Wednesday, Sept. 23 update:
Station Fire Update Sept . 23, 2009 Incident: Station Fire Wildfire
A Red Flag Warning is in effect through Thursday evening for winds gusting to 35 mph and a relative humidity below 15%. Due to this increase in wind and temperature, as well as extended low humidity over the next few days, full containment date has been pushed back to Thursday September 24.
On September 22 an increase in fire activity was seen in several portions of the fire. A 20 acre spot fire occurred in the eastern section of the fire near Twin Peaks in San Gabriel Wilderness. The spot fire was held in check with retardant drops and crews will be working in the area today.
Aircraft continue to extinguish remaining interior hotspots which are located in steep and rugged terrain that is inaccessible by ground crews. The intent of these aerial operations is to extinguish remaining interior hotspots and reduce the risk of embers igniting additional fuels during the anticipated dry, hot, and windy weather.
The Station Fire is now at 94% containment. When referring to a fire, the difference between a fire being contained or controlled can be unclear. When a fire is contained, a fuel break has been completed around the fire manually by hand line, and/or mechanically by dozer line. When a fire is controlled, it has been extinguished completely, including hot spots.
Road closures and a closure of the Angeles National Forest remain in effect due to conditions in the area.
Geographic Location: Hwy. 2 North of La Canada – Flintridge, CA
Acres Burned: 160,557
Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 p.m.
Percent Contained: 94
Estimated Containment Date: 9/24/09
Cause: Arson
Injuries: 22
Structures Threatened: 100
Commercial Bldgs. Threatened: 50
Residences Destroyed: 89
Residences Damaged: 13
Commercial Prop. Destroyed: 26
Commercial Property Damaged: 22
Outbuildings/Other Destroyed: 94
Outbuildings/Other Damaged: 22
RESOURCES
Approximate Personnel Assigned: 806
Helicopters: 9
Air Tankers: 2
Engines: 42
Hand Crews: 14
Dozers: 31
Cost to Date: $86,967,661
FOREST CLOSURES: Angeles National Forest: An area closure of the southern portion of the Angeles National Forest is in effect until it is determined that it is safe to reopen forest areas.
CLOSURES: The Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) and Highway 39 (Azusa Canyon) remain closed. Roads accessible to residents with ID only are Big Tujunga Canyon, Little Tujunga Canyon, Glendora Mountain Road, and Glendora Ridge Road. Please call the CHP for further information at (323) 982-4900. For information on Little Rock Reservoir, call (661) 533-2424
Cooperators and Agencies Assisting the U.S. Forest Service: Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, American Red Cross, CAL FIRE, Southern California Edison, Office of Emergency Services, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Dept of Defense, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre.
Tuesday, Sept. 15 update:
Fire Information is available: * 8 am to 6 pm at (626) 334-7582 * www.inciweb.org reference Station Fire * www.twitter.com/AngelesNF * www.Facebook.com reference TheStationFire
FIRE STATUS
Fire Name: Station Geographic Location: Hwy. 2 North of La Cañada – Flintridge, CA Acres Burned: 160,557 Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 p.m. Percent Contained: 91 Estimated Containment Date: 9/19/09 Cause: Arson Injuries: 22 Structures Threatened: 170 Commercial Bldgs. Threatened: 0 Residences Destroyed: 89 Residences Damaged: 13 Commercial Prop. Destroyed: 26 Commercial Property Damaged: 22 Outbuildings/Other Destroyed: 94 Outbuildings/Other Damaged: 22
RESOURCES
Approximate Personnel Assigned: 984 Helicopters: 3 Air Tankers: Available Engines: 31 Hand Crews: 16 Dozers: 17 Cost to Date: $93,779,000 FIRE OPERATIONS SUMMARY: At 600 am this morning Southern California Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the fire.
Firefighters continue to hold the containment line around the fire. The remaining work is extremely difficult due to terrain.
The burnout operations in the area of Mt. Wilson accomplished the objective of removing extremely heavy fuel. There is still smoke in the area generally east of Mt. Wilson to Devore as undergrowth burns away.
Hot spots continue to smoke inside the burned area of Big Tujunga. A containment line is completed between residences and the “smokes,” but some residents will continue to see smoke from their homes.
Crews are still mopping up hot spots along the 132 miles of line that have been constructed around the fire. The estimated containment date is September 19 to allow for additional mop up to secure the perimeter.
Commuters along Hwy. 138 and residents northeast of the fire will continue to see smoke over the next few days.
Fire suppression repair operations are ongoing. Crews and equipment are improving drainage, pulling debris from drains, knocking down dozer berms and repairing roads.
A Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is assessing the burn area to determine the current and potential future impacts of the fire. Personnel have scouted the northern, western and southern areas.
