Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire tops national priority as damage assessment begins; Maryland storms cut power to nearly 39,000 as mid-Atlantic flood watches stretch into Monday.

Super Typhoon Bavi Recovery Begins in the Marianas; Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire Destroys 263 Homes; Human Remains Found in Washington's Chelan Hills Fire

Recovery operations begin across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands after Category 5 Super Typhoon Bavi passes directly over Rota, leaving island-wide power outages, boil water notices, and roughly 500 residents in shelters as FEMA personnel support the response. The nation holds at Preparedness Level 4 with 35 large fires burning: Colorado’s Aspen Acres fire destroys 263 homes, Utah’s Cottonwood and Babylon fires each top 90,000 acres, and human remains are found in Washington’s Chelan Hills fire as Level 3 evacuations continue. Kilauea remains paused with the next episode forecast between July 9 and 13. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Super Typhoon Bavi (Guam and CNMI): The Category 5 storm passes directly over Rota with 180 mph winds. Island-wide power outages affect Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, boil water notices are in effect for Saipan and Rota, 517 people sought shelter, and a presidential emergency declaration for Guam authorizes FEMA Public Assistance. Damage assessments begin Tuesday. • National fire posture: Preparedness Level 4, 35 large fires, 274 new starts Monday, and evacuations on fires in three geographic areas. Critical fire weather with 7 to 20 percent humidity and 50 mph outflow gusts covers much of the Intermountain West. • Colorado: The Aspen Acres fire destroys 263 homes and four commercial buildings in Pueblo and Custer counties. Gunnison County issues new mandatory evacuations for the Gold Mountain fire southeast of Montrose. • Utah: The Cottonwood fire (95,807 acres, 47 percent) and Babylon fire (90,445 acres, 0 percent) remain the state’s largest incidents, with evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices in effect. • Washington: The Chelan Hills fire near Orondo burns 9,735 acres at 0 percent containment with Level 3 Go Now evacuations, dozens of structures lost, and human remains found in a burned vehicle. • Hawaii: Kilauea’s eruption remains paused at Advisory alert level; episode 51 is forecast between July 9 and 13. SPONSORS The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ [https://thenimsstore.com/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] Descript, Edit video by editing text - https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript [https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript] ESET, Cyber Security Progress. Protected. - https://refer.eset.com/hip7r [https://refer.eset.com/hip7r] SOURCES TYPHOON BAVI: GUAM AND CNMI • FEMA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Guam [https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260704/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-guam?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • FEMA: Guam Typhoon Bavi (EM-3648-GU) disaster page [https://www.fema.gov/disaster/3648?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Guam Homeland Security: Emergency shelters open Sunday, July 5 [https://ghs.guam.gov/ghsocd-public-advisory-no-6-emergency-shelters-open-sunday-july-5-7-am-%E2%80%94-super-typhoon-bavi-09w?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Isla Public Radio: Islands remain under typhoon warning, governor to conduct initial damage assessment Tuesday [https://www.islapublic.org/news/2026-07-06/islands-remain-under-typhoon-warning-governor-will-conduct-initial-damage-assessment-on-tuesday?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • RNZ: No injuries reported as Super Typhoon Bavi leaves CNMI, recovery begins [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/682901/no-injuries-reported-as-super-typhoon-bavi-leaves-cnmi-recovery-begins?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Al Jazeera: Super Typhoon Bavi makes landfall on US Pacific islands [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/6/super-typhoon-bavi-makes-landfall-on-us-pacific-islands?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WILDFIRE NATIONAL PICTURE • NIFC: National Fire News, July 6, 2026 [https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NIFC: Incident Management Situation Report, July 6, 2026 [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] VOLCANO AND TROPICS • USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Kilauea update, July 6, 2026 [https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-07-06T17:57:41+00:00?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • National Hurricane Center: Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ARIZONA • Arizona Emergency Information Network: Pocket Fire update, containment nears 50 percent at 26,442 acres [https://ein.az.gov/pocket-fire-update-defenses-close-50-containment-footprint-stabilizes-26442-acres?utm_source=em-morning-brief] COLORADO • InciWeb: Aspen Acres Fire incident page [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-aspen-acres-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • The Colorado Sun: Officials say 263 homes destroyed by Aspen Acres fire [https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/06/colorado-wildfires-july-6-aspen-acres-gold-mountain/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • CPR News: Gold Mountain fire, Gunnison County issues mandatory evacuation orders southeast of Montrose [https://www.cpr.org/2026/07/06/gold-mountain-fire-ouray-montrose-updates-july-6/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] HAWAII • USGS: Kilauea volcano updates [https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW MEXICO • NM Fire Info: Sacaton Fire update for July 5, 2026 [https://nmfireinfo.com/2026/07/05/sacaton-fire-update-for-july-5-2026/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Sacaton Fire incident page [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-sacaton-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] OREGON • East Oregonian: Fire on Umatilla Indian Reservation spans 2,300 to 2,500 acres [https://eastoregonian.com/2026/07/06/fire-on-umatilla-indian-reservation-spans-2300-2500-acres/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Apple Valley News Now: Level 1 evacuation notice in place for North Cayuse Fire in Umatilla County [https://www.applevalleynewsnow.com/news/level-1-evacuation-notice-in-place-for-north-cayuse-fire-in-umatilla-county/article_2e11ada3-9008-4198-8039-63ce76b3b25f.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] UTAH • InciWeb: Cottonwood Fire incident page [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/utfif-cottonwood-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Babylon Fire incident page [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/utmlf-babylon-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WASHINGTON • KHQ: Human remains found in car burned by Chelan Hills Fire near Orondo [https://www.khq.com/news/evacuations-expanded-for-chelan-hills-fire-near-orondo-burning-at-least-10-000-acres/article_93a2cf5b-6563-4a6e-ab36-58027c704416.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief]

Colorado's Aspen Acres Fire tops national priority as damage assessment begins; Maryland storms cut power to nearly 39,000 as mid-Atlantic flood watches stretch into Monday.

