km/h were reportedly fanning the blazes.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille declared the province a disaster area last month, as “the most crippling drought in century” plagued the province.

Dam levels in the Cape area fell to an alarmingly low of 19%, with only 11.6% usable.

In 2015, South Africa experienced its driest year on record, according to the national weather service.

In 2016, Authorities declared drought disaster in five South African provinces—Limpopo, North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga—as worst drought on record continued to plague much of the country.

Drought decimated the nation’s agricultural output, killing livestock, pushing up food prices and increasing unemployment.

 

 

Deadly Cyclone MORA Strikes Bangladesh

MORA devastates Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh

Cyclone MORA made landfall between the port of Cox’s Bazar and the city of Chittagong just after 00:01 UTC on  Tuesday.

The cyclone has killed at least 10 people, so far, and forced 300,000 people to evacuate. About 1 million others await evacuation.

Low-lying coastal areas in 17 coastal districts, including Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong, were “likely to be inundated” by a storm surge of about 1.5m above normal levels, authorities warned, as the cyclone headed north.

More than 20,000 shelters in refugee camps for Rohingya in Balukhali and Kutupalong were damaged, according to reports.

“In some places, almost every shanty home made of tin, bamboo and plastic has been flattened,” a community leader told reporters.

An estimated 350,000 Rohingya, who have fled the violence in Myanmar, and were housed in large camps in Cox’s Bazar, have been severely affected.

Florida Wildfire Threatens Thousands of Homes, Forces Mass Evacuation

Large wildfire in SW Florida threatens 2,000 homes

A large wildfire in southwest Florida is threatening more than 2,000 homes, prompting mass evacuation.

The blaze has already consumed about 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) and at least two dozen homes and other structures in Collier County, forcing residents in several areas to flee their homes and prompting the governor to deploy National Guards.

“These wildfires are dangerous and if you’re within the evacuation area, do not stay in your home,” said Florida governor.

A spate of wildfires that have plagued the drought-stricken Sunshine State since late March prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency last week.

Other Reports from the U.S.

• Massive power outage cripples San Francisco for seven hours.
• New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Suffer Simultaneous Power Outages

Severe Tropical Cyclone DEBBIE – March 27, 2017 Update

DEBBIE intensifies to a Cat 4, Severe Tropical Cyclone with sustained wind gusts of up to 275 km/h

DEBBIE, now a category four Severe Tropical Cyclone is expected to hit the north Queensland coast on Tuesday morning local time, warned the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

The cyclone could intensify to a category five system in the coming hours, BOM forecasters said. The “very intense system” is currently generating wind gusts near the center of up to 275 km/h.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents in low-lying Mackay areas have been ordered to evacuate.

Issued by BOM at 0:59 am EST (UTC + 10:00) on Tuesday 28 March 2017

Headline: Severe tropical cyclone DEBBIE, category 4, continues moving towards the Whitsunday coast (Qld, Australia).

Areas Affected: Warning Zone

Lucinda to St Lawrence, including Townsville, Mackay, and the Whitsunday Islands, extending inland to Charters Towers, Mount Coolon, Moranbah, and Pentland.

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone DEBBIE at 1:00 am AEST:

Intensity: Category 4, sustained winds near the center of 175 km/h with wind gusts to 250 km/h.

Location: within 30km of 19.8 degrees South 149.6 degrees East, estimated to be 140km ENE of Bowen and 160km NNE of Mackay.

Movement: WSW at 8 km/h.

Severe tropical cyclone DEBBIE is currently a category 4 cyclone. It may intensify further as it continues to move west-southwest towards the Whitsunday coast this morning. Severe tropical cyclone DEBBIE is forecast to make landfall between Ayr and Cape Hillsborough (north of Mackay) late this morning.
Hazards:

The VERY DESTRUCTIVE CORE of tropical cyclone DEBBIE is forecast to cross the coast between Ayr and Cape Hillsborough (north of Mackay) late this morning with wind gusts potentially to 260 km/h near the center of the system.

Mass Evacuation Ordered below Oroville Dam

About 200,000 People Evacuated

Lake Oroville Dam, the tallest in the US, located 105 km north of Sacramento, N. California, is predicted to fail due to structural damage in the Oroville Auxiliary Spillway.

About 200,000 people [figure quoted by one official was 350,000 people] were ordered to evacuate from the areas below the Lake Oroville Dam on Sunday.

“Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville and areas downstream is ordered. This is NOT A Drill. This is NOT A Drill. This in NOT A Drill,” reads a statement issued by the Butte County Sheriff’s office.

• Threat at Oroville Dam slightly diminishes; nearby areas still under evacuation order

FIRE-EARTH Alert: Deadly Wildfires Force Mass Evacuation in TN

US Wildfires Consume Forest, Damage or Destroy Hundreds of Buildings, Force Mass Evacuation in Tennessee

• Details of the Alert are available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

 

State of Emergency Declared in Kern County, Calif.

Erskine Fire explodes to more than 30,000 acres prompts State of Emergency Declaration

The so-called Erskine Fire, burning in the Lake Isabella area of Kern County, has devoured more than 30,000 acres, killing at least two people, destroying or damaging scores of building and threatening more than 1,500 additional structures, fire officials said.

