July 15

FL04 AVAILABLE - standby for SRF - Backbone
FL05 AVAILABLE - standby for PNF - Howland
FL06 AVAILABLE - standby for Trailer Fire - Hwy 395 - Reno
FL07 AVAILABLE - standby for PNF - Howland

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water TendersRyans Water Services standby for PNF
Gray Water Vacuum TrucksRyans Water Services
Handwashing StationsRyans Water Services, Exceptional Fire Support standby for PNF
Laundry ServiceExceptional Fire Support standby for PNF
Low-Boy Equipment HaulersRyans Water Services
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and TrailersH and H Constructors standby for PNF
Air Traffic Control Trailers Stockdale Fire Support
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical) MEDL Position on "Pre-alert" Standby for PNF for NorCal IMT2

ROSS is locked up. All overhead status needs to be confirmed via phone.

July 13

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water TendersRyans Water Services
Gray Water Vacuum TrucksRyans Water Services
Mobile Handwashing StationsRyans Water Services
Laundry ServiceExceptional Fire Support
Low-Boy Equipment HaulersRyans Water Services
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and TrailersH and H Constructors
Air Traffic Control TrailersRyans Water Services
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

July 12

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE - On Stand-by for Backbone
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water Tenders
Gray Water Vacuum Trucks
Mobile Handwashing Stations
Laundry Service
Low-Boy Equipment Haulers
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and Trailers
Air Traffic Control Trailers
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

Backbone Incident, SRF/SHF/KNF continues to be reported at 5,890 acres.

Lightning activity occurred overnight in the GACC and continues this morning.

A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued by the Medford office of the National Weather Service: for scattered thunderstorms with insufficient precipitation.

http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/

July 11

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE - On Stand-by for Backbone
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water Tenders
Gray Water Vacuum Trucks
Mobile Handwashing Stations
Laundry Service
Low-Boy Equipment Haulers
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and Trailers
Air Traffic Control Trailers
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH has been issued by the Medford office of the National Weather Service for WESTERN KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST; CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY INCLUDING SHASTA VALLEY; and SISKIYOU COUNTY FROM THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS EAST AND SOUTH TO MT SHASTA...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WITH INSUFFICIENT MOISTURE...

for more information: http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/FIREWX/PDXFWFMFR.html

Heads Up.

d

ps. Toaka says... "Ah Oh.... Dry Lightning. I better eat something."

July 8

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE - On Stand By for Backbone Fire

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water Tenders
Gray Water Vacuum Trucks
Mobile Handwashing Stations
Laundry Service
Low-Boy Equipment Haulers
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and Trailers
Air Traffic Control Trailers
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.


CA-SRF- Backbone

From North Ops intel:

07/08/09 0620 The Backbone Incident is now reported at 4,884 acres and 25 percent containment. NIMO Team assumes command at 0600. Swartzlander's Typ II IMT ordered. Crews will continue constructing line north on Backbone Ridge. Additional ridgetop contingency line construction continues on Fawn Ridge to the south and near Salmon Mountain near the Klamath National Forest boundary. 10 handcrews, 10 helicopters 3 engines,9 watertenders for a total of 412 firefighters.

Local Forest Service fears this fire will burn for 30+ days, for 50,000+ acres.

Stay Safe

d

ps. Toaka says...."Oh gosh... Fire season is finally starting. That deserves a....FIRE SNACK!!"

July 7

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water Tenders
Gray Water Vacuum Trucks
Mobile Handwashing Stations
Laundry Service
Low-Boy Equipment Haulers
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and Trailers
Air Traffic Control Trailers
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.


CA-SRF- Backbone
This will be a long event. The USFS has placed a NIMO team on this to manage it. It was my understanding that NIMO teams were designed to be placed on an incident after the initial attack and suppression phase was complete. The teams are designed to be a "short type one team" , only command and genaral staff. Mostly retired personnel.

