Pinecam Blogger |
Saturday, May 25
Our fire, and drought, has caught the attention of The New York Times. I came across this article while scanner our "Wildfire News" section in the 24/7 newsfeeds. If you haven't checked out the newsfeeds, you're in for a surprise. Just click on "25/7 Newsfeeds" on the top navigation bar. Here's a link to the Times article: Colorado's Rain and Snow Ease Fire, but Not Drought -- Friday, May 24Schoonover Fire 60% Contained This Evening!Latest update from incident command: Light rain and snow dampened the Schoonover Fire in Douglas County Friday. Such weather provides opportunity for aggressive firefighting, and all fire line resources were on direct attacktoday. The goal was to get as much done as possible before it warms up and dries out again Saturday. The forecast is for warmer and drier for Saturday, winds increasing Sunday through Tuesday. The 6 to 10 day outlook for Wednesday May 29 through Sunday June 2 calls for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. We are not out of the severe drought yet. The Schoonover Fire remains approximately 4000 acres in size. Containment was estimated at 60% Friday evening. Full containment is expected by 6 p.m. Sunday. Friday 700 people were assigned to the fire. Effort concentrated on building containment line on the east and south flanks of the fire. A helicopter flew over the fire today with thermal imaging to obtain a picture of the hot areas. Evacuations are still in effect, although residents of Deckers and Trumbull are being permitted to return home because of good line work in that vicinity Thursday. Highways 67 and 126 remain closed. The closure of the portion of the Forest around the fire remains in effect. The Douglas County Sheriff Department is the best sourse of evacuation information at: 303-660-7520. Area Closure and fire restrictions remain in effect through the holiday weekend.
-- It's Bear Season5/24/2002 IT'S BEAR SEASON: BE BEAR AWARE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY OF WILDIFE AND PEOPLE Summary: Black bear encounters have increased as Colorado's population has increased. Residents and visitors should do their part to avoid conflicts with bears, for their safety and that of the animals. Article Text: As Colorado's population has grown, so has the number of human-bear conflicts. During the last two years, there were a record number of bear "As more people choose to live and recreate in bear habitat, we increase the number of bear-human encounters," said Division of Wildlife Director Russell George. "The vast majority of the state's residents are new to Colorado, especially in the areas between 6,500 and 9,000 feet, which is habitat bears depend upon." "What we can do is commit ourselves to taking personal responsibility to adapt to our new environment, because 'our' home also is the bears' home," While bears are generally shy and almost always will avoid humans, their need for food will draw them into populated areas if they know they'll Last year, there were more than 1,100 reported human-bear conflicts in Colorado. Wildlife officers killed twenty-seven bears, at least 76 were Six people suffered minor injuries because bears were attracted to their campsites by food and trash. The Division of Wildlife has a saying - "A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear." While bear attacks are rare, bears that are used to humans and human food The Division also will destroy bears that have caused a problem more than once under its "two strike" policy. Under this policy, a problem bear Some people intentionally feed black bears or leave trash and other attractants where the animals can get to it, just so they can see a bear. While the Division of Wildlife knows people love the state's bears and their heart may be in the right place, feeding bears (or any big game) is Most people, when informed of the dangers and problems associated with feeding wildlife, are understanding and quick to act. But some are more "We need the public's help," said Division big game coordinator John Ellenberger. "We had some big problems in areas like Trinidad last year. The Division regulation went into effect May 1 and can result in a ticket and fine. Wildlife officers will first ask property owners to remove bear The Colorado Wildlife Commission first adopted the regulation on an emergency basis last September because wildlife officers couldn't convince "We're hoping the regulation is going to help this year," said Susan Werner, a Division area wildlife manager in Steamboat Springs, which Melody Miller, a district wildlife manager in Durango, said officers aremaking contact with residents now to try to avert problems later on. "Basically, we're going to have to do our part to clean up to help reduce onflicts, and avoid having to trap, relocate or hunt a bear down for our Division of Wildlife http://wildlife.state.co.us -- Schoonover Noon UpdateWet weather is making things difficult for firefighters (dirt roads are slippery). They're still worried about what will happen once the rain/snow mix stops. "If it warms up, and the winds pick up, we'll see the flames again," said a USFS spokeswoman. Evacuation order still stands so that firefighters have access to local roads as they attempt to further contain the fire. No Air support will be on the fire till the visibility improves. -- I-70 Closed Over Vail PassLots of traffic accidents, due to the snow along that stretch of I-70. Read the story on TheDenverChannel.com or look at all the I-70 traffic cams at once with this link.
