Nearly 4,000 firefighters fought raging wildfires in Pioneertown, Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley and Joshua Tree National Park – all about a 30-minute drive northwest of Palm Springs – in San Bernardino County from July 9-20. Here’s a recap of The Desert Sun’s continuously updated coverage of the fires.

Fire about 80 percent contained
July 20, 9:22 p.m.
The Covington fire has grown to 225 acres, but is now 80 percent contained as it slowly travels southeasterly, fire officials said tonight.

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Fire now about 150 acres
July 20, 6:58 p.m.
About 200 firefighters are working the Covington Fire just inside Joshua Tree National Park. No containment exists so far and it has grown to 150 acres. No structures are too threatened right now.

"Right now it's in the park, which is where we want to keep it," said Cindy Von Halle, a park ranger and spokeswoman.

The affected area is wild back country that contains no structures or campgrounds.

It is problematic for animals living in the park.

"It's disastrous for the wildlife. We've got a drought going on anyway, a lot of animals lying low to survive and now they've got the stress of this fire."

The area is habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, desert tortoises and other animals.

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Storm could bring 40-mph gusts
July 20, 6:36 p.m.
A thunderstorm is on its way toward the Covington fire right now and may provide strong gusts of wind.

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Bulldozers may not be able to enter the national park
July 20, 6:04 p.m.
Bulldozers are allowed into the national park depending on the area, said spokesman Joe Zarki of Joshua Tree National Park.

"It depends on where the fire is burning and the resources in the area," he said. "We don't like to use bulldozers because they leave permanent scaring in the landscape. Health and safety issues are weighed."

Zarki wasn't sure if the three bulldozers on scene would be allowed into the park.

"They are discussing the strategy now," he said.

He said there are two incident commanders assigned: Chuck Heard with the National Park Service and Paul Sommers with the California Department of Forestry.

The latest:
200 people assigned.
8 Type 3 engines
1 strike team
5 helicopters
6 air tankers
7 handcrews with 20 people each
3 bulldozers
CDF, National Parks Service, US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are on scene.
65 acres.

There are rumors of evacuations, he said. It's moving southwest.

The campground is open but has just a handful of visitors, he said.

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Fire headed east
July 20, 5:57 p.m.
Fire appears to be spreading to the east, more into the park and away from structures.

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Map of the Covington fire area
July 20, 5:57 p.m.

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Location helped to send firefighters to Covington fire
July 20, 5:40 p.m.
There are about 20 fire engines on scene, half protecting structures and another half fighting the Covington fire in Joshua Tree National Park.

Aircraft are still fighting the blaze, too.

Four hand crews are assisting as well. More are on the way.

CDF Fire Capt. Dave Petrinovich said the vicinity helped out for fighting this fire.

"A lot of our units were still on hand from the Sawtooth Complex Fire," he said.

The winds have picked up to 10 to 15 mph and sometimes blow toward the homes in southeastern Yucca Valley. The fire is about half a mile from there in Joshua Tree National Park.

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Black Rock campground closest to fire
July 20, 5:34 p.m.
Black Rock Canyon Campground is one of nine campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park.

No one answered phone calls at the campground this afternoon.

The campground has 100 sites and is at a 4,000-foot elevation level.

It's at the northwest corner of the park, overlooking the town of Yucca Valley. The campgrounds are open yearround.

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Hand crews headed into fire area
July 20, 5:12 p.m.
2 CDF trucks headed up to the fire with hand crews.

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School can see the fire
July 20, 5:12 p.m.
At La Contenta Junior High School on La Contenta Road, administrative assistant Lori Rhodes said at 4:15 p.m. she can see white smoke, but it's just a "small area."

"There was black smoke, but it looks like it's all but out," she said, adding she went outside a few minutes ago to check out the fire.

She said summer school classes let out at 12:55 p.m.

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Fire poses no immediate threat
July 20, 4:57 p.m.
The fire is burning on a ridge line and poses no immediate threat.

But if it crosses the ridge line to the west, it would be in a valley that leads into Yucca Valley and the Black Rock campground if it crosses that ridgeline to the west, would lead into a valley area that leads into Yucca valley and park’s Black Rock campground.

“They’re trying to nip it in the bud before it gets too big,” said Joe Zarki, public information officer for Joshua Tree National Park.

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Lightning ignited Joshua Tree
July 20, 4:56 p.m.
Officials believe the Covington Fire started when lightning hit a Joshua Tree.

The trees are ripe for fire-starting. Because of its dense nature, fire can simmer inside the tree for hours – even days – before bursting, said Fire Capt. Marc DeRosier with California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention.

“You could put a bazillion gallons of water on them and think you’ve got them out but you don’t,” he said.

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Covington Fire grows to 100 acres
July 20, 4:54 p.m.
The Covington Fire in Joshua Tree National Park has grown to 100 acres, and has the potential to spread about 500 acres.

The fire is burning in a southeasterly direction, back into the park.

About 200 firefighters, 2 water dropping helicopter and 6 airtankers are on scene, focused first on the area that has the most potential to head into Yucca Valley.

There is no estimated containment.

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Bulldozers coming in
July 20, 4:46 p.m.
Aircraft continue to drop retardants and water.

Bulldozers are going to create an arching firebreak to protect homes just north of the fire.

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Covington fire grows to 65 acres
July 20, 4:30 p.m.
The fire in Joshua Tree National Park has grown to 65 acres and is being called the Covington fire.

The fire does not pose any threat to nearby Yucca Valley or the surrounding communities, according to Joe Zarki, public information officer for Joshua Tree National Park.

There is no call for evacuations at this point.

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One couple has new home on the way
July 20, 4:13 p.m.
Ann Tembrook and husband Bob have been working on their dream home on a hill on Carmelita Place in Yucca Valley for a year and a half.

It's about one month from completion, she said as she watched a brush fire in the Joshua Tree National park less than a mile from her home.

"I know they'll take care of it, but it's still a little nervewracking," she said, flames visible from her home.

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A light wind is blowing
July 20, 4:06 p.m.
At least 4 helicopters and 2 airplanes are fighting the fire.

There’s light wind, but it’s blowing inconsistent directions.

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New fire ignites in Joshua Tree south of Yucca Valley
July 20, 4:02 p.m.
Crews are on the scene of a fire in the Covington Flats area of Joshua Tree National Park.

The 50-acre fire is burning in a southwesterly direction, carrying it away from the nearby communities.

No evacuations have been called and no roadways have been closed, as of 3:40 p.m. today.

Aircraft are dropping retardant and water on the fire.

Firefighters are on Santa Barbara Drive for structure protection.

One neighborhood is about a mile from the fire. Residents are spraying down their houses with garden hoses.

“We’ve been watching it. As soon as it reached that foothill, I said, ‘I guess it’s time to start watering down the roof,’ ” said Jack Rarick, who lives on Santa Barbara. The foothill is about three-quarters of a mile away from his house.

At Parrten Products, an aerospace machine shop in Yucca Valley on La Contenta Road near Joshua Tree, Karan Parrett said she could see smoke in the distance but it didn’t look as bad as it was a couple hours ago.

"We can't see flames, jut smoke," she said. "The smoke was a lot thicker before. It looks like they are getting it under control."

She said she has an employee who lives near the flames who is "watching it real close" and is "on pins and needles" waiting for fire crews to get it under control.

It's when the winds start blowing that people start to worry, she said.
"We aren't panicking yet," she said. "It (the wind) looks like it's blowing west."

Fire started about 1:30 p.m.

Five engines are on site, two helicopters are dropping water. Officials are trying to get more air support.

The fire is about a mile from the park’s northern boundary.

Covington Flats is a tourist destination because it has Yucca, Joshua and Pinyon trees.

The fire appears to be in an or very close to an area where lightning strikes started four wildfires in June 1999. The fires charred 13,900 acres and cost about $1.2 million to fight, according to archived stories from The Desert Sun.

“That would cause it to go into an area where there’s not much fuel,” said Joe Zarki, public information officer for Joshua Tree National Park.

“They’re a little concerned about this because it’s burning up to a ridgeline.”

If it carries to the other side, it’s a concern because there’s population and campers there.

Joshua Tree no stranger to fires

Joshua Tree has had its share of fires in the recent past.

In 1999, wildfires burned nearly 14,000 acres, including a forest of the park’s namesake trees.

July 7 to 11, the Berdoo fire burned 190 acres and the Pushawalla burned 2,200 acres.

June 30, the Geo Fire burned near Jumbo Rocks campground and evacuated campers. It burned 740 acres.

Here's what other fires have done in the past:
1995 – 6,000 acres
1996 – 14,000 acres

Last year, about 70,000 acres burned in the Mojave preserve.

The fire sparked around 1:30 p.m., believed to be caused by lightning, and has grown to 40 or 50 acres, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention’s San Bernardino unit reports.

As of 2:50 p.m., the cause is still under investigation, though officials believe it may have been started by lightning.

Derek Bogue of Yucca Valley at 2:45 p.m. said he was watching the fire from Santa Barbara and Piedmont in Yucca Valley. He said a large bolt of lightning hit the area around 1:30 p.m.

“I can see the fire. I cannot tell you how big it is right now, but it’s a large one and it’s going to take a while to put out.”

Bogue said “almost immediately” four helicopters were on the scene, dropping fire retardant and water.

“It’s moving toward the (Joshua Tree) national park right now, which is good because there are no homes or structures up there,” Bogue told The Desert Sun.

Employees at the Sky Harbor Care Center in Yucca Valley said the fire is still miles away from their area.

Joshua Tree includes two deserts

The 800,000-acre park is larger than the state of Rhode Island and extends into two distinct deserts – the Mojave and the lower Colorado. More than 1.3 million people visited the park in 2005, a 10 percent increase from 2004. Most of the visitors come in the winter when the park is a prime destination for rock climbers.

The northern and western portions of the park are the areas most frequented by visitors. The Covington area near Yucca Valley includes camping and picnic grounds, 4x4 roads and views of the Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley.

