This will be the thread for tracking NEU September Lightning incidents until there is enough to break into individual incident threads.
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Possible start reported on NEU in the vicinity of Iowa Hill, reported by resident on Grand View on the Colfax side, so far units are UTL - If anyone can get these coordinates to them to check, there was a downstrike detected near Racetrack out the end of the divide near 39.07604, -120.90892.
EDIT: What is the appropriate means of contact to dispatch after-hours for those of us who are civilians and can’t radio in for informational details on a call?
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It would help if you gave us a better location to start. As for contacting the dispatch center, what information would you be giving them or asking? That is a key question as far as contacting them.
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Sorry, NEU, Iowa Hill, Placer County, coordinates as given are approximate location of at least one could-to-ground strike detection consistent with the strike reported by the RP for the call, which was dispatched and canceled as UTL. They checked Iowa Hill Rd proper, but not further out the point.
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The ECC has immediate access to the Lightning Detection System. They can see the areas they are getting hit. There are also lots of people out and about with cell phones that are more than willing to report emergencies.
My suggestion to you is to hold off contacting the Command Center until you have a confirmed fire. Once you can verify an actual fire, then call 911. The Unit will recon the areas hit by lightning once they can see to fly.
By the way, I’m a retired CalFire ECC Chief. Your willingness to help is commendable and appreciated. Just wait until you have something solid to report.
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This is actually TNF. But probably fits under this thread. The incident is being called Interbay and it is in the Foresthill/Mosquito/Interbay Rd. area. Engine can see it but not get to it and is calling for helicopter help as soon as they come up.
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I’ve noticed that different lightning detection sites often catch different events, with some missed entirely on one system, but showing multiple strikes in another, so it’s not clear whether the ECC had the information. I first caught the detection, then heard the call-out from the RP in Colfax and subsequent dispatch to Iowa Hill Rd. which was well north of the location of the detection. It turns out the fire was dispatched out again this morning as being off Kings Hill Rd. JEO the coordinates given for the estimated location I had last night. It was additional information only, as I had no means to confirm.
Edit: Dispatched as the “Hill” Incident, <0.1 acres, checked by rain, minimal response. On Kings Hill Rd., about 1mi past cell tower.
Edit: Hill IC can handle with resources on scene, size of 0.4 acres.
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Now stating the Interbay probably on the ENF, AA calling for H 6WL ASAP. Jumpers also
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Hill Incident (Iowa Hill) contained to .4 acres. IC canceled all incoming. 2hr commitment for resources.
Interbay Incident is a different fire on the TNF.
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Interbay now stated to be south of the river, ENF, not fully switched over yet. They did cancel the second helicopter.
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Sounded too tight for multiple rotorwing in that section of canyon. Jumpers preparing to insert. Location given as a a couple hundred yards downstream from the penstock on the ENF side in Sec. 35, described as highly inaccessible. Nearest access is logging roads off of Ralston Ridge, then a steep hike down.
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