West Fork Fire: 95,775 Acres / 2% Containment
East Fork Fire: 447 Acres / 10% Containment
East Peak Fire: 13,572 Acres / 95% Containment
Ox Cart Fire: 1,152 Acres / 95% Containment
Big Meadows Fire: 652 Acres / 95% Containment
East Peak Fire Update: June 30
Evacuation lifted for local residents
The East Peak Fire is now 95 percent contained and size estimated at 13,572 acres. The afternoon thunderstorm last few days have aided in progress of the containment, however, also has added to atmospheric instability and stronger storms, especially in the evenings. The fire management officials are actively assisting local resources in scanning the area for potential new starts from lightning.
All evacuations were lifted yesterday, June 28 by the Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office. Access is granted to local residents only, please check with the Sheriff’s office if there are any questions. Fire equipment traffic still abounds the immediate surrounding area. With the recent heavy rains, the road conditions are less than optimal – please use caution driving at all times.
Today’s operational plan will focus on mop up, rehab work and reassigning resources to other incidents. Firefighters are working with suggested guidelines from San Isabel National Forest to aid in recovery of the disturbed areas from the firefighting efforts. Specific instructions were given to haul back any equipment as well as garbage back to the incident base.
As the containment on the fire grows, resources are being released to support other incidents or sent back to their home units: there are 325 personnel remaining on this fire: 5 handcrews, 1 helicopter, 22 engines, 1 dozer, and 10 water tenders.
Rob Powell, Incident Commander Trainee for Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C gave praise to the firefighters, comparing incident management practices to his duties as municipal fire department chief. “Duty, Integrity and Respect are the foundation of what we do,” said Powell. With added complexity of Wildland – Urban Interface and structure protection, he said he “could not be happier” with the progress firefigthers made on this incident and the consistent professional mannerism throughout the duration of the fire.
###
Colorado Wildfire Report: June 29
About this report: This wildfire update is provided by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in partnership with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to keep you informed of current wildfires for which the State is currently supporting and monitoring. The update does not cover all wildfires currently burning in Colorado that may be smaller incidents. This update contains information on the fires the State EOC is monitoring and supporting in Colorado:
- West Fork Complex Fire (Includes West Fork, Windy Pass and Papoose Fires)
- East Peak Fire
- East Fork Fire
- Brush Creek Fire
- Big Meadows Fire
- Ox Cart Fire
There have been many smaller fires start in the state (less than 100 acres and without damage to structures or harm to people). These fires have been largely put out in the first operational periods and have not exceeded 100 acres. I am not including these fires in the daily report.
Important Note: Information on current and future Colorado wildfires can be obtained from the following websites, which are updated regularly during incidents:
- INCIWEB: http://www.inciweb.org/state/6/ Colorado Office of Emergency Management: http://www.coemergency.com/
- Current Map of Colorado Fires by COEM: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=215563989566450268982.0004c328de8016253230a&msa=0&ll=40.446947,-105.908203&spn=13.068198,19.753418
- Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center :http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/links/fire_info/index.html
- US Forest Service Active Fire Map: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/lg_fire2.php
West Fork Fire Complex (includes West Fork, Windy Pass and Papoose Fires)
Fire Name
|
West Fork Fire Complex:
West Fork Fire| Papoose Fire| Windy Pass Fire
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 5, 2013
|
Location/County
|
Archuleta and Hindsdale
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
Acres
|
95,775
|
Containment
|
2%
|
Evacuations
|
~125
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
Resources
|
1,502 Personnel Assigned
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Yes
|
Funding
|
Disaster Emergency Fund, Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status Report, West Fork PIO
|
East Peak Fire
Fire Name
|
East Peak Fire
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 19, 2013
|
Location/County
|
Huerfano County
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
Acres
|
13,521
|
Containment
|
95%
|
Evacuations
|
455
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
Structures Lost
|
28 structures
|
Resources
|
473 Personnel Assigned
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Yes
|
Funding
|
Disaster Emergency Fund, Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status Report, East Peak PIO
|
East Fork Fire
Fire Name
|
East Fork Fire
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 15, 2013