-- The Desert Sun

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Millard Complex more than half contained
July 18, 10:29 p.m.
The latest Millard fire information:
Containment: 57 percent
Acreage: 24,210
Cost: $8 million
Crew: 701 personnel
Helicopters: 17
Bulldozers: 2

-- The Desert Sun

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Sawtooth is now fully contained
July 18, 7:18 p.m.
61,700 acres
Cost: $16 million
2 bulldozers and 10 helicopters aided in today's effort.
No change in damage

-- The Desert Sun

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Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce to provide scam information
July 18, 5:10 p.m.
The Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce will provide scam prevention information at the California Welcome Center on Highway 62.

The Chamber says that, to check out a contractor, you can go to www.cslb.ca.gov or call Cheryl at the chamber at (760) 365-6323.

-- The Desert Sun

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A map of the Spring Fire in North Palm Springs
July 18, 3:57 p.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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Band set to perform wildfire benefit concert
July 18, 2:57 p.m.
At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Jon Linn Band (country, rock) will perform a benefit wildfire concert at the Yucca Valley Community Center Ballfield, 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway.

The show is free but donations will be collected for the American Red Cross. The band will raffle off two custom guitars, including a Buck Owens acoustic.

Linn can be reached at (760) 660-5775 or 363-0089.

-- The Desert Sun

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Cause of death for Guthrie could take a few weeks
July 18, 2:44 p.m.
The official cause of death for Gerald "Jerry" Guthrie is “pending,” and autopsy found this morning.

Guthrie, 57, was found less than a mile from his Pioneertown Road home on Saturday. It is believed that Guthrie was caught in the Sawtooth Complex Fire when the area was evacuated July 11.

Blood samples will be sent out for toxicology and microscopic tissue studies, meaning it could take another three to nine weeks before officials know exactly how Guthrie died.

“When you have a body that’s burned beyond recognition, the key question is did he die from the fire or from something other than the fire,” said Randy Emon, San Bernardino County supervising deputy coroner.

“There could be something there that’s not visible to the naked eye.”

A memorial account has been set up with Washington Mutual to honor Jerry Guthrie. The account is being handled by the Yucca Valley branch, 57297 Twentynine Palms Highway.

Donations can be made at any branch or by calling the Yucca Valley location at 365-0683.

-- The Desert Sun

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Two injured during Spring fire
July 18, 12:59 p.m.
Officials said there were two injuries to firefighters who were helping to fight the Spring blaze.

A Palm Springs firefighter suffered a back injury, while a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighter suffered the heat-related injury, said Engine Capt. Richard Gearhart, with the U.S. Forest Service.

Gearhart was part of a crew of firefighters helping to battle the Millard Complex Fire, who assisted with the Spring fire.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fire crews will make sure Spring fire is out before leaving
July 18, 12:46 p.m.
One firefighter suffered a heat-related injury during the Spring incident, said Palm Springs Fire Department Division Chief Scott Ventura.

He added that fire crews will stay at the scene until they are certain the fire is extinguished.

"That's how that other fire got out of control," he said, referring to the Sawtooth Complex Fire. "They thought they had a line around it.

"We're in no hurry (to leave)," he said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Another photo from the Spring Fire
July 18, 12:16 p.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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Palm Springs Fire has partnership with Agua Caliente tribe
July 18, 12:15 p.m.
Palm Springs Fire has a partnership with the Agua Caliente tribe and work together for firefighting efforts, including use of water for aerial attacks.

That's why they called the Agua Caliente tribe today.

-- The Desert Sun

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Spring Fire stopped at about 20 acres
July 18, 12:14 p.m.
PALM SPRINGS -- A new wildfire that erupted in the mountains of North Palm Springs near Windy Point threatened homes today but was quickly contained at 20 acres by fast-acting firefighters.
The Spring Fire, which spread from a structure fire on Angel Canyon Trail straight up the ridge, started at about 10:25 a.m.
It was noticed by a crew of California Corrections Department firefighters that was returning from a week fighting the Sawtooth Fire in Yucca Valley. They saw the fire and reported it.
As the fire spread to 7-10 acres and the Riverside County Sheriff's department issued evacuations warnings to residents in the area, including The Western Village Mobile Ranch and RV Park, four aircraft were diverted from the Millard Fire to swoop in with water and fire retardant.
Palm Springs Fire Chief Blake Goetz was called in about 10:25 a.m. and Palm Springs Fire arrived about a minute later.
About 12 minutes later, they found flames about 100 feet up the mountain.
Two fixed-wing airplanes and two choppers assisted,
“It looks the fire has been pretty contained at 20 acres,” Goetz said at the scene about noon.
With help from the helicopter drops, the fire, which could have spread to the trailer park and new The Cove at Palm Springs home development in the area, was contained by about 11:55 a.m.
About 90 firefighters helped fight the Spring Fire.

-- The Desert Sun

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Pavilion Theatre honors Millard and Sawtooth heroes and their famlies
July 18, 12:11 p.m.
PAVILION THEATRE OFFERS RELIEF TO FIRE HEROES FAMILIES AS THEIR LOVED ONES CONTINUE TO BATTLE LOCAL BLAZES.

As the Sawtooth and Millard fires rage on, the families of the firefighters and all support forces, are invited to the new comedy “Aga-Boom.”

As thousands of acres continue to burn and grow out of control, the Pavilion Theatre in Palm Springs is offering free admission to all family members of anyone working the wildfires to see the new comedy “Aga-Boom,” Wednesday, July 19. The flames have consumed land, homes and wildlife.

The true heroes are the firefighters, police officers, medical teams, dispatchers, and all the support staff, who are battling hourly to fully contain this tragic event.

The Pavilion Theatre is lending their support to these heroes’ by way of their families by giving them a break, in what is sure a time of great mental anguish.

The show features five characters who do not speak a word but perform antics and stunts that leave audiences laughing constantly throughout the show. It’s physical comedy at its best! “This is a great remedy for clearing one’s mind as tragedy strikes so close to home,” says Dick Taylor, Executive Director of the Pavilion Theatre.

“We watch the flames rage on day by day and just want to find a way to give back to the heroes trying to keep us all safe.”

The Pavilion Theatre offers two shows of “Aga-Boom” on Wednesday July 19, at 2pm and 7pm, and free seats are available at both shows for family members of our “Fire Heroes.”

“We sincerely hope we can bring some laughter and happiness into the lives of the families of the wonderful heroes who are fighting so hard to contain and stop these tragic fires,”said Taylor.

Families who wish to attend either performance on Wednesday of “Aga-Boom” should call this special phone number at the Pavilion Theatre ticket office (760) 778-1438 (before July 19th) and identify yourself as a “Hero family member.”

The Palm Springs Pavilion Theatre is located in downtown Palm Springs between Palm Canyon Drive and the mountain on Tahquitz Canyon Way.

-- The Desert Sun

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Spring Fire was on county land
July 18, 12:08 p.m.
Firefighters alerted the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, but the fire was not on tribal land.

-- The Desert Sun

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A photo from the Spring Fire in North Palm Springs
July 18, 12:03 p.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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About 90 firefighters helped fight the Spring Fire
July 18, 11:59 a.m.
About 90 personnel helped with the Spring Fire that began about 10:25 a.m. today.

-- The Desert Sun

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The Spring Fire is close to being contained
July 18, 11:55 a.m.
A few homes that firefighters were concerned about are now safe.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fire now at 20 acres
July 18, 11:54 a.m.
Blake Goetz, the P.S. Fire Chief, was called in about 10:25 a.m. and Palm Springs Fire arrived about a minute later.

About 12 minutes later, they found flames about 100 feet up the mountain.

Two fixed-wing airplanes and two choppers have assisted,

"It looks the fire has been pretty contained at 20 acres," Goetz said.

The fire is under investigation.

-- The Desert Sun

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Evacuation are still voluntary
July 18, 11:46 a.m.
A command center has been set up at the Valero Gas Station on Fawn Ridge Drive at Highway 111.

The Riverside County Sheriff's department has informed The Desert Sun that evacuations warnings have been given to residents in the area, including The Western Village Mobile Ranch and RV Park, but are not mandatory at this point.

If the fire, on the ridge above the park, begins to move down the mountain, a mandatory evacuation will be issued.

-- The Desert Sun

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Forward progress of fire has been dropped
July 18, 11:37 a.m.
The fire cannot move anymore up the mountain as the helicopters and fire crews have been successful.

-- The Desert Sun

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Voluntary evacuations still exist for Western Village park
July 18, 11:32 a.m.
The Western Village Mobile Ranch and RV Park at 83 Bonanza Road.

The Cove at Palm Springs new homes are just beyond that along Highway 111.

-- The Desert Sun

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A fourth helicopter has arrived on scene
July 18, 11:27 a.m.
The choppers are now dropping retardant as well as water.

-- The Desert Sun

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Firefighters are using water up toward the ridge
July 18, 11:27 a.m.
Mike Wills, captain with the Palm Springs Fire Department, said "Even these small grass fires can get 3 to 4 feet high."

One member of the strike team appears to be limping with a minor injury.

-- The Desert Sun

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Palm Springs Police Chief: Fire moving slow
July 18, 11:23 a.m.
The Angel Canyon Fire in North Palm Springs started in an abandoned house.

The Palm Springs Police Department and county are coordinating together to get people ready to evacuate if necessary. There is a voluntary evacuation for the Western Trails Village.

"It seems to be slow-going. They seem to be getting a handle on it," said Police Chief Gary Jeandron, who is at the scene.

A few homes are several football fields a way.

-- The Desert Sun

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Team leaving Sawtooth Fire spotted new fire
July 18, 11:19 a.m.
A strike team from the Department of Corrections on its way home from the wildfires saw the smoke from Highway 62 and called it in.

The 29-member CDF team then went directly to this fire to help out.

They had been on the Sawtooth Complex Fire since Tuesday.

-- The Desert Sun

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Winds appear calm right now in North Palm Springs
July 18, 11:14 a.m.
County and Palm Springs Fire officials are working hard with water-dropping helicopters to prevent the fire from climbing up more of the mountain just west of the Chino Cone.

-- The Desert Sun

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Three helicopters now dropping water in North Palm Springs
July 18, 11:12 a.m.
The choppers have been diverted from the still-burning Millard Fire north of Mission Creek.

