On the fire line, women find tough, rewarding career

(topic overview)
CONTENTS:

President Bush will be in Northern California today for both a a firsthand look at the wildfires and to attend a fund-raising event in Napa. (More...)
Fighting wildfires in the western part of the country is a tough job, but firefighters with the Northern Blair County Forest Fire Crew cannot wait to return every year. (More...)
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported today it has contained more than 2,000 fires that have consumed nearly 1 million acres of woodlands. (More...)
U.S. President George W Bush has visited areas of California scorched by the biggest bushfires in the state in decades. (More...)
The Governor's calendar shows that between January and November of 2007, in a 10 month period, the Governor was in Sacramento just seven full days. (More...)
The complex of fires in Butte County is 80 percent contained after burning through 84 square miles and destroying dozens of homes. (More...)
"I came here to welcome the President of the United States, to support him, and support our country," Berry said. (More...)
The smoke and heat from California's round of wildfires has seeped into the Capitol. (More...)
Under the leadership of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, California has a well exercised mutual aid system. (More...)
At the peak statewide, there were 2,093 fires burning, with all but 43 now contained. (More...)
Every four years we hear the same complaints about a President using government funds and services during an election season. (More...)
After a half-hour helicopter ride on Marine One over a few of the more than 1,750 lightning-sparked blazes that have troubled the northern part of the state over the last month, Bush vowed to continue the battle. (More...)

SOURCES

FIND OUT MORE ON THIS SUBJECT

President Bush will be in Northern California today for both a a firsthand look at the wildfires and to attend a fund-raising event in Napa. White House officials say the president will arrive in Redding this afternoon aboard Air Force One. He'll get a a briefing on the wildfires, then he's scheduled to take an aerial tour to survey fire damage in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with Governor Schwarzenegger. The president will then go on to Napa where he's scheduled to attend a private Republican fund-raising event this evening. [1] SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - President Bush is due in Northern California today to see for himself the damage caused by wildfires that have consumed hundreds of square miles. After arriving in Redding this afternoon, White House officials say the president will be briefed on the fires. He's then scheduled to take an aerial tour with Governor Schwarzenegger to see fire damage in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Then this evening, the president plans to attend a private Republican fund-raising event in Napa.[2]

On Thursday President George W. Bush arrived at the Redding Municipal Airport aboard Air Force One for a briefing on the state's wildfires from state and local officials and to survey fire damage during an aerial tour of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Arriving in Redding with the president was Congressman Wally Herger, Congressman John Doolittle, and and Senator Dianne Feinstein, who were greeted as they exited Air Force One by Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger. The president's first point of business was to be introduced to three Shasta County Eagle Scouts, Mark Hendricks, 20, Jake Wellman, 18, and Alex Braden, 20, whom he thanked for being instrumental in the long-range planning and execution the U.S. Forest Service's largest national service project since World War II. Following his briefing on the wildfires in the area, the president boarded a helicopter and took a tour of fire camps and scorched forests near Shasta Lake. He also met with U.S. Forest Service "smokejumpers" who have been parachuting down to cut fire lines. Following his tour and upon returning to the Redding Municipal Airport President Bush spoke with the press pool.[3] Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger thanked President Bush Thursday for federal assistance with state wildfires, as the two men conducted an aerial tour of scorched areas in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, near Redding in Northern California. "Thanks to this great coordination, we have been able to obtain and utilize resources from the federal government, 40 states and a number of international partners," Schwarzenegger said in a press release.[4] SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - President Bush is in California to see the wildfire damage that's charred almost 1,400 square miles of the state. He's expected to get a briefing in Redding, then take an aerial tour in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.[5] President Bush and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Redding Thursday afternoon and took an aerial tour of the fire damage in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Governor'''s Press Office stated in a news release.[6]

The President and the governor are scheduled to take an aerial tour of the fire damage in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. President Bush announced last week that he would come to the Golden State for a first hand look at wildfires that now consume a majority of the federal government's firefighting resources.[7]

The president, accompanied by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and Federal Emergency Management Agency chief David Paulison, flew over Shasta-Trinity National Forest aboard Marine One. Bush later thanked firefighters for their service and assured state officials that the federal government would exhaust all efforts to help.[8]

We need help." Feinstein, who has requested $910 million in emergency funding for fire suppression and prevention efforts in California and elsewhere, said in an interview that she is hopeful the federal government will respond to the state's needs. After receiving his briefing on the fires, Bush visited a room at the airport where more than 40 smokejumpers were making repairs on parachutes and preparing their gear for fire duty. He stopped before John Casey. After Casey, 38, told the president he had made more than 200 fire jumps in his career, Bush quipped: "I couldn't handle it." When lightning storms set off thousands of wildfires in California, Greg Fashano, a Redding smoke jumper squad leader, said he was astonished by what he saw from the air.[3] Page said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is reimbursing $31 million in public assistance funding to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. FEMA will reimburse the state 75 percent of the firefighting cost, she said. Feinstein, who has requested $910 million in emergency funding for fire suppression and prevention efforts in California and elsewhere, said in an interview that she is hopeful the federal government will respond to the state'''s needs. '''I would say I'''m optimistic at this stage,''' said Feinstein, who discussed the fires with Bush as well as officials of FEMA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.''' '''I talked to the president,''' she said. '''I think he understands.'''[9]

Though the bulk of the fires plaguing the state have been contained for now, experts fear that with California in a drought, the typical wildfire season in the fall could be catastrophic. This year, California has had more than 2,000 fires that have burned more than 870,000 acres. On June 28 and again on July 9, President Bush declared a state of emergency in 11 California counties, allowing federal resources to be directed toward containing wildfires in those counties. Those resources have included funds for state and local firefighting agencies, 301 fire trucks, 12 fixed-wing aircraft and more than 3,500 personnel.[4]

Earlier, on the flight from Washington, D.C., FEMA Administrator David Paulison had offered specifics to the traveling press corps. Consider, he said, the fires of 2003 and 2007 in Southern California, both of which burned thousands of homes and involved higher death tolls. By measure of acres burned and the number of fires, both were small compared with what we're living through now. Paulison brought this up in part to laud the forest thinning accomplished under the Bush administration's Healthy Forest Initiative. In fairness, there simply aren't as many houses to burn in California's northern forests as on the fringes of its southern ones. The most tangible and deserving object of gratitude, at this moment in time, is the firefighting effort. It has been accomplished with great skill and discipline. If the more than 25,000 firefighters battling it out right now haven't heard the message loud and clear from all of us, they've now heard it from the president: They are the picture of courage.[10] '''We are pleased that the President came out to Northern California to visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest to see what the fires have been doing here, and to witness the efforts of the firefighters that have come from all over the country, as well as locally, to aid in suppression efforts,''' said Kent Romney, public information officer for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest working under the Redding Area Command.[6] President flies over Shasta-Trinity National Forest to examine devastation. REDDING, CALIF. -- President Bush toured the front lines of Northern California's historic wildfires Thursday to buck up the troops and extol his administration's efforts to wage war on the flames.[11]

REDDING, California (AFP) — President George W. Bush visited on Thursday areas of California scorched by the biggest wildfires in the state in decades. "I'd like to just let the people out here know that we are paying attention in Washington DC, we care about you and that we respond as best as we possibly can," Bush said after arriving in this northern California city to survey the damage done by the blazes. Later Bush, his sleeves rolled up, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger met with firefighters. "These are unusual people, who are very courageous, determined and dedicated and I had this special sense, when I was with them, of esprit de corps," Bush told reporters.[12] Back in the air, Schwarzenegger and Bush will take an aerial tour of the areas in Northern California burned by the fires. Back on the ground, the president and governor will hold a briefing for the press on the status of the fires and their respective efforts to protect the state.[13]

