Posts Tagged ‘Rim Fire’
Posted by feww on December 14, 2013
Disaster President Declares California Federal Disaster Area
The White House has declared California a Major Disaster Area in the area affected by the Rim Fire during the period of August 17 to October 24, 2013.
RIM FIRE became the 3rd largest wildfire in California history after burning at least 246,350 acres (997km², or 385mi²), including about 7 percent of Yosemite’s backcountry.
Federal funding, while they last, is being made available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the Rim Fire in Tuolumne County.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said FEMA.
Related Links and Background Information
Posted in Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013, Significant Event Imagery, significant events | Tagged: california, federal disaster area, FEMA, Major Disaster Area, Rim Fire, Tuolumne County, Yosemite | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 7, 2013
Monster Wildfire devours 246,350 acres, including more than 50,000 acres in Yosemite National Park
RIM FIRE has become the 3rd largest wildfire in California history after burning at least 246,350 acres (997km², or 385mi²), including about 7 percent of Yosemite’s backcountry. The fire was reportedly 80 percent contained as of posting.
Top 4 Largest Wildfires in California History
Rim Fire information may change until the fire is contained. Source: Cal Fire.
Fire Update [Inciweb]
Fire activity is expected to intensify Friday as unburned areas within control lines are consumed on the Rim Fire. Hotter and drier weather conditions will persist through Sunday increasing the chance of spotting of embers across containment lines.
RIM FIRE Wildfire – Flames & Sunset, South Flank. Credit: USFS/Mike McMillan
RIM FIRE Wildfire
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Date of Origin: Saturday August 17th, 2013
- Location: Groveland Range District, Stanislaus NF
- Total Personnel: 3,634
- Size: 246,350 acres
- Percent Contained: 80%
- Estimated Containment Date: Friday September 20th, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM
Park and Forest Closures, Road Closures, Evacuations and Advisories click HERE
Related Links and Background Information
Posted in disaster areas, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone | Tagged: california, Historic fire, Largest California Wildfires, Mariposa County, Rim Fire, Stanislaus National Forest, Tuolumne County, wildfire, Yosemite National Park | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on September 3, 2013
RIM FIRE forces more closures in the Stanislaus National Forest
Resembling a war zone, RIM FIRE wildfire had consumed at least 235,841 acres (955km², or 368.50mi²) by September 2, 2013 18:30 PDT.
The Stanislaus National Forest Closure Order for the Rim Fire area has been expanded along the northern end of the fire’s edge, said USFS.
Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated.
Smoke from the Rim Fire has settled into Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta and other areas, causing air quality impacts. This will persist for the next few days, particularly in the morning hours.
RIM FIRE Fuels Ignite, 9/1/2013. Credit: USFS/ Mike McMillan
Rim Fire Incident Information
- Last Updated: September 2, 2013 18:30 PDT
- Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- County: Tuolumne County
- Administrative Unit: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
- Acres Burned – Containment: 235,841 acres – 70% contained
- Injuries: 5
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial) – [NOT updated. Editor]
- Cause: Under Investigation
RIM FIRE – Flames Sweep Up Red Pine Tree, 9/1/2013. Credit: USFS/ Mike McMillan
Evacuations
- Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated. Evacuation centers are at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora and at the Greeley Hill Community Center.
- An evacuation advisory remains in effect for Ponderosa Hills and areas east, along the south side of Highway 108 up to Pinecrest.
Road and Forest Closures
- Highway 120 remains closed from Buck Meadows to 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf. Highway 120 east/Tioga Road remains open from 1 ½
- Yosemite National Park has closed Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds, both located along Tioga Road. White Wolf Campground and White Wolf Lodge remain closed. The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108.
Fire Dept Stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,330
- Total Fire Engines: 255
- Total Fire crews: 120
- Total Helicopters: 14
- Total Dozers: 72
- Total Water Tenders: 54
Related Links and Background Info
Posted in disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, environment, Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013, Significant Event Imagery, significant events | Tagged: Air quality alert, Dense Smoke Advisory, Foresta, Rim Fire, smoke Impacts from the Rim Fire, Stanislaus National Forest, Tuolumne County, US wildfires, Wawona, wildfires, Yosemite Valley | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 1, 2013
Shifting winds bring heavy smoke from Rim Fire to California, Nevada, Idaho
Heavy smoke from Rim Fire has filled Yosemite Valley, and much of central California, Nevada and Idaho.
RIM FIRE became the 4th largest wildfire in California history after devouring about 223,000 acres (901km², or 348mi²) on Saturday, including about 6.5 percent of Yosemite’s backcountry, as it targeted two groves of YNP’s very old sequoia trees.
Heavy smoke has obscured scenic views and previously unaffected areas of Yosemite, reports said.
Air Quality Alerts and Dense Smoke Advisories have been issued for multiple counties across a vast region.
The San Joaquin Valley, Mariposa County and Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control Districts have issued an Air Quality Alert due to smoke Impacts from the Rim Fire in Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Tuolumne and the valley portion of Kern counties. —NWS
Analyzed Fires and Smoke from Satellite on this ArcIMS server were updated on Sun Sep 1, 2013 @ 03:28:43 UTC. Source: NOAA/NESDIS/SSD
RIM FIRE – fire activity on the South Flank. Photo credit: USFS/Mike McMillan
Related Links
Posted in environment | Tagged: Air quality alert, Dense Smoke Advisory, Rim Fire, smoke Impacts from the Rim Fire, Yosemite Valley | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on September 1, 2013
Colossal Wildfire devours 223,000 acres (901km²), including about 50,000 acres in Yosemite National Park
RIM FIRE has become the 4th largest wildfire in California history after devouring about 223,000 acres (901km², or 348mi²), including about 6.5 percent of Yosemite’s backcountry, as it targets two groves of YNP’s very old sequoia trees.
