Western U.S. Wildfires - Here's what's going on

[Alien]

As I've mentioned before, I live in California and I've been in the disaster relief field for 20+ years.  In that time, Ive worked many hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and of course wildfires.  This is by far the worst fire situation that I have ever seen.  Here's a small idea of where we are right now:

Did you know that wildfires can spawn fire whirls which are like tornados? Did you also know that they can produce their own weather, including winds that swirl like hurricanes?  Yep, that’s a thing.

We have 5 states impacted, but those states represent 54.2 million people – that is over 16% of the nation’s population. The geography is huge, it represents 1,028 miles South to North. It’s is like driving from the Georgia/Florida border to the Maine/New Hampshire border.

But the most important thing to know is that there are people who have evacuated or been evacuated across a large geography, often in places that don’t normally see this type of wildfire activity. They grab their precious belongings, a few days medicines, their pets and family and drive out, often in a line of cars not knowing where they can go.

Oregon and Southwest Washington are having the biggest conflagrations in Oregon history – and it is happening in about 5 different places. To quote Governor Brown, ”This could be the greatest loss of life and structures due to wildfire in state history'. We have no idea the number of homes lost, people injured or lives lost."

Down in Central California, we have fires in the Fresno area. This is a enormous fire and there have been hundreds of people evacuated by helicopter and told to shelter in place in a reservoir because rescuers cannot get to them.
 
Washington has lost entire towns to the multiple wildfires in the state. The Cold Spring and Pearl Fires are more than 337,000 acres.

MT/ID – There are homes lost in Montana and the Idaho Fire keeps going.

Southern California – The Bobcat fire is threatening the communities of Monrovia and Arcadia and could end up threatening Pasadena. Right now, the firefighters are holding a line, but this one has even Cal Fire nervous.

The Valley Fire was the big story a few days ago and then the El Dorado Fire, which started at the same time, picked up today. In addition to the fire, people have been dealing with public safety power shutoffs.

These fires are going to represent one of the biggest disasters the United State has ever seen before all is said and done – millions of acres burned, enormous loss of homes, lives lost – in the middle of a pandemic.

In short, it's a real mess.

California, Oregon, and Washington live wildfire maps are tracking the devastation in real time by Scott Sapers, on Flickr

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Jersey mike]

https://www.foxnews.com/us/washington-brush-fire-arrest-man-highway-median-state-patrol

There are several other articles out there which seem to imply there are fires being set intentionally.

[Alien]

https://www.foxnews.com/us/washington-brush-fire-arrest-man-highway-median-state-patrol

There are several other articles out there which seem to imply there are fires being set intentionally.

Yep, It's looking that way.  Although, one was started by a firework at a gender reveal party. 

[_Sheffjs_]

Seeing many FB posts from friends that live there, scary and awful!

[Alien]

Yeah, it's getting really bad for these poor folks. 

[0leman]

Personally right now the main impact to my family and me is the smoke.  It as been a off again on again saturation for a week. Last night it was in the Good category, the is morning it is in the Unhealthy rating heading to the Very Unhealthy.  This on/off air quality has been happening for over a week.  Plus the temps have been 10-15 degrees above average with humidity in the low teens and single digits.

East of the Eugene and Salem there are fires  that are over 140K in size plus some smaller ones.  In our southern area there are several large fires between 12K and 120K in size.  There are a lot of homes and businesses lost.  All of these plus the CA wild fires are causing real air problems.   Sounds like Portland is has achieve the worst air pollution rating in the world for large cities.  Of course us small towns and cities have the same or worse air.

As Alien said most of the fires that are burning are human caused.  I do suspect that some were set as apposed to be accidental.  We haven't had and dry lightening for several weeks, so that leaves out natural causes. 

There is a slight chance that next week we will be getting some moisture coming with cooler temps.

[..]

Personally right now the main impact to my family and me is the smoke.  It as been a off again on again saturation for a week. Last night it was in the Good category, the is morning it is in the Unhealthy rating heading to the Very Unhealthy.  This on/off air quality has been happening for over a week.  Plus the temps have been 10-15 degrees above average with humidity in the low teens and single digits.

East of the Eugene and Salem there are fires  that are over 140K in size plus some smaller ones.  In our southern area there are several large fires between 12K and 120K in size.  There are a lot of homes and businesses lost.  All of these plus the CA wild fires are causing real air problems.   Sounds like Portland is has achieve the worst air pollution rating in the world for large cities.  Of course us small towns and cities have the same or worse air.

