Pinecam Blogger


Friday, June 21

Tips For Returning Home


Open up doors and windows during the day to help remove the smoke odors that will be inside your home. You'll probably want to close at night when the smoke settles.

Check utilities.

Make sure your phone works.

Contact your local gas provider to check gas service and relight pilots before activating service.
Form Your Own Fire Brigade:

Call 911 for emergencies.

Keep garden hoses charged with a nozzle attached.

Keep an eye on neighbors property (especially residents who are not at home).

Torching will be common inside fire control lines for several days. Call 911 if fire is close to homes.
Hazards Common to Fire Areas:

Snags (falling burned trees): Silent Killers

Stump Holes (roots burning underground)

Fire Equipment: call local fire department if you find any equipment.
Retardant Agents:
1. Water
2. Foam
3. Barricade
4. Firetrol: this is VERY SLIPPERY when WET!!! Use a high pressure wash to remove. Firetrol is a fertilizer base and not harmful to flora.


--

Jeffco Horse Show Rescheduled


Horse & Rider Magazine
741 Corporate Circle, A
Golden, CO 80401
720-836-1257

June 21, 2002

Contact: Heidi Nyland

For immediate release:
Please announce during your news breaks.

The Equilite 4-H Club's 4-H and open horse show to be held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds tomorrow, June 22, has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 30. Currently, the fairgrounds (including the arena where the show was to be held) are home to animals evacuated from the Hayman Fire.

Another 4-H/open show will be held tomorrow at the Evergreen Rodeo Arena, also called El Pinal. For more information on that show, contact Tommie Francis at (303) 670-6537.

--
Heidi Banbury Nyland

Assistant Editor, Horse & Rider
EquiSearch Western Editor, Equisearch.com


--

Latest Hayman Perimeter Map


Click on this link
(smaller map below)
Hayman Fire Map 6/19 as of 2 pm


--

Today Could Be Pivotal


gazette.com story

--

American Humane Society Animal Planet Rescue Truck Assists in Temporary Animal Evacuation Center in Fairplay

Last week, the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies responded to an urgent request by Park County Animal Control Officers to establish an emergency animal shelter in Fairplay for evacuation of animals from the Lake George/Florissant areas. In response to the request, member agencies Intermountain Humane Society and American Humane Association transported equipment and personnel to the Park County Fairgrounds in Fairplay, CO and were able to establish an operational facility within 6 hours of the request. The American Humane Association had the AHA/Animal Planet Rescue truck (a huge 24 wheeler rig designed to serve as a base of operations for large scale animal rescue operations) was moved from Castle Rock to Fairplay. Staff and Volunteers from IMHS, AHA, Fairgrounds personnel and local volunteers manned the temporary shelter for 48 hours until new evacuations were no longer anticipated. All animals were then returned to owners or transported to Summit County Animal Shelter or Intermountain Humane Society's facility in Pine Junction. A few livestock remained in Fairplay under the care of IMHS and the Fairgrounds personnel. Intermountain Humane Society remains on alert to re-establish the evacuation center should Teller County's animal shelter in Divide need to be evacuated.

This response not only assisted the emergency response in the Lake George area, but established the the Fairgrounds in Fairplay are a very workable site for an emergency animal evacuation center. Additional minor improvements and significant equipment are needed for this facility continue to improve its usability as a temporary shelter in the future. The facililty in Fairplay, however, offers a regional asset for emergency animal evacuations for all of Park County (including the Bailey area), Summit County, Teller County and other surrounding counties. For more information on how to contribute to this facility as a volunteer or supporter, please contact Intermountain Humane Society at 303-838-2668, or send contributions to IMHS Disaster Preparedness Fund, P.O. Box 1250, Conifer, CO 80433.


--

Intermountain Humane Society
Community Update on how to help animals and animal agencies affected by Colorado Wildfires

Release Date: 06/21/02
Intermountain Humane Society is an active member of the Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies, a statewide group of animal control agencies, animal shelters, rescue groups, veterinary medical groups and other groups. CFAWA acts to organize and assist animal relief efforts on a statewide basis. A statewide fund, the Colorado Animal Emergency Relief Fund, has been set up to assist animal agencies in dealing with the effects of all fires and other disasters in Colorado and contributions are needed. This fund will be administered for CFAWA by the Denver Dumb Friends League. Please send donations to:
Denver Dumb Friends League, Animal Relief Fund
2080 S. Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80231

For questions about this fund, contact the American Humane Association at (303) 792-9900, ext 608.