Top 4 Largest California Wildfires
Rim Fire information may change until the fire is contained. Source: Cal Fire.
Rim Fire Wildfire Fire Consumes Forest. South Flank Fire Activity. Photo credit: USFS/ Mike McMillan
Fire Stats
- Last Updated: August 31, 2013 19:00 PDT
- Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- Acres Burned: 222,777 acres
- Containment: 40% contained
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial) – [NOT updated Editor]
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial)
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Administrative Unit: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
County: Tuolumne County
Evacuations
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences of Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill. Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated. Evacuation centers are at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora and at the Greeley Hill Community Center.
The Mariposa County Sherriff lifted the Mandatory Evacuation along Old Yosemite Road to include areas North and South of Bull Creek Road to Little Grizzly Mountain.
An evacuation advisory remains in effect for Ponderosa Hills and areas east, along the south side of Highway 108 up to Pinecrest.
Road Closures
Highway 120 remains closed from Buck Meadows to 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf. Highway 120 east/Tioga Road remains open from 1 ½
Other Stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 5,069
- Total Fire Engines: 433
- Total Fire crews: 119
- Total Helicopters: 41
- Total Dozers: 88
- Total Water Tenders: 58
Links and Background Information
Posted in disaster areas, disaster calendar, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone | Tagged: california, Historic fire, Mariposa County, Rim Fire, sequoia trees, Top 4 Largest California Wildfires, wildfire | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 31, 2013
RIM FIRE: Very active fire behavior reported
The ferocious wildfire in California’s Stanislaus National Forest has grown to 213,414 acres (333.5mi², or 864km²), with 35% containment.
Smoke, in addition to the fire, is becoming a major concern throughout the Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas.
Rim FIRE Wildfire. Photo Credit: USFS/ Stanislaus National Forest
Analyzed Fires and Smoke from Satellite on this ArcIMS server were updated on Sat Aug 31 03:21:43 2013 UTC
Smoke from wildfires in the Americas. Source: NOAA/ NESDIS
Evacuations
- A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01). Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated. Evacuation centers are at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora and at the Greeley Hill Community Center.
- An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill.
- The evacuation advisory remains in effect for Ponderosa Hills and areas east, along the south side of Highway 108 up to Pinecrest.
Fire Behavior
- Very active fire behavior on the east side of the fire today with running surface fire, torching and passive and sustained crown fire runs with considerable amounts of spotting. Moderate fire behavior with backing fire observed where fire was burning from ridgetops downslope.
Fire Stats
- Acres Burned: 213,414 acres
- Containment: 35% contained
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial)
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial)
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,844
- Total Fire Engines: 466Total Fire crews: 110
- Total Helicopters: 29
- Total Dozers: 87
- Total Water Tenders: 55
[Other aircraft, including DC 10s have also deployed. Editor]
Current Conditions
Growth Potential: Extreme
Terrain Difficulty: Extreme
Fuels Involved: Brush, Oaks, and Pine
Wind Conditions: 15 mph SW
Temperature: 89 degrees
Humidity: 21%
Estimated Containment Date: Friday September 20th, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM
Last Updated: August 30, 2013 18:30 PDT
Sourced from: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit and Inciweb
Links and Background Information
Posted in disaster areas, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, environment, Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: California drought, Camp Mather, Evacuations, fire disasters, Forest closures, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Labor Day Weekend, Mariposa County, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, Road Closures, San Francisco, Sonora, Stanislaus National Forest, Strawberry Music Festival, US smoke map, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 30, 2013
Rim Fire Prompts Emergency Proclamation for Mariposa County
California’s acting governor has issued an Emergency Proclamation for Mariposa County due to the effects of the Rim Fire.
A state of emergency was declared because the RIM FIRE wildfire is “damaging public and district facilities, including roads and structures… and threatening residences in Mariposa County, necessitating the evacuation of residents, and the opening of emergency shelters… the circumstances of this wildfire, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single county, city and county, and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat … I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist within Mariposa County due to these events,” according to the Proclamation.
On August 27, 2013, Mariposa County declared a local emergency and requested that the Governor proclaim a state of emergency.
Meantime, the monster fire continued to grow despite cooler temperatures and lighter winds.
Since erupting on August 17, Rim Fire has devoured nearly 202,000 acres, or more than 315 square miles, mostly in the Stanislaus National Forest west of the Yosemite National Park. The ferocious fire is now the 5th largest in California history.
At least 4,931 personnel are struggling to stop the massive fire from further encroaching into the park, where it has already burned at least 45,000 acres.
Rim Fire Wildfire – Fire Runs Upslope on South Flank, 8/29. Credit: USFS – Mike McMillan
Nightfire Along Road 20. Credit: USFS – Mike McMillan
Rim Fire Incident Information:
- Last Updated: August 30, 2013 @ 06:30 PDT
- Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
- Administrative Unit: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- Acres Burned – Containment: 201,894 acres – 32% contained
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial)
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial)
- Fire is expected to continue its eastward spread farther into the west side of Yosemite National Park, east of Aspen Valley. Several residents remain under mandatory evacuation in the Scotts Ridge area south of HWY 120.