I guess I don't get it. A NIMO team will come in and build a fire camp, just like a regular team. These teams still have place orders for the additional team members, so as to complete the IMT. They still need Food Unit Leader, Medical Unit Leader, Supply Unit Leader, etc. They are not suppose to utilize personnel from existing teams. They are designed to reduce the burden on the 17 IMT's, so as to free them up to manage more complex incidents. Personnel go through training, make sacrifices, and make tremendous comittments to participate on Incident Management Teams. They are compensated for all of that work by going on assignments. Only one type 2 team is out on assignment right now. Let's pay a NIMO team....instead of paying the personnel who are making daily sacrifices to remain on an IMT.

At the ZACA FIRE a few years ago, a NIMO team was "cutting costs" by eliminating the cover page from the IAP. This saved the incident approximately $30 - $40 per day. On a fire that cost close to $100,000,000.....$30 per is nothing. They will reduce the number of hand crews and equipment. This is why the ZACA turned into the ZACA 2. The ZACA was all but contained....it spotted outside the fire line... not enough personnel to catch it.... WAH LAH!!... ZACA 2.

So..... Stay tuned. The FS has decided to go from a type 3 incident directly to a NIMO team. The BACKBONE is gonna get broken. It will turn into a very big fire. It will be an event that will cost the tax payers of this country.....MILLIONS!! It will cost millions no matter what kind of team they use to manage it.

Stay Safe.

d

ps. Toaka says..."NIMO??? Sounds like 'elmo'....OH! OH! OH!...Elmo and the 'Cookie Monster!!'....cookies?"

June 24

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water Tenders
Gray Water Vacuum Trucks
Mobile Handwashing Stations
Laundry Service
Low-Boy Equipment Haulers
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and Trailers
Air Traffic Control Trailers
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.


A new fire started on the Klamath National Forest yesterday afternoon. This will most likely require a Type 2 Team to manage this. Today's fire behavior will tell us more.

CA-KNF-Sims
06/24/09 0645 Update Sims Fire KNF 200 ac 0% containment. The fire is located 8 milesnorth east of Seiad valley along highway 96.
Currently commited to the fire - 5 helicopters, 3 fixed wing aircraft, 14 hotshot crews, 1 S/T Cal Fire crews and 24 fire engines.
Very difficult terrain.
Todays weather forcast = WEDNESDAY... SKY/WEATHER.........SUNNY. MAX TEMPERATURE.....95-105 VALLEYS AND 78-88 RIDGES. MIN HUMIDITY........5-12 PERCENT VALLEYS AND 10-20 PERCENT RIDGES. 20-FOOT WINDS.. UPSLOPE/UPVALLEY 2 TO 5 MPH BECOMING WEST 6 TO 12 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 20 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON. RIDGES/UPR SLOPES....VARIABLE 2 TO 5 MPH BECOMING SOUTHWEST 6 TO 12 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 20 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.

Be Careful.

d

ps. Toaka says..."Fire Season!! Woo Hoo!! Dad always brings home snacks!!"

June 23

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

We also have available through Frontline Medical....
3000gal Potable Water Tenders
Gray Water Vacuum Trucks
Mobile Handwashing Stations
Laundry Service
Low-Boy Equipment Haulers
Drivers with 1 Ton 4x4 and Trailers
Air Traffic Control Trailers
Other Overhead Positions - MEDL, RESL, STAM, RCDM, DIVS, FBAN, INCM
(all OH positions can be requested through Plumas National Forest - Graeagle Fire - or contact Frontline Medical)

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.

Local News

Not a lot going right now.
Locally, everybody is gearing up for the big 4th of July Celebration. The fireworks show will be held on the night of July 3rd. There are several events planned throughout the weekend. There seems to be more of the Civil War re-enactments planned. Of course, there will be the parade. Graeagle Fire will hold their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, July 5th. All and all.... it will be a very crowded week-end.

With the economy doing what it's doing, I thought there might be less visitors to Graeagle this year. So far, it seems we have had even more. I spoke with a local business person, she said that business was good.