Local Fund Established for Disaster Planning and Response concerning animals

The Intermountain Humane Society has established a fund to help continue to prepare the communities of Park County and Southwestern Jefferson County for emergency situations concerning animal issues. The fund will provide equipment, training for IMHS and other organizations as well as public education and disaster planning assistance. Please send contributions to IMHS Disaster Preparedness Fund, P.O. Box 1250, Conifer, CO 80433. For more information, please call 303-838-2668.


--

Thursday, June 20

Douglas County Sheriff's Office Damage Report


RELEASE DATE: 06/20/02 RELEASE TIME: 8:00 p.m.

WHAT: Third Preliminary Damage Report, Hayman Fire

*** Please Note, This Damage Assessment is Preliminary Information Only.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the fire, an exact listing is not possible at this time.

NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – A most recent comprehensive damage assessment of properties damaged as a result of the Hayman Fire, are listed below. The owner’s names are not being listed as we are still trying to make formal notification. The residences and/or structures and nature of the damage by subdivision are as follows:

Nine J Rd:

27 Dutch Creek Dr. Cabin & Car, severe fire damage
16800 Nine J Rd. House-3 Cars-2 Sheds, severe fire damage
16790 Nine J Rd. Trailer, severe fire damage
18729 Nine J Rd. House, severe fire damage
16784 Nine J Rd. 1 House-1 Quad, severe fire damage
17000 Nine J Rd. 1 Cabin, severe fire damage

South Hwy 67:

10001 Hwy 67 South House, severe fire damage
10011 Hwy 67 South Severe fire damage
10087 Hwy 67 South Severe fire damage

Trout Creek Ranch:

13294 Lisa Lane Primary Residence, severe fire damage
14004 Lisa Lane Severe fire damage
13414 Lisa Lane Shed, severe fire damage
13470 Lisa Lane Shed, severe fire damage
13469 Oldtimer Trail No house on lot-Camper, severe fire damage
14075 Hwy 67 South Barn & Shed, severe fire damage
13998 Trout Creek Rd. House, severe fire damage
13973 Hedi Rd. Pole Barn & Truck, severe fire damage
13849 Crosby Garage- Shed-Camper, severe fire damage
13944 Crosby Circle Severe fire damage
13917 Crosby Circle Barn & Stables, severe fire damage
13810 Crosby Cirlce Garage, severe fire damage
13725 Crosby Circle Barn & Garage, severe fire damage

West Creek:

15126 Pine Lake North Severe fire damage
14924 Pine Lake Dr. House, severe fire damage
14964 Pine Lake Dr. North Shed & Car, severe fire damage
14662 Crooked Trail Rd. Cabin, severe fire damage
14576 Crooked Trail Rd. House, severe fire damage
14568 Crooked Trail Rd. Primary Residence, sever fire damage
14658 Yucca Lane Garage, severe fire damage
14982 Pine Lake Dr. House, severe fire damage
14522 West Creek Rd. Out Building-Camper, severe fire damage
14760 Columbine Circle Severe fire damage

Other Structures:

13338 Rebecca Overlook House, severe fire damage
14001 Hwy 67 Primary Residence, severe fire damage
14003 Hwy 67 Primary Residence, severe fire damage


This is an informal listing of damaged structures being published to allow residents to begin filing the necessary paperwork with both insurance agencies and with the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Property owners or residents who have not yet been notified of the damage by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are asked to call and leave a message at our Victim Assistance phone line at 303-660-7561, option #1.

No other information regarding structures damaged or threatened is available at this time.


--

FLASH FLOOD WARNING


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DENVER HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
SOUTHWESTERN DOUGLAS COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO
SOUTH CENTRAL JEFFERSON COUNTY IN NORTHEAST COLORADO

* UNTIL 700 PM MDT

* AT 523 PM MDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
VERY HEAVY RAIN NEAR CHEESMAN RESERVOIR...OR ABOUT 35 MILES
NORTHWEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS. THE STORM PRODUCING THE HEAVY RAIN
WAS MOVING EAST NORTHEAST AT 15 MPH .

LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE...BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO...CHEESMAN
RESERVOIR AND DECKERS IN THE HAYMAN BURN AREA.

