This is the forecast for the distribution of near surface smoke from wildfires at 7 a.m. PDT September 2, 2020.
Higher than normal wildfire potential predicted for much of the western U.S. in September
The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook issued September 1 by the Predictive Services section at the National Interagency Fire Center for September through December predicts that most of the forested areas of the western states, with the exception of Montana, will have above normal potential in September. In October and November that is expected to shift to California and the southeast.
The data from NIFC shown here represents the cumulative forecasts of the ten Geographic Area Predictive Services Units and the National Predictive Services Unit.
Below:
- An excerpt from the NIFC narrative report for the next several months;
- More of NIFC’s monthly graphical outlooks;
- NOAA’s three-month temperature and precipitation forecasts;
- Drought Monitor;
- Keetch-Byram Drought Index.
“A continuation of peak season activity into September is expected across much of the West as drought conditions continue to take hold. Most western regions will experience areas of above normal significant large fire potential as shown on the maps to the left. By mid-month, however, the seasonal transition to fall will begin. Cold fronts brining winds but also precipitation will begin providing relief to the critically dry fuels. Fire activity will begin to diminish as fuel moistures begin to recover. As the days get shorter, overnight humidity recoveries will become greater. This will add further relief to fuels, especially the finer fuels.
“Following a brief pause in activity in California and a cessation of seasonal activity elsewhere across the West, large fire potential is expected to increase in October and November in wind prone areas across the state. The expectation of drier than average conditions and a higher probability of more frequent Foehn Wind events suggests that significant large fire potential will be elevated until winter sets in during December. The fall fire season across the East is expected to be near average but above average across much of the Southern Area due to drier than average conditions associated with a developing La Niña.”
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August Complex of fires in northern California grows to nearly a quarter million acres
September 1, 2020 | 3:11 p.m. PDT
The massive August Complex of fires in northern California will soon exceed a quarter million acres. The Forest Service reported Tuesday morning the combined size of the fires had blackened 242,941 acres. Most of the completed fire line is on the east side, outside the Mendocino National Forest boundary, but there is also completed line on much of the south side of the Doe and Hull Fires.
The fires are southwest of Red Bluff and west of Corning, Orland, and Willows.
On Monday two large fires within the complex, the Glad and Tatham Fires, burned into and merged with the largest fire, the Doe Fire.
A firefighter was killed in a vehicle accident on the fire Monday, August 31.
There were strong northeast winds on the Complex in the middle of the day Monday which increased fire activity in the area. There is a potential for the same weather and fire behavior Tuesday.
The number of resources assigned to the fire include 11 hand crews, 3 camp crews, 7 helicopters, 51 engines, 18 dozers, 25 water tenders, and 3 masticators for a total of 690 personnel. Considering the size, those numbers are not large.
Firefighter killed while working on northern California wildfire
September 1, 2020 | 3:09 p.m. PDT
A firefighter-EMT from Texas died in a vehicle accident Monday August 31 while working on a wildfire in northern California.
Fox4 News reported the deceased was “…Diana Jones, a firefighter and EMT with the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, about 25 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Her son was also a member of the department. Each summer, they would work with a company that contracts with the federal government to respond to wildfires in western states.”
A statement from the Mendocino National Forest said two additional firefighters were involved in the accident; one is receiving medical attention for burns to their hand and arm, while the third received no injuries.
The Press Democrat reported that Ms. Jones was widowed and lived in Cresson, Texas. She had been with the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department about five years.
KQED reported Cresson Fire Chief Ron Becker said Tuesday the community was stunned by news of Ms. Jones’ death.
“We’re all numb. We’re shell-shocked. She’ll be sorely missed,” Becker said.
The firefighters were working on the Tatham Fire, part of the August Complex of fires southwest of Red Bluff, when the vehicle accident occurred.
The Cresson Volunteer Fire Department wrote on their Facebook page, “Our department is numbed by the news and we are hurting.”
“This was a tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen firefighter,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Sandra Moore. “Right now we are committed to providing support to those involved, while safely continuing firefighting operations.”
California Highway Patrol is currently leading the investigation. Forest Service officials, Federal Southern Area Blue Team Incident Management, and CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 4 are working to support the families, who have been notified.
The August Complex of fires has burned nearly a quarter million acres, 242,941, the Forest Service said Monday morning.
Our sincere condolences go out to Ms. Jones’ family, friends, and co-workers.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Tom.
Canada to partially fulfill the United States’ request for firefighting help
Australia is considering it
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