Imperial Fire update 7-31-16

Imperial Fire Information For Release: July 31, 2016
Contact: Nate Caswell, Refuge Manager – 928-783-3371

FIRE NAME: Imperial Fire 

LOCATION: The fire is located on the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge on the California side of the river between Ferguson Lake and the old gauging station across from the Eureka Mine area.

TIME REPORTED: July 30, 2016 at 8 a.m.

ACRES BURNED: The total perimeter of the fire is currently under 100 acres.

RESOURCES: There are currently six engines, one Type II hand crew and one Type I hand crew, three fire boats, one law enforcement boat, one helicopter, and overhead personnel totaling approximately 100 people.

AGENCIES: Agencies involved with suppression of the fire include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Wildland Fire crew, and several state and local agencies

LAND STATUS: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

VEGETATION: Primarily salt cedar and phragmites

WEATHER: High temperature today is expected to be between 101 and 105 degrees with humidity between 26 to 31%. Winds are from the South at about 8 to 17 mph and are expected to calm this evening and remain from the south. Winds could become gusty in the afternoon if thunderstorms form.

RESOURCES AND STRUCTURES THREATENED: There are no structures threatened. Fire engines have been placed at strategic locations on the Arizona side of the river in case of any spot fires in locations reachable by road.

CONTAINMENT: Currently at 5% CAUSE: This fire was caused by lightning.

INJURIES: None

CURRENT STATUS: The Imperial Fire is slowly burning downstream on the California side of the Colorado River and is only accessible by boat. The western side of the fire is desert upland habitat.
Firefighters conducted a burnout operation and stopped the fire’s upriver movement on Saturday. There was one small spot fire on the Arizona side of the river Saturday that was extinguished. Smoke and flame will continue as vegetation continues to burn toward the south. Fire boats are on the river.
A fire line has been prepared at a narrow area near Ferguson Lake.

The Meers Point Recreation Area is closed to public use to accommodate firefighting equipment. The river remains open but river users are asked to use extreme caution in the area.

Firefighter and public safety continues to be the top priority.

Fire Restrictions announced for BLM lands in Western AZ

Fire Restrictions Announced for Bureau of Land Management

In Western Arizona

To protect the public, natural resources, and reduce the risks of wildfires, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District has announced fire restrictions on 5.4 million acres of public lands in western Arizona and southeastern California along the Colorado River.

Effective at 6 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014, fire and smoking restrictions will be enforced on all public lands within the BLM Kingman, Lake Havasu, and Yuma Field Office jurisdictions.  These restrictions are similar to those being implemented in other areas in Arizona. (Quartzsite is in BLM Yuma District.) 

The BLM is asking the public to use extreme caution when visiting public lands this summer.  Currently there are no plans to close any areas to public use.  The public is reminded that the following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove.  Campfires and charcoal are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, within a developed or improved recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

3. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or gridding implement.

“Due to the drought conditions throughout the State, we have very dry vegetation in the area that will become fuel for wildfires as temperatures continue to rise and humidity falls,” stated Fire Management Officer Michael Trent.  “The restrictions will continue until conditions warrant the lifting of the restrictions.”

Fireworks and incendiary devices are prohibited on Arizona public lands year-round.

Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months. 

For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free:  1-877-864-6985

Visit the website:  http://www.firerestrictions.us/

Update on Island Lake Fire north of Yuma

Below is the update on the Island Lake Fire on the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge from BLM:

FIRE NAME:  Island Lake Fire  

LOCATION:  The fire is located in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. 

TIME REPORTED:  May 19, 2013, at 1 p.m.  

ACRES BURNED:  Approximately 500 acres 

RESOURCES:  There are currently 1engine, 1 Type II crew, 2 fire boats, 1 law enforcement boat, and overhead personnel totaling approximately 50 people.  A helicopter is on order at this time.

AGENCIES:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Arizona State Forestry Department 

LAND STATUS:  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

VEGETATION:  Primarily salt cedar and phragmites

WEATHER:  Temperatures between 95 – 100 degrees with single digit humidity.  Winds will be northwest at 5 -18 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

RESOURCES AND STRUCTURES THREATENED:  Norton’s Landing

CONTAINMENT:  5 percent contained at this time. 

CAUSE:  The cause of this fire is under investigation.  

CURRENT STATUS:  The Island Lake Fire is moving upstream at this time and is only accessible by the Colorado River.  The southern portion of the fire has a fireline around it and the eastern portion of the fire is desert.  The western portion of the fire is the Colorado River and it is holding the fire at this time.  The plan for today is to prepare the line for a burnout operation along the northern side of the fire to protect Norton’s Landing which is a private inholding on Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.

CURRENT STATUS:  The Island Lake Fire continues to burn upstream on the Arizona side of the Colorado River.  Fire personnel are conducting a burnout operation on the north side of the fire to stop the fire’s progression. 

