Jill St. Claire's HomelandSecurityUS.NET

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today ordered an additional 2,000 California National Guard (CNG) personnel to complete firefighter training, boosting the state's firefighting forces to battle the state's ongoing fires and to prepare for the threat of additional fires over the next several months. These personnel will be trained in phases to stand ready for deployment as requested by the state's California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Yesterday, the federal government committed to sending out-of-state firefighters to train these additional CNG personnel on critical firefighting techniques. Since July 1, the Governor has directed more than 400 CNG soldiers to be trained and deployed to fires across the state.

"I am ordering 2,000 additional California National Guard personnel to boost our firefighting forces," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "We already have 400 guard members on the front lines, and once these new troops are trained and certified, they will be ready to pitch in at a moment's notice throughout the fire season."

The CNG, with support from neighboring states' National Guard and reserve forces, currently has the following resources allocated to the state's firefighting efforts:

The CNG has to date mobilized more than 1,000 personnel to provide support to the ongoing firefighting effort, including more than 400 personnel assigned to hand crews working alongside other firefighters.
There are currently 22 rotary-wing aircraft supporting the firefighting effort, including 14 CNG helicopters and eight helicopters from Utah, Nebraska, Washington, Arizona and Oregon. To date, these rotary-wing aircraft have dropped nearly 3 million gallons of water.
CNG is also providing the following fixed-wing aircraft in support of the wildfires: one C-130J support aircraft for personnel and equipment transport and one RC-26 providing aerial imagery support.
In addition to California aircraft, there are currently eight C-130H cargo aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) that are assisting from other states. These MAFFS equipped aircraft-three from the North Carolina Air National Guard, three from the Colorado Air Force Reserve and two from the Wyoming Air National Guard-are capable of dropping up to 3,000 gallons of water or retardant per mission. To date, they have dropped nearly one million gallons of retardant.

In addition to CNG personnel, more firefighting resources are responding to California from outside the United States to assist in the unified fight against this unprecedented wildfire siege. More relief is on the way from Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

"Everyone is working together. Local, state and federal officials, and we are even getting international help," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

The Mexican government is sending 90 firefighters, five fire crews and five fire engines to aid in California's firefighting efforts. Canada is sending four more air tankers and two lead planes to bolster support from the air, and ground troops will get aid in the form of 40 additional firefighters from New Zealand and Australia.

Earlier this week, Governor Schwarzenegger sent a letter to President Bush requesting additional federal resources that California urgently needs to fight the ongoing wildfires and prepare for more expected lightning strikes. Following up to his letter, the Governor yesterday spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff who promised to provide additional federal resources as soon as possible.

This multi-national effort is being coordinated through each country's government, the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Governor's Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE. The resources will be deployed throughout the state based on the ongoing needs of the more than 300 active fires still burning throughout the state and in preparation for future fires.

July 11, 2008

Fire managers are still concerned about the large fires in California, where 24 fires/complexes are still burning. Several communities throughout the state have been evacuated.

Eight MAFFS C-130 airtankers are supporting California. The aircraft are based at McClellan Airport in Sacramento, California. The Mission Commander is LTC Roger Williams, 145th Air Wing Air National Guard, North Carolina. Aircraft are provided by the 145th Airlift Wing, Charlotte North Carolina, the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the 153rd Airlift Wing from Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The following table lists the number of personnel assigned to the wildland fires in California. This information was provided by the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.

July 11, 2008
Resource	Federal	State	Other	Total
Total Personnel	5,373	6,699	7,828	19,900
Helicopters	58	2	58	118
Hand Crews	133	165	161	459
Engines	212	325	961	1,498
Dozers	17	36	229	282
Water Tenders	10	18	389	417
Overhead	1,704	1,012	1,230	3,946
NOTE: Total personnel includes all personnel assigned. Individuals assigned to resources such as engines, dozers, overhead, etc. are included in the "total personnel" category. The "other" category includes contractors, military, and local government.

Weather Discussion: Very hot and dry weather will continue over most of northern and central California today with a chance of mostly dry thunderstorms over the Sierras. Onshore flow is expected from southwest Oregon down to the mid-California coast. Southern California will see increased humidity along with widely scattered wet thunderstorms. The southern Great Basin will have a mixture of wet and dry thunderstorms with thundershowers for the Southwest, Southeast and Alaska. Winds should decrease over the Northwest and western Montana.