Fire season is ... Oh so close. The temperature is warming up. There is a lot of grass that is drying out. When fires do start, they are growing faster. As summer sets in, they will be more difficult to stop.

Mexico is being hit with the first named tropical storm of the year. It is on the Pacific side of Mexico.

Got a pork tenderloin last night....$10
We cooked it.... then forgot to serve up the apple sauce.

Dustin... Good Luck!!

Have a great day.

d

ps. Toaka says....."PORK TENDERLOIN?!!? Who cares about the apple sauce.... I'll just have a piece of pork!!"

June 16

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.

Local News

This morning.... not a cloud in the sky.

I have been asked where the pond is.... in the meadow, right where the spring is.
The hot tub..... moved to the other side of the house, by the new kennel building.

A big GOOD MORNING to Bubba, Michelle, and Hayden.

Fire season is right here. I'll be curious to see what happens to those 12,000+ downstrikes we have had in the past few weeks. Now the weather is finally going to warm up, some of those strikes could turn into fires.

FL03 got all of it's lettering put on yesterday.
The Rhino and quads are running good. The trailers are repaired and clean. We ar ready.

Have a great day.

d

ps. Toaka says... "I see those raspberries growning....they'll make for good snacks!"

June 14

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 Committed to Graeagle Fire Live Burn - Firefighter Rehab
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.

Local News

This morning, the valley is blanketed with a layer of fog.

Having some new "organic" French Roast this morning.... not that good.

Graeagle Fire is hosting another live fire training.

Our pond now has two catfish.... they seem to be doing very well.

Andrew Zimmerman ... the FoodTV dude... still has not come to Graeagle.

You can only burn from 5am to 11am.... on burn days.

We used one of the tractor dude's little tractors yesterday. We move my hot tub to the other side of the house. Now the electrician dude has to finish wiring it.... then we will be back in business.

Not much else going on right now.

d

ps. Toaka says... " I think I'll take a nap." (sleeping with one eye open, watching for a snack)

June 10

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
No more classes are being booked until after fire season.

Local News

WooHoo! We're done with all of our classes this season.

All the diggin is done. (Had to make a couple of repairs)

Fire season is right around the corner.

Graeagle 4th of July fireworks will be on friday, July 3rd. I won't be here.

I haven't gone fishing one single time yet this year.

I am putting up an electric fence on the east side of our meadow. I can't wait to sit and watch the "campers" from next door try to walk into the meadow.

Graeagle Restaraunt is now open for dinner on fridays and saturdays.

Another gardening store has opened up.

The video store is still for sale.

Hava great day.

d

ps. Toaka says.... " Greaegle Restaraunt?? Can I go ?"

June 3

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
June 3, 8 - USFS - CPR/First Aid - Graeagle
June 14 - Live burn training - Graeagle

Local News

Rain. Lightning. Rain. Lightning.

Yesterday, two storm cells moved over the area dropping a very sizable amount of rain. The USFS chased a couple of fires. Both were small and put out quick.

The video store is still for sale.

Gas is still expensive.

The market gets very busy every evening.

I laugh, because people are fishing in the Mill Pond.....it hasn't been stocked yet this year. It was drained just three weeks ago.....there's no fish in there. They don't know it. They just keep on fishing.

The new irrigation system works great. It used to take about 7 hours to water everything....now it takes 45 minutes. It takes a lot less electricity. How's that for keeping the planet green? (not because of watering)

Fire season is...Oh so close. Multiple starts everyday. It is just a matter of time before these little fires get up and move, and turn into big fires.

Stay safe.

d

ps. Toaka says.... (Crack! BOOM!) "Oh gosh...that lightning was close.... I better have a snack....just in case it gets a little too close!"

