Deciding on names for wildfires is serious business
Firefighter Names Blaze Near Buffalo Creek After Himself

By Tom Ragan The Colorado Springs Gazette

BAILEY - The Black Forest fire in north El Paso County. The Platte Springs fire near Lake George. The Snaking fire near here. They're all named after natural features where the fires broke out.

The Black Forest fire was named for its locale. The Platte Springs fire started near the springs along the Platte River in Park County. The Snaking fire was named after a gulch that meanders behind Platte Canyon High School.

But there was a time, not so long ago, when wildfires were named willy-nilly, not according to U.S. Forest Service regulations.

For example, there was the Willie fire, which broke out near Yellowstone National Park a few years ago. It was named after Willie Nelson, the country musician. As it turned out, the motorcyclist who caused the fire after crashing his bike into the hillside was on his way home from a Willie Nelson concert.

That one made it into the books, but there's a long list of fire names that were just too quirky or too ominous. Such as Armageddon - originally considered for a wildfire that broke out in Larimer County on Halloween last year, recalls David Steinke, a public information officer for the U.S. Forest Service.

Mindful of the tragedy surrounding Sept. 11 a month and a half earlier, officials thought better of naming a fire to honor the end of the world.

There are a host of names considered politically incorrect, Steinke said.

For example, places that have American Indian names that carry negative connotations, such as squaw, are dismissed. Common names such as Elk Creek or Bear Creek - the equivalent of trying to find John Jones in the telephone book - also are frowned upon.

"We try not to personalize the fires or cause confusion on their location," said Rodger Vorce, a dispatch coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Coordination Center in Lakewood.

Generally, the first firefighter on the scene gets to name the fire, he said. If not, then it's up to the local fire dispatch to name it. After that, it heads for the U.S. Forest Service history books, in a similar manner to how names of hurricanes are recorded by the National Weather Service.

Though Steinke agrees all wildfires should be named after geographic points of reference, he has the distinction of having a wildfire named after him.

It's called the Stinky fire, a perversion of his last name, his nickname.

"It was back in '78," Steinke recalls. "I was a firefighter then and responded to a fire near Buffalo Creek. I was the first one on scene, but it was only a quarter acre. It was just a tree that blew up, really. So I named it after me, 'Stinky.'"

posted by Pinecamguy at 7:19 AM

Bailey Firefighter and Law Enforcement Appreciation Parade!

Please come to Bailey today for our Firefighter and Law Enforcement Appreciation Parade to honor the men and women who not only save our homes from a horrible fire, but who protected them through the days that followed.

Many of these people risked their own lives to save property. Even those who didn't, deserve our admiration. Most of our firefighters are volunteers. They don't get paid for the service they do, and often have to pay for uniforms and personal equipment out of their own pockets. In addition to local firefighters, any fire department is welcome to bring equipment and personnel to participate in the parade.

We want to show them that they are appreciated. It shouldn't take another Sept. 11 for us to turn out and show our support for them.

This is a family event. You are encouraged to bring your kids and a picnic lunch. Lets all get together and give thanks for the wonderful work these men and women have done in Bailey -- the town that didn't burn down.

There will be a band performing after the parade, and you are encouraged to stay to enjoy your picnic lunch with music. That's where my family will be. We hope to see you there.

posted by Pinecamguy at 9:35 PM

Interesting story on TheDenverChannel (with video) on homeowners in Brook Forest who found their homes "red tagged" when they returned from evacuation. The red tags indicate the fire department cannot defend their homes in the event of another forest fire.

The Denver Channel - Residents Surprised To Learn Homes Are Indefensible

The Colorado Springs Gazette put together a week-long series of articles on the fire danger in Colorado. It's really good reading, and includes an article on Bailey fire.

Fire Watch 2002

posted by Pinecamguy at 6:18 PM

White River National Forest Under Fire Ban

(from TheDenverChannel.com) -- The U.S. Forest Service has banned fires in the White River National Forest, effective Friday, except in designated campgrounds or picnic areas. The forest, which spreads across Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Mesa, Pitkin and Summit counties, is the most popular in Colorado for those wishing to escape the heat.

"We want people to continue to enjoy public lands, just remember to be safe," Forest Service spokesperson Sue Froeschle said. "We are working closely with those counties that have imposed similar restrictions."

Violations of the restrictions are punishable by a fine and could lead to prison. "More importantly, no one wants to be responsible for a wildfire," Froeschle said.

The Forest Service may impose a similar ban in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest on Monday.