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center


Daily statistics 7/11/08
Number of new large fires	7	States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires	34 fires and complexes 69 total fires	Alaska (1) Arizona (1) California (24) Colorado (1) Montana (1) North Carolina (2) Oregon (1) Virginia (1) Washington (3)
Acres from active fires	604,759
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires	1
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres	566
Fires contained since 7/10/08	8
Year-to-date large fires contained	504
Year-to-date statistics
2008 (1/1/08 - 7/11/08)	Fires: 46,850	Acres: 2,971,121
2007 (1/1/07 - 7/11/07)	Fires: 50,239	Acres: 2,358,442
2006 (1/1/06 - 7/11/06)	Fires: 62,448	Acres: 4,019,847
2005 (1/1/05 - 7/11/05)	Fires: 33,951	Acres: 3,058,007
2004 (1/1/04 - 7/11/04)	Fires: 41,105	Acres: 3,198,649
2003 (1/1/03 - 7/11/03)	Fires: 29,634	Acres: 1,025,870
2002 (1/1/02 - 7/11/02)	Fires: 46,343	Acres: 3,169,781
2001 (1/1/01 - 7/11/01)	Fires: 44,434	Acres: 1,245,415
2000 (1/1/00 - 7/10/00)	Fires: 52,014	Acres: 2,245,415
5-year average
2003 - 2008	Fires: 42,731	Acres: 2,147,144
10-year average
1998 - 2008	Fires: 45,841	Acres: 2,529,766