May 24

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
June - USFS - CPR/First Aid - Graeagle
June - Live burn training - Graeagle

Local News

Lamb Chops were on sale yesterday.
There was a fight at the Mohawk Tavern....imagine that. Not locals.
Buffalo Gnats are out in full force.
Mosquitos are also on the prowle.
Gas is .45 cents per gallon higher here than anywhere else in the county.


Memorial Day Week-end is here. There looks to be a record number of people in Graeagle. Most are polite. They are enjoying the mountains, the fishing, the golf. There are a few of them that should just go home. Yesterday, I chased two teen age boys from the meadow. They ignored the "No Trespassing" signs, crawled under two fences, and were actually chasing the horses. Not just walking up to them calmly....actually chasing them. Charging straight at them. Well.... I saddled up a quad runner and chased them back. They ran. (suprised?) I chased them through the RV park next door. They continued to run. I continued the chase. I think they actually thought they could get away. I caught up to them on the other side of the RV park. I explained... (very calmly and politely....ha ha!)... what the definition of "No Trespassing" was. They told me they thaught the fence was to keep the animals in the meadow. I told them the animals stay in the meadow just fine.... the fence was keep "animals" out of the meadow. I told them if they were caught in the meadow again, their whole family would be asked to leave Graeagle... never allowed back! One boy almost passed out when he heard that. I think the thought of getting in that kind of trouble was more than he could bare. By the time my little "lecture" was complete, they had little color left in their faces. There were beads of sweat on their foreheads. One boy's hands were actually shaking. They were saying "yes sir" to this.... "yes sir" to that... I drove away chuckling. I have not seen them since. The week-end is far from over.

Stay Safe.

d

ps. Toaka says.... "Look at those boys run....(howl!!)... this is funny! Thay'll never get away. No way. Hee Hee Hee....look at 'em go!"

May 17

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle

Local News

Happy Birthday to Tiffany!

Ate dinner at LongBoard's last night. Sean Conry sent an appetizer to our table. It was Ahi Tuna... raw... with avacado, ginger, teriyaki... oh my gosh was it good! Thanks Sean. I ordered a "Seafood Grill" for the main entree'. Seared Ahi Tuna, Grilled Sword Fish, Deep fried Scallops, with slices of Purple Potatoes, some sort of Aioli Sauce. I would highly reccommend this to anyone. Who would have thunk? Right here in Graeagle. You would have thought you were in a very fine seafood establishment in San Francisco. I do believe it was the best medly of seafood I have ever experienced. My hats off to Sean and his crew. Outstanding.

The weather has definately heated up. I saw a local themometer read 95 yesterday.

Sandhill Cranes are hanging out in the meadow. I think they may try to nest there this year. I have dug a bigger water hole, so they may be enticed to stay. It's kind of funny to watch the horses. They don't seem to mind the Cranes walking around in the meadow, but let the Geese pay a visit.... woo hoo!!... you would have thought Iran had sent in some bombers to land. Teddy stops his feet in an equine type tantrum. Hilton sees Teddy pitchin' a fit.... so "it must be bad"... "they must leave, right now". "They are going to eat all the grass". "We will starve". Cinder rolls his eyes in disgust. He knows the geese will never eat enough grass to jeopardize his grazing.

Have safe day.

d

ps. Toaka says... "Seafood Grill? Leftovers....where's the leftovers?"

May 16

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle

Local News

Played in golf tournament on Wednesday. We shot a 67..... still lost. I thought I was going to win a prize for being "closest to the cup"..... but I wasn't supposed to land on THAT green. I hadn't golfed in at least two years. I was able to keep up with the rest of my group.

There is a Memorial Day Weekend sale, at all the stores.

The video store is still for sale.

We were saddened by the loss of a dear pet....Bear. He lost his long battle with Congestive Heart Failure last Wednesday. Our prayers go out to Tiffany and Malcolm.

The Frosty is open for the season.... so is LongBoard's. I can't wait to see what Sean Conry has on his menu this year. It's always good.

Have a great day.

d

ps. Toaka says..."LongBoard's is open? Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Can I go? Huh? Huh? Can I go?"

