Tag: forest fire

More evacuations lifted as containment grows on Lucas Fire in Northern California

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Firefighters walk a hillside toward a wildfire above a rural community

A growing number of residents in two Northern California counties have been allowed to return home as firefighters increased containment on the Lucas Fire burning near the Mendocino National Forest. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire burned 4,128 acres and is 35% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire started Thursday morning near the Lake County – Mendocino County line southeast of Potter Valley. “Overnight, the fire remained within established control lines and crews continued to work on strengthening those,” officials said in a statement.

“Some evacuation orders have been lifted and traffic control points have been reduced. Residents and visitors should continue to follow remaining evacuation orders and local traffic-control directions.” On Monday afternoon, authorities downgraded evacuation orders to evacuation warnings in several zones but noted that returning residents should stay prepared to evacuate again if conditions change.

“Stronger northwest winds are expected later in the afternoon, which could increase fire activity in areas that continue to hold heat,” officials said Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, the evacuation status in 10 other zones has been cleared. As of Tuesday morning, evacuations are in effect for the following zones:

Lake County

  • MNF-E018
  • UPP-E023-B

Evacuation warnings are in effect for these zones:

Lake County

  • MNF-E016
  • MNF-E019
  • UPP-E023-A
  • UPP-E025
  • UPP-E027
  • UPP-E030

Mendocino County

  • MEN-2POT08-B

On Tuesday morning, the U.S. Forest Service has updated an emergency closure in the Upper Lake Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest. While the Middle Creek, Penny Pines and Deer Valley campgrounds have reopened, roads and trails in the Hunter Point and Middle Creek area remain closed. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Source: More evacuations lifted as containment grows on Lucas Fire in Northern California – CBS San Francisco

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.
Ephesians 5:3

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Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate

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A fast-growing wildfire spread from the Sierra foothills toward the center of Reno early Sunday, as approximately 90,000 residents were urged to evacuate. The fire has been burning across a rugged section of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, where Peavine Mountain is ringed by homes and businesses on the Nevada side of the California state line, and some of these homes have been consumed by the flames.  Six people, including three responders, have been injured, officials said Sunday.

The “GO NOW” zone, where 42,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus as the Hawk Fire grew to more than 13,000 acres. An additional 45,000 people were in the evacuation warning zone and encouraged to leave now and be prepared to stay away for several days to clear the roads for first responders. As of Sunday morning, the Hawk Fire was 0% contained and was moving in different directions as the winds changed, complicating the fight. The fire is believed to have been caused by a human, but the investigation is ongoing, authorities said Sunday. Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support aerial firefighting with two helicopter crews as well as 60 troops to help police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods.

“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo said in a statement posted on social media. “The state is fully engaged, and we are working alongside local authorities and first responders to deploy every available resource to protect lives, safeguard communities, and keep Nevadans out of harm’s way.” The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, according to a statement from Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue. “The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it’s being driven by the winds,” Richard Edwards, chief of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County, said in a video posted to social media.

“The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives.” The fire zone is surrounded by neighborhoods, and nearly 10,000 homes and businesses were without power in Washoe County on Sunday. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed due to the fire. Reno has a population of more than 280,000 residents. Classes in all but one school in the Washoe County School District will be canceled on Monday due to “evacuations, impacts on regional public safety resources, and to help keep roads clear for emergency vehicles,” district officials announced. “If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said in a statement posted on social media late Saturday night. “Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building.

Evacuating before the fire arrives also allows our firefighters to focus their efforts on battling the blaze.” Casinos in Reno offered discounts on hotel rooms to evacuees. Washoe County, Nevada, emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees, but said they couldn’t bring their pets — small animals and large animals were to be left at two other locations. The Northwest Specialty Hospital in Washoe County said it has evacuated all patients out of an abundance of caution. “The safety and well-being of our patients and staff remain our highest priority,” the Northern Nevada Health System said in a statement on social media. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport was outside the evacuation zone. Commercial flights at the airport were unaffected Sunday.

The smaller Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation traffic due to the Hawk Fire, but remained open to firefighting aircraft. Earlier this month, three wildfires fueled by hot, dry and windy conditions north of Reno forced more than 13,000 residents from their homes, according to the Nevada National Guard.

