WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 030312

Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest plans to conduct some debris burns next week (1); even as a small, one-acre wildfire was reported in the Los Padres National Forest Friday (2). Expecting another busy fire season, fire crews in Arizona have begun an intense training schedule (3); while the Bureau of Land Management's Carlsbad Field Office has placed firefighters on high alert due to ideal wildfire conditions (4). US Forest Service plans to light several debris piles in Montana's Helena National Forest to prepare for wildfire season (5); however, debris from last year's storms has firefighters in Wisconsin worried about wildfires (6). A 130-acre wildfire was reported along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas (7); while firefighters reported wildfires along Interstate 430 near Shackleford on Friday (8). Firefighters have halted debris burns in Illinois' Orland Grassland Preserve due to health concerns for people with respiratory problems (9); but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reminded residents of that state of the danger of wildfires during their spring fire season (10). Two wildfires that burned over 800 acres in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest are both contained now (11); while firefighters in the Pisgah National Forest plan to conduct controlled burns on over 2,000 acres (12). A wildfire has scorched over 120 ha in Costa Rica's Chirripó National Park (13); and after suffering through the driest February in nearly a century, Portugal is terrified that wildfires will cost them millions (14). A documentary has been created about the recent wildfire in India's Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (15); which will hopefully include the heroic actions of a forest watcher whose actions probably helped rope the blaze in sooner than would have been possible otherwise (16). In Australia, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service firefighters protected homes threatened by a bushfire apparently sparked by a tractor (17); but Tasmania Fire Service is being called to account by residents of the Derwent Valley who felt they were abandoned during a bushfire (18). And finally, firefighters in New Jersey are being asked to gorge themselves at a Rib Eating Contest (it's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it!)

(1) Brush + Debris Pile Burning Possible Next Week Near Banning + Oak Glen

(2) Brush fire burns an acre in forest

(3) Arizona crews gear up for another big wildfire season

(4) March roars in like a lion, Carlsbad area firefighters on high alert

(5) Forest conducts extensive slash pile burns

(6) Remove dry leaves, branches, grass to prevent wildfires, DNR urges

(7) Forest Fires Break out along Buffalo National River

(8) Wildfires burn along I-430

(9) Don’t burn the Orland Grassland trees

(10) Wildfire Prevention Tips Shared for Windy Spring Season

(11) 2 fires in Nantahala National Forest still contained

(12) US Forest Service plans burn in McDowell County

(13) More Than 250 Firefighters Line The Chirripó Forest Fire To Prevent Its Spread

(14) Portugal prays for rain as drought adds to crisis

(15) Now, documentary on Nagarhole fire havoc

(16) This watcher saved Nagarhole from peril

(17) Tractor sparks blaze

(18) Demand for bushfire answers

(19) Firefighters Wanted For Rib Eating Contest