As Alien said most of the fires that are burning are human caused.  I do suspect that some were set as apposed to be accidental.  We haven't had and dry lightening for several weeks, so that leaves out natural causes. 

There is a slight chance that next week we will be getting some moisture coming with cooler temps.

Are you aware of this?

https://www.verywellhealth.com/face-mask-wildfire-smoke-5075628

[Bret SD]

Here in San Simeon the Dolan fire is arson caused they say, I think they may have the suspect in custody but haven't read too much on it , last I checked it was 27% contained.. we're leaving for San Diego this morning where the Valley fire is burning. 111,000 acres so far in San Simeon, it's about 10 miles South of Big Sur, just checked..

Crazies are crazier than ever

[NautiBrit]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

[Rams]

While I do feel bad for those who have lost lives, homes and a life time of investment, I have to ask myself if this is much different from those who build on earth quake fault lines (an obvious shaky decision), on the river (where there is a natural opportunity for flooding), on the coast (where hurricanes make landfall) or near a volcano (that could ruin your whole day) sits.  

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see anyone suffer like that but, living in or near a forest without some good fire protection seems a little irresponsible to me.   Bad decisions normally have bad consequences.  

Obviously, a single individual can only do so much (other than to remove themselves from the equation) but, it appears to me that there's been some very poor decision making in forest management and political leadership to not get ahead of the obvious natural disaster potential long ago.

Rams

[The emperor has no clothes]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

Same here George. A couple years ago I met a guy who had been burned out in the Paradise Fire. I must have talked to him for a half an hour about the experience. He and his wife especially were still shell shocked a year after it happened. They were trying to figure where to live. They were giving the desert serious consideration just because of the lack of trees. These stories of families losing their kids to the fires are heartbreaking.

[Rams]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

Same here George. A couple years ago I met a guy who had been burned out in the Paradise Fire. I must have talked to him for a half an hour about the experience. He and his wife especially were still shell shocked a year after it happened. They were trying to figure where to live. They were giving the desert serious consideration just because of the lack of trees. These stories of families losing their kids to the fires are heartbreaking.

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

Rams

[The emperor has no clothes]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

Same here George. A couple years ago I met a guy who had been burned out in the Paradise Fire. I must have talked to him for a half an hour about the experience. He and his wife especially were still shell shocked a year after it happened. They were trying to figure where to live. They were giving the desert serious consideration just because of the lack of trees. These stories of families losing their kids to the fires are heartbreaking.

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

Rams

I'm sure there are some that have made imprudent decisions. I'm also sure there are many that were caught in a bad situation, no fault of their own. I'm sure the 13 year old boy who died in a car with his dog trying to escape the fire had no fault. I'm sure the 16 old boy who died trying to escape was at the mercy of God. I'm sure the 1 year old baby girl wasn't involved in any bad decisions. 

[Rams]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

Same here George. A couple years ago I met a guy who had been burned out in the Paradise Fire. I must have talked to him for a half an hour about the experience. He and his wife especially were still shell shocked a year after it happened. They were trying to figure where to live. They were giving the desert serious consideration just because of the lack of trees. These stories of families losing their kids to the fires are heartbreaking.

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

Rams

I'm sure there are some that have made imprudent decisions. I'm also sure there are many that were caught in a bad situation, no fault of their own. I'm sure the 13 year old boy who died in a car with his dog trying to escape the fire had no fault. I'm sure the 16 old boy who died trying to escape was at the mercy of God. I'm sure the 1 year old baby girl wasn't involved in any bad decisions.  

Ya think that just maybe some adult was responsible for those bad decisions that resulted in those kids being in jeopardy?    
The decisions you and I make directly effect our loved ones, that's why we try to make good decisions.
As I said previously, living in a fire prone area without good fire protection is not what I call a good thing.

Rams

[The emperor has no clothes]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

Same here George. A couple years ago I met a guy who had been burned out in the Paradise Fire. I must have talked to him for a half an hour about the experience. He and his wife especially were still shell shocked a year after it happened. They were trying to figure where to live. They were giving the desert serious consideration just because of the lack of trees. These stories of families losing their kids to the fires are heartbreaking.