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Not Fire Related, But Interesting Report Just received from Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office: On May 23, 2002 at 6:16 PM, ACSO Communications received a report that a tornado had touched down near Watkins Road and I-70. The tornado was reported to have elevated a female resident off the ground and moved her over 100 feet north of her original location. While deputies were en route, Centennial Airport Tower was contacted and requested to provide information as to if any tornado activity was occurring in the area. The air traffic controllers advised that there was precipitation, but no severe weather in the area. Upon arrival, deputies met the female resident, identified as: Millikin, Cynthia Cummings – Age 48 - who appeared muddy and in general disarray but was uninjured. Ms. Millikin reported that she was in a horse corral tending to her livestock when she felt extremely strong winds. She held onto a 300 pound horse feeder but the winds caused her and the feeder to go airborne. Ms. Millikin landed about 100 feet to the north of where she was originally grounded. A witness to the incident, identified as: Larson, David Lee – Age 54 - advised that he was in the barn, when it started shaking. He looked outside and observed extremely strong winds and saw Millikin in the corral holding onto a feeder. He then saw her elevate into the air and disappear. Moments later he saw her land approximately 100 feet from where she was originally standing. Mr. Larson ran over to Ms. Millikin and checked her for injuries. Ms. Milliken was uninjured but Bennett Fire was contacted to check her out. A check with Denver International Airport Tower revealed that a line of microburst activity was detected in the area of Manila Road at approximately 6:00 PM this evening. -- Douglas County Fire 'Not Update" Line(303) 660-7520 Recording from 1 p.m. Thursday says it will be updated "every two hours." Finally updated at 9:39 a.m. Friday: Evacuation order stands. Roads still closed in the area. Pike National Forest closed within Douglas County. Fire size: 4,000+ acres. Still 20% containment. Jeffco Web site fire info hasn't been updated since 3pm Thursday. USFS Schoonover Fire Update site hasn't been updated since 5pm Thursday. Just to let you know the handicap we are working under trying to provide you with up-to-date information about the status of the fire. Here's a link to the latest fire weather forecast. The USFS site does have some good photos of the fire, however, at this link. -- Put A Fork In It, This Turkey's DoneOur Prayers Have Been Answered The Schoonover fire will soon be over. I was was 20% contained by Thursday evening, as rain turned to snow to give fireifghters a hand in bringing it to its knees. The Denver Channel - Snow Helps Knock Down Schoonover Fire Denver Post.com - Schoonover blaze 20% contained Rocky Mountain News: Couple Finds Cabin, Wine In Tact Rocky Mountain News: Fire Could Sully Water Supply Denver Post.com - Campfire marshmallows? Not allowed A Look At The Area's Big Fires: By The Numbers: -Still holding at 4,000 acres -20% contained -Cost of fire is estimated at $930,000 -451 firefighters are on scene 10 hand crews 28 engines 9 fixed wing air tankers 9 helicopters -- Thursday, May 23OWENS RECEIVES APPROVAL FOR FUNDING FROM FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR DECKERS FIRE
Owens requested a disaster declaration yesterday, May 22, at 6:00 PM, and received notice today that FEMA will cover 75 percent of the cost of fire suppression for the fire burning in Deckers. This is the fourth fire that has been approved for federal fire management funding assistance in Colorado. The others are Cuerna Verde, Snaking Fire and the Black Mountain Fire. -- 3D Fire MapFrom: Chris 'Xenon' Hanson I received a fax directly from Trumbull VFD this morning, a map created by Infrared Interpreter "D. Strom" from last night's midnight (aka 00:30) flyover. It shows areas of light spotting, heavy spotting and actual fire. I've created a 3D map of the area depicting this info. I