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING.
IF YOU ARE IN THE WARNING AREA MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY.
RESIDENTS LIVING ALONG STREAMS AND CREEKS SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE
PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS
SWIFTLY FLOWING WATERS OR WATERS OF UNKNOWN DEPTH BY FOOT OR BY
AUTOMOBILE. IF YOUR VEHICLE STALLS ABANDON IT IMMEDIATELY AND SEEK
HIGHER GROUND.

EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM THIS STORM WILL CAUSE FLASH FLOODING OF CREEKS
AND STREAMS...ROADS AND ROADSIDE CULVERTS IN THE HAYMAN BURN AREA.
THE HEAVY RAINS COULD ALSO TRIGGER ROCK AND MUDSLIDES OVER THE STEEP
TERRAIN.


--

Northernmost Jefferson County Evacuees Allowed Home at 7 p.m.


Jeffco Residents allowed home at 7pm

Starting at 7pm tonight, Jeffco sheriff's office will allow residents in the
northernmost portion of the evacuation area to return home.

Residents will NOT be permitted into the area until 7pm so that firefighters
can have full use of CO Road 126. Residents will be asked to show ID at
traffic checkpoints, and deputies will control access to the area for the
next 24 hours.

Pls. note: Large animals will not be allowed back into the evacuation area
at this time.

The Re-entry areas include the following subdivisions north of Buffalo Creek
Park (and areas north of Township 8 section line):

Buffalo Creek
Buffalo Creek Park
Christmas Hill
Cliffdale
Crossons
Crystal Lake
Dome Rock
Ferndale
Foxton
Indian Springs Village
Mountain Valley Acres
Pine
Pine Grove
Pine Valley North
Riverview
South Platte
Sphinx Park
Longview

Although Residents from those areas may return home, they should be ready to
evacuate again if necessary. Residents should have personal valuables and
necessities.
If the fire progresses north of FS Road 550, residents will receive a
telephone call to re-evacuate.


--

Douglas County Lifts Standby Evacuations


NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO - After careful consideration with the U.S. Forest Service, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is changing the evacuation status for the following areas:


"Stand by Alert" status has been lifted, with no further planned evacuation needs, for the following areas:


* Sedalia

* Indian Creek Ranch

· Roxborough Park

* Roxborough Village


"Mandatory Evacuation" status has been changed for the following areas. Residents living in the below listed areas may return home after 8:00 p.m. tonight, but are advised to be on a "Stand by Alert" status, ready to evacuate immediately should conditions change. Those areas include:


Areas bordered by Rampart Range Rd. on the east, and Sugar Creek Rd. on the south, and Platte River Rd. on the west, including:


· Moon Ridge

· Sprucewood

· Pine Creek Rd.

· Night Hawk

· Sugar Creek Rd.

· Scraggy View


Rampart Range Rd., and Platte River Rd. south of Sugar Creek Rd. roads will be blocked to prevent access to them. Any person found in unauthorized areas or passing any roadblock will be cited with a violation of the uniform fire code, for obstructing fire operations.


In addition, we recommend that residents in the above listed "Stand by Alert" areas who elect to return home, leave their large animals and live stock out of the area, until the "Stand-by Alert" status has been lifted.


All other mandatory evacuations in Douglas County are still evacuated and no new update of when that status will change is available.


--

Jeffco To Make 'Major Announcement'


5 p.m. news conference at Northern Command Post. Channel 7 will cover it and it will be livestreamed on http://www.thedenverchannel.com/.

(Officials did not say what the announcement will be)


--

C130s Battle Third Colorado Wildfire


PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE

For Immediate Release June 20, 2002


PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Air Force C-130s battled a third Colorado wildfire Wednesday after a blaze broke out near Alamosa.

Two Air Force Reserve aircraft from the 302nd Airlift Wing here and two North Carolina Air National Guard aircraft from the 145th Airlift Wing delivered 21,600 gallons of fire retardant to the Million Fire on Wednesday in eight missions.

One 302nd C-130 and the two 145th aircraft were also called to make single drops at the Hayman Fire, dropping an additional 8,100 gallons.

Since being activated June 13, the two units have combined for 80 drops, delivering a total of 216,000 gallons of fire retardant. They have also battled the Missionary Ridge Fire near Durango.