-- The Desert Sun

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A helicopter has come over to the fire, but has not dropped anything
July 18, 11:05 a.m.
A helicopter has arrived at the North Palm Springs fire, but has not dropped retardant or fire at this point.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fire is burning up the mountain
July 18, 11:03 a.m.
The fire has burned an outbuilding that was right at the foot of the mountain.

It's taking place in unincorporated county.

The fire appears headed in a easterly direction.

-- The Desert Sun

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The P.S. fire has burned 7 to 10 acres so far
July 18, 10:54 a.m.
The slow fire has scorched 7 to 10 acres so far.

-- The Desert Sun

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Choppers to be diverted from Millard Fire
July 18, 10:52 a.m.
Helicopters from the Millard Fire will divert to the Angel Canyon fire to help county and Palm Springs fire put that out before it expands.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fire in North Palm Springs started as structure fire
July 18, 10:50 a.m.
The fire off Angel Canyon Trail began as a structure fire.

-- The Desert Sun

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Voluntary evacuation given at Western Trails Village
July 18, 10:49 a.m.
The fire off Angel Canyon trail at Highway 111 is near structures, Palm Springs Fire has reported.

-- The Desert Sun

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New fire sighted in Palm Springs
July 18, 10:46 a.m.
A new fire off Angel Canyon Trail has Palm Springs Fire officials working hard.

Structures are in the vicinity.

-- The Desert Sun

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Shelter open during flood threat
July 18, 10:15 a.m.
While demand for an overnight shelter is decreasing, the Red Cross Shelter at Yucca Valley High School will remain open until the flood threat is over.

Three people stayed there last night.

If no one returns for a place to sleep tonight, it will probably transition to an evacuation center said Micki Hall, mass care administrator at the Red Cross.

This means the high school would remain open for anyone needing assistance, but would provide snacks, drinks and temporary assistance instead of meals and overnight sleeping arrangements.

While the gym can accommodate sleeping space for 120 people as a shelter, at least twice that number can be served as an evacuation center.

-- The Desert Sun

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Wilderness area could be closed
July 18, 09:24 a.m.

The San Gorgonio Wilderness area could face long-term closures because the large trees and logs in the higher elevation areas could smolder for a long time.

Air patrols will continue to watch for smoke from the area and infrared technology will be used to detect any hot spots until the area is safe.

-- The Desert Sun

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Free comedy for firefighters' families
July 18, 09:13 a.m.
The Pavilion Theatre in Palm Springs is offering free admission to the comedy "Aga-Boom" tonight for family members of firefighting personnel.

This new physical comedy act is playing tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Families should call (760) 778-1438 for tickets.

-- The Desert Sun

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Crews hike into difficult terrain
July 18, 09:07 a.m.
Crews are focusing on the northern perimeter of the Heart Fire, but the inaccessibilty of the terrain is forcing much of the battle to be fought from the air.

They are using helicopters to transport crews, but some face a 2.5 hour hike up steep terrain to reach the fire.

Phelps said they are close to containing that area of the Heart Fire, which has burned 800 acres.

-- The Desert Sun

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Big Bear area safe
July 18, 08:58 a.m.
Crews have constructed contingency fire lines well outside the fire's perimeter in case it advances toward Big Bear and are working on direct lines that are closer to the actual blaze.

"We're trying to close the door between the Sawtooth fire and the communities in the Big Bear area," said Rich Phelps with the California interagency incident team on the Heart fire.

He said there is no immediate concern about the fire reaching Big Bear with the current weather conditions.

Phelps said they are trying to connect the dots between the north end around Onyx Summit and then are working south toward then Millard line.

The voluntary evacuation of the Rainbow area has been lifted, he said.

The road system around campgrounds in the Heart Bar and Coon Creek areas is closed.

-- The Desert Sun

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19 miles of fire line left
July 18, 08:37 a.m.
The southern portion of the Millard fire has successfully been contained and is "looking very good" Jennifer Chapman, public information officer at the Millard Complex said.

The high relative humidity - about 65 percent - has helped reduce fire movement and activity, but chance of thunderstorms could change fire behavior this afternoon and evening.

There are 19 miles of fire line left to be constructed, and the focus of today's fight is on the northern perimeter.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fire Statistics
July 18, 08:31 a.m.
Containment:
Sawtooth - 85 percent contained; 61,700 acres
Millard - 49 percent contained; 24,210 acres

Sawtooth Resources:
-1700 personnel
-11 engines
-36 hand crews
-13 water tenders
-4 dozers
-4 air tankers
-13 helicopters


Millard Resources:
-867 personnel
-18 helicopters
-zero tankers assigned, but are available in reserve

-- The Desert Sun

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Safety always main objective
July 18, 07:51 a.m.
Though wildfires are always unpredictable, firefighters have certain objectives that have not changed since day one.

The number one priority is firefighter and public safety.

"If we don’t put out a single fire and everybody goes home, we’ve accomplished our objective," Jim Wilkins of the U.S. Forest Service said.

Firefighters also use what they call MIST – Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics. This means they try to minimize the consequences of their firefighting efforts on the wilderness.

They avoid and report archaeological sites and have been working with tribes to avoid historical and cultural areas.

Cost containment is also a constant priority.

"We are cognizant that these things are expensive," Wilkins said. "We do not want to be frivolous and we’re not."

The most recently reported numbers place the cost at $21 million.

-- The Desert Sun

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Containment lines held overnight
July 18, 07:28 a.m.
The Sawtooth fire did not move overnight so containment remains at 85 percent.

Firefighters there are focusing on the northwestern portion and are continuing to provide structure protection in the Rainbow and Heart Bar areas and the surrounding campgrounds.

About 140 residents are threatened in this area and are under voluntary evacuation.

One helicopter and one fixed-wing are fighting in that area.

Fourteen helicopters, four hand crews and 30 engines are working on the fire.

-- The Desert Sun

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Officials cautiously optimistic
July 18, 07:03 a.m.
Firefighters on the Millard Fire are focusing on creating containment lines around the south, north and northwest areas.

They are flying hotshot crews into the higher end of the fire and continuing aerial drops.

Officials are watching the portion of the fire that still has the potential to threaten Big Bear.

"We're cautiously optimistic, underscoring cautiously," Jim Wilkins of the U.S. Forest Service said.

They are beginning to release some personnel and equipment so they can be available for other fires.

But as Wilkins said, "It's not over yet."

-- The Desert Sun

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Fire activity low overnight
July 18, 06:33 a.m.
While it is still too early to fully determine the fire's overnight activity, patrols reported that its behavior was low to moderate in the south-east area, which means it was relatively unactive.

If any rain fell in the area, it was not enough to be measured.

The Sawtooth fire is 85 percent contained and officials are still expecting full containment by 6 p.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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Flash Flood Watch
July 18, 06:22 a.m.
There is a flash flood watch for burned areas because there is nothing left to stop the rain Forecaster Stan Wasowski said.

The chance of thunderstorms remains around 40-50 percent, but a potential storm will likely not form until the afternoon or evening.

Winds are calm this morning - about 5-8 m.p.h. - and should stay that way unless a storm forms.

-- The Desert Sun

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Flash flood watch in effect in Sawtooth, Millard burn areas
July 18, 06:09 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a 24-hour flash flood watch for the burn areas of the Sawtooth and Millard Fires, beginning at 2:30 p.m. today. Those areas include Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Pioneertown and the surrounding areas, in addition to burned areas approaching Big Bear Lake in the Millard Fire area.

Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, according to the forecast.

Kakie Urch

-- The Desert Sun

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Obstacles in fighting the Millard Complex
July 17, 11:42 p.m.
According to a recent incident report, firefighters who are fighting the Millard Complex fire have the following obstacles to overcome:

1: Working with and around multiple helicopters.

2: Operating ground vehicles on narrow roads with blind corners and busy freeways.

3: Having to hike in rough and steep terrain.

4: Fatigue and dehydration in hot weather.

5: The possibility of thunderstorms and the hazards associated with them.

6: Unanchored portions of the fire.

7: Dangerous wildlife.

-- The Desert Sun

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Storms coming from other deserts
July 17, 11:29 p.m.
The thunderstorms that have hit the Coachella Valley and the high desert are all moving in from Arizona and Nevada, according to the National Weather Service.

"There have been thunderstorms firing all over the place," Forecaster Steve Vanderberg said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Heart fire information
July 17, 11:11 p.m.
The Heart fire, which is a part of the Sawtooth Complex fire, has burnt 800 acres, according to the most recent report released by firefighters.

More than 400 personnel is involved in fighting the fire, which has so far cost about $534,000.

-- The Desert Sun

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Firefighters' objectives for fighting Millard fire Tuesday
July 17, 10:47 p.m.
Firefighters who will spend Tuesday fighting the Millard fire will have three objectives, according to the most recent status report on the blaze:

1: Keep the fire north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Reservation boundary.

2: Keep the fire south and west of the Pacific Crest Trail.

3: Keep the fire east of the Mill Creek jump off.

-- The Desert Sun

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Tonight's weather forecast
July 17, 10:15 p.m.
Firefighters fighting the Sawtooth blaze throughout the night can expect temperatures to be in the mid-eighties, according to AccuWeather.

Winds will be moving west at less than 10 mph and humidity will be about 40 percent throughout the night.

Temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees at about 9 a.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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Cost to fight fires up to $21M, Property Loss more than $8.2M
July 17, 9:58 p.m.
COUNTING IT UP
Totals as of Monday of Sawtooth Complex and Millard fires:
Days burning:
10
Homes burned:
62
Helicopters:
27
Firefighters: 3,028
Acres burned: 85,000
Cost to fight:$21 million
Property Loss: $8.2 million
Hot Shot crews: 20
Tankers: 6
Bulldozers: 25
Containing the fires:
Millard: 49%
Sawtooth: 85%

-Kakie Urch

-- The Desert Sun

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Tuesday's weather stays the same; Wednesday's may change.
July 17, 8:59 p.m.
Firefighters may expect the same type of weather they experienced Monday, National Weather Service Forecaster Steve Vanderberg said. Temperatures are expected to remain in the low hundreds while thunderstorm and flash flood watches are still in affect.

