WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 012510

We lead off wildfire news today with two articles on technology: the first in a series of articles on wildfires takes a peek at how surveillance technology could revolutionize the wildland firefighting arena (1); and the next article looks back at 50 years of advances in meteorology, including the ability to better forecast wildfire weather (2). In the aftermath of the recent Southern California rainstorms, Los Angeles County Public Works department was working rapidly to clear debris basins of Station Fire debris ahead of more storms (3). An Op-Ed piece reflects on politics overshadowing the funding of CAL FIRE's $1 billion budget through the governor's fee initiative (4); even as a CAL FIRE training academy in Central California turns out a new batch of seasonal firefighters (5). USFS will be burning piles of debris near Prescott, Arizona, this week (6); but a wildfire burned some grass and hay in Texas on Friday, underscoring the wildfire danger in the area despite the fact that it's winter (7). An organization in North Carolina is looking for volunteers to help reseed an area burned in a 2008 wildfire (8). As fire agencies in Germany monitor forest moisture levels via remote sensors, the importance of wireless systems and 'middleware' software in firefighting applications becomes more apparent (9). Fire officials in the African nation of Ghana are moving forward with an ambitious drive to curb bushfires, including discussions about establishing a ministry devoted to helping prevent them (10). Heading Down Under, a volunteer fire department in Queensland is getting some help from the community in raising funds to keep them going (11); followed by personal recollections of the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria by Country Fire Authority volunteers (12). An octogenarian who wrote The Complete Bushfire Safety Book has been honored with the Order of Australia medal (13). The Rotary Club of Healesville donated generators to the local fire department to help with future bushfire emergencies (14); but Australia Day celebrants have been warned by Country Fire Authority to curb their use of fireworks and barbeques in the tinder-dry state (15). As the first anniversary of Black Saturday nears, residents of areas hit by the deadly bushfires fear the emotions that may be aroused by commemoration of the event (16); and despite hopeful signs of recovery, businesses in the burn areas are still struggling to recover (17). A bushfire along Tasmania's rugged western coast is still out of control (18); and a bushfire has been reported in the northern part of South Australia (19). The Toodyay Bushfire Appeal has surpassed the $300,000 mark in donations for folks impacted by bushfires in Western Australia (20). And finally, an enterprising inventor from Texas has come up with an innovative way to provide firefighters on the ground with some heavy firepower!

(1) The Fires Down Below: 'Look-Down' Technology

(2) Forecast for NCAR: The atmospheric research center, 50 years old, will continue to grow

(3) Crews clear debris basins in Station Fire burn areas

(4) PD Editorial: Fire funds

(5) Dozens graduate from Cal Fire training at Castle

(6) Forest Service to burn slash piles this week

(7) Fire sweeps across NW Parker County

(8) Friends of Pocosin Lakes to plant 3,000 seedlings

(9) Easy-Build Wireless Networks

(10) Chief calls for Ministry for bushfires

(11) Big day to help firies

(12) CFA volunteers remember the hell of Labertouche North Rd on Black Saturday

(13) Ahead of her time

(14) AUSTRALIA DAY: Healesville club generates relief

(15) CFA braces for heat on Australia Day

(16) Residents brace for bushfire anniversary

(17) Yarra Valley fire survivors battle to get back on track

(18) Bushfire burns in remote Tassie region

(19) Bushfire burning in Mid-North near Marrabel and Hamilton

(20) Toodyay bushfire appeal raises $300,000 for victims

(21) Monitors aid firefighting