May 11

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle

Woo Hoo!! The diggin' is done!
3300+ feet of new water lines.

May 10

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Authorities in California's Santa Barbara County said a dramatic change in weather means most evacuees from the area of a major wildfire will be allowed to return home.

Cheers broke out Saturday as Sheriff Bill Brown announced that mandatory evacuation orders were being downgraded to evacuation warnings for the bulk of populated areas threatened by the fire since Tuesday.
The blaze, which has burned across more than 13 square miles, had burned 80 homes and forced 30,000 people to flee.

The evacuation orders are being lifted in stages over several hours to avoid traffic jams.

After days of torrid temperatures and ferocious wind, morning fog gave some relief Saturday to firefighters battling the wildfire that has burned 80 homes and forced 30,000 people to flee.

The 8,700-acre blaze was 30 percent contained, Santa Barbara County Deputy Fire Chief Chris Hahn said. Hahn warned, however, that the cooler weather may not last. "The weather tends to be a little fickle around here ... so our guard is up," he said at a morning news conference. City Fire Chief Andrew DiMizio said the wildfire remained a "sleeping giant" along its eastern flank.

Three fire fighters were burned the other day. One has been released from the hospital, the other two are being treated at Grossman Burn Center. Our prayers go out to them and their families.

It is very early in the year to be seeing fire behavior like this. More than ever, we need to keep our heads in the game when fighting fire. Think before you act. Always be alert. Situations can change very rapidly, not always for the better. Remember, even the most experienced fire fighter can get caught in a bad situation. Property and vegetation can be replaced, our lives cannot.

Stay Safe.

d

ps. Toaka says..."Mother's Day!!! That means Bear Claws are coming home from the bakery!! Wooo Hooo!!!"

May 6

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle

Report from South Ops at 18:00 LPF #001479 Jesusita Fire, Fire has burned approximately 200 acres in heavy brush with 0% containment. Incident is in Unified Command with LPF, SBC and STB Goleta/Santa Barbara. A CalFire IMT has been ordered.

Areas above San Roque and Mission Canyons Santa Barbara County CA. The fire is located in the unincorporated area at the end of San Roque Road, near northeast side of Santa Barbara City. Fire is bounded to the west by the Tea Fire and to the north by the Zaca Fire and the ocean to the south.

The fire has a potential for 5,000 acres and is bounded on the North by the Zaca Fire and the West on the Tea Fire.

This is the first one of the year. Let's all stay safe. It could be a very busy season.

Proper hand-washing techniques
Good hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes can be just as effective as soap and water in cleaning your hands but aren't as good as alcohol-based sanitizers... soap and water is ultimately the best. Hand sanitizers and Antimicrobial wipes should not replace soap and water.

Antibacterial soaps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soaps may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products' antimicrobial agents — making it even harder to kill these germs in the future. In general, regular soap is fine. The combination of scrubbing your hands with soap — antibacterial or not — and rinsing them with water loosens and removes bacteria from your hands.

Proper hand washing with soap and water

Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:

Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap.

Lather well.

Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 20 to 30 seconds.

Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.

Rinse well.

Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.

Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Have a great day.
d

ps. Toaka says..."Hand washing? Before you eat? I can't turn on the water...I don't have opposing thumbs. I'll just take my snack outside."

May 5

FL04 AVAILABLE
FL05 AVAILABLE
FL06 AVAILABLE
FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle

Bienvenidos! Welcome! Cinco de Mayo or the Fifth of May commemorates the 1862 victory by Mexican forces, including ordinary citizens, over French soldiers. The battle known as La Batalla de Puebla or The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5th.

How to prevent illnesses in fire camp.

When should you wash your hands?
Although it's impossible to keep your bare hands germ-free, there are times when it's critical to wash your hands to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.

