The only thing Smokey likes to see on fire is the VCU Rams.

GO RAMS !

Smokey and all his friends with the Virginia Department of Forestry send best wishes to the VCU Rams in Houston. Your already a winner now enjoy yourself and do what you love doing and are darn good at. Playing basketball !!

Wildfires increasing in numbers, size and complexity

ATLANTA (AP) — Officials are concerned wind from approaching storms could drive embers from three southeastern Georgia wildfires into new areas. A blaze in Clinch County has burned 16,000 acres, while another in Bacon and Ware counties has consumed around 13,600 acres. A smaller fire in Long County has burned about 4,000 acres and three homes.

Officials find it’s hard to just let wildfires burn

By Bruce Finley  |  The Denver Post

For years, federal land managers have aimed at letting wildfires burn to boost forest health — and save taxpayers some of the billions the government spends dousing nearly every blaze.

“We’re looking for opportunities to let fire play its natural role in the landscape,” regional U.S. Forest Service chief Rick Cables said last week.

But Colorado’s growing population and energy industry near forests, combined with surging numbers of wildfires, is making a let-it-burn approach increasingly difficult.

Twenty-seven wildfires have threatened the northern Front Range suburbs this month, nine times the 15-year March average of three.

Rather than try to let some wildfires burn to stimulate forests and grasslands, federal officials have moved into traditional suppression, mobilizing ground crews early and pushing to preposition slurry bombers on runways.

Although this article is from Colorado this is the situation all across the US.

I recently attended a meeting and heard a communications expert with the NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) say that everyone needs to recognize that there are only 2 types of fires, a prescribed fire or a wildfire, period. We should NOT try and turn a wildfire into a prescribed fire and if a prescribed fire threatens to get beyond planned control lines or its behavior is exceeding planned objectives or people and homes are threatened it should be considered a wildfire and treated as such and suppressed. Everyone recognizes that even the worst of wildfires MAY HAVE some environmental benefits but we can no longer send mixed messages especially as the flames, smoke and embers are in the air.

A woods fire seen from the Spring Hill Plantation subdivision in North Carolina. Firefighters battled the blaze near Loblolly Avenue in Little River on Wednesday.

Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/03/25/2061206/forestry-commission-nc-man-cited.html#ixzz1HnHNWgJl

Fires spread across Baxter County

"Arkansas Forestry Commission crews are working to contain six wildfires, including two in Madison County, one in Lafayette County, two in Columbia County and one in Ashley County," said commission spokeswoman Christina Fowler.

"Acreage estimates will not be available until tomorrow afternoon," Fowler said. "There have been no reports of structures damaged or injuries."

Fanned by strong winds, a fire consumes an outbuilding Wednesday on Baxter County Road 69. No injuries were reported in connection with the fire, but the outbuilding was a complete loss. Firefighters were kept busy for several hours as high winds whipped the fire sending embers across CR 69 and igniting a grass fire. / Bulletin Photo by Kevin Pieper

Officials suspect wildfires are arson

LOXLEY, Alabama (WALA) - The Alabama Forestry Commission wants to know who is setting wildfires in south Baldwin County.

Officials said 14 fires have been set in the past eight days. They have reason to believe someone is responsible, simply because of the sheer number of fires in a short period of time and also because they were set in the middle of nowhere.

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/baldwin_county/officials-suspect-wildfires-are-arson

Last week the Today Show and Fox News among others ran a story out of a research facility based in Richburg , SC. This facility is owned by the Institute for Business and Home Safety and they started an ember storm which then ignited a home that was designed with various construction materials. This was to teach that often it is the embers that ignite the home, not the "wall of flames" and that the homeowner can do several things to reduce the chance of their home igniting - they can be Firewise!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/42266384#42246583

It might be due to the story at the link above or not? But there sure seems to be more mentioning of “Embers” in news stories recently??

PLEASE do your part and dont let a wildfire start. If you live in an area that is experencing wildfires or it is just a bit to dry and windy DO NOT BURN anything PLEASE WAIT till you get some rain and forestry officials indicate it is safe to have outdoor burning.

THANKS

PS thought you might find this interesting.

Here in the east and for the most part the entire mainland US fires are either started by something human in cause or by lightning. Lightning is the only non-human cause of wildfires EXCEPT in places like Hawaii.