Today’s brief covers the national wildfire picture at Preparedness Level 4, with 41 uncontained large fires and evacuations in three geographic areas. Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire, now the nation’s top-priority incident, reaches nearly 87,000 acres as damage assessment teams begin work, while the Willow Fire forces new evacuations near Leadville. Utah’s Babylon Fire burns past 87,000 acres with no containment. In the mid-Atlantic, back-to-back storm rounds bring flooding, water rescues, and outages near 39,000 customers in Maryland, with flood watches covering New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Washington. Richmond restores water pressure after Friday’s main break, and the tropics stay quiet. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS • National Preparedness Level 4: The July 5 situation report counts 41 uncontained large fires, 124 new starts, and 13 complex incident management teams committed, with evacuations in three geographic areas. • Aspen Acres Fire, Colorado: The nation’s top-priority fire reaches 86,983 acres at 13 percent containment; more than 180 structures destroyed and evacuations covering about 11,000 people remain in effect as damage assessment begins. • Willow Fire, Colorado: Overnight growth of 900 acres triggers new mandatory evacuations southwest of Leadville; shelters operate in Buena Vista and Edwards. • Babylon Fire, Utah: The fire stands at 87,554 acres with no containment and extreme fire behavior, threatening structures and communication infrastructure near Bears Ears and Canyonlands. • Maryland storms: Saturday night storms bring flooding, water rescues, and outages near 39,000 customers; BGE targets 80 percent restoration by Monday evening as a second storm round arrives. • Mid-Atlantic flood threat: Flood watches cover Maryland, Washington, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania into Monday, with rainfall rates capable of topping two inches per hour. • Richmond water system: Pressure is restored and water is confirmed safe after Friday’s main break; permanent repairs begin Monday with no boil water advisory required. SPONSORS The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ [https://thenimsstore.com/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] Descript, Edit video by editing text - https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript [https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript] ESET, Cyber Security Progress. Protected. - https://refer.eset.com/hip7r [https://refer.eset.com/hip7r] SOURCES NIFC AND NATIONAL WILDFIRE • NIFC Incident Management Situation Report: Sunday, July 5, 2026, national PL 4, 41 uncontained large fires [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NIFC National Fire News: daily national fire activity summary [https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NOAA AND NWS • NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly briefing: flash flood threat through Monday, flood watch expanded across New Jersey [https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • WPC National Forecast: scattered storms and isolated flash flooding along southward-moving front [https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/national_forecast/natfcst.php?day=2&utm_source=em-morning-brief] NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER • NHC Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook: no development expected over the next 7 days [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?utm_source=em-morning-brief] COLORADO • Colorado Sun: Aspen Acres damage assessment, Willow evacuations, Gold Mountain and Ferris updates, July 5 [https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/05/colorado-fires-aspen-acres-willow-gold-mountain-ouray-100/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Willow Fire incident information [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-willow-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Gold Mountain Fire incident information [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MARYLAND • The Baltimore Banner: flash flood threat and storm recovery, July 5 [https://www.thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/weather/maryland-weather-sunday-dangerous-heat-storms-PMCQRAL4QJCG3ERF56C5W45V3A/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • FOX45 Baltimore: 38,900-plus customers without power after storms [https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/power-outages-electricity-maryland-severe-weather-extreme-heat-bge?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA • NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly briefing: regional flash flood risk through Monday evening [https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW MEXICO • NIFC Incident Management Situation Report: McCauley Springs Fire command transfer [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NM Fire Info: New Mexico fire information updates [https://nmfireinfo.com/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] UTAH • NIFC Incident Management Situation Report: Babylon Fire and Wild Goose Fire status [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] VIRGINIA • WTVR Richmond: water pressure restored, drinking water safe ahead of Monday repairs [https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/richmond/water-main-break-update-july-5-2026?utm_source=em-morning-brief] DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA • The Baltimore Banner: flood watch for Maryland and Washington [https://www.thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/weather/maryland-weather-sunday-dangerous-heat-storms-PMCQRAL4QJCG3ERF56C5W45V3A/?utm_source=em-morning-brief]

