2018 — July 13-Sep 19, Wildfires, Carr (8), Ferguson (2), Mendocino Complex (1), CA– 11

lornajarrettblanchard July 13, 2018

–11 Blanchard tally from breakouts below. (Just noting fires where there was loss of life.)

— 8 CA Patch. “CA Wildfires Latest: 10K Firefighters Battle, Thousand Evacuated,” 7-31-2018.

— 8 UPI/McFarland. “8 dead; California resource strained as 17 fires ravage state.” 7-31-2018.

Carr Wildfire, July 23-Aug 30 (100% contained) ( 8)

–8 Blanchard tally based on breakouts below; includes one ambiguous loss (yellow highlight).

–8 Wikipedia. “2018 California wildfires.” 9-3-2018 edit.[1]

Breakout of Carr Wildfire-Related Deaths:

–1 July 26. Bulldozer operator Don Ray Smith, 81; overrun by fire, clearing debris.[2]

–1 July 26. Redding Fire Prevention Inspector Jeremy Stoke, 37; “…died battling the blaze.”[3]

–3 July 26. Shasta County, Great-grandmother, great-grandchildren.[4]

–1 July 29. Shasta Co. (within evacuation zone). Unidentified male who “refused to leave.”[5]

–1 Aug 4. Shasta County (western). Pacific Gas & Electric worker, doing restoration work.[6]

–1 Aug 9. Tehama County, Hwy 99. Traffic collision; CAL Fire heavy equip. mechanic.[7]

Ferguson Fire, July 13-Aug 18 (100% contained) ( 2)

–1 July 14. Cal Fire heavy fire equipment operator Braden Varney, 36; bulldozer overturned.[8]

–1 July 29. Firefighter, NPS Cpt. Brian Hughes, 33, struck by burned falling tree.[9]

Mendocino Complex (Ranch and River) Fire, July 27 (100% containment as of Sep 19) ( 1)

–1 Aug 13, northeast of Ukiah. Draper City, UT, Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett.[10]

Narrative Information and Abbreviated Chronology

July 13: Ferguson Fire began in Mariposa County. (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County Due to Ferguson Fire.”)

July 13: “The Ferguson Fire started on Friday night, July 13 at 9:36 PM in the South Fork Merced River drainage on Sierra National Forest. In the steep, rugged terrain, with scarcely any road access and a heavy presence of beetle-killed trees…

“In the first 24 hours, it had grown to 828 acres, as management of the fire was taken over by the Southern Central Sierra Interagency Management Team Type 2 and an incident command post was set up at Ahawahnee Hills Regional Park near Oakhurst, California. Under unified command between the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, and the Mariposa County Sheriff, the community of Jerseydale among others were evacuated. Also on the second day of the fire, heavy equipment operator Braden Varney from the Cal Fire Madera-Mariposa-Merced unit was tragically killed in a bulldozer rollover accident while constructing line in a steep canyon…” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

July 14: CAL Fire heavy fire equipment operator Braden Varney, 36, dies when his bulldozer overturned.

July 19: “…management of the fire [Ferguson] transitioned on July 19 to a Type 1 team, California Interagency Incident Management Team 4. Yosemite National Park joined the Forest Service, Cal Fire, and the Sheriff under unified command.” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

July 20: “On July 20, the communities of Old El Portal, Rancheria Flat, Foresta, and Yosemite View Lodge were put under mandatory evacuation [from Ferguson fire].” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

July 21: “Yosemite West and Anderson Valley area were evacuated. [Ferguson fire].” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

July 22: “Old Yosemite Road was evacuated on July 22. Some specific areas within the communities surrounding the fire [Ferguson] started to be allowed to return to their homes, and others continued to be evacuated.” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

July 23: Beginning of the Carr Fire in Shasta County due to malfunctioning vehicle. (State of California, Governor’s Office press release.)