believe it to be both more current and possibly more accurate than the 'official' map poreviously posted. Red striped areas are fire (striped in original map) I'm trying to keep abreast of the developments, and will continue to update the map with more info and newer data as available. You (and anyone else) are free to use it for any purpose as long as the 3DNature.com copyright is left intact. -- Camp Shady Brook InfoCamp Shady Brook officials haven't been able to get into the area to assess the extent of damage to the camp. They're planning on normal operations & schedule until they have info to suggest otherwise. They're continuing to hire staff, and proceed as normal. -- -- Disaster Preparedness and Assistance for Horses, Large Animals, and PetsRELEASE DATE:05/23/02 DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – As exemplified by the “Schoonover” fire located in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest in Douglas and Jefferson Counties, the ongoing wild land fire danger could at any time require residents to evacuate with their horses, livestock, large animals, and pets. Having recognized this critical need, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is taking an active role in making sure citizens’ animals have a place of refuge should a disaster or fire affect them. In our ongoing efforts, we encourage all residents of Douglas County to take an active role and immediately plan for the care and evacuation of their animals to ensure a timely and safe transition for the animals’ shelter, transportation, and care. To assist citizens in this preparation process, we recommend that citizens do the following:
For those residents affected by the “Schoonover” fire, the issues of animal care, transportation, and shelter is especially critical. Residents are strongly advised to take steps to ensure their animals are evacuated if they reside in or nearby the evacuation area. Residents who cannot handle the needs of their animals are asked to call The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center at 303-814-7070, and ask to speak to Lt. Castellano for assistance. Additionally, due to the increase in requests for assistance with rescuing, transporting, and sheltering residents’ animals, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has established the “Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Schoonover Fire Animal Relief Fund.” Citizens can make a cash donation at any Wells Fargo Bank and funds raised will be used for the care, transportation, feeding, and veterinary care of both large and small domesticated animals rescued from the areas affected by this growing fire. -- SNOW STORM MAY HELP FIGHT COLORADO WILDFIRENOTE: The Winter Storm Watch was upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning after this was filed. A springtime Rocky Mountain snow storm Thursday night could be a boon Started by lightning Tuesday, the fire bloomed to 2,500 acres Wednesday, The National Interagency Fire Center noted that a Type 1 Incident A NOAA Weather Service Incident Meteorologist (I-Met) from the Pueblo National Weather Service forecaster Daniel Leszcynski, of the Denver "The forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday," Leszcynski said scattered snow showers are expected to continue through While snow should help dampen the fire Thursday night, Leszcynski said Additional information on the Schoonover fire and other wildfires in the NOAA's Fire Weather Information Center -- Helicopter Video LivestreamWe're livestreaming TAPE shot over the fire this morning. Go to TheDenverChannel.com and look for the top story, and click on the VIDEO link. We'll replay this tape for the next few hours. -- Schoonover Fire - PhotosWe have started a topic on our discussion boards for photos of the Schoonover Gulch fire. Click here to view the photos. If you have found photos or have taken photos, please feel free to post links to them under this topic. You can also email me your digital photos (please keep the size down) for me to post. Send photos to kurt@myfsbo.com . -- Schoonover Fire - Day 3Eleven 20 person crews will be at it this morning, along with tankers and helicopters. 