Typhoon Bavi Threatens Guam and the Marianas; Record Heat Strains Eastern Grids Into July 4; Utah's Babylon Fire Explodes

Typhoon Bavi intensifies toward Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting typhoon watches, Condition of Readiness 3, and Coast Guard port restrictions days after the Sinlaku disaster declaration. Extreme heat covers 24 states and Washington D.C. into the July 4 holiday as DOE grid orders for PJM run through tonight, Con Edison cuts voltage in New York, and cities from Baltimore to Philadelphia extend heat emergencies. The nation holds at Preparedness Level 4 with 49 uncontained large fires: Utah’s Babylon Fire grows nearly 17,000 acres in a day, Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire expands evacuations, and Nebraska declares an emergency for the Log Road Fire. Plus flash flooding in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, new CISA advisories, and more. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Typhoon Bavi: Typhoon watches cover Guam and the CNMI, Guam enters COR 3 today, and the Coast Guard sets Port Condition X-Ray; forecasters expect a very dangerous category 5 approach Sunday into Monday. • Extreme heat and the grid: Extreme Heat Warnings span 24 states and D.C. through July 4; DOE’s PJM emergency orders expire tonight, Con Edison reduces voltage for 115,000 New York customers, and Baltimore, Philadelphia, NYC, and D.C. extend heat operations through the weekend. • Wildfire at PL 4: 49 uncontained large fires burn nationally; Utah’s Babylon Fire grows 16,864 acres in a day at zero percent containment, the Cottonwood Fire has destroyed 150 structures, and four Colorado fires hold at zero percent containment with active evacuations. • Colorado evacuations: Aspen Acres Fire evacuations expand to Wetmore and surrounding communities with Colorado City on pre-evacuation notice; officials warn of additional structure losses. • State declarations: Nebraska declares an emergency for the Log Road Fire, South Dakota for Pine Ridge flooding, and North Dakota issues a statewide disaster declaration for June storm damage. • Flash flooding: Overnight rain of 4 to 8 inches floods the Des Moines metro, southeast Minnesota closes portions of I-90, and Vernon County, Wisconsin evacuates campgrounds along the Kickapoo River. • Cyber: CISA releases three ICS advisories, including the Gardyn IoT Hub in the food and agriculture sector, and adds actively exploited SharePoint vulnerability CVE-2026-45659 to the KEV catalog. SPONSORS The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ [https://thenimsstore.com/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] Descript, Edit video by editing text - https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript [https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript] ESET, Cyber Security Progress. Protected. - https://refer.eset.com/hip7r [https://refer.eset.com/hip7r] SOURCES TYPHOON BAVI (GUAM AND CNMI) • NWS Guam: Active watches and warnings for Guam and the Marianas [https://api.weather.gov/alerts/active?area=GU&utm_source=em-morning-brief] • U.S. Coast Guard: Port Heavy Weather Condition X-Ray set for Guam and CNMI [https://www.dvidshub.net/news/569333/us-coast-guard-sets-port-heavy-weather-condition-x-ray-guam-and-cnmi-ahead-typhoon-bavi?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Isla Public Media: Bavi track shifts slightly south, Guam to COR 3 [https://www.islapublic.org/news/2026-07-03/typhoon-bavi-track-shifts-slightly-south-closer-to-rota-and-guam?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NIFC AND NATIONAL FIRE SITUATION • NIFC: National Incident Management Situation Report, July 2, 2026 [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NOAA, NWS, AND NHC • NWS: Active alerts nationwide, including Extreme Heat Warnings [https://alerts.weather.gov/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • SPC: Day 1 Convective Outlook, Enhanced risk Nebraska into Iowa [https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NHC: Final advisory on Post-Tropical Cyclone Douglas [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATCPEP4.shtml?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NHC: Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook, no development expected in 7 days [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/MIATWOAT.shtml?utm_source=em-morning-brief] CISA • CISA: ICS advisories released July 2, 2026 [https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • CISA: Gardyn IoT Hub advisory ICSA-26-183-03 [https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-183-03?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • CISA: Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog (SharePoint CVE-2026-45659 added July 1) [https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?utm_source=em-morning-brief] USGS • USGS: Latest earthquakes map (no U.S. M4.5+ in last 24 hours) [https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • USGS Volcano Hazards Program: Great Sitkin at Watch/Orange, Kilauea at Advisory/Yellow [https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP?utm_source=em-morning-brief] DOE AND GRID • DOE: Emergency orders securing the Mid-Atlantic grid, in effect through July 3 [https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-secretary-secures-mid-atlantic-grid-ahead-period-hot-weather?