FOREST CLOSURES: Angeles National Forest: An area closure of the southern portion of the Angeles National Forest is in effect until it is determined that it is safe to reopen forest areas. For additional information on the closure, go to www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/
ROAD CLOSURES: Road Closures are in effect throughout the fire area to protect the community. Please call the CHP for further information at (323) 982-4900. For Little Rock Reservoir, call (661) 533-2424.call the
Cooperators and Agencies Assisting the U.S. Forest Service: Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department, California State Highway Patrol, Caltrans, American Red Cross, CAL FIRE, Southern California Edison, Office of Emergency Services, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Dept of Defense, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre.
Tuesday, September 8 Update:
Fire Operations Summary Fire crews will attempt to burn vegetation Tuesday to reduce fuels in front of the fire east of Mt. Wilson to the western end of Cogswell Reservoir. This operation will occur at a safe distance from homes and structures, with air support. No evacuations are necessary or anticipated.
Fire breaks will be improved from Bear Creek toward Mt. Waterman, the San Gabriel drainage, and at strategic locations along Forest Highway 2. Crews will construct additional fireline from Chileno Canyon north to Twin Peaks drainage. Aggressive patrol and suppression of hot spots will continue.
Crews and equipment have begun repairing fireline along the west side of the fire. The repairs will consist of a number of methods to prevent erosion on roads, trails, and fuel breaks. Dirt roads will be repaired and graded as well.
The main focus of operations today will be to construct and improve fireline along the eastern perimeter of the fire. As always, firefighter and public safety remains the number one priority.
Fire Information available 24/7 at (626) 821-6700 www.inciweb.org reference Station Fire www.twitter.com/AngelesNF www.Facebook.com reference TheStationFire
Fire Status
Fire Name: Station Geographic Location: Hwy. 2 North of La Cañada – Flintridge, CA Acres Burned: 160,357 Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 p.m. Percent Contained: 60 Estimated Containment Date: 9/15/09 Cause: Arson Injuries: 10 Structures Threatened: 5,000 Commercial Bldgs. Threatened: 200 Outbuildings/Other Threatened: 2,000 Residences Destroyed: 78 Residences Damaged: 13 Commercial Prop. Destroyed: 2 Commercial Property Damaged: 1 Outbuildings/Other Destroyed: 86 Outbuildings/Other Damaged: 28
Resources
Approximate Personnel Assigned: 4,687 Helicopters: 20 Air Tankers: Available Engines: 222 Hand Crews: 210 Dozers: 55 Cost to Date: $57,603,000
Road Closures
#1 (T/G 535-C1) ANGLES CREST HWY. (SR-2) @ MPM 26.70 This unit stops all traffic eastbound on Angles Crest. Uniformed personnel, marked units and public utility vehicles (Edison, telephone, etc.) are allowed beyond this point.
#2 (T/G 4471, 4461 –F6) ANGELES CREST HWY (SR-2) @ BIG PINES HWY. This unit stops all traffic westbound on Angeles Crest Hwy. Uniformed personnel, marked units and public utility vehicles (Edison, telephone, etc.) are allowed beyond this point.
#3 (T/G 4466-B7) ALISO CYN. RD. @ ANGLES FOREST HWY. This unit stops all traffic westbound on Angeles Forest Hwy. Uniformed personnel, marked units and public utility vehicles (Edison, telephone, etc.) are allowed beyond this point
#4(T/G 4645-4725 F-5) BIG TUJUNGA CANYON RD. @ ANGELES FOREST HWY. This unit stops all traffic northbound onto Angeles Forest Hwy. Law & Fire personnel are allowed beyond this point. (1230 09/07/09) Keep hard closure @ Big Tujunga Cyn Rd.
#5(T/G 503-J1) 11950 BIG TUJUNGA CANYON RD, @ MT. GLEASON This unit stops all traffic southbound on Little Tujunga. Uniformed personnel, marked units and public utility vehicles (Edison, telephone, etc.) and RESIDENTS WITH ID are allowed beyond this point.
#6(T/G 569- A1) HWY 39 (SAN GABRIEL CANYON RD.) @ OLD SAN GABRIEL CYN. RD. This unit stops all traffic northbound on Hwy. 39. Law & Fire personnel are allowed beyond this point.
#7(T/G 509–J5) EAST FORK RD. @ 3 MILES EAST OF HWY. 39 This unit stops all eastbound traffic onto East Fork Rd from Hwy. 39. Law & Fire personnel are allowed beyond this point.
#8(T/G 4379 G-6) BIG PINES RD @ BIG ROCK CREEK RD. This unit stops all south bound traffic onto Big Rock Creek Rd. Law & Fire personnel are allowed beyond this point.
#9 (T/G 4723-D2) CHANEY TRAIL @ LOMA ALTA RD. This unit stops northbound traffic on Chaney Trail. Uniformed personnel, marked units and public utility vehicles (Edison, telephone, etc.) are allowed beyond this point.