Yesterday's fly-over by Bush was enough for Coulson. "You just sort of take it with a grain of salt," he said philosophically. "I would rather him have seen it from the air working than in a museum, parked somewhere." The Martin Mars aircraft is in California on a break from its contract with the province. During his visit to Redding, Calif., Bush offered encouragement to 25,000 firefighters working to contain fires that began during a lightning storm on June 21. He and Schwarzenegger took an aerial tour to survey fire damage of the Shasta-Trinity Forest, the largest in California.[14] The president took an aerial tour with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to survey fire damage in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[15] REDDING--President Bush joined Governor Schwarzenegger in Redding Thursday to survey fire damage during an aerial tour of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[16] REDDING, CA - President Bush joined Gov. Schwarzenegger, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and U.S Forest Service officials in a tour of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, hard-hit by lightning-strike fires in the last month.[17] The first sitting president to arrive in Redding since John F. Kennedy, Bush came for a briefing on the wildfires from state and local officials. He also visited with smoke jumpers, and boarded a helicopter to tour devastated areas in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[18] After a photo-op on the tarmac with three Eagle Scouts currently participating in the North State with the U.S. Forest Service in the largest national service project since World War II, Bush and Schwarzenegger received a briefing on the wildfires from state and local officials, visited with smoke jumpers, and boarded a helicopter to tour devastated areas in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[18]

Bush took an aerial tour with Schwarzenegger to survey fire damage in the 2.1 million-acre Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the largest in California.[19] More than 2,000 fires were started because of a huge lightning storm on Jun. 21. President Bush saw firsthand in an aerial tour how parts of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest were destroyed by some of those fires.[20] President Bush and Gov. Schwarzenegger commend firefight response following aerial tour of fire-ravaged Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[17]

The President was in town to be briefed on the wildfires in the North State and to take an aerial tour to survey damage done to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[21] Bush did not speak to reporters before the briefing or the aerial tour which took him above the Trinity National Forest, one of many areas of California devastated by over 1,400 wildfires that have hit the state since June 20.[22]

Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in 12 counties affected by the wildfires and has called in the California National Guard to help. Following his fire tour Bush was set to attend a fund-raising event in the wine country of Napa Country.[22] Bush took a look at the damage from the air and was briefed on the progress that's been made and the challenges that lie ahead. ((Schwarzenegger: When you hear that there are 2000 fires that's a little bit much even for us. We need the help and the federal gov't came in very quickly to help us.)) ((firefighters/helicopters spraying water on the blazes))Firefighters from around the U-S and as far away as New Zealand have joined the effort to try to contain those blazes.And so far, FEMA has given move than $154 million dollars to help pay for that extra help and equipment, including helicopters. ((Bush: I always come to make sure the federal gov't is working closely with the state. I know Gov. Schwarzenegger well enough to tell you if we weren't he'd let me know.)) ((more firefighting/emergency responder vehicles))Fire officials say even though this is the largest fire event in California's history. the death toll has been a lot lower than previous disasters in the state.There have been about 200 injuries and only 1 death attributed to the wildfires. ((file picture from '03)) Back in 2003 a series of fires left 24 people dead and destroyed thousands of homes.[23] During the first presidential visit to Redding in 45 years, President Bush and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday lauded firefighters''' efforts and cooperation between federal and state agencies, promising more help to a state blackened by fire.[9] The president promised federal aid and offered encouragement to the 25-thousand firefighters still at work. President Bush was greeted by Governor Schwarzenegger as he arrived in Redding to be briefed on the largest single fire event in state history.[24]

REDDING, Calif. (AP) — President Bush offered federal help and encouragement Thursday to some of the 25,000 firefighters working under a blazing sun to contain wildfires that make up the single largest fire event ever recorded in California.[19] President Bush shook hands with smoke jumpers ''' fire fighters who parachute out of planes to land in hard to reach areas. He thanked the crews and told the people of California that federal help is on its way.[25] More than 40 crew members were repairing parachutes and packing gear to drop out of the skies to cut brush to contain fires. "I'm proud of ya," Bush said as he made small talk and shook hands. When one smoke jumper, John Casey, 38, told the president he has made more than 200 fire jumps in his career, Bush quipped: "I couldn't handle it." The president later told reporters: "These are unusual people who are very courageous, determined and dedicated. I want to thank them for their courage." When lightning storms set off hundreds of wildfires in California in mid-June, Redding smoke jump squad leader Greg Fashano said he was astonished by what he saw from the air.[26] Local residents in shorts and tank tops turned out by the dozens in 100-degree heat for a fleeting glimpse of the president's plane. Bush was greeted at the steps of Air Force One by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Redding Mayor Mary Stegall, then posed for pictures with a trio of Boy Scouts -- including Alex Bradin, a 20-year-old Eagle Scout from Covina -- who are among thousands rebuilding forest trails and clearing trash this summer. He then met with leaders of the wildfire fight and visited a hangar to talk to a team of smoke jumpers, who parachute into the heart of wildfires. The president's eyes grew wide when John Casey, a 38-year-old veteran, said he'd made 200 jumps.[11] Moments later, the 747 carrying the nation's Commander-in-Chief rolled to a stop before a grandstand of dozens of television and print media as security snipers looked on from the rooftops of nearby buildings. The atmosphere was decidedly subdued for the arrival to Redding of the first sitting president since John F. Kennedy; for how embattled this president has been, only a handful of protestors stood outside the airport to greet George W. Bush with their usual placards. Fifty plus Bush-backers also came out to voice their support as traffic became snarled all around the airport with locals hoping to catch a glimpse of the president in his last six months of office. Bush, who attended the Washington DC funeral of his former press secretary Tony Snow in the morning, skipped his standard business suit for a light dress shirt and slacks, and waved to the media as he descended the steps of Air Force One. On hand to greet him was California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Redding Mayor Mary Stegall.[18]

After the tour, Bush and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gave brief remarks. Mark Rey, the Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, told reporters on Air Force One that there were more than 2,010 fires this year, up from 270 last year.[27]

The president, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senator Dianne Feinstein visited firefighters and took a helicopter tour of the fires.[28] Bush and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger met with firefighters shortly after the President arrived in the northern California city of Redding today to survey the latest natural disaster to strike the country.[29] San Francisco - U.S. President George W Bush Thursday toured areas of California devastated by wildfires over the past three weeks and was briefed by fellow Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and other officials.[22] The group flew to the area on Thursday arriving on the same day as Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and President George Bush who had come to get a briefing on the state's wildfires and to survey the damage firsthand.[30]

The president flew over some of the hardest hit areas to survey the damage. He was accompanied by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency - or FEMA - David Paulison.[31]

Fighting wildfires in the western part of the country is a tough job, but firefighters with the Northern Blair County Forest Fire Crew cannot wait to return every year. Six members of the crew are helping the federal government contain massive wildfires in the Big Sur area of California - the biggest in the state this year. [32] When the weight comes off (as we drop fire retardant), we pull up; it is quite a thrill ride." The C-130s are not only dropping fire retardant where it's needed, the aircrews are also providing a moral boost for the firefighters on the ground as they work to put out the fires, forest officials said. The ground crews get a big boost when they know that there is air support ready to assist, Mr. Porter said. "(When you are) out on the fire line, as a firefighter, just knowing that something is coming, or seeing something over the ridge, is very comforting," he said. U.S. Northern Command officials are monitoring the California wildfires in anticipation of additional requests for Department of Defense assistance to local, federal and state civil authorities and will launch as many missions as needed by those battling the wildfires, they said.[33]

State figures show that 18,571 firefighters from all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Australia have been called in. Of those, 16,119 personnel have been in Northern California. "It is literally a historical level of response," said Pete Buist of Fairbanks, Alaska, who was working as a media officer in the Redding office of the U.S. Forest Service. The fires have taken their toll, economically and emotionally. The smoke has threatened wine grape crops, timberlands have burned, and firefighters have been pushed to their limits. "We try not to have frayed nerves, but it is just the way things are this year," Sinclear said.[34] Coyne and his roommate Lucas Hunkler are volunteer wildland firefighters for'' El Paso County. They said they were called out to a fire near Redding, California three weeks ago. "The hand crews out there, they are 20 person teams, they are the backbone of the fire industry, they are the ones who chainsaw and dig line to surround that fire," Coyne said. During the week Coyne was there, he said at least 2,000 firefighters battled the intense flames and heat. "One night we were doing a burnout operation along a road to burn fuels out and stop its progress down slope, and it spotted all around us like a rainstorm," Coyne said. Hunkler said he was working on a separate fire about an hour away from Coyne, he said he was assigned to an engine crew''and added''that their assignment was extremely challenging. "It was a real steep area we were in, so we could not hike down, so we were working off the road about 20 to 100 feet, and then it would just drop off," Hunkler said. Officials said at least 38 of the original 2,000 fires are still burning, many of them on remote, federal forest lands.[35]

