It's official

Jeffco Sheriff John Stone will not seek re-election.

The sheriff said the Columbine incident, and its aftermath, led to his decision.

Read the story on TheDenverChannel - Jeffco Sheriff Won't Seek Re-Election
posted by Pinecamguy at 2:11 PM

Ron Holliday has found a new home.

The former Jeffco County Administrator who tried to ram a group home for youth sex offenders down our throats has gotten a similar job in Summit County.

Holliday takes over the job at the end of the month.

Denver Post.com - Summit hires ex-Jeffco official
posted by Pinecamguy at 9:03 AM

CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS AID FIREFIGHTERS ON PLATTE SPRINGS FIRE

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and reduced winds have aided U.S. Forest Service firefighting crews in battling a wildfire in Park County approximately five miles north of Lake George. The Platte Springs fire started Monday morning and grew to 200 acres by nightfall and is now estimated to have consumed 250 acres. The fire is currently estimated to be 70% contained.

Two 20-person crews are fighting the blaze today from the Dakotas and Ft. Collins along with engine crews and other personnel from the U.S. Forest Service - Pike & San Isabel National Forests. A squad from the Pike Hotshots based in Monument, CO worked the fire yesterday and through the night and is expected to return to the fire later. The Lake George Volunteer Fire Department continues to provide two water tenders. Fire danger remains high for the area that has received minimal moisture to date.

Firefighter safety is the primary concern in this steep terrain as they work over the next few days to contain the fire. A Forest Service contracted helicopter has now arrived on the scene from Durango, CO and , weather permitting, is expected to conduct water drop operations during the afternoon. The early morning fog has lifted and winds are again increasing. Temperatures are expected to remain near freezing.

Road and trail closures will go into effect later today and remain in place until further notice. The closure is posted on the web at www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/fire then click on Platte Springs Fire.

Campers and recreationists are reminded to use extreme caution with fire in the forests. Never leave a campfire unattended. Clear a large space around the fire and have water nearby to ensure it is completely extinguished. Abandoned campfires are a major source of wildland fires along the Front Range.

Firefighters were on the scene of another fire in Park County reported Sunday afternoon. The Twin Eagle fire is also on the South Park District of the Pike & San Isabel national Forests and is less than one acre in size. The cause is also listed as human activity.

posted by Pinecamguy at 6:19 PM

A wildfire was burning in Park County Monday evening...

It's approximately 5 miles north of Lake George. The name of the fire is the Platte Springs Fire.

It's approximately 160 acres. It's been moving East-Southest.

There have been no private structures or property threatened.

According to the Forest Service...

Fire had moved into some rugged terrain. It has been in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer and grassy areas. It's now in a shaded area and a steep bowl. Had some torching an hour ago, but the torching is dying down.

We have on the scene 4 forest service engines, Lake George Volunteer Fire has 2 water tenders. One was 1500 gallons and the other is 3000 gallons.

A 20-person hand-crew is coming down from northern Colorado. Expected to arrive between 5-6pm.

Another crew in Custer, SD has been identified. It's tentatively scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning.

As of 4pm, we had started some burnout or backfire operations to consume some of the fuel ahead of the fire. All this is still within township 11S, range 71W, section 29.

First reported at 10am by a private citizen. Reported to Park County.

Initial report that the cause is human, but that's primarily because there is no indication there was anything for national cause

posted by Pinecamguy at 4:53 PM