Dry conditions, high winds, feeding wildfire risk in parts of Michigan

the straits of mackinac under the mackinac bridge

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says elevated fire danger has been observed across parts of the state.  The conditions are fueled by downed trees and branches left by the March 2025 ice storm. The severe weather at the time damaged around 3 million acres of land. “Even with the heavy rains this spring, recent drier weather in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Michigan means that last year’s grasses and leaves are becoming dry and will readily burn,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  “In the ice storm area from last spring, the downed wood has been on the ground for a year, is starting to dry out, and can contribute to much hotter and more dangerous conditions if a fire gets started. While the temperatures have dropped, we are expecting to see elevated fire danger continue as we get closer to the weekend.” 

Source: Dry conditions, high winds, feeding wildfire risk in parts of Michigan – CBS Detroit

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:15

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Sonoma County community uses sheep to reduce wildfire risk

flock of sheep in tranquil autumn landscape

With California’s fire season just around the corner, cutting down the tall dry grass is going to be a priority over the next few weeks. In the North Bay, tractors have been commonly used, but now grazing is gaining popularity. While many contract out grazing services, one woman has been trying to encourage homeowners to take matters into their own hands. Welcome to the Hunters Lane community grazing cooperative. A flock of a dozen sheep chows down on grass and goes from one home to another. While grazing has been around for a long time, Sarah Keiser took this to a whole new level after the 2017 wildfires.

“I just walked around the neighborhood, knocked on doors and said, ‘Hey, do you want the sheep?’ ” Keiser said. “Essentially, the vision came from what was a burden to them was a resource to me. Through sharing the flock, we both benefited from it.” Now, there are about 12 community grazing cooperatives in Sonoma County. Bo Laurent reached out to Keiser, hoping to get a few sheep to graze her property in 2020. She didn’t know she was about to be talked into becoming a part of the community grazing cooperative. “I don’t want to be tied down all the time,” Laurent said. “I’m getting older, and I like to travel. I have to go out places and I just don’t want to have those constant tasks I have to take care of. She said no, no, you’re going to share them with your neighbors. It’s going to grow. I’m going to come over and tell you all about it.”

Source: Sonoma County community uses sheep to reduce wildfire risk – CBS San Francisco

For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.
Psalm 44:3

Plague in Russia?

Russian authorities have sought to allay global worries over the death of a young woman who worked at a Siberian anti-plague laboratory. But moves to isolate her contacts and introduce new disease-control measures at…

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14-alarm fire levels an entire township block in Belleville, N.J. Here’s how it may have started.

burning flame of a building on fire

Sunday’s 14-alarm fire in Belleville, New Jersey, took out an entire block. Several dozen fire departments were needed to put out the blaze. Two firefighters were treated overnight for smoke inhalation and exhaustion, but, miraculously, no one else was hurt. Twenty hours after the fire broke out, smoke was still visible on Monday afternoon and the air quality wasn’t good. Mayor Michael Melham said the fire started in a mattress factory at 347 Cortlandt St., and spread to each side of the building.

Source: 14-alarm fire levels an entire township block in Belleville, N.J. Here’s how it may have started. – CBS New York

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

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Brush fire outside Dodger Stadium snarls traffic on 110 Freeway

los angeles cityscape with dodger stadium at sunset

A brush fire near the 110 Freeway just outside Dodger Stadium caused “excessive delays into the downtown area” of Los Angeles, according to authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the blaze was reported around 5:44 p.m. Saturday. It’s not yet clear what caused the fire, but it broke out near the southbound lanes of the 110 near Stadium Way. At 7:04 p.m., the LAFD said forward progress was stopped and responding crews were in the “mop up” phase. Between one and two acres burned. No injuries were reported or structures threatened. The LAFD said road and freeway closures were expected to take place, causing excessive traffic. As of 6:40 p.m. it’s not yet clear what, if any, closures have taken place.