|
Location/County
|
Gunnison County
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
Acres
|
447
|
Containment
|
5%
|
Evacuations
|
Campgrounds around Silver Jack Reservoir and Owl Creek Pass, 35 pre-evacuations
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
Resources
|
263 Personnel Assigned
|
Executive Order Issued
|
No – Federal Land
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status Report
|
Brush Creek Fire
Fire Name
|
Brush Creek Fire
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 20, 2013
|
Location/County
|
Garfield County
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
Acres
|
403
|
Containment
|
98%
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
Resources
|
8 Personnel Assigned
|
Executive Order Issued
|
No – Federal Land
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status Report
|
Big Meadows Fire
Fire Name
|
Big Meadows Fire
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 10, 2013
|
Location/County
|
Grand County/ Rocky Mountain National Park
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
Acres
|
652
|
Containment
|
95%
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
Resources
|
27 Personnel Assigned
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Yes
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status Report
|
Ox Cart Fire
Fire Name
|
Ox Cart Fire
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 9, 2013
|
Location/County
|
Rio Grande NF, San Isabel NF, Saguache and Fremont Counties
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
Acres
|
1,152
|
Containment
|
80%
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
Resources
|
251 Personnel Assigned
|
Executive Order Issued
|
No – Federal Land
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status Report
|
Today’s Fire Outlook
The fire situation rating for the Rocky Mountain Area has increased to Preparedness Level 4. The Nation remains at a Preparedness Level 3. This rating indicates highly complex large fire activity is occurring, with multiple large fires in the zone. Fire severity is extreme as reported in multiple areas, and fires are escaping initial attack, as evident by the number of large fires. Multiple regional dispatch centers are experiencing an incident requiring type-1 or type-2 teams, and a majority of zone resources are committed.Monthly Seasonal Outlook from the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center: http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf
There is no current state-wide fire restriction. Each county is responsible for enacting appropriate restrictions.
View COEM’s current map of Colorado Fire Restrictions at: https://www.google.com/fusiontables/embedviz?viz=MAP&q=select+col4+from+1o76CJOtWMM37FdAb-dpQdTeUlwkbC0oBFAETH78&h=false&lat=39.02634487425597&lng=-105.550565&z=7&t=1&l=col4
There are active fire weather watches and warnings Colorado. For more information visit http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/co.php?x=1. A map can be viewed at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/firewx/main.php.
West Fork Fire Update: June 29 at 10 p.m.
Special Message: Due to the high demand for information about the West Fork Complex, a blog has been created to facilitate posting current and timely fire information. Visit the blog at http://westforkfirecomplex.blogspot.com/.
Current Situation
East Zone of the West Fork Complex (Includes Papoose and Eastern Part of West Fork Fires)
Rain fell over portions of the zone today. Accumulations ranged from 0.02 – 0.20 inches. Although some areas experienced wetting rain, firefighters were cautioned that in the heavy timber the moisture was not reaching the ground. Single and group tree torching could still occur in areas that received rainfall today. In addition, many areas received enough precipitation that roads and dozer lines could be slick.Papoose Fire
Fire activity was minimal for most of the day. Around 4:00 pm the east side of the fire became active in the Trout Creek area near Baldy Mountain. Tonight firefighters will continue structure protection on the east in Trout Creek and the northwest in Crooked Creek.Eastern Part of West Fork Fire
Today firefighters continued to structure protection on the north, east, and south flanks of the fire. The focus of their efforts is to use natural fuel breaks to minimize fire activity. Tonight firefighters will monitor the fire and provide structure protection.
West Zone of West Fork Complex (Includes Western Part of West Fork and Windy Pass Fires)
A change in wind direction and a brief rain today brought little relief on the West Fork Fire on the West Zone. Air attack has been grounded the last 2 days due to smoke, but will resume tomorrow if conditions allow. Fire continues to burn in timber that is dead due to Spruce Beetle kill.Western Part of West Fork Fire
The West Zone of the West Fork fire is the portion of the fire burning south of the continental divide. Structure protection continued near the Born Lake cabins. Structure protection is still in place for Bruce Spruce Resort, which is still open, and hose lays and sprinkler system are in place and operational in the West Fork Campground that is also open.
