Wildfire season blazes across the South

The 2011 Winter Wildfire Season in the South began in mid November 2010.

The wildfire season is characterized by critical and extremely critical fire conditions frequently forecast in a series of progressive weather fronts – high winds, low relative humidity and high temperatures. Drier and warming weather since early February has led to deteriorating conditions, with moderate or worse drought enveloping much of the South now and through the end of June.

La Nina composites and other weather factors favor the persistence and intensification of drought for most of the South. 

Throughout the winter, state leadership has continued to monitor and assess conditions and staff accordingly. 

National outlook:

View the National Interagency Fire Center Predictive Services winter wildfire outlook at http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf

Regional outlook:

Southern State Fire Situation Update

March 25, 2011

Weather:

Yesterday was an extremely active fire day for much of the region.   West Oklahoma and west Texas are expecting sustained winds of 15 mph and relative humidity in the teens today.  Fire weather for most of the region has improved slightly today with less wind.  Relative humidity should begin to increase this weekend. 

State Fire Activity: 

Examples of fire activity yesterday include:

Alabama – Thursday March 24, 39 fires for 1,482 acres. 

Arkansas – Thursday March 24, 56 fires for 2,662 acres.

Florida – Thursday March 24, 26 fires for 430 acres.

Georgia – Thursday March 24, 70 fires.  At least 6 large fires are still uncontained including:

·         Arabia Bay - Clinch County- estimated at 7,000 acres. The fire is 1 mile from Homerville and threatening numerous structures. Evacuations are ongoing. 

·         Moseley Road - Coffee County, Douglas, estimated 800 acres. Homes evacuated.

·         Sessom’s Community - Bacon County, estimated 8000 acres.

·         Screven - Wayne County, estimated 125 acres.

·         Mary Field Plantation - Camden Co. estimated 2500 acres mostly in marsh or old rice fields.

·         Ludowici - Fire burning in town, 4,000 acres.

Louisiana – Thursday March 24, 38 fires for 244 acres.

Mississippi – Thursday March 24, 38 fires for 1,444 acres.

North Carolina – Thursday March 24, 59 fires for 145 acres, not including 2 on-going large fires:

·         SR8 – 9,500 acres burning on Camp Lajeune military reservation and private lands, 35 % contained with 100 homes threatened.

·         Myrtle Head Road – 400 acres, 90% contained.

Oklahoma – Thursday March 24, 27 fires for 3,258 acres in the protection area including 6 large fires:

·         2 Potato – 1,200 acres

·         Oak Haven – 150 acres

·         Oak Ridge – 740 acres

·         Dogwood – 250 acres

·         Cedar Creek – 320 acres

·         Round Mountain – 150 acres

 There were also at least 3 requests for assistance outside the protection area.

South Carolina – Thursday March 24, 27 fires for 471acres not including: 

·         Wendy Fire – Charleston Co. 2,600 acres, 95 % contained

·         Sand Ridge – 700-800 acres, contained, 50 homes threatened

Texas – Thursday March 24, 26 fires for 967 acres not including:

·         Dipper Ranch Fire – Presidio County, 2,500 acres, 25 homes evacuated

Resources:

Texas’ type 2 IMT remains in Abilene coordinating fire response.  Aviation and other resources are strategically placed around the state.  Ashville Hot Shots are assigned to the Dipper Ranch Fire.

Georgia has assigned their type 2 IMT to the Arabia Bay Fire and ordered the Southern Region Interagency IMT and is being assisted George Custer’s NIMO Team on the Ludowici fire.  Georgia has also ordered 6 tractor plow units with Strike Teams Leaders from Florida through the compact, as well as a heavy airtanker and 2 Georgia National Guard type 1 helicopters.  They are also being assisted by 4 Georgia state helicopters. A Joint Information Center is being established with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.  Two FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grants have been approved for Georgia fires.

A North Carolina IMT is assigned to the SR8 Fire. 

Critical Needs:

Currently there are no outstanding compact orders.