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

Rams

I'm sure there are some that have made imprudent decisions. I'm also sure there are many that were caught in a bad situation, no fault of their own. I'm sure the 13 year old boy who died in a car with his dog trying to escape the fire had no fault. I'm sure the 16 old boy who died trying to escape was at the mercy of God. I'm sure the 1 year old baby girl wasn't involved in any bad decisions. 

Ya think that just maybe some adult was responsible for those bad decisions?

Rams

I think not all bad incidents can be chalked up to bad decisions. There used to be a popular bumper sticker. "Sh!t Happens !"

[Rams]

After more than 40 years as an Adjuster, Public Adjuster and Restoration  Contractor, I never got over how cold a home felt after a major fire. Other losses such as water, wind, hail, even hurricanes left something to rebuild from. With a major fire, the destruction was so total that there was nothing left to salvage and memories were what most people had to build on.

My heart and prayers go out to the families affected by these fires, I have cried and prayed with many of them.

Same here George. A couple years ago I met a guy who had been burned out in the Paradise Fire. I must have talked to him for a half an hour about the experience. He and his wife especially were still shell shocked a year after it happened. They were trying to figure where to live. They were giving the desert serious consideration just because of the lack of trees. These stories of families losing their kids to the fires are heartbreaking.

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

Rams

I'm sure there are some that have made imprudent decisions. I'm also sure there are many that were caught in a bad situation, no fault of their own. I'm sure the 13 year old boy who died in a car with his dog trying to escape the fire had no fault. I'm sure the 16 old boy who died trying to escape was at the mercy of God. I'm sure the 1 year old baby girl wasn't involved in any bad decisions.  

Ya think that just maybe some adult was responsible for those bad decisions?

Rams

I think not all bad incidents can be chalked up to bad decisions. There used to be a popular bumper sticker. "Sh!t Happens !"

I guess that could be put on all those tombstones huh?

Rams

[Alien]

Rams, there's no place that you can live that isn't vulnerable to some kind of natural disaster.  For instance, your profile says you're in Hattiesburg, MS.  Here is a link to a draft version of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for MEMA (Mississippi Emergency Management Agency) District 8, which includes Forest County and the city of Hattiesburg.

http://www.hattiesburgms.com/wp-content/uploads/MEMA-D8-Draft-compressed-.pdf

These are the identified vulnerabilities for your area, per the plan:

Drought
Hailstorm
Heatwave
Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Lightning
Tornado
Severe Thunderstorm
Winter Storm and Freeze
Dam and Levee Failure
Erosion
Flood
Earthquake
Expansive Soils
Landslide
Hazardous Materials Incidents
Pipeline Incidents
Meth Lab Incidents
Wildfire
Cyber Terrorism

[Rams]

Rams, there's no place that you can live that isn't vulnerable to some kind of natural disaster.  For instance, your profile says you're in Hattiesburg, MS.  Here is a link to a draft version of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for MEMA (Mississippi Emergency Management Agency) District 8, which includes Forest County and the city of Hattiesburg.

http://www.hattiesburgms.com/wp-content/uploads/MEMA-D8-Draft-compressed-.pdf

These are the identified vulnerabilities for your area, per the plan:

Drought
Hailstorm
Heatwave
Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Lightning
Tornado
Severe Thunderstorm
Winter Storm and Freeze
Dam and Levee Failure
Erosion
Flood
Earthquake
Expansive Soils
Landslide
Hazardous Materials Incidents
Pipeline Incidents
Meth Lab Incidents
Wildfire
Cyber Terrorism

Alien,
You are correct, every location has some risk associated with it.  One should weigh those risks and make appropriate decisions followed by appropriate actions.  Some of the items on that list are low risk, some are not.   One should consider all those listed risks specific to their location and go from there.

This area is known as "The Pine Belt".   One doesn't have to work too hard to figure out why.  
This area is heavily forested.    Obviously, fire is one of the greater risks of this area.

Noting that, the very first thing I did upon arrival is to reduce that risk by removing potential fuel that could destroy my new home.   I spent thousands of dollars to include a huge effort involving a lot of time and effort.   I even helped my two closest neighbors by cleaning up their areas that threaten my property.   Partly due to the fact it was a huge risk and that is was just unsightly.   Yes, I am still surrounded by a lot of forest but, I've done all I can do to protect my home, family and property.   Given the opportunity, I'll continue to "clean up" the surrounding area.   I have not waited for someone else or the government to address the issue.

