West Coast Fire Report – 8/9/2025

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We are adopting a bit more freewheeling format for the Lookout Livestream as we enter peak fire season in California.

In this report, Zeke Lunder discussed the Gifford fire, noting its 100,000-acre size and recent growth of 4-6 miles per day. He highlighted the impact of the marine layer on fire behavior and the potential for the fire to spread north. The Dragon Bravo fire in Arizona was also covered, detailing its unruly behavior and the challenges of managing it in dry conditions. The Monroe Canyon fire in Utah was described as mostly contained, with some residual heat. Lunder also touched on the Big Cliff fire in Northern California, emphasizing its slow, beneficial burn, and there was an extended freewheeling conversation about fires in Washington and Oregon.

The Lookout Livestream 8/9/2025

 

Fire Behavior and Containment

  • Zeke Lunder introduces the Gifford fire, noting its mellow behavior today and its potential for big runs.
  • Zeke shares a map of the Gifford fire, highlighting its location between San Francisco and Santa Barbara.
  • Discussion on the marine layer’s impact on fire behavior, creating a local microclimate that reduces potential for fire spread toward the coast.
  • Zeke explains the fire’s potential pathway to burn through wilderness areas towards Pozo and Cuesta Grade.
  • Recent fire growth and the impact of wind and smoke on fire behavior are discussed.

Fire Behavior and Containment

  • Zeke describes the fire’s activity, noting its spread at night and the use of retardant drops.
  • The fire’s potential to grow substantially is discussed, with recent growth being less than expected.
  • The impact of wind and smoke on fire behavior is further explored, with the fire being less active today.
  • Zeke explains the concept of firelines and the challenges of managing fires in wilderness areas.
  • The fire’s containment status and the importance of fire lines are highlighted.

Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona

  • Zeke transitions to discussing the Dragon Bravo fire in Arizona, noting its start on July 1 and its initial management strategy.
  • The fire’s impact on the North Rim Lodge and its large size are discussed.
  • The fire’s unruly behavior and the challenges of managing it are highlighted.
  • The impact of weather conditions, including lack of moisture, on the fire’s behavior is discussed.
  • The fire’s progression and the use of firing operations to manage its spread are explained.

Monroe Canyon Fire in Utah

  • Zeke introduces the Monroe Canyon fire in Utah, located on the Fish Lake National Forest.
  • The fire’s severity map is discussed, showing high severity in forested areas.
  • The fire’s activity is described, with significant growth on the south end.
  • The fire’s impact on the landscape and the use of dozer lines to manage its spread are discussed.
  • The fire’s progression and the challenges of managing it in high elevation areas are highlighted.

Big Cliff Fire in Northern California

  • Zeke discusses the Big Cliff fire in the Klamath Mountains, noting its start as a lightning strike.
  • The fire’s progression and its impact on the landscape are discussed.
  • The fire’s management and the use of fire lines to contain it are highlighted.
  • The fire’s beneficial effects and the challenges of managing fires in wilderness areas are discussed.
  • The fire’s severity and the impact on the landscape are further explored.

Lake County Fires

  • Zeke discusses the fire history in Lake County, noting its frequent fires and the challenges of managing them.
  • The impact of poverty, addiction, and lack of community capacity on fire management is discussed.
  • The impact of human-caused fires and the need for fire-safe practices are discussed.
  • The positive role of the Tribal Eco-Restoration Alliance (TERA) in managing land and fire in Lake County is mentioned.

Fire Safety and Prevention

  • Zeke discusses the importance of fire safety and prevention, including maintaining defensible space around homes.
  • The challenges of managing fires in urban areas and the need for fire-safe practices are highlighted.
  • The role of community involvement and collaboration in fire safety is emphasized.
  • The importance of fire-safe practices and the challenges of implementing them are further explored.

Fire History and Landscape Impact

  • Zeke discusses the impact of previous fires on the landscape and the challenges of managing fires in areas with a history of fire.
  • The role of fire in shaping landscapes and the importance of understanding fire history is highlighted.
  • The challenges of managing fires in areas with a history of fire and the need for adaptive management strategies are discussed.
  • The impact of climate change on fire behavior and the need for adaptive management strategies are emphasized.
  • The importance of fire-safe practices and the challenges of implementing them are further explored.

Fire Management Tools and Techniques

  • Zeke discusses various fire management tools and techniques, including fire lines, dozer lines, and retardant drops.
  • The importance of community involvement and collaboration in fire management is emphasized.
  • The role of technology and data in fire management is discussed.