Evacuations:
- A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01). Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated. [Evacuation centers are at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora and at the Greeley Hill Community Center.]
- An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill.
- The evacuation advisory remains in effect for Ponderosa Hills and areas east, along the south side of Highway 108 up to Pinecrest.
- The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department has lifted the evacuation advisory for Tuolumne City, Soulsbyville and Willow Springs.
Road Closures :
- Highway 120 remains closed from Buck Meadows to 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf.
Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite National Park has closed Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds, both located along the Tioga Road. White Wolf Campground and White Wolf Lodge remain closed. I
- The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108.
The Strawberry Music Festival, an annual bluegrass jamboree held at Camp Mather, has been cancelled because the site has been closed, according to reports.
FIRE Stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,931
- Total Fire Engines: 525
- Total Fire crews: 105
- Total Helicopters: 26
- Total Dozers: 85
- Total Water Tenders: 55
- Injuries: 4
- Cause: Under Investigation
Current Weather
- Wind Conditions 5 mph NE
- Temperature 67 degrees
- Humidity 40%
Links and Background Information
Posted in Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: California drought, Camp Mather, Evacuations, fire disasters, Forest closures, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Labor Day Weekend, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, Road Closures, San Francisco, Sonora, Stanislaus National Forest, Strawberry Music Festival, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 30, 2013
Monster Fire continues to grow despite cooler temperatures, lighter winds
Since erupting on August 17, Rim Fire has devoured about 200,000 acres, or more than 312 square miles, mostly in the Stanislaus National Forest west of the Yosemite National Park. The ferocious fire is now the 5th largest in California history.
At least 4,927 personnel are struggling to stop the massive fire from further encroaching into the park, where it has already burned at least 45,000 acres.
RIM FIRE Wildfire. View From Pilot Peak Lookout. Photo credit: USFS/Mike McMillan
Rim Fire Incident Information:
- Last Updated: August 29, 2013 7:30 PDT
- Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
- Administrative Unit: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- Acres Burned – Containment: 199,237 acres – 32% contained
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial)
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial)
- Fire is expected to continue its eastward spread farther into the west side of Yosemite National Park, east of Aspen Valley. Several residents remain under mandatory evacuation in the Scotts Ridge area south of HWY 120.
Evacuations:
- A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01). Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated. [Evacuation centers are at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora and at the Greeley Hill Community Center.]
- An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill.
- The evacuation advisory remains in effect for Ponderosa Hills and areas east, along the south side of Highway 108 up to Pinecrest.
- The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department has lifted the evacuation advisory for Tuolumne City, Soulsbyville and Willow Springs.
Road Closures :
- Highway 120 remains closed from Buck Meadows to 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf.
Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite National Park has closed Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds, both located along the Tioga Road. White Wolf Campground and White Wolf Lodge remain closed. I
- The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108.
The Strawberry Music Festival, an annual bluegrass jamboree held at Camp Mather, has been cancelled because the site has been closed, according to reports.
FIRE Stats
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,927
- Total Fire Engines: 540
- Total Fire crews: 104
- Total Helicopters: 23
- Total Dozers: 83
- Total Water Tenders: 53
- Injuries: 4
- Cause: Under Investigation
Current Weather
- Wind Conditions 15 mph SW
- Temperature 87 degrees
- Humidity 23%
Links and Background Information
- RIM FIRE Now 6th Largest in Calif. History August 29, 2013
- RIM FIRE Reaches Hetch Hetchy Reservoir August 28, 2013
- RIM FIRE Balloons to 288mi² August 28, 2013
- RIM FIRE Spreads to about 180,000 Acres August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE Raining Ash on Key SF Reservoir August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE continues to grow; burns 23mi² in YNP August 26, 2013
- RIM FIRE Forces New Closures at Yosemite National Park August 25, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared for SF due to RIM FIRE August 24, 2013
- RIM FIRE Crosses into Yosemite National Park August 24, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared as Calif. Wildfire Explodes August 23, 2013
- Large Wildfires in the West Burn Homes, Force More Evacuations August 21, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared in 31 Montana Counties due to Wildfires August 20, 2013
- Beaver Creek Fire Consumes 100,000 acres
- “Take Your Essentials Belongings and Pets and GO NOW” August 18, 2013
Posted in environment | Tagged: Camp Mather, Evacuations, fire disasters, Forest closures, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Labor Day Weekend, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, Road Closures, San Francisco, Sonora, Stanislaus National Forest, Strawberry Music Festival, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 29, 2013
RIM FIRE spreads to 192,466 acres
The massive blaze grew by an estimated 5,000 acres since this morning to a total of at least 192,466 acres (300mi², or 779km²), climbing to the 6th position on the Top 20 chart of largest California wildfires.
Burning mainly in Stanislaus National Forest, the ferocious fire has also devoured about 45,000 acres of Yosemite National Park.
The monster blaze has surrounded Cherry Lake and Lake Eleanor, a part of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir system in the northwestern backcountry of Yosemite National Park, reached the southern edge of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir late Tuesday, and is now spreading on the western side of the lake.