This picture is of a remote wildfire touched off by the eruption of the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, which has burned some 2,000 acres of national park land.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-rt-usreport-us-hawaii-tre72m5f1-20110323,0,1967087.story

wildfires in CO, AR and GA & Video story on embers

 It might be cold and damp here in VA (Just what Smokey ordered) but fire season is in full swing elsewhere. ALSO check out the great video story on the dangers of embers during a wildfire. Learn what you can do.

Wildfire engulfs 1,600 acres in Denver

Denver, Colorado:  The second major wildfire to erupt this week in Denver has grown to 1,600 acres and prompted about 8,500 residents to flee their homes.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/wildfire-engulfs-1-600-acres-in-denver-94139?cp

A Wildfire Update from the Arkansas Forestry Commission

Arkansas Forestry Commission crews suppressed 56 wildfires that burned 2,662 acres between 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

With a high fire danger risk, there are a few things to remember:

*   Burning is strongly discouraged. This is especially true on days where humidity levels have dropped below 30 percent and winds are gusty. Fires can spread quickly in these conditions.
*   Be mindful that sparks from lawn mowers and hay baling equipment can start a wildfire.
*   Never discard cigarettes from vehicles.
*   Never park vehicles where grass or other vegetation can touch the exhaust system.

For tips on protecting your home from wildfire, visit www.arkansasfirewise.com.

To view current burn bans and wildfire danger ratings, visit www.arkansasforestry.org.

Georgia fire officials battling seven wildfires

Winds of 25 to 35 mph are pushing flames, but grounding the choppers.

BRUNSWICK, Ga. Georgia Forestry Commission resources were stretched thin Thursday as strong winds whipped up seven wildfires across Southeast Georgia.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2011-03-25/story/georgia-fire-officials-battling-seven-wildfires#ixzz1HbmVcBwE

Wildfire Demonstration Shows Ember Danger

Thursday in Chester County, the Insurance Institute for Business and Safety demonstrated just how dangerous the wind-blown embers can be to homeowners.

http://www.wltx.com/news/article/129659/2/Wildfire-Demonstration-Shows-Ember-Danger

It's the little things in life that count, sometimes the most to some folks.

This was sent to me by a friend, its well worth watching and taking the message to heart. Don't wait ...... Save the Shoes!

Put Your Smokey On and Make a Difference, when you see someone acting carelessly talk to them, when you see a child playing with matches talk to them and then their parents!

Thanks for all you do and thanks for saving the shoes!

Smokey enjoys Spring Flowers NOT Spring Wildfires!

Virginia's Natural Resources put the wealth into our Commonwealth. The past, present, and future quality of life and economic prosperity for our citizens is permanently linked to the condition of the State's forest resources. The Virginia Department of Forestry is responsible for wildfire protection on 13.5 million acres of private and state forest land. While fire can play a beneficial role in the forest ecosystem, it can be a destructive force that endangers our natural resources, our property, and even our lives. There is a reason Smokey Bear changed his slogan to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires" -- the destruction of land by fire has expanded beyond just the forest. "Wildfire" refers to ANY uncontrolled, outdoor fire, anywhere.

The loss of our natural resources is of dire consequence to all of us. The monetary costs are astronomical - but there is much more to lose. Beyond the common-sense functions, such as rubber for tires, lumber, shelter, and paper, trees are used for medicinal ingredients for medicines like quinine, which cured yellow fever, or anticancer drugs like Taxol from the bark of yew tree. And one large tree can provide a day's oxygen for four people. While most people consider themselves to be conscientious the numbers tell a different story. Ninety percent (90%) of all wildfires are caused by human negligence. The leading causes of human-related wildfires are:

Debris burning
Woods Arson
Careless discarding of smoking materials
Equipment operation
Campfires

Spring Fire Season began in late February and goes through April. Fall Fire Season begins in late October and continues through November. But you can do your part year-round. With education and responsible practices, individuals can make a huge difference in the fight against unwanted wildfire, helping to preserve and protect our natural resources.

Putting out a wildfire is easy scientifically, remove one part of the "fire triangle" and the fire goes out. But this is a very dangerous and hard job to do. It is much easier to prevent the wildfire from starting in the first place. Remember what Smokey said ONLY YOU CAN !

Please enjoy a few clasic Smokey messages ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLdaj8n_zto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vmEzMUjPvo 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PKa7KDq1aU

THANKS SMOKEY for ALL YOU DO !

Spring Time is Firewise Time in Virginia.