5-10% contained on the south and east areas Fire moving towards the Northeast...NOT MOVING towards threatened structures. 5 CABINS WERE DESTROYED AT SHADY BROOK YMCA CAMP WHERE THOSE MOORE M.S. KIDS WERE EVACUATED FROM. 1 outbuilding at Fletcher Ranch was destroyed. 200 firefighters battled Wednesday...300 more battling today. THIS IS TOP FIRE PRIORITY in the nation...SINCE NM fire has died down. NO AIR SUPPORT UNTIL AT LEAST MID MORNING due to inversion layer...waiting for it to lift. The fire laid down overnight. The Denver Channel - Schoonover Fire Grows To More Than 4,000 Acres Denver Post.com - Schoonover blaze grows, but its remoteness a plus Here is a link to the latest news release from Douglas County (where the fire is burning). Here is a link to the Fire Situation Report. Winter Storm Watch Issued, Thank GodWinter storm watch tonight for the foothills. Rain will begin to develop by mid afternoon across the foothills of larimer county. The precipitation will spread southward into jefferson county during the afternoon. The snow level will start out at 8500 feet initially, but by evening, the snow level will drop to under 7000 feet. Overnight, snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches will be possible overnight at elevations above 7000 feet. This bulletin affects: Larimer And Boulder Counties Between 6000 And 9000 Feet, Jefferson And West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/gilpin/clear Creek/northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet, including Estes Park, Glendevey, Nederland, Red Feather Lakes, Bailey, Central City, Evergreen, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Westcreek -- Wednesday, May 22Schoonover fire reaches 4,000 acres in National Forest One residence is confirmed lost this evening as the Schoonover fire grew to an estimated 4,000 acres. The fire became extremely intense this afternoon, making a 2500 acre run between noon and 7pm. Winds up to 50 miles per hour drove the fire through rugged terrain in drought stricken forest. At one point in the afternoon, safety concerns required that firefighters be pulled off the line due to the extreme fire behavior. An additional 300 hundred residence and 20 commercial properties are considered threatened. Mandatory evacuations are in effect over a large but lightly populated area. The land near the fire has been closed to the general public due to safety concerns, additional area is being considered for closure The Rocky Mountain area Type I Incident Team assumed control of the fire this evening. The plan for tonight is to protect structures, patrol the fire, and to practice safety. Air attack on the fire has been scheduled to begin at 7am Thursday. -- Additional Areas Ordered Evacuated* Trout Creek Road * Pine Lake Estates Other areas already evacuated: * Sugar Creek * Oxyoke * Platte River Camp Ground * Bridge Crossing Camp Ground * Trumbull * Devils Head Camp Ground * Deckers * Horse Creek * N. Rainbow Falls Rd. * Ferguson Rd. * Long Hollow Rd. * Fern Creek * Rainbow Falls Park * Trout Creek Ranch * West Creek * Pine Lake Est. * Stump Rd. * Cedar Mountain Rd. * Trail Creek Rd. Hwy 67 is open to local traffic only to leave the area. No one will be allowed back in . -- Helpful Information For EvacueesA 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. 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. The most costly fire in terms of insured losses was the October 1991 Oakland Hills fire which caused $1.7 billion in insured losses (About $2-billion in today's dollars). Catastrophic fires account for 3% of insurance losses. That compares to 33% for hurricanes, 32% for tornadoes and 13% for earthquakes. The 2000 Hi Meadow and Bobcat Fires in Colorado caused an estimated $18.5 million in insured damage. -- Fire Now AT 4,000 Acres - 0% containedFire has grown to 4,000 acres and growing -1 structure has possibly been destroyed. This could be in the Camp Shady Brook area. -long distance spotting has been seen as far as ¾ of a mile from the