Source: Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate – CBS News

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20

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Old Trails Fire continues burning in northwest Spokane as thousands remain evacuated from their homes

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grass fire at night

The Old Trails Fire that sparked near Old Trails Road and W Euclid Road has burned 3,621 acres as of Monday, according to an incident PIO. It is one of three major wildfires in northwest Spokane County, called the Spokane Area Fires.  Level 3 (Go Now!) Evacuations are in place for the following areas

  • Rutter on the North
  • Strong on the South
  • Spokane River on the West
  • Division on the East
  • Five Mile to the North
  • Strong to the South
  • Five Mile to the West
  • Waikiki on the East
  • Cedar on the West
  • Francis on the North
  • Wellesley on the South
  • Strong on the North
  • Five Mile on the West
  • Cedar on the East
  • Spokane River on the West
  • Trails on the South
  • Nine Mile/Assembly on the East
  • Marchand Road on the North
  • Lyons on the West
  • Newkirk Drive on the North
  • North Hayford Road on the West
  • East Euclid Road on the East
  • Dowdy on the East
  • Westwood on the West

Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuations are in place for the following areas: Between Price on the north, Francis on the south, and Country Homes on the west and Division on the east; between Francis on the north, Wellesley on the south and Ash on the west and Division on the east; between Woodside on the north and Francis on the south, and Assembly on the west and Five Mile on the east; between Marchand Road on the North, Trails and Newkirk on the South, Lyons on the West and North Old Trails on the East; between Newkirk Road on the North and Trails on the South, North Hayford on the West and Old Trails/Westwood on the East; between Newkirk/Euclid on the North and Trails on the South, Westwood on the West and Dowdy/Old Trails on the East; between Euclid/Indian Bluff on the North and Trails on the South, Dowdy on the West and West Euclid Road/Trails on the East; between 4000 N. Indian Bluff Road on the north to West Trails Road on the South, Euclid/Trails on the West and Government Way/Equestrian on the East..

The following areas have been downgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuations: Magnesium on the North, Francis on the South, Division on the East and Nevada on the West.  The Old Trails Fire sparked around noon on Saturday and is 0% contained.  An incident PIO says the fire, along with the Fairview Fire near Mead, significantly subdued in activity Sunday, allowing firefighters to focus on structure protection and improving a fire line.  The main evacuation shelter for the Spokane Area Fires is at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd. A shelter at Spokane Falls Community College is closed as of Saturday, according to the Red Cross.   Riverside State Park and Dwight Merkel Sports Complex were also evacuated. The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center confirmed to KREM 2 that staff evacuated patients and staff members. The VA said 27 patients are currently under the care of staff at area shelters and the hospital has been fully evacuated. 

Red Cross asks people hoping to donate or those who need help to call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) as it will be manned overnight.  The Barking Lot is accepting pets if you are trying to evacuate the area. The address is 15825 E Trent Ave, Spokane Valley WA 99216. To check their availability, call (509) 564-6066. State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County, near Airway Heights. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs.

Source: Old Trails Fire continues burning in northwest Spokane as thousands remain evacuated from their homes | krem.com

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17

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BWCA wildfires latest: More than 70K acres burned

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Helicopter collecting water

Wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area have burned more than 70,000 acres, with evacuations and closures in effect in multiple counties as of Sunday, July 19. FOX 9 has team coverage with Ian Leonard, and Bill Keller up on the Gunflint Trail.

Source: (667) BWCA wildfires latest: More than 70K acres burned – YouTube

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10

2 Timothy 3:12 

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its…

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Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished that…

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Van Fire burns 1,100 acres in Mariposa County, is 20% contained

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Wildfire flames and smoke spreading across mountainous forest landscape at dusk

A wildfire burning in rural Mariposa County has grown to 1,108 acres and was 20% contained, officials said Wednesday evening. The Van Fire was reported Wednesday northeast of White Rock Road in Cathey’s Valley, and north of Eastman Lake. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said shortly after 2:30 p.m. that the flames were spreading at a dangerous rate, with the potential for it to burn more than 2,000 acres. There were no evacuation orders in effect, and no reports of injuries or damage have been made Cal Fire said it has assigned ground and air resources to battle the blaze as firefighters work to slow its spread.

Source: Van Fire burns 1,100 acres in Mariposa County, is 20% contained – CBS Sacramento

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

Isaiah 45:2

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Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble. “Guarding…

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Fast-growing Everglades wildfire in Broward scorches thousands of acres, raises concerns about air quality

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Fire crews in western Broward County are continuing battle a new wildfire that ignited in the Florida Everglades over the weekend. The Atlantic Fire, which is burning west of Sunrise, Coral Springs and Tamarac in South Florida, has so far burned 4,755 acres and was 0% contained as of Tuesday morning. As of Tuesday there have been no road closures or no evacuations. Air quality was being affected in parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties as smoke drifted into the metro area. While the overall Air Quality Index remained in the “good” range, localized air quality sensors detected elevated levels of fine particle pollution.