#10 (T/G 4377 C-5) LITTLE ROCK RESERVOIR GATE This unit stops traffic from traveling to Little Rock Reservoir
September 6 Update:
Fire Status Fire Name: Station Geographic Location: Highway 2 North of La Cañada – Flintridge, CA Acres Burned: 157,220 Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 p.m. Percent Contained: 51% Estimated Containment Date: 9/15/09 Cause: Arson Injuries: 9 Structures Threatened: 7,000 Commercial Buildings Threatened: 200 Residences Destroyed: 76 Residences Damaged: 13 Commercial Property Destroyed: 2 Commercial Property Damaged: 1 Outbuildings/Other Destroyed: 86 Outbuildings/Other Damaged: 18 Resources Cooperators and Assisting Agencies: US Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support from Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department, California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, American Red Cross, CAL FIRE, Southern California Edison, Office of Emergency Services, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Dept of Defense, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre. Approximate Personnel Assigned: 4,861 Helitankers 12 Helicopters 7 Air Tankers 8 Engines 243 Hand Crews 149 Dozers 60 Cost to Date $43,500,000
Yesterday’s Fire Behavior While the northern and southern perimeters of the fire remained predominately inactive and in patrol status, fire activity on the eastern and southeastern perimeter made a dramatic run. The advance to the east and southeast created a horseshoe shaped perimeter with an unburned area from Chileo Flats north to Alder Saddle.
In the northeast the fire spread a few miles east of Sulpher Springs. In the southeast the fire advanced beyond Vetter Mountain into the San Gabriel Wilderness and south to Cogswell Dam.
“We’re seeing unprecedented fire behavior for this area,” said Mark Savage, Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Fire plumes were visible as high as 50,000 feet. As the fire made the two pronged advance, firefighters worked to connect fuel breaks, reopen dozer lines, and cut hand line to tie in a solid contingency line along Hwy 39. Firefighters on the ground were supported throughout the day by air operations. Air operations were especially pivotal during this shift in structure protection.
Today’s Objectives In the northeast crews will catch spot fires to stop additional fire movement. In the east crews will continue to anchor the eastern contingency line along Highway 39. Other areas of the fire will be monitored and patrolled, with reassignment of crews to more active areas as necessary. If conditions allow, helicopter ignition using ping pong balls and heli-torch equipment will begin. Smoke and flames may be visible today from Pasadena eastward. Burn operations are a standard operational procedure to eliminate fuels in front of a fire. Plans remain to go direct in the San Gabriel Wilderness as soon as safety allows.
Closures: Glendale: Dukmejian Wilderness Park
Angeles National Forest: An area closure of the southern portion of the Angeles National Forest is in effect until it is determined that it is safe to reopen forest areas. For additional information on the closure, go to www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/.
Open to Residents Only: • Little Tujunga Canyon Rd and Live Oak Campground • Aliso Canyon Rd at Angeles Forest Hwy • Little Tujunga Canyon Rd at ¼ mile north of the Wildlife Way Station
Road Closures:
• Big Rock Creek Rd closed at Big Pines Rd • Highway 39 between San Gabriel Canyon Road and East Fork Rd • Big Tujunga Rd 1 mile north of Mt Gleason Rd at the City/County line • Soledad Canyon Rd at Indian Canyon Trail Head • Angeles Crest Hwy between Big Pines Hwy and mile marker 26.7 north of Altadena • Big Pines Hwy at SR-2 • Cheney Trail at Angeles National Forest gate (Loma Alta)
The following services are provided at no cost:
Evacuation Shelters: Located at Golden Valley High School and Verdugo High School.
Pet Evacuation Centers: Located at Pasadena Humane Society, Baldwin Park Animal Shelter, LA County Agoura Hills Animal Shelter.
Large Animal Evacuation Center: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds is boarding large animals. Pierce College can only board horses, donkeys and mules.
Los Angeles County Fire Department /s/ IC Michael Bryant US Forest Service /s/ Information Officer Leona Rodreick /s/ IC Mike Dietrich Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department /s/ IC Henry Romero
Saturday, Sept. 5 Update:
Skies are clearing and much progress is being made on the Station that is now 49% contained as of Saturday morning, Sept. 5. See the National Forest Service media release below (other daily updates, photos and videos below)…
For air quality updates, please consult the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and myfoxla.com.
Please see additional fire coverage at Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Star-News, MyFoxLa.com, LAist.com, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection incident website.