Started on a road near Redding “when a tire failed…on a trailer and its rim scraped the asphalt” resulting in a fire from the sparks “that shot out July 23…” (CNN. “A flat tire started the deadly Carr Fire and days of devastation in California.” 8-5-2018.)

July 24-31 Ferguson Fire: “…many communities and subdivisions including Mariposa Pines, Jerseydale, Ponderosa Basin, Lushmeadows, and others were advised of mandatory evacuations and repopulations.” (National Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update.)

July 25: Beginning of the Cranston Fire in Riverside County.[11] (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Riverside and Shasta Counties Due to Fires.” 7-26-2018.)

July 25: “Yosemite Valley to Evacuate Today Due to Ferguson Fire. Park officials are shutting down sections of Yosemite National Park due to the massive Ferguson Wildfire burning just miles away. The closure is set to take effect at noon today, and is expected to last through Sunday….” (National Public Radio. “Yosemite Valley to Evacuate Today Due to Ferguson Fire.” &-25-2018.)

July 26: Bulldozer operator Don Ray Smith, 81, dies; overrun by fire while clearing debris in Ferguson Fire.

July 26: Redding Fire Prevention Inspector Jeremy Stoke, 37; “…died battling the blaze.”[12] Another account notes he “died while working to ensure the residents of west Redding had a chance to escape the flames.” (Los Angles Times/Alene Tchekmedyian. “Firefighter dies battling Mendocino Complex, largest wildfire in California, 8-14-2018.)

July 26: Melody Bledsoe, and her two great-grandchildren killed in Shasta County.

July 26: “Sacramento — Governor…Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Mariposa County due to the effects of the Ferguson Fire, which has threatened homes and critical infrastructure and caused power outages and the evacuation of residents….” (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County Due to Ferguson Fire.”)

July 26: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued emergency proclamations for Riverside and Shasta counties due to the effects of the Cranston and Carr fires, which have destroyed homes and structures, threatened critical infrastructure and caused the evacuation of residents….” (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Riverside and Shasta Counties Due to Fires.” 7-26-2018.)

July 27, Mendocino Complex Fire: The River Fire and the Ranch Fire began in Mendocino County and crossed into Lake County. (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018.)

July 27, updated July 28: “The Deputy Coroner Investigator has released the identity of the bulldozer operator killed in the Carr Fire on July 26. The driver has been identified as Don Ray Smith, 81, of Pollock Pines.

“Redding Calif. (AP) — A fire official says an explosive wildfire in Northern California has killed a bulldozer operator as he fought to contain the blaze and injured three firefighters. Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean says the Carr Fire in Shasta County burned over the bulldozer operator, who was hired privately, and his equipment. He says the man’s body was found late Thursday….” (Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Identity Revealed of Dozer Operator Killed in Carr Fire,” 7-27-2018.)

July 27: “Sacramento — As wildfires continue to burn throughout the state, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today sent a letter to the President and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance to further support the communities impacted by the Carr Fire in Shasta County. ‘Supplemental federal assistance is necessary to save lives and to protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen the effects of this imminent catastrophe,’ said Governor Brown in the letter. ‘I am requesting Direct Federal Assistance, including Department of Defense air assets to immediately mitigate the impacts of this fire; shelter supplies and water for 30,000 evacuated residents in Shasta County; U.S. Department of Agriculture’s assistance in evacuating large animals; mass care; evacuation assistance for individuals with access and functional needs; and ambulatory transport.’

“The Carr Fire broke out in Shasta County during exceptionally dangerous fire weather conditions, including extremely hot temperatures, low humidity and erratic winds. These conditions have caused the Carr Fire to grow uncontrollably, causing widespread destruction and at least two fatalities….

“To date, the Carr Fire has burned more than 44,000 acres and is only 3 percent contained. The fire has already forced more than 30,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

“This week, the Governor has also issued emergency proclamations for other fires burning in Riverside and Mariposa counties. Last year was the most destructive wildfire season in state history….” (State of California. “Governor Brown Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance for Carr Fire.” 7-27-2018.)