I consider what I've done to my property to be a responsible decision.   YMMV

Living in a rural area (actually, Lamar County near Hattiesburg) there is limited fire protection.   The state and county do very little to reduce the threat of fire, so one has to decide what's important to them.   I see homes here surrounded by trees with huge amounts of potential fuel.   I just shake my head and move on.   IMHO, silly people are not just located on the west coast.   When, not if there is a large wild fire, my property will have a much better chance than those surrounded with vegetation and forest.

Rams

[DirtyDan]

California’s four seasons....

.... fire, flood, drought, and mud

Dan

[Willow]

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

You do realize that many could and some do say that of folks in motorcycle accidents?

[Rams]

As I said, bad decisions have bad consequences.
That may be a hard pill to swallow but, it's true.

You do realize that many could and some do say that of folks in motorcycle accidents?

Yep, as I insinuated, one must consider the risk and the consequences and decide whether it's worth the risk.   Life is risky all by itself.   Considering the risks involved in motorcycling, I always wear a helmet and usually wear most of the other recommended items.  

This I will say, I have no doubt that wearing a helmet kept me from having a major brain injury or dying when I had my motorcycle accident two years ago and it also caused me to relearn some of my own limitations.  Watching the vehicles coming up on your six is something I practice a lot more now.  

Rams

[..]

Twice yesterday on NPR I heard interviews with those directly affected by the fires.

The first was a guy in Oregon who complained that the local fire help line didn't respond and he didn't know what to do when he could see fire and smoke on the ridge opposite his house coming his way.

The second was a journalist who with others on bicycles took emergency supplies to a community where some hadn't evacuated. There were leaking gas lines and power cables down.

https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/912044961/cyclists-bring-food-and-water-to-people-in-oregon-towns-destroyed-by-fire

Are these examples of "more government" voters who need to be told what to do even when disaster is staring them in the face?

[Robert]

Its very much a shame that California lost its Federal subsidies for its sanctuary city policies and Pelosi not being able to inject bail out money in the Covid package. I think that the government of California should be brought up on charges for putting everyone's lives in danger. Especially in severely restricting their brush policies that would have helped with these fires.

Of course California could declare a state of emergency and then draw on Federal Funds.

At least many are being arrested in starting the fires.
Police Arrest Multiple Suspects In Connection With West Coast Wildfires

https://bluelivesmatter.blue/police-arrest-multiple-suspects-in-connection-with-west-coast-wildfires/

I tell you California,Oregon,Washington State are just having a real tough time with people setting fires.

[Patrick]

https://www.foxnews.com/us/washington-brush-fire-arrest-man-highway-median-state-patrol

There are several other articles out there which seem to imply there are fires being set intentionally.

Yep, It's looking that way.  Although, one was started by a firework at a gender reveal party. 

Hmmm, someone just figuring out whether they are male or female is now a reason for a party which includes fireworks in an area without rain for months. Sounds reasonable.

[Willow]

Hmmm, someone just figuring out whether they are male or female is now a reason for a party which includes fireworks in an area without rain for months. Sounds reasonable.

Uhh, I believe a gender reveal party is a celebration at which the pregnant couple announces the gender of the baby to be born.

[RP#62]

We've had our share in Arizona.  Not to the extent of California but the worst I've seen.  We rode up to Payson the other day and there were mile after mile of desert burnt along 87 most of the way up there.  It was the same way on 188 approaching Roosevelt Lake from Globe, where this picture was taken.

-RP

[Patrick]

Hmmm, someone just figuring out whether they are male or female is now a reason for a party which includes fireworks in an area without rain for months. Sounds reasonable.

Uhh, I believe a gender reveal party is a celebration at which the pregnant couple announces the gender of the baby to be born.

OH OK. See where my mind is, always in the gutter. So now knowing this I guess it makes the fireworks OK. 

[DirtyDan]

Mind out of the gutter.......

The gutter was my bread and butter

The only home I’ve ever known

Dan

[The emperor has no clothes]

We’ve been getting waves of smoke even this far away, depending on the wind.

[Rams]

We’ve been getting waves of smoke even this far away, depending on the wind.

Nice view of the mountains (and unfortunately, the smoke).

I'm curious, that wall?   What's that all about?   Keeping something in or out.  Privacy fence/wall?

