WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 041913

As Earth Day approaches, a researcher from the Brookings Institution takes a look at the impact of wildfires globally (1); while residents of San Diego County, California, have been advised of Red Flag conditions due to dry, windy weather (2). The next story looks back to 1992 when six firefighters were killed fighting the deadly Dude Fire as Arizona's Rim Country is preparing for another wildfire season (3); and firefighters in the Rio Rico Fire District also prepared for the inevitable wildfires of summer (4). A report from Impact DataSource shows that even though New Mexico paid millions to fight wildfires from 2009 to 2012, the overall financial impact was closer to $1.5 billion (5). As Colorado's US Senators Udall and Bennett voiced support for that state's efforts to establish its own aerial firefighting fleet, US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell also came out in support of the idea (6); while a new report from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office details their response to the Waldo Canyon Fire (7). In Missoula, Montana, the Northern Rockies Coordination Center is attempting to forecast the 2013 fire season (8); and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminded residents of that state, which typically sees 1,400 wildfires burn 31,000 acres each year, that next week is Wildfire Prevention Week (9). Following a 600% increase in bushfires, fire officials in the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad & Tobago are asking for the help of residents in reducing bushfires throughout the islands (10); while in Europe, wildfires have been reported in Bouisse, Beignon, Saint-Zacharie, and Les Malausses, France; Couvin, Belgium; and Savelli, Italy (11). In New Zealand, KiwiRail has inaugurated a new firefighting unit to cut down on the number of bushfires sparked by track workers (12). Heading to Australia, Victoria-based Bushfire CRC sent along their April Fire Update (13); but controversy erupted when a plan by power utility SP AusNet to pass along Black Saturday bushfire class-action settlement costs to ratepayers was approved by the Australian Energy Regulator (14); a radio segment from Melbourne showing that there are still some folks trying to help people recover from bushfire losses (15). Residents of Shoalhaven, New South Wales, have new maps available that show bushfire risk areas in their community (16). Country Fire Service reported a new bushfire near Naracoorte, South Australia (17); but three months after 2,300 ha of Bundaleer Forest went up in smoke, the area is still struggling to recover (18). And finally, another day, another duckling rescue, this time in Broward County, Florida!

(1) The Hazard of Wildfires

(2) Red Flag Warning in Effect for San Diego County

(3) Firefighters’ Drill Deadly Serious

(4) Firefighters gear up for wildfire season

(5) Study: Forest fires impact in billions

(6) State tanker fleet OK with feds

(7) Sheriff Reviews Response To Waldo Canyon Fire

(8) 2013 Montana fire season outlook

(9) Wildfire Prevention Week raises awareness of outdoor fire hazards

(10) Public’s help sought in fighting bush fires

(11) EFFIS - Current Situation

(12) Rail crews armed to fight fires

(13) Bushfire CRC Fire Update April 2013

(14) Bushfire class action sparks power giant's cash grab

(15) Helping hands after bush fires

(16) New maps show residents the risk from bushfires

(17) CFS battling bushfire near Naracoorte

(18) Bundaleer Forest bushfire aftermath

(19) Firefighters rescue 12 ducklings that fell into storm drain