fire -425 people are on scene. This includes agencies from across the state. BLM, WX service, Jeffco, Dougo, forest service -fire has crested a ridge near Trumbull. Fire officials are now in protection of homes and triage stage. This mean the firefighters will go around houses and make a decision if the house can be saved. If there does not look like there is hope or firefighter safety is in danger they will make the decision to move on. This is where mitigation around your home is crucial. If there is mitigation then there is hope and the house stands more of a chance of survival. Two additional areas have been ordered evactuated: **new**Trout Creek Road **new**Pine Lake Estates CLICK HERE to go to the USFS Schoonover Fire Site. -Mandatory evacuation are is Deckers North to Sugar Creek Road and South to West Creek. Here is a map of the closed area: -- Douglas County Sheriff Press ReleaseRELEASE DATE:05/22/02 RELEASE TIME: 5:30 p.m. CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Fourth Update on Status of “Schoonover” Fire, Some Evacuations Ordered
· Kids attending school in Woodland Park and who live in the affected fire evacuation areas of Douglas County are not being bussed home. This includes students living in the Turkey Rock subdivision. Instead those students are being kept at school allowing parents to pick them up at school. Those students not picked up at their schools will eventually be transferred to the shelter at the Woodland Park Community Church, 800 Valley View (Off Hwy. 67) Road Closures: · Hwy. 67 at West Creek is closed to north bound traffic Further updates will follow when they become available. -- -- Douglas County Sheriff Press ReleaseRELEASE DATE:05/22/02 RELEASE TIME: 4:00 p.m. CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Third Update on Status of “Schoonover” Fire, Some Evacuations Ordered
· Area of Sugar Creek and all areas south from Sugar Creek Rd. at Hwy 67 south to West Creek, Including the West Creek Subdivision * Sugar Creek These evacuations are mandatory and required to ensure adequate time for residents, campers, and recreational users to safely evacuate the area. It is estimated that about 40-50 residents will be affected by this evacuation. Hwy. 67 will remain open to allow for these evacuations. The American Red Cross has established two evacuation shelters have been at the following locations: · Woodland Park Community Church Residents in the area are reporting heavy smoke, causing poor visibility. As a result, residents in the north part of the evacuation area are encourage not to travel south on Hwy 67, unless absolutely necessary. In addition residents are encouraged to consider the issue of large animal evacuation and transportation, and pet evacuation. Residents are encouraged to make necessary arrangements as soon as possible. Additionally, recreational users considering the affected areas for use over the Memorial Day weekend reconsider and plan their event at another location, knowing that if they should come to the area, they may be evacuated. Further Update will follow when they become available. -- Deckers, Westcreek, Others Ordered EvacuatedThe Douglas County Sheriff is issuing MANDATORY EVACUATION notices. Evacuation area is expanding as I type this. Boundaries are from Sugar Creek south to Teller County line. West to Douglas/Jeffco Line...East to Rampart Range Road. Covers Deckers, Horsecreek, Camp Shady Brook &YMCA camp), Rainbow Falls Raod, Ranibow Falls Park, Ferguson Road, Trout Creek Ranch, Long Hollow Road, Fern Creek, Pine Lake Estates, West Creek Subdivision, Cedar Mountain, and Stump Road. Sugar Creek area, Platte River Crossing area, Devil's Head (does NOT include the fire watch tower there). The idea behind ordering the evacutation is to get everyone out before a disaster exists. Not in crisis mode, and don't want people managing. Highway 67 will remain open while people evacuate. People need to consider what they're going to do with large animals and livestock. Need to have evacuation in plan for them. Two evacuation points. Firrst at Woodland Park Community Church