In CAL FIRE's jurisdiction alone, there were over 1,000 simultaneous wildfires raging out of control. Although CAL FIRE is the largest fire department in the state, our firefighting resources were significantly challenged by the numbers and magnitude of this fire siege which is, in scope and severity, a major natural disaster. The United States Forest Service (USFS) and other federal firefighting agencies, along with local government fire departments worked together with the state to battle this round of California wildfires. CAL FIRE supported federal and local agencies on fires within their jurisdictions.[36] During the visit, the governor and president discussed the coordination of resources between California's local, state and federal partners during the wildfire siege. At its peak, the series of fires included more than 2,000 and has scorched more than 887,000 acres.[37]

Over the last two months, Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in 12 counties due to wildfires: Butte, Inyo, Kern, Mariposa, Mendocino, Monterey, Plumas, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta and Trinity. On June 26, the governor sent a letter to Bush requesting that he expeditiously declare an emergency for the State of California as a result of the fires ignited by lightning and hundreds of thousands of acres that had burned.[37] Along with a number of other agreements, the Master Mutual Aid system allows statewide firefighting resources to become an immediate part of the emergency response. In this fire siege, in addition to the statewide response, assistance has come from 41 other states, as well as several other countries. Exceptional assets brought to this historic firefighting effort in California included the National Guard troops called into action by Governor Schwarzenegger. In addition to their aviation assets, over 400 troops were outfitted, trained, and deployed to support firefighting efforts on the front lines by building and reinforcing containment lines to protect communities.[36]

Bush was briefed by officials including Ruben Grijalva, the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and California National Guard Gen. William Wade. After flying over jagged mountains scorched by the Motion fire near Shasta Lake, Bush turned to Schwarzenegger to say he knows California needs help to meet its rising needs.[26] Before getting an aerial tour of the fires with Schwarzenegger and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Bush visited Redding-based members of the U.S. Forest Service "smoke jumpers."[26] Bente said at least one fire burning in the area was so remote that firefighters had reached it just a day earlier. After greeting the smoke jumpers, Bush, Schwarzenegger, Feinstein and Herger boarded the president'''s helicopter, Marine One ''' one of at least four that accompanied his visit ''' and took off to survey miles of blackened forest.[9]

The trend of building homes in fire-prone areas, combined with a trend toward dry conditions in the Sierra and other remote parts of the state, is a recipe for trouble. As the recent wildfires demonstrated, the state is simply not prepared to deal with such trouble. Nor is it likely to be prepared to deal with it in a time of persistent multibillion-dollar deficits. Something either development patterns or Californians' willingness to pay for the government they need must change in this equation. The second, and perhaps more important point: Californians should take a moment to offer gratitude to the firefighters who have worked bravely and often heroically to contain the blazes in recent weeks. This page has had its differences with the Legislature and governors for granting too generous pay and benefits to public safety workers, including firefighters. Those disagreements don't diminish our admiration for the individuals who put their lives in danger by going face-to-face against a wall of flames deep in the forest with little to protect themselves should the fire move in unexpected ways, as fires often do.[38] Twelve counties have been declared under a state of emergency and the National Guard has been helping firefighters control the flames since last week. In spite of the magnitude of the fires, the damage to property and life have been small compared to previous wildfires, such as one in October 2003 which killed 24 people and and destroyed more than 3,600 homes.[8]

Bush Completes Redding Fire Visit; Dave Marquis' Report; 7/18/08, 11 p.m. President Bush left northern California Thursday night after surveying the damage to dozens of homes from lightning-sparked fires earlier this month.[17] President Bush arrives in California today to survey the fire-scarred landscape in Northern California, where fires are still burning. Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggger will join the president throughout his visit.[13]

Associated Press - July 17, 2008 1:34 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - President Bush is due in Northern California today to see for himself the damage caused by wildfires that have consumed hundreds[2] President Bush got a first hand look Thursday at the damage caused by the wildfires that have ravaged parts of northern California.[31] KFSN (KFSN) -- President Bush is in northern California to survey the damage caused by a series of wildfires.[24]

President Bush arrived in California for a look at massive damage from thousands of wildfires that ravaged close to a million acres across the state.[25] Associated Press - July 17, 2008 5:53 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - President Bush is in California to see the wildfire damage that's charred almost 1,400 square miles of the state[5]

President Bush took a helicopter tour of charred forests above Shasta Lake on Thursday and vowed to do the "best we possibly can" in directing federal assistance to help California respond to devastating wildfires.[26] President Bush will be accompanied by Governor Schwarzenegger on a helicopter tour of a burn zone near Redding today. Governor Schwarzenegger's had his differences with President Bush over global warming, transportation funding, and illegal immigration. Today he'll be thanking the President for sending help to fight wildfires. Schwarzenegger said he wants to press the point that FEMA should follow through with rebuilding assistance for victims.[39] President Bush touched down at Redding Municipal Airport around 2:15 p.m. Thursday and was immediately greeted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.[40]

"I always come to make sure that the federal government is coordinating closely with the state government. I know Governor Schwarzenegger well enough to tell you that if we weren't, he would let me know," President Bush said.[41] "I always come to make sure the federal government is coordinating closely with the state government," President Bush said. The first order of business was giving an award to three Eagle Scouts for their work on the Healthy Forest Initaitive.[40]

Only 43 fires remain active. The president thanked firefighters for their efforts and said he will make sure the federal government coordinates closely with the state government to provide help.[28] Briefing reporters aboard Air Force One during the flight from Washington, David Paulison, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said a myriad of federal agencies have been participating in daily, one-hour video conferences with California officials to identify ways for the federal government to help the state. He said a unified command system that FEMA put in place after the ineffective and sluggish federal response to Hurricane Katrina started working well last year and has helped provide timely federal help to California. "It's been tough for the residents, I understand that," Paulison said. "But I have to tell you, the firefighting coordination, considering the size of this event, has been some of the best I've seen.[19] Feinstein, who met with Bush and officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security, is also seeking another $300 million for long-term fire prevention, including stationing more federal aircraft and manpower in California. "I would say I'm optimistic at this stage," Feinstein said in an interview after discussing the fires with Bush.[26]

PlusBush Arrives to Survey Calif. WildfiresBush Arrives to Survey Calif. WildfiresThe Associated PressPresident Bush met with Calif. Governor Arnold Schwazennegger and offered federal help to combat the single largest fire event ever recorded in California. Since late June, wildfires have ravaged nearly 900,000 acres. (July 17)This video contains ONLY natural sound.[42] Since July 9 when the Governor asked the President for additional equipment and manpower, federal resources allocated to California include 301 fire trucks, 12 fixed-wing aircraft, 50 helicopters, and more than 3,500 personnel.[18] Fires were grouped by geographic areas and each area's incident commander was allocated resources based on the greatest threat to life, property, and natural resources as determined by a California Multi-Agency Coordination system (CALMAC) which is composed of fire experts from local, state, and federal agencies.[36] Schwarzenegger thanked Bush for helping to bring additional equipment to the fire lines, including more than 300 fire trucks, 12 fixed-wing aircraft, 50 helicopters, more than 3,500 personnel and one NASA drone. "Thanks to this great coordination, we have been able to obtain and utilize resources from the federal government, 40 states and a number of international partners," Schwarzenegger said.[37] '''I always come to make sure the federal government is coordinating closely with the state government,''' Bush said after taking a 30-minute helicopter tour of some of the fires burning in the north state.[9]

There, Bush, Schwarzenegger, Feinstein, Doolittle and Herger met in a private briefing with state, federal and local fire officials.[9] Bush was set to fly with Schwarzenegger and local officials by helicopter over a national forest ravaged by the fires.[12] Helped by hotshot crews, infared detectors and water drops, firefighters have managed to get the American River Complex fire 75 percent contained, Tahoe National Forest officials said Sunday.[43] "Expected higher relative humidities and recovering fuel moistures will help firefighters maintain existing firelines on the northeast flank of the fire along the American River," the Tahoe National Forest said in a statement.[43]

Over the next days, it got really big." As the Redding smoke jumpers attacked fires burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, they were joined by another 100 Forest Service jumpers who were rushed in from Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington.[26] Before the president entered, Bob Bente, a foreman and trainer for the Redding based smoke jumper unit, said 140 jumpers have been parachuting near the flames to battle wildfires in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[9]

