WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 050709

With air assets grounded for part of the fight in Santa Barbara, California, due to high winds, Ty Bonnar of Flexible Alternatives sent along this missive: Pretty hectic right now as dark sets in - the winds are the big problem and understand that the air attack was ceased today as the winds were too strong - this is where the ANG and PCADS could be a great tool in the tool box...high winds no worries...adjust and be tactical (For more info on PCADS, click here).

Wildfire news is dominated by the Jesusita Fire burning in Santa Barbara, California: with 1,300 acres burned and 20 multi-million-dollar mansions destroyed, nearly 1,400 firefighters prepared for another day of action; details on the destruction and the governor's declaration are up next; some details of the assistance from San Diego County fire departments are provided; three Ventura County firefighters injured in the fire are being treated at a burn clinic in LA; an overview of various techniques being used to handle the fire are revealed by a KPCC radio segment; concluding with the harrowing experiences of one fire crew caught in a burnover during the fire. A wildfire on San Diego's Camp Pendleton Marine Base, started on the bombing range yesterday, is still burning unchecked today; while Nevada will receive millions of dollars in federal funds to help prevent, fight, and recover from wildfires. A wildfire in Arizona passed the 4,000 acre mark as changeable winds were helping firefighters for once; and firefighters in New Mexico had to evacuate 65 residents as dozens of homes were threatened by a wildfire in Timberon. An Erickson Air-Crane helicopter in Wisconsin is profiled in the next item; and a new air-attack base setup by US Forest Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee, got its baptism of fire recently. Heading north of the border, a Canadian youth camp near Edmonton, Alberta, has been devastated by wildfires that continue to rage in the area; but a new contractor may be able to provide the resources to snuff future conflagrations, as a press release discloses; a providential rain storm is helping to drown wildfires burning in New Brunswick, Canada; and aided firefighters fighting the wildfire outside of Edmonton, Alberta, as well. With six dead and nearly a dozen injured, Indian authorities are closely monitoring a wildfire in Uttarakhand. And finally, for those unable to attend the bushfire hearings in Victoria, libraries across that Australian state will be providing free computer access to live streaming video of the proceedings.

Santa Barbara fire consumes 1,300 acres; firefighters prepare for 'another day of concern'

Schwarzenegger: Fires have devoured dozens of Santa Barbara homes

REGION: Local crews respond to Santa Barbara fire

Santa Barbara fire: Injured firefighters remain at burn center

Various firefighting techniques used to battle Santa Barbara fire

Malibu firefighters trapped while battling Santa Barbara wildfire

Wildfire on base range still burning, uncontained

Reid announces millions to fight Nevada wildfires

Canelo Fire keeps raging but winds help crews

Fire chars 100 acres in Timberon

Fire-fighting helicopter costs $18,000/day to park at airport

Firefighting plane makes first flight from Chattanooga

Wildfires out of control

BWI Holdings, Inc. Signs a Three Year Contract With Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

Rain helping to douse forest fires

Rain provides relief for firefighters

Khanduri seeks Rs 10 cr from centre for forest fire

Libraries offer to show Bushfire Royal Commission hearings