WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 051809

Budget cutbacks are stifling preparations for the fire season in Southern California's Inland Empire, in our first wildfire story today; followed by another from a California community where residents are asked whether they're prepared for a wildfire. An inside look at elite smokejumpers is provided by an article from Oregon. Firefighters decided to call off a controlled burn in Idaho's Boise National Forest after temperatures rose. The impact of plants in promoting wildfires is examined in the May issue of Ecological Monographs magazine. The way sometimes-esoteric names are given to wildfires in Florida is examined; while Volusia County, Florida, has a large wildfire raging. The wildfire that's been burning near Homer, Alaska, since last week is now fully contained. More than 10,000 firefighters are battling a blaze in China's Hinggan Mountains. Heading Down Under, Royal Bushfire Commission testimony about forced evacuations is covered next; followed by a story about the Victorian Association of Forest Industries, which is trying to lodge concerns with the Royal Bushfire Commission, but have been forbidden from appearing at the hearings. And finally, Washington, DC, firefighters came to the rescue of a family of ducks after some ducklings were swept into a storm drain!

Fund woes keep Inland firefighters on edge

Shirl Mendonca: Are you prepared for a possible wildfire?

Get set to jump

Blazing hot forecast cancels prescribed burn in Boise National Forest

Study says plants also contribute to rise in fires

How wildfires get names such as Belly or Bomb

Massive Wildfire Grows To 1,500 Acres In Matter Of Hours

Homer fire now 100% contained

Fire raging in northeast China forest

Forced evacuations not the solution, commission hears

Forest sector 'keen' to curb fire threat

Firefighters rescue baby ducks