March 15 Digest: This Week in Wildfire Recovery News
This is a digest of selected news and media that emerged over the last week related to wildfire emergencies, recovery efforts, and resilience building efforts in the American West.
Weary Of Lawsuit & Fearing Delays, Marshall Fire Victims Plan Rally
From CBS Denver, by Alan Gionet | March 12, 2022
Residents of Boulder County, CO plan to rally against lawsuit filed by Demanding Integrity in Government Spending organization, which they fear could slow the process of cleanup after the Marshall Fire
At Annual Address, Marion County Commissioners Revisit Wildfire Recovery Efforts, Talk Plans for Behavioral Health Services
From Salem Reporter, by Ardeshir Tabrizian | March 11, 2022
At the annual State of the County Address Wednesday, Marion County, OR commissioners said building more housing was essential to helping people transition out of homelessness
‘Give Thanks With Grace’: Cindy Chauran Helps Rebuild a Community
From Salem Statesman Journal, by Capi Lynn | March 13, 2022
Cindy Chauran of Gate, OR and local leader who spearheaded the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief fund is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women across the country who have made a significant impact. The annual program is a continuation of Women of the Century, a 2020 project that commemorated the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote.
Estimated TOTAL Cost of the Camp Fire Was About $422 Billion
From Wildfire Today, by Bill Gabbert | March 12, 2022
Compilation of data regarding the 2018 Camp Fire, including total damage and economic costs, insured loss, debris removal, and victim aid.
Effects of Wildfires on Grapes and Wine Revealed by Chemical Analysis
From Technology Networks | March 14, 2022
Wildfires produce volatile phenols which accumulate in grapes as phenol glycosides and give rise to unpleasant “smoke taint” in wines. Chemical analysis to quantify biomarkers in grapes and wine can be used to assess the likelihood of smoke taint
New Drone Technology Could Change the Game for Firefighters Battling Wildfires
From The Denver Channel, by Jessie Cohen | March 4, 2022
Gas-electronic drones designed to carry heavy payloads significant distances to bring tools and supplies to firefighters will significantly aid in fighting fires
New Biden Wildfire Commission Looking for Prevention Experts to Shape Federal Policy
From The Sacramento Bee, by Alex Roarty | March 10, 2022
The federal government on Thursday will begin accepting applications for a newly created commission designed to shape the nation’s management of wildland fires
California's PG&E to Test Ford Lightning EV as a Way of Preventing Wildfires
From CNET, by Kyle Hyatt | March 11, 2022
The utility giant will use the Lightning's vehicle-to-grid capability to keep homes powered in high wind conditions.
As Climate Changes, World Grapples With a Wildfire Crisis
From UN Environment Programme | March 9, 2022
Common deadly blazes have destroyed iconic landscapes and impacted millions of people and habitats with the rapidly rising temperatures
3 Bills Designed to Manage Colorado’s New Wildfire Reality
From 303 Magazine, by Ellie Sullum | March 8, 2022
Three bills are introduced that will assist in wildfire prevention and mitigation, including Saving Homeowners Money on Wildfire Mitigation, Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery, and Wildfire Mitigation Incentives for Local Governments
Biden-Harris Administration Issues Call for Wildfire Commission Member Applications
From Fema.gov | March 10, 2022
Members will recommend prevention and restoration strategies to tackle national wildfire crisis
Videos Show Marshall Fire Started by 2 Separate Ignition Points Less Than a Mile Apart
From 9news, by Kevin Vaughan | March 7, 2022
The Marshall Fire had two separate ignition points a third of a mile and 40 minutes apart, according to documents obtained by 9Wants to Know and multiple cell phone videos captured in the blaze’s first hour.
Hollister Fire Prompts Evacuations West of Santa Barbara, CA
From Wildfire Today, by Bill Gabbert | March 13, 2022
A wildfire 32 miles west of Santa Barbara that has prompted evacuations in the Gaviota area has burned 100 acres, with aircraft coming in to assist firefighters