“The thunderstorm chances stay with us through the rest of the week, so even in Yucca Valley and the high desert,” Vanderberg said.

But heavy winds moving at about 39 mph have prevented the thunderstorms from staying in one area for too long, thus preventing any heavy rain from forming.

“Winds aloft will stay fairly strong, so the thunderstorms move pretty quick,” Vanderberg said. “But they may let off by Wednesday. (But) as long as the winds keep going, they push the storms away.”

-- The Desert Sun

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Palm Desert leaders, Casuelas Cafe help feed firefighters
July 17, 8:13 p.m.
When Palm Desert decided to send food to fire fighters battling the Sawtooth and Millard blazes, the city went all out.

Connor Limont, a member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, was in Whitewater Friday helping at the Whitewater Trout Farm, which was being used as a staging area for firefighters in the area.

When she found out the 50 or so fire fighters based at the farm were surviving on bag lunches, she started making phone calls.

The first went to Ray Ro driguez, the general manager at the Casuelas Cafe on Highway 111, who sent up enough chips, burritos and chicken flautas to feed the crew.

“They wanted something they could reach in and grab,” he said.

Another call to Mayor Jim Fer guson hooked Limont up with Sam’s Club, which donated about a dozen cases each of water and Gatorade, along with pretzels and energy bars.

When the food arrived, Limont said, “People came out of nowhere, all these fire engines.”
Limont decided to keep the food chain going Saturday, and this time Councilman Robert A. Spiegel stepped in with a call to Costco.

The city footed the bill for about 80 pizzas, and the store donated the Gatorade and water.

“I haven't shook so many hands,” Limont said, of the ex pressions of gratitude she re ceived from the hungry fire fight ers. “But it's about the community.

“Regardless of how fast we've grown in the past few years, when we need to we gather together,” she said.

K Kaufmann

-- The Desert Sun

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Updated Sawtooth Complex information
July 17, 7:54 p.m.
Acres burnt: More than 61,000
Current amount contained: 85 percent
Estimated time of containment: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Damage: 12 structures damaged, 50 structures destroyed, 171 outbuildings and other property destroyed.
Injuries: 17 injuries. Their extent is unspecified.
Amount spent fighting fire: $13.8 million.

-- The Desert Sun

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Millard fire containment three to five days away
July 17, 7:13 p.m.
The Millard fire, which up to this point has destroyed more than 24,000 acres, could be contained within three to five days, according to fire officials.

As of 7 p.m. Monday, the fire is 49 percent contained.

Almost $7.3 million has been spent on the fire.

-- The Desert Sun

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Firefighters estimate time of containment of Sawtooth fire
July 17, 6:38 p.m.
If all goes well, firefighters may have the Sawtooth Complex fire contained by 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to California Department of Forestry Spokesman Glenn Barley.

"We’re at a point where things are winding down and we'll be able to send people home," he said. "Things are looking better."

Most recent information shows the fire has burnt more than 61,000 acres.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fires cause about $9 million in property damage
July 17, 5:51 p.m.
Property damage caused by the Sawtooth and Millard fires is estimated at about $9 million, said San Bernardino County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger.

Overall, the total value of the structures in that area is $900 million.

-- The Desert Sun

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Victims of the Sawtooth fire can get assistance from the Red Cross
July 17, 5:31 p.m.
The Morongo Basin Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced an outreach program to assist people who suffered losses as a result of the Sawtooth Complex Fire.

People with disaster-related needs should call (760) 774-0504 or (760) 774-0475 to make an appointment to meet with a Red Cross caseworker in their neighborhood or other convenient location.

John Benefield, volunteer disaster director of the Morongo Basin Red Cross Chapter, said the Red Cross can assist people in meeting a number of types of disaster-related needs. Examples, based upon qualifications, may include assistance in housing, clothing, groceries, bedding, critical medications and other emergency needs.

Since the outbreak of the Sawtooth Complex Fire, local American Red Cross volunteers have been working to provide relief for affected families and individuals. The Red Cross opened a shelter at the Yucca Valley High School which has served as emergency housing for approximately 200 people. The shelter will remain open as long as needed.

The Red Cross has also served approximately 6,000 meals and snacks to fire-affected families and disaster workers. In the coming days and weeks of recovery, the American Red Cross will continue to provide assistance to the people affected by the fires as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. All American Red Cross disaster relief is free, a gift from the American people.

The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors for 125 years. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters, most of them fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross for help and hope.

Through more than 800 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people each year gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world.

Almost 4 million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected.

As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people.

An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

-- The Desert Sun

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Thank you dessert for fire crews tomorrow night
July 17, 5:28 p.m.
Say thank you to a firefighter ...

There will be a "SWEET SUCCESS DESSERT BUFFET!"
(for the fire crews and volunteers.)

The event will be held tomorrow from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. at the command post at the Yucca Valley High School.

THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP:

ORGANIZE YOUR CHURCH GROUP, FAMILY, FRIENDS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, CO-WORKERS, ETC. TO MAKE NON-PERISHABLE, HOME-BAKED CAKES, COOKIES, BROWNIES, PIES, ETC.
AND HAVE A FEW REPRESENTATIVES BRING THEM TO THE HIGH SCHOOL BETWEEN 5-6 PM TUESDAY
OR INDIVIDUAL BAKED GOODS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE YUCCA VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER TUESDAY BETWEEN 10AM AND 5PM.
AND / OR

MAKE POSTERS SAYING THANK YOU FROM YOUR GROUP OR ORGANIZATION THAT WILL BE PUT UP IN THE DESSERT BUFFET AREA
VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON SITE TUESDAY NIGHT
SPREAD THE WORD
PLEASE USE DISPOSABLE CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE THROWN AWAY WHEN EMPTY.


FOR MORE INFO. CONTACT LINDA SHRADER 413-2116, OR LESLIE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER 369-7211

-- The Desert Sun

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Benefit being held for Sawtooth victims this Saturday
July 17, 4:55 p.m.
There will be a breakfast benefit for the victims of the Sawtooth fire.

It will be held on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Helen Gray Center, behind the Hi-Desert Medical Center located at
6601 White Feather Road in Joshua Tree.

Tickets: $6

Checks payable to Morongo Basin United Way
P.O. Box 986, Yucca Valley, CA 92286-0986
57500 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA (In the Union Bank Building)

All dollars raised will be used to assist those families displaced as a result of the Sawtooth Fire. A fund distribution committee has been set up to distribute funds raised in support of these fire victims. There is no administration cost associated with the funds raised.

Sponsored by the Morongo Basin United Way
In partnership with:

The Salvation Army
29 Palms Youth Club
Joshua Tree Kids Club
Morongo Basin Unity Home
Friends of the Yucca Valley Library
Morongo Basin Coalition for Adult Literacy

For more information call the Morongo Basin United Way at 760-228-2716

-- The Desert Sun

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About 30 lightning strikes struck Morongo Valley area early today
July 17, 4:38 p.m.
There were about 30 lightning strikes in the Morongo Valley area late Sunday/early today, according to the National Weather Service.

The number of strikes is "cloud to ground" strikes.

About 80 were reported in the Coachella Valley from 11 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. today.

-- The Desert Sun

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DC-10 won't be used today
July 17, 4:13 p.m.
A modified DC-10 that made its inaugural run here yesterday as an air tanker used to drop 12,000 gallons of fire retardant will not be used today, officials said this afternoon.

Fire officials believe there is enough humidity in the air, officials said.

Yesterday's drop placed retardant between the Sawtooth blaze and the Big Bear area.

Ruben Grijalda, state Fire Marshal and director of CDF, said the supertanker left a line of retardant on the Sawtooth blaze 24 feet wide and 1.3 miles long.

"It helped cut a line that was very inaccessible to hand crews," he said.

The DC-10 cost $26,000 per hour to operate and $1 per gallon of retardant, or about $24,000 for two passes. That would be about $76,000.

The DC-10 may not always make sense when it comes to cost, time or effectiveness, he said.

"It's another tool in the toolbox that can be used when deemed effective," he said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Little rain today, but flash floods still possible
July 17, 3:44 p.m.
Little rain has fallen in the fire areas today, but the chance for storms – and flooding – still exists.

Flash flooding is possible on Wednesday and Thursday, when the winds are predicted to let up, said National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Vanderburg.

“They’re moving too quick,” he said of the storms. “They’re not sitting in one spot, dropping a lot of rain.”

About a quarter of an inch of rain fell this morning in Burns Canyon, one of the many areas hit by the Sawtooth Complex fire. As of 3:40 p.m., no measurable rain had fallen in Yucca Valley.

Forecasts call for a chance of storms this week, especially in the afternoons.

-- The Desert Sun

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Cathedral City power outage postponed as a result of wildfires
July 17, 1:58 p.m.
The need to deploy Southern California Edison electrical crews to fire ravaged areas from Yucca Valley toward Big Bear Valley Monday to fix 66 lost poles and lines has postponed a planned power outage in Cathedral City beginning midnight Monday.

That word came around noon today.

“It’s not going to occur as planned,’’ said Lin Juniper, a local public affairs spokeswoman for Edison. “We are sending so many of our crews to help out in the fire areas. We’ve had several poles and lines that have been affected by the fires, and multiple crews working the fire area right now.”

Southern California Edison had planned to switch off power from midnight Monday through 6 a.m. Tuesday to roughly 400 residences in an area bounded by Date Palm and Da Vall drives; Converse Road and Gerald Ford Drive. The residential area included Date Palm Country Club.

Edison officials said the planned outage was needed to replace a piece of equipment before it failed. Those preventive steps are needed to enhance system reliability, Juniper said, and prevent an emergency situation from occurring or an outage of a much longer duration.

The planned outage is now expected to occur two to three weeks from today, Juniper said.

No firm date has been set.

Gil Alexander, an Edison spokesman, said the Sawtooth and Millard complex fires have not affected high-voltage transmissions, but did affect the lower voltage distribution systems. “We’ve been able to restore lost service to customers by switching service around through a grid system,’’ he said.