• The deadly fire prompted Gov. Brown to declare a state of emergency.
• Up to 6,000 people have been evacuated.
• The fire started around 4pm on Thursday and quickly spread 18km in 13 hours, devouring 30,000 acres of parched grass, officials said.
• Some 800 fire personnel are currently at the scene, Inciweb said.

Meanwhile, the federal government issued a Fire Disaster Management Assistance for California Erskine Fire (FM-5131).

• “Most Devastating” Wildfire Destroys Scores of Homes in SoCal June 24, 2016

Brush Fires in Angeles National Forest Force Mass Evacuations

Hundreds of Homes Evacuated as Forest Fire Threatens Multiple Communities near Duarte, Azusa

Two brush fires in the Angeles National Forest near Duarte and Azusa have consumed about 6,000 acres, prompting the evacuation of at least 685 homes, The Angeles National Forest spokesperson said.

The so called Fish Fire and Reservoir Fire were zero percent contained, as of posting, but had not combined as of 20:30 local time. They were separated by about 2km, said LA County Fire Dept.

About 700 crews from the U.S. Forest Service and the L.A. County Fire Department were tackling the fast moving fires, which were fueled by strong winds, relative low humidity and 3-digit heat.

Evacuation orders were issued in Duarte for Markwood Street, Deerlane Drive, Mount Olive Drive, Spinks Canyon Road, Rim Road, Goldenmeadow Drive, High Mesa Drive and Tall Pink Drive

Also evacuated were Azusa’s Mountain View area, Rainbow Ranch, and Fish Canyon Equestrian Center.

Meanwhile, the federal government issued a Fire Disaster Management Assistance for Fish Fire (FM-5129).

 

 

Mass Evacuation Ordered as Wildfire Threatens Homes in SoCal

“Old Fire” consumes 500 acres, threatens 1,200+ residences in Calabasas, LA County

The fast moving wildfire broke out Saturday afternoon and rapidly burned about 500 acres in and around Calabasas neighborhoods prompting the authorities to order at least 5,000 people to abandon their homes.

The fire was fulled by strong winds, low relative humidity and 100-degree (F) temperatures.

The fire was apparently sparked when a pickup truck struck a power pole on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, according to Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

“Witnesses reported that the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed before colliding into a power pole, causing the pole to fall and a transformer to explode, thus igniting the Calabasas fire.”

 

Extreme Weather Events Pummel Australia

Extreme Rain Events, High Winds  Pummel NSW, Tasmania as Queensland Mops Up

“Wild weather that thrashed parts of Queensland over the weekend is continuing to pummel New South Wales, with the east coast low pressure system reaching as far south as Tasmania amid warnings of heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging winds,” said a report.

A flood evacuation warning is in place for multiple areas in NSW including residents living along the Georges River, in Sydney’s southwest, the report said.

Huge surf is also causing widespread coastal erosion with police door knocking affected homes in the Northern Beaches.

Hundreds of thousands of homes across the state have been affected by power outages as a result of wild weather.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from North Lismore, as major flooding peaked at 9.1 meters in the Lismore area Sunday afternoon.

The weather system has also extended down to Tasmania, with an “exceptional” huge swell expected to hit Tasmania’s north-east on Monday.

The state is predicted to receive up to 200 millimeters of rain in the coming days, with warnings of flash flooding.

Flood warnings are in place for eight rivers in the state, with major warnings current for the Meander River and Mersey River, with forecasters warning the Mersey basin is at most risk of major flooding.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has forecast ‘king waves’ of up to eight meters to cause erosion along the northeast coast.

Mount Victoria recorded rainfall amounts of 76mm, with destructive winds peaking at 107 km/h at Mount Read.

“That north-easterly swell’s actually getting up to the six to seven-metre mark on Monday which is very, very, large for our secondary swell,” a BoM forecaster said.

“Typically we only see those swell heights in our south-westerly stream. So it’s an exceptional swell for the east coast.”

Since Friday morning, 382mm of rain had fallen at Upper Springbrook in the Gold Coast hinterland, with nearby Mount Tamborine receiving  357mm, BoM reported.

Wildfire Forces Evacuation Order for 60,000+ in Fort McMurray, Canada

Massive wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta., destroys entire neighborhoods

A massive wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta., The entire city of 60,000 plus were ordered to evacuate. “Residents by the thousands fled the fire, and for hours caused gridlock on Highway 63, and even overwhelmed oilsands work camps, where beds and meals were offered.”

Tens of thousands of evacuees are headed for Edmonton, about 430km away, said reports.

“This is the biggest evacuation we have seen in the history of the province,” said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley at a news conference.

The entire neighborhood of Beacon Hill “appears to have been lost” and the fire has consumed many homes in other parts of the city, said the Fire chief Darby Allen.

“We have fire burning within the city. It is impacting communities. Homes are on fire as we speak,” he said.

By 6:30 p.m., the entire city was under a mandatory evacuation order, making it the largest wildfire evacuation in the province’s history, far surpassing the Slave Lake fire that made international headlines five years ago. http://www.cbc.ca/

The 3,000-hectare fire, which was discovered on Sunday, breached city limits on Tuesday.

In May 2015, wildfires forced the evacuation of hundreds of workers from Alberta’s oil sands region, resulting in a sizable loss in the oil production.

Related Links

• Wildfires Force Mass Evacuation of Alberta Oil Sands Staff  May 27, 2015