34 Wildfires Burning ¼ Million Acres across 12 States

Large fire activity continues across 12 states from Alaska to Florida

National Preparedness was raised to Level 3 on  June 28 at 2:00 pm MDT (on a scale from 1 to 5)

Daily statistics Saturday, July 1, 2017 – 05:30 MT [NIFC]

Number of active large fires: 34
[Total number includes full suppression and resource managed fires. Total does not include individual fires within complexes.]

• Uncontained large fires: 24
• Number of new large fires : 10
• Number of small fires: 109

Acres from active fires: 249,029

States currently reporting large fires:
Alaska (3)
Arizona (7)
California (5)
Colorado (1)
Florida (1)
Idaho (2)
Nevada (2)
New Mexico (5)
Oregon (2)
Texas (1)
Utah (1)
Washington (4)

Year-to-date statistics 2017 (1/1/17 – 7/1/17)

• Fires: 30,000
  
• Acres: 2,833,498 [Up 34% YOY]
  

2016 (1/1/16 – 6/30/16)

• Fires: 25,657
• Acres: 2,110,041

Annual average prior 10 years 2006-2016

• Fires: 32,587
• Acres: 2,022,815

Prescribed Fires and Acres Year-to-Date

• Fires: 60,526
• Acres: 2,864,796

Canada:

YTD: 1,640 fires; 421,570 acres [170,676 hectares]

Fisheries Disasters Declared for Nine West Coast Species

“Sudden and unexpected large decreases in fish stock biomass…”

Commercial fishery disasters have been declared for nine salmon and crab fisheries in Alaska, California and Washington, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Each of the following fisheries experienced “sudden and unexpected large decreases in fish stock biomass due to unusual ocean and climate conditions,” NOAA said.

In Alaska:

• Gulf of Alaska pink salmon fisheries (2016)

In California:

• California Dungeness and rock crab fishery (2015-2016)
• Yurok Tribe Klamath River Chinook salmon fishery (2016)

In Washington:

• Fraser River Makah Tribe and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe sockeye salmon fisheries (2014)
• Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay non-treaty coho salmon fishery (2015)
• Nisqually Indian Tribe, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, and Squaxin Island Tribe South Puget Sound salmon fisheries (2015)
• Quinault Indian Nation Grays Harbor and Queets River coho salmon fishery (2015)
• Quileute Tribe Dungeness crab fishery (2015-2016)
• Ocean salmon troll fishery (2016)

Additional details are available from the following sources:

http://www.noaa.gov/news/commerce-secretary-pritzker-declares-fisheries-disasters-for-nine-west-coast-species

http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/sfa/management/disaster/index.html

Selected Seismicity – June 24, 2019

M5.9 strike 102km SSE of Yonakuni, Japan Region

Location: 23.614°N 123.386°E
Depth: 10.0 km
Time: 2016-06-23 21:05:29 UTC

M2.9 – 1km NW of Lakeland South, Washington
Location: 47.286°N 122.292°W
Depth: 22.0 km
Time: 2016-06-24 08:38:34 UTC

M4.9 – 89km S of Semisopochnoi Island, Alaska
Location: 51.158°N 179.423°E
Depth: 35.0 km
Time: 2016-06-24 09:23:02 UTC

M4.4 – 13km N of Aratoca, Colombia
Location: 6.813°N 73.028°W
Depth: 147.0 km
Time: 2016-06-23 22:28:55 UTC

Major Disaster Declaration Proclaimed for Washington

Federal Disaster Declared in Washington

Severe Winter Storm, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, Mudslides, and a Tornado (DR-4253)

• Incident period: December 01, 2015 to December 14, 2015
• Major Disaster Declaration declared on February 02, 2016

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington in the areas affected by a severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, mudslides, and a tornado during the period of December 1-14, 2015.

The areas that were hardest hit by the destructive storms include Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government proclaimed 43 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4247] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory in 2015, two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373 and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations [FM-5084 to FM-5117.]

Major Disaster Declarations (2016)

• Major Disaster Declaration Proclaimed for Idaho February 2, 2016
• Major Disaster Declared for Alabama [DR-4251] January 23, 2016
• Oklahoma Oak Grove Fire (FM-5118)
• Major Disaster Declared for Missouri [DR-4250] January 22, 2016
• Major Disaster Declaration for Washington [DR-4249] January 16, 2016
• Major Disaster Declared for Mississippi [DR-4248] January 5, 2016
• Federal Emergency Declared for Missouri [EM-3374] January 3, 2016
• Federal Disaster Declarations
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Major Disaster Declaration for Washington

Washington Declared Federal Disaster Area

Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4249)

• Incident period: November 12, 2015 to November 21, 2015
• Major Disaster Declaration declared on January 15, 2016

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington due to severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding Landslides, and Mudslides during the period of November 12 – 21, 2015.