DenverChannel.com Link: White River National Forest Imposes Fire Ban

The Pike National Forest will likely announce a fire ban Monday. Even tougher restrictions could be around the corner, according to this report in the Colorado Springs Gazette: Pike Fire Ban?

posted by Pinecamguy at 1:43 PM

Black Mountain Fire Update

Command center coming down today.

Fire investigators not completely ruling out lightning as cause, but a number of factors are leading them to believe it was caused by humans. They will not elaborate.

Channel 7 is doing a story tonight at 6 p.m. on the red-tagged homes in Brook Forest: the homes that were listed as "indefensible" by firefighters. Interesting piece. Some people still claiming they never heard about cutting back trees to make their homes more defensible. Narrow, winding neighborhood roads also a problem for fire trucks.

posted by Pinecamguy at 12:44 PM

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
MEDIA RELEASE
4000 Justice Way
Castle Rock, CO 80104

RELEASE DATE:05/10/02 RELEASE TIME11:00 a.m. CASE NUMBER:

WHAT: Structure Fire Destroys Home in Western Douglas County

NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – At about 9:00 a.m. today, citizens in the area of the Sprucewood subdivision, reported a fire in the area of 938 S. Hwy. 67. This address is located within the eastern boundary of the Pike National Forest, but is not on U.S. Forest Service property.

Personnel from the West Douglas Fire Department, Jackson 105 Fire Department, and the South Metro Fire Rescue responded and discovered a three story A-frame home fully engulfed at 938 S. Hwy. 67. Resources from the U.S. Forest Service, to include an air tanker, were briefly utilized due to the close proximity of the structure fire to Forest Service property.

Fire crews confirmed that the home was not occupied at the time of the fire, no one was injured, and there appears to be no danger to surrounding properties. The home is likely a total loss.

The fire is contained and is not spreading. Some trees were scorched due to the structure fire but this is not a forest fire. Air tanker crews, no longer being needed, have left the scene. Fire crews will remain on scene for a few more hours to ensure no other issues exist. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

posted by Pinecamguy at 11:26 AM

Douglas County Fire - Smoke Report In Jeffco

W. Douglas And South Meto fire mopping up from a fully involved A-frame house fire at 938 Hwy 67, up against the forest.

Smoke calls were received by Jeffco. North Fork, Elk Creek, and Inter-Canyon Fire Departments investigated smoke reports then stood down.

The house was a total loss and was surrounded by trees, close to the house, all three sides.

The Denver Channel - Dougco House Fire Burning In Forest

posted by Pinecamguy at 9:27 AM

Bailey Parade and Picnic:

Please plan to bring your family to the Bailey Parade and Picnic Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. This is our chance to salute and thank all the firefighters and law enforcement personnel who saved and protected our houses durng the recent Snaking Fire.

There were will be a live band following the parade and you are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the music. While you're here, visit the town that didn't burn down.

After the fires...

I guess a lot of people are stocking up on fire protection gadgets: home foam, sprinklers for the roof...

There's a story about it in Friday's Denver Post.
posted by Pinecamguy at 6:52 AM

Bailey Fire Teens In Court

Detention hearing held this morning. All three were released to the custody of their parents.

The Denver Post covered the hearing for the three teens charged in the fire and also updated the Black Mountain Fire in this Friday article.posted by Pinecamguy at 12:03 PM

9 a.m. Fire Update

100% contained. Now estimated at 200 acres. Today, one crew will be released from the fire, with larger scale demobilization expected Friday.

Total costs to date to suppress the fire are $1.1 million, with expected final cost of about one and a quarter million dollars. FEMA will reimburse
the State of Colorado about 75% of its eligible costs.

In the past three days, there have been about 3,000 visits to the fire's web site (that compares with 24,000 for Pinecam in the last three days). People may >go to the web site to leave an email message for the firefighters.

Joe Hartman's Incident Management Team would like to offer the community sincere apreciation for their many and generous expressions of support.

posted by Pinecamguy at 9:13 AM

The three teens charged in connection with the Snaking Fire will have their first court hearing today.. Here's a link to the Rocky Mountain News Story:

Boys Face Arson Hearing

The Rocky also has a nice little article about the parade Saturday in Bailey:

Bailey To Thank Firefighters

Meanwhile, the Black Mountain Fire size was again downgraded to 200 acres (previous estimates were 345 and 245 acres). There's still nothing more on the cause, other than it was cause by a person or persons.

posted by Pinecamguy at 7:29 AM

FIRE RESTRICTIONS NOW IN PLACE FOR ALL DENVER PARKS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS

Denver parks and Recreation is banning ALL open fires in these areas.

People could still use implements like a Coleman Stove, but all open burning has been prohibited.