Windy Pass Fire
Activity on the Windy Pass Fire today was minimal. Crews completed work around Lane Creek and continue to monitor fire activity there.
Weather
A series of thunderstorms passed over the complex today. Precipitation was localized with some areas of the fire receiving 0.02 inches to 0.20 inches and some not receiving any moisture at all. Thunderstorms are predicted for the next few days with rain, lightning and winds being the primary concerns. Winds tomorrow will be out of the Northwest 5-15 mph, with a 60% chance of rain actually hitting the ground.
Public Health and Safety
Smoke monitors are in place in Pagosa Springs, Del Norte, and Creede. For the official Colorado Smoke Outlook visit http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx and http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx for further health advisory information.
Please use caution when traveling along Highways 149 and 160. Heavy fire traffic can be expected along the highways and within the communities of South Fork, Creede, and Del Norte. Please do not stop along the roads to take pictures of the fire or firefighters as doing so could impede fire operations.
Please use caution when traveling along Highways 149 and 160. Heavy fire traffic can be expected along the highways and within the communities of South Fork, Creede, and Del Norte. Please do not stop along the roads to take pictures of the fire or firefighters as doing so could impede fire operations.
Evacuations and Closures
Yesterday, most residents of South Fork were able to return home. Anyone west of Highway 149 or the Rio Grande River (whichever is closest to the fire) remain under mandatory evacuation. This includes Elk Creek and the portion of Masonic Park south and west of the river. All other evacuations remain in effect. Those residents who were able to return home were reminded that if fire activity increases, they may have to re-evacuate. Along Highway 149, traffic is being escorted between Wagon Wheel Gap and Highway 160.
For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the San Juan National Forest go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices.
Emergency closures in place due to the West Fork Fire Complex currently affect about 50 miles of the Colorado Trail on the Rio Grande National Forest and about 150 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail on both the Rio Grande and San Juan national forests. These trail sections are closed to all public entry between San Luis Pass north of Creede, Stony Pass east of Silverton and Elwood Pass northeast of Pagosa Springs, as identified within the closure orders. For more information, contact the Rio Grande National Forest at 719-852-5941. For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the Rio Grande National Forest go to: West Fork Fire Closures.
For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the San Juan National Forest go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices.
Emergency closures in place due to the West Fork Fire Complex currently affect about 50 miles of the Colorado Trail on the Rio Grande National Forest and about 150 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail on both the Rio Grande and San Juan national forests. These trail sections are closed to all public entry between San Luis Pass north of Creede, Stony Pass east of Silverton and Elwood Pass northeast of Pagosa Springs, as identified within the closure orders. For more information, contact the Rio Grande National Forest at 719-852-5941. For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the Rio Grande National Forest go to: West Fork Fire Closures.
Fire Information Meetings
Del Norte: Daily briefing at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte at 9 a.m.Media Briefings
There are no scheduled media briefings. If media are interested in a briefing or interview, please contact the East Zone Information Office.
Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3436/
Twitter: @rmt1pio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockyMtn.Type1.IMT.PIOs.
Information Boards: Information is posted at the Pagosa Springs Visitor Information Center, Freemons Ranch near Creede, the Forest Service office in Creede, and at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte.
Photos: http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/WestForkComplex/library/
Fire Statistics
- Location: 14.5 miles north/northeast of Pagosa Springs, CO
- Start Date: 06/05/2013
- Percent Contained: 2%
- Cause: Lightning
- Complex Size: 90,806 acres
- Windy Pass: 1,411 acres
- Papoose: 33,022 acres
- West Fork: 56,373 acres
- Total Personnel: 1502
- Resources Include: 8 Type 1 hand crews, 20 Type 2 hand crews, 109 engines, 5 dozers, 11 water tenders, and overhead personnel
- Air Resources: 6 Type 1 helicopters, 3 Type 2 helicopters, 9 Type 3 helicopters, and 2 single engine air tankers (SEATS)
Places to get information
Blog: http://westforkfirecomplex.blogspot.com/Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3436/
Twitter: @rmt1pio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockyMtn.Type1.IMT.PIOs.