July 27, Ferguson Fire: “Firefighters completed firing operations from Henness Ridge to the Merced River on the Sierra National Forest on July 27, and steadily made progress on containment lines. The fire weather transitioned from moderate to extreme pushing the flame front across Glacier Point Road and closed all access to Badger Pass.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

July 28: “…the [Ferguson] fire grew to 42,017 acres…” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

July 28: Steele Fire began in Napa County. (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018.)

July 28: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties due to the effects of the River, Ranch and Steele fires, which have destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure and caused the evacuation of residents.

“Earlier today, Governor Brown announced that the state has secured a presidential declaration — requested yesterday — providing direct federal assistance to further support the communities impacted by the Carr Fire, following an emergency proclamation issued for Shasta County this week….” (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018.)

July 29: Death of National Park Service Firefighter, Cpt. Brian Hughes, struck by burned falling tree.

July 29, USA Today: “Redding, Calif. — A wildfire roaring out of control Sunday in Northern California has claimed at least six lives, left seven people missing, burned hundreds of homes and driven more than 30,000 stunned, mourning residents from their communities. More than 3,000 firefighters were battling the blaze, which had grown to 140 square miles. High temperatures and heavy winds conspired to complicate the effort backed by more than 300 fire engines and 17 helicopters….

“The fire was ignited Monday when a vehicle malfunctioned near the Carr Powerhouse in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Cal Fire says….

“Redding sits on the Sacramento River about 170 miles north of the state capital and 120 miles south of the Oregon border. Some neighborhoods here were forced to evacuate, along with parts of the nearby Shasta County communities including Happy Valley, Igo and Ono. As the blaze roared west, residents of the Trinity County town of Lewiston also were ordered to evacuate….” (USA Today. “‘Unbelievable’: Six die, thousands flee relentless California Carr Fire.” 7-29-2018.)

July 30, CalFire on Carr Fire:

Size: 103,772 acres

Containment: 23%

Structures Threatened: 4,046

Residential Structures Destroyed: 818

Residential Structures Damaged: 167

Commercial Structures Destroyed: 3

Commercial Structures Damaged: 5

Other Destroyed: 311

Other Damaged: 37

Assigned Resources (Engines): 334

Assigned Resources (Water Tenders): 65

Assigned Resources (Helicopters): 17

Assigned Resources (Hand Crews): 55

Assigned Resources (Dozers): 68

Assigned Resources (Total Personnel): 3,607

(CAL Fire. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 7-30-2018, 7:00 PM.)

July 31, UPI: “….Cal Fire said the fires, which have burned about almost 240,000 acres, have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and are threatening 25,000 homes. More than 52,000 residents have been evacuated.

“One of the largest fires is the Carr Fire, which has killed six people, including two firefighters, and forced more than 39,000 people from their homes, making the blaze one of the most destructive in the state’s history. It’s burning near the northern California city of Redding. At least 19 people are missing in Shasta County, officials said at a community meeting Monday evening….

“Firefighters gained some ground Monday containing the fire, which has grown into the state’s seventh-most destructive. It is now about a quarter contained…It was just 5 percent contained late Sunday [July 29]….” (United Press International (Susan McFarland). “8 dead; California resource strained as 17 fires ravage state.” 7-31-2018.)

Aug 1, Ferguson Fire: “Wawona evacuated. (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 2, Ferguson Fire: “El Portal residents allowed to return home. (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 3, Ferguson Fire: “On August 3 the residents of Yosemite Valley were evacuated and the Park Service closed it to the public due to multiple hazards from firefighters working in the area. The Highway 140 corridor was also closed that day.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 4m Carr Fire: Pacific Gas & Electric worker Jay Ayeta, 21, is killed while working to restore power to damaged lines inside Carr Fire in western Shasta County.