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • ABC News: Heat wave prompts grid emergency as PJM forecasts record demand [https://abcnews.com/US/stretched-limit-heat-wave-prompts-us-electrical-grid/story?id=134369230&utm_source=em-morning-brief] ALASKA • Alaska Wildland Fire Information: Quick response to the Martha Fire near Soldotna [https://akfireinfo.com/2026/07/02/a-quick-response-to-the-martha-fire-yesterday-and-cold-trailing-today/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ARIZONA • AZFamily: Evacuation status adjusted as crews work to contain Pocket Fire near Sedona [https://www.azfamily.com/2026/07/01/evacuation-status-adjusted-crews-work-contain-pocket-fire-near-sedona/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] COLORADO • Colorado Public Radio: Aspen Acres Fire evacuations expand to Wetmore [https://www.cpr.org/2026/07/02/aspen-acres-fire-buelah-custer-pueblo/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] GEORGIA • WSB-TV: Boil water advisory lifted for Fairburn and South Fulton [https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/fulton-county/boil-water-advisory-lifted-2-metro-atlanta-cities-after-power-outage-impacts-pumping-station/MD7CTDMQBRC53EFC2MH33JF3T4/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] HAWAII • Office of the Governor: HIEMA urges fire safety during July 4 weekend [https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/news-release-hiema-urges-fire-safety-during-july-4-weekend/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ILLINOIS • CBS News Chicago: ComEd warns of critical strain on West Side and near-west suburbs [https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/comed-power-grid-critical-strain-west-side-suburbs/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] IOWA • NWS Des Moines flash flood warning text via Iowa Weather Network [https://iowawx.com/currents/alerts?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MARYLAND • WMAR: Baltimore extends Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Sunday, July 5 [https://www.wmar2news.com/news/region/baltimore-city/baltimore-extends-code-red-extreme-heat-alert-through-sunday-july-5?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MINNESOTA • KTTC: Flooding closes portion of I-90 in Mower County [https://www.kttc.com/2026/07/02/flooding-closes-portion-i-90-mower-county/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEBRASKA AND SOUTH DAKOTA • KOTA: South Dakota governor issues second emergency declaration of the week; Nebraska wildfire prompts its own [https://www.kotatv.com/2026/07/02/south-dakota-governor-issues-second-emergency-declaration-week-nebraska-wildfire-prompts-its-own/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW MEXICO • KRQE: Evacuations for Jemez Falls Campground area amid McCauley Springs Fire [https://www.krqe.com/news/wildfires/evacuations-ordered-for-jemez-falls-campground-amid-reports-of-wildfire/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW YORK • Con Edison: Voltage reduced, conservation asked in the Bronx and Manhattan [https://www.coned.com/en/about-us/media-center/news/2026/07-02/con-edison-asks-customers-in-the-bronx--and-manhattan-to-conserve-energy?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Governor Hochul: Statement urging statewide power conservation [https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-168?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NYC Mayor’s Office: Expanded emergency heat measures for the holiday weekend [https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/07/mayor-mamdani-expands-emergency-heat-measures-to-protect-new-yor?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NORTH DAKOTA • KSJB: North Dakota disaster declaration issued for June storm damage [https://www.ksjbam.com/2026/07/01/north-dakota-disaster-declaration-issued-for-june-storm-damage/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] OREGON • Argus Observer: Fire north of Ontario reaches 2,000 acres, prompts Be Ready notice [https://www.argusobserver.com/news/update-fire-north-of-ontario-reaches-2k-acres-prompts-be-ready-evacuation-notice/article_44f4f6b8-6873-41b4-ac2a-30f2a69f4a3a.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] PENNSYLVANIA • NBC10 Philadelphia: Extreme heat prompts changes to July 4 events across the region [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/first-alert-extreme-heat-prompts-changes-to-july-4-events-across-philly-region/4426858/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • City of Philadelphia: Heat Health Emergency extended through Sunday, July 5 [https://www.phila.gov/2026-07-01-philadelphia-heat-health-emergency-extended-through-sunday-july-5-2026/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] VIRGINIA • VPM News: Cooling centers open across Richmond and Central Virginia [https://www.vpm.org/news/2026-07-02/july-cooling-centers-richmond-central-virginia-charlottesville-hanover?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WASHINGTON • KING 5: Evacuation notices lifted for Henderson Fire near Chelan [https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/level-3-evacuations-ordered-areas-near-chelan-henderson-fire/281-fb85afbc-b979-44c4-9b96-78b5d78600b0?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WISCONSIN • La Crosse Tribune: Severe storms pummel the La Crosse area, roads closed [https://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/severe-storms-pummel-la-crosse-area-roads-closed-as-authorities/article_699288b5-452b-5265-944e-a20496e94eb6.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • WIZM: Flash flood warning for southeast Minnesota, flood advisory in western Wisconsin [https://www.wizmnews.com/2026/07/02/flash-flood-warning-for-se-minnesota-flood-advisory-in-western-wi/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] PUERTO RICO • Metro Puerto Rico: Heat index to top 100 degrees with Saharan dust [https://www.metro.pr/noticias/2026/07/02/el-calor-no-da-tregua-sensacion-termica-superara-los-100-grados-fahrenheit-este-jueves/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS • St. Thomas Source: Hot and hazy weather expected for USVI and Puerto Rico holiday weekend [https://stthomassource.com/content/2026/07/02/hot-and-hazy-weather-expected-for-usvi-puerto-rico-holiday-weekend/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA • Executive Office of the Mayor: Modified District government services for Independence Day 2026 [https://mayor.dc.gov/release/modified-district-government-services-independence-day-2026?utm_source=em-morning-brief]