RESOURCES AND STRUCTURES THREATENED:  Norton’s Landing and Picacho State Recreation Area.  Two ramadas in the Picacho State Recreation Area have been destroyed.

The forward progress of the fire on the California side of the Colorado River has stopped.  There was an additional spot fire north of Picacho State Recreation Area and it has been confined.

Firefighter and public safety, along with structure protection at Norton’s Landing and Picacho State Recreation Area continue to be top priorities for this fire.  With winds coming from the north, smoke will continue to carry into the Yuma area.  Please take precautions if you are sensitive to smoke.  

Yuma Hospital changes visitor guidelines during flu season

Yuma Regional Medical Center Changes 

Visitor Guidelines 

During Flu Season

(January 11, 2013 – Yuma , AZ )  Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is experiencing high patient volumes, which is normal during this time of year because of Yuma ’s winter visitor population and it being peak flu season. However, to protect patients, families and staff from unnecessary exposure to the flu virus, YRMC is changing its guidelines for those who visit patients during flu season. Effective immediately, people under the age of 18 will not be permitted in patient care and waiting areas during flu season. You may be asked for identification. An exception will be made for anyone under 18 who is the parent of a patient or person receiving services. YRMC is also asking people over the age of 18 who are experiencing the following symptoms not to visit patients:

• Fever
• Cough
• Aches/pains
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Chills
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Feel as if you might have the flu
  

“Flu” refers to illness caused by a number of different influenza viruses. It can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to severe. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at greater risk for serious complications. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and persons who live in facilities like nursing homes.

The best way to prevent the flu from spreading is to practice good hand hygiene; wash your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and then rinse well under running water and dry with a clean towel or air dry them. If you already have the flu, the best prevention is to stay home.  

Due to YRMC’s high patient volumes, the newly developed third floor of the tower was opened yesterday, a day ahead of schedule. This provides an additional 36 patient beds, and will alleviate patient overflow.

AWC science students to chase weather balloons from Yuma

Science Class Will Launch Their Own Balloon 

and Gather Information

Yuma, AZ - Professor of Geosciences at Arizona Western College (AWC), Christian Benker, Ph.D. and his Physical Geography class have been invited to participate in a project coordinated by the Near Space Research Organization. The team from Near Space Research Organization has prepared the launch for Saturday, February 18th at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. However, during the week leading up to launch the AWC students will be learning about the project and creating their own weather balloon data collection unit to launch.

The Near Space Research Organization will be conducting their weather balloon launch at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has an instrument panel going up with that balloon. "They offered AWC the opportunity to send another one up at no cost," commented Christian Benker, Ph.D, Professor of Geosciences at Arizona Western College. "Only thing the students will have to do is put in a couple of hours to rebuild the data collection unit from a previous crash under."

Under the direction of one of their supervisors' weather balloon data collection unit will be re-assembled. The students will then be able to send their own data collection unit with the Near Space Research Organization balloon; collecting atmospheric data from it as it drifts. The students will also watch launch and even "chase" after the balloon.

The Physical Geography classes schedule of events:


Friday, Feb 17th from 10:30am-12:30pm- in AS 108-- Build team will view presentation by Jack Crabtree and Bob Shipton from the Near Space Research Organization and under their supervision build the data collection unit for the weather balloon

Saturday, Feb 18th @ 8:30am--chase team will arrive at Yuma Co Fairground for pre-launch check followed by launch and balloon chase.

**The balloon could drift as much as 100 mile radius and we will be tracking it from ground and attempting to locate data collection unit (or "payload") upon crash.**

Wednesday, February 29th @ 1:40pm in AS 108--The post-data team will interpret data collected. Students will present what data we gathered and its interpretations in class.

Fire Restrictions Continue Through Labor Day Weekend

Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District wants to remind the public that fire restrictions continue to be in effect throughout the District which includes the Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and Kingman areas. Due to continued high fire danger and low amounts of rainfall, the restrictions will remain through the Labor Day weekend.

“Our first priority is public safety,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Michael Trent. “At this time, we do not feel comfortable lifting the restrictions due to the current environmental conditions.”

“BLM will continue to monitor the weather and fire situation throughout the holiday weekend and will lift the restrictions as soon as the fire danger decreases,” Trent continued.

Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:

1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.

Trent added that with the Labor Day holiday weekend coming up, many people are making their last camping or exploring trip of the season on public lands in western Arizona. The public should always think about outdoor safety while recreating. Always carry plenty of water and make sure someone knows your itinerary. Off-highway vehicles need to stay on existing roads and trails. Cross country travel is not allowed and could be very dangerous.

Laguna Fire 100% Contained!

As of 2000 hours on May 24, 2011,

the Laguna Fire north of Yuma Arizona is

100% Contained.