Information Boards: Information is posted at the Pagosa Springs Visitor Information Center, Freemons Ranch near Creede, the Forest Service office in Creede, and at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte.
Photos: http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/WestForkComplex/library/
Information from the West Fork Fire Information Officer Team.
West Fork Fire Update: June 29
This update provided by West Fork Public Information Officers.
Del Norte: Daily briefing at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte at 9 am
South Fork: Saturday June 29, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Community Hall
Pagosa Springs: Saturday June 29, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Community Center
All other evacuations remain in effect.Those residents who were able to return home were reminded that if fire activity increases, they may have to re-evacuate. Along Highway 149, traffic is being escorted between Wagon Wheel Gap and Highway 160.For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the San Juan National Forest go to:http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices. Emergency closures in place due to the West Fork Fire Complex currently affect about 50 miles of the ColoradoTrail on the Rio Grande National Forest and about 150 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail on both the Rio Grande and San Juan national forests. These trail sections are closed to all public entry betweenSan Luis Pass north of Creede, Stony Pass east of Silverton and Elwood Pass northeast of Pagosa Springs, asidentified within the closure orders. For more information, contact the Rio Grande National Forest at 719-852-5941. For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the Rio Grande National Forest go to:West Fork Fire Closures.
If media are interested in a briefing or interview, please contact the East Zone Information Office.
Special Message
The Colorado Department of Transportation reopened US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass thismorning at 6:00 am. If fire activity warrants, the highway could be re-closed, so travelers are urged to check road conditions at www.cotrip.org for updated road information.Fire Information Meetings
The following fire information meetings will be held:Del Norte: Daily briefing at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte at 9 am
South Fork: Saturday June 29, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Community Hall
Pagosa Springs: Saturday June 29, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Community Center
Current Situation
East Zone of the West Fork Complex (Includes Papoose and Eastern Part of West Fork Fires)
The Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team has added a swing shift to their operations. Fourteen engines and three hand crews staffed both fires in the east zone through the night. The infrared flight that provides us with the most current imagery of the fire perimeter was cancelled last night due to weather.
Papoose Fire
Last night firefighters continued to provide structure protection near the Rio Grande Reservoir,Crooked Creek, and Trout Creek on the north half of the fire. There is still no known structure loss. Today firefighters will again focus on the areas of the fire where structures could be impacted. They will also begin and prepare structures east of the Papoose Fire, along Highway 149, in the event that the fire continues to move to the east.Eastern Part of West Fork Fire
Firefighters will continue to focus on areas where the fire is most active andstructures could be impacted. These areas include Lake Humphreys, Metroz Lake, and along Highway 149 near Elk Mountain. Crews will work to tie together existing fuel breaks (i.e. meadows, roads, etc.) in an effort todiminish fire behavior. East of Highway 149, firefighters continue to evaluate and prepare structures in theevent that the fire crosses the highway. Google Earth is being used to create an application that will allowfirefighters to quickly identify the location of structures in that area.West Zone of West Fork Complex (Includes Western Part of West Fork and Windy Pass Fires)
A change in wind direction and an inversion yesterday brought heavy smoke into the San Juan River Valley and Pagosa Springs area. The inversion held the smoke, and high winds and smoky conditions that persisted throughout the day. Fire continues to burn in timber that is dead due to Spruce Beetle kill.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has installed a portable tower at the Durango Airport due to the volume of aircraft flying in the area in support of the fires.Western Part of West Fork Fire
The West Zone of the West Fork fire is the portion of the fire burning south of the continental divide. Structure protection continued near the Born Lake cabins. Structure protection is still in place for Bruce Spruce Resort, which is still open, and hose lays and sprinkler system are in place and operational in the West Fork Campground that is also open.Windy Pass Fire
Activity on the Windy Pass Fire yesterday was minimal. Crews worked around Lane Creek and bucket drops were done throughout the day.Weather