Fires Grow Overnight at Preparedness Level 4; PJM Grid Emergency as Demand May Break the All Time Record; Tropical Storm 09W Threatens the Marianas at Possible Category 4 Strength

Today’s brief covers overnight growth on Utah’s Cottonwood and Babylon fires and Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire as the nation holds at Preparedness Level 4 with 51 uncontained large fires, federal grid emergency orders for PJM as demand today could break the all time record during widespread extreme heat, a CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities addition for Microsoft SharePoint with a July 4 remediation deadline, Guam’s advisory on Tropical Storm 09W and a possible category 4 passage through the Marianas early next week, plus state updates from Arizona, California, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington, and more. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Wildfire activity: The nation holds at Preparedness Level 4 with 51 uncontained large fires. Utah’s Cottonwood Fire leads at 93,918 acres and 5 percent containment, the Babylon Fire jumps to 70,735 acres at 0 percent, and Colorado’s Aspen Acres Fire grows to 47,953 acres with evacuations in Rye, Beulah, and Wetmore and more than 150 structures reported destroyed. • Grid emergency: DOE Section 202(c) orders for PJM run through 11:59 PM Eastern July 3, and peak demand today could break the 2006 all time record. Maryland, Virginia, DC, and Delaware sit in the highest stress zone; watch for conservation appeals. • Extreme heat: Warning level heat covers a large portion of the country from the Plains to New England through the July 4 holiday, with cooling center activations in Chicago, Detroit, Boston, New York City, Indianapolis, and beyond. • Marianas typhoon threat: Tropical Storm 09W is forecast to intensify rapidly and could pass through Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands late Sunday into Monday at possible category 4 strength. Preparedness messaging is active now. • Cyber: CISA adds SharePoint flaw CVE-2026-45659 to the KEV catalog with a July 4 remediation deadline, and the SimpleHelp KEV remediation deadline falls today. • Severe weather: SPC places the northern Plains into the Upper Midwest under an Enhanced Risk today with very large hail and gusts above 75 mph possible; overnight storm damage reports are still developing in Minnesota and Iowa. • Water systems: LADWP issues a boil water notice for part of Koreatown after E. coli detections, while St. Louis lifts its precautionary boil water advisory. SPONSORS The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ [https://thenimsstore.com/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] Descript, Edit video by editing text - https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript [https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript] ESET, Cyber Security Progress. Protected. - https://refer.eset.com/hip7r [https://refer.eset.com/hip7r] SOURCES NIFC AND INCIWEB • NIFC National Fire News: PL4, 51 uncontained large fires, Cottonwood Fire [https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NIFC Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory: Colorado and southern Wyoming, July 1 [https://www.nifc.gov/sites/default/files/NICC/2-Predictive%20Services/Fuels-Fire%20Danger/Fuels-Fire-Behavior-Advisory_CO-S-WY_20260701.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb incident list: overnight acreage updates [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/accessible-view?utm_source=em-morning-brief] FEMA • OpenFEMA disaster declarations: FM-5643-CO, Gold Mountain Fire FMAG [https://www.fema.gov/api/open/v2/DisasterDeclarationsSummaries?utm_source=em-morning-brief] CISA • Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: CVE-2026-45659 SharePoint, CVE-2026-48558 SimpleHelp [https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?utm_source=em-morning-brief] DHS • National Terrorism Advisory System: no current advisories [https://www.dhs.gov/ntas?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NOAA AND NWS • SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook: Enhanced Risk northern Plains into Upper Midwest [https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NHC Atlantic tropical outlook: no development expected [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NHC East Pacific outlook: Tropical Storm Douglas weakening [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=epac&utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Weather.com: heat wave stretches into the July 4 week [https://weather.com/2026/07/01/forecast/national/heat-wave-fourth-of-july-week-midwest-south-east?utm_source=em-morning-brief] GRID AND POWER • DOE: emergency orders secure Mid-Atlantic grid ahead of hot weather [https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-secretary-secures-mid-atlantic-grid-ahead-period-hot-weather?