WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 072808

Fires are heating up in several areas today. Concerns are rising in regards to the wildfire encroaching on Yosemite National Park, burning through 100-year-old vegetation. Wyoming, Montana and eight other states are experiencing wildfires of varying intensity. Canada has signed up firefighters from New Zealand to help them like the Kiwis helped with the California blazes. Two major evacuations – one at LA’s Griffith Park (again) and another up north (the Telegraph Fire). The fires in North Carolina are still smoldering and the folks in Idaho are asking how better to live with wildfires. Aircraft were once again grounded for a few critical days by smoke in the Northern California fires. A couple of articles recount how private firefighting firms are cleaning up on lucrative wildfire support. Another story recounts how USFS firefighters are joining Cal Fire in droves. A story about how trolley service in San Diego was interrupted by a wildfire, followed by a more sobering story about a fallen firefighter.

Fire destroys 12 homes near Yosemite National Park

Lightning sparks wildfire west of Cody

Wildfires Burning Area the Size of Rhode Island

Wildfire near Red Lodge forces evacuations

NZ, Canada sign firefighting agreement

Brush fire forces evacuation at L.A. Zoo

California Wildfires - Telegraph Fire Update - Thousands of Homes Threatened

Firefighters see infrared hotspots in NC wildfire

'Only you' can change how we deal with fire

Smoke keeps air tankers grounded

Mass of fire expenses a boon for some local companies

Private firefighters' role growing in state

Overtime pay, salary hikes give state firefighters a pocketful

Authorities: NorCal wildfire kills fire chief

And for fun, here’s a story about the Firefighter Combat Challenge up in Fremont:

100 firefighters compete in Fremont in Combat Challenge