WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 052309

Wildfire news begins in San Diego, California, with a story about a bill that offers property tax breaks to San Diego residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the 2003 Cedar Fire; but almost a dozen aircraft were called in to help 300 firefighters battle a 60-acre blaze elsewhere in that county. With a $21 billion shortfall in California, CAL FIRE's budget could be slashed by upwards of $80 million, forcing the layoffs of 600 full-time and over a thousand seasonal firefighters. In Nevada, a small wildfire closed a portion of Highway 395. A pair of wildfires in Michigan that burned almost 1,500 acres and destroyed several dozen structures are just about contained; while a baker's dozen of wildfires in Wisconsin have finally been roped in by firefighters. Two small debris fires, one of which engulfed a home, were apparently caused by discarded cigarettes in New York state. Forest economist Tom Hobby warns that British Columbia, Canada, faces an ominous future if billions aren't spent on fuel clearance; but, with the help of six air-tankers, a small wildfire was brought under control in New Brunswick. Although Ontario province has only seen minor fire activity, Canadian fire authorities are still reminding residents about fire safety. Information on Greece's firefighting air force is provided by our next item. Two stories out of India today: faced with a severe lack of water, firefighters are hard pressed to control a major fire in Kashmir state; and a religious ceremony in India has been interrupted due to a forest fire started by exploding gas cylinders. Heading south, one last casualty of the Black Saturday bushfires may turn out to be Australia's 'Stay or Go' policy. An in-depth examination of South Australia's Country Fire Service, and the effects of budget limitations on their equipment, is provided in the next article; but perhaps they should consider asking their brethren in Country Fire Authority for a loan, since they will apparently be getting nearly $2 million in additional funds. And finally, keep your eyes open on the way to a wildfire - a firefighter in New Hampshire did and ended up saving a family from a housefire!

Bill Would Give Added Time to Wildfire Victims

Brush fire attacked in East County

State Budget Cuts Could Compromise Ability to Fight Wildfires

Wildfire 40% Contained; Several Acres Burned

Upper Peninsula Fires Mostly Contained

Crews contain Chequamegon-Nicolet forest fires

FIREFIGHTING: Cigarettes spark two local fires

B.C. Interior faces high risk of catastrophic forest fires: expert

Kent Junction forest fire contained

Saturday forest fire update

Papandreou visits Elefsina, Drapetsona

Massive fire engulfs forest area in Kashmir's Rajouri District

Forest fire at Vaishnodevi hills disrupts yatra

'Stay or go' no longer policy of choice

Cash-strapped CFS says lives at risk

$1.8m funding will boost CFA fire efforts: Wright

Sharp-eyed firefighters save baby, mom