WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 102408

A report from Camp Pendleton's commander leads off the news today, followed by a story about possible improvements to San Diego's reverse 911 system. In a week when many in Southern California have been remembering past wildfires, Laguna Beach residents recall their worst wildfire as well. Political problems with Idyllwild's fire department are playing out against a backdrop of Santa Ana winds this weekend, as two stories from the LA Times reveal. For those interested in contracting helicopters to the USFS or DOI, HAI is having a conference in November. Virginia is reeling under an onslaught of fires that have burned three times the acreage of last year's fires, while the Pinelands fire in New Jersey has burned nearly 2,000 acres. Overseas, Portugal is accelerating their efforts to cut forest fires after a substantial decrease in acreage burned through this year's efforts. Moving to Australia, fire authorities in West Australia are hopeful that rains will increase fuel moisture and, thus, decrease the fire hazard in their region, but on a weekend when Southern California is bracing for Santa Anas, South Australia is also watching the temperatures and winds increase. New South Wales authorities are letting residents know that reckless fire behavior will cause them to 'feel the full force of the law'. And finally, a cautionary tale about taking your training too seriously, especially in the middle of town.

Base commander’s comments on Pendleton wildfires

Reverse 911 upgrades suggested

Reliving 1993's Firestorm

In Idyllwild, controversy crackles over fire department

Warning of extreme fire danger is extended through Sunday

HAI Helicopter Firefighting Safety Forum, November 13, 2008

Va. forest fires reach record high

Route 206 closed again near forest fire

Forest protection goals more optimistic

Hopes rain will keep bushfires at bay

CFS tackling Gawler grass fire

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