Fire Status Fire Name: Station Geographic Location: Highway 2 North of La Cañada – Flintridge, CA Acres Burned: 154,655 Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 p.m. Percent Contained: 49% Estimated Containment Date: 9/15/09 Cause: Arson Injuries: 9 Structures Threatened: 7,000 Commercial Buildings Threatened: 200 Residences Destroyed: 76 Residences Damaged: 13 Commercial Property Destroyed: 2 Commercial Property Damaged: 1 Outbuildings/Other Destroyed: 86 Outbuildings/Other Damaged: 18 Communication Sites Destroyed: 2 Resources Cooperators: US Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support from Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department, California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, American Red Cross, CAL FIRE, Southern California Edison, and the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre. Approximate Personnel Assigned: 5,244 Helitankers 12 Helicopters 7 Air Tankers 8 DC10 and 747 are available as needed. Engines 343 Hand Crews 148 Dozers 66
Summary: The Station Fire has burned 242 square miles of land within the Angeles National Forest and near surrounding foothill communities of La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton, Soledad Canyon, Pasadena, Glendale and Sierra Madre. The Incident Management Team’s goal is to keep the fire west of Highway 39 and Angeles Crest Highway, east of Interstate 5; south of Highway 14, Pearblossom Highway, and Highway 138; and north of the foothill communities and the Angeles National Forest Boundary.
Firefighters made good progress over night and completed line construction on the western perimeter of the fire. They also successfully burned out areas between Bear Mountain and Chilao to extend the fire line on the northeastern perimeter. The fire is currently burning in the San Gabriel Wilderness. Today firefighters will continue to improve existing lines and concentrate efforts on containing the east and southeast flanks of the fire.
Closures:
Glendale: Dukmejian Wilderness Park
Angeles National Forest: An area closure of the southern portion of the Angeles National Forest is in effect until it is determined that it is safe to reopen forest areas. For additional information on the closure, go to www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/.
Open to Residents Only:
• Little Tujunga Canyon Rd and Live Oak Campground • Aliso Canyon Rd at Y8 • Aliso Canyon Rd at Angeles Forest Hwy • Little Tujunga Canyon Rd at ¼ mile north of the Wildlife Way Station
Road Closures:
• Big Tujunga Rd 1 mile north of Mt Gleason Rd at the City/County line • Soledad Canyon Rd at Indian Canyon Trail Head • Angeles Crest Hwy between Big Pines Hwy and mile marker 26.7 north of Altadena • Big Pines Hwy at SR-2 • Cheney Trail at Angeles National Forest gate (Loma Alta)
The following services are provided at no cost:
Evacuation Shelters: Located at Golden Valley High School and Verdugo High School.
Pet Evacuation Centers: Located at Pasadena Humane Society, Baldwin Park Animal Shelter, LA County Agoura Hills Animal Shelter.
Large Animal Evacuation Center: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds is boarding large animals. Pierce College can only board horses, donkeys and mules.
Los Angeles County Fire Department /s/ IC Michael Bryant
US Forest Service /s/ Operations Chief Les Curtis for IC Mike Dietrich
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department /s/ IC Henry Romero
Friday Update, Sept. 4:
Order No. 01-09-07 AREA CLOSURE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Station Fire Area of the Angeles National Forest. This order is effective from 12:00 p.m. on September 3, 2009, until the Station Fire is fully contained. 1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.53(e). 2. Being on any National Forest System road within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.54(e). 3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.55(a). Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 2. Owners or lessees of private land within the Station Fire Area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their land. 3. Persons who reside on private land within the Station Fire Area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their residences. 4. Persons with a special use permit or contract from the Forest Service authorizing work within the Station Fire Area and their employees, contractors, or agents are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent authorized by the special use permit or contract. 5. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Done at Arcadia, California, this 3rd day of September, 2009.
____________________. MARTIN DUMPIS Acting Forest Supervisor Angeles National Forest
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.
This order supersedes Order No. 01-09-06, dated Aug. 30, 2009.
ORDER NO. 01-09-07 Angeles National Forest
Station Fire Closure
Exhibit A
The Station Fire Closure Area consists of all National Forest System lands within the Angeles National Forest bounded by California State Route 14 (Antelope Valley Freeway) on the north, then continuing northeast to California State Route 138 (Pearblossom Highway), then continuing east to California Interstate 15 (Ontario Freeway/Barstow Freeway), then continuing south to California Interstate 210 (Foothill Freeway), then continuing west to the starting point.
Thursday update, Sept. 3:
Heavy machinery will be creating a fire break in Arcadia as a precaution against the rapidly spreading Station Fire to the west (see announcement below, plus Wednesday updates from National Fire Service).
Arcadia Fire chief Tony Trabbie issued this statement Thursday morning, Aug. 3: STATION FIRE UPDATE Last updated 6:55am September 2, 2009
The Station Fire, which started above La Canada Flintridge on August 26, 2009, continues to burn in both a northwest and northeast direction. The fire has now consumed more than 140,000 acres and it is approximately 22% contained with many efforts underway to slow its progress.
