Grand Teton National Park (WY)
Structural Fire at Colter Bay
D.A., his wife, and two teenage daughters were staying at the
concession-owned Colter Bay Tent Cabins on the night of July 15th.
Although area temperatures had been unseasonably high, D.A. decided to
light a fire in the tent's potbellied stove before the family went to
bed at 11:30 p.m. After several unsuccessful attempts to light the fire
with wood and paper, D.A. removed a lid on the top of the stove and
poured Coleman fuel into the opening. The smoldering fire immediately
burst into flames and quickly spread to the tent walls and ceiling. The
family evacuated the burning structure and the North District Fire
Brigade was summoned. Nearby campers assisted by dousing the fire with
extinguishers; fire brigade members put out the fire and conducted the
investigation. Fortunately, D.A. suffered only minor injuries, but the
family clothing, camping gear and bicycles were destroyed. The
tent-cabin is constructed of a combination of log and canvas walls with
a canvas roof. The canvas was treated with a flame resistant coating
that ensured the complete structure did not ignite and burn, but
significant damage was incurred.
[Submitted by Bill Holda, Acting
Chief Ranger]
Grand Teton National Park (WY)
River Rescue
Four visitors floating the Snake River in a borrowed, 12-foot
inflatable raft flipped the raft on the "Rookery" logjam below Deadman's
Bar Launch on July 5th. This was the second river accident the group
experienced on the same trip. After the first accident, the group was
cautioned on the complexity of the river, but they were determined to
continue. A river ranger who was watching the group saw the second
accident. When the raft flipped, B.H., 62, was swept under the
logjam until only her head and shoulders were above water. B.H. was
just about to go underwater and was hanging on to a log with one arm
when the ranger extricated her, narrowly escaping being swept under a
sizeable logjam. The park had previously issued a press release to
heighten the public's awareness of river conditions and water
temperatures following several river incidents this summer.
[Submitted by Bill Holda, Acting Chief Ranger]
White Sands National Monument (NM)
Pipe Bomb Found in Park
Two park visitors came upon what appeared to be a suspicious object
beneath a bush in the dune area on the afternoon of August 3rd. They
reported their find to rangers Joel Barnett and Jill Jaworski, who found
the object and determined that it was a pipe with end caps. They
immediately cleared the area and notified an explosive ordnance disposal
team from Fort Bliss. The EOD team rendered the device safe. It was
found to contain an explosive charge and shrapnel. ATF agents and
rangers are investigating. No suspects or motives have yet been
identified.
[Submitted by Cliff Spencer, Chief Ranger]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
National Interagency Fire Center
NIFC Situation Report - Friday, August 8, 2003
Preparedness Level 4
Initial attack was moderate in the northern Rockies and eastern Great Basin yesterday and light elsewhere. A total of 318 new fires were reported, three of which became large fires.
Fire Danger
|
Day |
8/3 |
8/4 |
8/5 |
8/6 |
8/7 |
8/8 |
|
Alaska |
VX |
VX |
-- |
-- |
-- |
VX |
|
Arizona |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
California |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Colorado |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Hawaii |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Idaho |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Montana |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Nevada |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
New Mexico |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Oklahoma |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Oregon |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
South Dakota |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Texas |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Utah |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Washington |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
|
Wyoming |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VH — Very high
EX — Extreme
VX — Very high to extreme
Fire Weather Watches and Warnings
FIRE WEATHER WATCHES have been issued for strong southwest winds and low humidity for the area of southern California to the east of the Sierra crest.
National Resource Commitments
|
Day |
8/2 |
8/3 |
8/4 |
8/5 |
8/6 |
8/7 |
8/8 |
|
Crews |
405 |
353 |
315 |
271 |
270 |
265 |
274 |
|
Engines |
648 |
601 |
461 |
356 |
411 |
438 |
452 |
|
Helicopters |
160 |
134 |
131 |
111 |
110 |
115 |
200 |
|
Air Tankers |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
|
Overhead |
3,310 |
3,148 |
3,472 |
3,201 |
3,335 |
3,079 |
2,324 |
National Team Commitments
New team commitments or changes in teams are indicated in bold face.
