Below is a list of resources I utilize to stay on top of the wildfires in the Sierra. I encourage all readers to learn how to utilize these resources as part of your wildfire preparedness planning.

Wildland Fire Information

Inciweb

This has information about all the fire incidents in the United States. Search for the fire by typing in the name of the fire in the search bar at the top right.

CalFire

This has information about the fire incidents in California. Search for the fire by typing in the name of the fire in the search bar at the top right.

CalFire Prepare for a Wildfire

Need help developing an action plan? This is a good resource that will walk you through the process step by step.

NASA Fire Information for Resource Management System

This site distributes Near Real-Time active fire data within 3 hours of satellite observation from both Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). It is worth noting that this picks up individual home fires that people burn in their fireplaces.

Fire Behavior Field Reference Guide

Informational guide to fire behavior published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Wildland Fire Behavior

Information page created by the National Park Service.

 

Map Resources

CalTopo

Type in your location at the top. On the right hand side there is a list of layers including Fire Activity and Fire History. Previous fire history can provide valuable insight as to areas that have previously burned and provide some fire break protection.

ArcGIS Wildfire Map

Type in location in top right search bar. The legend on the right helps to explain the different markings.

Google Maps Creek Fire

This provides a map with perimeter markings of the fire. Right click to use distance measuring tool.

Google Earth

This is a favorite tool for all sorts of applications. I use it to become familiar with areas I have not worked in before. You can zoom in and “fly over” terrain. This is useful in seeing the type of terrain that a fire is in and the surrounding areas.

Weather Resources

Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol

This site has a lot of good information. It has data collected from weather stations at different locations on the mountain as well as links to weather forecasts at the bottom of the page.

Wildland Fire/Air Quality Tools

Great site that provides a slew of information including smoke forecasts.

AirNow

A website that provide air quality information. Type in your zip code into the search bar. It will provide a graphic meter view of the air quality in your area.

Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District

This site gives air quality measures for towns located in the Eastern Sierra corridor.

 

Local Resources

Town of Mammoth Lakes

Beyond Limits Education is based in Mammoth Lakes. The TOML website has a variety of information including public service announcements.

Mono County

The TOML is in Mono County. This website has a variety of information including public service announcements.

Mono County Code Red Emergency Alert

Register in this system so you can get notices from the emergency alert system. If an evacuation warning or order is issued it will notify you on your phone.

Creek Fire Incident Page

Mono County launched an incident page on September 15th.

 

Land Management Agencies

Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by the Inyo National Forest as well as Bureau of Land Management public lands.

United State Forest Service Inyo National Forest

Bureau of Land Management

 

If you have any resources you find useful please send them our way by emailing us at officeatbeyondlimitsedu.com (replace “at” with @).