Aug 4, Carr Fire: “Sacramento: Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the White House has approved California’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration submitted to the President earlier today to help with the impacts of the wildfire in Shasta County. ‘This is part of a trend – a new normal – that we’ve got to deal with. We’re dealing with it humanly, financially and governmentally,’ said Governor Brown earlier today during a media briefing at the Carr Fire Incident Command Post in Anderson California….

“There are 17 major fires currently burning across the state, causing extensive damage to residences and infrastructure. More than 14,000 firefighters from California and 17 other states are working the front lines of wildfires statewide….” (CA.gov, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Announces Federal Approval of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Shasta County,” 8-4-2018.)

Aug 5, Carr Fire: “The deadly Carr Fire in California, already described by officials as the state’s sixth most destructive wildfire, grew nearly 10,000 acres overnight on Saturday [Aug 4] as the authorities said a seventh death was tied to the blaze.

“The fire, which is centered about 200 miles north of San Francisco, has been one of this year’s most prominent blazes, an emblem of the yearly destruction visited on a state grappling with extreme weather that has made severe wildfire seasons more likely, scientists say.

“The authorities said 16 other major fires continued across the state in what Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday described as the ‘new normal.’ Officials said 40,000 people have been evacuated and 14,000 firefighters were battling the blazes.

“As of Sunday morning, the Carr Fire had destroyed more than 1,600 buildings and consumed more than 154,000 acres. The fire grew so intense that at one point it created its own weather systems, including a tornado-like fire whirl…. The fire was 41 percent contained…

“The latest victim of the Carr Fire was a Pacific Gas and Electric worker who was trying to restore power to houses that lost it in the fire, a company spokeswoman, Melissa Subbotin, said. She identified the worker as Jay Ayeta, 21, who had been with the company for about two years. Mr. Ayeta, who was in training to become a lineman, was fatally injured in a “vehicle accident” in a remote part of Shasta County, she said. Ms. Subbotin said she did not know the details of the accident….” (New York Times (Mihir Zaveri). “Carr Fire in California Claims a Seventh Victim as It Continues to Grow,” 8-5-2018.)

Aug 5, Ferguson Fire: “On August 5, the National Park Service closed Yosemite National Park indefinitely. Firefighters conducted strategic firing operations off the Foresta and Big Oak Flat roads, keeping the fire from spreading into the community of Foresta and access to and from Badger was restored.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 6, Holy Fire: Holy Fire in Orange begins. (State of California. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018.)

Aug 6, Ferguson Fire: “As the new week began on August 6, the weather moderated which gave firefighters the opportunity to reinforce containment lines, mop-up hot spots, and complete firing operations along Wawona Road. Along the southern portions of Wawona Road, firing operations continued south of Chinquapin to prevent it from entering further into Yosemite National Park. Air inversions lessened, which allowed large interior islands to burn off quickly. Wawona residents were now safe to return to their homes, however several road closures continued due to road hazards.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 7, Ferguson Fire: “The residents of Yosemite West were allowed to return on August 7. By now, most of the residents were allowed to return to their homes, and those living in Yosemite Valley were the last to return….” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 7, Holy Fire: Holy Fire spreads from Orange County to Riverside County. (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018.)

Aug 8, Carr Fire: 47% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-8-2018, 7:00 PM.

Aug 9, Carr Fire: CAL Fire heavy equipment mechanic Andrew Brake killed in a traffic accident in Tehama County, Hwy 99, on his way to work on the Carr Fire.

Aug 9, Holy Fire: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency proclamation for Orange and Riverside counties due to the effects of the Holy Fire, which has threatened critical infrastructure, thousands of homes and other structures and has caused the evacuation of residents. The full text of today’s proclamation is below:…” [Not included here. See Sources section for URL.] (State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018.)

Aug 10, Carr Fire: 53% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-10-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 11, Carr Fire: 57% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-11-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 12, Carr Fire: 61% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-12-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 13, Mendocino Complex Fire: Draper City, UT, Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett killed while fighting the Mendocino Complex Fire northeast of Ukiah.