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • The Hill: heat dome strains the power grid [https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5950278-heatdome-energy-power-grid/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Electric Choice: PJM demand forecast and record figures [https://www.electricchoice.com/blog/pjm-emergency-order-heat-wave-2026/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] USGS • M 3.8 earthquake near Oak Harbor, Washington, event page [https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/uw714040221?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ALABAMA • WAAY: heat advisories continue through Thursday [https://www.waaytv.com/news/heat-advisories-continue-through-thursday/article_b12c5988-0020-4d67-9dd2-acdc58aaaf22.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ALASKA • Alaska Wildland Fire Information: Martha Fire stopped at 5 acres near Soldotna [https://akfireinfo.com/2026/07/01/martha-fire-near-soldotna-active-near-homes/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Alaska Wildland Fire Information: final Starry Fire update, evacuations lifted [https://akfireinfo.com/2026/07/01/final-update-for-starry-fire-234/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ARIZONA • Arizona Emergency Information Network: Pocket Fire containment reaches 20 percent [https://ein.az.gov/containment-reaches-20-pocket-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Pocket Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcof-pocket-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ARKANSAS • Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: heat advisory and storm threat [https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/jul/01/severe-storms-possible-wednesday-in-southeast/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] CALIFORNIA • LADWP: boil water notice for small area of Koreatown [https://ladwpnews.com/ladwp-issues-boil-water-notice-for-small-area-of-koreatown/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] COLORADO • InciWeb: Aspen Acres Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-aspen-acres-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Colorado Sun: Wednesday Colorado fires update [https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/01/wednesday-update-colorado-fires/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Gold Mountain Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Snyder Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/utcyd-snyder-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Ferris Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cosjf-ferris-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • CPR: communities cancel July 4 fireworks [https://www.cpr.org/2026/07/01/fireworks-july-4-canceled-wildfires/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] CONNECTICUT • Governor Lamont: Extreme Hot Weather Protocol activated through Sunday [https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/06-2026/governor-lamont-activates-extreme-hot-weather-protocol-from-tuesday-through-sunday?utm_source=em-morning-brief] DELAWARE • Delaware.gov: NWS issues Extreme Heat Warning for all of Delaware [https://news.delaware.gov/2026/07/01/the-nws-issues-extreme-heat-warning-advisory-for-all-of-delaware/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] FLORIDA • Florida Forest Service: current wildfire information [https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Information?utm_source=em-morning-brief] GEORGIA • Cobb County Courier: heat advisory with heat index near 107 [https://cobbcountycourier.com/2026/07/another-georgia-heat-advisory-issued-for-wednesday-july-1-as-heat-index-nears-107-degrees/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • CBS Atlanta: severe thunderstorm warnings in north Georgia [https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/live-updates/severe-thunderstorm-warnings-north-georgia-metro-atlanta-july-1-2026/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ILLINOIS • CBS Chicago: Extreme Heat Warning and city cooling areas [https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/extreme-heat-warning-cook-county-heat-advisory-chicago-weather/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Cook County: 24 hour cooling centers [https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/cooling-centers?utm_source=em-morning-brief] INDIANA • WBIW: Extreme Heat Warning upgraded for central Indiana [https://www.wbiw.com/2026/07/01/dangerous-surge-extreme-heat-warning-upgraded-for-central-indiana-as-heat-index-threatens-107-degrees/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • WTHR: Indianapolis cooling sites and Indiana 211 locations [https://www.wthr.com/article/weather/weather-impact/city-of-indianapolis-public-cooling-centers-open-heat-wave-central-indiana-weather-impact/531-d601007e-ce20-4fa8-ac4d-db3aa5f15ee3?utm_source=em-morning-brief] IOWA • KEYC: strong to severe storms and flash flooding overnight [https://www.keyc.com/2026/07/01/strong-severe-storms-flash-flooding-possible-this-evening-tonight/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] KANSAS • NWS Wichita: Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory [https://www.weather.gov/ict?utm_source=em-morning-brief] KENTUCKY • WHAS11: Louisville heat advisory [https://www.whas11.com/article/weather/weather-impact/heat-index-louisville-advisory-weather-whas11-forecast-kentucky/417-93283fbe-f812-45e1-a8a8-93e15398be55?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MAINE • Bangor Daily News: extreme heat warning and watch for Maine [https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/07/01/hancock/hancock-environment/maine-mdi-acadia-extreme-heat-watch/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Maine Public: cooling centers open ahead of dangerous heat [https://www.mainepublic.org/health/2026-06-30/portland-and-other-maine-communities-open-cooling-centers-ahead-of-dangerous-heat-wave?