YNP officials closed Tioga Road, a second key route into the park on Wednesday, which “will limit the access for visitors to and from the east side of the park, quite possibly over Labor Day weekend, which will have a significant economic impact on the area and [be] an inconvenience for visitors,” said a park official.
Some 4,537 personnel have reportedly contained about 30 percent of the fire.
RIM FIRE – fire activity on the South Flank. Photo credit: USFS/Mike McMillan
Links and Background Information
- RIM FIRE Reaches Hetch Hetchy Reservoir August 28, 2013
- RIM FIRE Balloons to 288mi² August 28, 2013
- RIM FIRE Spreads to about 180,000 Acres August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE Raining Ash on Key SF Reservoir August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE continues to grow; burns 23mi² in YNP August 26, 2013
- RIM FIRE Forces New Closures at Yosemite National Park August 25, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared for SF due to RIM FIRE August 24, 2013
- RIM FIRE Crosses into Yosemite National Park August 24, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared as Calif. Wildfire Explodes August 23, 2013
- Large Wildfires in the West Burn Homes, Force More Evacuations August 21, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared in 31 Montana Counties due to Wildfires August 20, 2013
- Beaver Creek Fire Consumes 100,000 acres
- “Take Your Essentials Belongings and Pets and GO NOW” August 18, 2013
Posted in disaster areas, disaster calendar, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, Significant Event Imagery, significant events | Tagged: Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, Evacuations, fire disasters, Forest Closure, Forest closures, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Labor Day Weekend, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, Road Closures, San Francisco, San Francisco water supply, Sonora, Stanislaus National Forest, Stanislaus NF, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 28, 2013
Monster blaze grows to 187,466 acres, surrounds key Yosemite reservoir
Rim Fire grew by more than 3,000 acres over the past 12 hours, covering 293mi² and reaching the southern edge of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, as it began to flank western side of the lake.
The monster blaze has already surrounded Cherry Lake and Lake Eleanor, a part of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir system in the northwestern backcountry of Yosemite National Park.
RIM FIRE is burning mainly in Stanislaus National Forest, but it has also consumed about 45,000 acres of YNP.
Rim Fire Map – Latest
Rim Fire Incident Information
- Last Updated: August 28, 2013 06:30 PDT (UTC -7 hours)
- Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
- Administrative Unit: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
- County: Tuolumne County, Calif.
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- Acres Burned – Containment: 187,466 acres – 23% contained
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial)
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial)
Evacuations:
- A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01). Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated. [An evacuation center is located at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.]
- An evacuation advisory is in effect from Tuolumne City and the area east of Highway 108 to Pinecrest Lake.
- An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill.
Road Closures:
- Highway 120 remains closed to all inbound and outbound Yosemite National Park traffic to Crane Flat Campground.
- A portion of the Tioga Road, from Crane Flat to White Wolf, will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 12:00 noon. The closure is necessary for firefighters to perform fire suppression activities along the road. This portion of the road is anticipated to be closed at least through Labor Day Weekend. The park will issue an update as conditions allow for the reopening of the road. [Highway 120 and Tioga Road are two of the four major access routes to YNP.]
Forest closures:
- A Forest Closure is in effect for locations near and in advance of the fire. Several locations on the west side of Yosemite National Park have had closures implemented as a result of the fires spread. Contingency planning, indirect line construction and preparation to the east of Highway 108.
- The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108.
- Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds, both located along the Tioga Road within the closure, will remain closed during the fire suppression efforts. White Wolf Campground and White Wolf Lodge will remain closed.
- Injuries: 3
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,19
- Total Fire Engines: 508
- Total Fire crews: 75
- Total Helicopters: 17
- Total Dozers: 62
- Total Water Tenders: 45
Links and Background Information
- RIM FIRE Balloons to 288mi² August 28, 2013
- RIM FIRE Spreads to about 180,000 Acres August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE Raining Ash on Key SF Reservoir August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE continues to grow; burns 23mi² in YNP August 26, 2013
- RIM FIRE Forces New Closures at Yosemite National Park August 25, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared for SF due to RIM FIRE August 24, 2013
- RIM FIRE Crosses into Yosemite National Park August 24, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared as Calif. Wildfire Explodes August 23, 2013
- Large Wildfires in the West Burn Homes, Force More Evacuations August 21, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared in 31 Montana Counties due to Wildfires August 20, 2013
- Beaver Creek Fire Consumes 100,000 acres
- “Take Your Essentials Belongings and Pets and GO NOW” August 18, 2013
Posted in disaster areas, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, Global Disaster watch, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: Evacuations, Forest closures, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, Labor Day Weekend, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, Road Closures, San Francisco water supply, Sonora, Stanislaus NF, Tuolumne County, YNP, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 28, 2013
Giant Calif. blaze rapidly spreads to 184,481 acres
The ferocious fire has extensively damaged Berkeley Tuolumne Camp and the infrastructure. Rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior are hampering suppression efforts, said USFS.
The blaze had consumed about 42,000 acres of Yosemite National Park by early Tuesday.
RIM FIRE has also damaged two of the three hydroelectric generating stations at the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which supply electricity for all of San Francisco’s public facilities. The dam impounds the Tuolumne River at the lower end of Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park, while the reservoir provides 85% of the water for the San Francisco Bay Area.
The monster blaze is now the 7th largest in California’s history (and climbing the chart), less than 90,000 acres behind Cedar Fire (273,246 acres), the largest fire ever recorded in California, which left 14 people dead and more than 2,820 structures destroyed in San Diego area, October 2003.