The areas that were hardest hit by the disasters include the counties of Chelan, Clallam, Garfield, Island, Jefferson, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Wahkiakum, and Whitman.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, federal officials said.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government has proclaimed 45 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4249] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory for 2015 disasters including three for Washington. Additionally, three Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3374 including one for WA, and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations [FM-5084 to FM-5117] including 12 for the state have been issued.

Major Disaster Declarations Since October 2015

• Major Disaster Declared for Mississippi January 5, 2016
• Federal Emergency Declared for Missouri [EM-3374] January 3, 2016
• Major Disaster Declared for Oklahoma [DR-4247] December 30, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared for Idaho [DR-4246] December 28, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared for Texas [DR-4245] November 26, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in Alaska [DR-4244] October 31, 2015
• 2ND Major Disaster Declaration for Washington [DR-4243] October 22, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared for Washington [DR-4242] October 16, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in South Carolina [DR-4241] October 6, 2015
• Federal Disaster Declarations
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

State of Emergency Declared in 13 Oregon Counties

Powerful storms pound Pacific NW, prompt emergency declaration in Oregon

Gov. Brown has declared a state of emergency for 13 counties following deadly storms that hit the region. Record rainfall and strong winds unleashed widespread flooding and landslides across NW Oregon, destroying roads and other infrastructure, forcing people from their homes and leaving at least two people dead.

The Emergency Proclamation currently covers the counties of  Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill.

“Heavy rains and wind have required the evacuation of residences, and mudslides and high water have severely damaged or blocked major roadways in these areas of the state,” said Brown.

State of Emergency Declared in Washington State

Gov. Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington on Wednesday as record-breaking storms continue to dump historic amounts of precipitation over the region.

The storms broke multiple weather records for the Seattle area, unleashing severe flooding and landslides, closing major roadways and schools and forcing evacuations.

State of Emergency Declared in Washington amid Killer Storms

U.S. Pacific NW storms kill two, cut power to thousands, unleash mudslides

Governor Inslee has declared a state of emergency in Washington State as record-breaking storms continue to dump historic amounts of precipitation over the region.

State EOC activated due to hazardous weather throughout Washington

The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at a Phase III level at 08:30 a.m. today in response to severe weather conditions throughout Washington State. Staff at the State EOC are monitoring the situation and available to assist with the needs of affected communities.

The Northwest Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings for 25 rivers above flood stage in fourteen counties. The NWS has issued a variety of advisories, watches and warnings for coastal flooding, high winds, and other hazardous weather throughout the state.  This includes a high wind warning for Spokane and parts of southeast Washington.

Local emergency operation centers have been activated in nine counties — Cowlitz, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, and Yakima counties.

Highlights

• A buoy 440km off the Oregon coast showed waves were over 12m, as of posting, reported NWS.
• 13 days this year with 2.5cm+ rainfall in Seattle, which was a new record. Total rainfall on those 13 days was 45cm, or 45% of the yearly total 100.5cm.
• Storms dumped up to 47.6cm of rain on parts of Oregon, and more than 31cm on several areas in Washington.
• Storm-related incidents have claimed at least two lives in Oregon, as of posting.
• Tillamook County in Oregon has declared a State of Emergency following days of extreme rains that caused widespread flooding, mudslides and damage.
• Severe flooding and damage have also been reported throughout the Oregon coast.
• Sinkholes, cracks and landslides reported in multiple roadways, including on U.S. 101.

The national Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple hazardous weather warnings for the region including the following Coastal Flood Warning

COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
558 AM PST THU DEC 10 2015

ORZ001-002-WAZ021-110000-
/O.CON.KPQR.CF.W.0001.151210T1700Z-151212T0000Z/
NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-
558 AM PST THU DEC 10 2015

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING
TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY..

A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING
TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY.

* TIDAL OVERFLOW: TIDES AND COMBINED STORM SURGE WILL RUN 2 FEET
  ABOVE THE ASTRONOMICAL PREDICTED VALUES THIS WEEK. THE HIGHEST
  TIDES OF THE CYCLE WILL OCCUR AROUND NOON TO 3 PM THURSDAY AND
  FRIDAY.