As a contingency plan, bulldozers from the U.S. Forest Service and Los Angeles County Fire Department are cutting a fire break from Arcadia to the east. You may hear or see several pieces of heavy equipment with bright lights working in the foothills this evening and for the next several days.
The fire is NOT currently a threat to Arcadia. The Arcadia Fire Department is monitoring the condition closely; we will continue to patrol the foothills, and we will advise if the situation changes.
For the latest information, please visit the City website periodically or call a pre-recorded public message with updates at 574-3880. Monitor your local radio and television news, and click on this link for updated information from the U.S. Forest Service. We ask that you refrain from calling the local police and fire departments for information.
Because of the high danger of fire, Arcadia Wilderness Park and Chantry Road are closed and will remain closed until further notice.
Tony Trabbie City of Arcadia Fire Chief
Santa Anita temporarily houses La Canada horse during fire (now returned) and mules, donkeys and other animals from Adams Pack Station at Chantry Flat. See
City of Arcadia Informational Bulletin Station Fire September 3, 2009
The Arcadia Fire Department and City Officials are closely monitoring the Station Fire. At this time, there is no imminent danger to Arcadia residents. The Station Fire continues to be a slow moving fire spreading in an easterly direction. Officials do not expect it to reach City limits for two to three days, if at all. This prediction is primarily contingent upon weather conditions and fire behavior.
The fire is not currently a threat to Arcadia, however we may continue to experience heavy smoke conditions due to the dry, hot weather and, therefore, encourage residents to refrain from extensive outdoor activities. The Arcadia Fire Department is monitoring conditions closely, will continue to patrol the foothills and will advise residents if the situation changes.
As a contingency plan, bulldozers and hand crews from the U.S. Forest Service and Los Angeles County have entered the foothills above our local communities to cut fire breaks from west of Sierra Madre to the east. These breaks are designed to hold the fire well north of our City limits. Hand line construction is proceeding directly behind homes in Sierra Madre and Arcadia. You may hear or see heavy equipment with bright lights working in the foothills this evening and for several days to come. Controlled firing operations may also be conducted in order to increase the effectiveness of fire breaks, resulting in increased smoke and flame in areas north of the City.
In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service, the road to Chantry Flats has been closed until further notice. In addition, the City has closed Wilderness Park through the Labor Day weekend.
Arcadians should be aware there is a potential for increased fire apparatus activity on land and by air due to the relocation of the Station Fire base camp from Hansen Dam in Lake View Terrace to Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale. A community meeting has been scheduled by the Station Fire Unified Command for interested residents of Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia and Monrovia on Thursday, September 03, 2009, at 7:00 pm at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E Sierra Madre Blvd in Pasadena.
Residents in the Wildand Urban Interface (West of Santa Anita and north of Grandview, east of Santa Anita and north of Sycamore) are asked to begin their emergency preparations in the event of voluntary and/or mandatory evacuations.
Residents are reminded to be “Ready for 7” with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. If the City evacuates residents, an evacuation site will be set up at the Community Center at 375 Campus Drive. Please check in at this site should you evacuate your home, regardless of your relocation plan.
For more information please visit the city website at www.ci.arcadia.ca.us. A special “fire line” has been established to update residents with a recorded message at 626-574-3880. Other sources of information about the Station Fire can be found at InciWeb the Incident Information System http://inciweb.org/. We ask that you refrain from contacting the local police and fire departments for additional information.
Evacuation Checklist Critical medications Important personal papers, photos Essential valuables Pet and livestock transport Pet food Change of clothing, toiletries Cell phone Sturdy shoes Evacuation Route Map For more evacuation information login to: http://www.cdf.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/Evacuation.pdf
National Forest Service updates on Station and Morris fires as of Wednesday, Sept. 2:
Station Fire Information September 2, 2009 7:00 a.m.
Fire Status Fire Name: Station Geographic Location: Highway 2 North of La Cañada – Flintridge, CA Acres Burned: 140,150 Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 p.m. Percent Contained: 22% Estimated Containment Date: 9/15/09 Cause: Under Investigation Injuries: 6 Structures Threatened: 12,000 Commercial Buildings Threatened: 500 Residences Destroyed: 62 Commercial Property Destroyed: 3 Outbuildings/Other: 27 Communication Sites Destroyed: 2 Resources Cooperators: US Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support from Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Los Angeles City Fire Department Approximate Personnel Assigned: 4,128 Helitankers 9 Helicopters 8 Air Tanker 11 (including the DC-10 and the 747) Engines 488 Hand Crews 73 Dozers 64
Summary: The Station Fire has burned 218 square miles of land within the Angeles National Forest and near surrounding foothill communities of La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton, Soledad Canyon, Pasadena and Glendale. The goals of the firefighters are to keep the fire west of Highway 39 and Angeles Crest Highway, east of Interstate 5, south of Highway 14, Pearblossom Highway, and Highway 138, and north of the foothill communities and the Angeles National Forest Boundary. Fire suppression efforts have been hampered by steep terrain, dry fuels that have not burned for 40+ years, as well as hot dry weather conditions.