There are simple steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of your home igniting during a wildfire event. Taking a little time to perform some easy and essential corrective measures can go a long way in making your home fire wise.

Spring:

Well we made it through another interesting winter here in Virginia. The days are getting longer and warmer, the trees are budding out, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the grass is greening up. A sure sign wildfire season is coming to an end HOWEVER its NOT over yet, soon but NOT NOW.

As you make up your Spring to do list please begin with those things that will not only pretty-up your yard but will also make your property FIREWISE.

If your yard is anything like mine, the warmer days surged life back into every rooted organism. The spring surge of life has caused our grasses, trees, and shrubs to grow  very rapidly. This type of vegetation, if left unattended, can pose a serious risk as the season progresses and the days get even hotter causing them to wilt and dry-out. This is a great time to get out, prune back some of the newer growth, and mow those lawns. If your landscaping consists mainly of fallen pine needles or other such material this is a great time to rake that material completely from the first 5 feet surrounding your home, deck - under the deck as well, barn or any other building.

As you get out in your yard check for the effects (broken branches, leaves and dead limbs) of winter storms. By taking some time to remove this type of material you are reducing the risk of fire spread for yourself and neighbors. If you are in an area where burning is permitted be sure to make sure that it is a burn day by calling your local fire department or local forestry office. OBEY all local and state laws and restrictions. here are the main laws that will affect you ..

• Cost Recovery for Fire Protection § 10.1-1141 Liability and recovery of cost of fighting forest fires
• 4 p.m. Burning Law § 10.1-1142 Regulating the burning of woods, brush, etc.; penalties l
• Throwing inflammatory objects from vehicle on highway while in or near certain lands § 10.1-1143
• Rewards for information leading to conviction of arsonists or incendiaries § 10.1-1138

 Click here to go to a list of all forestry laws including additional outdoor burning laws.  and to use great caution when burning as many large fires have been started by unattended burn piles. These materials can be composted (if they are small enough) , chipped or used to create beneficial wildlife brush piles.
Remember to focus on potential ignition sources on your house. Start with your roof and move your way down. Remove flammable debris from your roof and gutters as this could ignite by firebrands during a fire. Check all of your vents and make sure that they are covered with at least a ¼ inch metal mesh to help reduce the likelihood of a firebrand entering your home. Remove flammable material from exterior window seals and other areas where winter weather has caused deposition of such material, this includes decks, fences and the base of the structure. This work can be done fairly fast but be sure to spend some extra time checking inconspicuous locations that could put your home in danger if flammable material was left there.

Landscaping work, its hard work but can be enjoyable and very rewarding. Have fun planting all the beautiful plants, fruits, and vegetables that will create a beautiful landscape for all to enjoy. Be sure to use Firewise plant choices when planting next to your home. You want plants surrounding your home to be very fire resistant and well irrigated. For recommended Firewise plants to use in your area you could contact your local Forestry Office the local Extension Office or your local Master Gardeners. Remember that you could have a landscape that is both appealing and Firewise by making the right vegetative choices.

 

Fire affects us all and does not discriminate or stop at property lines. We need to work together as communities and neighbors in order to protect ourselves. A community that works together will thrive and survive together. So let's be good stewards of the land and our community and get out into our yards and do our Firewise work. And don't be afraid to ask your neighbor if they need help while you are at it. A community is made up of good people looking out for each other and come fire season this is more important than ever. If you have any questions about the Firewise program please visit www.firewisevirginia.org

Thanks

Wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear meltdown and a police officers shot and killed ... WHY?

With the disaster that is still unfolding in Japan, wildfires are probably taking a back seat, that is unless one of these wildfires impact you personnaly. There are (at this time) no very large major wildfires occuring BUT there are numerous fires still occuring fron the east to the west.
Eventhough some of these fires are small many are quite challanging to the emergency responders and forestry agencies as they are occuring the the WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE. Very few wildfires occure anywhere that dont seem to involve homes and people.
The following 2 stories are presented with credit going to the Chattanooga Times Free Press and KOB Eyewitness News 4.

Fire personnel contained a 12- to 15-acre Signal Mountain brush fire fewer than four hours after it was reported, officials said.

The first emergency call came at about 2:15 p.m. after a resident burning kudzu on Sunset Drive lost control of the fire, according to Hamilton County Emergency Services spokeswoman Amy Maxwell.

Rough terrain and narrow driveways plus the remoteness of the fire made it difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze, officials said, but more than 50 personnel from 12 different agencies were able to control the burning before it could damage homes or property.