* RIVER FLOWS: RIVERS WILL BE RUNNING HIGH DUE TO RUNOFF FROM
  THE RECENT RAINFALL...AND THE ADDITIONAL RAINFALL EXPECTED
  THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. HIGH RUNOFF WILL INCREASE FLOOD POTENTIAL
  IN THE TIDALLY INFLUENCED REACHES AND ESTUARIES OF THE COASTAL
  RIVERS.

* WAVES AND WAVE IMPACTS: DANGEROUS BREAKERS OF 35 TO 45 FEET
  WILL IMPACT THE BEACHES THURSDAY WITH 30 TO 40 FT BREAKERS FOR
  FRIDAY. THE WAVES WILL WASH OVER THE JETTIES...THROW LOGS AND
  DEBRIS FAR ONSHORE...CREATE LARGE SURGES OF WATER ONTO THE
  BEACHES...AND CAUSE SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION.

* FLOODING IMPACTS: FLOODING OF LOW LYING AREAS AND ROADS PRONE
  TO TIDAL FLOODING CAN BE EXPECTED AN HOUR OR TWO BEFORE AND
  AFTER THE HIGHEST TIDES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS..

A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR
IMMINENT. COASTAL RESIDENTS IN THE WARNED AREA SHOULD BE ALERT
FOR RISING WATER...AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE
AND PROPERTY.

BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS IN AND NEAR THE SURF ZONE...AND ALSO
NEAR BAYS AND ESTUARIES SHOULD BE ALERT FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF
FLOODING AND VERY HIGH WATER SURGING INLAND AND INUNDATING
NORMALLY DRY AREAS BY TAKING PRECAUTION.

THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. RESIDENTS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS
SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY IN LOW
LYING AREAS AFFECTED BY THESE ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES AND SURF.

Deadly Storms: State of Emergency Declared In Washington

Killer storms cause major destruction across Washington state

Washington Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency in all counties on Wednesday after a deadly storm packing hurricane-force winds exceeding 160 km/hr (100 mph) left at lease three people dead. The storm triggered flooding and mudslides, killing at least three people, uprooting trees and cutting off power to about 350,000 homes and businesses.

Tuesday’s storm system, the latest in a series of violent storms that have swept across the state, also damaged about 1,200km of overhead power lines, authorities said.

“This is the largest crisis Avista has experienced in the company’s 126-year history,” said Avista Corp. , a major utility that generates and transmits electricity in the region.

“As crews struggled to mop up from the damage, tens of thousands still remained without power in the Puget Sound region and major highways were closed for cleanup. A spokesman for the Snohomish County Public Utilities District (PUD) said the fierce windstorm could be one of the worst recorded, and customers could be impacted into the weekend,” said a report.

The massive storm system also forced road closures in the state of Oregon, as floods mudslides and fallen trees shut down roads including a long stretch of Interstate 84 as well as several other highways, said the state police.

2ND Major Disaster Declaration for Washington

Federal Disaster Declared in Washington State

Washington Wildfires and Mudslides (DR-4243)
Incident period: August 09, 2015 to September 10, 2015
Major Disaster Declaration declared on October 20, 2015

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington  in the areas affected by the wildfires and mudslides including Chelan, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom, and Yakima counties and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Federal Disasters 2015

The federal government has proclaimed 39 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4243] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory so far this year. Additionally, the government has issued two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373, and 33 Fire Management Assistance Declarations, [FM-5084 to FM-5116] for the year to date.

Major Disaster Declarations Since August 2015

• Major Disaster Declared for Washington [DR-4242] October 16, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in South Carolina [DR-4241] October 6, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in California Wildfire [DR-4240]  September 23, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in Kentucky [DR-4239] August 14, 2015
• Major Disasters Declared in Missouri, W. Virginia, Pine Ridge Reservation, S. Dakota [DR-4236 to DR-4238] August 9, 2015
• Super Typhoon SOUDELOR: Federal disaster declared for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands [DR-4235] August 6, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in Iowa [DR-4234] August 3, 2015
• Federal Disaster Declarations
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Major Disaster Declared for Washington

Federal Disaster Declared in Washington

Washington Severe Windstorm (DR-4242)

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington  in the areas affected by the severe windstorm on August 29, 2015.

Areas that are worst affected by the extreme weather event include Island, Jefferson and Snohomish counties.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Federal Disasters 2015

The federal government has proclaimed 38 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4242] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory so far this year. Additionally, the government has issued two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373, and 33 Fire Management Assistance Declarations, [FM-5084 to FM-5116] for the year to date.