Here's a list of current fire bans in Colorado.
posted by Pinecamguy at 4:25 PM

Black Mountan Fire Update

WITH WEATHER WE'RE GETTING TODAY... EXPECT FULL CONTAINMENT BY 6PM

TEMPS COOLER, HIGHER HUMIDITY

FLEW INFARED MAPPING LAST NIGHT, STILL LOTS OF HOT SPOTS WITHIN FIRE AREA AND A FEW OUTSIDE

6 CREWS WORKING ON IT (20 PERSON CREWS)

WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY DON'T IGNITE AGAIN

3 HOT SPOT CREWS FROM NM, VIRG, UTAH + 3 REG. CREWS FROM AZ AND NM

ALL EVACS LIFTED

EMPHASIZES DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND ROADS... COLORADO FOREST SERVICE WILL WORK WITH RESIDENTS TO HELP THEM WITH DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND FIXING ROADS

345 ACRES

posted by Pinecamguy at 3:44 PM

Press Release May 8, 2000 10:00 a.m.

Black Mountain Fire

Weather today is expected to moderate the Black Mountain Fire. Twenty-five degree cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and a chance of light showers are forecasted.

Six twenty-person crews and one engine will work on the fire today. Zuni, Lone Peak, and Augusta Interagency Hotshot crews came to the fire respectively from New Mexico, Utah, and Virginia. Taos, Laguna, and Navajo Scout crews are from Arizona and New Mexico. Firefighters are assigned to continue to construct fireline and improve it as needed. Available to support them are two fixed-wing observation aircraft, two large helicopters to drop water, and one high-elevation helicopter to move people and equipment. Several air tankers that carry retardant are also available but not expected to be needed.

Infrared mapping last night confirmed that many small spot fires are smoldering both within and outside of the fireline perimeter. Crews will continue to search for and extinguish them. Spot fires and patchy burn patterns are typical in lodgepole and especially in spruce-fir, both of which occur within the burn area.

Defensible space and accessible roads allow firefighters greater opportunities to save homes. Without it, many homes may be lost in a severe wildfire. The Colorado State Forest Service (303 279 9757) remains available to confer with residents interested in defensible space. Also, Jefferson County will host a meeting about Firewise on May 15. Additional information and links are at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/fire/media/black_mtn.

All evacuations related to the Black Mountain fire are lifted. Last night about a hundred people attended the last regular community meetings for affected residents.

posted by Pinecamguy at 12:41 PM

Reporting fires to Pinecam

There was a report of a spot fire last night at Blue Creek and 73, but nobody paged me, and I never heard any more about it. Please use the "Emergency Pager" link on the front page (left side under "Contact Info") to page me so I can get this on the site, and possibly send out email news alerts. I don't always check my email around the clock, but myk pager is always on 24/7. I don't mind being paged. The link allows you to send an email to my pager. I'd rather get several pages on the same thing than none, as happened last night.

We're here to help.
posted by Pinecamguy at 6:45 AM

(RMN) Three teen-age boys were charged Tuesday with arson for starting the wildfire that erupted behind Platte Canyon High School near Bailey and forced hundreds of people to flee their homes.

The boys, all freshmen at the school, are Eric Sean Alderfer, 15, of Pine; Austin Franklin Dunst, 14, of Bailey; and Tyler James Hancock, 14, of Bailey, said District Attorney David Thorson.

The three have been initially charged as juveniles, Thorson said, but their names were released because they are accused of a Class 4 felony.

The Denver Channel - Teens Charged In Snaking Fire

Read the story in the Rocky Mountain News Online: Three teen boys charged in Snaking Fire

Here's another article in today's Rocky Mountain News: Sympathy won't grow on charred hills
posted by Pinecamguy at 6:37 AM

6 a.m. update. Evaucation order lifted to all remaining areas. Fire is 70 percent contained and expected to be fully contained by tonight.

The fire did not grow Tuesday, but officials increased their estimate of its size from 245 acres after re-mapping with better equipment, said Rick Barton, spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team.

Fire investigators determined Tuesday that the Black Mountain Fire was caused by humans and was not the result of lightning, as originally thought.

Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener said investigators were now trying to determine whether the blaze was intentionally set.

"We just know it's man-made," the sheriff said late Tuesday. "We just got the news (Tuesday) evening, and our investigators will now go from there."

The Denver Channel - Black Mountain Fire Started By Humans

Read the story in the Rocky Mountain News online: Human Started Black Mountain Fire

Here's a link to the Denver Post article on the fire: Fire caused by people, officials say

Here's a rough map of where the fire was burning and here's the official map.

You can check the daily fire danger map here. Hint: Most of Colorado is in the extreme range. And here's a link to current Colorado fire bans.