Light northerly winds were carrying smoke from the wildfire into some neighborhoods, and residents have reported smelling smoke Tuesday morning. On Monday, residents in the area expressed their concern that the growing fire could impact air quality in the area or move closer to their homes. “I suffer from asthma myself and so does my son, so this is one of the things that brought it to my attention to see which way the winds were blowing in,” said Age Casas. “It’s crazy, I’ve never seen this before in my life. I’ve lived for 42 years in South Florida, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen a wildfire live,” said Travis Davis. Their fears come after several large wildfires raged across portions of Miami-Dade earlier this month burning tens of thousands of acres and forcing some people form their homes. Broward residents watch wildfire burn Dozens of curious residents gathered at the Sawgrass Trailhead to watch the Atlantic Fire burn over the weekend and early Monday morning.

“We were able to see the flames a lot better. They’re pretty close. And they’re really bright and there’s a lot of smoke. I brought my camera out here and got some really awesome photos of the wildfire,” Dylan Wise said. Other said they were worried about wildlife in the area. “A little bit sad, I think like animals are losing their homes,” said Adrien Casas. “It’s sad at the same time to think about the wildlife to think that it’s hard for our firefighters to get out there and even try to control something like this,” said Age Casas. It’s unknown what started the fire, and fire crews are continuing to monitor the ongoing situation.

Source: Fast-growing Everglades wildfire in Broward scorches thousands of acres, raises concerns about air quality – CBS Miami

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Psalm 5:8

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Northern Minnesota wildfire prompts evacuations near Burntside Lake

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photo of burning forest

Officials ordered residents to evacuate Monday afternoon as crews work to extinguish a wildfire in northern Minnesota. The U.S. Forest Service says the fire is located in the Superior National Forest northwest of the North Arm of the Burntside Lake area, approximately eight miles northwest of Ely. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said agencies initially responded to the report of black smoke coming from the north side of Birch Bay on Burntside Lake around 2:56 p.m. Evacuations are in effect in the area of Lindskog Road and the southernmost part of North Arm Road in Morse Township as a precaution, according to the sheriff’s office. On Monday afternoon and evening, fire personnel and aircraft were responding to the fire, which is estimated to be 30 acres in size. The sheriff’s office says the Forest Service will monitor it overnight and firefighting efforts will start again on Tuesday morning. As of Monday night, no structures have been lost as a result of the blaze.

Source: Northern Minnesota wildfire prompts evacuations near Burntside Lake – CBS Minnesota

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

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Wildfires in northern Minnesota spreading to hundreds of acres

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blazing fire in the forest

It’s a desperate fight— on the ground and in the air— against the spread of massive, destructive wildfires in northern Minnesota. The Flanders wildfire near Breezy Point is the largest— 1500 acres and growing, with zero containment.     “You know, it’s an incredible amount of destruction we’ve seen in the last couple of days,” says Jason Metsa, owner of Pelican Lake Resort on Norway Point. “Things are primed for the forests up here to be a tinderbox right now.” Crow Wing County officials have called for some residents to evacuate their homes; others are on standby. Meanwhile, Metsa shared several videos with KSTP, showing flames just off Nett Lake Road in rural Orr, Minnesota.

What began as a grass fire, possibly sparked off by a fallen power line— expanded to ten acres.

“We just ran into the fire, started stomping stuff out and the DNR showed up with some water,” Metsa says. “Several minutes later and we were able to scotch that one out and make sure it didn’t take off.”

“We could see it jump the road and it was climbing the trees, and it was a mile south of us,” recalls Lara Coyer.

She and her husband Ross are owners of the Cabin O’Pines resort, on the south side of Pelican Lake.

“There were forty-foot, fifty-foot balsam and pine trees that were completely engulfed,” Ross Coyer says. “That’s the critical moment. When we saw those flames, we knew it was very serious.”

The couple says they were preparing to evacuate about twenty guests, when firefighters arrived.

“That first truck if they had not turned up and got it when it went to the other side of the road and doused it straight away, we’d be having a very different conversation right now,” Lara Coyer declares.  

At the Stewart Trail fire in the Two Harbors area, there are 108 firefighters on the line.

Aircraft are dropping water and fire retardant, even as about 375 acres remain on fire, with zero containment.

“Team crews of firefighters have been working on putting in hand lines, which remove vegetation down to the soil level so the fire can’t burn across it,” explains Karen Harrison, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Incident Command System.

Source: Wildfires in northern Minnesota spreading to hundreds of acres – KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2

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