October 23, 2009 - Barring additional fire activity, this will be the final update for the 2009 Fire Season. Weekly updates will resume Spring 2010.

Outlook:

Due to seasonal changes and improvements in vegetative conditions, the threat of large fires developing in northern California is low. However, when winds align with terrain the possibility for wind driven fires will exist. In Southern California the fire season still poses a threat. Through the weekend temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees above normal and gusts up to 50 mph are possible in wind prone areas through Monday. Off shore winds are expected to develop again late next week and may result in “high risk” days for wildfires in the area.

Forest Service Initial Attack Resources:

Availability of Forest Service initial attack resources fluctuates on a daily basis due to staffing schedules, vehicle maintenance, and firefighter commitment to ongoing incidents. The numbers reported below reflect a “snapshot” of Forest Service resource availability in California as of 10:00 am on the day this report is disseminated.

  • Engines: 182
  • Hotshot Crews: 24
  • Type 2 Initial Attack hand crews: 7
  • Type 2 hand crews: 8
  • Helicopters: 18

Out of Region Support:

During the past week, Region 5 dispatched one Hotshot crew to support the Bachelor Fire in Arizona.

Current Significant Incidents:

There are no significant incidents on national forest system lands in California at this time.

YTD fires and acres:

National Forest System lands:

  • Fires: 1,461
  • Acres: 305,343

All Jurisdictions:

  • Fires: 8,180
  • Acres: 408,800