Jeffco's Official Black Mountain Fire Info Page (not always updated)

Community Road Map of Fire Area
View it here. (277KB)

posted by Pinecamguy at 6:24 AM

Here's a 3D Image of the fire, from Chris Hanson at 3DNature.com

http://www.3dnature.com/images/BlackMountainFire.jpg
posted by Pinecamguy at 5:20 PM

This Just In...

Charges Filed In Snaking Fire

Felony charges have been filed against three Platte Canyon High School teenagers in connection with the start of the Snaking Fire on April 23.

The Park County district attorney filed felony counts against Tyler James Hancock, 14, Austin Franklin Dunst, 14 and Eric Sean Alderfer, 15, and said the teens are subject to be tried as adults. Their names were released by the DA because felony charges were filed.

The district attorney also filed additional misdemeanor and petty offense charges against the three in connection with the same alleged incident.

The DA also asked that the three be placed, or committed, out of home (juvenile detention) for a period of not less than one year, if they are found guilty.

Please keep in mind, these teens are judged to be not guilty unless, and until, they are found guilty in a court of law.

posted by Pinecamguy at 2:49 PM

Black Mountain Fire Update

Forest service believes the fire was lightning caused. Acreage estimate still about 245 acres, fire is 40-50% contained. Yesterday they dropped 105,000 gallons of water and made 22 retardant drops.

Today they have 4 air tankers, 1 single engine retardant plane & 2 helicopters. They had good weather yesterday and low temps last night, the forest service says there's a good chance for strong southwesterly winds today. Here's a link to the daily fire weathe forecast.

They have 270 fire fighters working the fire...

Here's a link to the latest story I wrote for TheDenverChannel.com: Black Mountain Fire Lightning Caused

posted by Pinecamguy at 10:36 AM

Bailey Fireman/Law Enforcement Parade Update
Saturday, May 11 (this Saturday!) 1 - 3 p.m.

Despite and extremely short time frame to do it, the Parade and Picnic is
set to go this Saturday May 11th in Bailey from 1-3 pm. The Parade will
start In the Area of the Del Rio Mexican Restaraunt on the West side of
Bailey and finish at the Post office where there will be a bring your own
grub picnic with live music provided as Wayne has already noted.
Now that it is going to happen I wanted everyone to be aware of the
tremendous effort put forth by several people, but most notably Dr. Peter
Braun of Crow Hill Chiropractic and also President of the Platte Canyon Area
Chamber of Commerce. He and several people working close with him got the
permits, made the connections and assembled the logistics in record time.
His experience with Bailey Days and his connections in the community allowed
for this to be set up in an amazingly short time.

Several of the organizing committee are still trying to make contact with
Conifer Sr. High school to attempt to get their band to participate in the
parade. If you have any connections with anyone concerning the Conifer High
Marching band, please call Gary Merrifield at (303) 816-1794. We are also trying to
confirm involvement of the local cub scouts and Boy Scouts.

I had several people email or reply online that they wished to make a
financial donation with regards to this event. To simplify things, the
Platte Canyon area chamber of commerce is paying costs associated with the
event and will accept any donations to help reimburse those expenses. If
You have a donation, please send a check to.......

Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 477
Bailey CO 80421

Also consider a small donation to Pinecam, a great resource and community
building tool. Mountain resource Center is looking for help as already
posted, and take a moment to subscribe to your area fire network group via
Yahoo. These networks could provide a useful service but only if they
become active with many participants. Intended functions include local area
accurate reporting and scanner monitors, work at home-stay at home support
for pets and last minute fire prep, secondary support for emergency crews
(Food and water supplies in the early hours of an incident) and assistance
groups in making properties defensible.

Special thanks to Robert Thomas of Prime Mortgage Group in Conifer for a
significant donation that will go a long way toward the cost of porta johns
and other costs of the parade and picnic.......If you looking to change
mortgage companies, buy, sell or refinance, check him out.....always good to
help support those who support our community.

Gary Merrifield

posted by Pinecamguy at 10:13 AM

There are several interesting articles in the Denver Post today. This one explalins why firefighters would just move out of Brook Forest, if there was fire, and let the houses burn. It was a wakeup call for residents who have not cleared timber on their property and around their homes.

Sobering warning for residents: Homes are indefensible

Here's another article that details the growth of the 285 corridor and the fear of major disaster from a fire that sweeps through forest subdivisions.

Experts fear conditions are recipe for disaster

This is a page of phone numbers and information links on the Denver Post Web site. I notice that Pinecam.com is the first Web source listed. I'm preparing myl "I'd like to thank the Academy" speech ...