Major Disaster Declarations Since August 2015

• Major Disaster Declared in South Carolina [DR-4241] October 6, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in California Wildfire [DR-4240]  September 23, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in Kentucky [DR-4239] August 14, 2015
• Major Disasters Declared in Missouri, W. Virginia, Pine Ridge Reservation, S. Dakota [DR-4236 to DR-4238] August 9, 2015
• Super Typhoon SOUDELOR: Federal disaster declared for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands [DR-4235] August 6, 2015
• Major Disaster Declared in Iowa [DR-4234] August 3, 2015
• Federal Disaster Declarations
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Large Wildfires Burn 2 Million Acres in Western U.S.

Dozens of active wildfires burn across 8 states

Some 65 large fires have burned nearly 2 million acres across Western United States, with three new large fires sparked on Tuesday, reported NIFC.

States currently reporting large fires include Alaska (1), Arizona (1), California (8), Idaho (16), Montana (14), Oregon (8), Texas (1) and Washington (16).

The deadly Okanogan Complex fire, raging across north-central Washington, had burned at least 305,000 acres, destroying hundreds of homes and outbuilding as of August 30. The fire has since been subdivided into its component blazes.  The fire killed three fire crews and injured four others last month.

Okanogan was one 16 active wildfire/fire complexes in Washington state that have consumed more than 921,249 acres as of September 1, said NIFC.

Fire Stats (9/1/15)
Acres from active fires: 1,990,649
Number of new large fires: 3
Number of active large fires: 65

Year-to-date statistics
2015 (1/1/15 – 9/1/15)     Fires: 43,819 –  Acres: 8,202,557 or 33,195 km² [NEW Record]

Annual average prior 10 years
2005-2014     Fires: 53,432 – Acres: 5,569,996

Latest Fire Management Assistance Declarations

• Idaho Tepee Springs Fire (FM-5110)
• Washington Goodell Fire (FM-5109)
• Washington Renner Fire (FM-5108)

Earthquake Rattles Grand Coulee Dam, Washington

M4.3 quake strikes north of Coulee Dam, Washington

Centered at 48.307°N, 119.019°W the quake occurred at a depth of 9.7km north of Coulee Dam, Washington, reported USGS/EHP.

The quake was felt over a large area, prompting authorities to inspect the Grand Coulee Dam, the largest hydroelectric facility in the U.S.

The facility supplies electricity to about a dozen states in the U.S. West.

EQ Details

Magnitude: 4.3Mw
Location: 48.307°N, 119.019°W
Depth: 9.7km
Time: 2015-09-01 16:42:45 UTC

Nearby Cities:

• 38km (24mi) N of Coulee Dam, Washington
• 132km (82mi) N of Moses Lake, Washington
• 136km (85mi) SSE of Penticton, Canada
• 137km (85mi) NE of Wenatchee, Washington

Grand Coulee Dam on Columbia River, Washigton. More images posted at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/news/gallery/index.html

Other Significant Quakes

• M6.0, 271km SE of Hachijo-jima, Japan 2015-09-01 at 15:25:10 UTC depth= 11.3km
• M5.6, 270km SE of Hachijo-jima, Japan 2015-09-01 at 15:24:09 UTC depth= 10.0km
• M5.0, 12km SW of Hualian, Taiwan 2015-09-01 at 13:24:45 UTC depth= 20.8km
• M4.4, 250km E of Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland 2015-09-01 at 13:26:29 UTC depth= 10.0km

Major Wildfires Burn 2 Million Acres in 7 U.S. States

70 Large fires or complexes char nearly 8,000 km² across 7 U.S. states

Currently, 70 large wildfires or complexes have burned nearly 2 million acres (~ 8,000 km²) across seven U.S. states, NIFC reported.

The fires are burning in Alaska (1), California (10), Idaho (17), Montana (16), Oregon (10), Texas (4) and Washington (12).

Two hundred soldiers based out of Fort Lewis, Washington have been deployed in Washington state to assist the civilian fie crews,

Dozens of crews and fire management personnel from Canada, Australia and elsewhere have also been deployed.

Preparedness: Level 5

[Geographic Areas are experiencing major incidents which have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. Eighty percent (80%) of Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams and crews are committed, as well as the majority of other National Resources.]