The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are under investigation by the Tennessee Department of Forestry.

The video below is a great example of how even a small wildfire can impactthose living the the wildland urban intrface. I know some think just because the word urban is used it relates to the "city" in reality the wui can be a few homes in a very remote location to multiple (hundreds) of homes in gated communities. More on this discussion in a later blog.
Depending on your connection this may take awhile to load, its worth it though.

Several homes were in the line of fire as a brush blaze broke out in the Carnuel area Sunday afternoon.

The Bernalillo County Fire Department says it was a relatively small fire in terms of acreage and were able to contain it quickly. What concerned them was how close the flames were to houses; several homes were in immediate danger.

Wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear meltdown are not the only tragedies unfolding in this world and many are very close to home. In Virginia (the western part) several families of local law enforcement officers are dealing with the senseless shootings recently and my thoughts and prayers go out to them.

March 15, 2011

Details emerge in Va. shooting

By KATE COIL Bluefield Daily Telegraph The Bluefield Daily Telegraph Tue Mar 15, 2011, 05:00 AM EDT

GRUNDY, Va. — Details continue emerging about a weekend incident where a shooter injured two officers and killed two others with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department.

The assailant was identified as Randy Gilbert Newberry, 52, of Vansant who was shot and killed during an altercation with police Sunday afternoon, according to Sgt. Steve E. Lowe with the Virginia State Police.

During the spree, Newberry shot and killed Buchanan County Sheriff's Deputies Cameron Neil Justus, 41, of Hurley and William “Billy” Ezra Stiltner, 46, of Maxie. Newberry also injured

Tsunami, Earth Quakes and Wildfires in the news.

Devastation and heartache has no borders. The massive disaster which is still unfolding in Japan will affect us all before it is over. The stories and pictures are truly heartbreaking and our thoughts and prayers for all of Japan and other areas impacted by the earth quake and tsunami are with them all.

TOKYO -- Japan's northeastern coast was a swampy wasteland of broken houses, overturned cars, sludge and dirty water Saturday as the nation awoke to the devastating aftermath of one of its greatest disasters, a powerful tsunami created by one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded.

Today marks the 5^th anniversary (March 12, 2006), of the start of seven days of wildfire carnage that burned about a million acres in the eastern Panhandle. The fires killed 12 people and more than 1,000 cattle. They stretched from Borger to Skellytown, Pampa, McLean, Miami and Canadian. Other blazes burned out of control near Childress and in Oldham County.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs3qW_Mu6-E

As we remember the past we must deal with the present and think to the future.

AP-Southwest Wildfires
March 11, 2011 21:47 EST

Grass fires destroy homes near Oklahoma City

UNDATED (AP) -- Firefighters are struggling to extinguish a number of wind-driven grass fires in the parched Southwest.

The fires have burned dozens of homes in the Oklahoma City suburbs and forced the evacuation of hundreds more. A fire in and around Harrah has forced the evacuation of two schools and a nursing home. Near Norman, a blaze is threatening a casino and surrounding neighborhood.

In Texas, a fire official says a wildfire threatening the town of Jacksboro in North Texas has grown to about 3,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 50 to 75 homes. The fire also closed two nearby highways. A 100-acre fire north of Fort Worth has forced the evacuation of about 24 homes.

In Colorado, crews are gaining ground on a wildfire in the foothills west of Boulder. It's scorched at least 200 acres and prompted the evacuation of more than 200 homes.

Wildfires scorch North Texas

A fast-moving wildfire burned about 7,000 acres in its 12-mile path across Jack County on Friday, destroying six houses and forcing the evacuation of 150 residences, officials reported.

"That was a hell of a fire," said Wise County Deputy Sheriff Doug Whitehead. "You could see those fire tornadoes build up. They were thick and a story tall."

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/03/11/2915827/wildfires-scorch-north-texas.html#ixzz1GNZR535T

Wildfires In Oklahoma Force Hundreds To Evacuate

OKLAHOMA — Governor Mary Fallin today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties as more than two dozen wildfires spread across the state, causing evacuations.

SHAWNEE, Okla. — A massive, swift-moving grass fire destroyed several homes and forced evacuations of more than 20 other residences as it traveled about two miles in the Shawnee Twin Lakes area Friday afternoon.

Veruska Trask evacuates from her home in Crestview Estates during the Lefthand Canyon Fire on Friday. She also lost her home in the Fourmile Fire last year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0t--zyb3Z4

 So what is it we can do so that folks like Veruska Trask in the video above will not loose another home in another wildfire? Some say there is nothing folks can do, its fate, its nature. WELL we might NOT be able to prevent all of the fires BUT we can NO ONLY YOU CAN prevent those that are caused by carlessness. SMOKEY BEAR was and is right, there are things we can do to prevent wildfires. Please visit his site at
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/smokey-bear.shtml
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/index-prev-ed.shtml
www.smokeybear.com

Texas http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1542
Oklahoma http://www.forestry.ok.gov/fire-prevention
Colorado http://www.southwestcoloradofires.org/prevention.htm

And there ARE things we/YOU can do to help your home have a better chance to survive a wildfire PLEASE visite the firewise informational sites in your state. In Virginia check out http://www.firewisevirginia.org/ and the National site at http://www.firewise.org/

THANKS for listening

Fires in the west and rain in the east at least for now!

Officials say destructive New Mexico fire was caused by hot auto parts

CNN) -- A wildfire in New Mexico that consumed hundreds of acres east of the capital was started by pieces of a hot catalytic converter from a vehicle, according to the state's forestry division.

Video: Silver City neighborhood destroyed KOBTV4

SILVER CITY, N.M. — Fire crews in New Mexico are mopping up a wildfire that raced across nearly 1,800 acres and burned 13 houses and 47 other buildings.

About 100 people forced out by the wind-driven flames were escorted into their neighborhoods Tuesday evening to survey damage left from the fire that started Monday afternoon south of Silver City.

Here is a link to news of the recent NM wildfire. Watch the video to see a professional rather than an emotional job of reporting!

http://wildfiretoday.com/

Eventhough folks in the west are talking about fire season getting off to an early start those of us in the East and SE already know this all to well. The recent rains have helped calm things down BUT it wont take the March winds to get us quickly back into "fire season"

Here is a news release set to go out later today and hopefully make the news over the weekend or monday after the present storm event has passed.

News Release

For Immediate Release                                                             March 10, 2011
Contact: John Campbell 434.220.9070 or 434.989.0665                      VDOF 11009

Rain ‘Dampens’ Spring Wildfire Season

On the heels of a significant week of wildfire activity in Virginia (Feb 14^th - Feb 21^st), the recent rains could create a false sense that wildfires are no longer a threat.  But they still are, according to a state wildfire mitigation specialist.
“Weather conditions of the same type that led to the 293 wildfires that burned 8,436 acres that week will continue throughout the remainder of Virginia’s spring wildfire season, which runs through the end of April,” said Fred Turck, wildfire prevention and education specialist with the Virginia Department of Forestry.  “Around the 1^st of May, grasses and other vegetation will have greened up and the high winds and low humidity that are typical of springtime in the Commonwealth will begin to moderate. December through February was particularly dry for much of Virginia; the recent rain, while welcome and much-needed, was not enough to lift the region completely out of the wildfire danger,” he said.
John Miller, VDOF’s director of resource protection, said, “We’re in the heart of the wildfire time-frame.  From February to May, there is significant wildfire activity in Virginia that doesn’t let up until the green vegetation and rains come.  And even then, the ground has to get good and saturated for the wildfire threat to subside.”
Turck said, “A nice, steady rain every five days or so is just what Smokey would order if he could control that.”

State Forester of Virginia Carl Garrison said, “Wildfire suppression forces with the Virginia Department of Forestry along with county, city and volunteer fire departments across the Commonwealth earned a well-deserved respite with today’s rain.  But they know all to well that they are not ‘out of the woods’ just yet.  They remain vigilant and prepared to protect people, their property and Virginia’s precious natural resources from the ravages of wildfire.”
Sam Roberts, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the rain systems moving through the area will help firefighter’s combat flames. But, it doesn’t mean the area is out of fire danger. “Just because it rains doesn’t mean you’re clear,” he said. “All it takes is a few days of drier conditions and winds….  Right now, all this rain is good, but that doesn’t mean it [drier conditions] can’t pick back up.”
Virginians should protect their lives and property by clearing brush near their home; keeping pine needles off their roofs and out of their gutters, and do their part and not let a wildfire start.  Also, obey the statewide 4 PM Law (no open-air burning between midnight and 4 p.m. each day) and all local restrictions.
Turck said, “More than 95 percent of Virginia’s wildfires are caused by human activity.  So, listen to those you admire -- like Smokey Bear – and don’t play with fire.  When it’s raining, wildfire isn’t probably on your mind.  But, please, take a moment to learn what you can do to prevent a wildfire from starting.  It takes just a few minutes to learn when and how you can safely burn, as well as how you can protect your life and your property from the threat of a wildfire.”
The following websites can help:
https://mail.virginia.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/
https://mail.virginia.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/firewise-index.htm
https://mail.virginia.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.smokeybear.com/
https://mail.virginia.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.firewise.org/
https://mail.virginia.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fireprevention/

-end-

Its NOT over!