Where to get help, information

Here's a link to the Rocky Mountain News story. It was written by By Kevin Vaughan and Owen S. Good , News Staff Writers.

At first glance, I thought it says "Good News Staff Writers"

Weather lends a hand to firefighting efforts

Here's a link to a story in Tuesday Rocky about Chris Coveney, a Conifer resident who refused to evacuate and stayed to protect his home.

Conifer homeowners ride out the firestorm with help of backhoes, hoses and sprinklers

If you're worried about real estate values fallling due to the recent fires, don't fret. Here's a link to a Rocky Mountain News article that says real estate prices will remain high for mountain property. Fire sale in mountains? Extinguish the thought

Finally, here's a link to the special "Colorado Wildfires" section in the Rocky Mountain News.

RockyMountainNews.com - Colorado Wildfires

posted by Pinecamguy at 6:40 AM

Recap:
Subdivisions allowed to return as of 5/6 at 8pm were:
- Maxwell Falls
- Evergreen Hills
- Buffalo Park
- Brook Forest (not Estates)
- Black Mtn Ranch Estates
- Evergreen Meadows West

Subdivisions still under the evacuation notice as of 5/6 at 8pm were:
- Brook Forest Estates,
- Alpine Hills,
- Secluded Acres
- Carol Lane

Returnees were repeatedly cautioned to keep their cars packed and to be ready to evacuate again with one hour notice if the fire flares up again!

pinecamguy has posted the map that was distributed at tonight's briefing at http://www.pinecam.com/firemap2.jpg . It's 226k. It will help explain the notes below on Divisions A, B and C.

posted by Mark Carlson at 8:47 PM

Black Mountain Fire Debriefing
May 6, 2002 - 7:30 PM
Evergreen Middle School Gym

Presenters:
* Forest Service - Linda Hecker - Rocky Mtn Region
* Forest Service - Kevin Riordan
* Jeffco Sheriff's Office - P.S. Domenico

Notes:
* Red Cross person welcomed attendees and offered the services of the
shelter.
* Food, showers, towels, cots and other services available for the
duration of the evacuation
* Notes from Linda Hecker - Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region
o Caught a break from the weather
o Worked air drops all day
o Dug hand line around divisions A and C
o Wet line around division B, no fire break
o Wet line from slurry and water drops
o Because section B is not secured with fire line some subdivisions
not allowed back in
o Weather service has issued weather advisory for Tuesday
o Fire could blow on the Division B line

Still evacuated: o
o Brook Forest Estates,
o Alpine Hills,
o Secluded Acres
o Carol Lane
o Able to return tonight (5/6) after 8pm:
o Maxwell Falls,
o Evergreen Hills,
o Buffalo Park,
o Brook Forest,
o Black Mtn Ranch Estates,
o Evergreen Meadows West

* Instructions for returnees:
* Need to keep your car packed in case of erratic behavior
* Only one hour notice if the fire flares again
* Will only make one call using reverse 911.
* If you don't feel safe having only 1 hour notice of a flare up,
please make arrangements to stay at a shelter or other location
* Reverse 911 will leave messages on an answering machine or voice
mail if it answers on the first, second or third ring.
* Reverse 911 will not leave a message, if your machine or voice mail
does not pick up in less than 3 rings.
* Wednesday the weather service is indicating that the temps will drop
into the 40's which is good for the fire fighters.
* Updates at local evacuation number 303-271-8310 and posted a
shelter.
* There were a few spot fires outside of the perimeter
* They will fly the fire tonight with an infrared system to determine
the actual size of the fire and to identify the hot spots
* Next briefings:
* 9:30 AM at West Jeff Elementary School
* 10:30 AM at EMS and 9:30 am at West Jeff.
* Traffic control check points checkpoints for tonight (5/6):
* Brook Forest Inn at the ball park (anything past that is closed)
* Cub Creek trail head (anything past that is closed)
* Other Comments and Responses to Questions:
* Division B of the fire too steep for any heavy equipment
* Crews may spend the night Tuesday night
* No crews on the lines Monday night
* Winds Tues 10 - 18 mph with gusts to 30mph
* Three homes on National Forest (one full time and two summer only)
have used foam or have "wrapped".
* All fire have been on National Forest land, none on private land (here's the map)
* Some trees or vegetation may have been cut when you return home.
* Fire safety officer stated in tonight's briefing that the BF area is
"non-defensible". If the fire were to "get up and run" they would pull all
of the crews until things were safe again for the crews.
* Several web sites on making homes defensible:
* www.fs.fed . Click on fire and follow menu to
"firewise"
* Some federal $$ may be available to mitigate fire risk
* Sherrif's office is moving traffic control points now to be ready
for residents to return by 8pm.