High pressure will move farther to the west allowing stronger winds from the northwest to moveover the complex. Thunderstorm chances continue across the complex with lightning, gusty winds, and rain possible. An unstable atmosphere will continue through the middle of next week keeping the chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.Public Health and Safety
Smoke monitors are in place in Del Norte and Creede. For the official ColoradoSmoke Outlook visit http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx and http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/wildfire.aspx for further health advisory information.Please use caution when traveling along Highways 149 and 160. Heavy fire traffic can be expected along thehighways and within the communities of South Fork, Creede, and Del Norte. Please do not stop along the roadsto take pictures of the fire or firefighters as doing so could impede fire operations.Evacuations and Closures
Yesterday, most residents of South Fork were able to return home. Anyone west of Highway 149 or the Rio Grande River (whichever is closest to the fire) remain under mandatory evacuation.This includes Elk Park and the portion of Masonic Park west of the river.All other evacuations remain in effect.Those residents who were able to return home were reminded that if fire activity increases, they may have to re-evacuate. Along Highway 149, traffic is being escorted between Wagon Wheel Gap and Highway 160.For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the San Juan National Forest go to:http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices. Emergency closures in place due to the West Fork Fire Complex currently affect about 50 miles of the ColoradoTrail on the Rio Grande National Forest and about 150 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail on both the Rio Grande and San Juan national forests. These trail sections are closed to all public entry betweenSan Luis Pass north of Creede, Stony Pass east of Silverton and Elwood Pass northeast of Pagosa Springs, asidentified within the closure orders. For more information, contact the Rio Grande National Forest at 719-852-5941. For additional information on road and trail closures affecting the Rio Grande National Forest go to:West Fork Fire Closures.
Media Briefings
There are no scheduled media briefings.If media are interested in a briefing or interview, please contact the East Zone Information Office.
Fire Statistics
- Location: 14.5 miles north/northeast of Pagosa Springs, CO
- Start Date: 06/05/2013
- Complex Size: 90,806 acres
- Windy Pass: 1,411 acres
- Papoose: 33,022 acres
- West Fork: 56,373 acres
- Percent Contained: 2%
- Cause: Lightning
- Total Personnel: 1436
- Resources Include: 9 Type 1 hand crews, 20 Type 2 hand crews, 109 engines, 2 dozers, 13 water tenders, and overhead personnel
- Air Resources: 7 Type 1 helicopters, 3 Type 2 helicopters, 10 Type 3 helicopters, and 2 single engine airtankers (SEATS)
Places to get information:
Website: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3436/
Twitter: @rmt1pio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockyMtn.Type1.IMT.PIOs.
Information Boards: Information is posted at the Pagosa Springs Visitor Information Center, Freemons Ranchnear Creede, the Forest Service office in Creede, and at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte.
Photos: http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/WestForkComplex/library/###
Twitter: @rmt1pio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockyMtn.Type1.IMT.PIOs.
Information Boards: Information is posted at the Pagosa Springs Visitor Information Center, Freemons Ranchnear Creede, the Forest Service office in Creede, and at the Red Cross Shelter in Del Norte.
Photos: http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/WestForkComplex/library/###
East Peak Fire Update: June 29
Rain, Hail, and Hard Work Propel Containment
While much of the fire area received only 0.12 inches of rain Thursday
night, the moisture reduced Friday’s fire behavior and gave crews a window
of opportunity to sprint ahead with mopping up isolated heat signatures
still scattered across the lower slopes of East Spanish Peak. Crews will be
taking advantage of cooler temperatures expected today.
The moisture also created muddy slopes and hazardous conditions that
require extra caution as firefighters work around the fire perimeter. The
additional moisture in the air will generate more atmospheric instability,
and the potential for stronger afternoon thunderstorms.
The fire is now 85 percent contained and covers 13,521 acres. While rain
and overnight humidity recovery temporarily (hours) diminishes the
flammability of fine fuels (grasses and very small branches), larger
branches and trees remain just as dry as they were before the rain. A few
short hours of sunlight and wind puts us back to the same level of
explosively dry fuels. With that in mind, the fire will not reach 100
percent containment until sufficient interior mop-up is complete.
Crews are focusing on rehabilitating firelines to prevent erosion and to
speed the return of plants and wildlife. Other activities today will
include hazard tree removal along public roads and trails. Once the roads
and trails are opened, we ask that the public use care while recreating in
these areas. While we are actively attempting to mitigate all hazards, the
public is encouraged to do their part and enter these areas with caution
just like the firefighters, “look up, look down, look all around”.