The number of affected customers, primarily in the Yucca and Morongo valley areas was not known at this hour.

-- The Desert Sun

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Lightning photos from Brian Herman of Rancho Mirage
July 17, 1:36 p.m.
Here are some photos from Brian Herman of Rancho Mirage of the lightning from the early-morning thunderstorm.

-- The Desert Sun

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No services set yet for Pioneertown resident
July 17, 1:30 p.m.
The funeral arrangements for Jerry Guthrie, who died in the Sawtooth fire, won’t be finalized for a couple days, according to Cindy Badgett, a funeral counselor with Wiefels and Son Funeral Directors in Yucca Valley.

The family has contacted Wiefels to organize the funeral. It is still not known if the service will be open to the public.

Search-and-rescue teams found Guthrie, 57, Saturday less than a mile away from his Pioneertown Road home. He had last been heard from Tuesday afternoon during the massive evacuation of the Pioneertown area.

Though the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the body is Guthrie, the San Bernardino County coroner’s Web site says officials are going to confirm it also via dental records.

“He was burned beyond recognition,” the Web site says.

-- The Desert Sun

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DC-10 successful so far, may be used today
July 17, 1:03 p.m.
Officials continue to evaluate Sunday's first-ever use of the DC-10 supertanker aircraft to help fight the Sawtooth blaze.

But it appears to have gone "very, very well," said Henry Renteria, director of the state Office of Emergency Services.

Ruben Grijalda, state Fire Marshal and director of CDF, said the supertanker left a line of retardant on the Sawtooth blaze 24 feet wide and 1.3 miles long.

"It's pretty remarkable," he said. "It was as effective as our other tanker aircraft, only over a larger area."

The DC-10, based out of Victorville, had a 20-minute time to refill and return to the blaze, where it made a total of two passes over the blaze, he said.

He was not sure it would be used again today.

The DC-10 placed retardant between the Sawtooth and Big Bear.

"It helped cut a line that was very inaccessible to hand crews," he said.

The DC-10 cost $26,000 per hour to operate and $1 per gallon of retardant, or about $24,000 for two passes. That would be about $76,000.

The DC-10 may not always make sense when it comes to cost, time or effectiveness, he said.

"It's another tool in the toolbox that can be used when deemed effective," he said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Governor's 'back' in Yucca Valley; firefighter enjoys his visit
July 17, 12:47 p.m.
After spending a week battling the Sawtooth blaze, firefighter Brion Hattie of Zuni, N.M., got an unexpected surprise Monday, a handshake and conversation with Gov. Schwarzenegger.

"It's very exciting," Hattie said afterward. "I've never met anyone like this before -- an actor and a governor."

Hattie, who said his favorite Schwarzenegger movie is "Commando," asked the governor to say something into his cell phone, so he record it.

"He said, 'I'll be back,'" Hattie said.

Hattie said the governor thanked him for helping out here in California.

"He said he appreciates our help," he said. "It was good to hear that."

-- The Desert Sun

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The governor has left Yucca Valley High School
July 17, 12:42 p.m.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger toured the fire-ravaged area again and stopped by Yucca Valley High School at little after noon today.

He met with firefighters and fielded questions from the media. He praised fire crews for "the extraordinary job they're doing" and "the tremendous coordination between agencies."

Though noting the tragedy of 50-plus destroyed homes, the governor cited the hundreds of homes that were protected.

"You can see the fire coming right up to the homes, but the homes were protected," Schwarzenegger said of his aerial tour today. "That's extraordinary, extraordinary work."

Schwarzenegger said the purposed of his trip was "to talk to the people and get their lives back in order as quickly as possible."

-- The Desert Sun

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Here's a transcript from the governor's visit Saturday to Yucca Valley High School
July 17, 11:35 a.m.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:

Good morning, everybody. My wife and I, we are very happy to be here today, and we wanted to see firsthand of how well we are doing here with fighting the fires. And we want to thank everyone from the federal to the state and local level and all the various different fire departments working together to fight this fire.

As you know, this is a very dangerous situation. The weather conditions are such, which is wind and a lot of heat, that is a perfect condition for wildfires. So of course we have 4,000 firefighters here that are working day and night, around the clock, and doing an incredible job. And I want to just say congratulations and thank you to all of our various different fire departments, because they have also done a great job not only with the fire fighting but also with preventive measures, because we learned a lot during the 2004 fires. So a lot of great work was done to really protect a lot of the structures, a lot of the homes and buildings and so on, clearing out the brush and all the trees and so on around those areas.

And so I think that they are having 35 percent of the fire under control now, it's contained, but the work continues. So now, of course, the problem is that the two fires have joined, and so the Sawtooth fire now is a much larger fire, so we hope that within the next few days they make great progress.

We also want to say thank you to everyone for the great work they're doing with the people that are now without a home, that are here in our shelters. I think every aspect of it has been taken care of. And of course the coordination of all of this is extraordinary.

We are very proud of our firefighters, they are true heroes. Anytime anyone is risking their life to save others is a hero to me, and so I want to thank them all.

So if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

Q: (IA)

GOVERNOR: It's the first time right here, but not in San Bernardino County. I've been here many times.

Q. (IA)

GOVERNOR: Yeah, we flew over the areas, and it is a huge fire. It's really extraordinary of how quickly it has spread out, and that's why I say it's very dangerous, and they have to contain it as quickly as possible. But like I said, the weather conditions are not helping.

So we saw a tremendous amount of smoke, fire, and we saw also -- we were close enough to see also the crews down there working very hard. And like I said, it's a shift. It's like, you know, some people work 24 hours straight without any break, and some shifts work 12 hours at a time. But it is really extraordinary, with all that gear on, and with the tremendous heat, above 100 degrees, to work under those conditions. So it's very heroic, and it's really great work that they're doing.

Q. (IA)

GOVERNOR: I didn't hear what you said.

Q. (IA)

GOVERNOR: I can't hear it.

SHRIVER: She said, "What is the State doing that's going to help the people who have been evacuated?"

GOVERNOR: Oh, okay. Well, everyone, the federal government, the state and the counties, are all working together. We have a one-stop shop here set up so you don't have to go to all the different departments, and we're working in various different -- all the agencies are represented here to make sure that we can help people no matter what help that they need. And I think that the key thing for us is to respond very quickly to the people's needs, and that is why we have set up that shop.

Do you want to say a few words, Maria?

SHRIVER: No.

GOVERNOR: My wife wants to say a few words, just quickly. Go ahead, Maria.

SHRIVER: Oh, my gosh. Well, I think that has been interesting in talking to everybody involved, with the State, the federal government and the local, is how unified this team is. And you see the prison camps here, the role that all the inmates play, and what a critical component that is to the firefighting efforts. We met many inmates, men and women. We have the Red Cross here, all volunteers, search volunteers, people who are cognizant of what they need when they live in a disaster prone state.

So I think that the really kind of message to me from visiting here once again is how well we all do when we work together. Volunteers, search volunteers, Conservation Corps, firefighters, inmates, local private enterprise that come in here, feed 4,000 people for breakfast, 4,000 people for dinner. All the different counties working together, and the spirit in the tents of people who've been working 24 hours under, as Arnold was saying, 115 degree weather. Their appreciation for new vehicles that aren't quite so hot, their appreciation to be here, their appreciation for the people who feed them, their recognition of the work that the inmates do, it's really very uplifting.

We often talk about what's wrong, what doesn't work, and I think this is a very good example of what's working on every level. So it's very inspiring, actually.

GOVERNOR: I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you very much to our CDF Director, Ruben Grijalva for doing such an extraordinary job and always being there right in the middle of the action and coordinating all of this. He has done a really great job. And also I want to thank General Wade, who is ready with the National Guard at any time we need the National Guard, because we have a lot of the National Guard standing by and ready for action, to come down here and help. And we also want to thank, of course, OES Director Henry Renteria, right here, who is right here, who is also ready.

So I think the coordination of all those departments is extremely important, and that's why they're down here, to work with everyone, to make sure that we can contain this fire and put it out as quickly as possible.

Q: One last question?

GOVERNOR: Okay.

Q: How does this compare to other natural disasters that you've seen?

GOVERNOR: Well, I've seen only a few since I've been in office, but I can tell you that every single time when I see something like that and I go in there and meet the people, I'm always extremely impressed of how well the California team works. They are battle tested, our firefighters, they are tough, they're the best trained and best equipped and everything in the nation. They are second to none, and so that's what I'm really proud of, and I want to say thank you to all of them for working so well together.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Have a good day.

-- The Desert Sun

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Weather forecast for the San Bernardinos
July 17, 11:35 a.m.
From the National Weather Service for the San Bernardino Mountains:

Today: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Southwest wind 10 mph. High 86.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. West wind 5 mph. Low 62.

Tuesday: Chance of thunderstorms. South wind 12 mph. High 86.

Tuesday Night: Chance of thunderstorms. South wind 7 mph. Low 62.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Southwest wind 12 mph. High 88.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Low 61.

-- The Desert Sun

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Weather forecasts for the next few days
July 17, 11:23 a.m.
Forecasts



High Desert (Yucca Valley, etc.)



Today: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of thunderstorms. Southeast wind 10 mph. High 110.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. South wind 7 mph. Low 78.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Southeast wind 8 mph. High 109.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. West wind 7 mph. Low 80.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. South wind 12 mph. High 106.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Low 85.

-- The Desert Sun

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Send The Desert Sun your photos of the wildfires, overnight lightning storms, and the aftermath
July 17, 11:20 a.m.
To our readers:

The Desert Sun has numerous staffers – reporters and photographers – continuing to cover the containment of the Sawtooth and Millard fires, as well as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's tour of the damage today.

We're gathering more information about the fires and snapping photos.

But we'd also like to include photos from readers in our coverage.

If you took pictures of last night's lightning storms, we'd like to see your digital images.

We have posted more than 400 photos on our Web site, with more than 100 of them coming from readers like you.

Please, show us your photo handiwork by visiting thedesertsun.com/uploads and then return to our Web site to see your photos on our continuously updated coverage.

Make sure you tell friends and relatives about your photos and about our coverage.