Current Wildland Fires
Alaska	Fires: 1	Acres: 1,300	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 1
NEW Goose Slough (Tanana Zone, Bureau of Land Management): 1,300 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is seven miles north of Bettles.
Porcupine Ridge (Southwest Area, Alaska Department of Forestry): This fire was contained at 116 acres.
Arizona	Fires: 1	Acres: 9,629	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
Lane 2 (Prescott National Forest): 9,629 acres at 95 percent contained. This fire is 14 miles northwest of Black Canyon City. Fire activity was minimal. Information: Call 928-443-8130.
Whiskey (San Carlos Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): This fire was contained at 1,133 acres.
California	Fires: 24	Acres: 539,117	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 1
Northern California Joint Information Center - Call 530-226-2749.
Alps Complex (Shasta-Trinity National Forest): 903 acres at 80 percent contained. This complex of 12 fires is 20 miles northwest of Junction City. Information: Call (530) 226-2500 ext. 2. Visit this website for podcasts.
American River Complex (Tahoe National Forest): 16,184 acres at 20 percent contained. This complex of two fires is 11 miles northeast of Foresthill. Power lines, watershed, and residences remain threatened. Information: Call (530) 367-6223.
Basin Complex (Los Padres National Forest): 99,021 acres at 41 percent contained. This complex is five miles southeast of Big Sur. Big Sur remains threatened. Mandatory evacuations are in effect fore: Tassajara Road from the forest boundary south of Tassajara Hot Springs, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park south to Lucia, and cabins in the Santa Lucia Tract. Highway 1 is closed. Extreme fire activity continued. Information: Call (831) 796-1990 or visit the web site (click on Current Conditions).
NEW Bear Wallow Complex (Klamath National Forest): 350 at zero percent contained. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Happy Camp.
Blue 2 (Six Rivers National Forest): 2,767 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 12 miles east of Klamath. Cultural and heritage resources are threatened. Information: Call (707) 441-3623 or visit the web site.
BTU Lightning Complex (Butte Unit, Cal Fire): 47,700 acres at 45 percent contained. This complex of 14 fires is 27 miles north of Yuba City. An “Immediate Threat Evacuation” was issued for residents living near or in then communities of Jarbo Gap, Yankee Hill, and Big Bend. The Immediate Evacuation encompass Hwy. 70 from Deadwood to the west branch of the Feather River and all areas East of Hwy. 70 the Lake Oroville. Highway 70 is closed. Information: Call (530) 538-7826 or visit the web site.
Canyon Complex (Plumas National Forest): 25,019 acres at 57 percent contained. This complex of eight fires is 16 miles northeast of Paradise. Residences and archeological sites are threatened. Evacuations for Belden are in effect. Highway 70 is closed. Information: Call (530) 283-7882.
Clover (Sequoia National Forest): 15,300 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 32 miles north of Weldon. Information: Call (760) 376-3781 ext. 625 .
Cub Complex (Lassen National Forest): 13,982 acres at 62 percent contained. This complex of two fires is 16 miles southwest of Chester. Highway 32 has been closed due to falling rocks and debris. This is the primary link between Chico and Chester. Due to current weather, a significant increase in fire behavior has been reported for this fire. Smoke continues to impact communities in the Lake Almanor area. An evacuation order has been issued for Jonesville, Butte Meadows, and the Lassen Boy Scout Camp. Information: Call (530) 258-3932 or visit the web site.
Gap (Los Padres National Forest): 9,443 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is located six miles northwest of Santa Barbara. A mandatory evacuation remains in effect for West Camino Cielo west of the Windermere Ranch to the actual fire area. Information: Call (805) 961-5770 or visit the web site (click on Current Conditions).
Hell's Half Complex (Six Rivers National Forest): 6,087 acres at 45 percent contained. This complex of two fires is eight miles southwest of Burnt Ranch. Communities are threatened. Evacuations are in place for five residences in Big Slide and 50 residences in the West Hyampom area. Information: Call (707) 441-3673, 530-629-2184 or visit the web site.
Humboldt Complex (Humboldt-Del Norte Unit, Cal Fire): 1,310 acres at 90 percent contained. This complex is in Humboldt county. Residences are threatened. Information: Call (707) 726-1225 or visit the web site.
Iron Complex (Shasta-Trinity National Forest): 30,745 acres at 48 percent contained. This complex of six fires is one mile north of Junction City. Advisory evacuations are in effect for Trinity Village, Hawkins Bar, and Fisher Ranch community on Fisher Road east of the Colony. Information: Call (530) 226-2500 ext. 2.
Lime Complex (Shasta-Trinity National Forest): 53,418 acres at 64 percent contained. This complex of 36 fires is 14 miles west of Hayfork. Communities, ranches, and youth camps are threatened. Information: Call (530) 226-2500 ext. 2.
Mad Complex (Six Rivers National Forest): 3,705 acres at 95 percent contained. This complex of three fires is 23 miles east of Redcrest. Moderate fire activity was reported. Information: Call (707) 441-3623 or visit the web site.
MEU Lightning Complex (Mendocino Unit, Cal Fire): 52,200 acres at 65 percent contained. This complex of 37 fires is in Mendocino county. Rockport, Cummings, Leggett are threatened. Evacuation warnings were also issued for Red Mountain Road, De Haven Creek, and Howard Creek drainage. Information: Call 707-467-6426 or visit the web site.
Piute (Sequoia National Forest): 34,852 acres at 32 percent contained. This fire is 17 miles northeast of Caliente. Numerous communities are threatened. Evacuations are in effect. Information: Call (760) 376-3781 ext. 625 .
SHU Lightning Complex (Shasta-Trinity Unit, Cal Fire): 66,115 acres at 45 percent contained. This complex of three fires is in Shasta and Trinity counties. Residences, infrastructure and recreation sites are threatened. The evacuation of Ono is in progress. Information: Call (530) 225-2510 or visit the web site.
Siskiyou Complex (Klamath National Forest): 24,000 acres at 34 percent contained. This complex of two fires is 18 miles southwest of Happy Camp. Historic and cultural resources are threatened. Active fire behavior was reported. Information: Call (530) 493-1518.
Soda Complex (Mendocino National Forest): 6,325 acres at 82 percent contained. This complex of two fires is 15 miles northwest of Upper Lake. Evacuations are in place for the area east and south of Lake Madrone, both north and south of Bald Rock Road. A road closure is in place for Bald Rock Road east of Hwy 119. Information: Call (530) 934-3316 or visit the web site.
Ukonom Complex (Six Rivers National Forest): 13,747 acres at 14 percent contained. This complex of two fires is 10 miles east of Orleans. Structures are threatened and area closures near the fire were issued. Information: Call (707) 441-3673, 530-627-3291 or visit the web site.
Whiskeytown Complex (Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, National Park Service): 5,500 acres at 50 percent contained. This complex is 12 miles west of Redding. Structures remain threatened. Active fire behavior was reported. Information: Call 530-242-3438 or visit the web site.
Yolla Bolly Complex (Mendocino National Forest): 6,625 acres at an unknown percent contained. This complex of three fires is 24 miles southwest of Chico. This complex will be added to the Lime Complex. Information: Call (530) 934-3316 or visit the web site.
Yuba River Complex (Tahoe National Forest): 3,819 acres at 95 percent contained. This complex is 13 miles northeast of Nevada City. Several communities, hydroelectric facilities, and recreation sites are threatened. Information: Call (530) 478-6101.
Indians (Los Padres National Forest): This fire was contained at 81,378 acres.
Colorado	Fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Wildland Fire Use	Fires: 1	Acres: 566	New fires: 0
Coal Creek (Grand Mesa National Forest): 422 acres. This fire is 15 miles southeast of Clifton. This fire is being managed to accomplish natural resource objectives.
Idaho	Fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
Highway 20 (Idaho National Laboratory, Department of Energy): This fire was contained at 1,419 acres.
Montana	Fires: 1	Acres: 390	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 0
NEW Mt. Sentinel (Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources): 390 acres at 85 percent contained. The fire is located two miles southeast of Missoula. Fire activity was moderate.
Nevada	Fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
Gopher (Elko Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): This fire was contained at 321 acres.
North Carolina	Fires: 2	Acres: 42,264	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Evans Road (North Carolina Division of Forest Resources): 41,534 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is located seven miles south of Creswell. Some residences are threatened. The fire received some rain yesterday. Information: Call 919-218-3179.
Tussock Bay (North Carolina Division of Forest Resources): 730 acres at 80 percent contained. This fire is located eight miles southeast of White Lake. Information: Call 919-218-3179.
Oklahoma	Fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
Wing Gate (Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge): This fire was contained at 339 acres.
Oregon	Fires: 1	Acres: 1,695	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 0
NEW Mill (Warm Springs Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 1,695 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is one mile east of Warm Springs. a water treatment plant, residential and commercial structures are threatened.
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