Cat's demise prompts rumors of Thatcher's death Nov 14, 2009
Dinner chatter abruptly veered to expressions of shock and reminiscences of Margaret Thatcher, the 84-year-old former British prime minister, as news of her apparent passing spread like wildfire ... Dinner chatter abruptly veered to expressions of shock and reminiscences of Margaret Thatcher, the 84-year-old former British prime minister, as news of her apparent passing spread like wildfire. (Fresno Bee)
Burning ban confuses residents Nov 14, 2009
According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, open burning regulations were changed because burning household trash releases dangerous compounds such as arsenic, carbon monoxide and benzene, and because of the threat of wildfires. Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Daily cited an instance when he was driving by a heavily wooded area on Laraway Road in Montezuma and stopped to investigate a big cloud of smoke. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Meeting the beetles Nov 14, 2009
Rocky Mountain Regional Forester Rick Cables said Thursday that the team will help coordinate efforts to address the safety concerns and wildfire threat posed by large swaths of beetle-killed trees ... Forest Service spokeswoman Mary Ann Chambers said the agency is concerned about trees toppling the 550 miles of power lines in the area and the stands of dead trees fueling wildfires. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
The iconic figure of Smokey Bear, warning people of fire danger and to do their part to prevent wildfires, can be found on signs placed in Malibu and the surrounding canyon areas. Photo by Dana Fineman / TMT Nov 13, 2009
Wildfires in Malibu are very much a way of life in this iconic beach community. But Malibu is not all composed of rich and famous residents. (Malibu Times, CA)
Wild horse legislation ignites debate Nov 13, 2009
A Voice For The Horses wrote on Nov 12, 2009 1:44 PM:" This isn't just about the abuse of wild horses and the twenty million acres stolen from them, or the millions of taxpayer dollars now doing what the horses did for themselves, before, and for free: housed themselves, and found their own food, nor is it just about the fact that the horses' (by law!) prime rangeland has been fenced off from them, along with their watering holes, so millions and millions and millions and MILLIONS of... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
SoCal county to use red flag fire danger system Nov 13, 2009
-- Southern Californians are accustomed to hearing the phrase "red flag warning" in weather reports when conditions are ripe for wildfires. Now one county will begin raising real red flags. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Poizner hails recovery from fires, says most... Nov 10, 2009
ESCONDIDO Standing in front of an Escondido home that rose from the ashes of the 2007 wildfires, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said yesterday that the pain of post-fire recovery and rebuilding has finally ended for most of the victims. Poizner, who is running for governor, said 99 percent of the 40,000 insurance claims filed by homeowners whose houses burned down or were damaged by Southern California wildfires in 2007 have been resolved, and that homeowners have received... (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Tiger Woods, Britney Spears Ready for Melbourne Events Facing Record Heat Nov 10, 2009
Tiger Woods, Britney Spears Face Hot Melbourne Hell (Update1) - Bloomberg. Updated: New York, Nov 10 04:17 London, Nov 10 09:17 Tokyo, Nov 10 18:17. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Prep football: One blessed rivalry Nov 8, 2009
The teams have met at least once every year since 1966 except for 2007, when the county wildfires canceled the game. Part of what makes the rivalry so special is that many of the players attended one of more than 40 San Diego County parochial schools together. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Rihanna Breaks Her Silence Nov 8, 2009
"I was like, here goes my little bit of privacy. But while Rihanna was busy trying to figure things out, the world was watchingand writing abouther road to recovery and the stumbles along the way. Despite PR strategizing on both sides, family statements, Chris lawyer-ing up and issuing an immediate apology, the speculations spread like wildfire and so did the headlines. Was Rihanna/Chris Brown Debacle A Publicity Stunt? What Will Happen to Chris Brown and Rihanna? . Through it all,... (Slate)
Wildfire in Kaibab forest contained Nov 7, 2009
A 42-acre wildfire that was spotted in the Kaibab National Forest on Thursday afternoon was contained Friday. Officials said they believe the Rosilda Fire was started by an abandoned campfire about nine miles southeast of Williams. (AZCentral -- News)
Tech.view: Fighting fire with fire Nov 7, 2009
