WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 120509

On a fairly light news day, we lead off with a story from the Los Angeles Times which underscores the disparity between California and other less populous areas of the country in winning federal funds for firefighting (something which many fire departments in the state can undoubtedly relate to) (1); but fearing debris flows and mudslides, authorities are considering closing roads in the Angeles Forest that run through burn areas (2); and even two years after the Poomacha Fire, burn areas on Mount Palomar could produce dangerous debris flows from heavy rainfall (3). Young inmates at a correctional facility in Ventura County were honored for their wildland firefighting prowess at a celebratory dinner (4); while the San Bernardino National Forest announced they will be conducting some debris fires and controlled burns in the near future (5). A man convicted of starting a wildfire in Arizona will be sentenced in January (6); and fire authorities in Fairbanks, Alaska, will be holding meetings to discuss removal of vegetation to produce firebreaks in their area (7). Parts of Greece that have been hard-hit by wildfires are beginning to regrow (8); while Bombardier honored a Malaysian CL-415 pilot who happens to be the first Muslim woman to pilot one of these firefighting aircraft (9). And finally, a cautionary tale from Philadelphia where a firefighter's horseplay could have cost the department a ladder truck (10)! Wildfire News Of The Day will be on hiatus next week, returning on 12/14.

(1) California faces battle in getting more federal fire funding

(2) Roads In Angeles National Forest May Close With Rain

(3) Two years later, wildfires still a threat

(4) Firefighting inmates at Youth Correctional Facility honored

(5) Officials set controlled fires in San Bernardino National Forest

(6) Sentencing set in Bisbee blaze

(7) Wildfire meetings planned

(8) After fire, Halkidiki forest growing again

(9) Flying with hubby for inspiration

(10) Firefighter's 'horseplay' is costly