The raging fire was creeping closer to thousands of homes located west of Yosemite National Park, as of posting.
RIM FIRE Map
Official Map of RIM FIRE as of August 26, 2013 @ 06:00PDT
Fire Details
- Last Updated: August 27, 2013 18:30 PDT (UTC -7 hours)
- County: Tuolumne County, Calif.
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- Acres Burned – Containment: 184,481 acres – 20% contained
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial)
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (31 residences, 80 outbuildings)
- Total Fire Personnel: 4,081
- Total Fire Engines: 491
- Total Fire crews: 68
- Total Helicopters: 17
- Total Dozers: 61
- Total Water Tenders: 46
Evacuations:
- The evacuation advisory from Tuolumne City and the area east of Highway 108 has been expanded to Pinecrest Lake. Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated.
- A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01), and an Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill.
- Mandatory evacuations south of Highway 120 and north of Old Yosemite Road. Structure defense is in place for this area of the fire by ground and aerial resources. An evacuation advisory has been extended on the Highway 108 corridor from Tuolumne City to Pinecrest.
- An evacuation advisory was issued from Mi-Wok to Pinecrest along the Highway 108 corridor. This advisory has been issued by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. [An evacuation center is located at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.]
Road Closures:
- Highway 120 remains closed to all inbound and outbound Yosemite National Park traffic to Crane Flat Campground. Highway 120 east
Forest closures:
- A Forest Closure is in effect for locations near and in advance of the fire. Several locations on the west side of Yosemite National Park have had closures implemented as a result of the fires spread. Contingency planning, indirect line construction and preparation to the east of Highway 108.
- The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108.
Links and Background Information
- RIM FIRE Spreads to about 180,000 Acres August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE Raining Ash on Key SF Reservoir August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE continues to grow; burns 23mi² in YNP August 26, 2013
- RIM FIRE Forces New Closures at Yosemite National Park August 25, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared for SF due to RIM FIRE August 24, 2013
- RIM FIRE Crosses into Yosemite National Park August 24, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared as Calif. Wildfire Explodes August 23, 2013
- Large Wildfires in the West Burn Homes, Force More Evacuations August 21, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared in 31 Montana Counties due to Wildfires August 20, 2013
- Beaver Creek Fire Consumes 100,000 acres
- “Take Your Essentials Belongings and Pets and GO NOW” August 18, 2013
Posted in environment, Global Disaster watch, global disasters | Tagged: Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, Calif. blaze, Cedar Fire, fire disasters, Forest Closure, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Mariposa County, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, San Francisco, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, state of emergency in SF, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 27, 2013
Ferocious fire becomes 7th largest in California history
Rim Fire wildfire consumed an additional 20,000 acres (~12.5%) overnight, charring a total of at least 179,481 acres (280mi², or 726km²) by 07:30 PDT (UTC -7 hours) on Tuesday, reported Cal Fire.
The massive fire spread further east and north overnight, pushing deeper into Yosemite National Park. The eastern flank of the blaze has now burned to within a few hundred yards of Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which supplies most of San Francisco’s water.
The monster blaze is now the 7th largest in California’s history (and climbing the chart), less than 94,000 acres behind Cedar Fire (273,246 acres), the largest fire ever recorded in California, which left 14 people dead and more than 2,820 structures destroyed in San Diego area, October 2003.
Seventeen of the the top 20 wildfires in California have occurred since 1985.
RIM FIRE has already destroyed 111 (31 residences, 80 outbuildings), according to Cal Fire.
However, an earlier news bulletin by Reuters said the blaze had destroyed homes and “1,000 outbuildings…“
Rim Fire Incident Information
- Last Updated: August 27, 2013 7:30 am
- Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
- Administrative Unit: Stanislaus National Forest / CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
- County: Tuolumne County, California
- Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
- Acres Burned: 179,481 acres (Containment: 20% contained)
- Structures Threatened: 5,506 (4,500 residences, 1,000 outbuildings, 6 commercial)
- Structures Destroyed: 111 (31 residences, 80 outbuildings)
- Injuries: 3
- Cause: Under Investigation
Official Map of RIM FIRE as of August 26, 2013 @ 6:00am
Evacuations
- The evacuation advisory from Tuolumne City and the area east of Highway 108 has been expanded to Pinecrest Lake. Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated.
- A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01), and an Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill.
- An evacuation advisory issued from Mi-Wok to Pinecrest along the Highway 108 corridor. This advisory has been issued by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. (An evacuation center is located at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.)
Road Closures
- Highway 120 remains closed to all inbound and outbound Yosemite National Park traffic to Crane Flat Campground. Highway 120 east
- The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108.
Links and Background Information
- RIM FIRE Raining Ash on Key SF Reservoir August 27, 2013
- RIM FIRE continues to grow; burns 23mi² in YNP August 26, 2013
- RIM FIRE Forces New Closures at Yosemite National Park August 25, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared for SF due to RIM FIRE August 24, 2013
- RIM FIRE Crosses into Yosemite National Park August 24, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared as Calif. Wildfire Explodes August 23, 2013
- Large Wildfires in the West Burn Homes, Force More Evacuations August 21, 2013
- State of Emergency Declared in 31 Montana Counties due to Wildfires August 20, 2013
- Beaver Creek Fire Consumes 100,000 acres
- “Take Your Essentials Belongings and Pets and GO NOW” August 18, 2013
Posted in Climate Change, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: Cedar Fire, fire disasters, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Mariposa County, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, San Francisco, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, state of emergency in SF, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 27, 2013
Explosive blaze devours at least 160,980 acres (251.53mi²)
Rim Fire is burning less than a mile from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy reservoir on the Tuolumne River, raining ash on San Francisco’s main water source.