Aug 13, Mendocino Complex Fire: “While flying the Boeing 747-400 over the mountainous terrain near Ukiah, Calif., the pilot didn’t notice the hill along the plane’s flight path. Unaware that the plane went from flying 361 feet above the ground to 190 feet, the pilot released gallons upon gallons of pink fire retardant into the forest below, flying only about 100 feet above the treetops.

“The retardant fell with such force that it uprooted a nearly 90-foot Douglas fir. As the tree fell, it killed 42-year-old Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett of the Draper City Fire Department in Utah.

“The retardant also sheared off the top of an 89-foot tall Douglas fir, hitting a fire captain and breaking his ribs. Two other firefighters were hit with falling branches. The three survived.

“Burchett died Aug. 13, less than two weeks after arriving in California with his crew to help fight the Mendocino Complex fire, the largest fire in modern state history. The fire burned 459,123 acres, destroyed almost 160 homes and killed one person — Burchett….” (Los Angeles Times, CA. “Retardant drop led to death of firefighter battling California’s Mendocino Complex fire.” 9-14-2018.)

Aug 14, Ferguson Fire: “Yosemite Valley opened to visitors on August 14 at 9:00 AM.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 14, Mendocino Complex Fire: “Sacramento — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Draper City Fire Department Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett, who passed away while working on the Mendocino Complex wildfires in Northern California:

Firefighters from across the nation – and world – have selflessly battled California’s massive wildfires, and sadly today we mourn the loss of one of those heroes from Draper, Utah, Chief Matthew Burchett. Our hearts ache for his wife and young son, family members, loved ones, colleagues with the Draper City Fire Department and the entire State of Utah.

“Chief Burchett, 42, was deployed to the California wildfires earlier this month, along with four other firefighters from Draper, Utah. He had worked with his local fire department since May and previously served 20 years with the Greater Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority….” (State of CA. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of Utah Fire Battalion Chief Working on California Wildfires.” 8-14-2018.)

Aug 15, Carr Fire: 69% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-15-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 16, Carr Fire: 72% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-16-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 17, Carr Fire: 77% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-17-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 18, Ferguson Fire: “Full containment was expected on Wednesday, August 22, however on Saturday evening, August 18, the fire was 100% contained. Interior parts of the forest will continue to smolder and burn for some time, causing lingering smoke….The Ferguson Fire is now [Aug 26] at 96,901 acres with 100% containment and 352 personnel currently engaged on the fire. During the most critical time in the fire, over 3,000 people were assigned to the incident from all over the world. There have been 2 fatalities and 19 injuries. 10 structures have been destroyed.” (NWCG. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018.)

Aug 19, Carr Fire: 85% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-19-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 20, Carr Fire: 88% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-20-2018, 6:00 pm.

Aug 21, Carr Fire: 91% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-21-2018, 5:00 pm.

Aug 22, Carr Fire: 93% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-22-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 23, Carr Fire: 93% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-23-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 24, Carr Fire: 94% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-24-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 25, Carr Fire: 95% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-25-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 26, Carr Fire: 96% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-26-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 27, Carr Fire: Carr Fire, 8-27-2018, 7:10 am update.

“County: Shasta County, Trinity County

“Location: Hwy 299 and Carr Powerhouse Rd, Whiskeytown

“Acres Burned: 229,651 acres

“Containment: 96% contained.” (CAL FIRE. “Incident Information.” 8-27-2018 update.)

Aug 28, Carr Fire: 97% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-28-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 29, Carr Fire: 98% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-29-2018, 7:00 pm.

Aug 30, Carr Fire: 98% contained. CAL FIRE. “Carr Fire Incident Update,” 8-30-2018, 7:00 pm.

Residential Structures Destroyed: 1,079

Residential Structures Damaged: 190

Commercial Structures Destroyed: 22

Commercial Structures Damaged: 26

Other Destroyed: 503

Other Damaged: 61

Sep 3, Mendocino Complex Fire: 97% contained. NWCG. Mendocino Complex, 9-3-2018.