gymnasium, 800 Valley View off of highway 67 in Woodland Park. Second is at Elk Creek Elementary, 13304 S. Highway 285 in Pine...along the frontage road. Acreage is about 550 acres. No containment. Have been able to get some air drops. Likely to get more. Have had some success... -- -- Federal Fire Resources In ColoradoCREWS: (20 FIREFIGHTERS, CAN VARY 1-2) HOT SHOT TYPE 2 CREWS: GENERAL CREWS SCHOONOVER: 11 CREWS ON SCENE OR ON THEIR WAY 5 FROM CALIFORNIA REST FROM ARIZONA & NEW MEXICO 2 ON WESTERN SLOPE: 1 NEAR RIO GRANDE N.F. 20 CREWS COMMITTED TO OTHER FIRES IN STATE 9 HOT SHOTS 11 TYPE 2 CREWS (4 OR 5 FROM COLO... REST OUT OF STATE) AIRCRAFT: MOST FLYING ON SCHOONOVER. 6 LARGE AIR TANKERS (NOT ASSIGNED TO A FIRE, THEY ARE INITIAL ATTACK AND WILL BE DIVERTED) (CAN FLY MORE THAN 1 FIRE IN A DAY) 1-STAND-BY GRAND JUNCTION 3-DECKERS (JEFF CO) 2-RIO GRANDE N.F. (PUEBLO) 3 SINGLE AIR TANKERS (CROP DUSTER TYPES) ALL ON FRONT RANGE HELICOPTERS 2 TYPE I, LARGE HELICOPTERS (GREAT BIG BUCKETS) 1 FLYING RIGHT NOW 1 WAITING FOR SUPPORT CREW/STAND-BY 2 TYPE III, SMALLER HELICOPTERS (SMALLER BUCKET) BEHIND THE SCENES... FIRE TEAMS... logistics, camp set-up, time sheets/contracts, food, etc... Takes lot of support people to put crew out there, maybe 1-1 ratio People must be transported, fed, paid, etc... -- 1 PM Fire UpdateRELEASE DATE:05/22/02 RELEASE TIME: 1:00 p.m. WHAT: Second Update on Status of "Schoonover" Fire
The fires are believed to have spread from a single fire that may have been sparked by a lightening strike on Monday, May 20th, in an area northeast of Cheeseman Reservoir. The fires are primarily burning on property owned by the Denver Water Board, about 90% in Douglas County and 10% in Jefferson County. A Type 3 Incident Command Team from Jefferson County is managing the incident and a Federal Type 1 Incident Management Team is scheduled to arrive later today to begin assuming command. Additionally, at least 14 Federal, State, and local agencies are working together in the firefighting efforts. Weather conditions in the area of the fires are forecast as unfavorable, with high to moderate winds, gusting up to 45mph. Forecasts do not call for rainfall until at least Thursday afternoon. Currently, no mandatory evacuations have been ordered however the following voluntary evacuations have occurred or been announced: * 120 campers left YMCA Camp Shady Brook late yesterday and relocated to a YMCA in Colorado Springs * Today, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office recommended that people using the Rampart Range Recreational area evacuate and leave the area * Officials are recommending that people and residents in the Cheeseman Reservoir and Deckers areas evacuate along with a ranch owner at Fletcher Ranch Current road closures include the intersection of Hwy. 126 at Hwy. 67 in Douglas County, along with Hwy. 126 and County Road 211 in Jefferson County. While other traffic is not prohibited, traffic in any of the affected areas is highly discouraged. Emergency shelters have not yet been needed but should they become necessary, a shelter will likely be located in the Woodland Park area of Teller County. A staging area for media and the Red Cross has been established at the Deckers Resort, located at Hwy. 67 at Y-Camp Rd. At this time, no injuries have been reported and no structures are in immediate danger but about 20-25 structures are in threatened areas. Teams of local firefighters have been assembled to assist with protection of structures in affected areas. Steep rugged terrain, inaccessibility, and low moisture are hampering containment efforts. Secondarily, officials are monitoring a lesser threat to 40-50 structures in the West Creek Subdivision, Rainbow Falls Subdivision, Green Mountain Ranch, Myers Ranch, and Horse Creek Saloon. Further Update will follow when they become available. -- Fire UpdateLatest fire estimate is 500+ acres. It is 0% contained. Rainbow Falls and West Creek would be next under the gun, if the fire continues to move east. Join us in the Pinecam Chat room to talk about the fire. -- First Fires - Floods Next?Authorities fear devastating floods could hit the site where a wildfire burned 2,500 acres last month near Bailey, unless they can find funding for timber cutting and grass reseeding. You can read the story on TheDenverChannel.com: Snaking Fire Victims On Their Own --
