Wildfire morning briefing, May 1, 2012

Red Flag wildfire warnings 5-1-2012

The Livermore Ranch Complex of fires in Jeff Davis County in western Texas has burned a total of 20,576 acres according to the Texas Forest Service. The fires were very active yesterday due to the influence of a huge thunderstorm which created strong, erratic winds. The Spring Mountain Fire is 9,980 acres and 60 percent contained. The Livermore Ranch Fire is 10,596 acres with no containment. The thunderstorm’s winds caused the fire to jump the eastern containment line and head directly toward Davis Mountain Resort. Air resources continued with water and retardant drops after the thunderstorm had passed; ground forces continued to build line and provide structure protection. Additional resources have been ordered. This fire brings back memories of the Rock House Fire in the same general area in April of 2011, which burned over 314,000 acres and destroyed 24 homes in nearby Fort Davis.

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The Bureau of Land Management will create a Type 2 hand crew to battle wildfires, by hiring 20 local veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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International Firefighters’ Day is May 4.

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About 88 members of the North Dakota National Guard are being trained to be wildland firefighters. I like the part about the planned “three-mile march with a pack”, otherwise known as the “Work Capacity Test“, or “Pack Test”.

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Some residents of Rapid City, SD are impressed with the green-up following the March 9 Mallow Fire, which burned about 150 acres in the city near Cowboy Hill.

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The U.S. Forest Service has been saying they would award contracts for the “next generation” of air tankers before the end of April…………. (cue audio for the sound of crickets)

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Some areas of eastern New Mexico and the panhandle of Florida are affected by a Red Flag warning today.

Red Flag wildfire warnings 5-1-2012

 

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.