|
State |
Type Team |
Team IC |
Fire/Location |
Acres |
Percent Contain |
Est Full Contain |
|
MT |
ACT |
Mann |
Flathead NF/Glacier NP Fires |
--- |
--- |
--- |
|
MT |
T1 |
Ferguson |
Robert Fire Flathead NF/Glacier NP |
23,950 |
55% |
9/15 |
|
MT |
T1 |
Raley |
Trapper Creek Complex Glacier NP |
20,540 |
50% |
9/5 |
|
MT |
T1 |
Bennett |
Wedge Canyon Fire Flathead NF |
25,725 |
60% |
UNK |
|
MT |
T1 |
Frye |
Black Frog Complex Bitterroot NF |
7,275 |
97% |
8/8 |
|
ID |
T1 |
Mortier |
Slims Fire Nez Perce NF |
8,950 |
40% |
8/20 |
|
ID |
T1 |
Sexton |
Hot Creek Fire Boise NF |
26,560 |
100% |
CND |
|
WA |
T1 |
Lohrey |
Fawn Peak Complex Okanogan-Wenatchee NF |
79,900 |
60% |
UNNK |
|
ID |
T2 |
Brunner |
North Fork Lick Fire Payette NF |
625 |
65% |
8/8 |
|
ID |
T2 |
Van Bruggen |
Deep Fire Upper Snake River, BLM |
30,000 |
30% |
UNK |
Fire and Aviation Management
NPS Fire Summary - Friday, August 8, 2003
Glacier National Park
An area command team (Mann) is coordinating the Type 1 teams assigned to the Robert, Trapper Creek Complex, and Wedge Canyon Fires.
The Grinnell Glacier Overlook Trail, the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, and the popular Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Granite Peak Chalet will all open to the public today.
Wedge Canyon Fire (25,725 acres; 60% contained) — Explosives were used on the north end of the fire in the park yesterday to create fire lines in areas where it was difficult to place hand crews. Crews also began the arduous process of rehabilitating dozer lines in areas where the fire has been contained. Rehabilitation work involves constructing water bars and mitigating soil disturbance so that siltation and erosion won't occur. The burnout planned along Whale Creek was postponed due to erratic winds accompanying thunderstorms. A transfer of command from Bennett's Type 1 Incident Management Team to Hart's Type 1 Incident Management Team is expected to take place tomorrow. Resource commitments as of yesterday (Wednesday's figure in parentheses):
- Firefighters/overhead — 1,210 (1,293)
- Crews — 30 (33)
- Engines — 55 (59)
- Helicopters — 10 (8)
Robert Fire (23,950 acres; 55% containment) — Higher humidity on Wednesday decreased fire spread. Heavy fuel loads and steep, rugged terrain are slowing indirect line construction at the northeast end of the fire. Most of the hot spots detected by infrared aerial recon are on the northeastern flank of the fire around Fern Creek. Crews will concentrate on the north and west sides of the fire and continue to create as much direct line as possible. Structure protection is in place for six commercial properties. Resource commitments as of yesterday (Wednesday's figure in parentheses):
- Firefighters/overhead — 1,033 (977)
- Crews — 30 (27)
- Engines — 31 (32)
- Helicopters — 6 (6)
Trapper Creek Complex (20,540 acres; 50% containment) — This complex, comprised of Trapper Creek, Wolf Gun and Paul Bunyan fires, is burning in mixed conifer with dead and down fuels. Preparations are in place to transfer command of the Trapper Creek and Trout Creek fires to Ferguson's Type 1 Incident Command Team. Preparations are also in place for a transfer of command of the Paul Bunyan Fire to Hart's Type 1 Incident Management Team. Slow burning surface fire with occasional torching was observed. Structure protection is in place for three commercial properties. Resource commitments as of yesterday (Wednesday's figure in parentheses):
- Firefighters/overhead — 307 (250)
- Crews — 8 (5)
- Engines — 6 (6)
- Helicopters — 5 (7)
Yellowstone National Park
Burnout operations continue on the southern flank of the 22-acre Grizzly Fire. The crew working it has constructed hand lines and burned out fuels along the ridge connecting a series of meadows. Operations went well yesterday. The fire remains well within the containment area.
Four firefighters were flown to the Daly Fire yesterday morning to complete suppression operations. The fire is completely lined and in patrol status. The fire will be flown later this week with PALM IR before it is declared out.