FIRE WEATHER FORECAST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO 700 AM MDT WED MAY 22 2002 ...RED FLAG WARNING FOR ALL FIRE ZONES TODAY FROM 0600 TO 1800... WEATHER DISCUSSION...STRONG WEST WINDS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE FIRE *** THUNDERSTORMS IMPLY STRONG GUSTY ERRATIC WINDS TO 40 MPH *** *** ZONE 215 216 *** .TODAY...PARTLY CLOUDY (30%). -- Schooner Fire, Day Two
Gusty winds are expected today as fire crews begin to size up and attack the fire near Deckers. So far, about 25 homes have been evacuated. We should know more about the exact size of the fire (estimated at 200 acres this morning) as crews move in to tackled it. You cannot access the fire by road. "It's a walk-in fire. You can drive to it," said Pete Davis, a spokesman with the U.S. Forest Service. A Type-One team that was expected around noon will not arrive until this evening. Most fire crews are staging at 8 a.m. so we probably won't know a lot more until then. Lightning is the likely cause, according to a USFS spokeswoman. Here's a link to a story on TheDenverChannel.com, where I work. It will be updated as we get more info: Wind A Concern As Schoonover Fire Grows Our chopper will not be up for 11 a.m. due to a 100-hour check-up. -- Tuesday, May 21
At about 6:30 p.m. this evening, the U.S. Forest Service notified the Douglas County Sheriff's Office of a wild land fire burning in a remote area south west of Deckers (or about 1 ½ miles north east of Cheeseman Reservoir). The cause and origin of the fire are not known at this time. The area affected by the fire was initially reported to be about 20 acres but by last estimate had grown to about 100 acres. The fire is reported to be burning in both Douglas and Jefferson Counties, effecting both private and federal property. No injuries have been reported and no structures have been burned as a result of this fire. This incident is being managed by a Jefferson County Type 3 Incident Command Team who has established a command post at Trumbull Fire Station #1, located north of Deckers on Hwy. 67. Preliminary reports indicate about 25 homes could be threatened, and only three residents were found to be home and were notified of the situation. No mandatory evacuations have been ordered, however 120 campers from YMCA Camp Shady Brook located on Hwy. 75 (south west of Deckers) in Douglas County voluntarily left the camp and relocated to the YMCA of Colorado Springs. Nine camp staff personnel did remain at the camp. The relocated campers are expected to arrive at the YMCA of Colorado Springs, at 207 N. Nevada, Colorado Springs, at about 11:15 p.m. tonight. Parents of those relocated were notified of the situation by staff from Moore Middle School in Arvada. Emergency personnel on scene will monitor the situation and further updates will be made available after 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. No other information is available for release. -- Deckers FireA fire is burning out of control on the Douglas 'County side of the South Platte just west of Deckers. The Shady Brook YMCA is under a precautionary evacuation order. Buses were brought in to take out the campers. The Schoonover Gulch Fire is estimated at 150 acres and is located on the east side of Cheesman Reservoir. Here's a link to a topo map. Look for Schoonover Gulch on the east side of the reservoir. For raw, updated fire info please go to the Scanner Update section of Pinecam.com (llink on the front page, left side under Quick Links) on log on to the Pinechat chat room where people are discussing the fire and listening to scanners. --
City of Denver Issues Fire Ban in Denver Mountain Parks DENVER-Denver Parks & Recreation has implemented a total fire ban in the Fire danger is high in these areas and a strong demand on fire fighting resources currently exists.