Acres from active fires: 1,954,138
Number of new large fires: 9
Number of active large fires: 70 (individual fires in complexes not included)

Year-to-date statistics 2015 (1/1/15 – 8/29/15)
Fires: 43,396 – Acres: 7,825,559 (an area nearly the size of state of Maryland)

Annual average prior 10 years (2005-2014)
Fires: 52,884 – Acres: 5,467,292

Warnings

Red Flag Warnings, Air Quality Alerts or Dense Smoke Advisories due to wildfires are currently in effect across vast swathes of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Wildfires Burning 2 Million Acres across 15 U.S. States

Deadly wildfire complex in Washington breaks State’s record

The so-called Okanogan Complex wildfires have burned nearly 260,000 acres (105,000 hectares) breaking a state record set last year by Carlton Complex fire.

About 100 active fires are currently burning more than 2 million acres (81,000 km²) across 15 U.S. States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Year-to-date statistics [Source: NIFC]
2015 (1/1/15 – 8/24/15) Fires: 42,519 – Acres: 7,487,737
[Caution: The stats provided by NIFC have previously proved to be incomplete, erroneous and unreliable. See related blog entries since 2007.]

The Federal government has proclaimed an additional Fire Management Assistance Declaration as follows:

• Washington Renner Fire (FM-5108)
  Incident period: August 21, 2015
  Fire Management Assistance Declaration declared on August 21, 2015

Weather Forecast by National Weather Service (NWS)

High Fire Danger Continues in the West

Hot, dry and breezy conditions will continue early this week across much of the Northwest U.S. and northern Rockies. Numerous wildfires are burning in this region, and dense smoke is causing air quality issues in several states of the Northwest. Red Flag Warnings and Air Quality Alerts are in effect.

Related Links

• Federal Emergency Declared in Washington August 22, 2015
• Deadly Wildfires Burning in Pacific Northwest August 20, 2015

Federal Emergency Declared in Washington

Washington Emergency Declaration

Washington Wildfires (EM-3372) – Incident period: August 13, 2015 – Emergency Declaration declared on August 21, 2015

The White House has declared an emergency exists in the State of Washington in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 13, 2015, and continuing.

Areas that are worst affected by the deadly blazes are the counties of Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Klickitat, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.

Washington Gov. had requested a Federal Disaster Declaration for the State of Washington as dozens of lightning-sparked wildfires raged uncontrollably killing and injuring fire crews.

“Currently 11 counties and 4 tribes are affected or threatened by fires with 39 confirmed residences and 60 other structures destroyed [and] over 235,000 acres burned,” Gov. Inslee had said in his official request. “Over 3,600 homes remain threatened, and these numbers are increasing each day as the largest fires remain uncontained.”

“Washington State had a major disaster declaration on August 11, 2014 for Washington Wildfires (DR-4188) in Okanogan County from the Carlton Complex Fire. The impacts of this current event are likely to exacerbate the ongoing housing and economic recovery efforts from the declared disaster last year.”

New Evacuation Orders Issued in Washington

The State emergency officials issued additional evacuation orders for more communities and towns threatened by deadly wildfires in Washington, including the entire population of Tonasket, and several parts of Okanogan, as dozens of large wildfires continued to scorch the drought-parched region.

Up to a 100 major fires are currently burning about 1.75 million acres in western, northwestern and southern U.S., according to FIRE-EARTH estimates.

The states reporting major wildfires are Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Washington, according to NIFC.

At least 41,525 fires have burned 7,293,666 acres so far this season, said NIFC.

Fire Management Assistance Declarations

The Federal Officials have also declared the following Fire Management Assistance Declarations:

• Oregon Grizzly Bear Fire Complex (FM-5107)
  Incident period: August 13, 2015 – Fire Management Assistance Declaration declared on August 21, 2015

• Washington Twisp River Fire (FM-5106)
  Incident period: August 19, 2015 – Fire Management Assistance Declaration declared on August 19, 2015

Deadly Wildfires Burning in Pacific Northwest

Washington Gov. requests Major Disaster Declaration as wildfires kill 3 fire crews, injure 4

Gov. Inslee has requested a Federal Disaster Declaration for the State of Washington as 44 lightning-sparked wildfires that are raging uncontrollably kill 3 fire crews and injure at least 4 others.

“Currently 11 counties and 4 tribes are affected or threatened by fires with 39 confirmed residences and 60 other structures destroyed [and] over 235,000 acres burned,” said Inslee in his official request. “Over 3,600 homes remain threatened, and these numbers are increasing each day as the largest fires remain uncontained.”

“Washington State had a major disaster declaration on August 11, 2014 for Washington Wildfires (DR-4188) in Okanogan County from the Carlton Complex Fire. The impacts of this current event are likely to exacerbate the ongoing housing and economic recovery efforts from the declared disaster last year.”