Thank you for reading thedesertsun.com

-- The Desert Sun

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Millard rages on
July 17, 11:01 a.m.
According to a Fire Behavior Forecast for the Millard Complex Fire, it is burning in a mountainous portion of the San Gorgonio Wilderness above 6,000 feet.

The fire is among "old decadent stands of intermixed timber such as, Douglas Firs, Sugar and Jeffrey Pines," the report states.

In addition, Millard's west flank is threatening Snow Peak.

-- The Desert Sun

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The latest map from ESRI
July 17, 10:25 a.m.
Here's the latest map from Redlands-based ESRI. The GIS and mapping company has been assisting firefighters throughout the Millard and Sawtooth fires.

http://www.esri.com/disaster_response/journalistmaps.html

-- The Desert Sun

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Wind should be OK today
July 17, 10:20 a.m.
While temperatures are expected to remain in the 100s today, National Weather Service Forecaster Stan Wasowski said other expected conditions should at least not make things tougher for firefighters.

“There should be no wind to speak of,” Wasowski said of the outlook for the rest of Monday in the area where firefighters are still battling the main blazes.

The forecast for this afternoon and tonight calls for humidity levels in the 35 to 45 percent range. The chance of rain by this afternoon is 30 percent, increasing to 40 percent tonight and Tuesday.

-- The Desert Sun

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Firefighters' objectives of the day
July 17, 10:15 a.m.
Firefighters have three control objectives today:
-- Keep fire north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Reservation Boundary.
-- Keep fire south and west of the Pacific Crest Trail.
-- Keep fire east of Mill Creek jump off.

-- The Desert Sun

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Governor appears set to leave P.S. airport about 10 a.m.
July 17, 09:49 a.m.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to take a helicopter from Palm Springs International Airport about 10 a.m. today to fly over the burned areas in the Morongo Valley area, before landing to walk through Pioneertown.

-- The Desert Sun

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Heart Fire about 300 acres
July 17, 09:44 a.m.
The Heart Fire, that portion of the fire that contains the San Bernardino National Forest, is now about 300 acres.

-- The Desert Sun

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Firefighters warn crews about weather concerns today
July 17, 09:27 a.m.
In addition to fire, today's main concern is lightning and flashfloods, said Karen Guilleman, spokeswoman for CDF.

Crews have been told to be careful in peak areas, where they are subject to lightning, and valley areas, where flashfloods are possible.

“They have to worry about a lot of issues. It makes it very difficult.”

-- The Desert Sun

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Portion of Sawtooth fire 'still extremely important'
July 17, 09:26 a.m.
Active fire is contained to a 7-mile line in the northwestern section of the Sawtooth Fire, said Karen Guilleman, spokesoman for CDF.

“It’s still extremely important," she said. “We must put a line in there and tie that off.”

Much of the Sawtooth operation has become a mop-up.

A minor mudslide occurred off Highway 247, but not in Pioneertown.

Some areas of Sawtooth felt the rain.

“I know our crews got soaked last night,” she said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Latest Sawtooth stats in
July 17, 08:42 a.m.
Sawtooth Fire
61,700 acres
70 percent contained
2,296 personnel
$11.7 million cost
4 fixed-wing (not sure on DC-10)
15 helicopters
9 bulldozers
80 fire crews

They will begin sending firefighters home today, said Karen Guilleman, spokeswoman for CDF.

"We’ll bump that down a great deal today. We’re going to try to get folks back to their units."

-- The Desert Sun

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Governor to make return visit today
July 17, 07:44 a.m.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will return to the Morongo Valley area today for both an aerial and ground tour of the burned areas.

The governor will mostly tour Pioneertown on his ground tour. That town lost nearly 60 homes and has a population of about 340.

-- The Desert Sun

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40 percent chance of measurable rain today, tonight
July 17, 07:37 a.m.
The National Weather Service says there's a 40 percent chance of measurable rain from the thunderstorms that roll in today and tonight.

Highs will still near triple-digit temperatures as firefighters continue battling the Millard and Sawtooth fires.

Lows tonight will be in the lower to mid-80s.

-- The Desert Sun

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U.S. Forest Service: Winds a concern today
July 17, 07:22 a.m.
The big concern is thunderstorms, said U.S. Forest Service John Miller. The potential exists for erratic winds and downdrafts that can bring more air to the fire.

“You can have fire spreading in all directions,” Miller said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Late-night rain helps slightly in fighting Millard fire
July 17, 07:13 a.m.
The thunderstorms did not affect most of the fire. Major sections of the fire got no rain, said Millard Complex Fire Deputy Operations Chief Acree Shreve.

“The one section of the fire that’s been giving us some problems did get some rain,” he said, talking about the area above the Whitewater Trout Co. fish hatchery.

Firefighters continue to have a staged crew there just in case.

The steep topography of the San Gorgonio Wilderness has been preventing the Millard Complex Fire from spreading much, Shreve said, but that same topography could also help the fire continue to survive.

“When you have slopes that steep, all it takes is one rolling, burning log or pinecone to move the fire into a while new fuel bed.”

-- The Desert Sun

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Statistics from the Millard Fire
July 17, 07:12 a.m.
The latest stats from the Millard Complex Fire

22,105 acres scorched
26 percent contained
983 personnel
$5.34 million to fight

-- The Desert Sun

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Many residents given sandbags to protect from flooding
July 17, 06:33 a.m.
San Bernardino County officials have given sandbags to residents in the burned areas of Morongo Valley and Pioneertown, a small town of about 340 residents that lost nearly 60 homes, to help them stave off any thunderstorm downpours that may occur.

A 60 percent chance of thunderstorms exists throughout the day.

-- The Desert Sun

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Southerly winds blowing lightly in the high desert
July 17, 06:22 a.m.
Light winds and high humidity are helping firefighters fight the Sawtooth and Millard fires this morning, though thunderstorms are still very possible today and tonight. A 60 percent chance exists.

The thunderstorms could drench the burned areas with a lot of rain in a very short period.

San Bernardino County officials walked door to door Sunday to warn residents of Pioneertown and Morongo Valley to beware flashflooding or mudslides in the scorched hills above them.

The thunderstorms' rain could aid firefighters in their efforts, but the possible lightning and strong winds could counteract any progress.
The Desert Sun

-- The Desert Sun

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Millard Fire about 20 percent contained
July 17, 05:59 a.m.
Firefighters have the Millard Complex Fire at least 20 percent contained now.

-- The Desert Sun

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Additional humidity, more rain expected to help today
July 17, 05:40 a.m.
More thunderstorms are expected today and should aid firefighters in containing the Sawtooth and Millard complex fires. Humidity is high and rain is likely.

The bad news is that can bring flashflooding to the burned areas, wind to fan the flames, as well as lightning strikes that can ignite more fires.

The Sawtooth is about 70 contained while the Millard is at least 10 percent surrounded. The fires combined have scorched more thnan 80,000 acres.

-- The Desert Sun

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Images from the frontlines
July 16, 9:13 p.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fires scorch nearly 82,000 acres or 128 miles
July 16, 8:20 p.m.
Firefighters came closer to surrounding California's largest working wildfire today, upping the containment area at the Sawtooth fire to 70 percent.

Most of the uncontrolled portion of the fire is along the western flank in the San Bernardino National Forest. The western front is in such rugged country that most of the work there is by hand crews who were flown in or from bombardment by aircraft.

The increased containment made it possible to divert more resources to the uncontrolled portion of the fire and it also allowed authorities to reduce the amount of firefighters working the Sawtooth blaze by about 500.

Four firefighters were injured Sunday, but none seriously. High heat was to blame for most of the injuries said Jan Lemons, a Joshua Tree National Park Ranger working at the incident command post in Yucca Valley.

In addition to reducing the number of firefighters, officials also reduced the number of acres burned by Sawtooth from 62,000 to 61,700. But the move was simply an accounting decision. They decided to include the difference of 300 acres with the Heart fire, another fire in the area.

Officials also updated the total cost of fighting the Sawtooth fire to $11.6 million.

A small community of homes near Onyx Summit is still under a voluntary evacuation. Some homes in Burns Canyon are also still evacuated, Lemons said. Firefighters are also trying to keep the fire from reaching a peak used for radio communication.

"That is where all of the radio repeaters are for everybody so that is pretty critical," Lemons said.

At the Millard fire command post officials were optimistic.

Gabe Garcia, Front Country District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, said this evening he’s “feeling a lot better” about the Millard blaze.

“It really hasn’t progressed much,” he said. “The west side (of the fire) is cooling off, and it’s cooling off with very little work.”

Steep terrain with sparse plant growth helped limit the spread of the fire, officials said. It made its way to a ridge line in the Mission Creek area, but that actually made it easier for crews to fight, fire analyst Drew Smith said.

The possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and an unstable atmosphere Monday could lead to a more difficult day for firefighters.

“It’s going to be a critical day (Monday), just because of some of the weather dynamics we will have,” Smith said.

Here are the latest updated statistics for that fire:

Acres: 20,214
Containment: 20 percent
Personnel: 962
Cost to date: $5.271 million

-- The Desert Sun

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Indio breaks heat record
July 16, 6:59 p.m.
Indio broke its all-time high record temperature Saturday when it registered 122 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, San Diego office.


The previous record high was 117 degrees, set in 1911.


Today’s high was a close 115 degrees, and Monday, it’s expected to peak at 108 degrees, with a chance of thunderstorms.

-- The Desert Sun

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First the fire, now a flash flood warning
July 16, 6:40 p.m.
Residents in the aftermath of California’s largest working fire could soon be staring down other natural disasters — flash floods and mudslides.

Fires that scorched more than 70,000 acres in the Mojave desert and San Bernardino National Forest also laid bare steep mountainsides that could send debris surging downhill with just a quarter inch of rain.

On Sunday, San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and public works officials went door-to-door to about 5,000 homes from Landers to Morongo Valley to warn people who could be in harm’s way.

With rain forecast by Tuesday, residents still stunned by the fire damage are bracing for the possibility of another calamity.

“I went through 9-11 back in New York,” said Christine Rodriguez, 50. “This is kind of that same feeling. That real unsettled kind of shock.”