Community Meeting/Station Fire Update Wrightwood Elementary School Ballfield 1175 State Highway 2 Wrightwood 92397 Wednesday, September 2, 2009 7:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs; no seating available.
Station Fire Information September 1, 2009 7:00 a.m.
Mandatory Evacuations:
Glendale: Sky Ridge, Sky View Ln, Brittany Ln and Deukmejian Wilderness Park until noon 9/2/09
Altadena: Chaney Tr at Angeles NF Gate
Tujunga: On and north of Day St between Haines Canyon Rd and Lowell Ave until noon 9/2/09
Acton/Agua Dulce: • Soledad Canyon Rd from 14 Fwy to Bootlegger Canyon Rd • Angeles Forest Hwy south of Aliso Canyon Rd into Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest entire eastern main body of the Angeles National Forest will be closed effective 6:00 p.m. tonight until full containment of the Station Fire
Road Closures: • Angeles Crest Hwy between Big Pines Hwy and the Angeles National Forest Boundary in La Cañada Flintridge • Little Tujunga Rd between Placerita Canyon Rd and Osborne St • Big Tujunga Rd between Mt Gleason Ave and Angeles Forest Hwy
Evacuation Shelters: Located at La Cañada High School; La Crescenta Valley High School and Golden Valley High School, Recreation Building at Marie Kerr Park, Verdugo High School.
Animal Shelters Located at Pasadena Humane Society, Baldwin Park Shelter, LA County Agora Hills Animal Shelter. Mission Shelter will accept small animals. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds will accept all large animals. Pierce College can only accept horses, donkeys and mules. Lancaster Animal Shelter and Agoura Animal Shelter are both accepting small animals.
Los Angeles County Fire Department /s/ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬IC Michael Bryant US Forest Service /s/ Dep IC (t) Carlton Joseph for IC Mike Dietrich Glendale Fire Department – IC Greg Godfrey Pasadena Fire Department – IC Martin Johnson Los Angeles City Fire Department /s/ Dep IC Joe Castro for IC Greg West Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department /s/ Dep IC Christy Guyovich for IC David Fender ____________________________________________
Fire Status Fire Name: Morris Geographic Location: Highway 39 North of Morris Dam Acres Burned: 2168 Start Date and Time: August 25, 2009 4:27 P.M. Percent Contained: 95% Estimated Containment Date: September 3, 2009 Cause: Under Investigation Injuries: 6 Structures Destroyed: 0 Commercial Buildings: 0 Autos: – 0 Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation-East Fork Voluntary evacuation-North Fork Resources Assigned: 11 Engines 5 Crews 0 Dozers 0 Air Tankers 1 Helicopters 1 Helitankers Resources
Cooperators: Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support from Los Angeles County Fire Dept., Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept., California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Los Angeles City Fire Dept., Azusa Police Dept., American Red Cross.
Approximate Personnel Assigned: 313
Summary
The Morris Fire began at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 in the San Gabriel Canyon just north of Azusa California. The fire is 95% percent contained with minimum fire activity north and east in San Gabriel Canyon. A red flag warning is still in effect through today. Crews continue to mop up and patrol. Fire line repair work is a high priority as crews attempt to reduce the amount of soil exposed to help prevent soil erosion which is always a concern following major fires. As excess resources are identified they are being released to assist in other firefighting efforts in southern California.
Estimated containment date: September 3, 2009 Estimated control date and time: September 6, 2009 1800 hrs.
Terrain: Steep Fuel Type: Medium Brush and Chaparral
Road Closures: A Forest Closure is in effect for the San Gabriel Canyon and will remain in effect until Thursday, September 2, 2009.
Fire Information (626) 334-3717 (Morris Incident Command Post) Supervisor’s Office Fire Information Center, open 24 hours (626) 821-6700 or (626) 574-5208 Information is also available at www.inciweb.org reference Morris Fire.
Monday, Aug. 31:
Air quality continued to worsen Monday in Arcadia with smoke from the Station Fire continuing to fill the skies as seen from south Arcadia in this 20-second video below taken at dusk on Monday evening. (For updates on air quality, evacuations, containment, etc., see links below)
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Sunday evening after dark at about 9 p.m., flames from Station Fire were visible for the first time from south Arcadia on the moutains towards the western edge of the city towards Mt. Wilson as seen in these photos below taken with a long zoom lens.