Fowler is part of the second generation of women making wildland firefighting a career. Described by some as once being a "testosterone-driven boys club," women have and are making their mark in the industry from the fire lines to management. "It's a great thing to do," says Becky May, a retired division chief on California's Shasta-Trinity National Forest, who was among the first women to choose the career some 30 years ago.[44] Still burning out of control is a fire in the Mendocino National Forest in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel area of Trinity County, which has burned 24,655 acres and is getting only minimal firefighting efforts.[34]

In the so-called Soda Complex conflagration mostly on federal land in Lake and Mendocino counties, three fires have been contained, but the Mill fire near Lake Pillsbury is only 60 percent contained. "We're glad we have them contained, but we are in no ways in a position to feel safe on the Mill fire. It is in extremely steep, rugged country, which is very dangerous for our firefighters," said Dave Sinclear, a spokesman for Cal Fire in Redding. Those fires have burned 8,500 acres, cost $10.5 million in firefighting efforts and are being fought by 655 men.[34] The 129 lightning-caused fires in Mendocino County were 100 percent contained Thursday. Firefighting costs have hit $43.5 million for those fires, which have burned 53,300 acres.[34]

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported today it has contained more than 2,000 fires that have consumed nearly 1 million acres of woodlands. They are still battling several dozen fires, and Humboldt, Shasta, Lake and Mendocino counties are under evacuation orders, officials reported Sunday. [45]

"I couldn't tell you how many people came up to us at the airport to thank us. People after people, they really did appreciate it," said Yoder, who is also a member of the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Company in Garrett County. The day the Maryland crew left its assignment to return home, a camp bulletin board spelled out California's latest wildfires challenge. "It's overwhelming. It covers thousands of acres.[46] Just over 100 homes have burned. Those losses sting, and they are accompanied by thousands of inconveniences and hardships, big and small. They also reflect tremendous skill and bone-grinding work on the part of those fighting the fires. Bush gave a brief statement, expressing his concern for the people of California. He called the firefighters courageous, determined and dedicated.[10] I'm proud of the fact that President Bush actually traveled to Redding and showed genuine concern for the firefighters and people effected by the fire.[9] REDDING, Ca. -- President Bush toured the record-breaking fires in California Thursday.[28] REDDING, Calif. (AP) - President Bush has gotten a first-hand look at some of the wildfires burning in California.[15] President Bush visits California to see the damage from hundreds of recent wildfires.[41]

Over the next days, it got really big." Following President Bush's statements on the wildfires, he left the airport on Air Force One at approximately 4:30 p.m.[3] REDDING - The city of Redding welcomed its most important visitor in 45 years when President Bush arrived on Air Force One shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday.[21] President George W. Bush arrived in Redding on Thursday aboard Air Force One to receive firsthand information and survey the destruction caused by 2,000 wildfires burning in the Northstate.[3] Bush arrived on Air Force One at 2:30 p.m. Feinstein, Rep. John Doolittle, R-Roseville, and Herger traveled with the president from Washington, where Bush had earlier in the morning attended the funeral of his former press secretary Tony Snow, who died of cancer last week. When he got off the plane, he was met by Schwarzenegger and Redding Mayor Mary Stegall. After posing for pictures, he presented volunteer-service awards to Alex Braden of Covina; Mark Hendricks of Richland, Wash.; and Jake Wellman of Albuquerque, N.M., members of the Eagle Scouts''' Order of the Arrow.[9]

Bush arrived Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Redding Municipal Airport in Redding, Calif., on Air Force One to get a first-hand look at the fire-ravaged parts of Northern California's forests.[9]

Even before Air Force One first sent up a plume of ocher dust at Redding Municipal Airport, the president was under fire from Democrats. Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued a statement urging the president to reconsider his objection to providing emergency supplemental funds to deal with the fires.[11] A smattering of antiwar protesters and Barack Obama fans camped out on the Redding Municipal Airport's entry road. As Bush flew west, Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued a statement urging the president to reconsider his objection to providing emergency supplemental funds to deal with wildfires in the region. He said that as a result of White House objections, the most recent emergency supplemental legislation did not include $450 million for wildfire suppression and to repair burned lands.[47]

Governor Arnold Schwarzennegar was there to greet the president, who met with local officials, emergency personnel and of course, the fire crews responsible for fighting the wildfires.[25] The wildfires since June 21 are the largest single fire event in history for California, according to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.[43] Non-government entities, private contactors, and volunteers numbered in the thousands. All of these partners are contributing to successful emergency responses to California wildfires. While this lightning-caused siege may prove to be record breaking in many ways, other non-siege related emergencies continued to be responded to throughout California. Other "normal" emergency response activity did not slow down. During the period of time beginning at the onset of this siege on June 20th through July 13th, CAL FIRE responded to over 12,000 other emergency calls for service throughout the state, including over seven thousand medicals and rescue emergencies and hundreds of fires of all types.[36]

According to Associated Press, more than 2000 wildfires have ravaged hundreds of square kilometres in the state since June 21 and some officials are calling it the single largest fire event recorded in California's history. Mr Tidey said he and the other eight New Zealanders had just finished their training and were being handed out tasks according to their skills. They had been assigned to fight fires in Chico, about 200km north of San Francisco.[30] The wildfires are the largest single fire event in California since the state began recording statistics in 1936, according to the governor's office.[12]

The water bomber had just completed multiple runs of three drops an hour of water and fire suppressant on blazes near the Lake Shasta dam. The authorities asked the Mars pilots to hold their place on the lake as the presidential helicopter circled overhead, Coulson said. It was a fleeting glimpse by the president of the aircraft that's on contract with the U.S. government, but it was enough to satisfy Coulson, who competed with a Florida museum to purchase the aircraft in March 2007. He hopes the Hawaii Mars will get enough exposure during the California wildfires to secure a new career fighting fires in B.C. and abroad.[14] The requirement for aerial support is determined on the ground, at the site of the fire. "The (incident commanders) will determine if they need a big aircraft, a small aircraft or helicopter," Mr. Porter said. Flying out of McClellan Air Field here, Lt. Col. Michael Barkdull, the 302nd AEG mission commander, said fighting the California wildfires is the most thrilling thing he has done. "It's one of those things gets your blood going and your adrenaline up. It kind of scares you a little bit," Colonel Barkdull said. Colonel Barkdull said the aerial firefighting mission takes the C-130 to its limits. "This is a big airplane, a lot of mass and momentum going on, and you have to slow the airplane down just on the edge of what is the stall speed for the aircraft," Colonel Barkdull said. He says that prior to a fire retardant drop, a lead plan guides the modular airborne firefighting system-equipped -equipped C-130 to the location of the drop site. Then both the lead plan and the C-130 perform a practice run on the drop area. "We have what is called a show me run, where our lead plane pilot (in a smaller plane) shows us where he wants us to drop," Colonel Barkdull said. "He describes the start point and where he wants the line to run, and advises us on wind conditions and hazards.[33] Airmen of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group operating out of McClellan Air Field in Sacramento, Calif., are flying specially equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft that can drop 3,000 gallons of fire retardant in a single pass in support of firefighters on the ground in California. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech.[33] Even before the president stepped out of the lower door of Air Force One, there was a reminder of the fires' fallout: The plane threw off a plume of ocre-hued dust as it taxied to a location near a package delivery terminal.[47] From seeing him in the news, i constantly rag on Bush but it really showed some loyalty i would say that he took the time to address our situation here in redding. My dad was watching his tv in missouri when the president landed. it was the coolest freakin thing to see air force one landing.[9] After visiting Redding, Bush flew south on Air Force One to speak at a political reception in Napa that was to raise about $850,000 for the Republican National Committee.[9] "I would like to just let the people out here know that we're paying attention to you in Washington, D.C.," Bush said after Air Force One touched down at Redding Municipal Airport.[26]

There's something about the president of the United States stepping off Air Force One onto the baking tarmac of Redding Municipal Airport that brings a sense of perspective and affirmation.[10] It was a sight not seen in the North State in more than four decades: t he President of the United States arriving on Air Force One.[40]

U.S. President George W Bush has visited areas of California scorched by the biggest bushfires in the state in decades. [29] With nearly 2,000 lightning fires since mid-June devouring more than 880,000 acres and burning a hole in the state budget, Bush promised not to leave California stranded.[26] More than 2,000 fires have been contained through the firefighting efforts of state, local and federal personnel and equipment from California, the rest of the nation and several foreign countries, CalFire said.[43] Most of the fires are now contained but the battle has strained the state's fire-fighting resources, the governor was appreciative of the federal support.[24]

