Esperanza Fire Green Sheet
I've seen a number of news stories that mentioned a report issued by the California Department of Foresty and Fire Protection regarding the Esperanza Fire. However, I had a hard time finding the report. After some searching, I finally found it. Here is the Esperanza Green Sheet (from wildlandfire.com).
From the report:
Forecasted weather and the seasonally dry vegetation conditions categorized the fire with a high probability for large development. The fire produced a rapid rate of spread with extreme fire behavior conditions with wind dominancy. These conditions displayed increased spotting potential with flame lengths of up to 90 feet. A rate of spread of 20 mph was observed on level terrain. Wind and slope alignment produced a greater rate of spread to 40 mph which caused temperatures to exceed 1220 degrees Fahrenheit ahead of the fire front.
The fire was in full alignment with wind and slope at the time of the burn over. The fire drastically increased in velocity due to the converging of forecasted winds out of the northeast and terrain effects. The fire environment dominated the atmosphere with area ignition conditions surrounding the fatality site. A convection column of up to 18,000 feet high occurred.
Pretty wicked fire behavior, especially the part about area ignition. I'll keep an eye out for the NIOSH report which should have additional details.