Sep 5, Mendocino Complex Fire: 98% contained. NWCG. Mendocino Complex, 9-5-2018.

Sep 17, Mendocino Complex Fire: 98% contained. NWCG. Mendocino Complex, 9-17-2018.

Sources

ABC News (Mark Osborne). “Firefighter’s death in Mendocino Complex blaze is 6th this fire season.” 8-14-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/firefighters-death-mendocino-complex-blaze-6th-die-fire/story?id=57161727

ABC 7 News (Dion Lim), San Francisco, CA. “Carr Fire claims 6^th victim, raises evacuation concerns as inferno intensifies.” 7-29-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: http://abc7news.com/carr-fire-claims-6th-victim-raises-evacuation-concerns-as-inferno-intensifies/3845649/

ABC7 News (Nathaly Juarez), San Francisco, CA. “Firefighter struck and killed by tree while battling Ferguson Fire,” 7-30-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: http://abc7news.com/community-events/firefighter-struck-and-killed-by-tree-while-battling-ferguson-fire/3845544/

Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Identity Revealed of Dozer Operator Killed in Carr Fire,” 7-27-2018. Accessed 8-13-2017 at: http://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Shasta-County-wildfire-kills-1-burns-firefighters-489317401.html

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California Patch (Hoa Quách). “CA Wildfires Latest: 10K Firefighters Battle, Thousand Evacuated,” 7-31-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://patch.com/california/across-ca/california-wildfires-10-000-firefighters-continue-battle

CNN (Faith Karimi and Cheri Mossburg). “A flat tire started the deadly Carr Fire and days of devastation in California.” 8-5-2018. Accessed 8-27-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/04/us/carr-fire-week-wrap/index.html

CNN/Amir Vera and Dan Simon. “‘I love you grandpa,’ they said as the fire encroached. Then the line went dead.” 7-30-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/30/us/california-carr-fire-ed-bledsoe/index.html

Fox 40 News, Sacramento. “Second Firefighter Dies Battling Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite.” 7-29-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://fox40.com/2018/07/29/second-firefighter-dies-in-mariposa-county-ferguson-fire/

Fox News (Katherine Lam). “Carr Fire claims 7^th death in California as firefighters battle firestorm.” 8-5-2018. Accessed 8-5-2018 at: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/08/05/carr-fire-claims-7th-death-in-california-as-firefighters-battle-firestorm.html

KQED News, San Francisco. “How Cal Fire Dozer Operator Died: Report Lays Out Steps Leading to Ferguson Fire Tragedy.” 8-1-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.kqed.org/news/11683753/cal-fire-incident-report-on-death-of-dozer-operator-braden-varney

Los Angles Times/Alene Tchekmedyian. “Firefighter dies battling Mendocino Complex, largest wildfire in California, 8-14-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/firefighter-dies-battling-mendocino-complex-largest-wildfire-in-california/article_3f7ed672-3572-5164-8393-abbbbe26730f.html

Los Angeles Times/Jaclyn Cosgrove. “Retardant drop led to death of firefighter battling California’s Mendocino Complex fire.” 9-14-2018. Accessed 9-17-2018 at: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-mendocino-complex-death-20180914-story.html

National Public Radio. “Yosemite Valley to Evacuate Today Due to Ferguson Fire.” &-25-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report/partials?start=placeholder

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Ferguson Fire.” 8-26-2018 update. Accessed 8-27-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Mendocino Complex.” 8-30-2018 update. Accessed 8-30-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Mendocino Complex.” 9-13-2018 update. Accessed 9-13-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. InciWeb – Incident Information System. “Mendocino Complex.” 9-3-2018 update. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/

New York Times (Mihir Zaveri). “Carr Fire in California Claims a Seventh Victim as It Continues to Grow,” 8-5-2018. Accessed 8-5-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/05/us/carr-fire-california-wildfires.html

