We are in the height of the 2020 Western fire season and we have been reminded that the wildland fire environment is dangerous whether you are on the ground or in the air. Along with the increase in fire activity, there has been an increase in close calls, serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Please honor those that have fallen, most recently our aviators, by actively managing risk. It is now late August and long-term fatigue is setting in, which exacerbates the complexity of a fire season made even more difficult by COVID-19.

We ask you to take a tactical pause at some point on Wednesday, September 2ND to discuss current risks to which you are exposed. The timing and length of this tactical pause is at your discretion. During this time stop, think, and talk about how you assess and mitigate risk. Ask yourself, your coworkers, or your crew what, if anything, is different from your previous experience and how are you dealing with it?

What is concerning you specifically when it comes to your safety and those you work with or lead? What might you be missing? It is all too easy to be task oriented so take this opportunity to discuss some simple reminders or measures you can take to reduce your exposure to the inherent hazards of our occupation or COVID-19, which can reduce the probability of the next accident or illness. Use references such as the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) to aid you in your discussions.

The latest interagency wildland fire COVID-19 information can be found on the Medical and Public Health Advisory Team (MPHAT) webpage. The value of this tactical pause will be in the discussions you engage in so make it count. We also recommend that you review and discuss Planning for Medical Emergencies (page #2) and the Medical Incident Report (page #118-119), also referred to as the "8-Line", in your IRPG. Reviewing and discussing these job aids will better prepare you to respond to an accident or medical emergency if one does occur.

Finally, NMAC wants to be clear that we care about the health and welfare of our responders. We are asking you to take this time to discuss risk management and do everything possible to ensure you return home safely at the end of each shift and each fire assignment.

Bureau of Land Management reopens trail, campground as fires subside

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management’s Eagle Lake Field Office has reopened the Dodge Reservoir Campground and the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail in Lassen County, as dangers from two wildfires has been reduced.

The BLM temporarily closed the sites in late August, when the W-5 Cold Springs wildfire moved within a mile of the campground, and there was potential for the Sheep Fire to spread into the trail corridor. While fire crews continue to work on both incidents, active fire is now far from each of the recreation sites.

Dodge Reservoir Campground is about 60 miles northeast of Susanville and offers a remote camping experience and fishing in good water years. Information and directions are available at www.blm.gov/visit/dodge-reservoir-campground.

The reopened section of the Bizz Johnson Trail extends from Susanville west for seven miles through the scenic Susan River Canyon to the Devil’s Corral Trailhead along California State Highway 36. One section of the Bizz Johnson Trail from the Devil’s Corral Trailhead west to the Goumaz Campground remains closed to protect public safety while damages from this summer’s Hog Fire are repaired. Trail information and directions are available at www.blm.gov/visit/bizz-johnson.

The BLM reminds public land visitors that campfire restrictions are now in place in northeast California. All campfires are prohibited, including in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. Portable stoves and lanterns using pressurized, liquid, or jellied fuel are allowed. A valid California campfire permit is required, and can be obtained free at www.readyforwildfire.org.

Information on BLM public land fire restrictions is available at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130

Follow the BLM on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr @BLMCA and @BLMCalifornia

Beginning in the mid 1980’s, the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) began exploring options to safely and efficiently provide firefighters with nutritious meals while in the field. In 1985, NDF received several Mobile Kitchen Units (MKU) that were excised by the California Department of Forestry to assist with meeting this goal. Though the years, these kitchens have responded to wild land fires and other emergency incidents throughout the State of Nevada, many times being the only access firefighters have to a hot meal. Nevada Forestry now operates 3 mobile kitchen units.

The Nevada Division of Forestry MKU can be set up just about anywhere: schools, fairgrounds, fire stations, community centers, etc.

The MKU is staffed with Nevada Division of Forestry personnel, Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) custody staff, and 15 minimum custody offenders in cooperation with the NDOC.  During this process, these individuals are taught invaluable skills, which helps toward their successful re-integration into society.

The W-5 Cold Springs Fire near Cedarville, CA is the first time that an NDF MKU has been requested to go “off-district” and support an emergency incident in California.

Why fight fire with just water when long-term retardant or foam could be used? Portable retardant base systems remove one of the barriers to using more effective fire fighting retardants. Portable retardant bases can enable aircraft- either fixed or rotary wing-to attack a fire from the closest possible location. This can maximize cost effectiveness and efficiency, especially when used with heavy lift (Type 1) helicopters.

Portable retardant bases mix and distribute long-term retardant to aircraft at locations without a permanent retardant base, locating the retardant base as close to the fire as possible. Ever-increasing environmental concerns can be addressed by careful location of a retardant base, along with using proper procedures in the handling of the retardant. Water intake screens may be required to protect animal life in water sources. Other considerations for choosing a base location include a sufficient water supply and adequate space to provide separation between the water source, mixing tanks, and dip tanks.

Although existing portable bases have been used successfully, increased access is still needed to remote areas. At present, access is limited to improved roads because of the size and weight of the chemical containers and associated equipment. More portable systems could access less improved roads, or even be airlifted by helicopter to areas with no road access. An additional design improvement for the tanks themselves would be sturdy dip tanks with larger openings and more depth.

The sounds and smells of fire bring different images to different people. The wildlands does not have to be a villain. Fire that is low in intensity and does not grow out of control benefits our wildlands and is actually vital to the survival of several species, and that is surprising since fire is one of our greatest tools and one of our most destructive forces. So what is fire? Is it enemy or friend?