Wildfires are getting fiercer and more frequent. AS WOODLANDS in the warmer parts of the northern hemisphere come to the end of their fire season and their counterparts south of the equator prepare for the worst, people have begun to rethink how best to fight the wildfires, which seem to be getting fiercer and more frequent ... With wildfires, there is little that can be done about turning off the oxygen supply directly. (The Economist)
Federal effort gathers input on wildfire prevention, safety Nov 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 Edition. The CWPP project website is http://tinyurl. (Malibu Times, CA)
Selected recent California newspaper editorials Nov 5, 2009
That's the "Jeopardy" answer to the question: What is the leading cause of wildfires ... No. Fire officials have long known that such burns reduce the threat of fire danger in forested areas by removing dead limbs and trees and dry brush essentially the combustible vegetation that can fuel raging wildfires. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Five questions facing Georgias Mark Richt Nov 5, 2009
Also, with Tebow and Curran I don t see them getting down and out on the field and not going 150 percent all of the time they both play like wildfire all the time always believing that one more great play will put their team in position to win. Some of our UGA players now just look at times like they are lost or that there is no fire in their bellies. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Recent dry stretch raises fire danger Nov 4, 2009
While conditions are not yet bad enough to require a burn ban, there are things residents can do to prepare, said Timber Weller, wildfire mitigation specialist with the Florida Division of Forestry ... Weller said another common mistake people make that can lead to wildfires is thinking everything is fine after the fire burns down to ashes. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Malibu knows fires Nov 3, 2009
These meetings, however badly publicized, are there to help residents survive wildfires. I don't care if the logo on the side of the fire truck is Federal, State, Pacioma, Ventura or Washington DC. I want firefighters on the ground that have local knowledge. (Malibu Times, CA)
Clash of N.Y. Republicans may echo across U.S. Nov 3, 2009
The most prominent battlefield on which the conservative wildfire is spreading is Florida, where Gov. Charlie Crist, the GOP frontrunner for the Senate nomination in 2010, faces a challenge from Marco Rubio, a conservative former state House speaker. That's why all eyes in the party will be turned toward the northern reaches of New York in today's elections. (AZCentral -- News)
Goldman Sachs mortgage sent couple into bankruptcy Nov 2, 2009
-- When California wildfires ruined their jewelry business, Tony Becker and his wife fell months behind on their mortgage payments and experienced firsthand the perils of subprime mortgages. GOLDMAN SERIES AT A GLANCE. (Anchorage Daily News)
Watchdog reports Nov 1, 2009
4 million to haul away the charred remains of 112 Rancho Bernardo homes after the devastating wildfires two years ago. By. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Mich. gov. finishes signing budget before deadline Nov 1, 2009
Michigan has fewer state employees per citizen than 44 other states, with fewer workers in this budget to fight wildfires, oversee neglected and abused children, and inspect migrant housing. More people were added to the budget to process unemployment claims, however, as the state deals with a 15. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
Changing climate blamed for massive decline of aspens Nov 1, 2009
Regular wildfires that would knock down old aspens trunks - and free up new stems to emerge from the roots - have been snuffed out by human intervention. Additionally, the lack of fires has led to a sharp rise in big conifer trees, which crowd out aspens. (Boston Globe)
SDG&E, Cox to pay state millions in fire deal Nov 1, 2009
San Diego Gas ric Co. and Cox Communications agreed yesterday to pay nearly $17 million to settle claims by state investigators that their shoddy maintenance led to three huge North County wildfires two years ago. SDG apologized for obstructing investigators looking into causes of the fires. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Mich. Gov. Finishes Signing Budget Before Deadline Oct 31, 2009
Michigan has fewer state employees per citizen than 44 other states, with fewer workers in this budget to fight wildfires, oversee neglected and abused children, and inspect migrant housing. More people were added to the budget to process unemployment claims, however, as the state deals with a 15. (Newsmax)
Congress approves money for Puget Sound, national forests Oct 30, 2009
"We're going to have more resources to fight wildfires, fund scientific research that will help us better respond to climate change, and conserve land across the country," he said. "There will be no lumps of coal for the environment this year.". (Longview Daily News, WA)
