WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 111012

Following last summer's 44,000-acre Little Bear Fire in New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest, fire crews are hoping that early snows from an approaching storm quench the wildfire danger in that state (1); but firefighters in Colorado are being released as snow begins to fall on the 1,400-acre Vallecito Fire (2); while the Lockheed Martin Employee Disaster Relief Fund will be assisting employees of that company who suffered losses during this summer's wildfires in Colorado (3). A wildfire near Bixby, Oklahoma, has scorched 600 acres (4); and its smoke is causing problems for people with breathing disorders (5); while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers honored 12 members with the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service for helping firefighters during wildfires in Mannford this past August which scorched 60,000 acres, destroying 446 homes in the process (6). A Community Wildfire Protection Plan in Huntsville, Texas, has received accolades from the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas (7). Northern Rockies Climate Change Workshop in Missoula, Montana, explored the changing climate impact on wildfires in the region (8); while officials from the Nebraska Forest Service are warning residents of that state that massive wildfires like the ones seen this year may become the norm (9). A 23-acre wildfire in Rowan County, Kentucky, is now under control (10); but the Tennessee Division of Forestry is deeming a 350-acre wildfire that burned through Cumberland County in late October as an arson (11). Reinforced firefighters returned to the fight on Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, where a 180-acre control fire had breached containment lines (12); this after insufficient resources were blamed for the fire's initial rampage (13); but another blaze outside of Blowing Rock that burned over 100 acres has been contained (14); and fire officials in Florida warned of an increased fire danger due to windy conditions, particularly in the Panhandle (15). Western Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has warned of severe bushfire conditions in parts of that state (16). And finally, break out the popcorn as we take a look back on a collection of wildland firefighting films!

(1) Snow wanted as fire season runs late

(2) Snow Falls On Vallecito Fire In Southwest Colorado

(3) Colorado wildfire victims get aid from employer

(4) Firefighters worry as drought worsens

(5) Wildfire smoke impacts allergy and asthma sufferers

(6) News: Corps employees recognized for service ‘above and beyond’ in wildfire battle

(7) State group praises Huntsville for wildfire prevention program

(8) Scientists at Missoula climate workshop relate changes to forest users

(9) Experts say Nebraska’s massive wildfires could be a ‘new age’

(10) Forest fire under control

(11) Cumberland Co. wildfire being investigated as arson

(12) Incident Management Team Reviews Plans To Stop Pilot Mountain Fire

(13) Firefighters, residents upset over out-of-control mountain fire

(14) Update: Wildfire in Southeast Corner of Watauga Burns 100+ Acres, Contained, ‘Mop Up’ Begins in Morning

(15) Elevated risk of rip currents, wildfires in Fla.

(16) Catastrophic fire conditions for WA areas

(17) The Best Forest Fire Movies Ever Made