Always wash your hands:

BEFORE going to the dining area
AFTER using the toilet
BEFORE and AFTER going to the medical unit
AFTER touching animals or animal waste
BEFORE and AFTER preparing or handling food
BEFORE eating
AFTER blowing your nose
AFTER coughing or sneezing into your hands
BEFORE and AFTER treating wounds or cuts
BEFORE and AFTER touching a sick or injured person
AFTER handling garbage
BEFORE inserting or removing contact lenses
AFTER using public restrooms, such as those in airports, train stations, bus stations and restaurants... and fire camp.

Washing your hands is most important activity you can do to help keep fire camp clean and virus free. Though it is impossible to eliminate all viruses, if we ALL do our part in proper hygiene, we can dramatically reduce viral infections.

Let's all try this.... if you are walking by a hand washing station in camp.... use it. Let's see if we can reduce the number viral infections we see.

Stay Safe... and clean.

d

ps. Toaka says... "Cinco De Mayo?.... WOOO! HOOO!... Maybe I'll get a burrito type snack!!"

May 4

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle


How to prevent illnesses in fire camp.

The dangers of not washing your hands
Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, even animals and animal waste. If you don't wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.

Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth-leading cause of death among Americans.

Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a food-borne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness. Others experience the annoying signs and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

May 3

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
June - Live burn training - Graeagle


Still raining.

The weather service in Reno has issued a flood warning for Plumas County. We have had quite a bit of rain. The snow level is above 8000' , so the rain is also melting the snow pack.

I spent an entire day last week, watering the drive-way. The tractor dude said he wanted wet, so he could grade it. Well..... grade away. I think it is plenty wet now.

I have placed a link to CDC on the right side of this page. The CDC will post updates about the H1N1 flu. It does not seem to be as bad as we first thought. With all the hype though, we will be even more diligent with hygiene in fire camp this season. Most IMT's will support a zero tolerance policy. If you do not do your part at staying healthy, you may be sent home. There is talk of creating isolation areas in the medical unit to " quarantine" personnel who may have flu-like symptoms. I do not think a fire camp is the place to quarantine anybody. I think is a fire fighter comes into the medical unit, with flu symptoms, that fire fighter should immediately be sent to a hospital for testing. Remove that person from the camp, as soon as possible. Most medical personnel who work at fire camps are not trained to work in isolation environments, or with viral pandemics. Just the task of removing your contaminated PPE's takes special training. It is just too risky to quarantine anyone in a fire camp, for any length of time. Creating a separate treatment/holding area... until the patient can sent away... is more appropriate. MEDL's are going to have to include procedures in the med plan. They will have to contact the local health departments to find out what they want and how they want it done. I will post more on this topic as the information is shared with me.

Stay Safe.

d

ps. Toaka says..."Swine Flu?? OH NO!!! Does that mean.... NO MORE BACON??"

May 2

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May 2 - Annual Pack Test / Shelter Refresher
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class


Rain.

Only one ditch left to fill in. Rain. Now I have a small pond.

By Doyle Rice and Emily Bazar, USA TODAY
Wildfire experts are predicting a fierce summer fire season, particularly in drought-stricken areas of the South and West.

At highest risk are parts of Florida, Texas, California and Washington, says the National Interagency Fire Center, which released its annual forecast Thursday.

"We are preparing for what could be a very busy fire season," says Rick Ochoa, the center's fire weather program manager.

The season is off to a scorching start. Nearly 32,000 wildfires have been reported since Jan. 1, charring 1.1 million acres. The average for that period is about 28,000 fires burning 822,000 acres.

Drought is one of the best predictors of wildfires. The U.S. Drought Monitor, made up of several federal agencies, said Thursday that the worst drought conditions are in three of the four most populous states: Texas, Florida, and California, where nearly 80 million people live.

This recent storm will certainly slow things a bit here in California, but it will also make the grasses grow.


Have a great day.
d


ps. Toaka says..."Rain.....a good day to stay inside, watch a movie...and eat a lot of snacks!"