Wood-burning restrictions ahead Oct 30, 2009
Wildfires pose threats to Valley air, health. The Valley's improved air quality this summer could soon turn ugly with soot from wildfires and ozone, air officials say. (Fresno Bee)
PRESS RELEASE Oct 30, 2009
PRESCRIBED BURNS ARE CONDUCTED AT THE PARK FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS THE REDUCTION OF THE RISK OF CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRES DURING THE FIRE SEASON, ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE IMPROVED FOREST HEALTH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT.. THE BURNS WILL BE ONLY BE STARTED IF WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR THE DESIRED FIRE AND SMOKE BEHAVIOR, IF EITHER SMOKE OR FIRE BEHAVIOR BECOMES UNSUITABLE, THEN SUPPRESSION WILL BEGIN. THE SIZE OF THE BURN UNITS IS SMALL, AND NO MORE THAN 40 ACRES... (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
In Search of Rawhide Heroes Oct 29, 2009
Moreover, the movie suggests that Crockett really never did much of anything, that he was a creation of early-day mythmakers, especially James Kirke Paulding, who wrote the Lion of the West, a play about a fictional character named Nimrod Wildfire. For modern Hollywood, the strong and iron-willed Crockett must have been the creation of writers and thespians and that is how he is portrayed. (The American Conservative)
Vol FD: Call in controlled burns Oct 29, 2009
Williamson County will call a Red Flag Warning against attempting a controlled burn on days when the risk of wildfire is high. Some people think it might be a good day to burn, Sikes said. (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
Four Firefighters Hurt Battling Wildfire Oct 28, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (October 27, 2009)--An evacuation order has been lifted as California fire crews make progress against a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains. About 1,700 firefighters are fighting the fire and four of them have suffered minor injuries. (KWTX.com, TX)
Crews Get Control Of Loma Fire Oct 27, 2009
-- Evacuation orders for about 85 homes that were threatened by a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains have been lifted as crews continue to make progress. State fire spokesman Justin Smith said residents forced from their homes by the Loma Fire were able to return at 1 p.m. on Monday. (KSBW 8, CA)
1,200 called to fight fire near Santa Cruz Oct 27, 2009
The quick deployment of so many firefighters and aircraft seemed to stand in marked contrast to the initial response to a massive wildfire this summer that scorched 250 square miles of Los Angeles County. The Station Fire killed two firefighters and destroyed 89 homes before it was finally contained, 52 days after it began. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Evacs To Be Lifted For Coast Fire Oct 27, 2009
-- Officials are preparing to lift evacuation orders for about 85 homes that were threatened by a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains, as crews make progress against the blaze ... It's burning in the same place where a wildfire scorched 4,200 acres in May 2008. (KCRA 3, CA)
Outdoor burn regs change Oct 27, 2009
According to the DEC, this is due to the greater risk of wildfires during the rest of the year. You may also still have campfires, as long as they are less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter; small cooking fires; and ceremonial or celebratory bonfires, but if you do you can only burn either charcoal or clean and untreated or unpainted wood. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Strong winds feared in California wildfire Oct 26, 2009
Wildfire in CaliforniaSTORY HIGHLIGHTS. Loma Fire has damaged property and injured one person. (CNN -- US)
Are arson-related heart attacks murder? DA says yes Oct 26, 2009
A grand jury indicted Rickie Fowler on Tuesday Oct. 20, 2009, on five counts of murder for this 2003 wildfire in Southern California that destroyed about 1,000 homes and was linked to a half-dozen heart attack deaths ... -- Retired accountant James McDermith's mad dash to retrieve a camper and pack it with belongings as a wildfire chewed closer to his home six years ago may have cost him his life ... With evidence that stress from the wildfire led to the deaths, prosecutors took the unusual step... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
California Wildfire Forces Evacuations Oct 26, 2009
The fire was burning near an area where a wildfire last year destroyed 29 homes and threatened the Mount Madonna retreat center. MMIX The Associated Press. (CBS News)
Police: Madoff Associate Jeffry Picower Dies At 67 Oct 26, 2009
Homes have been evacuated after a wildfire broke out early Sunday in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Lawyer: Death Complicates Madoff Investment Case. (KSBW 8, CA)
Related: Transient arrested in fire probe Oct 26, 2009