With smoke lingering over the Capitol from a myriad of fires up and down the Valley, there is little opposition to providing more money for fire suppression. Republicans, adamant about opposing tax increases, are deeply suspicious of the plan proffered by their fellow Republican governor, in part because they believe it is a tax not a fee, and in part because they believe people shouldn't have to pay extra for services that should already have been included in the budget. "It's really a double tax. Now they want to charge people for doing the basic duties of the state, one of which is to protect its citizens from wild land fires. This should be part of a basic function of government," said Assemblyman Rick Keene, R-Chico, the vice-chairman of the conference committee. He also questioned setting up a separate fire-fighting fund under the authority of the Office of Emergency Services, as proposed in the governor's budget language. "It's a silly way to do it.[48]

There's more aid on the way for shelters, more equipment and supplies. He added that while California's fire fighters are some of the best around, fighting thousands of fires at once is an impossible task. "It's made us successful in the coordination and without the federal government we wouldn't be able to do it,''' said Schwarzenegger.[25] "80 percent of the U.S. resources in firefighting are right now in California," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "So this is extraordinary kind of work from the federal government."[31] Some 80 percent of the federal government'''s firefighting resources are in California battling the more than 2,000 blazes sparked by a freak June 21 lighting storm, Schwarzenegger said.[9]

Schwarzenegger said 80 percent of the U.S. fire resources for firefighting are deployed in California.[19]

Schwarzenegger thanked federal officials for deploying 80 percent of available resources to help with the California wildfires.[3] Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in 12 counties affected by the wildfires and has called in the California National Guard to help.[19]

Area residents and certified wildfire fighters Rande Brown, Rob Harvey, Dennis Yoder and Eric Warnick work to extinguish flames engulfing a tree in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 12 miles west of Redding, Calif. The group recently returned from a two-week stint assisting firefighters battling wildfires that have consumed thousands of acres of land in California.[46] During "normal" wildland firefighting, it is our practice and strategy to send an aggressive initial attack, including fire engines, bulldozers, aircraft, hand crews and fire ground commanders to a wildfire to keep fires small. This has successfully allowed us to keep approximately 95% of all wildfires within our jurisdiction to 10 acres or less. Fighting this vast number of lightning caused fires required firefighters to employ a different "play book" because it was not business as usual.[36] I don't know about it anymore, you know." After touring affected areas including the Moon and Motion fires, the President and Schwarzenegger returned to the airport where they, along with Senator Diane Feinstein and Representatives John Doolittle and Wally Herger, met with local fire crews from Anderson, Shasta Lake City, Keswick, Fall River Mills, and Bella Vista. Of his visit with the President, Jack Rolls, Senior Firefighter of Bella Vista Volunteer Company #33, said, "He looked you right in your eye. He looked at your name tag and called you by your first name. He said, 'What would we do without you volunteers?'" Rolls went on to say, "Meeting the President was something I've never even thought about in my wildest imagination.[18] President Bush toured 200 square miles of the burn area Friday. It's believed lightning started most of the fires.[49] President Bush thanks U.S. Forest Service smokejumper Scott Smith, who is based in Redding, Thursday during his tour of forest service headquarters.[9] A handful of protesters carried signs criticizing the president's and Herger's lack of involvement with the fires at the entrance to the airport. Before departing in his motorcade, Bush recognized three Eagle Scouts for their dedication to volunteer service.[21]

The Airmen are part of a unified military support effort to assist to the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Forestry and Protection and the National Interagency Fire Center.[33] "I think in the past fire years, we've worked together just two or three days," said the 30-year-old fuels specialist who works for the U.S. Forest Service on the Boise National Forest and was managing a pair of ground crews working the recent St. George-area Westside Complex fire. Married two years, the couple is now talking about having a family and wonder how they can be parents and still do what they love.[44] "The work is very rewarding and you learn so much about yourself, your strengths and your limits." In 1976, May was a 20-year-old Oregon college student when she landed a summer job on a brush disposal crew on the Willamette National Forest. She was studying forestry but said the class work left her empty. Her first fire -- a prescribed burn of a clear cut forest -- didn't.[44] Crews have whittled the number of fires burning from 2,000 down to 38 and the Los Padres National Forest around Big Sur is open again.[49]

Mark Hendricks, Jake Wellman and Alex Braden have been working in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with about 800 Boy Scouts from 33 states, Japan and the Philippines to restore 150 miles of trails, comfort stations, remove illegally dumped garbage and restore a fire lookout.[21] A public town meeting was held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Junction City Elementary School, where fire officials from the Iron Complex provided information on the current fire situation, an update from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest stated.[6]

The town of Junction City, California, remains evacuated as firefighters struggle with a blaze that's crept across Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It's 49% contained, and has burned almost 87 square miles.[50]

More than 1,400 square miles have burned, one person has been killed and dozens of homes have been destroyed. Officials '' said this is the single largest fire event recorded in California history, and two local firefighters said it was an experience they will not soon forget.[35] JUNCTION CITY, Calif. (AP) - Fire officials say scattered showers forecast for California's northern mountains today won't likely extinguish stubborn wildfires still threatening homes.[51] The fire's smells, movement and smoke hooked her. "That was all it took. It just was one of those things where your gut tells you this is what you need to do," said May in telephone interview from her home near northern California's Lake Shasta. May, 50, never felt any blatant resistance from men to her desire to fight fires and later to move into management, but had a handful of experiences where it seemed clear that some minds would have to be changed. On one fire, she tried repeatedly contacting a male counterpart over a radio, only to be told later that the man had purposely ignored her because she was a woman.[44] Three men and a teenager trapped by flames in a Northern California forest were rescued on a closed road by fire crews Wednesday and treated for burns, authorities said.[19] Lightening storms on June 20 and 21 ignited more than 1,750 fires across Northern California. If current mild weather holds, officials hope to have the bulk of them contained by the end of July, but some of the more remote fires are likely to burn until the first big rains arrive.[47] Large Northern California fires in Mendocino, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Mariposa, Lake, Solano, Napa, Santa Clara, Tehema and Glenn counties are 100 percent contained, the CDF's Web site said.[45]

Many people outside of California understand or even know of the serverity of the fires here in Northern California.[9]

In terms of loss of life and property, however, the crisis is substantially smaller than the fires in California last October that left eight people dead, destroyed 2,000 homes and caused $2.06 billion damage.[29] The number of casualties are much lower than in previous disasters in California, including the series of fires in October 2003 that left 24 people dead and destroyed thousands of homes. Associated Press writers Juliana Barbassa and Amanda Fehd in California contributed to this report.[19]

people outside of California DON'T understand. the fire devastation in this area. I have family in Yewtah and also good friend in Georgia who don't get much coverage about this area. Only those who know someone in area or have travelled this way know what is actually going on. I'm glad he made the visit too, and that it brings more attention to this area, even though I don't care much for either he or the Gov. Did notice he seems to give the same speech for all disaster areas he visits.[9]

As head of the committee, Laird plays a pivotal role in shaping California's spending plan. The governor in a recent radio address urged lawmakers to approve more money for fire fighting, which "will give our firefighters and other first responders the tools that they need. I have gone to many of these fires and the first thing that I hear from the chiefs and the fire experts is: Governor, we need more resources.[48]

More than 2,000 fires have burned across the state since June 21st, when a dry lightning storm ignited hundred of fires. They have charred almost 900,000 acres, and left 100 homes reduced to rubble and ash. It is the largest single fire event in state history. 25,000 firefighters from across the country, and some from overseas, have battled the fires.[28] Seasoned weather experts were taken by surprise, as the severity of the storm which came from offshore was not forecast. Over the course of the fire siege, nearly 20,000 structures were threatened by wildfires, thousands of people would be evacuated from their homes, and nearly 900,000 acres would be burned.[36] To date, more than 2,000 wildfires have burned nearly 900,000 acres in the single largest fire event in California's history.[18]

FEMA is reimbursing CAL FIRE $31 million for some of the costs incurred to fight the ongoing California wildfires.[16] FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund put $154 million towards containing the fires spread over 900,000 acres in California.[27]

John Doolittle of Roseville and Wally Herger of Chico, has asked for an emergency appropriation of $610 million for the immediate needs of federal firefighters battling wildfires in California and elsewhere.[26] The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reimbursing the state $31 million in public assistance funding for some of the firefighting costs, according to Schwarzenegger's office.[37] Federal disaster officials to date have pledged $31 million in direct reimbursements for California's firefighting costs, and the White House said Thursday that a total of $154 million in aid is on the way.[26]

