InciWeb

It's that time of year, that wildfires seem to be dominating the landscape around us. Both California and Idaho are dealing with two humongous Complex fires at this time, while Washington has it's own fires to worry about, taxing resources from around the country.

So, for those who like to get the latest updates on wildfire action across the United States, InciWeb has proved to be quite a resourceful tool.

Two of the things most interesting to Washington state residents, is following the two big fires around us, the Taylor Bridge Fire and the Buffalo Lake Rd. Fire.

Between these two fires there are over a 1000 firefighters currently working on these fire lines. A staggering figure, when you take into account the amount and size of fires currently burning in other parts of the country.

Here is a story about the Buffalo Lake Rd. Fire from KREM, which they have now determined as lightning caused:

http://www.krem.com/news/wildfire/Neighbors-on-alert-to-evacuate-near-Elmer-City-fire-166252236.html

Here are the two most recent stories from KREM and KING5 News about the Taylor Bridge Fire:

http://www.krem.com/news/northwest-news/1-firefighter-injured-at-Cle-Elum-wildfire-166522846.html

And a video from KING5 News

Inside the Smoke Jumpers

I found this great article and videos about Smoke Jumpers just recently and had to share it.


http://www.theblaze.com/stories/peek-inside-the-dangerous-and-incredible-world-of-smokejumpers-and-their-gear/

Wild Fire Season News

As the weather heats up, many parts of the country prepare for a busy fire season. I saw this story yesterday and thought it relevant to share.

Western states prepare for dangerous fire season

Associated Press

Posted on April 12, 2012 at 1:02 PM

Updated yesterday at 1:03 PM

DENVER (AP) — A prolonged drought and record-breaking temperatures have many Western states preparing for another active — and dangerous — wildfire season.
In some places, that season is already under way. Colorado had a deadly wildfire last month. Other Western states have reported hundreds of smaller fires.
Officials in California and other states say that grass, brush and forest didn't get the winter soakings that allows them to retain water — and put off fire. That could mean a busy wildfire season that normally doesn't kick in for much of the West until May or June.
Federal meteorologists say nearly all of the Southwest is experiencing drought. And that's coming off a year in which Arizona and New Mexico experienced their worst wildfires on record.

http://www.krem.com/news/national/147211285.html

Stolen Firetruck

I read this fire related article this morning on theblaze.com

 

According to the story, authorities say a man who was naked stole a fire truck at an apartment complex in South Carolina and sped away, killing a pedestrian who was walking on a sidewalk.

Police say the driver was pulled from the fire truck after it crashed into trees and he began fighting with police and paramedics. A Beaufort police supervisor was not immediately available Saturday to confirm the driver’s identity.

The man jumped behind the wheel of the fire truck after firefighters with the Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department responded to an apartment complex.

This a tragic story and our thoughts go out to family of the pedestrian who was struck and killed.