-Thanks to Mark Carlson for taking the notes!

posted by Pinecamguy at 8:35 PM

5:00 p.m. update:

Fire estimate of 400 acres was too large. Now estimating 200 to 250 acres. Fire totally surrounded by slurry drops, but not contained.

Official USFS Black Mountain Fire Web Site

4:30 p.m. update:

The fire hasn't grown significantly. The high winds have not picked up as expected. Slurry bombers and helicopters are hitting the fire to keep it from spreading, but mandatory evacuations are still in effect. Increasing cloud cover and decreasing temperatures have aided in the firefighting efforts. Three 20 person crews are on the line and flanking the fire. Wind is expected to pick up on Tuesday in advance of a cold front arriving on Wednesday.

Large animals are being housed at the Jeffco Fairgrounds. The Fairground is in need of grass hay for the animals. If you are interested in making a donation, please call 303-271-6603.

(source: Jeffco Web site)
posted by Pinecamguy at 4:36 PM

Link to list of current fire bans. This link will be updated as information changes.
posted by Pinecamguy at 2:45 PM

Black Mtn. Fire Frequencies:

123.025 (air support)

123.100 (air support)

147.225 (IMT mobile Comm unit)

152.265 (FERN2/Fireground)

153.935 (structure protection)

154.085 (Park SO)

151.025 (Park SO)

155.610 (Clear Creek SO)

155.025 (Clear Creek SO)

154.280 (FERN)

155.220 (structure protection)

166.900 (USFS?)

169.150 (USFS?)

453.950 (Evergreen FD)

868.0125 (ITAC-4/JeffcoSO)

868.7875 (ITAC-5/JeffcoSO)

Regarding Frequencies:

Here is more information on a radio room-type employee who attended a briefing:

This came from the briefing that all were invited to attend. (A
little different from the approach at the Snaking Fire). Different PIO.

169.150 fm Air to ground. Has air attack, helibase etc on it.
169.175 fm Supposed to be the Air to Air. Heard a brief radio
check then nothing further.
168.650 fm Air net. Air Attack talking to Ft. Collins re tankers
approaching tasking etc.

123.100 Used Sunday for the brief air attack
123.025 Media aircraft approaching the fire call here or on
168.625/168.650

168.200 fm Some traffic but as the I/C is not yet fully up and
running, not much admin traffic yet.

The following have reverted to their normal uses:

155.475 NLEC Sunday this was full of the three county's units
clearing neighbourhoods
453.950 Evergreen. Sunday their station acted as a staging area
for the mutual aid units arriving.
867.0125 ITAC 2 Some traffic sunday regarding the evacuations
868.0125 ITAC 4, same as ITAC 2

Elk Creek's main frequency of 155.220 is being used as a
supervisory channel as well as its normal use. A lot of car to car traffic as
the chief and others travel the district. Some discussion regarding the
triage of the subdivisions. Sunday this was alive with house triage and
initial attack.

FERN 1,2 and 3 had almost no traffic today but Sunday FERN 3 was
Being used heavily.
posted by Pinecamguy at 2:03 PM

Public Fire Meetings Set:

Public briefings on the fire will be held tonight. The first will be at 7:30 p.m.at Evergreen Middle School

The second will be held at 8:30 p.m. at West Jeff Middle School.

I think they'll have good news!
posted by Pinecamguy at 1:21 PM

Wow!
posted by Pinecamguy at 12:28 PM

Where to take large animals:

Large animals from the fire area are being taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Heather called because there is a real need for grass hay for the animals. Anyone who can donate some grass hay should call the Fairgrounds at 303-271-6600.
posted by Pinecamguy at 11:36 AM

10:50 a.m. We're lvestreaming video from Chopper 7 (KMGH TV) on TheDenverChannel.com. Look for the link on the top story blurb.
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:51 AM

9 am fire update:

Federal firefighters hiking in to build a fireline on the east side of the fire (nearest the closest homes). Local firefighters assigned to protect threatened homes.

Air attacks resumed at 8:30 a.m.

Weather today is bad: high temps, low humidity and westerly wind gusts of 30 miles per hour predicted.

It will be some time before the cause is determined because of difficult access.

Channel 7 Chopper will be up around 11 a.m. and we'll be livestreaming video on TheDenverChannel.com.