Mountain flames visible from south Arcadia Sunday, Aug. 30 - photo by Scott Hettrick
Hot spots visible on Arcadia mountains Sunday night, Aug. 30 - photo by Scott Hettrick
About 9:30 p.m. the Angeles National Forest tweeted a message that people looking for evacuation information should dial 211. The Forest Service also posted these statistics on the Station Fire as of Sunday evening, Aug. 30 :
* 42,500 acres burned * 5% Containment * 2575 Personnel * 4 Injuries * 2 Deaths (firefighters)
Smoke Advisory: South Coast Air Quality Management District Monday, Aug. 31, 2009
Smoke from the Station Fire near La Canada has caused Unhealthy to Hazardous air quality in the San Gabriel Mountains (Area 15) and the West San Gabriel Valley (Area 8).
Very high concentrations of fine particulates are occurring in areas of direct smoke impacts near the fire, especially the foothill communities of Altadena, La Canada, Flintridge, La Crescenta, Tujunga, Sunland, Montrose, Altadena and Acton. Physical activity should be avoided in these areas.
Smoke from wildfires is continuing to affect air quality in portions of the South Coast Air Basin. The Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest near La Canada and the Oak Glen Fire near Yucaipa continue to grow rapidly. Smoke has settled into the valleys of Los Angeles County overnight near the fires, as well as in the eastern San Bernardino Valley.
Onshore ocean breezes during the afternoon are expected to move smoke into the mountains. Prior to the onshore flow clearing the western Basin, smoke will linger in much of Los Angeles County and the eastern San Bernardino Valley.
Air quality will reach Unhealthy levels, or higher, in smoke impacted areas, especially near the fires. These areas will likely include: the San Gabriel Mountains (Area 15); the West San Gabriel Valley (Area 8); the West San Bernardino Mountains (Area 36); the Santa Clarita Valley (Area 13); the San Fernando Valley (Areas 6 and 7); the East San Gabriel Valley (Area 9); East San Bernardino Valley (Area 35); East San Bernardino Mountains (Area 38); Banning/San Gorgonio Pass (Area 29).
In any area impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.
To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, see http://www2.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/VEMap3D.aspx .
For more tips on avoiding health impacts from smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm on AQMD’s website.
The following release was issued by the National Forest Service Sunday morning: Order No. 01-09-05 AREA CLOSURE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Station Fire Area of the Angeles National Forest. This order is effective from 12:00 p.m. on August 30, 2009, until the Station Fire is fully contained.
1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.53(e).
2. Being on any National Forest System road within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.55(a).
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 2. Owners or lessees of private land within the Station Fire Area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their land.
3. Persons who reside on private land within the Station Fire Area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their residences.
4. Persons with a special use permit or contract from the Forest Service authorizing work within the Station Fire Area and their employees, contractors, or agents are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent authorized by the special use permit or contract.
5. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Done at Arcadia, California, this 30th day of August, 2009.
_/s/Martin Dumpis_ . MARTIN DUMPIS Deputy Forest Supervisor Angeles National Forest
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.
ORDER NO. 01-09-05 Angeles National Forest
Station Fire Closure
Exhibit A
The Station Fire Area begins at the intersection of Little Tujunga Road and the Boundary of the Angeles National Forest, Township 3 N, Range 14 W, Section 33; then north along Little Tujunga Road to the boundary of the Angeles National Forest, Township 3 N, Range 15 W, Section 1; then east along the boundary of the Angeles National Forest to its intersection with Forest Service Road 4N15 (Alimony Ridge OHV Trail), Township 4 N, Range 10 W, Section 18; then south along Forest Service Road 4N15 to its intersection with Forest Service Road 5N04 (Little Rock Road), Township 4 N, Range 10 W, Section 19; then south along Forest Service Road 5N04 to its intersection with Forest Service Road 3N17, Township 3 N, Range 11 W, Section 10; then south along Forest Service Road 3N17 to its intersection with Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), Township 3 N, Range 10 W, Section 13; then south along Highway 2 to its intersection with Forest Service Road 2N23, Township 2 N, Range 11 W, Section 9; then south along Forest Service Road 2N23 to its intersection with Forest Service Road 2N24, Township 2 N, Range 11 W, Section 27; then south along Forest Service Road 2N24 to Spring Camp, Township 2 N, Range 10 W, Section 31; then south following the Van Tassel Transmission Lines to Forest Service Road 1N36 (Van Tassel Truck Trail), Township 1 N, Range 10 W, Section 8; then south along Forest Service Road 1N36 to the boundary of the Angeles National Forest, Township 1 N, Range 10 W, Sections 17; then west along the boundary of the Angeles National Forest to the point of the beginning.
From Angeles National Forest late Friday, Aug. 28 /early Saturday, Aug. 29:
Fire Status Fire Name: Station Geographic Location: Highway 2 North of La Canada – Flintridge, CA Acres Burned: 5000 Start Date: August 26, 2009 Time: 3:20 P.M. Percent Contained: 0% Estimated Containment Date: 09/08/09 Cause: Under Investigation Injuries: 1 Threatened: 1,800 homes, 52 outbuildings/others Structures Destroyed: 0 Commercial Buildings: 52 Evacuations: Clear Creek Outdoor Education Center, Camp High Hill by Red Box. Voluntary evacuation north of Vista del Valle, east of La Canada Blvd, extending to the La Canada Country Club and north of Starlight Crest Drive.