On June 26, 2015, I issued a State of Emergency for the State of Washington for all 39 counties due to extraordinary heat and drought conditions across the state. These conditions have continue to worsen and exacerbated the threats posed by high fire danger weather conditions.

On August 13, 2015 a low pressure settled over central and eastern Washington that generated several hundred lightning strikes in a 6 hour period setting off numerous fires. This weather system remained in effect thru Saturday August 15, 2015. Gusty winds continue to effect these regions. Another similar system is moving into the region in the next 2 days with extreme high fire danger weather predicted.

There have been five Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations in the span of 36 hours with two additional approved Washington State Fire Mobilizations for Black Canyon/McFarland Creek Fires in Okanogan County and Renner Lake Fire in Stevens and Ferry Counties.

Thousands of people are under mandatory evacuation orders across the Pacific Northwest as more than 90 major wildfires rage across the region. At least a dozen wildfires are also burning across the South.

In Washington, several towns and communities have been evacuated including Omak, Riverside, Twisp, Winthrop and Conconully.

“It is really bad out there. The fires have just exploded,” a spokeswoman for the Okanogan County Department of Emergency Management, told the AP. “We’re just directing everybody to head south.”

In California, more than 2,500 people were forced to flee Christian camps near Fresno after Rough Fire crossed Highway 180, officials said.

Mandatory evacuations are also in effect in the states of Idaho and Oregon.

States currently reporting major wildfire include Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

Active fires are currently burning an estimated 1.5 million acres, and have consumed hundreds of homes and other structures so far this month.

Some 42,000 wildfires have consumed at least 7.2 million acres across the United States, so far this year.

Governors in California, Idaho, Montana and Oregon have declared States of Emergency due to the wildfires, so far this month.

The U.S. military is sending hundreds of personnel to the fire lines, as fire managers call in help from other countries.

Wildfires Force Evacuations in Central Washington

Lightning-sparked wildfires rage across Washington state

Five wildfires, sparked by lightning on Friday night, have grown together combining into two major blazes, threatening about 300 structures and consuming  about 22,500 acres (91 square km) in Douglas County [pop: 40,000,] central Washington.

One of the two fires in the Douglas County Complex is burning approximately 17 miles northeast of Waterville near Jamieson Lake. The other fire is burning approximately 10 miles southeast of Waterville, reported InciWeb.

About 60 homes and other structure are in immediate threat, and 300 other dewellings have been evacuated, said officials.

“A level 3 evacuation order remains in place for approximately 30 residents on North Palisades Road. All other previous evacuations orders are level 1 including Rock Island Grade which was added this afternoon [July 12.]”

About a dozen major blazes are currently burning in Washington state.

Wildfire Destroys Dozens of Buildings, Forces Mass Evacuations in Washington

Red Flag Warnings in effect across much of Washington State, as wildfire forces 1,000 people to flee

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by high temperatures and strong winds has destroyed dozens of building, including homes, in Wenatchee in central Washington, about 200km east of Seattle.

The so-called Sleepy Hollow fire ignited in grass just outside Wenatchee on Sunday afternoon forcing residents of about 450 homes to flee.

The blaze had consumed more than 3,000 acres, as of posting.

State of Emergency

Gov. Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency for Washington in May due to the snowpack being at historic lows, dwindling rivers and irrigation districts being forced to cut off water to farmers.

Statement from Gov. Inslee about the Sleepy Hollow fire in Wenatchee

“Yet again, our state is experiencing a catastrophic wildfire that has displaced families and shut down businesses …”

Read statement here!

Drought Disaster Declared for Counties in Two States

Crop Disasters Declared for 9 Additional Counties across Oregon, Washington

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated a total of nine counties in two states—Oregon and Washington—as crop disaster areas due to losses caused by the worsening drought.

The disaster designations are as follows:

• Oregon. Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.

• Washington. Klickitat County.

Crop Disasters 2015

Beginning January 7, 2015 USDA has declared crop disasters in at least 1,233 counties across 17 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington.

About 99 percent of the 2015 crop disaster designations so far are due to drought.

Crop Disasters 2014

In 2014, USDA declared crop disasters in at least 2,904 counties across 44 states. Most of the designations were due to drought.

Those states were:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan. Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [FIRE-EARTH has documented all of the above listings. See blog content.]

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The counties designated as agricultural disaster areas, as listed above, include both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. Some counties may have been designated as crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on June 10, 2015 and posted on their website on June 11.