Other Park Fires
Fire operations elsewhere in the system include:
- Sequoia/Kings Canyon NPs — Fire managers are continuing to monitor a number of lightning-caused fires. In addition to 13 fire use projects, firefighters suppressed two fires earlier this week. None of these fires is more than two-tenths of an acre.
- Yosemite NP — The park is continuing to monitor/manage a number of small and medium sized fires. No significant changes are reported from previous summaries.
- Grand Canyon NP — The park reported seven new lighting-caused fires yesterday. Four are on the North Rim and are being managed for wildland fire use. The other three are on the South Rim. Two — the Yavapai and South Gate Fires — have been fully suppressed. The Shooter Fire may be managed for wildland fire use.
- Grand Teton NP — The park had a fire on the ridge top between Emma Matilda Lake and Two Ocean Lake on Wednesday, but contained it at an acre. Fire use wasn't considered due to proximity to private residences, recreation facilities/activity, and current seasonal trends.
- El Malpais NM — The park began a prescribed fire on Wednesday which could burn up to 406 acres. They burned about 50 acres and plan to continue today if weather permits.
- Big Thicket NP — The park began a prescribed burn in its Turkey Creek Unit on Tuesday. Firefighters burned 50 acres that day and another 50 on Wednesday and will continue the fire today. A total of 2,259 acres have been targeted. The park is also planning a one-day burn of 149 acres in Hickory Creek today.
OPERATIONAL NOTES
United States Park Police
Anniversary of Death of Office Hakim Farthing
Sunday, August 10th, marks the first anniversary of one of our own who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Officer Hakim A. Farthing was struck and killed on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway on August 10, 2002, by a vehicle being operated by a drunk driver.
Hakim was 28 years old, an Army veteran, and had two years of US Park Police service.
[Submitted by Sergeant Scott R. Fear]
Fire and Aviation Management
TV Show on Women Smokejumpers
National Geographic Ultimate Explorer host Lisa Ling gets an inside look at the danger and fury of wildfires as she joins some of the female firefighters who battle these blazes in the American West. Premieres August 10, Sunday. 8 p.m. ET
PARKS AND PEOPLE
CAGR
Correction to Previously Announced Vacancy
Casa Grande Ruins is seeking a lateral transfer to fill the vacancy of Chief Ranger GS-025-11 (non-6c). The position supervises three full-time GS-025-09 (I) positions and one full-time WNPA associate. Casa Grande Ruins has a visitor center/museum and WNPA bookstore and averages approximately 110,000 visitors per year. The park is also in the midst of park expansion that will in turn expand the interpretive function.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is located half way between Phoenix and Tucson in the City of Coolidge, Arizona. Shopping/medical are available in Coolidge one (1) mile from park headquarters. Full range of shopping, medical, dental and recreational facilities available in Casa Grande (18 mi.), Phoenix area (50 mi.) and Tucson (60 mi.). Kindergarten through senior high school available in Coolidge. Day care is available in Coolidge. A community college is available between Coolidge and Casa Grande, 10 mi. from Coolidge. In addition, there are several other points of interest within a 35 mile radius of Coolidge such as Picacho Peak State Park, the Historic Town of Florence, Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum, Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition Mountains and Gila River Arts and Crafts Center.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Don Spencer, Superintendent, at Casa Grande Ruins, (520) 723-3172 x21.
[Submitted by Diana Mills, Diana_Mills@nps.gov, 520-723-3172 x22]
Fire and Aviation Management
STAR Award Presented to Sue Vap
On Tuesday, August 5, Sue Vap was presented with a STAR Award at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. Her accomplishments include:
- In addition to her regular duties as National Fire Management Officer, she had been Acting Chief of Fire and Aviation for 18 months without additional compensation (January 2002 to June 2003).
- Concurrently, she served as Chair of the National Multi-Agency Coordination group, is liaison to the Southwest Geographic Area Coordinating Group, and is active on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.
- She has co-hosted and attended various events with the President, Vice President, and other Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture dignitaries.
Her multiple roles all occurred during the second busiest fire season on record. Sue continually exhibits complete dedication and commitment to the wildland fire program, not only in the National Park Service, but across agency boundaries.[Submitted by Roberta D'Amico, roberta_d'amico@nps.gov, 208-387-5239]
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.