The massive fire had blackened at least 22,000 acres within YNP as of Monday morning, forcing the closure of Highway 120, the main road leading into the park from the San Francisco Bay area, and prompting evacuation of the remainder of 74 campsites in the park’s White Wolf area, officials said.
Although the fallout of ash and soot has not yet significantly deteriorated the Hetch Hetchy’s water quality, officials fear winter rains could cause runoff of debris and topsoil, which is stripped of vegetation by the blaze, severely affecting the reservoir.
“When you burn down everything, you’ve got a moonscape out there when floods can contaminate the water,” said California Gov. Brown on Monday during a visit to the fire zone. Brown declared a state of emergency for City and County of San Francisco on Friday due to threats to the city’s electricity and water supplies.
RIM FIRE Map as of August 26, 2013 @ 6:00am
- RIM FIRE became 11th largest wildfire in California history, as of Monday morning, and climbing.
- At least 30 ACTIVE fires, larger than 100 acres, have been burning about 345,000 acres across California since late June.
- Rime Fire is one of about 5 dozen major fires currently burning across the western U.S.
- Drought, high temperatures and insect-damaged forests have fueled about 6,000 wildfires across the region, so far this season.
RIM FIRE: Basic Information
Last Updated: August 26, 2013 6:30 pm [CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit]
Date/Time Started: August 17, 2013 3:25 pm
County: Tuolumne County
Location: 3 miles east of Groveland along Hwy 120
Acres Burned – Containment: 160,980 acres – 20% contained
Structures Threatened: 4,500
Structures Destroyed: 23 [About 1,000 outbuildings have also been destroyed. REUTERS]
Total Fire Personnel: 3,752
Total Fire Engines: 460
Total Fire crews: 71
Total Helicopters: 15
Total Dozers: 60
Total Water Tenders: 43
Evacuations, Closures and Other Fire Info
A forest closure is in effect for locations near and in advance of the fire. Several locations on the west side of Yosemite National Park have had closures implemented as a result of the fires spread. Evacuation Advisories are still in effect for Tuolumne City and nearby areas along the Highway 108 corridor. Mandatory evacuations were issued for Old Yosemite Road.
Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill. An evacuation center is at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora.
Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated.
The Rim incident is expected to continue to exhibit very large fire growth due to extremely dry fuels, strong winds and inaccessible terrain. Rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior and hampering suppression efforts. [Cal Fire/Inciweb]
Links and Background Information
Posted in disaster areas, disaster calendar, disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, disasters | Tagged: fire disasters, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, historic wildfire, Mariposa County, O'Shaughnessy Dam, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, San Francisco, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, state of emergency in SF, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, White Wolf area, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 26, 2013
UPDATED at 08:30 UTC on Monday, 26 August 2013
Massive wildfire edges closer to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Rim Fire has moved to about 2 miles of a Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a key reservoir that supplies about 85% San Francisco’s water, or 2.6 million people in the area.
FIRE-EARTH estimates that the fire would have grown to about 145,000 acres, as of posting.
The giant fire, already the 14th largest in California history, continues to threaten power and water supplies to San Francisco, some 195 miles away.
The blaze consumed an additional 3,000 acres within Yosemite National Park by late Sunday, up from [13,000 acres] earlier in the day, forcing the closure of the White Wolf area and the evacuation of 13 camps, said a report.
Rim Fire continued to spread near Yosemite National Park. Photo Credit: Elias Funez/MCT/Landov via NPR
The fire has so far destroyed at least 11 homes, 12 outbuildings and four commercial properties, as well as two power structures that supply San Francisco with electricity, the report said.
RIM FIRE started on August 17 in the Stanislaus National Forest and remained at 7% containment, with 2,846 personnel deployed, as of posting.
The fire is sending smoke columns to heights of more than 30,000 feet, said USFS.
About 2,250 households are currently under mandatory evacuation, and the blaze threatens 4,500 structures.
California Gov. Brown declared a state of emergency for San Francisco on Friday due to the damage caused to electrical infrastructure serving the City and County of San Francisco, which had forced the officials to shut down two of the three hydroelectric power stations in the YNP area, as well as the power lines.
Latest Mandatory Evacuations
A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for residences north of Old Yosemite Road (Forest Road 2S01).
An Evacuation Warning has been issued for all residences north of Bull Creek Road (Forest Road 2S02), Bondurant Mine Road, Texas Hill Road, and Wampum Hill. The Mandatory Evacuation and Evacuation Warning has been issued by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. [Inciweb]
RIM FIRE Map. Click map for latest version.
UPDATE continues…
For additional information see:
Posted in disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, disasters, Global Disaster watch, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: fire disasters, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, Mariposa County, Rim Fire, RIM FIRE Map, San Francisco, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, state of emergency in SF, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, Yosemite National Park | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on August 25, 2013
UPDATED Sunday, 25 August 2013, 15:40 UTC
RIM FIRE forces the closures of two additional areas at YNP
The blaze had consumed at least 13,000 acres in the northwest corner of Yosemite by early Sunday, up 2,000 acres from previous day.