Fire removes low-growing underbrush, cleans the forest floor of debris, opens it up to sunlight, and nourishes the soil. Reducing this competition for nutrients allows established trees to grow stronger and healthier. History teaches us that hundreds of years ago forests had fewer, yet larger, healthier trees. Forests today have more trees than in the past, but they are not as large or healthy. Established trees have to compete with undergrowth for nutrients and space. Fire clears the weaker trees and debris and returns health to the forest. Clearing brush from the forest floor with low intensity fames can help prevent large damaging wildfires that spread out of control and completely destroy forests. Under optimum conditions, when wildfires do start, the result is a low intensity fire that remains on the ground burning grasses and vegetation, but causing less damage to trees.

Wildlands provide habitat and shelter to forest animals and birds. Fire clears wildlands of heavy brush, leaving room for new grasses, herbs and regenerated shrubs that provide food and habitat for many wildlife species. When fire removes a thick stand of shrubs, the water supply is increased. With fewer plants absorbing water, streams are fuller, benefiting other types of plants and animals.

Fire kills diseases and insects that prey on trees and provides valuable nutrients that enrich the soil. More trees die each year from insect infestation and disease than from fire. Many forests struggle against diseases such as pitch canker and bark beetle infestations – pests that destroy the part of the tree that delivers nutrients to the roots, leaves and needles. Fire kills pests and keeps the forest healthy. Vegetation that is burned by fire provides a rich source of nutrients that nourish remaining trees.

Change is important to a healthy forest. Some species of trees and plants are actually fire dependent. They must have fire every 3-25 years in order for life to continue. Some trees have fire resistant bark and cones that require heat to open and release seeds for regeneration. Chaparral plants, including manzanita, chamise and scrub oak, also require intense heat for seed germination. These plants actually encourage fire by having leaves that are covered with flammable resins. Without fire, these trees and plants would eventually succumb to old age with no new generations to carry on their legacy.

The Modoc County Office of Emergency Services will be hosting a community information meeting tonight, for the W-5 Cold Springs Fire, at Cedarville Park (on High Street).

PRESS RELEASE-   For Immediate Release    

August 23, 2020 @ 1200 HOURS

Alturas, CA- The W-5 Cold Springs Fire has progressed to over 52,000 acres. The fire is moving North and Northeast and has reached Modoc County, the Modoc National Forest and is burning into Washoe County, Nevada. As hundreds of fires burn throughout the state , firefighting resources are thin everywhere. California Incident Management team 13 took over command of the fire yesterday at 1800. The team will be setting up fire camp at the Modoc County Fairgrounds in Cedarville.

Opening day of hunting season for Antelope (Rifle) and Deer (bow) were yesterday. If you are hunting in the area please be aware of fire activity and road closures. Fire activity is very unpredictable. Modoc County is on red flag warning until Tuesday.

Road Closures Include the Following:

MODOC COUNTY:

• County Road 40 South at County Road 1

• County Road 64/42 South at County Road 1

• County Road 64 at County Road 258 (open to residents only) Both North & South Routes

• Forest Service Road 39N19 from County Road 64

LASSEN COUNTY:

• County Road 512 South at County Road 1

• County Road 510/512/506 at HWY 395 to Nevada

• County Road 512 to Dodge Reservoir

All roads going into Blue Lake, Patterson, Lost Lake, Emerson, Mill Creek Falls and Bear Camp are closed due to fire activity in the area. All recreation sites in the Southern Warner Wilderness from Mill Creek Falls south will be closed until further notice. BLM has closed Dodge Reservoir as well.

Please be advised that fire activity is constantly changing. We will update you as we get information and push it out to the Sheriff's Office facebook page, lnciweb and the Modoc National Forest facebook page.

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Dodge Reservoir campground temporarily closed due to Cold Springs Fire

SUSANVILLE, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the Dodge Reservoir Campground in far northeast Lassen County to protect public safety as the W-5 Cold Springs Fire burns to the north.  The closure will remain in effect until the fire no longer poses a danger.  Details are available in the closure order: www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/ColdSpringFire_CampgroundClosure_22Aug20.pdf.

The campground is about 60 miles northeast of Susanville in a remote high desert area.  It is popular for fishing during spring and early summer months, and for remote camping getaways.

The fire is burning in heavy juniper, sagebrush, mountain mahogany and rangeland grasses along the Clark Valley Road about 11 miles east of Madeline.  The southeast fire edge is about a half-mile from the reservoir.  It has burned about 7,200 acres and is 20 percent contained.

Other BLM campgrounds in the region are open.  They include the Ramhorn Springs Campground, off U. S. Highway 395 south of Ravendale, the North Eagle Lake Campground near the junction of State Highway 139 and Lassen County Road A-1, and the Rocky Point shoreline primitive camping area at north Eagle Lake.

More information on these areas is available by visiting www.blm.gov/office/eagle-lake-field-office.

The BLM reminds public land visitors that campfire restrictions are now in place in northeast California.  All campfires are prohibited, including in developed campgrounds and recreation sites.  Portable stoves and lanterns using pressurized, liquid, or jellied fuel are allowed.  A valid California campfire permit is required, and can be obtained free at www.readyforwildfire.org.

Information on BLM public land fire restrictions is available at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals. 

Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96002

Follow the BLM on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr @BLMCA and @BLMCalifornia

Poverty Canyon Fire: estimated 300 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 7 miles southwest of Tennyson, Texas

The Poverty Canyon Fire is 100% contained. Crews will return tomorrow for one last look, then turn it back over to the locals to monitor.