FIRE WEATHER FORECAST

ZCZC DENFWFDEN
FNUS55 KBOU 061147

FIRE WEATHER FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
700 AM MDT MON MAY 6 2002

WEATHER DISCUSSION: WARM AND DRY CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH
TODAY AS THE DISTRICT REMAINS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF WARM AND VERY
DRY WEST-SOUTHWESTERLY FLOW. GUSTY WINDS ARE EXPECTED AGAIN THIS
AFTERNOON ALTHOUGH THEY MAY BE SLIGHTLY WEAKER THAN YESTERDAY.
AFTER POOR HUMIDITY RECOVERY OVERNIGHT AND THIS MORNING...RELATIVE
HUMIDITY VALUES WILL DROP BACK TO THE LOWER TEENS AS EARLY AS LATE
MORNING.

EXTENDED DISCUSSION:

*** THUNDERSTORMS IMPLY GUSTY ERRATIC WINDS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH ***
*** ALL SURFACE WINDS ARE 20-FOOT...10-MINUTE AVERAGED WINDS ***
posted by Pinecamguy at 9:14 AM

Community Map of the Fire Area
I have scanned a section of a realtor map that shows the area affected by this fire. Sorry about the file size (277KB).
http://www.pinecam.com/realtormap1.jpg
posted by Kurt Boyer at 8:07 AM

Nothing new on the fire as yet this morning. Winds are calm, but 40 mph wind gusts are forecast this afternoon. Conifer High and West Jeff Middle School are closed today due to the fire. Here's a link to a series of articles online. (The Rocky seems to have better coverage than the Post this time around) Rocky Mountain News: Thousands evacuated

Channel 7's latest story (I helped write): The Denver Channel - Schools Closed Today As Forces Battle Fire We will livestream video from the chopper when it goes up to the fire.
posted by Pinecamguy at 6:33 AM

Mountain Resource Center Needs Volunteers

If anyone is wanting to donate time for the most recent fire, The Mountain Resource Center needs people to help answer phones, provide resource numbers and locations, and update information for people who come in or call. Please call MRC at 303-838-7552 on Monday morning
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:42 PM

Insurance Info:

"Insurance companies are monitoring the Black Mountain Fire very closely," said Carole Walker, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. "Homeowners who need extra money while they're evacuated from their homes can get immediate living expenses under their homeowners insurance policies."

A mandatory evacuation triggers the additional living expenses, which are covered under most standard homeowners policies. Evacuated residents should also hang on to their receipts because they can either file a claim later or if there is any damage to their home many of those out-of-pocket expense will also be reimbursed.

The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association offered some advice for homeowners impacted by forsest fires:

• Residents evacuated from their homes should contact their agents or companies immediately and let them know where they can be reached. Many companies have claims adjusters on the scene at Elk Creek Elementary to process claims and answer questions. Contact your agent or company if you need additional living expenses while you are out of your home.
  

• Keep receipts. Out-of-pocket expenses during a mandatory evacuation are reimbursable under most standard homeowner policies.
  

• Take home inventories and financial documents with you when you are being evacuated. Always put safety first and leave your home immediately when asked by authorities. However, if there is sufficient time to gather items, the first thing you need to take is financial documents and your home inventory. Hopefully, you have prepared a home inventory in advance and it is kept off premises. You can also take pictures of every room in your house before you are evacuated.
  

• Be prepared to give your agent or insurance representative a description of any damage. Your agent will report the loss immediately to your insurance company or a qualified adjuster. Smoke and damage from firefighting efforts (i.e. slurry damage) is covered up to your policy limits.
  

• Take photos of the damaged areas. These will help with your claims process and will assist the adjuster in the investigation.
  

• Prepare a detailed inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Be sure to make two copies - one for yourself and one for the adjuster. Your list should be as complete as possible, including a description of the items, dates of purchase or approximate age, cost at time of purchase and estimated replacement cost.
  

• Make whatever temporary repairs you can. Cover broken windows, damaged roofs and walls to prevent further destruction. Save receipts for supplies and materials you purchase. Your company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
  

• Secure a detailed estimate for permanent repairs to your home from a reliable contractor and give it to the adjuster. The estimate should contain the proposed repairs, repair costs and replacement prices.

Serious losses will be given priority. If your home has been destroyed or seriously damaged, your agent will do everything possible to assure that you are given priority.

posted by Pinecamguy at 9:33 PM

What to before you're evacuated/when you're evacuated:

If you're sure you have time, take steps to protect your home

Inside:
- Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window
coverings and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
- Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
- Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screen.
- Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and
sliding glass doors.
- Turn on a light in every room to increase the visibility of your home in
heavy smoke.

Outside:
- Seal attic and ground vents with precut plywood or commercial seals.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Place combustible patio furniture inside.
- Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
- Set up the portible gasoline-powered pump.
- Place lawn sprinklers on the roof near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the
roof.
- Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
- Gather fire tools.