Park officials have closed parts of the YNP’s northwestern corner for the week, including the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir area, Lake Cherry and Lake Eleanor, according to reports.
The ferocious wildfire began on August 17 and has since been burning out of control, forcing Gov. Brown to declare a state of emergency in Tuolumne County on Thursday, and proclaim yet another state of emergency for the City and County of San Francisco late Friday.
The blaze had scorched at least 133,980 acres (209 mi² or 542km²) as of Sunday, 25 August 2013, @ 14:30 UTC, with 7% containment, said USFS.
A Forest Closure is in effect for locations near and in advance of the fire. Evacuation advisories are still in effect for Tuolumne City and nearby areas along the Highway 108 corridor.
The Rim incident is expected to continue to exhibit very large fire growth due to extremely dry fuels and inaccessible terrain. Rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior are hampering suppression efforts. [Inciweb]
For additional information see:
Smoke from Wildfires Covers Most of the Continental U.S.
Some 5 dozen major wildfires and scores of smaller fires are currently burning across the U.S., prompting air quality alerts in several areas.
Hazard Mapping System. Smoke Analysis Map. Source: OSDPD/NOAA
Posted in environment | Tagged: Air quality alert, Hazard Mapping System, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, Rim Fire, San Francisco, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, state of emergency in SF, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 24, 2013
Rim Fire an “imminent threat to critical infrastructure assets”; Gov declares State of Emergency for SF
The ferocious wildfire that began on August 17 and has been burning out of control in Tuolumne County forced California Gov. Brown to declare a state of emergency 190 miles away in San Francisco late Friday.
The governor said he declared the emergency due to the damage caused to electrical infrastructure serving the City and County of San Francisco.
Rim Fire had consumed about 126,000 acres (470 km²), as of Saturday, 24 August 2013 @ 05:00UTC, and the blaze continued to grow explosively, as it crossed into Yosemite National Park, burning at least 11,000 acres there.
San Francisco was forced to shut down two of its three hydroelectric power stations in the area due to the fire, according to local reports.
The City gets about 85 percent of its water from Hetch Hetchy reservoir in the Yosemite area, just 3 miles from the current fire boundary.
Highlights of the Governor’s Proclamation
The wildfires that started in Tuolumne County have caused damage to electrical infrastructure serving the City and County of San Francisco, and now threaten damage to property, equipment, and resources of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, said Calif. Governor Brown in his state of emergency proclamation for the City and County of San Francisco.
As a result, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has been forced to shut down transmission lines with the result that the City and County is affected by the wildfires in the County of Tuolumne and is likely to be further affected should the fire cause additional damage to the City and County of San Francisco’s water and electrical assets in Tuolumne County, including the possible temporary interruption of electricity and/or water delivery.
Due to the imminent threat to critical infrastructure assets, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission declared an emergency, and the City and County of San Francisco declared a local emergency and requested that I proclaim a state of emergency …, said Gov Brown as he signed the Proclamation, declaring a state of emergency in the City and County of San Francisco.
Rim Fire Photo 6. Photo credit: Stanislaus National Forest/USFS.
The massive fire has so far destroyed at least four homes and a dozen outbuildings in different areas, and was threatening more than 5,500 residences, said the USFS.
Related Links
Posted in disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, disasters, global disasters, global disasters 2013, Significant Event Imagery, significant events | Tagged: Hetch Hetchy reservoir, hydroelectric, Pine Mountain Lake, Ponderosa Hills, Rim Fire, San Francisco, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, state of emergency in SF, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, USFS, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 24, 2013
UPDATED: Saturday, 24 August 2013 @ 05:00UTC
The 126,000-acre (470 km²) fire continues to grow explosively
RIM FIRE continues to grow explosively burning east and has crossed the Yosemite National Park (YNP) boundary, consuming at least 11,000 acres at the edge of the park by Friday afternoon. The fire also continues burning west toward the community of Pine Mountain Lake.
The blaze is actively growing to the north of the Duckwall area and up Kibbie Ridge, southeast, and east. The fire burned actively throughout the night, said Inciweb.
In the next 24 hours the fire is expected to continue up the Tuolumne River canyon, and continue its spread to the north and east.
The fire continues to increase in size and actively through the day and night. It continues to exhibit very large fire growth due to extremely dry fuels and inaccessible terrain.
Fire behavior was very active today with very rapid rates of spread, running surface fire, torching, passive crowning and long range spotting occurring in most all areas of the fire.
Rim Fire burning up Tuolumne River canyon. Photo credit: Stanislaus National Forest/USFS.
State of Emergency Declared in Tuolumne County
California Gov. Brown declared a state of emergency in Tuolumne County on Thursday due to Rim Fire, one of about 20 fires burning in California. Some 5 dozen major fires are currently burning across the western U.S.
Fire from Hell
Night Photo of The Rim Fire. Photo credit: Stanislaus National Forest/USFS.
Evacuation Advisory for The City of Tuolumne and Ponderosa Hills
Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation advisory for the City of Tuolumne and Ponderosa Hills.
The blaze started Saturday August 17, 2013 and as of early Saturday it had consumed at least 125,620 acres, with about 5% containment and 2,672 personnel deployed.
The fire is now threatening at least 4,500 homes, up from 2,500 two days ago, and additional undisclosed number of homes were under mandatory evacuations, as of posting.