Redding Record Searchlight/Damon Arthur. “Bulldozer operator who died in Carr Fire identified as Pollock Pines resident.” 7-27-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.redding.com/story/news/2018/07/27/redding-fire-takes-human-toll-deaths-injuries/852651002/

Reuters, Los Angeles (Alex Dobuzinskis). “Mechanic fighting California wildfire dies in traffic collision, 8-9-2018. Accessed 8-9-2018 at: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-wildfires/firefighters-make-progress-in-quelling-californias-largest-wildfire-idUKKBN1KU15Q?il=0

Sacramento Bee (Molly Sullivan, Tony Bizjak, Ryan Sabalow and Dale Kasler). “Carr Fire: Another fatality, fire spills into Trinity County, evacuations remain in Redding,” 7-29-2018. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article215729720.html

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Announces Federal Approval of Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Shasta County,” 8-4-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/04/governor-brown-announces-federal-approval-of-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-for-shasta-county/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties Due to Fires.” 7-28-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/28/governor-brown-declares-state-of-emergency-in-lake-mendocino-and-napa-counties-due-to-fires/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County Due to Ferguson Fire.” 7-26-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/26/governor-brown-declares-state-of-emergency-in-mariposa-county-due-to-ferguson-fire/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in Orange and Riverside Counties Due to Holy Fire.” 8-9-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/09/holy-fire/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency in San Bernardino County.” 7-24-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/24/governor-brown-declares-state-of-emergency-in-san-bernardino-county/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of CAL FIRE Employee,” 8-9-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/09/governor-brown-issues-statement-on-death-of-cal-fire-employee-2/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of National Park Service Firefighter.” 7-30-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/30/governor-brown-issues-statement-on-death-of-national-park-service-firefighter/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of Utah Fire Battalion Chief Working on California Wildfires.” 8-14-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/08/14/governor-brown-issues-statement-on-death-of-utah-fire-battalion-chief-working-on-california-wildfires/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Lowers Capitol Flags in Honor of Fallen Firefighters, Secures Federal Assistance to Support Communities Impacted by Carr Fire.” 7-28-2018. Accessed 8-14-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/28/governor-brown-lowers-capitol-flags-in-honor-of-fallen-firefighters-secures-federal-assistance-to-support-communities-impacted-by-carr-fire/

State of California, Office of Governor. “Governor Brown Requests Presidential Emergency Declaration for Direct Federal Assistance for Carr Fire.” 7-27-2018. Accessed 8-13-2018 at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2018/07/27/governor-brown-requests-presidential-emergency-declaration-for-direct-federal-assistance-for-carr-fire/

United Press International (Susan McFarland). “8 dead; California resource strained as 17 fires ravage state.” 7-31-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/07/31/Carr-Fire-grows-to-7th-most-destructive-in-California-history/2021533034087/

USA Today (Christal Hayes, Damon Arthur, Amber Sandhu). “‘My babies are dead’: Here are the victims of the deadly Redding, California, blaze,” 7-28-2018. Accessed 7-31-2019 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/07/28/redding-fire-here-victims-deadly-california-fire/857320002/

USA Today (David Benda, Amber Sandhu, John Bacon). “‘Unbelievable’: Six die, thousands flee relentless California Carr Fire.” 7-29-2018. Accessed 7-31-2018 at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/29/carr-fire-five-die-thousands-flee-relentless-california-fire/858791002/

Wikipedia. “2018 California wildfires.” 9-3-2018 edit. Accessed 9-3-2018 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_California_wildfires

[1] Within table on “Wildfires” notes, concerning the Carr fire: “…3 firefighters and 5 civilians killed.”

[2] USA Today (Benda, Sandhu, Bacon). “‘Unbelievable’: Six die, thousands flee…California Carr Fire.” 7-29-2018. A Redding source notes his body “was found in the area of Benson Drive and Rock Creek Road…by emergency personnel.” (Redding Record Searchlight/Damon Arthur. “Bulldozer operator who died in Carr Fire identified as Pollock Pines resident.” 7-27-2018.) Date of death is from: Action News Now, Chico, CA. “Identity Revealed of Dozer Operator Killed in Carr Fire,” 7-27-2018.

