WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 072512

In Southern California, local firefighters got some practice fighting fires at a controlled burn in Moorpark (1); while firefighters contained a 22-acre wildfire that broke out in Summit Valley (2); and firefighters in Chula Vista made short work of a 2-acre wildfire (3); but despite the fact that more lightning strikes ignited additional wildfires in the Tahoe National Forest, firefighters had them all contained by Tuesday night (4). In an interesting turnabout, a new study in Forest Ecology and Management posited that active forest management in the northern spotted owl's Pacific Northwest habitat could actually help the endangered species more than the current "hands-off" policy which has prevented logging in that area (5). Wildfire activity in Oregon is summarized by the next item (6); where fire officials warned that devastating wildfires which visited Colorado could crop up in Oregon as well (7); pet owners being reminded of precautions they can take to protect their charges from wildfires in the next item (8). With the arrival of monsoon season, Arizona's Tonto National Forest is lifting all fire restrictions (9); but a California man convicted of starting a 4-acre wildfire in the Kaibab National Forest will be fined $5,000 (10). A Denver-based auto dealer will be supporting the Red Cross in its efforts to assist Colorado wildfire survivors (11). A small wildfire was snuffed by firefighters between Firth and Blackfoot, Idaho (12); while a 2,000-acre lightning-sparked wildfire is threatening Micron Technology's headquarters outside of Boise (13). Heavy attacks on wildfires in Wyoming are allowing firefighters to keep the upper hand in the battles there (14); the following article providing an update on wildfires burning across South Dakota (15). Firefighters battling a 1.5 sq mile blaze at Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands estimated that it was now 20% contained (16); and a 1-acre wildfire was reported on the grounds of Indiana's Linton Conservation Club (17). With triple-digit temperatures expected today, Jackson County, Missouri, is under Red Flag warnings (18); while the contribution of Delaware firefighters in battling wildfires in the West is examined by the next article (19). Eight new wildfires were reported burning in Ontario, Canada, where a total of 41 blazes are active (20); one of which forced evacuations in Muskoka (21); even as firefighters mopped up the remains of a wildfire that burned on the grounds of Canadian Forces Base Petawawa (22); but a wildfire scorched 8.5 hectares near St. John's, Newfoundland (23). After four deaths and numerous injuries, firefighters are finally close to roping in Spain's wildfires (24); the following article blaming local government cost-cutting measures for Spain's poor response to major wildfires this year (25). Two rangers were killed and one seriously injured battling a 50-acre wildfire in Macedonia (26); but nearly two years after Israel's deadly Carmel Forest Fire, law enforcement officials are still feeling public anger over their handling of the crisis (27). In Australia, Victoria distributed funds to 16 local communities to help with bushfire preparations (28); while imposition of the new Australian Standard for Building in Bush Fire Prone Areas will begin September 1st in Margaret River, Western Australia (29). And finally, firefighters in Broward County, Florida, had a rather large pond rescue to perform: a 900-pound pig named "Strawberry"!

(1) Firefighters practice in Moorpark

(2) Crews stop brush fire at 22 acres

(3) Brush Fire Reported in Chula Vista

(4) Lightning-caused Tahoe National Forest fires under control

(5) Active Forest Management to Reduce Fire Could Help Protect Northern Spotted Owl

(6) Fire flares northeast of Wallowa in national forest

(7) Colorado wildfires hold a lesson for Oregonians

(8) Wildfires good reminder for pet owners to prevent fires closer to home

(9) Fire restrictions lifted on Tonto National Forest Wed., July 25

(10) California man fined for starting Arizona wildfire, won't serve jail time

(11) Support Colorado Wildfire Relief With Medved Autoplex

(12) Small brush fire near Firth extinguished

(13) Firefighters continue to monitor Micron fire

(14) Firefighters get handle on wildfires in Wyoming

(15) (S.D.)-Update On Moss Agate And North Horse Fires, New Fires

(16) Nebraska Panhandle wildfire grows

(17) Brush Fire Damages Conservation Club Property

(18) Red flag warning issued because of wildfire danger

(19) Del. firefighters aid in Colorado, Wyoming wildfires

(20) Dry weather results in more forest fires

(21) Homes, cottages evacuated in Muskoka as brush fire rages

(22) CFB Petawawa fire crews “mop up” remains of brush fire which threatened Algonquin Park

(23) Forest fire near St. John's still deemed out of control

(24) Firefighters close to stamping out huge Spain bushfire

(25) How austerity measures 'are fueling Spain's deadly forest fires'

(26) Two Die In Macedonian Forest Fire

(27) 'Law enforcement agents to be ousted post-fire'

(28) Bushfire action grants for Knox

(29) Bushfire compliance in Augusta-Margaret River area

(30) Firefighters rescue 900-pound pig from South Broward pond