"We have had really efficient service with the constant changeover of reservists and guradsmen who come in to perform the MAFFS mission," said Mike Miller, MAFFS liaison officer for the USDA Forest Service. "They continue to perform efficiently while paying close attention to all the safety aspects."

Two additional C-130s equipped with the USDA Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) arrived at Peterson AFB Wednesday and are ready to be called into action.

The MAFFS Air Force mission is supported 100% through Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units.

As a reminder, the pre-existing agreement between the Department of Defense and the USDA Forest Service states Air Force MAFFS-equipped C-130s may be used when all other civilian tankers are activated but further assistance is still needed.

This is the first time MAFFS-equipped C-130s have been staged out of Peterson AFB to fight fires since the mission began in the 1970s.


--

HAYMAN FIRE IS NOT AN IMMINENT THREAT TO TRI-LAKES / MONUMENT AREA


EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
MEDIA RELEASE
June 20, 2002 [ 12:30 p.m. ]

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office reports that at this time the Hayman Fire is not an imminent threat to the Tri-lakes / Monument area. At present, the fire line is just west of Highway 67, which is approximately twelve and one quarter miles from Monument and approximately three miles west of the Teller County and El Paso County line.

The "trigger point" for mandatory evacuations for the Tri-Lakes / Monument area is the Rampart Range Road, which is adjacent to the county line. According to the County Fire Marshal, even under the worst case fire conditions; high temperature, low humidity, and strong wind the fire would only travel 1 mile per hour. This would allow for evacuation plans to be implemented in a safe and prudent manner, if and when the fire line reached the "trigger point."

The Sheriff's Office has been closely monitoring the Hayman Fire since its inception. Sheriff's Office fire specialists have been at the command post twenty-fours a day since that time evaluating any threats the fire might pose to residents and structures in El Paso County.

Representatives of the Sheriff's Office will be in attendance tonight at a community meeting being held in order to discuss fire operation plans and the present status of the Hayman Fire. The meeting will be at Lewis-Palmer Middle School, 1776 Woodmoor Drive in Monument, at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, up-to-date information regarding the fire and any evacuation orders, if they become necessary, will be immediately released to the public through the media.

Prepared by: Sergeant Jim Groth, Public Information Officer
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, 520-7244


--

Coal Seam Fire Update


June 20, 2002
8 AM

Fire Information: 945-3232 or www.garfield-county.com Fire Information Fax: 970-945-3266

The 12,209 acre fire is 90 percent contained with a total cost to date of $5,684,579. A total of 386 people including firefighters and overhead are currently staffing the fire, but some crews are leaving the fire for rest or reassignment. At the start of the day shift on Thursday, June 20th, a new Incident Fire Use Management Team assumed responsibilities for the management of the fire. The new Interagency Command Post will be located at Colorado Mountain College located south of Glenwood Springs.

Firefighters continue to patrol fire lines and work on line rehabilitation on the south and southwest sides of Glenwood Springs. Crews are continuing to monitor hot spots detected by radiometric mapping at the coal seam and at the landfill. The south side is now completely surrounded by a fire line and rehabilitation of fire line has begun.

North of I-70, crews will continue to concentrate on suppression efforts on the northeast and north flanks of the fire. A small number of isolated islands of fuel continue to flare up, but all are located well within the control lines. Line construction, cooling of hot spots and the use of natural barriers such as aspen stands are being emphasized. Firefighter safety and the protection of lives and property are paramount.

Aircraft operations today will include the use of heavy-duty helicopters for water and slurry drops, and medium duty helicopters for crew transport.

Although today’s weather will continue to be warm with projected highs of 95 to 100, the relative humidity on ridges is expected to be 10 to 15 percent. Although conditions are improving, citizens are encouraged to be very careful with flammable material and to adhere to current fire restrictions.

Helicopter radiometric mapping of hot spots will be used again today. This high-tech equipment improves efficiency and effectiveness of the firefighting effort by pinpointing hot spots.

A Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) Team is in place and working now in the area south of Interstate 70. They will continue to develop plans for necessary rehabilitation work. This team evaluates the entire fire and reports on what type of rehabilitation work needs to be done before fall and winter weather occurs. More information is available at www.garfield-county.com/fire.

The Red Cross Service Center will be open at the high school from 9 AM until 6PM today. Anyone who has sustained damage should come into the center where caseworkers are currently available. Contact the center at 945-5774.