Ten handcrews, four helicopters, 28 engines, two dozers, and 15 water
tenders remain on this incident. As the containment on the fire grows,
resources are slowly being released to support other incidents.
Roads that access the fire perimeter remain closed to safeguard both the
public and firefighters. Cordova Pass Road is now open. However, all
trailheads and trails (West Peak, Apishipa, and Shafer Trails) that lead
into the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area remain closed for public safety.
Caution is encouraged as there will be additional traffic with some of the
National Guard troops heading home today.
As firefighters move on to their next assignment, they have left saying
many thanks for the donations and community support, “it has been amazing!”
While much of the fire area received only 0.12 inches of rain Thursday
night, the moisture reduced Friday’s fire behavior and gave crews a window
of opportunity to sprint ahead with mopping up isolated heat signatures
still scattered across the lower slopes of East Spanish Peak. Crews will be
taking advantage of cooler temperatures expected today.
The moisture also created muddy slopes and hazardous conditions that
require extra caution as firefighters work around the fire perimeter. The
additional moisture in the air will generate more atmospheric instability,
and the potential for stronger afternoon thunderstorms.
The fire is now 85 percent contained and covers 13,521 acres. While rain
and overnight humidity recovery temporarily (hours) diminishes the
flammability of fine fuels (grasses and very small branches), larger
branches and trees remain just as dry as they were before the rain. A few
short hours of sunlight and wind puts us back to the same level of
explosively dry fuels. With that in mind, the fire will not reach 100
percent containment until sufficient interior mop-up is complete.
Crews are focusing on rehabilitating firelines to prevent erosion and to
speed the return of plants and wildlife. Other activities today will
include hazard tree removal along public roads and trails. Once the roads
and trails are opened, we ask that the public use care while recreating in
these areas. While we are actively attempting to mitigate all hazards, the
public is encouraged to do their part and enter these areas with caution
just like the firefighters, “look up, look down, look all around”.
Ten handcrews, four helicopters, 28 engines, two dozers, and 15 water
tenders remain on this incident. As the containment on the fire grows,
resources are slowly being released to support other incidents.
Roads that access the fire perimeter remain closed to safeguard both the
public and firefighters. Cordova Pass Road is now open. However, all
trailheads and trails (West Peak, Apishipa, and Shafer Trails) that lead
into the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area remain closed for public safety.
Caution is encouraged as there will be additional traffic with some of the
National Guard troops heading home today.
As firefighters move on to their next assignment, they have left saying
many thanks for the donations and community support, “it has been amazing!”
DHSEM Update: June 28
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Update: June 28
Included in this update is the following information:
Included in this update is the following information:
- North Central Region Field Manger Contact Information
- Department of Natural Resources Announces Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant Program
- Lessons Learned Article from Jason Finehout
- FEMA 2013 Annual Risk Awareness Survey for Local Officials Available through July1
- Job Announcments
- Congratulations to the City of Colorado Springs for EMAP Accrediation
- Educational Resources
- Training Information and Courses
Colorado Wildfire Report: June 28 #COFire
About this report: This wildfire update is provided by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in partnership with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to keep you informed of current wildfires for which the State is currently supporting and monitoring. The update does not cover all wildfires currently burning in Colorado that may be smaller incidents. This update contains information on the fires the State EOC is monitoring and supporting in Colorado:
- West Fork Complex Fire (Includes West Fork, Windy Pass and Papoose Fires)
- East Peak Fire
- East Fork Fire
- Brush Creek Fire
- Big Meadows Fire
- Ox Cart Fire
- Streams Lake Fire
There have been many smaller fires start in the state (less than 100 acres and without damage to structures or harm to people). These fires have been largely put out in the first operational periods and have not exceeded 100 acres. I am not including these fires in the daily report.
