WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 033111

We lead off today with an article from my Firehouse.com column about some simulation software available commercially that helps wildland firefighters train on personal computers for blazes of the future, as well as simulating blazes of the past in order to learn valuable lessons on how to fight future wildfires (1); followed by a story about the benefits of the "Ready, Set, Go!" program in helping fire departments prepare for wildland fires is provided in the next item (for more details, go to this link) (2). CAL FIRE pronounced year-long meetings with San Diego Gas & Electric as productive, although homeowners in San Diego County's backcountry were less sanguine about the outcome in regards to SDG&E's plans to shut off power on Red Flag days (3). Efforts are underway to rebuild a historic cabin burned in Oregon's 2002 Winter Fire (4); but the settlement in a jury trial in Oregon over damage caused by firefighters to ranch property while battling a wildfire in 2006 has both sides scratching their heads (5). As part of Wildfire Awareness Week in Arizona, homeowners were reminded to clear vegetation at least 30 feet away from their homes (6); however, one firefighter used the wrong method by setting a fire which eventually burned dozens of acres! (7) A five-acre wildfire was sparked in the hills near Albuquerque, New Mexico, apparently caused by a model rocket (8); while firefighters in Colorado have burned 17,600 slash piles that covered 1,500 acres in order to reduce the fire danger (9); the following item providing some pointers for Colorado homeowners on how to reduce their wildfire vulnerability (10). Despite heavy snowfall in many parts of the US, Michigan's Upper Peninsula had below-average precipitation this winter, which has firefighters worried about an active wildfire season ahead (11); and New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation reminded homeowners of fire restrictions through the middle of May (12). Cognizant of a 1963 wildfire that burned 183,000 acres, destroyed 186 homes and 197 outbuildings, and killed seven people, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is conducting some controlled burns this week (13). Congressional Fire Service Institute sent along a news item on efforts in the US Senate to authorize funds for future Assistance to Firefighter Grant and SAFER programs (14); while Georgia Forestry Commission officials are taking advantage of the occurrence of the recent Long County wildfire which burned 4,000 acres to advise homeowners on proper vegetation clearance around their homes (15). Coordinated efforts by multiple agencies in battling a 283-acre wildfire in Florida's North Okaloosa Fire District got high marks on their effectiveness (16); but the wildfire situation is grim in Suwannee County where a wildfire from 2007 still haunts the memories of many residents (17). Firefighters in Costa Rica battled a 35-hectare fire in the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa near the Nicaraguan border (18); and Russia is taking its forest fire prevention methods seriously, committing an additional 1.5 billion rubles to an effort fielding UAVs and satellites to keep a close eye on danger zones (19). The ongoing efforts of government officials in the African nation of Ghana to coordinate several groups to reduce the bushfire danger is revisited in the next article (20). Australia Capital Territory firefighters looked back on a relatively quiet bushfire season in which only six dozen blazes were reported in the region (21); while TangentLink provided some information on their upcoming Aerial Firefighting Conference & Exhibition in Australia, scheduled to take place on the 9th and 10th of August in Melbourne, Victoria (22). And finally, Calgary, Canada's, firefighters who grace their annual calendar have found an innovative new way to collect funds for the local burn center: a smartphone app!

(1) Wildfire Simulation Technology – Part 1

(2) Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Program Now Available to All Fire Departments

(3) SDG&E Concludes Meetings On Power ShutOff During High WildFire Risk

(4) Historic Fremont Point Cabin in C. Oregon may be rebuilt after 2002 fire

(5) Jury wraps up case from Shake Table fire

(6) People urged to clear brush, grass near buildings

(7) Firefighter blamed for grass fire

(8) 5-Acre Foothills Fire Ruled An Accident

(9) Forest Service burns more slash piles in northern Colorado

(10) Tips To Keep Your Home Safe From Wildfires

(11) Less snow means high wildfire risk in Upper Peninsula

(12) Statewide burn ban remains in effect

(13) NJ Forest Fire Service conducting prescribed burns in Colliers Mills

(14) AFG Reauthorization Introduced In Senate; Standoff Over Fiscal Year 2011 Spending Continues

(15) Long County Town Hall Meeting

(16) Multiple agencies credited for firefighting effort (Photos)

(17) When Wildfires Get Out of Control

(18) Fire Brigades Continue To Battle Santa Rosa Forest Fire Continues

(19) Russia Takes Measures to Prevent Forest Fires

(20) Officer calls for concerted efforts to control bushfires

(21) ACT bushfire season ends

(22) Aerial Firefighting Conference & Exhibition 9th-10th August 2011, Melbourne, Australia

(23) Firefighters ignite new app