Rams

[sheets]

On the map showing fire locations . . . the larger dot "on" the California-Oregon state line, and the two dots immediately adjacent, I'm on the California side nearest the middle dot of those three. Heli-base situated a half-mile from me. Choppers coming and going all day for weeks. None have flown in the past few days as the smoke has settled down to ground level. I live on Hwy 96.  Hwy 199 & 96 are closed do to fire. Hwy 101 was closed for a few days recently due to two other fires (two other nearby orange dots on the map to the south) in Willits and very near Garberville. The fire nearest me was a lightning strike. Haven't heard what the trigger was for the other two fires in Willits & G'ville.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

On the map showing fire locations . . . the larger dot "on" the California-Oregon state line, and the two dots immediately adjacent, I'm on the California side nearest the middle dot of those three. Heli-base situated a half-mile from me. Choppers coming and going all day for weeks. None have flown in the past few days as the smoke has settled down to ground level. I live on Hwy 96.  Hwy 199 & 96 are closed do to fire. Hwy 101 was closed for a few days recently due to two other fires (two other nearby orange dots on the map to the south) in Willits and very near Garberville. The fire nearest me was a lightning strike. Haven't heard what the trigger was for the other two fires in Willits & G'ville.   

Be safe my friend  (hoping for 3 days of rain)

[sheets]

I forget what blue sky looks like. A few days ago the sky was dark orange in color. Some days the sun is an orange ball in the sky you can look at without squinting. Most days the sky is grey and there is no sign of a orange ball at all. Smoke is at ground level. Visibility about a half-mile on the ground. Can't see the hills that top out at 1500 ft +/-. Not healthy. Need some wind to blow the smoke away to get some fresh air. We are about five air miles from the SW boundary fire line. The helicopter bucket brigade has been grounded. So far, all wilderness. Remote rural neighborhoods are in harms way. Need to do a rain dance.   

[Alien]

I forget what blue sky looks like. A few days ago the sky was dark orange in color. Some days the sun is an orange ball in the sky you can look at without squinting. Most days the sky is grey and there is no sign of a orange ball at all. Smoke is at ground level. Visibility about a half-mile on the ground. Can't see the hills that top out at 1500 ft +/-. Not healthy. Need some wind to blow the smoke away to get some fresh air. We are about five air miles from the SW boundary fire line. The helicopter bucket brigade has been grounded. So far, all wilderness. Remote rural neighborhoods are in harms way. Need to do a rain dance.   

I hear you.  I live in Los Angeles and a couple days ago, the closest "Good" air quality was in Colorado. 

[0leman]

Hey Sheets, I am north of ya on the other side of the Cascades.   We actually had fairly good air conditions last night, even opened up the House to get rid of the stuffy air.   But come 6 this morning the smoke returned big time.  Back to Unhealthy air conditions. 

Looking at the fire maps on   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/  you got several fires close to you.  Check it out.

[sheets]

Thanks for the link to fire info.  The Red Salmon Complex is the one that has been choking us for weeks. The last four days specifically. IC camp set up at local community park. Chopper base a stone throw from the house. A parade of fire trucks of all shapes and sizes and low-bed trucks hauling dozers going by out the front window. An interesting rig went by on a low-bed a few days ago; a ATV that appeared to be a off-road version of a close cousin to an airport crash truck. A hybrid tanker of sorts - like used on large freeway projects - with huge wheels and balloon tires with a monitor on top. In the big scheme of things we are fortunate that its a wilderness fire, as compared to all the other blazes going on in Calif & Oregon.   

[Robert]

https://www.kezi.com/content/news/Man-armed-with-machete-accused-of-setting-six-wildfires-571947561.html


All these arrested for setting fires


https://kymkemp.com/2020/08/13/man-accused-of-lighting-six-fires-in-and-around-ukiah-yesterday-arrested-this-morning/

https://www.abc10.com/article/news/crime/man-accused-of-intentionally-starting-fire-in-woods-near-tahoe-city/103-83bdfe8b-d3ce-4558-b222-66591640d7eb

https://www.kpax.com/news/western-montana-news/arsonist-arrested-in-pablo

https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/santa-paula/2020/08/20/arson-arrest-made-brush-fire-east-santa-paula/3404121001/

[Romeo]

I heard this morning that smoke from theWashington fires has reached thr Upper Peninsula of Michigan

[0leman]

Hey, those of us on the West coast just wanted to share the smoke with the rest of the country.  You can thank us later.   

[Wizzard]

Can see the smoke here easily. The clear sky is not blue anymore