At least that's the way the White House presented the focus of the trip. After the "official" elements of the trip, there's the "business" of the presidency, much as it exists in this political season: raising money for Republican candidates. After arriving in the closest thing California has to Bush Country -- that would be Shasta County -- he was off to Napa and then Tucson and Houston, all for the purpose of fattening candidate and party bank accounts. Of course, by scheduling official segments of a trip that is otherwise focused on fundraising, the president can cut the high cost of his travels that must be paid by the beneficiaries, because they only must pay a pro-rated amount based on th percentage of the trip devoted to politics.[47]

U.S. President George W. Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger flew in a helicopter over the Martin Mars water bomber as it paused between missions on Lake Shasta yesterday. "Basically did a 360 around the airplane, him and Arnold, and off they went," said Wayne Coulson, owner of the Port Alberni-based aircraft, yesterday.[14] Bush was accompanied by Rep. Wally Herger on the trip and greeted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both men joined the president on the helicopter tour.[21]

"We make it very clear that we are very good at fighting fires," said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has requested federal equipment and manpower to help battle blazes, remove debris and provide shelter for stranded residents in 11 counties. "We can fight 20, 30 fires at the same time," he added.[26] California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says the quick federal response to the wildfires shows how far FEMA has come.[31] Since the governor asked for additional assistance on July 9, the federal government has deployed to California 301 firetrucks, 12 fixed- wing aircraft, 50 helicopters, more than 3,500 federal personnel and a NASA drone, said Schwarzenegger spokeswoman Lisa Page.[9] In a statement released to the press, Governor Schwarzenegger said, " been able to obtain and utilize resources from the federal government, 40 states and a number of international partners.[18] "I always come to make sure the federal government is coordinating closely with the state government," Bush said. "I know Gov. Schwarzenegger well enough to say that if we weren't, he'd let me know."[19] "I'd like to just let the people out here know that we're paying attention in Washington, D.C., we care about you, and that we'll respond as best as we possibly can," Bush said. Schwarzenegger praised the federal government for its quick response to his request for assistance.[8]

Mr. Bush offered encouragement to the firefighters, and said the federal government will do all it can to help.[31]

When you hear that there are 2,000 fires at one given time, that's a little bit too much for us and for all the great firefighter so we need then the assistance and the help," Schwarzenegger said.[40] '''We can fight 20 or 30 fires at the same time because we have the best firefighters, the bravest, the best experienced firefighters in the world, without any doubt,''' Schwarzenegger said.[9]

Fire season begins in late spring and can continue through early October. When a fire starts, hundreds of men and women in the fire service pack and leave, usually with only a few hours notice to do their jobs. Recognizable to the public by their dark green pants, electric yellow shirts and heavy leather boots, wildland firefighters work long hours for low pay, and have little time with family during the season. Boise-based firefighter Christy Swartz says that in a good year -- when she works a full 12 months, including 600 hours of summer overtime -- she'll make about 40,000. Swartz sees little of her firefighter husband, Ryan, during the season.[44] Mike Beckwith of Tyrone has been fighting fires there for 19 years. He took two weeks off from his job as a delivery driver for Lee Food Service Inc. to go this year. Others on his crew include Mike Angus of Duncansville, John Otto of Allegheny Township, Phillip Glunt of Kittanning Trail, William Sprow of Hollidaysburg and Kermit Alwine of Greenwood. Although it is a tiresome job, Beckwith said he relishes the experience.[32]

Forty crew members fighting the area fires were from Redding. Another 100 were brought in from smoke jumping units from Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. '''I'''ve never seen a fire season that started like this,''' said Bente, a 21-year smoke jumper who said he hopes the Redding unit can be staffed with as many as 20 more jumpers. '''It'''s just that there are so many fires and we don'''t have the resources to get to them.'''[9] Just getting to the timber and brush fires in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, 12 miles west of Redding, Calif., was no simple task.[46]

Along with help from the National Guard, fire fighters from 41 states are pitching in and crews from New Zealand, Mexico, Greece, Canada and Australia also came to help out.[25] Fire officials say the amount of rain expected is unlikely to have much effect on the remaining wildfires, but the thunderstorms could bring more lightning. It's lightning that's blamed for the rash of almost 2,100 fires in the state in the past month. Fire officials say temperatures are cooler, which should help them make progress.[50]

Beginning on Friday, June 20, 2008 a violent dry lighting storm crossed northern California covering the area from Monterey to the Oregon and Nevada borders. Of the approximate 8,000 lightning strikes produced by the storm, nearly 6,000 of them struck in California igniting over 2,000 wildfires on local, state, and federal lands. The area of coverage, duration and intensity of this storm are unprecedented.[36] More than 2,000 wildfires have destroyed about 900,000 acres since a lighting storm struck northern California on June 20.[8]

Certified wildfire fighters Rande Brown, Rob Harvey, Dennis Yoder and Eric Warnick won't soon forget their recent two-week stay in California, where they battled raging wildfires that are consuming homes and thousands of acres of land day after day. "This was a tough assignment.[46] The group left July 10 and is expected to return July 27. Until then, they will work with other fire crews across the country on two-week rotations to combat the 40,000-acre wildfire, which was sparked by lightning in June and has destroyed dozens of homes and thousands of acres of vegetation.[32] The American River Complex fire is expected to be contained as of August 1. It has burned 20,541 acres so far. Crews will handheld infrared detectors to identify hotspots to extinguish them. In the meantime, more firefighter training is underway to deal with fires that could breakout during this disasterous fire season.[43] The troublesome Butte complex fire that burned 55,240 acres is 90 percent contained, and the Shasta and Trinity fire complext that burned 86,500 acress is 80 percent contained.[45] The 55,000-acre BTU Lightning Complex in Butte County which took one life, burned homes and forced the evacuation of the town of Paradise is now 90 percent contained, according to the U.S. National Interagency Fire Center.[43]

To the south, Forest Service officials say the fire burning near Big Sur is now 61 percent contained.[7] Officials say a complex of fires in Butte County is now 80 percent contained.[28]

Schwarzenegger thanked federal officials for deploying 80% of available resources nationwide to fight the fires.[11] After the tour, Schwarzenegger told reporters, "I appreciate the federal support and resources we have receieved." This evening, Bush will speak at a reception in Napa that has raised $850,000 for the Republican National Committee.[27] According to Wellman, "The President thanked us. He told the Governor to watch out, that we were going to take his job soon." Hendricks added, "He said that we're the leaders of the future." At the end of his visit, Bush continued on to Napa to speak at a political event expected to raise $850,000 for the Republican National Committee.[18]

The governor has declared a state of emergency in 12 counties including Shasta and Trinity counties and on June 28, the Bush declared a state of emergency in California.[6] On June 28, the president responded by declaring an emergency in the State of California.[37] On July 9, the president expanded that emergency declaration, allowing state and local first responders to receive additional federal funds to pay for firefighting and emergency response costs occurring since June 20.[37] The president spent a little more than an hour on an aerial tour. Afterward, he spoke briefly, saying he always wants to make sure "the federal government is coordinately very closely with state government" to meet the challenge of such events.[17] The governor thanked the president and federal officials for coming to the aid of the state firefight.[17] Then we came down to Whiskeytown," Herger said. Back on the tarmack, both the President and Governor reflected on the success of coordinating resources at the federal, state and local levels.[40]

Thank You Mr. President for taking the time to visit our state and for the federal help that is needed.[9] The president offered federal help as well as encouragement to some of the 25,000 firefighters working under a blazing sun to contain the wildfires.[15]

The president praised the efforts of the California smoke jumpers as well as all the weary firefighters.[24] The President was then briefed and taken to meet some of the smoke jumpers who have been fighting the fires.[40] Bush was shown maps of the fires and then chatted with smoke jumpers who were mending and repacking parachutes.[19] '''I appreciate your service,''' Bush said, before patting Casey on the back and moving on to joke and laugh with the rest of the room. One smoke jumper was so fixed on his work that he apparently missed the president'''s approach from behind.[9]