The South Canyon Road and the landfill adjacent to the road are open to the public.

The Fire Information Office will be staffed from 8 AM until 6 PM.


--

RAMPART RANGE ROAD RESIDENTS ALLOWED TO RETURN TO HOMES


EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.
MEDIA RELEASE
June 20, 2002 [ 9:20 a.m. ]


***UPDATE***


RAMPART RANGE ROAD RESIDENTS ALLOWED TO RETURN TO HOMES


The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has lifted the mandatory evacuation for residents along Rampart Range Road, from the Douglas County line south to Eagle Lake. Effective immediately, residents are now allowed to return to their homes.


However, affected residents in this area are still on evacuation stand-by, in case the fire worsens.


Prepared by: Sergeant Jim Groth, Public Information Officer

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, 520-7244


--

Fire Behavior predicted for 6/20:


Predicted to be moderate today due to higher relative humidity, cooler temperatures, and the overnight showers.

Crews hope to make major gains today in securing fire lines and establishing new lines.

Weather Forecast for 6/20:

Temperature, 75-82; Relative Humidity, 18-28%, Wind direction, NW-ESE. Wind Speed, 5-10 mph.


--

Wednesday, June 19

Notes From Woodland Park Community Meeting


Woodland Park Community Meeting

Homes lost in Douglas County.... (these are in addition to the ones previously reported.....)

7 homes in West Creek

5 homes in Thunder Butte

6 homes in Trout Creek Ranch

3 homes in Bell Rock

3 structures along Hwy 67

TOTAL OF- 24 more homes


--

Pinecam 285 Emergency Scanner Now On The Web!


Pinecam.com is pleased offer a livestream of scanner traffic from our area, including local fire frequencies, and firefighting operations (even air ops!)

Just click on this link and you'll find out how you can listen and stay informed!

This addition was made possible with donations made to Pinecam.com!

Note: this is a separate feed from the Computer Hounds feed and is sent at a much lower rate, suitable for dial-up modems! Thanks to Kurt for getting this going!


--

Hayman Perimeter Map


(link to site with latest maps)

--

North Fork Fire Department is in need of two (2) large swival chairs in good condition to be used in their Radio Room, please call Moutain Resource Center if you can donate 303 838 7552 - thank you -

--

Air Force Academy Status


The Air Force Academy is working on an evacuation plan, but is NOT on evacuation alert.


The evacuation plan is using TIME as the trigger point for evacuation and not a LOCATION. When the fire gets to be within 12-hours of the western border of the Academy, the evacuation order will be given. Right now, the fire is about 10 miles from the western border. They're not expecting the evacuation order to be given today or tomorrow. That could obviously change quickly if the wind kicks up and the fire changes course or speed.


The Academy is constantly monitoring the fire and staying in close contact with the Forest Service on what the Hayman Fire is doing.


--

Fire Crews Continue To Battle Hayman Demon




--

Two additional MAFFS C-130s to arrive today


186,300 gallons dropped to date

For Immediate Release June 19, 2002


PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Air Force C-130s delivered 78,300 gallons of fire retardant to the Hayman Fire on Tuesday in a total of 29 drops, an average of 7 drops per aircraft. Members of the 302nd Airlift Wing with the Air Force Reserve, and the 145th Airlift Wing with the North Carolina Air National Guard have had a total of 69 drops since last weeks activation for firefighting.

Two additional C-130s equipped with the USDA Forest Service Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems will arrive today. The MAFFS Air Force mission is supported 100% through Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units.

As a reminder, the pre-existing agreement between the Department of Defense and the USDA Forest Service states Air Force MAFFS-equipped C-130s may be used when all other civilian tankers are activated but further assistance is still needed.

This is the first time MAFFS-equipped C-130s have been staged out of Peterson AFB to fight fires since the mission began in the 1970s.


--

Latest Fire Perimeter Map


(based on GEOMAC data)
Hayman Fire Map 6/19 - based on GEOMAC data

--

OWENS OBTAINS FEDERAL HELP FOR FAMILIES, BUSINESSES SUFFERING FIRE LOSSES


FOR RELEASE: CONTACT:
Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Presidential Declaration Authorizes FEMA and SBA to Provide
Low Interest Loans and Grants

(DENVER) - At the request of Governor Bill Owens, President George W. Bush
today approved a Presidential Declaration making federal financial help
available for families and businesses experiencing losses related to the
unprecedented wildfires in Colorado.