April 24

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE Repairs

CLASSES and other events
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class


A lot of digging yesterday. The primary supply line for the irrigation is in. James laid more pipe yesterday than he had in his entire life. ... ?... ?.... Get your minds out of the gutter! The pipe James laid was S40 PVC 1 1/2". You guys are bad!

It is snowing here today. Wednesday... T-shirt weather. Today... Snow.

The mother ship should have all of her repairs done by Monday.

The tractor dude made friends with one of the horses yesterday.

South Carolina is on fire. It looks like a big fire. Pretty wicked fire behavior. I doubt we will go. That's pretty far for fire support.

Have a great day.

d

ps. Toaka says... "Since the water line is in, Do I get a celebration snack??!!"

April 21

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE Repairs

CLASSES and other events
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class


The digging continues.

April 17

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE Repairs

CLASSES and other events
April 18 - Live Burn Trailer - Graeagle Fire
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class


Finally. It seems the weather is warming up a bit. This morning it was 22. WooHoo! I almost broke out the shorts.

For all of those waiting for the tractor saga to continue..... the little tractor is not stuck in the mud anymore. It didn't take bigger tractor to pull out the little tractor. The little tractor simply drove right out...all on it's own. Of course the mud was gone. Well.... sort of... the mud was frozen. So, it wasn't mushy. It seems the little tractor doesn't mind the frozen mud, it just doesn't like the mushy mud. The tractor dude didn't even have to come up with a little tractor trick for un-sticking the little tractor. He just laughed and shook his head. I did notice though.... he hasn't attempted passage across that little piece of ground since the the little tractor got stuck. In fact... the tractor dude drove the little tractor way out of his way.... to a road... to avoid the mushy area. Oh well... the digging continues.

Local news....

The Post Master got mad at me for not having my mailbox key with me.
The video store is for sale.
The fish are biting at Lake Davis. The fishing guide dude says he has caught over 100 fish so far....sounds like a story.
The golf courses are opening.

Have a great day.
d

ps. Toaka says... "Ahhh.... spring is in the air. 'Spring' Rolls! Yeah! That will would be a nice snack."

April 4

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE Repairs

CLASSES and other events
April 6,7,8,9 - CIIMT Workshop - Reno
April 18 - Live Burn Trailer - Graeagle Fire
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class

A small fire in Palm Springs kind of got everybody's attention. I hear a couple of houses caught fire, but they didn't burn down. The wind was blowing... like it never does in the SoCal desert. Anyways.. it was a fire. There was confusion in dispatching. Who has responsibility? Who is in charge? Ahhhh!!

Things are busy around here. We are frantically getting ready for the 2009 season. We still need to remove all the outdated medications from the trailers. Repairs from the 2008 season are underway. I damaged the mother ship. I put a relatively small hole in the side. They had to replace the entire side of the trailer. A 40 foot, single piece of gel-coat siding is a big job. The trailer should be back in service by the end of next week.

Here at home, I have been putting in a new irrigation line. I have been digging a 1200+ foot ditch for the main line. I told the tractor dude I didn't think I should drive acrossed "that area" yesterday. He patted his little tractor on the behind and said "she'll" go right across "that area". Well..... I did.... "she" didn't. Now, there the little tractor sits. His little tractor is stuck in the mud. The little tractor might be stuck there until summer. The water table is about 12" from the surface. The little tractor is down about 18" from the surface. You do the math. The little tractor is in the water. It looks kind of funny. There is green grass all around the little tractor. I can walk all around the little tractor, without getting mud on my feet. The little tractor just sits there, tracks spinning and digging deeper.... in the water. I am sure the tractor dude has a bigger tractor we can use to pull the little tractor out with. But, remember the water table I told you about? It is a long ways to solid ground. If we bring in the big tractor to pull out the little tractor, we might just end up with two tractors stuck in the mud. Maybe the tractor dude has a little tractor trick up his sleeve for getting the little tractor unstuck. Oh well... the little tractor is stuck. I am done digging for a few days.

d

ps. Toaka says..."Since the little tractor is not moving anymore, do I get a snack?"