Also, here were a couple of other recommendations that I noted from the
meeting from the various presenters:
- Once the garden hose is connected to the tap, leave it turned off, but
visible so arriving firefighters can find them.
- Put a ladder up to the roof of the house on the side of the house opposite
to where the fire is expected to approach. For example, if the fire is
approaching from the north, put the ladder on the south side of the house.
- Fill any containers available with water and place them in a location that
firefighters can find. Use garbage cans, horse troughs, 5-gallon buckets,
etc.
- Disconnect the garage from the garage door opener.

Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a
smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

Emergency supplies:
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that
won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping
bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medication.
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty
of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
- Sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
- An extra pair of eyeglasses.

posted by Pinecamguy at 9:28 PM

Latest fire update from USFS:

Three counties: Clear Creek, Jefferson, Park. All 3 have evacuations.
Fire is estimated at 200 acres, burning lodge pole pine
Believe fire started in North fork of North Elk Creek Drainage.
It is a very volatile and dangerous fire situation
On scene: smoke jumpers, heli tankers (helicopters that carry 2000 gal), fire engines, using federal resources and county resources

Very strong winds

Fire moving North

154.280, 155.220, 153.935, 166.90, ITAC4, ITAC5, 453.950, 147.225,
152,265, air support 123.100, 123.025, 169.150, 168.725, and 168.650.
Elk Creek FPD may be using 045.080 and 046.160
866.0125. ITAC-1 National Interagency Tactical Channel 1
867.0125 ITAC-2 National Interagency Tactical Channel 2
867.5125 ITAC-3 National Interagency Tactical Channel 3
868.0125 ITAC-4 National Interagency Tactical Channel 4
868.7875 STAC-5 Statewide Tactical

posted by Pinecamguy at 6:43 PM

We'ver got the latest story on the fire updated on TheDenverChannel.com.

Click on this link to read it: The Denver Channel - Thousands Of Homes Evacuated
posted by Pinecamguy at 6:38 PM

Update on evacuations, as of 5:50 pm from Jim Shires of Jeffco Sheriff Dept.

Clear Creek:

Brook Forest Estates

Jefferson County:

Buffalo Park Estates

Evergreen Hills

Maxwell Falls

Brook Forest

Alpine Hills

Secluded Acres

Black Mountain Ranch Estates

Evergreen Meadows West

posted by Pinecamguy at 6:03 PM

Air tankers being called back, as the winds have died down somewhat. AirTracker7 could see very little "crowning" (fire jumping from tree top to tree top) in the last report.
posted by Pinecamguy at 5:57 PM

According to Jeff Co S.O. these are MADATORY evacuations!

Black Mountain, Brook Forest Estates, Secluded Acres, Alpine Hills, Buffalo Estates, Maxwell Falls, Maxwell Falls Campground And Trailhead, Evergreen Hills

2400 homes involved

posted by Pinecamguy at 4:45 PM

air tankers just called off - too windy
posted by Pinecamguy at 4:24 PM

Here's a map of where the fire is burning...

posted by Pinecamguy at 4:09 PM

Smoke jumpers being called in as well as air tankers. And Type I team as well. Brook Forest Estates evacuation ordered, which is where the fire is headed. Looks to be 3-5 miles away from Brook Forest.
posted by Pinecamguy at 3:46 PM

Fire burning northwest of Elk Falls at this time.

Air support is already dropping slurry on the fire, estimated at more than 100 acres.

The Elk Falls subdivision is reportedly under a voluntary evacuation order.
posted by Pinecamguy at 2:53 PM

Firefighter/Law Enforcement Appreciation Parade - Saturday, May 11 in Bailey. Please plan now to attend this community-organized event to thank the men and women who saved and protected our homes during the recent Snaking Gulch Fire.

The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. in Bailey and will feature fire trucks from area departments, emergency vehicles, a band, and lots more. The parade route will be from the vicinity of the Mexican restaurant on the west side of Bailey, along 64 (the road the parallels 285 on the south) to the Post Office.

Once there the grounds will be open for a community picnic. A private band will perform as well as a high school band. Food and beverage will be a bring it yourself deal, although the Bailey Country Store will have their mobile hot dog cart operating at the site.

Please make plans to attend and show your support for the remarkable and heroic job these men and women did in saving our homes.

Please print out a flyer for the event and post copies in the area. You can see the flyer here.

The Rocky Mountain News Online has an entire section devoted to Colorado Wildfires, including stories and homeowner tips. You can find it at this link:RockyMountainNews.com - Colorado Wildfires
posted by Pinecamguy at 8:09 AM