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MARYLAND • The Daily Record: US declares grid emergency for power serving Maryland [https://thedailyrecord.com/2026/07/01/us-declares-emergency-for-power-grid-serving-md-as-heatwave-looms/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MASSACHUSETTS • City of Boston: Excessive Heat Warning July 1 through July 3 [https://www.boston.gov/news/city-boston-issues-excessive-heat-warning-wednesday-july-1-through-friday-july-3?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MICHIGAN • CBS Detroit: heat wave over southeast Michigan [https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/heat-wave-building-over-southeast-michigan-heres-what-you-need-to-know-for-wednesday/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Detroit News: Detroit cooling hours extended, Warren outage [https://www.detroitnews.com/story/weather/2026/07/01/heat-wave-metro-detroit-temperatures/90764669007/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MINNESOTA • KEYC: severe storms and tornado potential across southern Minnesota [https://www.keyc.com/2026/07/01/strong-severe-storms-flash-flooding-possible-this-evening-tonight/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NWS Twin Cities: storm reports [https://www.weather.gov/mpx/stormreports?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MISSOURI • City of St. Louis: boil water advisory lifted [https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-utilities/water/news/boil-water-north-south-2026.cfm?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • ABC17: Extreme Heat Warning until July 3 from NWS St. Louis [https://abc17news.com/alerts/2026/07/01/extreme-heat-warning-issued-july-1-at-141pm-cdt-until-july-3-at-1000pm-cdt-by-nws-st-louis-mo/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW JERSEY • NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly: current hazards briefing [https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW MEXICO • Los Alamos Reporter: McCauley Springs Fire update, July 1 [https://losalamosreporter.com/2026/07/01/sfnf-mccauley-springs-fire-update-for-wednesday-july-1-2026/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW YORK • NYC Mayor’s Office: emergency heat measures expanded [https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/07/mayor-mamdani-expands-emergency-heat-measures-to-protect-new-yor?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • WRVO: Extreme Heat Warning for much of New York [https://www.wrvo.org/2026-07-01/risk-of-heat-related-illness-rises-as-extreme-heat-warning-issued-for-much-of-ny?utm_source=em-morning-brief] OREGON • Central Oregon Fire Info: July 4 caution and fireworks ban on federal lands [https://centraloregonfire.org/2026/07/01/media-release/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] UTAH • InciWeb: Cottonwood Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/utfif-cottonwood-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • InciWeb: Babylon Fire [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/utmlf-babylon-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NPS Canyonlands: Needles District closure [https://www.nps.gov/cany/learn/news/news06282026.htm?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WASHINGTON • Washington State Patrol: state fire mobilization authorized for the Lambdin Fire [https://wsp.wa.gov/state-fire-mobilization-authorized-for-the-lambdin-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Walla Walla Union-Bulletin: Lambdin Fire grows to 12,776 acres, 25 percent contained [https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/local/update-lambdin-fire-grows-to-12-776-acres-with-25-containment/article_7f503a79-670b-445e-8d35-a7217cc534d6.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief] GUAM AND NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS • Guam Homeland Security: Tropical Storm 09W public advisory, July 2 [https://ghs.guam.gov/ghsocd-public-advisory-tropical-storm-09w-july-2-2026?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • CNMI Governor’s Office: Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery update [https://governor.cnmi.gov/sinlaku-recovery-update/?utm_source=em-morning-brief]

DOE declares power emergency as record heat hits the East; Utah's Cottonwood Fire nears 93,000 acres; Kentucky recovers from deadly flooding

A record-challenging heat wave drives a federal power emergency for the PJM grid across 13 states, while wildfires push the national preparedness level to 4 with large, fast-moving fires forcing evacuations in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, and Alaska. Kentucky continues recovery after deadly flash flooding, and precautionary boil-water advisories affect communities in Missouri and South Carolina. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Power grid: DOE emergency order lets PJM plants run at maximum output as record heat threatens the grid’s all-time summer peak on July 2; conserve energy and use cooling centers. • Wildfires: National preparedness level 4 with 54 uncontained large fires; Utah’s Cottonwood Fire (about 92,820 acres, 4 percent contained) may be the state’s most destructive on record. • Colorado: Aspen Acres Fire near 28,300 acres with about 155 structures lost; Rye, Beulah, and San Isabel evacuated under a state disaster declaration. • Kentucky flooding: Four dead and at least 63 water rescues; statewide emergency and 26 local declarations remain as extreme heat complicates recovery. • Lifelines: Precautionary boil-water advisories in St. Louis, Missouri and West Columbia, South Carolina; heat-driven outages in the Detroit area. • Volcano: Kilauea is not erupting at ADVISORY level; USGS forecasts the next fountaining episode between July 6 and 10. SPONSORS The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ [https://thenimsstore.com/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] Descript, Edit video by editing text - https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript [https://link.bcolburn.com/DB-Descript] SOURCES HEAT AND POWER GRID • U.S. heatwave to test power grid (Al Jazeera): DOE PJM emergency order and record demand [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/30/us-heatwave-to-test-power-grid-amid-soaring-ai-driven-energy-demand?