Mar 27

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE Repairs

CLASSES and other events
April 6,7,8,9 - CIIMT Workshop - Reno
April 18 - Live Burn Trailer - Graeagle Fire
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May 16 - S130 hands on portion of class

Mar 21

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 AVAILABLE

CLASSES and other events
April 6,7,8,9 - CIIMT Workshop - Reno
April 18 - Live Burn Trailer - Graeagle Fire
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May - date to be determined - S130 hands on portion of class

One last blast of winter? Yesterday it was 65 degrees, today it is going to snow. Have I mentioned how much I dislike the snow?

For the past few days, we have been giving one of the horses antibiotics... twice each day. Let me tell you about fun. When a horse says.."no way, I'm not drinkin' that!"... it becomes a battle. One person must hold his head down, the other person puts a 60cc syringe into his mouth.... and the fight is on. The reason we are doing this? He stepped on something ... an old nail, piece of wire, who knows? Horses always find the things they are supposed to stay away from. He has a puncture wound straight up through the frog on his front foot. Of course he is the tallest horse we have...17 hands! In case you don't understand that measurement, it is 68-70 inches to the top of his shoulders. Now you add his head on top of that, you have a tall horse. He is built kind of like a giraffe....with a shorter neck. Soooo... with my TALL build, giving medicine is a breeze! Hah!!

The night we had the vet here, he decided to kick me....the horse did, not the vet. He got me with his hoof, right on the forearm, close to my elbow. I tolerated his wicked behavior, due to his injured foot. I guess he just wanted to even up the playing field. Anyways... he has a padded dressing on his hoof that must be changed every 2-3 days. He gets about 50cc of antibiotics twice a day. Now it's going to snow again! Fun.

Stay Safe.

d

ps. Toaka says..."Oooh. I'm staying right here, on this side of the fence. If his foot is so sore, does that mean I can have his food?"

Mar 18

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE - Repairs

CLASSES and other events
April 6,7,8,9 - CIIMT Workshop - Reno
April 18 - Live Burn Trailer
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - date to be determined - Annual Pack Test
May - date to be determined - S130 hands on portion of class

orbs. I still laugh at that.

Here on the home front, the snow is melting fast. The late morning air has been warm. Last I heard frogs in the meadow for the first time this year. That tells me spring is here. Frogs are springs alarm clock. Mosquitoes are springs snooze button. There will be mosquitoes this year.

Another visitor in the spring for two years running.... a porcupine. I cannot find him, but I see the damage he does to the trees. He is very busy at night. Last night I set a live trap out. I didn't catch a porcupine, but..... I did catch a Grey Fox. I opened the trap door this morning and he ran away, unharmed. I had the trap baited with carrots, brussel sprouts, and rock salt. I'm not sure what the Fox was after.

Now it is a matter of pride. I am being out smarted by a 20lb tree rat. There are several trees that will die this year, due to the damage he is doing. I don't want to hurt him, just relocate him deeper into the forest. First, I have to find him. Everyday, I scan the trees. I can find Owls, Squirrels, Quail, many other birds.....but no Porcupine. Everyday, I find new wood chips at the base of a different tree. I can almost hear him laughing at me.

I'll keep you posted.

d

ps. Toaka says..."Yesterday was MY birthday....Do I get a special snack to celebrate the day AFTER MY birthday?"

Mar 17 - Toaka's Birthday!

FL04 AVAILABLE

FL05 AVAILABLE

FL06 AVAILABLE

FL07 UNAVAILABLE - Repairs

CLASSES and other events
April 6,7,8,9 - CIIMT Workshop - Reno
April 18 - Live Burn Trailer
May 18 - Plumas Hotshots - Quincy - CPR/Wilderness First Aid
May - weather dependent - Annual Pack Test


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOAKA!!!!!

TOAKA SAYS...."WOOO HOOO!! CAKE!!"