Officials have closed Highway 120, one of four access routes to YNP, located about 320 km south of San Francisco. More than 4 million people visit the park annually.
Rim Fire Photo 2. Photo credit: Stanislaus National Forest/USFS.
Related Links
Posted in disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, disasters, Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: California drought, Evacuation Advisory, Pine Mountain Lake, Ponderosa Hills, Rim Fire, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, Tuolumne County, Tuolumne River canyon, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 23, 2013
UPDATED Friday, 23 August 2013, 02:29UTC
Rim Fire Quadruples in Size
The blaze near Yosemite National Park had grown to about 100 square miles Thursday and was only 1 percent contained. The fire has so far destroyed at least two homes and seven outbuildings and threatens several thousand homes, hotels and camp buildings.
Fire from Hell
Night Photo of The Rim Fire. Photo credit: Stanislaus National Forest/USFS.
Gov. Brown Declares a State of emergency in Tuolumne County due to Rim Fire
California Gov. Brown has declared a state of emergency in Tuolumne County due to Rim Fire, one of 5 dozen major fires burning across the western U.S., including about 20 in California.
The emergency proclamation for Tuolumne County states that the massive fire has “damaged homes, and is threatening 2,500 other residences, necessitating the evacuation of residents, and the opening of emergency shelters.”
The fire has also forced thousands of tourists to leave the area during peak season.
Evacuations
The Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office has issued an evacuation order for residents north of Ferretti Road to Elderberry Road. An Evacuation Order is issued when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. Inciweb reported.
Rim Fire Photo 2. Photo credit: Stanislaus National Forest/USFS.
Earlier, the summer community of Pine Mountain Lake, home to about 3,000 people, and three campgrounds along Highway 120–Camp Towanga, Spinning Wheel and Sawmill campgrounds–were evacuated.
The fire started on Saturday August 17th, 2013, in Groveland Range District, Stanislaus National Forest, west of Yosemite. Some 1,849 personnel have been assigned to the blaze.
At least five other wildfires in Yellowstone National Park have consumed about 18 square miles.
“U.S. wildfire managers facing increasingly strained resources have opened talks with Pentagon commanders and Canadian officials about possible reinforcements of personnel and aircraft to battle dozens of blazes raging across the drought-parched American West,” said a report.
Related Links
Posted in disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, environment, Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013, Significant Event Imagery, significant events | Tagged: Beaver Creek Fire, California drought, Columbia River Gorge, fire weather, Leavenworth fire, Pine Mountain Lake, Red Flag Warnings, Rim Fire, Stanislaus National Forest, state of emergency, Tuolumne County, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on August 21, 2013
Wesern U-S: Red Flag Warnings as dangerous fires burn more homes, force more evacuations
Fire crews are tackling several large wildfires in the West as weather conditions continue to remain dangerous through the week, reported NWS. “Strong thunderstorms in this region will create gusty winds that could spread fires, and lightning from these storms could start new fires. The greatest fire danger exists from northern California across the Great Basin to the Northern Rockies.”
Red Flag Warnings in the West, other Warnings, Watches and Advisories for August 21, 2013. Source: NWS. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH.
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California Fire forces evacuation of campgrounds, threatens 2,500 homes
Hundreds of people at three Sierra camp–Camp Towanga, Spinning Wheel and Sawmill campgrounds–along Highway 120 were evacuated Tuesday as a fast-moving wildfire raged out of control west of Yosemite National Park, said a report.
The 10,170-acre Rim Fire, which began Saturday August 17, is burning in the Stanislaus National Forest east of Groveland, Tuolumne County. The blaze has destroyed at least two homes and threatens another 2,500, said the USFS.
Rim Fire Burning Near Groveland Ranger Station. Credit: Stanislaus National Forest/ USFS
The communities along Ferretti Road are being evacuated. The Ferretti Road is also closed at Highway 120. Evacuation centers have been opened at Sonora Fairgrounds and Greely Hill Community Center. The evacuation center at Tiago High School has been closed. [Inciweb]
Rim Fire is one of at least 20 major fires burning in California, as of posting. Fire officials say this year’s wildfire season is particularly dangerous due to the lack of snow, dry weather and drought.
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Beaver Creek Fire: About 1,200 people still evacuated
The 106,323-acre Beaver Creek Fire is now 30 percent contained and is burning near Hailey and Ketchum. At least 1,750 personnel are trying to bring the flames under control.
About 1,200 people are currently evacuated due to the Beaver Creek Fire, said Blaine County officials. Most of the evacuation orders remain in effect.
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Leavenworth fire grows to 500 acres; dozens of homes evacuated
An uncontained wildfire burning near Leavenworth in Chelan County, WA, grew to 500 acres late Tuesday, prompting authorities order 27 homes evacuated, with another 40 put under evacuation notice, said a report.
“Another fire burning outside The Dalles, Ore., in the Columbia River Gorge is believed to have burned a third home there (five other structures have also burned), but fire crews also reported progress Tuesday in fighting the blaze that threatens several dozen other homes, a spokesman said.”
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Posted in disaster watch, disaster watch 2013, disaster zone, disasters, Global Disaster watch, global disasters, global disasters 2013 | Tagged: Beaver Creek Fire, California drought, Columbia River Gorge, fire weather, Leavenworth fire, Red Flag Warnings, Rim Fire, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park | Leave a Comment »
Fire Earth 