"As I visited the fires burning around our state, the saddest and most
difficult times were when I talked with families who had lost their homes
and possessions. The federal assistance will help many of these families
start rebuilding their lives," Owens said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate the program.
For information, people experiencing losses can call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
The agency will determine eligibility.

For qualifying individuals, assistance includes:

- Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans. The SBA
can provide low interest home disaster loans to help homeowners and renters
who are uninsured or underinsured repair or replace disaster-related damages
to home or personal property.

- Individual and Family Grants. Provides funds for the
necessary expenses and serious needs of disaster victims that cannot be met
through other sources, such as insurance. Typically, grants range between
$2,000 and $4,000, although they can be up to $14,800. The federal
government pays 75 percent of the cost, with the state paying the balance.
Qualifying expenses include housing, personal property such as clothing, and
medical costs.

- more -
Declaration - page 2

- Temporary Housing Assistance. Helps assure that people
whose homes are damaged by disaster have a safe place to live until repairs
can be completed. Includes rental assistance and temporary housing help for
expenses not covered by insurance.

- Other forms of help, including disaster unemployment
assistance, crisis counseling and some legal services.

For qualifying businesses, assistance includes:

- Low interest disaster loans for uninsured or underinsured
damage to property, inventory and supplies.

- Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which may provide financial
assistance to cover lost working capital for small businesses even if there
was no physical damage.

The Governor expressed his thanks to the President and FEMA director Joe
Allbaugh for their continued help to Colorado.

"The help Colorado is receiving from the federal government means a
great deal, especially with a long, hot summer still ahead of us. So far
this year, wildfires have burned over 200,000 acres in Colorado, compared to
1,400 acres by the same time last year. Again, I implore all Coloradans to
be very careful with fire and obey the restrictions," Owens said.

# # #

ADDENUM

he following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that are
available "as needed and warranted" under President Bush's major disaster
declaration issued for Colorado as a result of damage from wildfires that
began April 23, 2002.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

* Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are
unavailable. Initial assistance is provided for up to three months for
homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may extend if
requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant
requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

* Grants for minimal emergency repairs not covered by insurance to
make damaged homes habitable. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)

* Grants to make essential home repairs, replace personal property and
help meet medical, funeral, transportation and other serious
disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and
charitable aid programs. Typical grants average about $2,500. (Source:
FEMA funded 75% of total eligible costs; state administered.)

* Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily
lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits,
such as self-employed individuals. (Source: FEMA funded; state
administered.)

* Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated
by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000
for personal property, including renter losses. Loans available up to $1.5
million for business property losses not fully compensated by insurance.
(Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)

* Loans up to $1.5 million for small businesses that have suffered
disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capitol to
recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact. This loan in
combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $1.5 million.
(Source: U.S. Small Business Administration.)

* Loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators
to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence.
(Source: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.)

* Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by
the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory
assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments:

* Payment of 75% of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects
undertaken by the state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term
risk of life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source:
FEMA funded; state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected
residence and business owners can begin the disaster application process on
Thursday June 20th, by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800 462-7585
(TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, from 8 am to 6 pm, seven days a
week until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be
prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent
address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to
help substantiate losses.


--

Conifer Red Cross Info


There is another Colorado Forest Service update meeting at the Conifer High School tonight at 7:00

Red Cross is providing 2 meals a day at the Conifer High School - free to evacuees - you do not need to be staying in a shelter to receive this service.


--

Red Cross Evacuation Shelters Update


The American Red Cross continues to respond to wildfires across the state, the following is an update on shelters and services:

Location Status

Hayman Fire
Lake George Charter School Community Service Center,
open 12-9 p.m.
37888 US HWY 24
Lake George, Colorado

Castle Rock Middle School Community Service Center,
open 12-9 p.m.
2575 Meadows Blvd reopened 6/18 as a 24 hour
shelter
Castle Rock, Colorado

Conifer High School Community Service Center,
open 12-9 p.m.
10441 HWY 73
Conifer, Colorado