A homeless man was arrested and charged with arson for starting a tiny blaze in August near the spot where a gigantic wildfire erupted several days later, killing two firefighters, homicide detectives said Monday. Babatunsin Olukunle, 25, is the strongest lead to date in the arson investigation stemming from a fire that destroyed 89 homes, burned 250 square miles of national forest and killed two firefighters when their truck plunged off a road. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Firefighter impersonator accused of molestation Oct 25, 2009
More than 200 firefighters from the central San Joaquin Valley and Kern County helped battle California's wildfires Saturday. At the Lockheed fire in Santa Cruz County, 103 Valley firefighters and 20 fire engines were on hand. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Controlled Fires Bring November Wildflowers Oct 25, 2009
That's what a controlled burned does, while a bad wildfire leaves scars visible for years. In the sandhill of the park, the landscape is open, with 200-yard sightlines and forest floor showing bare sand that sucks up rain the instant it falls. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Governor assails costs of power-unit upgrade Oct 23, 2009
He said the problems that do result are due to wildfires, windblown dust and even pollution from urban areas, with nitrogen oxides contributing to no more than 5 percent of visibility degradation. "We don't see a commensurate improvement in emissions reductions that justifies that dramatic increase in cost to our customers," Salkowski added. (AZCentral -- Business)
Georgetown Fire Department gets wildfire grant Oct 23, 2009
The Georgetown Fire Department has been awarded a Department of Conservation and Recreation Volunteer Fire Assistance grant to help purchase wildfire-related gear ... A better equipped and prepared fire force is paramount to lessening the risk to wildfire loss, said DCR s Chief Fire Warden David V. Celino. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Exploring possibilities Oct 22, 2009
But they were focused on stopping a major wildfire. Mile High Camp off Highway 38 near Jenks Lake was filled with Explorers from The Inland Empire Fire Explorer Association Oct. 14-18. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
2 Years After Fires, Mayor Says City Is 'Better Prepared' Oct 22, 2009
Since then, 188 homes have been rebuilt, and the city of San Diego has made a number of changes to better prepare them for the next wildfire ... "We all know the day will come once again that we confront the specter of another wildfire bearing down on San Diego. But, today as we pause to remember those dark days, I can report with confidence that we are better prepared than ever to confront that challenge." ... Sanders was joined at the Rancho Bernardo-Glassman Recreation Center by Javier... (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Old Fire arson suspect indicted Oct 22, 2009
Big Bear Valley was a ghost town for several days, inhabited only by strike teams of fire crews making a stand against the raging wildfire. Mother Nature brought the ultimate firefighting tool in the form of snow in early November, putting an end to the Old Fire s rapid advancement into Big Bear. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Swine Flu Cases Overestimated? Oct 22, 2009
Or maybe it will just start spreading like wildfire in winter, or spring when all the bacteria thaws. by mikevivo October 21, 2009 4:18 PM EDT. (CBS News)
Largest of 4 wildfires 40% contained Oct 21, 2009
by Kathleen Gormley - Oct. 20, 2009 05:04 PM The Arizona Republic. The Potato Fire near Flagstaff was 40 percent contained Tuesday, and three smaller fires continued to burn in northern Arizona, officials said. (AZCentral -- News)
Southern California Homes On Fire – A Very Serious Hazard When Buying a Home, Even in L.A Oct 21, 2009
Regardless, now is a very good time to remind home buyers how they can asses the potential threat posed by wildfire and make important decisions for themselves while the danger is still fresh in our minds ... Areas Prone To Wildfire Danger - Even around town here in North Orange County, there are certain areas more prone to danger, as witnessed by last falls freeway fires ... Natural Hazard Report This report shows the likelihood of wildfire danger, in addition to other dangers, and is readily... (RealtyTimes)
Inmate charged with murder in '03 Calif. fire Oct 21, 2009
- A prison inmate was indicted Tuesday on murder and arson charges in a 2003 Southern California wildfire that destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and was linked to a half-dozen heart attack deaths ... Siege of wildfires that yearDistrict attorney spokeswoman Susan Mickey didn't know if Fowler had a lawyer ... The notorious Old Fire was part of a siege of wildfires that year that scorched hundreds of thousands of square miles and burned thousands of homes, forcing residents to flee across a broad swath... (MSNBC -- Crime)
