Firefighters battling the massive Creek Fire have added a unique new tool to their arsenal. Flaming ping-pong balls, also known in the firefighting trade as Delayed Aerial Ignition Devices, are being used to clear brush and other "ground fuels" to help bring the fire under control. Balls Dropped by Helicopter in...
Smoke Hangs in the Air as Valley Fires Trigger Health Warnings
Smoke drifting across the Fresno area from a large pallet fire in Reedley and nearby wildland grass fires is prompting health warnings from local air quality officials. The fire at fruit packaging manufacturer Maxco Supply broke out early Thursday and continued to burn throughout the morning. That led to a...
CalFire: Homeowner Equipment Caused Deadly Blaze
SACRAMENTO — In a long-awaited report, state investigators said Thursday that a 2017 wildfire that killed 22 people in Northern California wine country was caused by a private electrical system, not equipment of embattled Pacific Gas & Electric Co. The state's firefighting agency concluded that the fire started next to...
Newsom Proposes Wildfire Spending and a 911 Fee
COLFAX — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday pledged fresh investments to prevent, fight and escape wildfires, including millions to help local governments improve their communication during emergencies and a fee to fund an update for the state's 911 system. Newsom outlined $105 million in new fire-related spending on top...
Gov. Brown Pledges Any Resources Needed for Fires
UPPER LAKE, Calif. — A massive wildfire in Northern California has torched more than 1,000 homes in and around the city of Redding, authorities said Wednesday as some evacuees were allowed to return home and new blazes exploded in what has become an endless summer of flame in the Golden...
Firefighter Killed in Wildfire Near Yosemite National Park
A second-generation California firefighter who was using a bulldozer to prevent a wildfire from spreading was killed Saturday near Yosemite National Park, state fire officials said. Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Braden Varney, 36, died in the morning hours, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. The Ferguson Fire...