Resources
Cooperators: Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support from Los Angeles County Fire Dept., Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept., California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Los Angeles City Fire Dept.
Approximate Personnel Assigned: 637 5 Helitankers 2 Helicopters 1 Air Tanker 40 Engines 22 hand crews 6 dozers Summary
The Station Fire began at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 on the Angeles Crest Highway (State Highway 2) north of La Canada in the Angeles National Forest. The fire is approximately 5000 acres with 0% containment. The fire is moving south and west towards the cities of La Canada-Flintridge and La Crescenta, west towards Mt. Luken east toward Brown Mountain, Bear Canyon and Altadena. La Canada High School has been identified as an evacuation center.
Terrain: Steep Fuel Type: Medium Brush, Chaparral and Trees Weather: Hot and Dry
Road Closures: California State Highway 2 at the Forest boundary by La Canada and at Clear Creek junction on the North.
Fire Information will be available 24 hours at (626) 821-6700 until further notice. Information is also available at www.inciweb.org reference Morris Fire.
NEWS RELEASE USDA Forest Service Angeles National Forest
Date: August 28, 2009 Angeles National Forest 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006 (626) 574-5200 www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Fire Information (626) 821-6700
Angeles National Forest Announces Emergency Closure of a Portion of the Los Angeles River Ranger District Because of the Actively Burning Station Fire
ARCADIA, Calif.— As a result of extreme fire activity, and to protect public health and safety, Angeles National Forest officials are implementing an area closure of the Big Tujunga and Arroyo Seco Canyons and other lands in the vicinity of the Station Fire, effective 6:00 p.m. today. The closure will last until the Station Fire has been fully contained.
Individuals or organizations holding special use permits for sanctioned activities within the Forest are exempt from this order. While the closure is in effect, going into or being upon National Forest System lands, roads, or trails within the closure area is not allowed. The closure will affect the use of all national forest recreational facilities, roads and hiking trails. A violation of the closure order is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
The closure area includes California State Highway 2, Big Tujunga Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road, in addition to other Forest Service roads in the area of the Station Fire which will remain closed to the public.
For further information about the closure or fires currently burning on the Angeles, contact the Fire Information Center at 626-821-6700.
-FS-
Order No. 01-09-04 AREA CLOSURE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Station Fire Area of the Angeles National Forest. This order is effective from 6:00 p.m. on August 28, 2009, until the Station Fire is fully contained.
1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.53(e).
2. Being on any National Forest System road within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the Station Fire Area, which is described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 CFR 261.55(a).
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 2. Owners or lessees of private land within the Station Fire Area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their land.
3. Persons who reside on private land within the Station Fire Area are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent necessary to gain access to their residences.
4. Persons with a special use permit or contract from the Forest Service authorizing work within the Station Fire Area and their employees, contractors, or agents are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent authorized by the special use permit or contract.
5. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Done at Arcadia, California, this 28th day of August, 2009. ___ ________ . JODY NOIRON Forest Supervisor Angeles National Forest
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581. _______________________________________________
Fire Status Fire Name: Morris Geographic Location: Highway 39 North of Morris Dam Acres Burned: 2168 Start Date and Time: 04:27 P.M. Percent Contained: 85% Estimated Containment Date: Cause: Under Investigation Injuries: 2 Structures Destroyed: 0 Commercial Buildings: 0 Autos: – 0 Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation-East Fork Voluntary evacuation-North Fork
Resources Assigned: 10 Engines 43 Crews 9 Dozers 0 Air Tankers 5 Helicopters 4 Helitankers Resources
Cooperators: Forest Service (Lead Agency) with support from Los Angeles County Fire Dept., Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept., California State Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Los Angeles City Fire Dept., Azusa Police Dept., American Red Cross.
Approximate Personnel Assigned: 1,369
Summary
The Morris Fire began at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 in the San Gabriel Canyon just north of Azusa California. The fire is 85% percent contained with moderate fire activity north and east in San Gabriel Canyon. A red flag warning is still in effect through Saturday. As excess resources are identified they are being released to assist in other firefighting efforts in southern California.
Terrain: Steep Fuel Type: Medium Brush and Chaparral
Road Closures: A Forest Closure is in effect for the San Gabriel Canyon and will remain in effect until the fire is contained.
Fire Information (626) 334-3717 (Morris Incident Command Post) Supervisor’s Office Fire Information Center, open 24 hours (626) 821-6700 or (626) 574-5208 Information is also available at www.inciweb.org reference Morris Fire.