Zeke Lunder provided an update on the Dragon Bravo fire, which has been active for nearly a month and is now 8,000 acres. The fire has destroyed over 70 structures and is moving northeast under prevailing southwesterly winds. Firefighters have conducted firing operations to manage the fire’s intensity but face challenges due to extreme dryness and high winds. The fire is expected to spread onto the Kaibab National Forest. In Northern California, lightning has sparked a few new fires, but current conditions are not critically dry, improving the chances of controlling new starts. We review new satellite imagery for the Butler Fire, which appears to have achieved significant ecological benefits, reburning most of an area which last saw fire in 2013.
Dragon Bravo Fire Overview
- Zeke Lunder introduces the meeting, focusing on the Dragon Bravo fire and the lightning situation in Northern California.
- The Dragon Bravo fire has been active for almost a month, and its behavior is not favorable.
- Zeke mentions the need for rain to control the fire and transitions to discussing the fire’s location and recent activities.
- The fire has been active, burning down structures and moving northeast under prevailing southwesterly flow.
Firefighting Operations and Challenges
- Firefighters conducted a large firing operation to control the fire, but the fire’s aggressive run made it difficult.
- The fire has grown to around 8000 acres and has moved into a wilderness area.
- Zeke explains the geographical challenges, including the difference in elevation between the North Rim and the desert.
- The fire is burning uncontrolled in the wilderness, and firefighters are preparing for potential spread to the Kaibab.
Fire Behavior and Weather Conditions
- Zeke discusses the fire’s behavior, noting that if the same conditions persist, the fire could push into the Kaibab by the end of the day.
- Firefighters are prepping at the Kaibab Lodge and doing road prep in anticipation of the fire’s spread.
- The area is experiencing extreme dryness and critical fire weather conditions, with minimal relative humidity and strong winds.
- Zeke expresses admiration for the firefighting team but notes the challenges they face.
Fire Management Strategies
- Zeke talks about the fire management strategies, including firing operations to manipulate the fire’s intensity.
- The fire is burning in a patchy manner, with some areas showing intense heat and others remaining barren.
- Firefighters are using aerial ignition to burn understory vegetation to reduce the fire’s intensity.
- The strategy involves adding heat to the landscape, which could have both ecological and public relations implications.
Northern California Lightning and Butler Fire
- Zeke shifts focus to Northern California, discussing the ongoing lightning activity and its potential impact.
- The conditions are favorable for lightning, but the area is not in critical fire conditions.
- The Butler Fire in the Orleans complex has not spread significantly, and firefighters are managing the situation.
- Zeke mentions a new video about the Park Fire, which was released recently, and encourages viewers to check it out.
Fire Severity and Ecological Impact
- Zeke discusses the severity of the fire, noting that areas that burned hot in the past are more susceptible to high severity burns.
- The fire has mostly spared old-growth trees, which is a positive ecological outcome.
- Social impacts include smoke and serious injuries to firefighters, with a GoFundMe set up for one of the injured firefighters.
- Zeke emphasizes the importance of fire in managing the landscape and the challenges of controlling large wildfires.
Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
- Zeke concludes by expressing hope that the fire will not burn the entire Kaibab and emphasizing the need for rain.
- He mentions the ongoing lightning activity in Northern California and the potential for new fire starts.
- Zeke encourages viewers to check out the Lookout’s essays and videos for more information on the fires and related topics.
- The meeting ends with a reminder to stay informed and support the firefighting efforts.