Woodland Park High School 24-hour Shelter
151 Baldwin
Woodland Park, Colorado

Lewis Palmer Middle School 24-hour Shelter
1776 Woodmore Dr.
Monument, CO

Iron Mountain Fire
309 South 10th Street Community Service Center
Canon City, Colorado Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(719) 275-0561

Coal Seam Fire
Glenwood Springs High School Community Service Center
1340 Pitkin Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
(970) 384-5598

Missionary Ridge Fire
Bayfield High School Shelter Opened 6-15-02
800 County Road 501 Sheltered more than 250
people
Bayfield, CO Served over 600 meals

Missionary Ridge Fire con't
Escalante Middle School
141 Baker Lane
Durango, CO

At these service centers, Red Cross trained disaster relief workers
consisting of disaster nurses, crisis counselors, and interviewers visit with affected residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed.

Meals will be served twice a day. Interviewers may assist by providing disaster victims with the means to pay for what they need most - groceries, new clothing, rent, household items and medicines. Red Cross health nurses assess sanitary conditions, assist with disaster related minor injuries and illnesses, and may help victims replace eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, or prescriptions lost in the disaster.

Red Cross crisis counselors who are licensed medical professionals provide emotional support. This assistance, as with all Red Cross services, is confidential and given on a uniform bases, depending on family size and need. Referrals may also be provided to other resources and other needed items.


--

North Side Fire Perimeter Map


Here's a link to just the north side perimeter, as of Tuesday, showing where the fire lines are.

--

El Paso County Sheriff's Office


MEDIA RELEASE
June 19, 2002 at 8:15 a.m.

THIRD FIRE TEAM ASSIGNED TO HAYMAN FIRE

The Hayman Fire will be divided into three areas later this morning. The
third type one fire team will cover the area south of the Douglas County
line and east of Hwy 67. A location for the third team has not been
decided and is expected to be determined this afternoon.

The eastern side of the fire is still about three miles west of the El Paso
County line. The humidity levels have increased over night and assisted in
slowing the fire. The fire is currently lying down with minimal activity.

As the situation changes the media will be notified.


--

New Evacuations Overnight


Douglas County evacuated the following areas before midnight Tuesday night:

All areas west of Hwy. 105, bounded by the current mandatory evacuation area of the Pike National Forest boundary on the west, Tomah Road on the north, and the El Paso County line on the south, including:


· Perry Park

· Indian Head

· Wauconda Lakes

· Echo Hills

· Echo Village

· Douglas Park

· Hidden Valley

· Valley Park

· Vaux Ranchette

· Mountain Ranch

· Woodmoor Mountain subdivision

· Split Acres

· Emily Griffith Youth Center




--

Tuesday, June 18

Rampart Range Road Evacuated


El Paso County Sheriff's Office

MEDIA RELEASE
June 18, 2002 at 8:20 p.m.

UPDATE

RAMPART RANGE ROAD RESIDENTS ORDERED TO EVACUATE BY THE EL PASO COUNTY
SHERIFF'S OFFICE

All residents along Rampart Range Road, from the Douglas County line south
to Eagle Lake, are ordered to evacuate. The Hayman Fire has crossed Hwy 67
near the Manitou Experimental Forest, in Teller County. Sheriff's deputies
will be notifying residents in the affected area. Residents should evacuate
to Woodland Park High School.

If this situation changes and/or additional residents are placed on stand by
the media will be notified.

The Sheriff's Office is not placing any other areas on stand by or ordering
additional areas to evacuate at this time.


--

Tuesday Shot (around 5:30 pm) from the south side of Buffalo Peak, looking ENE toward Green Mountain
(image courtesy of www.thedenverchannel.com?
Looking ENE from the south side of Buffalo Peak (Green Mtn behind)



--

EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DOES NOT ANTICIPATE EVACUATIONS


(news release from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office)

The only El Paso County residents that have been placed on stand by to
evacuate are those along Rampart Range Road in El Paso County, from Douglas
County line south to Eagle Lake. Sheriff's deputies are notifying residents
to be prepared if it becomes necessary to evacuate.

The fire has died down this evening and evacuations are not anticipated for
El Paso County tonight. If this situation changes the media will be
notified.

The fire is about four miles west of Rampart Range Road in the northeastern
portion of Teller County.


--

Jeffco Evacuation and Standy Map

--

Picture from Channel 7's Airtracker7 over the south end of the fire, taken at 5:40 p.m. 6/18


--

550 Trigger Point Topo Map


Showing Forest road 550 south of Buffalo Creek and nearby landmarks.