Important Note: Information on current and future Colorado wildfires can be obtained from the following websites, which are updated regularly during incidents:
- INCIWEB: http://www.inciweb.org/state/6/ Colorado Office of Emergency Management: http://www.coemergency.com/
- Current Map of Colorado Fires by COEM: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=215563989566450268982.0004c328de8016253230a&msa=0&ll=40.446947,-105.908203&spn=13.068198,19.753418
- Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center :http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/links/fire_info/index.html
- US Forest Service Active Fire Map: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/lg_fire2.php
West Fork Fire Complex (includes West Fork, Windy Pass and Papoose Fires)
|
Fire Name
|
West Fork Fire Complex:
West Fork Fire| Papoose Fire| Windy Pass Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 5, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Archuleta and Hindsdale
|
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
|
Acres
|
90,056
|
|
Containment
|
0%
|
|
Evacuations
|
1,500
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
|
Resources
|
1,561 Personnel Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Yes
|
|
Funding
|
Disaster Emergency Fund, Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
|
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status
Report, West Fork PIO
|
East Peak Fire
Fire Name
|
East Peak Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 19, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Huerfano County
|
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
|
Acres
|
13,521
|
|
Containment
|
75%
|
|
Evacuations
|
455
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
28 Structures
|
|
Resources
|
519 Personnel Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Yes
|
|
Funding
|
Disaster Emergency Fund, Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
|
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status
Report, East Peak PIO
|
East Fork Fire
|
Fire Name
|
East Fork Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 15, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Gunnison County
|
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
|
Acres
|
447
|
|
Containment
|
3%
|
|
Evacuations
|
Campgrounds around Silver Jack Reservoir and Owl Creek Pass, 35
pre-evacuations
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
|
Resources
|
298 Personnel Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
No – Federal Land
|
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status
Report
|
Brush Creek Fire
|
Fire Name
|
Brush Creek Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 20, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Garfield County
|
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
|
Acres
|
403
|
|
Containment
|
98%
|
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
|
Resources
|
8 Personnel Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
No – Federal Land
|
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status
Report
|
Big Meadows Fire
|
Fire Name
|
Big Meadows Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 10, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Grand County/ Rocky Mountain National Park
|
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
|
Acres
|
652
|
|
Containment
|
95%
|
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
|
Resources
|
27 Personnel Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Yes
|
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status
Report
|
Ox Cart Fire
|
Fire Name
|
Ox Cart Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
June 9, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Rio Grande NF, San Isabel NF, Saguache and Fremont Counties
|
|
Cause
|
Lightning
|
|
Acres
|
1,152
|
|
Containment
|
70%
|
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
|
Resources
|
261 Personnel Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
No – Federal Land
|
|
Funding
|
Federal Land
|
|
Information Sources
|
www.inciweb.org, SEOC Status
Report
|
Streams Lake Fire
|
Fire Name
|
Streams Lake Fire
|
|
Fire Start Date
|
May 31, 2013
|
|
Location/County
|
Mineral
|
|
Cause
|
Unknown
|
|
Acres
|
130
|
|
Containment
|
75%
|
|
Evacuations
|
None Reported
|
|
Fatalities
|
None Reported
|
|
Structures Lost
|
None Reported
|
|
Resources
|
Local Resources Assigned
|
|
Executive Order Issued
|
Not requested
|
|
Funding
|
None requested
|
|
Information Sources
|
SEOC Status Report
|
Today’s Fire Outlook
The fire situation rating for the Rocky Mountain Area has increased to Preparedness Level 3. The Nation remains at a Preparedness Level 4. This rating indicates highly complex large fire activity is occurring, with multiple large fires in the zone. Fire severity is extreme as reported in multiple areas, and fires are escaping initial attack, as evident by the number of large fires. Multiple regional dispatch centers are experiencing an incident requiring type-1 or type-2 teams, and a majority of zone resources are committed.Monthly Seasonal Outlook from the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center: http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf
There is no current state-wide fire restriction. Each county is responsible for enacting appropriate restrictions.
View COEM’s current map of Colorado Fire Restrictions at: https://www.google.com/fusiontables/embedviz?viz=MAP&q=select+col4+from+1o76CJOtWMM37FdAb-dpQdTeUlwkbC0oBFAETH78&h=false&lat=39.02634487425597&lng=-105.550565&z=7&t=1&l=col4
There are active fire weather watches and warnings Colorado. For more information visit http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/co.php?x=1. A map can be viewed at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/firewx/main.php.
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