WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 012910

In our first wildfire story today, shortwave radio operators, a group that often provides important information during wildfires, will be holding a seminar in San Bernardino, California (1); while Concord Naval Weapons Center will be working with US Forest Service to thin out some trees on the naval base that pose a fire hazard (2). CAL FIRE is being sued by an environmental group after agreeing to allow a timber company to log various parts of California's forests (3); followed by an article from Prescott, Arizona, that provides detailed information about an upcoming wildland firefighter job fair (4). In addition to imposing fire restrictions on campers in Hawaii's parks, the National Park Service is also requesting additional funds to help pay for prevention and suppression costs on the Big Island (5). An airport in New Brunswick has received Canadian government support for expansion, which will provide better facilities for air-tankers (6); but a United Nations report detailing the toll forest fires were taking on the Amazon rainforests is being debated due to the source of its information (7). A wildfire in Jamaica knocked out power to some residents of that Caribbean island (8); while another forest fire was reported in India's Kashmir, one that was quickly extinguished, but not before burning dozens of trees (9). An official announcement from the Australian government underscores their commitment to supporting areas recovering from bushfires (10); a New South Wales shire council will be providing funds to residents impacted by recent bushfires (11); and Country Fire Service is endorsing a plan to develop a database of homeowners willing to take in displaced families during bushfires in South Australia (12). A new book, Worst of Days, Inside the Black Saturday Firestorm, conveys the terror of living through the Black Saturday bushfires (13). The DC-10 was conducting test runs in the Victorian bush this week as fire officials evaluated drop results, including canopy penetration (14); while one town's athletes will be active in observing the first anniversary of Black Saturday (15). A fast-moving bushfire in northeast Victoria is forcing firefighters to issue warnings to residents (16); and a grandmother, along with her three grandsons, had a ringside seat as firefighters battled a large bushfire that reached her backyard (17). And finally, four furry bushfire survivors have a happy ending to their quest for new lodgings!

(1) Shortwave radio group holds seminar

(2) Forest Service to thin old research groves on weapons station

(3) Environmentalists sue Cal Fire in attempt to block SPI clear cutting

(4) Firefighter applicants eligible for thousands of jobs

(5) Fire threat prompts call for reinforcements and restrictions

(6) Premier supports Miramichi Airport goals

(7) U.N.'s Global Warming Report Under Fresh Attack for Rainforest Claims

(8) Bush fire wreaks havoc on electrical network in St. Elizabeth

(9) Forest fire destroys nearly hundred trees in kishtwar

(10) Australia Invests $10 Million For Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package

(11) Council to aid bushfire victims

(12) Fire volunteers back bushfire billeting idea

(13) 'Fire in the house!'

(14) Firebomber tested in Aussie bush

(15) Whittlesea sports day to pay tribute to bushfire anniversary

(16) Warning on Goorambat bushfire

(17) Gran, boys flee blaze

(18) Happy ending for four