Last year the Creek Fire burned 379,895 acres
Continue readingA story from the initial attack on the fire that became the largest ever in California
Mountain Rest Fire Station Engine 331
Continue readingFuels reduction projects limited damage in some areas of California’s massive Creek Fire
A result of collaboration by state and federal agencies
Continue readingStudy found hazardous air quality conditions at fire camps in Oregon and California
Smoke exposure levels at the Creek Fire ranged from hazardous to unhealthy for 30 days
Continue readingCreek Fire has burned over 346,000 acres northeast of Fresno, CA
Updated October 18, 2020 | 7:18 a.m. PDT
The map above shows the perimeter of the Creek Fire collected by a mapping aircraft (N170WL) at 10:30 p.m. PDT Oct. 17, 2020. The red shaded areas represent intense heat. During the last 24 hours there was growth on the east side northwest of Mono Hot Springs. The preliminary updated size is 348,085 acres.
October 17, 2020 | 11:40 a.m. PDT
We are trying something new on Wildfire Today — creating a Google Map containing the perimeter of the Creek Fire. One of the main differences from our usual maps is that you can zoom in to see more detail. But keep in mind the perimeter is the approximate location, and can rapidly change as the fire spreads. The data came, as usual, from an overnight USFS fixed wing mapping flight. Let us know your thoughts about this type of map.
The 346,477-acre Creek Fire is the largest fire in the recorded history of California, when comparing fires that are not part of a complex or multiple fires that merged. It is about 22 air miles northeast of Fresno.
Most of the spread of the fire over the last two days has been on the northeast side, which compared to the overall size of the blaze seems like a relatively small area, but it is generating large quantities of smoke affecting much of Central California.
Firefighters make firelines by removing vegetation, so that the fire will burn up to the line and stop, since there is nothing left to burn. Roads and natural barriers can also be used. On October 12 there were 600 miles of fireline on the Creek Fire:
- Dozer Lines: 363
- Handline (constructed by hand crews): 87
- Roads as Line: 150
Resources assigned to the fire include 19 hand crews, 43 fire engines and 13 helicopters, for a total of 983 personnel.
The incident management team reports that 105 residences and 508 other structures have been destroyed.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Ken.
Trump administration reverses decision to deny California’s request for fire disaster assistance
A disaster declaration allows cost-sharing for damage, cleanup and rebuilding
Continue readingMeteorologists determine the Creek Fire created two fire tornados
Northeast of Fresno, California earlier this month
Continue readingScientist says more fire tornados are being reported at wildfires this year
Researcher uses radar data to make three-dimensional maps of smoke plumes
Continue readingIt was “by far the toughest flying I have ever done”, said helicopter pilot about rescuing trapped people at the Creek Fire
Over 300 were rescued
Continue reading100 more people rescued by helicopters as Creek Fire grows to over 140,000 acres
Helicopter pilot said it was, “By far the toughest flying I have ever done.”
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