Source: Brush fire outside Dodger Stadium snarls traffic on 110 Freeway – CBS Los Angeles

For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
2 Corinthians 8:12

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Gopher Fire fully contained after burning nearly 70 acres in Riverside County

dried grass on fire

Riverside County firefighters have fully contained the Gopher Fire, which broke out in southern Riverside County on Saturday afternoon and temporarily forced evacuation orders for some residents.  The blaze, which was reported at around 2:40 p.m. near Highway 79 and Sage Road in the Aguanga area, burned just about 67 acres before Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews reported 100% containment on Sunday night.  Evacuation orders were briefly issued for some residents living in the surrounding area. All residents have since been allowed to return home.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Source: Gopher Fire fully contained after burning nearly 70 acres in Riverside County – CBS Los Angeles

O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1

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New Jersey fire crews respond to brush fire in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County

burning green grass in the forest

Fire crews were called out to a brush fire in a residential area of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning. The fire is in the area of McCall Avenue and Jackson Road and as of 6 a.m. is considered mostly under control, New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said.  The flames were in an area surrounded by homes that sit on roughly 2-3 acre lots. The structures were not damaged and no one was injured, he said. “The fire was right in the middle of all those homes there,” said Donnelly.

Source: New Jersey fire crews respond to brush fire in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County – CBS Philadelphia

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8

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Wildfire in northern Michigan 80% contained, sheriff’s office says

burning green grass

Authorities say a wildfire in northern Michigan that forced residents to evacuate is about 80% contained as of Monday night. According to the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office, residents are safe to return home; however, non-residents are asked to avoid the area.  The sheriff’s office evacuated residents on Camp 10 Road, and a shelter was set up at the Tri-Point Church in Mio. “We thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during this incident. Emergency personnel will remain on scene and will continue operations until the fire is fully controlled,” the sheriff’s office said.

Source: Wildfire in northern Michigan 80% contained, sheriff’s office says – CBS Detroit

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18

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Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours

blue and gray train on railway track

A massive wildfire in Putnam County in northern Florida left Amtrak passengers stranded on a train for more than 24 hours. One train heading to New York City was forced to turn around, arriving back in Miami Monday night, including one passenger who said he had been on that train for about 38 hours. He says he and other passengers were left uncertain about what was going on. “Angry, confused, uncertain, in the dark,” said John Reardon. Reardon, who lives in New York City, says he boarded the train around 7 a.m. Sunday to go back home. He said around 3 p.m. Sunday, the train stopped near Jacksonville.

“Finally, after about 5 hours, they said we’re not going to New York, we’re going back to Miami,” Reardon said. “One stop at a time.” Amtrak said for the safety of its passengers, the train couldn’t continue going north because of the fire. “Amtrak sends a notification to the phone saying, ‘Hey, there’s an issue with the wildfire, it’s too close to the railway,'” said passenger Katrinia Wheeler. Multiple crews are battling multiple fires in two Florida counties, leaving at least 3,000 acres burned.  “I saw that there was a lot of smoke coming from the woods, and then I saw the fire trucks and emergency services,” Wheeler said. The train that left Miami at 7 a.m. on Sunday returned around 9 p.m. on Monday, leaving passengers frustrated. Amtrak corporate says they made the decision out of safety for their customers and said customers would receive full refunds and vouchers.

Source: Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours – CBS Miami

For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6

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State of Emergency declared as South Georgia wildfires force evacuations, send smoke into metro Atlanta

aerial firefighting helicopter over turkish forest fire

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday as fast-moving wildfires in South Georgia prompted evacuations, road closures, and burn bans across the state.  As part of the order, Kemp has directed the Georgia Forestry Commission and other agencies to mobilize resources to help with the response and prohibits any form of price gouging. The order comes as residents across metro Atlanta reported heavy smoke and a strong smell of burning. The smoke drifting north is tied to multiple active fires, including large blazes in Brantley and surrounding counties, according to the commission.

Officials said dry conditions and wind are pushing smoke across the region, at times reducing visibility and affecting air quality.  “With much of Georgia remaining in extreme drought conditions, wildfires have already surpassed the state’s 5-year average and continue to spread,” Kemp said. “My team and I are working closely with Georgia State Forester Johnny Sabo and his team, along with federal, state, and local officials, to ensure we are doing everything possible to combat the fires and provide assistance to affected communities. We are praying for the families who have lost their homes in these devastating conditions, as well as for the first responders working around the clock.” The State of Emergency will be in place for 30 days. Burn ban issued for 91 Georgia counties

Source: State of Emergency declared as South Georgia wildfires force evacuations, send smoke into metro Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24

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