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Emergency ordered for largest U.S. power grid (Bloomberg): PJM power emergency [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-30/emergency-ordered-for-largest-us-power-grid-as-record-heat-nears?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NOAA WPC Hazards: excessive heat and rainfall outlook [https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/threats/threats.php?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WILDFIRES (NIFC AND INCIWEB) • NIFC Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/incident-information/imsr?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NIFC daily situation report (PDF) [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NIFC Fire Information: national preparedness level and fire totals [https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information?utm_source=em-morning-brief] VOLCANO (USGS) • USGS Kilauea volcano updates [https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • USGS HVO volcano notice (June 30, 2026) [https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-06-30T17:36:14+00:00?utm_source=em-morning-brief] TROPICS (NHC) • National Hurricane Center Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ALASKA • NIFC IMSR: Starry Fire near Anderson [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] ARIZONA • Arizona Emergency Information Network: emergency bulletins [https://ein.az.gov/emergency-bulletins-0?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • NIFC IMSR: Pocket, Steamboat, and Sycamore fires [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] COLORADO • KKTV: Aspen Acres Fire tops 28,000 acres, structures lost [https://www.kktv.com/2026/06/30/wildfire-drives-evacuations-southern-colorado-burns-over-28000-acres/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Colorado Public Radio: Beulah evacuations, Aspen Acres Fire [https://www.cpr.org/2026/06/29/beulah-evacuate-aspen-acres-11-fire-two-fires-burn-in-southern-colorado/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] HAWAII • USGS HVO: Kilauea status and next fountaining forecast [https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates?utm_source=em-morning-brief] KENTUCKY • ABC News: 4 dead in Kentucky flooding, statewide emergency [https://abcnews.com/US/4-dead-kentucky-flooding-state-emergency-declared-governor/story?id=134281318&utm_source=em-morning-brief] • LEX18: Beshear statewide state of emergency and local declarations [https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/gov-andy-beshear-issues-state-of-emergency-for-kentucky-due-to-widespread-flooding?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MICHIGAN • ClickOnDetroit: extreme heat strains DTE grid, outages in Detroit area [https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/06/30/detroit-power-outage-extreme-heat-pushes-dte-grid-to-the-limit-leaving-hundreds-without-power/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] MISSOURI • City of St. Louis: precautionary boil-water advisory (June 30, 2026) [https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-utilities/water/news/boil-water-north-south-2026.cfm?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEVADA • NIFC IMSR: Grapevine Fire, Lincoln County [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW MEXICO • NIFC IMSR: Canyon Venado Fire near Clines Corners [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NEW YORK • Gothamist: NYC heat wave and cooling measures [https://gothamist.com/news/it-could-hit-105-degrees-in-nycs-heat-wave-this-week-heres-what-the-city-is-doing?utm_source=em-morning-brief] NORTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE • ABC News: flooding deaths and impacts across Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina [https://abcnews.com/US/4-dead-kentucky-flooding-state-emergency-declared-governor/story?id=134281318&utm_source=em-morning-brief] OREGON • PBS NewsHour: heat, wind, and drought spark western wildfires [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/heat-wind-and-drought-conditions-spark-wildfires-in-the-u-s-west?utm_source=em-morning-brief] SOUTH CAROLINA • City of West Columbia: boil-water advisory (June 30, 2026) [https://westcolumbiasc.gov/boil-water-advisory-6-30-2026-issued/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] UTAH • ABC4: Cottonwood Fire, Beaver County evacuations and containment [https://www.abc4.com/utah-weather/wildfire/cottonwood-fire-beaver-utah/?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • KSL: estimated 150 structures destroyed by Cottonwood Fire [https://www.ksl.com/article/51579076/estimated-150-buildings-destroyed-in-southern-utah-wildfire-fire-managers-say?utm_source=em-morning-brief] • Fox 13: Rocky Mountain Power de-energizes lines, prolonged outage warning [https://www.fox13now.com/news/utah-wildfires/evacuations-ordered-in-beaver-county-due-to-new-cottonwood-fire?utm_source=em-morning-brief] WASHINGTON • NIFC IMSR: Lyle Hill Fire near The Dalles [https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief]