Eric S Neitzel

A tremendous amount of work has been done on the Dragon Bravo Fire in the Grand Canyon National Park. Critical Fire weather is expected in Arizona later this week so Fire Managers from SW CIMT 4 and crews have established a contingency groups, IA group, conducted tactical firing Ops, and installed sprinklers around infrastructure including the Kaibab Lodge. They are also trying to finish hazard mitigation around the burned infrastructure in the park so park employees can return and retrieve their personal items. The team made it clear that the weather event may bring increased activity with potential spotting up to 1/2 mile, so crews are focused on building a lot of depth with firing Ops, to reduce the potential for spotting near the line. The fire is 12,728 acres, 8% contained, with nearly 900 personnel assigned. Thanks to the subscriber who shared these incredible views of Fire activity in the Park.

Quite the night time view of the Madre Fire burning in San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties, California. The definition of “nuking.” Updated mapping isn’t available yet, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it was over 15,000 acres now. This is some incredible wildfire activity for early July.

Idaho: Killed in the line of duty: John Morrison, Battalion Chief with Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, and member of Coeur d'Alene Firefighter IAFF Local 710 Frank J. Harwood, Battalion Chief with Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, and member of Kootenai County Fire Fighters, IAFF L2856 Seriously injured in the line of duty: David Tysdal, Fire Fighter/Engineer with Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, and member of Coeur d'Alene Firefighters IAFF Local 710. Engineer Tysdal is currently fighting for his life and recovery.

Idaho: Some heavy equipment operations you don’t normally see on a wildfire. Land Laser Leveling used some of their equipment to help stop the Highway 16 Fire outside Eagle, Idaho yesterday afternoon. Pretty sweet to see!

Oregon: The Rowena Fire has grown to 3,500 acres along the Columbia River Gorge. The Sheriffs department announced this afternoon that multiple structures have been lost and the fire was determined to be human caused. No further details describing the mechanism of ignition. Aviation continues to hammer the fire along with 100 personnel on the ground. Complex Incident Management Team #2 assumed command of the fire today. Thanks to subscriber Chris P for sharing this footage of air Ops on the fire.

Bro….

🚨New Article Out, Breaking: New Bill To Combine All Wildfire Agencies Into One, Creating The National Wildland Fire Service. This would be the biggest wildfire agency restructuring in decades.

I was told today that wildland firefighters are no longer allowed to accept the resignation letter. I have heard of one recent case where someone tried and was denied. A supervisor also commented saying their overhead told them firefighters are no longer allowed to accept the resignation letter. Also, the new Secretary of the DOI has signed an order exempting seasonals and firefighters from the hiring freeze.

In two months, wildland firefighters will take a 40% pay cut unless Congress votes to stop it. This was ignored and kicked down the road for 3 YEARS! I have advocated for this to change for years, and Congress has continually failed. Everyone’s supporting firefighters now, but will they forget in March? I hope not. Fix the long standing wage issues for wildland firefighter now!

The Angeles National Forest in California issues full closure. Law enforcement called by firefighters in the Topanga Canyon area for a possible arson suspect on a hiking trail, in the Palisades fire area. Never a dull moment on the fireline.