This current fire ban restriction is more restrictive and replaces the recent one that allowed the Because of continuing high fire danger conditions in Jefferson and Clear 1. Anything that produces an open flame. 2. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire to 3. Use of charcoal or open fires on any public or 4. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or 5. Operating a chain saw without a USDA or SAE approved 6. Welding or operating a torch with an open flame. 7. Use of an explosive initiation system requiring a 8. Fireworks. The Denver Mountain Parks system, constructed between 1912 and 1941, --
Chat Room CHANGE: Our chat room has officially moved from #pinecam to #pinechat. You can go to it by clicking here, or on the CHAT link on the front page of Pinecam.com. There is a room robot named pinecone that you can ask questions. He will also tell you what the latest entry in Scanner Updates is, and give you phone numbers of many local businesses and schools. Snaking Fire Photos ParkBull.com has a great section of the photos of the Snaking Fire. Here's the URL: -- Monday, May 20
Last update at 11 AM: The Mullet Fire, near Pine, is fully contained as of 7:30 this mornng. Smoke jumpers will continue to work the fire today, with the aid of a helicopter. It is about one acre in size and has a low potential to spread. Another fire, 1/10 of an acre, is burning in Park County south of Tarryall Peak. Crews are monitoring it. -- Sunday, May 19
Mullet Fire Near Pine One acre, fully contained, chopper released for the evening, but will return at 9 a.m. Monday. Hot shot crew will spend the night up there. A better location for the fire is about about 1 or 2 miles south of Crystal Lake (Pine) on Pike National Forest Service property. Lots of lightning strikes last night. 20 Zuni hotshots at Pine Community Church, but wiil go home tomorrow. . --
Fire is now estimated at 1 acre, and is "creeping". The spread risk is rated as "moderate". 6 smokejumpers and a water-dropping helicopter on scene. Containment is expected by 5pm. The fire fuel model (http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/planning/nist/fuel.htm) is 9, on a hill. Winds at the fire are now out of the south at 5 mph. No additional resources have been requested. --
This is called the Mullet Fire. Smokejumpers are on the ground and hiking to the fire. Best frequencies are: 168.725, 153.875, 155.220. Also 168.650 possibly for air ops. --
Several reports of a small fire in the Buffalo Creek area, off Forrest Road 550. First report came around 10:30 this morning, and now a second fire is reported. For the latest on the scanner, go to the front page of pinecam.com and click on "Scanner Updates" on the left side, under Quicklinks. The fires are also being discussed in the chat room right now. The camera is pointed in the direction of the reported fires. 11:52 a.m. entry in Scanner Updates: ir Ops 168.650 is reporting 2 fires 1 is 1/4 acre with flames showing. Wind is from the south at 12-14. Looking at 2nd smoke seen by chopper. Smoke jumpers are being dispatched to both locations. Do not have a location yet on 2nd smoke. It appears to be close to the original fire. --
Buffalo Creek Fire Anniversary Saturday was the sixth anniversary of the Buffalo Creek Fire. The blaze when from 5 acres to 5,000 acres in two hours, according to a story in Sunday's Denver Post (not online). The fire burned 11,900 acres around Buffalo Creek. In one day, the Buffalo Creekk fire raced through a two-mile wide stretch that was 10 miles long. It was the first fire that Pinecam.com covered, with pictures and information. -- |
DENVER – Governor Bill Owens today received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funding to fight the the Schoonover Fire. 
NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – As a result of the “Schoonover” fire located in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest in Douglas and Jefferson Counties, the following information is updated:
NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – As a result of the “Schoonover” fire located in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest in Douglas and Jefferson Counties, officials on scene have ordered a mandatory evacuation for all residents, campers, recreational users, etc for the following areas:
NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO - At about 6:30 p.m. yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service notified the Douglas County Sheriff's Office of a wild land fire burning in a remote area south west of Deckers. Now identified as a series of three fires located near one another, they are burning in a northeast direction, about 3 miles south west of Deckers, in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest area.
