Station Fire update, restoration plan in three phases

Remains of the historic Vetter Lookout Tower 

(by Carol Underhill U.S.F.S.)

Link to the new Angeles Forest-Station Fire Recovery blog: Angeles Rising

As for the Station Fire, it  is now 98% contained but continues to burn its way through the San Gabriel wilderness. Here's the latest update from InciWeb:

There are three phases of rehabilitation following wildfires on federal lands:

1. Fire Suppression Repair;
2. Burned Area Emergency Response; and 
3. Long-term Recovery, also known as BAER. 

Fire Suppression Repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize environmental impacts resulting from fire suppression activities and is usually began after the fire is contained and before the demobilization of an Incident Management Team. This work rehabilitates the hand and dozer firelines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts.

The BAER assessment team will determine if there are appropriate and effective measures that can be implemented in a timely manner to reduce unacceptable risks from potential flooding, mudslides, and debris flows. If the BAER assessment team determines emergency situations exist, and there are feasible and appropriate mitigation measures that would substantially reduce risks, the Angeles National Forest's short-term goal is to have treatments completed before the first damaging winter rain storm.

A variety of state, local agencies and programs are available to help homeowners. These include FEMA, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Residents who have not yet met with a flood-control engineer but would like to schedule a visit may call (800) 214-4020 and review the LA County DPW's "Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Debris and Erosion Control".

It has been determined that the cause of the Station Fire is arson and is now a homicide investigation. If you have any information or questions please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 323-890-5500. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles has established a reward in the amount of $50,000 for any information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the heinous actions that lead to a major disaster known as the "Station Fire" which started off the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2) about one mile above Angeles Crest Fire Station on August 26, 2009 around 3:30 p.m., and at this time has resulted in the death of two fire fighters and injury of 22 persons.

The Angeles National Forest call center is being staffed 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. for additional information call (626) 574-5200.

Videos of the Station Fire can be seen at Station Fire Videos.

The Station Fire which started on August 26, 2009, is the largest fire in the recorded history of Los Angeles County and the 10th largest fire in California since 1933. On Google Earth, the Station Fire Perimeter and a progression map is available.
Closures: The Angeles National Forest call center is being staffed 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. For additional information, please call 626-334-7582.
Deukmejian Wilderness Park: For the health and safety of our visitors, the park is presently closed until further notice.
Angeles National Forest Closure: An area closure of the southern portion of the Angeles National Forest is in effect until it is determined that it is safe to reopen forest areas. For additional information on the closure, and a map go to www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/ or call (626) 574-5200
Road Closures: Closures are in effect throughout the fire area to protect the community. Please call the California Highway Patrol for further information at (323) 982-4900. For Little Rock Reservoir, call (661) 533-2424.

Read the latest LA Times article on the delay in beginning the fire fight and promised changes in its wake. 

View the Station Fire photo essay from the LA Times here.