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President George W. Bush took a first-hand look on Thursday at the destruction caused by the worst wildfires in California's history.[8] The president came to see first hand how California is coping after a June lightning storm sparked more than 2,000 wildfires, many of which are still burning.[40]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Only 43 fires remain active in California nearly a month after a dry lightning storm ignited hundreds of fires throughout the state on June 21.[52] Nearly 2,000 fires were raging at one point in California after lightning ignited decades-old brush and parkland throughout the state on June 20. At least one person died and about 100 homes were destroyed.[12] At one point, over 2,000 fires were tearing through California's forests and grasslands, charring over 1,300 square miles and leaving 100 homes reduced to rubble and ash.[52]

Since June 20, there have been 2,093 wildfires in California fought by more than 20,000 fire personnel from California, out-of-state and from Mexico, Australia and Canada.[17] Since a huge lightning storm on June 21, about 2,010 separate fires have ignited across California, ravaging nearly 900,000 acres.[19] Since a huge lightning storm last month, more than 2,000 separate fires have ignited across California, covering nearly 900,000 acres.[41]

Associated Press - July 17, 2008 4:14 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Only 43 fires remain active in California nearly a month after a dry lightning storm ignited hundreds of fires throughout the[52]

For Warnick, California may still be calling. "It's very rewarding and it is quite an honor to serve with the Maryland wildland fire crew. We were really needed and I'm thinking of doing a second tour," he said. "It's what I do."[46] California is having a really bad fire season right now," said David Lynch, crew chief.[32]

White House officials say this is the single largest fire event in the history of California.[31] If you make a decision, you've got to justify it to the end." As tough as the job can be, Fowler said she found it tougher to stay away. She quit once and took a job as a cocktail waitress in nearby Mesquite, Nev., but never stopped missing the job. She jumped at the chance to join the helitack and then spent two years training at a California fire school.[44] The most recent fires come on the heels of the costliest fiscal year in California history.[26]

Assemblyman John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, the chairman of the budget conference committee, said the Legislature needed to cover the fire fighting costs and the surcharge was an effective way to do it. "That's the goal, that's the idea," Laird said. Last year, he added, lawmakers approved $69 million for fire fighting and already the state has spent $380 million. "That means we have a $310 million shortfall in the fire fighting budget," he said, noting that even the proposed surcharge would not cover the entire tab.[48] Major blazes near San Diego, Lake Tahoe and elsewhere last year helped push 2007-2008 state firefighting costs past $390 million, more than $310 million more than the state had budgeted.[26]

FEMA has already set aside more than $154 million for firefighting and related expenses in California. The agency has been strengthened in recent years - a response to the severe criticism the government received for its handling of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated parts of Louisiana and Mississippi in 2005.[31] FEMA has obligated more than $154 million to California to pay for firefighting, evacuations, shelter, traffic control, equipment and supplies, Paulison said.[19]

Some 80 percent of federal firefighting resources have been sent to California.[17] Though not detailing any specific federal aid for California, Bush went on to say, "I would like to just let the people out here to know that we're paying attention to you in Washington D.C. We care about you and we will respond as best as we possibly can."[3] "I'd like to just let the people out there know that we're paying attention to you in Washington, D.C.," Bush said after the smoky flyover of the nearby Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[11] In the rural town of Junction City, residents remained under mandatory evacuation orders for a third day Sunday as flames crept across the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.[51]

The Governor's calendar shows that between January and November of 2007, in a 10 month period, the Governor was in Sacramento just seven full days. He was in Sacramento 103 partial days. In those 10 months, Gov. Schwarzenegger took 92 personal days. The governor's aides are defending his schedule. They say in those 10 months, Schwarzenegger spent more than 1300 hours in Sacramento and attended more than 200 meetings here. They say the Governor, like many Californians, is a commuter. They say he boards his private jet in Southern California in the morning, flies to Sacramento, works in his office in the Capitol then gets back on his plane and flies home to be with his family. That, they say, is one reason why he doesn't spend more time here. "The Governor prides himself that he's not stuck behind a desk here at the capitol everyday; that's not his thing. He loves the action. The action is elsewhere, it's not behind his desk," explained McClear. [53] The Governor's press secretary called Governor Schwarzenegger the hardest working governor in the history of California.[53]

Under the leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger all state agencies are more prepared than ever to lean forward and reach out to our federal and local partners to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters that may strike our Golden State.[36] Governor Schwarzenneger says the golden state is grateful for the more than $140 million in federal funding.[25]

Trying to pin down just how many women are in the fire service is hard because there are a multitude of federal, state and local agencies.[44] Thousands of National Guard troops have been called in to assist on fire lines all over the state.[7] View all comments on this topic. It's a wonder more firefighters haven't been injured or killed. Hopefully, CA will snag some federal money and assistance to recover from this horrible fire season.[34] "We can fight 20 fires at one time because our firefighters are the greatest of all time.[3] "We can fight 20, 30 fires at the same time because we have the best firefighters, the bravest, the best experienced firefighters in the world without any doubt.[40]

Fighting wildfires is a rewarding experience, but it is not for everyone. Special training is required for those wishing to fight fires outside of Pennsylvania. Every year, they must pass a physical fitness test of walking three miles in 45 minutes carrying a 45-pound backpack. This test is in addition to special courses and programs required of firefighters, depending on their expected duties. ''It's a good experience. It's something the guys live for. It's an exciting thing to do.[32] Amazingly, only 240 structures were destroyed, including 101 homes, by the wildfires. Tragically, one resident lost his life and two firefighters died while assigned to the fires.[36] To date, the number of casualties in California has been low compared to past wildfire seasons. One firefighter died of a heart attack while on duty, and a man burned to death in his home after refusing to obey an evacuation order.[31] Two local firefighters returned home last week after helping battle thousands of wildfires burning throughout'' California.[35]

In terms of loss of life and property, however, the crisis is substantially smaller than the wildfires in California last October which left eight people dead, destroyed 2,000 homes and caused two billion dollars damage.[12]

A crew of 20 firefighters from Hawaii will travel to California tomorrow to fight wildfires. They follow 16 others from Samoa who departed for California earlier this month.[25] The crew from Northern Blair is working a few miles from the main fire, so the hazards are diminished slightly. This week, the crew has prepped bulldozer lines for controlled burns, which will destroy vegetation, thus preventing the spread of the wildfire.[32] Rolls and his crew have been working to contain the Motion fire. Among those reluctant to see the President's visit end were Mark Hendricks, 20, Jake Wellman, 18, and Alex Braden, 20, the Eagle Scouts who shook the President's hand earlier in the day.[18] The insurance industry has not taken a formal position on the proposal. "We will do everything we can to cooperate with the governor, who feels strongly about fires and their impact on people's lives, but we've got to be sure that the details and the language are such that we can implement it," said Ken Gibson, vice president for the western region of the American Insurance Association. "The worry we have is that when the conference committee doubles it, are they really doubling the funds for fire protection.[48] For a minute-by-minute account of the president's fire tour, check out the Redding Record Searchlight.[47] In Redding Thursday, the president was briefed on the fires and met with a few dozen first responders.[41] In Redding, the president was briefed on the fires with the elite smokejumpers.[20]

My uncle, who lives in Virginia, has said on numerous occassions you would think the only fire was in Big Sur the way the news went on. It was good that the president made his way out here to peresonally inspect the damage that has been done.[9]

The only firefighter death so far has been attributed to a heart attack, said Daniel Berlant, a state fire department spokesman.[19] The fire began in grassland west of the city and moved quickly before fire crews were able to contain it. Oregon State Police says reduced visibility led them to divert westbound traffic at The Dalles and eastbound traffic at Hood River.[28] The action adds yet one more contentious element to a budget fight that may last through the summer. The issue is simple: It costs money to fight fires and cope with disasters, and where's the money going to come from? At midweek, there were nearly 100 fires burning across the state and more than 866,000 acres had been charred.[48] In Grass Valley, residents will face "patchy smoke" conditions tonight because of the ongoing fires ' the largest single fire event in the state's history ' according to the latest weather forecast.[43] The smoke jumpers drop down near fires carrying chain saws, hand tools and food to last for up to three days. They cut fire lines to control the flames and then either hike out or are flown to safety by helicopter.[9] Firefighters usually rotate out of the fire lines after 14 days, but resources have been stretched so thin that 14 days passed unnoticed.[34] About 25,000 firefighters have been deployed, and are now reporting more fires contained with each passing day.[31]

