Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency on Wildfires
Posted by: thepinetree on 03/22/2019 02:00 PM
Sacramento, CA... Building on lessons learned from past catastrophic wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a state of emergency throughout California ahead of the coming fire season. The Governor is directing his administration to immediately expedite forest management projects that will protect 200 of California’s most wildfire-vulnerable communities. This action follows the release of a report earlier this month by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), which identified 35 priority fuel-reduction projects that can be implemented immediately to help reduce the public safety risk for wildfire.
Ebbetts Pass Fire District Sponsors “Measure A” to Continue Great Service!
Posted by: thepinetree on 03/20/2019 05:15 PM
Arnold, CA...The Ebbetts Pass Fire District (EPFD) Board of Directors is sponsoring “Measure A,” which is a special tax measure that will fund the continued operation of fire, ambulance and paramedic services to the Upper Highway 4 Corridor. The Fire District serves community members who live in the 225-square-mile District along Highway 4 between Forest Meadows and Bear Valley. The EPFD Board of Directors put forth Measure A to address a $400,000 budget deficit the District is currently facing. If Measure A does not pass, fire, ambulance and paramedic services will have to be cut starting July 1, 2019. Eligible voters will receive ballots in the mail in early April and those ballots must be mailed to the Calaveras County Elections Office by May 7, 2019. In order to pass, Measure A must receive a two-thirds majority, meaning 66.67% of voters must vote “Yes”.
Sonora, CA...From the Tuolumne Sheriff's Office..."Last night around 11 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies and Fire crews responded to a fully engulfed house fire in the 25000 block of Richards Ranch Road in Sonora. A family dog alerted the homeowner to flames that appeared to have started in the garage of the home. The occupants were able to escape safely with one person suffering minor burns. It was reported two of the family’s dogs did not make it out safely. The origin of the fire has not yet been determined."
One Treated for Smoke Inhalation after Residential Structure Fire in Groveland
Posted by: thepinetree on 03/08/2019 04:35 PM
Groveland, CA...Fire and medical personnel worked a residential fire located on the 19000 block of Crocker Station Ln in Groveland earlier today. The roadway was closed to through traffic during the incident. The fire was reported at 10:15 and there were no threats to surrounding structures. All occupants reportedly made it out safely. One patient was treated for smoke inhalation. Please avoid the area if possible.
Sonora, CA...Community Preparedness is essential in the event of a wildfire occurring in our area. Education is the first step to preparation. Join Tuolumne County Fire Department, CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors and Tuolumne County Sheriff at one of the listed educational meetings.
Significant Fire Damage to Tamarack Pines Inn Below Bear Valley
Posted by: thepinetree on 02/23/2019 01:10 PM
Bear Valley, CA...We have confirmed with both the Ebbetts Pass Fire District & Cal-Fire that an early morning fire did significant damage to the Tamarack Pines Inn in Tamarack. According to TCU Dispatch the initial call was at 5am this morning. Initial reports are that occupants heard some form of explosion and then the building rapidly filled with smoke. Thankfully all occupants made it out without injury and the investigation is underway as to cause. A few years ago in a heavy snow year there was a fire at this Inn that was isolated to the propane tank area. Since there is currently 10 feet of snow in the area the investigation will take some time. More details to follow...
Arnold, CA...From EPFD..."EPFD was dispatched to a structure fire this morning. Units arrived to find smoke showing from the second floor. The first arriving units were able to quickly extinguish the fire on the second floor, before it spread from the room of origin. We also provided paramedics to assess and treat one of the residents involved."
CAL FIRE Investigators Determine PG&E Not the Cause of the Tubbs Fire
Posted by: thepinetree on 01/24/2019 12:44 PM
Sacramento, CA...After an extensive and thorough investigation, CAL FIRE has determined the Tubbs Fire, which occurred during the October 2017 Fire Siege, was caused by a private electrical system adjacent to a residential structure. CAL FIRE investigators did not identify any violations of state law, Public Resources Code, related to the cause of this fire.
Governor Newsom Announces Executive Actions to Strengthen California’s Emergency Preparedness and Response
Posted by: thepinetree on 01/10/2019 10:30 AM
Colfax, CA...After touring a high-risk fire area with his top emergency management team, Governor Newsom signed two executive actions to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. Following years of decreases in management of California federal forestlands, Governor Newsom is joining Western State Governors in calling on the White House to double its investment in managing federal forestlands. He also announced that senior, experienced California officials will be leading his Administration’s emergency preparedness and response team.
Camp Fire Losses Top $16 Billion as Extreme Storms, Wildfires and Droughts Cause Heavy Natural Catastrophe Losses in 2018 According to Munich RE
Posted by: thepinetree on 01/10/2019 11:01 AM
Munich, Germany...Eventful second half of the year contributes to high overall loss figure of US$ 160bn. Half of these losses were insured. Loss burden for insurers substantially higher than the long-term average. Notably, there are clear indications of the influence that man-made climate change has had on devastating wildfires in California, which, like last year, again caused billions in losses in 2018.