Rodriguez moved to Pioneertown, the community that bore the brunt of the damage from the Sawtooth fire, from Queens in 2002.

A plume of clouds fueled by near-record heat, high humidity and the blazes still burning in the San Bernardino mountains was visible on the horizon from Yucca Valley.

National Weather Service meteorologist Rob Balfour said the clouds could produce enough rain to trigger mudslides.

He said a thunderstorm would need to produce about a quarter inch of rain in 15 minutes to result in flash floods or mudslides.

“Tuesday or Wednesday it is looking likely,” Balfour said.

On Christmas Day in 2003 — two months after wildfires ripped through Waterman Canyon and Devore near San Bernardino — nine children and seven adults were killed in mudslides.

Later there was criticism officials didn’t do enough to warn people about the danger of mudslides in burned areas.

The mountain and desert landscapes in the region are already subject to flash flooding even without fire damage.

But once vegetation is burned away, the earth becomes even more unstable when it is exposed to heavy rain.

And canyons clogged with debris can also send water rushing into areas it typically doesn’t go said Vana Olson, assistant director of public works for San Bernardino County.

Debris flows or floods can start high in the mountains, leaving people downstream -- where it may not even be raining -- in their path with little or no warning.

“That is one of the things that is a little disturbing,” Olson said. “These folks may be totally dry and sunny.”

Officials suggest people who live in areas prone to flash flooding fortify their property with sand bags.

They also warn people to stay out of canyons and washes when rain is falling upstream.

“A person in a channel with a lot of debris does not have a chance,” Olson said. “People do not survive that.”

-- The Desert Sun

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New maps of massive fire charring Southern California
July 16, 6:35 p.m.
ESRI, a company specializing in geographical information services (GIS) software, has updated information about the locations of the Sawtooth and Millard fires that are burning in San Bernardino County, about 30 miles northwest of Palm Springs.

The company is based in Redlands, Calif., about midway between Palm Springs and Los Angeles. The maps offer a three-dimensional, aerial view of the geography, the cities and the fires’ boundaries.

ESRI is working with firefighting crews to help track the fire’s path.

-- The Desert Sun

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Fighting a wildfire amid archaeological treasures
July 16, 5:34 p.m.
Among the goals of firefighters battling the Millard blaze is avoiding and reporting archaeological sites.

The fire north of Cabazon includes tribal lands of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
Officials avoid publicizing the sites to help preserve their integrity.

“It could be anything from tribal burial sites, ancient tribal villages with artifacts there, dinosaur bones — anything,” said Dee Dechert, U.S. Department of Forestry spokeswoman.

Agencies such as the Forest Service, the tribe, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs or others could alert firefighters to sensitive areas. Or, they could discover them as they battle the blaze, Dechert said.

“The agency will say, ‘Be careful of this zone over here, no bulldozers,’” she said.

-- The Desert Sun

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Millard: Latest statistics
July 16, 5:31 p.m.
Millard Complex Fire statistics:
15,574 acres.
10 percent contained.
nearly 900 personnel.
22 helicopters.
6 airplane.
Cost to fight the blaze is more than $4 million.
No structures threatened.
No mandatory evacuations.
No injuries.

The Millard Complex fire is spreading in a north to northeast direction.

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Thom Wadley said the fight is going well today and that firefighters are happy with how things are going today as opposed to yesterday, when large plumes of released energy were creating their own weather and wind, hampering fire suppression and increasing danger.

“Today they’re not seeing that significant of a plume being developed as of yet,” Wadley said.
“That’s not to say that can’t happen yet today.”

Firefighting crews are stationed at the Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort in Big Bear should the fire turn in that direction.

However, Wadley said, it looks as if the fire will stop at a ridge short of the resort should it make it that far.

-- The Desert Sun

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DC-10 super-tanker delivered 'impressive' results
July 16, 4:44 p.m.
California forestry officials, battling the San Bernardino fires northwest of Palm Springs, were “very pleased with the result” this afternoon of the giant DC-10 super-tanker that twice today dumped retardant on California’s largest working wildfire.

The airplane, a modified commuter commercial jet with a 12,000-gallon tank attached to its underbelly, was used on the Sawtooth Complex Fire northwest of Yucca Valley this afternoon.

Preliminary reviews from the skies by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Aviation Management left officials “very pleased with the result,” spokesman Capt. Jesse Estrada told The Desert Sun around 4:30 p.m.

The tanker left “very impressive coverage – a very long line of retardant” – in the area in which it dropped, Estrada said.

It returned to its base in Victorville to reload and make a second drop, he said. It made two drops today.

Firefighters on the ground are making their way to the drop zone this afternoon to further evaluate the DC-10’s effectiveness.

The DC-10 holds about 10 times more water or fire retardant than the standard S-2T fixed-wing tanker craft used by state forestry officials.

The aviation personnel will discuss whether to continue using the DC-10 with incident commanders on both the Sawtooth and Millard fires.

“Everybody went into this with an open mind,” Estrada said. “And we are pretty pleased with what appears to be the result.”

A four-member flight crew aboard Tanker 910 is working in coordination with CDF support personnel to drop the retardant.

Three separate external tanks with a capacity of 12,000 U.S. gallons of retardant were utilized during the two separate flights by Tanker 910.

The operational objective is for the aircraft to build a buffer of retardant between the Sawtooth Fire and the community of Big Bear while allowing ground crews to get in position to build a containment line.

The DC-10 is a 31-year-old former passenger jet that was jointly developed over the past four years by Omni Air International of Tulsa, Okla., and Cargo Conversions LLC, a freighter conversion company based in San Carlos, California.

-- The Desert Sun

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First-time use of modified DC-10 in wildfire fight confirmed
July 16, 4:24 p.m.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is confirming that is used a modified DC-10 to drop 12,000 gallons of fire retardant on the Sawtooth fire.

A four-member flight crew aboard Tanker 910 is working in coordination with CDF support personnel to drop the retardant.

The aircraft was deployed at the request of CDF Incident Command Team 8, which has been coordinating firefighting efforts on the blaze, according to a release.

“This is the first time in history a DC-10 had been utilized in a firefighting capacity,” said Director Ruben Grijalva of CDF.

“We are always examining firefighting tools that can help save lives and property. Once our staff certified the aircraft we made it available to the Incident Command Team.”

Here’s what the rest of the release stated:

Incident Commander Rick Henson made a tactical decision that the Sawtooth Fire would be an appropriate and conducive venue to test the aircraft due to the terrain, weather and fire conditions.

“I was fortunate enough to watch this first live fire drop from a nearby helicopter and was very impressed with how much retardant was dropped,” said Henson.

“I immediately directed my staff to evaluate the retardant’s coverage on the ground. Preliminary reports indicate the DC-10 retardant met the objective of slowing the fire’s spread.”

Three separate external tanks with a capacity of 12,000 U.S. gallons of retardant were utilized during the two separate flights by Tanker 910. The operational objective is for the aircraft to build a buffer of retardant between the Sawtooth Fire and the community of Big Bear while allowing ground crews to get in position to build a containment line.

Tanker 910 was certified or “carded” today by the CDF Aviation Management Unit after the aircraft was tested repeatedly with numerous drops in the desert as well as runs on higher elevations.

Tanker 910 is certified by the FAA and meets the same maintenance standards as passenger-carrying planes of the identical size.

The DC-10 is a 31-year-old former passenger jet that was jointly developed over the past four years by Omni Air International of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Cargo Conversions LLC, a freighter conversion company based in San Carlos, California.

A demonstration of Tanker 910 was conducted in late March for state fire officials and the media at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, formerly the George Air Force Base, located in the Mojave Desert.

Tanker 910 was leased today by CDF at a cost of $52,000.

Lightning started the Sawtooth Fire on July 9 and it has since consumed 62,000 acres and destroyed 58 residences and 171 outbuildings in San Bernardino County. The fire has caused one fatality and 12 minor injuries.

Property loss is estimated at $8,702,000.

Currently, in addition to the DC-10, there are 85 fire crews; 206 engines; 8 airtankers; 15 helicopters and 35 bulldozers battling the blaze, with 60 percent containment.

The Sawtooth Fire is being managed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Incident Command Team 8 in conjunction with CDF, San Bernardino County Fire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office, U.S. Forest Service, CHP, LA County Fire, CA Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Red Cross, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

-- The Desert Sun

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Unconfrimed reports: DC-10 drops 12,000 gallons on wildfires
July 16, 4:03 p.m.
A DC-10 "super-tanker" has been used to fight the Sawtooth Complex and Millard Complex fires, according to unconfirmed reports.

It is the first time the modified commuter plane has been used on a wildfire.

The jet is capable of dropping 12,000 gallons of water or retardant.

Typical airplanes used in the aerial assault on the fire can carry 1,200 gallons.

The retooled DC-10 tanker demonstrated its water-drop capabilities at the prestigious Paris Air Show in June 2005.

-- The Desert Sun

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Report gives glimpse into Sawtooth's fury and the danger to fire crews
July 16, 3:45 p.m.
Three separate incidents in which firefighters were trapped July 11 are under investigation.

And, a preliminary report on those incidents gives a glimpse into the Sawtooth Complex Fire’s rage as it swept through Pioneertown on that day.

The incidents are the subject of a joint investigation by the federal Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

No firefighters are mentioned by name in the report.

One incident involved a Bureau of Land Management captain and occurred approximately two miles southwest of the intersection of Keys Ranch and Pioneertown roads.

The captain was in the area evaluating houses and other structures. As he headed up an unnamed road he reached a two-story house and stopped his SUV.

“Before he had time to get out of his vehicle to assess the structure, the fire front hit with blackout condition, including high velocity winds and extreme heat,” the report states.

“Realizing that he had no escape options, he remained in his vehicle while the fire front passed by him.”

The captain radioed incident command to let officials know of his situation, the report states.

He also requested air support, but it was not deemed feasible due to the wind and smoke conditions, the report states.

Taking refuge in the back seat of his SUV, the captain was forced to climb back into the driver’s seat to quickly reverse the vehicle because it was too close to the fire front and had caught on fire.