Contained does NOT mean the fire is out.

The three hotspots within the 751 acre perimeter were successfully

mitigated on Tuesday, with no new flames seen at this hour.

The public is urged to stay clear of the Laguna Dam / Betty's Kitchen

Recreation Areas (and this includes boat launching at Mittry Lake) as trees

are still smoldering and smoking) and fire crews remain on scene.

Laguna Fire north of Yuma 50% contained - AZ FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Yuma, Ariz. - Fire fighters are progressing on the Laguna Fire
along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.

Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The
acreage burned is approximately 800 acres. Currently the
fire is estimated at 50% contained with full containment Monday, May 23, 2011.

Fifty fire fighters worked Thursday night securing the southern end
of the fire and putting out flare-ups on the California side. Fire
activity continues to be in islands of vegetation inside the fire
perimeter.

An Arizona Type III Incident Management Team (Morrison) assumed
responsibility for the Laguna Fire Friday morning.

“We’re asking folks to please avoid the Mittry Lake area for the next
few days,” said BLM Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike
Trent. “We realize it’s an inconvenience, but we appreciate the public’s
cooperation while we get this fire contained. Access for our fire crews
and equipment is challenging.”

Friday’s activity will focus on continued water drops using two
helicopters, using two fire boats to pump water directly on the flames,
dozer work, and hand crews building fire line.

Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including
engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial
County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land
Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night
tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.


The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California on the Quechan Reservation and hopped the river
into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under
investigation. Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.

All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.

Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River
area to public use.

Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:


1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and
charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or
improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.
The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is
allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire
underwriter’s specifications for safety.


2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a
vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation
site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that
is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.


4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.


Spring rains resulted in the growth of wildflowers, grasses, and
other vegetation that is now drying, dying, and poised to become fuel for
wildfires as temperatures increase. The restrictions will continue until
conditions warrant rescinding.


For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews

Laguna Fire burns north of Yuma UPDATE

UPDATED!
Laguna Fire Continues Burning North of Yuma








Yuma, Ariz. - A wildfire has burned approximately 400-600 acres along the Colorado River

about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.

Yuma, Ariz. - Fire fighters are holding the 400- acre Laguna Fire along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz. Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The acreage burned is unchanged at approximately 400-600 acres. Currently the fire is estimated at 40% contained with full containment May 23, 2011.

Mapping will be done later today or early Friday.

Most of the fire activity today occurred in islands of vegetation inside the fire perimeter. Fire fighters used two helicopters - Type 1 and Type 3 - to drop water on the fire taken from nearby Mittry Lake. A fire boat operating on the Colorado River pumped water directly on the flames.

Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.


The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California and hopped the river into Arizona. The fire
appears to be human caused and is under investigation. Approximately 95%
of the fire is in Arizona.

The fire grew quickly and burned one historic structure in the
Betty’s Kitchen Recreation area on the California side. A BLM water truck
was damaged as well.

All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.
Conditions are ripe for rapid, large-scale burning … all it takes is a
single spark.



For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985

Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews




PREVIOUS POST:

The Laguna Fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon (May 18) and is burning in salt cedar, willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The fire started in California and hopped the river into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under investigation. There is no estimate of containment at this time.

Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.

A large array of fire fighting resources are currently on hand or enroute to the fire. Fire engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Imperial County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments worked with crews from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fought the fire through the night. About 60 people are on the fire now and additional fire crews have been ordered. Fire fighters plan to remain on scene tonight. Two bull dozers are being used.
The fire grew quickly and burned one historic structure in the Betty’s Kitchen Recreation area on the California side. A BLM water truck was damaged as well.

A Type III Fire Management Team is on scene or enroute and will assume management of the fire later today. All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.

Conditions are ripe for rapid, large-scale burning … all it takes is a single spark.

For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985

Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews

BLM Announces “Fee-Free” Day at Recreation Sites for Veterans

Yuma, AZ – In celebration of Veterans Day, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona State Director Jim Kenna has announced that all United States (U.S.) military veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families will be admitted free-of-charge on Veterans Day to public lands managed by the BLM Arizona. The fee-free designation applies only to Thursday, November 11, 2010.

Recreation areas in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Yuma Field Office that will be free include Squaw Lake Campground and Boat Launch, Senator Wash Boat Ramp and Day Use Area, Senator Wash North Shore Campground, Senator Wash South Shore Campground, Betty’s Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Area, Oxbow Recreation and Wildlife Area, and Ehrenberg Sandbowl Off-Highway Vehicle Area.

Free admission will NOT be granted at Imperial Dam Long-Term Visitor Area, La Posa Long-Term Visitor Area, Walters Camp, and Hidden Shores RV Village.
BLM would like to thank all U.S. military veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families for their service and hope they enjoy their visit to public lands!
The BLM manages more land – more than 245 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.