Rain helped VA and TN but Spring Wildfire Season is still here and will be for another several weeks.
The headline below and link to the story is right on target. Folks need to keep their guard up against wildfires and take precautions that may keep themselves and their property safe.
visit http://www.firewisevirginia.org/ for more information.

No burn notices stand despite region's rainfall

Published: March 06, 2011

TriCities.com - Allie Robinson

http://www2.tricities.com/news/2011/mar/06/no-burn-notices-stand-despite-regions-rainfall-ar-885780/

Above all, he said, people should be cautious when dealing with fire. “Use good common sense,” he said. “It goes a long, long way.”
Smokey could not have said it any better.

Careless wildfires must be prevented.

Wildfires are not only damaging to our natural resources but they also destroy personal property, and they INJURE AND KILL firefighters.
From the time the first call goes out and firefighters begin to respond to the time every firefighter is back home a wildfire is just that wild. It has the potential to cause harm even when most of the big flames and reporters have gone home.

Two firefighters in Florida were injured while "mopping-up",
Mop-up occurs after a fire, or any part of a fire, is controlled. Mopping up makes a fire safe by extinguishing or removing burning and hazardous material.
Mopping up includes:

• extinguishing all smouldering material along the fire's edge;
• ensuring logs/debris cannot roll across the fire line;
• making sure all burning fuel is burnt out or is spread or buried to stop sparks travelling;
• clearing both sides of the fire line of snags, rotten logs, stumps, singed brush and low hanging limbs of trees; and
• searching for underground burning roots near the line.

AND nine (9) firefighters in China died while "guarding against flare-ups". 


The fires behavior can change very quickly and there are hidden dangers around every corner.

Smokey Bear asks everyone to PLEASE Always Be Careful and to Remember that Only You Can Prevent a Wildfire. If even just 1 wildfire could be prevented it might just be that one wildfire that took someones father, mother, wife, husband, brother or sisters life.

World News

9 firefighters die battling China wildfire

9 killed, 7 injured in SW China forest fire

KUNMING, China, March 5 (UPI) -- A wildfire in southwestern China was completely subdued by Saturday morning but not before nine firefighters perished, a local fire official said.

It took 1,140 firefighters to put out the deadly blaze on Jianchuan Mountain in Yunnan province, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported.Wan Yong, deputy commander of the provincial forest fire prevention authority, said some firefighters were still monitoring the situation to guard against flare-ups.Local authorities said the doomed firefighters became trapped Thursday when winds reignited an area that had been smoldering. Several others were injured, Xinhua said.

The fire started accidentally started Wednesday by a woman from Jinchang village, who was burning corn stalks on some uncultivated land surrounded by weeds when gusting winds pushed the flames out of control

VOLUSIA COUNTY -- 

News 13 has learned that a second firefighter was hurt battling the almost 17,000 acre Iron Horse Wildfire along the Volusia-Brevard County line.

Division of Forestry officials have confirmed the second firefighter suffered almost the same type burns as the first firefighter when fumes and steam shot up from a hot spot within the fire lines.

DOF officials said this second firefighter, who is with Division of Forestry, was putting out hot spots on the north end of the fire, which is near Maytown Road in Volusia County, around 1 p.m. Saturday.

They said he approached a hotspot, sprayed it with water and the steam shot straight up, burning part of his face, neck and ear.

"Spraying the water onto hot ash, and then it kinda blew back on the gentleman," said Anna Leasa Winter with the Division of Forestry.

Officials are not releasing the name of the firefighter, but they did say he is from the Panhandle.

The firefighter was taken by ambulance to Halifax Medical Center where he is being treated for second-degree burns.

The firefighter's family has been notified, and he is expected to recover. 

 THANKS for listening THANKS for caring THANKS for all you do!