Four wildfires burning in northern Arizona Oct 20, 2009
Four fires wildfires were burning in northern Arizona on Monday, according to authorities ... Crews were also battling three separate wildfires in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Monday, authorities said. (AZCentral -- News)
Australia after Black Saturday Oct 20, 2009
Bruce Ackerman, one of the main subjects of your piece, is a plumber who, as the wildfire approached, rushed back to his house so he could keep it from burning down ... How is the Australian approach to fighting wildfires different from the American approach ... Was global warming a factor in the Black Saturday wildfires. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Don't skip H1N1 vaccine Oct 20, 2009
Six months after the devastating wildfire that burned dozens of houses, the Horry County Council heard little public opposition to a qualified ban on burning debris. Some council members opposed the ban. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Auberry Road crash victim identified Oct 20, 2009
The wildfire has burned 7,240 acres and was about 70% contained by Thursday, park officials said. People with proof of residency or ownership in Foresta will be allowed unrestricted access to private property and unburned areas. (Fresno Bee)
Transient arrested in L.A. fire probe Oct 20, 2009
Homeless man arrested in L.A. wildfire probe ... LOS ANGELES - A homeless man was arrested and charged with arson for starting a tiny blaze near the spot where a gigantic wildfire erupted in August and went on to kill two firefighters, homicide detectives said Monday. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Fresno fire victim identified Oct 18, 2009
A front-page story Wednesday about California wildfires incorrectly reported that the city of Fresno sent 23 firefighters to the Oak Glen 3 fire in Southern California. The firefighters came from Fresno, Clovis, Kingsburg, Sanger and the Fresno County Fire Protection District. (Fresno Bee)
Wildfires blaze in three Australian states Oct 18, 2009
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Mass. town uses goats to clear meadow, save a buck Oct 18, 2009
Updated: A wildfire burning in Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest has grown to more than 3,500 acres and is only about 16% contained, park officials said Saturday morning. Park crews set the Big Meadow Fire on Wednesday as a prescribed burn, but it crossed containment lines. (Fresno Bee)
Controlled Burn Scheduled For MCAS Miramar Oct 17, 2009
The purpose of a controlled burn is to rid an area of dry brush that could fuel a wildfire. Copyright 2009 by City News Service. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
More raccoons, less habitat increase risk of rare attacks Oct 17, 2009
Controlled burns and wildfires also can drive raccoons and other wildlife into urban areas. Competition. (Florida Today)
Evacuation order for area near Watsonville lifted Oct 17, 2009
Thousands of people ordered to flee a 7,000-acre wildfire near a Southern California mountain town can return home ... SoCal wildfire stalled but temperature's rising ... wildfire stalled by record low temperatures. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Podcast: Saving Mt. Wilson Oct 17, 2009
What do you do when a raging wildfire threatens to engulf your observatory. You light backfires, spray fire retardant and water bomb the slopes but mostly you just hope for good luck. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Scopes monkey trials Oct 16, 2009
The EPA's endangerment finding for greenhouse gases, as proposed in April, warned that warmer temperatures would lead to "the increased likelihood of more frequent and intense heat waves, more wildfires, degraded air quality, more heavy downpours and flooding, increased drought, greater sea level rise, more intense storms, harm to water resources, harm to agriculture, and harm to wildlife and ecosystems.". Critics of the finding say it's far from certain that warming will cause any harm at all. (Harper's Magazine)
California Storm Spares Homes, But Snarls Traffic Oct 15, 2009
(October 14, 2009)--The rain eased Wednesday in Southern California, with no sign of the heavy mudslides that had been feared in areas left barren by summer wildfires, but forecasters are warning residents to be prepared for additional rain that could bring floods. The overnight rain made the morning commute a mess, with jackknifed trucks and other vehicles littering freeways. (KWTX.com, TX)
Nearly 700,000 From Bakersfield To Eureka Were Without Power Oct 15, 2009
Northwest of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County resident Cherie Topper could see little flow in a creek running through her San Roque Canyon property within the steep Santa Ynez Mountains, close to where a wildfire early this year burned thousands of acres below. "It's a warm, very gentle rain," she said. (KERO 23, CA)