Related Links

• Drought Destroys More Crops in Idaho, Oregon, Utah June 4, 2015
• Crop Disasters Declared in Nevada, Utah May 28, 2015
• Crop Disasters Declared in 4 States  May 21, 2015
• Drought Destroys More Crops in CO, ID, OR, TX, UT May 14, 2015
• Drought Destroys more Crops in ID, NV, OR, UT May 7, 2015
• Federal Disasters
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

M4.4 Quake Strikes NE of Mt Rainier

Earthquake occurs in the Cascade Range

Centered at47.247°N, 120.723°W, about 85km NE of Mount Rainier, the quake occurred at a depth of 5.3km, said USGS/EHP.

EQ Details
Magnitude: 4.4Mw
Location: 47.247°N, 120.723°W
Depth: 5.3km
Event Time: 2015-02-18 09:04:11 (UTC)
Nearby Cities

• 17km (11mi) ENE of Cle Elum, Washington
• 30km (19mi) NNW of Ellensburg, Washington
• 36km (22mi) WSW of Wenatchee, Washington
• 120km ESE of Seattle, Washington [FEWW]
• 125km East of Tacoma, Washington [FEWW]
• 166km (103mi) E of Olympia, Washington

NOTICE of Suspension of Research on Seismicity in US-WA

As of January 23, 2015, FIRE-EARTH Science Team has suspended its research on geophysical activity in the state of Washington until further notice.

What Now Brown Cow?

Manure pollution poses ‘imminent and substantial endangerment’ to the environment, people: Federal Judge

U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice of Spokane has ruled that a large industrial dairy in eastern Washington has polluted drinking water through its handling of manure, said a report.

The judge ruled that the pollution posed an “imminent and substantial endangerment” to the environment and to people who rely on groundwater for drinking.

Rice ruled that he “could come to no other conclusion than that the Dairy’s operations are contributing to the high levels of nitrate that are currently contaminating—and will continue to contaminate … the underlying groundwater.”

“Any attempt to diminish the Dairy’s contribution to the nitrate contamination is disingenuous, at best,” said Rice in his opinion, entering  a partial summary judgment against the mega dairy, Cow Palace.

The dairy has 11,000 cows that create more than 100 million gallons of manure each year, said the judge in summing up.

The civil lawsuit was filed by environmental groups on behalf of more than 24,000 residents in the lower Yakima Valley who rely on private wells for their drinking water. “The valley is a heavily agricultural area located about 150 miles east of Seattle.”

“A trial has been scheduled for March 23 in Yakima to decide how much pollution the Cow Palace dairy of Granger was causing and what steps should be taken as a remedy.” said the report.

For the first time a federal court has ruled that inadequately handled  manure is a solid waste, and not a beneficial farm product, said Jessica Culpepper—an attorney for Public Justice, who helped represent the environmental groups.

“This is also the first time that the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, was applied to farm animals,” she said. “Those standards can now be applied across the nation.”

“Rice’s ruling criticized the Cow Palace and its owners, Bill and Adam Dolsen, saying they appeared to minimize the dangers posed by nitrates, including ‘Blue Baby Syndrome,’ a condition that can result when babies consume formula mixed with nitrate-contaminated water.”

Read full report

State of Emergency Declared in Washington

RAPID CLIMATE CHANGE
EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC DISASTERS
RECORD RAINFALL
SEVERE WINTER STORM
RISING TEMPERATURES, ABNORMAL SNOWMELT, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES
STATE OF EMERGENCY
.

Severe winter storm causes extensive damage in 9 WA counties

Gov. Inslee has proclaimed a state of emergency for nine Washington counties in the wake of a severe winter storm that battered the region causing extensive damage to roads and other infrastructure January 4 through 6.

The emergency proclamation is for Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom counties.

“The governor noted in his proclamation that heavy rain and unseasonable snowmelt from this week’s storm combined with soils saturated by previous storms to cause slope erosion and landslides that impacted state and local roadways,” said a statement released by his office.

“WHEREAS,from November 25 through December 12, 2014, Western Washington received record rainfall from multiple storms resulting in saturated soil and slope erosion throughout the area; and […] from January 4 through 6, 2015, another significant winter storm struck Western Washington, producing extreme rainfall and above normal temperatures throughout the lowlands and mountain snowpack elevations; and […] the heavy rainfall from this storm combined with unseasonable snowmelt compounded existing soil saturation resulted in flooding, additional slope erosion, and landslides causing extensive damage to roadways, road closures and restricted access to affected areas in Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom counties, affecting the life, health, and safety [of the public,]” said the proclamation.