Firefighters have gained control over the woodland fires they've been battling since June 21, officials said.[45] For the past three weeks, dozens of volunteers from across the nation have worked tirelessly to put out the more than 2,000 wildfires. The fires began their path of destruction on June 21st. Officials said most of them were sparked by a massive lightning storm.[35] Hundreds of square miles have burned since a lightning storm sparked dozens of fires.[7] The numbers -- nearly 1,400 square miles burned in 2,000 lightning-struck fires around California -- tell the story.[10]

Bush told reporters that the area'''s fires were of concern to the White House.[9] A finger of fire spotted over the existing containment line at the east side of Eagle Fire before firefighters could continue with burnout operations, Romney said. '''They are expanding their containment lines further into the valley and closer to Junction City. As a precaution, the sheriff elevated some areas to a mandatory evacuation,''' he said.[6] Firefighters in Placer County worked to suppress the northeast flank of the Government Springs-Westville fire on Saturday in the complex.[43] The latest fires are exhausting firefighters and stretching resources from Butte County to Santa Barbara and from Big Sur to Whiskeytown.[26] In order for firefighters on the ground to put out fires, oftentimes the aerial resources we are using allow that to happen."[33]

The tour included views of the 60-year-old Martin Mars water bomber parked on Lake Shasta, Sugar Pine Conservation Camp, the Motion and Moon fires, and firefighter base camp at the Shasta District Fair grounds in Anderson.[9] "I do a lot of trail running and I'm in pretty good shape but at the end of every day I was beat," said Brown. At one point, Warnick found himself separated from his fellow Maryland firefighters. His previous 14 wildlife firefighting tours pressed him into service as a strike team leader.[46] Later, Bush travels to a private Republican fund-raiser in Napa. Firefighters are said to be making progress, but a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service says it's slow, hard work.[5] "The weather is stable — steady hot and dry inland," said Jason Kirchner, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service. "Our folks are grinding away on these fires, making progress, but it's coming slow and it's a lot of work."[19]

The complex of fires in Butte County is 80 percent contained after burning through 84 square miles and destroying dozens of homes. [19] The Sierra Club has never proposed banning fire suppression in areas that have homes or structures. Some very remote fires are currently allowed to run their course.[10] Mandatory evacuation orders remained in place Thursday for about 20 homes along the heavily wooded ridges near Carmel Valley, said Ruby Urueta, spokeswoman with the Monterey County Emergency Operations Center. Another 200 houses were emptied in the nearby rural community of Cachagua because of the fire danger.[19] "Maryland's firefighters are once again proving that Maryland knows no boundaries, whether the emergency is occurring here at home or in another state overwhelmed by disaster.[46] I am proud that California and states across the nation can turn to Maryland for assistance," said the governor. The firefighters also noted the appreciation they felt upon arriving in California.[46] The bushfires are the largest single-fire event in California since the state began recording statistics in 1936, according to the governor's office.[29]

I never imagined any situation where I would meet the President of the United States, the Governor, a Representative and a Senator all in the span of 30 seconds."[18] SHUT THE F&%K up!!!! Who gives a crap! Does anyone have any idea that a C-17 or a military Boeing 747 has to fly anyways. with or with out the president. I flew C-5's in the USAF, flying the presidents equipment all over the world. and guess what? I flew all the time EMPTY too. for what we call PROFICIENCY!! That's right. people in our country have NO idea how much jet fuel is spent on flight currency for every Pilot in all 5 branches of the Armed Forces.[9] "I want to let the people out here know we're paying attention in D.C. We care, and will respond as best we can,''' said President Bush.[25] Partisanship aside, I'm glad President Bush came here and hope it brings in some additional funding for our firefighters.[9]

After about 20 minutes, the president arrived. He walked up to John Casey, a 38-year-old jumper who has done almost 200 jumps in his 10-year career at the Redding base. '''I couldn'''t handle it,''' he said to Casey. Bush asked him how many jumps Casey had done. His eyes got wide at the number.[9] Schwarzenegger and Bush will tour the Northern Operations Commend Center in Redding, greeting staff.[13] War II. Bush was scheduled to fly to Napa after his visit in Redding to speak at a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee.[21] Bush was scheduled to attend a fundraiser for the Republican National Committee Thursday evening in Napa, and later depart from Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield to Tucson, Ariz.[4] After nearly a week of on the ground security preparation by the Secret Service, the Shasta County Sheriff's Department, the Redding Police, and other agencies, at 2:12 p.m. Air Force One made a low sweep northward through the smoke over the Redding Municipal Airport Thursday afternoon, banked slowly, and touched down in a swirl of yellow dust.[18] Schwarzenegger met at the Capitol with Air Force General Victor Renuart to discuss cooperation in fighting the wildfires.[37] A 2000 trip to Vancouver, for example, cost $2.2 million clams. I'm only disappointed he didn't wear that cute flight suit when he got out of Air Force One.[9]

The state has deployed more than 2,000 firefighters and support personnel while running up costs of more than $100 million since mid-June.[26]

"I came here to welcome the President of the United States, to support him, and support our country," Berry said. Jessica Grant, 22, of Redding stood in the shade of a tree with her three young sons. [18] "I'd like to let the people out here know that we're paying attention in Washington D.C. We care about you and we'll respond as best as we possibly can," the President said. The President was back in the air by 4:15 p.m. He l eft Redding for Napa where he was scheduled to attend a Republican fundraiser.[40] "Let people know, we're paying attention in Washington, D.C. We care about you and we're responding as best as we can," Bush said. The president also met with smoke-jumpers, commending them for their work, determination and courage.[17]

Bush also praised the work of firefighters, particularly the smokejumpers. "These are unusual people who are very courageous, dedicated individuals," he said.[3] After getting off the plane, Bush was quick to praise firefighters'''s work, particularly the smoke jumpers. '''These are unusual people who are very courageous, determined and dedicated, and I had this special sense there, when I was with them, of the esprit de corps and we want to thank them for their courage,''' he said.[9] "We had the privilege of going and meeting some of the smoke jumpers," the president said. "These are unusual people who are very courageous, determined and dedicated. I had this special sense when I was with them, the espirit de corps and I want to thank them for their courage."[8]

The smoke and heat from California's round of wildfires has seeped into the Capitol. [48] Politics - Bush vows not to leave California stranded as firefighting costs strain budget - sacbee.com Some features on this site require that JavaScript be turned on.[26] The California National Guard began a three-day training exercise Saturday in order to develop basic firefighting skills.[43]

A slew of federal agencies have been participating in daily one-hour video conferences with California officials to identify how Washington can help.[20] A unified command system that FEMA put in place after an ineffective federal response to Hurricane Katrina could help provide timely aid to California.[20]

Under the leadership of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, California has a well exercised mutual aid system. [36] JUNCTION CITY, Calif. (AP) - Showers forecast tonight over California's northern mountains could prove a mixed blessing for firefighters.[50] Southland rural firefighter Trevor Tidey (pictured) had his first day on the job battling blazes in California yesterday.[30] Firefighters sleep in sleeping bags and tents brought from home. Fighting wildfires is a physically intense experience, but local firefighters say they will not hesitate to return. ''It's been tiring days, but it's been fun," 18-year-old Sprow said. This is his first trip out west to fight wildfires, but he said it will not be his last.[32] All of the firefighters spoke of the personal reward of helping Californians deal with the wildfires although the mission was a rigorous one.[46]

"There were little fires popping up as far as your eyes could see," said Fashano, who made two jumps and also directed other crews parachuting to fight the flames. "It was just amazing the amount of fires all at once.[3] Carr said it is important that crews get time off now that the fires are being contained. "We have a lot of peak fire season left in the summer," he said.[34] Fire crews from Pennsylvania are deployed every year to battle fires out west.[32]

Rey credited Bush's Healthy Forest Initiative for reducing the number of acres burned last year.[27] Bush put a 30 year timber lobbyist in charge of our forests from the start. At every turn Bush has handed the reins of power off to his corporate partners and shifted blame to the environmentalists for all the disasterous results of corporate pillage.[10]

At the peak statewide, there were 2,093 fires burning, with all but 43 now contained. [34] The toughest part was the triple-digit heat and steep, rugged terrain," said Harvey, a Maryland Department of Natural Resources technician at Mount Nebo in Garrett County. "We were all over the fire, fighting different parts of the line, performing a variety of tasks, anywhere from mopping up to burning out," he said.[46] When you have 2,000 fires all at one time, that's a little much -- even for us.