The captain stayed in the vehicle until the fire front passed.

Another incident occurred at about the same time in the Paloma Avenue and Lariat Trails area, at 1 p.m., involving San Bernardino County firefighters also protecting structures in Pioneertown.

A crew was clearing brush around a house when its members noticed changing fire behavior.
High velocity winds caused the fire to rapidly spread toward the crew and members took refuge in their fire engine to escape flames.

After the fire passed, three firefighters were treated for minor burns or smoke inhalation at a local hospital. They were later released.

A third incident involved the city of Twentynine Palms Fire Department, also providing structure protection in Pioneertown on Lariat Trails.

While protecting a house, crew members saw fire spreading quickly toward them and sought refuge in the house’s garage.

The two buildings then caught fire and crew members had to climb out the garage’s window to escape.

They ran to their fire engine and began driving to a pre-arranged safe point. But during the drive, they experienced zero visibility, the report states.

As a result the fire engine sustained minor damage after nearly striking a burning Joshua Tree.

A firefighter sitting in the open rear cab of the engine — wearing full wildland protection gear — suffered minor burns to her back when she turned away from the heat blast.

The injured firefighter was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

A list of damage to vehicles in these three incidents gives evidence of their close calls with Sawtooth’s fury:

melted blinker lenses and side view mirrors.

scorched paint.

melted hose bed covers.

cracked windshields.

The incidents remain under investigation.

The report states that multiple safety issues are under review in light of these incidents, including the practice of taking refuge inside fire engines, vehicles or houses, as a last resort in the face of an approaching fire storm.

“Line supervisors need to continually weigh risk versus benefit in their strategy and tactics,” the preliminary report states.

-- The Desert Sun

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Smoke advisory in effect
July 16, 2:37 p.m.
A smoke advisory is in effect for the areas of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and the Coachella Valley affected by the wildfires.

Individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and exposure to smoke. - South Coast Air Quality Management District

-- The Desert Sun

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Send The Desert Sun your photos of the wildfires and the aftermath
July 16, 2:33 p.m.
To our readers:

The Desert Sun has numerous staffers – reporters and photographers – stationed throughout San Bernardino County this afternoon, gathering more information about the fires and snapping photos.

They are stationed in a place where they cannot transmit digital images, but we expect a wave of updated photos soon.

In the meantime, we want to see more of your digital images.

Have you taken pictures since the fires erupted a week ago?

We have posted nearly 400 photos on our Web site, with more than 100 of them coming from readers like you.

Please, show us your photo handiwork by visiting thedesertsun.com/uploads and then return to our Web site to see your photos on our continuously updated coverage.

Make sure you tell friends and relatives about your photos and about our coverage.

Thank you for reading thedesertsun.com

-- The Desert Sun

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Sawtooth and Millard fires: Latest updates
July 16, 2:03 p.m.
The fires that have swept through the mountains northwest of Palm Springs today have charred nearly 78,000 acres, but firefighters continue to make progress in controlling the blazes, firefighters said today.

As they battle not only California’s largest working wildfire but also oppressive triple-digit temperatures, firefighters are also possibly turning to a new – and very big – weapon to beat back the flames: A modified DC-10 “super-tanker” jet airplane capable of dropping 12,000 gallons of water or retardant on the fire.

Typical airplanes used in the aerial assault on the fire can carry 1,200 gallons.

It would be the first time the modified commuter plane would be used on a wildfire.

The retooled DC-10 tanker showed its water-drop capabilities at the prestigious Paris Air Show in June 2005.

But because it has never been used on a wildfire, officials are “more than cautious,” Mike Padilla, director of aviation for the California Department of Forestry, told The Desert Sun around 12:30 p.m.

“This is a very big aircraft, a new tool,” he said. “We want to take baby steps with it. It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when we get all of this put together.”

Here are the other latest headlines:

Even though the two fires – known as the Sawtooth Complex and the Millard Complex – merged Friday, authorities are still providing separate statistical edges on the fires.

As of about 9 a.m. today, the last time officials have provided media briefings, Sawtooth burned 62,000 acres, but is 60 percent contained. The smaller Millard is 15 percent contained and has charred 15,572 acres.

Authorities are monitoring firefighters’ health and how they’re being affected by the extreme heat.

There’s significant concern about the potential for heat exhaustion.

Fire crews comprised of “hot shots” — elite, specially trained, wildfire fighting teams — are mobile. Each member can carry much on his or her back, officials said.

What they wear may not weigh as much as the gear worn by firefighters who extinguish house fires, however, one wildfire fighter may carry a 45-pound chainsaw, a 30-pound pack, an axe/pick, a shovel, a helmet and other items. Their clothing, officials said, does not breath and treks into areas where fire breaks will be built can sometimes be long and arduous.

Temperatures today are expected to remain in the triple-digits with a 20-30 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm clouds have the potential to carry strong winds, that could reach as high as 35 mph and create a down draft. Those strong downward winds could endanger firefighters on the ground because they wouldn't be able to tell what direction the winds were coming from.

Officials are also concerned about new lightning strikes that could hinder crews. Firefighters might become human lightning rods, officials said.

Residents living in the aftermath of a massive Southern California wildfire may soon find themselves in the path of another natural disaster – mudslides and flash floods.

Midday Sunday, sheriff’s deputies and public works officials set about warning as many as 5,000 people from Landers to Morongo Valley about the potential danger.

National Weather Service meteorologist Rob Balfour said thunderstorms are likely as monsoonal moisture moves into the area which is already experiencing record levels of heat.

He said cloud systems building over the mountains aren’t likely to produce much moisture today. But rain is likely by mid-week.

“We have a second pulse of moisture coming up on Monday and Tuesday.”

Vana Olson, assistant director of public works for San Bernardino County, said residents should stay away from washes and families should keep track of each other in the event of rain.

Floods could block or wash out roads leaving residents stranded. And hikers, children or anyone else at the bottom of a canyon, arroyo or wash could find themselves in a life-threatening situation with little or no warning.

“A person in a channel with a lot of debris does not have a prayer,” Olson said. “People do not survive that.”

-- The Desert Sun

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What could follow wildfires? Flash floods
July 16, 1:22 p.m.
Yucca Valley residents living in the aftermath of a massive Southern California wildfire may soon find themselves in the path of another natural disaster — mudslides and flash floods.

The Sawtooth Complex Fire burning from the Mojave desert to the San Bernardino National Forest burned vegetation from about 77,000 steep, rocky acres that are already subject to floods even when root systems are in place to hold the soil.

This morning sheriff’s deputies and public works officials set about warning as many as 5,000 people from Landers to Morongo Valley about the potential danger.

National Weather Service meteorologist Rob Balfour said thunderstorms are likely as monsoonal moisture moves into the area which is already experiencing record levels of heat.

Balfour said cloud systems building over the mountains aren’t likely to produce much moisture today. But rain is likely by mid-week.

“We have a second pulse of moisture coming up on Monday and Tuesday,” Balfour said.

Vana Olson, assistant director of public works for San Bernardino County, said residents should stay away from washes and families should keep track of each other in the event of rain.

Olson said floods could block or wash out roads leaving residents stranded. And hikers, children or anyone else at the bottom of a canyon, arroyo or wash could find themselves in a life-threatening situation with little or no warning.

“A person in a channel with a lot of debris does not have a prayer,” Olson said. “People do not survive that.”

-- The Desert Sun

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'One-of-a-kind' DC-10 may help with fire fight
July 16, 1:12 p.m.
A very new – and very big – weapon may be deployed as early as this afternoon or evening to fight raging local wildfires from the skies.

Officials are “within hours” of deciding whether to use a modified DC-10 “super-tanker” jet airplane to drop water or fire retardant on a wildfire for the first time ever.

The aircraft is based out of Victorville and is operated by a private company, the 10 Tanker STC Co., under contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said Mike Padilla, director of aviation for CDF.

Both the aircraft and its crew have all necessary certifications for water or retardant drops on wildfires, Padilla said. The last few days have been spent evaluating whether and how the aircraft can be useful in helping douse the locally raging wildfires, he said.

“Because it’s a new tool, we’re looking at how it can be used in ways that are the most safe and effective as is possible,” he said.

“We are coordinating with the incident commanders themselves to make sure the aircraft could be deployed in such a way that it would be effective on the fire.”

The large DC-10 is a modified commuter aircraft, capable of a much larger payload of water or retardant – 12,000 gallons instead of the 1,200 dropped by the S-2T tanker airplanes CDF currently uses, Padilla said.

The one-of-a-kind DC-10 tanker demonstrated its water-drop abilities at the Paris Air Show in June 2005. But because it’s never before been used on a wildfire, officials are being “more than cautious,” Padilla said, as they work out just how maneuverable the plane will be in doing its job, how and how much water or retardant it can most effectively drop on fire areas, and other issues.

The DC-10 was in the air late this morning, along with a lead airplane providing management of its activities, as issues were being worked out and evaluated, Padilla said.

“This is a very big aircraft, a new tool,” he said. “We want to take baby steps with it.

“It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when we get all of this put together.”

-- The Desert Sun

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Big Bear tourists unfazed by wildfires
July 16, 1:06 p.m.

-- The Desert Sun

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Big Bear tourists unfazed by wildfires
July 16, 12:35 p.m.
Vacationers at Big Bear Lake today ignored the falling ash and decided to enjoy their weekend activities at this popular recreational area.

Despite the wildfire that raged about several miles away, weekend flatlanders streamed to Big Bear Valley resort communities to fish, shop and dip spoons into bowls of fiery soup at the Old Miners chili cook-off.

“We decided to stay put (Friday), and I’m glad we did,’’ Michele Roth said this morning, as she overlooked the Old English garden at her custom-made Lake Williams home.

“It's blue skies, white puffy clouds this morning,’’ she said.

Equally calm this morning was neighbor Penny Schooley.

“I’ve been through this before,’’ she said from the $500,000 log cabin-style home that she and her husband assembled plank-by-plank on Monte Vista Street.

“When fire came up through the dam in 2003 and stopped in Running Springs, the whole valley was evacuated, Schooley said. “I learned to sit still