Earthquakes Strike 11 U.S. States

HEIGHTENED GLOBAL SEISMICITY
SEISMIC HAZARDS
SCENARIOS 704, 703,  700, [500,] 09, 08, 07, 02
.

Multiple earthquakes strike 11 states, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

At least 188 earthquakes measuring up to magnitude 4.0Mw have struck 11 states, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands  over the past 24 hours.

The largest quake, as of posting, measured 4.0Mw, occurring 2km (1mi) SE of Medford, Oklahoma, according to USGS/EHP.

Earthquakes also struck Alaska, California, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

 Related Links

• Significant Quake Strikes Near Irving, Texas November 23, 2014

Drought Destroys Crops in Five States

DISASTERS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
DROUGHT
CROP DISASTERS
SCENARIOS  560, 444, 111, 100, 03, 02
.

Crop Disasters Declared for 20 Counties across Five States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared crop disasters in 20 counties across five states—Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington and Wyoming—due to the losses and damage caused by the debilitating drought.

The disaster designations are for the following counties:

• Idaho: Bear Lake, Boundary, Fremont, Madison,  Bonner, Caribou, Franklin, Teton, Bonneville, Clark and  Jefferson counties.

• Montana: Beaverhead, Gallatin, Lincoln and Madison counties.

• Utah: Cache and Rich counties.

• Washington: Pend Oreille County.

• Wyoming: Lincoln and Teton counties.

Crop Disasters 2014

Beginning January 10, 2014 USDA has declared crop disasters in at least 2,727 counties across 41 states. Most of those designations are due to  drought.

Those states are

• Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [FIRE-EARTH has documented all of the above listings. See blog content.]

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The counties designated as agricultural disaster areas, as listed above, include both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. Some counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on November 19, 2014.

Latest/ Recent Crop Disaster Declarations

• Drought, Freeze Destroy More Crops in U.S. West, Southeast  November 14, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States October 23, 2014
• Drought Destroys Crops in Georgia, Florida October 17, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States October 10, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in New England October 4, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Occur in 11 States October 3, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in 10 States September 25, 2014
• Drought Crop Disasters Declared in U.S. West  September 18, 2014
• FREEZE Destroys Crops in Ohio, Pennsylvania  September 18, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States September 12, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States Posted on September 5, 2014
• Federal Disasters
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Drought, Freeze Destroy More Crops in U.S. West, Southeast

DISASTERS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
DROUGHT
FREEZING TEMPERATURES
CROP DISASTERS
SCENARIOS  560, 444, 187, 177, 157, 111, 100, 03, 02
.

Crop Disasters Declared for 25 Counties across Four States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared crop disasters in multiple counties across four states—Idaho, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington—due to the losses and damage caused by recent drought, and freezing temperatures.

Designation #1 : Crop damage and losses caused by drought

USDA has declared crop disasters for the following counties in Idaho and Oregon due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.

•  Idaho: Adams, Gem, Idaho, Valley and Washington counties.
• Oregon: Baker and Wallowa counties.

Designation #2 : Crop damage and losses caused also by drought

(USDA) has designated Wallowa County in Oregon as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

• Oregon: Baker, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties.
• Idaho: Adams, Idaho and Nez Perce counties.
• Washington: Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties.

Designation #3 : Crop damage and losses caused by Freezing Temperatures

USDA has designated eight counties in Tennessee as crop disaster areas due to damages and loses caused by freezing temperatures that occurred on March 26 and 27, 2014.

The disaster designations are as follows:

• Bedford, Coffee, Marshall, Wilson, Cannon, Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties.

Crop Disasters 2014

Beginning January 10, 2014 USDA has declared crop disasters in at least 2,707 counties across 41 states. Most of those designations are due to  drought.

Those states are

• Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [FIRE-EARTH has documented all of the above listings. See blog content.]

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The counties designated as agricultural disaster areas, as listed above, include both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. Some counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on November 12, 2014.

Latest/ Recent Crop Disaster Declarations

• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States October 23, 2014
• Drought Destroys Crops in Georgia, Florida October 17, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States October 10, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in New England October 4, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Occur in 11 States October 3, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in 10 States September 25, 2014
• Drought Crop Disasters Declared in U.S. West  September 18, 2014
• FREEZE Destroys Crops in Ohio, Pennsylvania  September 18, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States September 12, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States Posted on September 5, 2014
• Federal Disasters
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index