[3] USA Today. “‘My babies are dead’: Here are the victims of the deadly Redding, California, blaze,” 7-28-2018. Also: State of CA. “Governor Brown Lowers Capitol Flags in Honor of Fallen Firefighters…” 7-28-2018. The State of California press release notes that “Fire Inspector Stoke, 37, of Redding, died while working to ensure the residents of west Redding had a chance to escape the flames.”

[4] Melody Bledsoe, 70, Emily Roberts, 4, and James Roberts, 5. (CNN/Amir Vera and Dan Simon. “‘I love you grandpa,’ they said as the fire encroached. Then the line went dead.” 7-30-2018.)

[5] ABC 7 News (Dion Lim), San Francisco, CA. “Carr Fire claims 6^th victim, raises evacuation concerns as inferno intensifies.” 7-29-2018. Another source cites Shasta County Sheriff for information that a sixth person had been found dead Sunday. “He wouldn’t say where the person died but added that the victim had received an evacuation notice but didn’t leave.” (Sacramento Bee. “Carr Fire: Another fatality, fire spills into Trinity County, evacuations remain in Redding,” 7-29-2018.)

[6] New York Times. “Carr Fire in California Claims a Seventh Victim as It Continues to Grow,” 8-5-2018. Also: Fox News. “Carr Fire claims 7^th death in California…” 8-5-2018. Victim identified as Jay Ayeta. (Redding Record, CA. “PG&E employee killed in Carr Fire identified.” 8-4-2018.) Article cites a PG&E spokesperson to the effect that he “was killed in a vehicle incident Saturday while working to restore power to damaged lines inside the Carr Fire.”

[7] Identified as Andrew Brake, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, who “was on his way to work on the Carr Fire burning in Shasta and Trinity counties.” (State of California. “Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of CAL FIRE Employee,” 8-9-2018. See, also: Reuters, Los Angeles (Alex Dobuzinskis). “Mechanic fighting California wildfire dies in traffic collision, 8-9-2018.

[8] Fox 40 News, Sacramento. “Second Firefighter Dies Battling Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite.” 7-29-2018. Also: KQED News, San Francisco. “How Cal Fire Dozer Operator Died: Report Lays Out Steps Leading to Ferguson Fire Tragedy.” 8-1-2018.

[9] ABC7 News, San Francisco, 7-29-2018. Another report notes that Capt. Hughes was a member of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots. (Fox 40 News, Sacramento. “Second Firefighter Dies Battling Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite.” 7-29-2018.) A State of California Office of the Governor New Release dated 7-30-2018 notes that the National Park Service Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots were “out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.”

[10] State of CA. “Governor…Statement on Death of Utah Fire Battalion Chief Working on…Wildfires.” 8-14-2018. Also: ABC News (Osborne). “Firefighter’s death in Mendocino Complex blaze is 6^th this fire season.” 8-14-2018. Burchett was killed when fire retardant released from a low flying plane (190 ft), knocked a nearly 90-foot Douglas fir down, hitting the Battalion Chief. (Los Angeles Times/Jaclyn Cosgrove. “Retardant drop led to death of firefighter battling California’s Mendocino Complex fire.” 9-14-2018.)

[11] State of CA. “Governor Brown Declares State of Emer. in Riverside…Shasta Counties Due to Fires.” 7-26-2018.

[12] USA Today. “‘My babies are dead’: Here are the victims of the deadly Redding, California, blaze,” 7-28-2018. Also: State of CA. “Governor Brown Lowers Capitol Flags in Honor of Fallen Firefighters…” 7-28-2018. The State of California press release notes that “Fire Inspector Stoke, 37, of Redding, died while working to ensure the residents of west Redding had a chance to escape the flames.”