The station fire of 2009 started in the Angeles National Forest and burned 160,557 acres. The fire lasted about three months beginning August 26 to October 16 when it was fully contained with the help of rainfall.The fire burned near the Angeles Crest Highway and threatened Mount Wilson Observatory. Mount Wilson Observatory houses several multi million dollar astronomical equipment by UCLA, USC, Berkeley, and Georgia State University.
The fire was quite severe in that it became the tenth largest fire in California's history. It is also the largest fire in the Los Angeles region. The fire threatened 12,000 structures in the National Forest and several neighborhoods around Los Angeles. The total cost of the fire was about $93.8 million and two firefighters lost their lives in the event of the fire.
After the fire was contained investigators were sent into to search for clues for what started the fire. After an in depth investigation it was determined that the cause of the fire was arson. Investigators found a substance they believed caused the fire.
Using GIS, we can look at the transportation routes, urbanized areas, and water resources to better address fires in the future. We could locate nearby water reserves and quick access points to reach future fires to contain them faster and cheaper.
Bibliography
1. "New fire breaks out near Angeles Crest Highway; forces road closure". Pasadena Star-News. August 26, 2009.May 26, 2010
2. "Firefighters Killed in 'Station Fire' Remembered". KTLA-TV(Channel 5). September 1, 2009. May 26, 2010
3. "Station Fire Evening Update Aug. 31, 2009". InciWeb(United States Forest Service). August 31, 2009. May 26, 2010
4. Winton, Richard (September 4, 2009). "Substance found near Station fire ignition point is key evidence in arson probe". Los Angeles Times. May 26, 2010
5. Station Fire Update Sept. 27, 2009. InciWeb. May 26, 2010
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