--

Update on donations to fire departments

Thanks to Conifer Village Hardware and Sporting Goods for donating extension cords, flood lights, and fuses to Trumball VFD. And big thanks to REI for donating GPS units, propane cannisters, socks, and underwear to the fire stations affected by the Hayman fire. Thanks also to Conifer Village Liquors for donating ice. This community rocks!

Janet Shown
Mountain Resource Center


--

RAMPART RANGE ROAD RESIDENTS PUT ON STAND BY TO EVACUATE


MEDIA RELEASE
June 18, 2002 at 2:45 p.m.

All residents along Rampart Range Road, from the Douglas County line south,
are advised to prepare for evacuation. If evacuations become necessary the
media will be advised of where the residents should evacuate.

The Hayman Fire is moving southeast. At this time there are no evacuations
in El Paso County, only a stand by in this particular area. If this
situation changes the media will be notified.


--

b>Update on Needs for Fire Departments

Many thanks to Green Valley Grill for donating 80 dinners to North Fork VFD and to the Conifer Safeway for donating sandwich makings Tuesday 6/18!!

New and continuing needs for the fire stations include:

2 GPS (global positioning systems) units
Government pricing on an automatic Ford F550 4x4 with crew cab and AC
Coleman propane bottles for lanterns and stoves
15 amp, 20 amp, and 30 amp fuses
25 foot and 50 foot heavy duty extension cords
heavy, firefighter weight wool socks
skivvies! (both male and female, all sizes)

MRC will make deliveries at 5 p.m. tonight and again tomorrow. Please phone first if you plan to drop off donations. Thank you!

Janet Shown


--

Displaced Animals Get Help


WHAT: HAYMAN FIRE UPDATE - Displaced Animal Update


NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO -- Good news for animals displaced by the Hayman Fire. The second grade classes of Louanne Unks and Theresa Rash at Mountain View Elementary School in Parker raised $635.60 for the Hayman Fire Animal Relief Fund by selling homemade crafts. The children presented a check this morning to Sgt. Attila Denes of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at an informal ceremony at the school. The fund will be used to offset the cost of rescuing and boarding animals during the fire.


A portion of the relief fund will also be made available to individuals in the form of grants. Specifically, applications for disbursements will be accepted from residents of Douglas, Jefferson, Park, or Teller Counties who were under mandatory evacuation and who suffered monetary loss related to animals, including permanent loss of the animal, loss of a structure used to house animals, loss of feed, and veterinary bills related to the fire. Application forms are available from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office or on our web site at www.douglas.co.us/sheriff/.


On a related note, despite the content of some Denver TV stations' information crawls, the Douglas County Fairgrounds displaced animal center is NOT full. Even if it were to fill up, we have agreements in place with nearby boarding facilities to accept displaced animals. If someone needs to temporarily board an animal because of the fire, they should call 720-733-6972.


The displaced animal center at the fairgrounds has become a maternity ward of sorts. Yesterday, twin goats named Sparky and Ashley were born. Today, a miniature horse foaled. Yet another goat is expected to give birth to triplets tomorrow.




--

Nightly Public Fire Update Meetings


Public meetings will be held to answer questions about the fire, evacuations, and road closures as indicated below. Forest Service and Law Enforcement officials will be present.

North Area meetings will be held at:

Conifer High School - Informal meeting with Forest Service Rangers, Tuesday, 6/18/02, 7pm

Castle Rock Middle School - Informal meeting with Forest Service Rangers, Tuesday, 6/18/02, 7pm

Castle Rock Middle School - Formal Public Meeting, 7pm, Wednesday, 6/19/02.

South Area meetings will be held each day:

Lake George Elementary School at 5pm.

Woodland Park High School at 2pm and 7:30pm.

Little Chapel in Divide at 7pm


--

Updated Needs from Fire Departments

As of 11 a.m. 6/18/02, departments in the Hayman fire area report they need the following items:

80 dinners for North Fork VFD.
250 slices EACH of ham, roast beef, chedder, and Monteray Jack cheese for Trumball VFD
Coleman propane bottles for lanterns and stoves
15 amp, 20 amp, and 30 amp fuses
25 foot and 50 foot heavy duty extension cords

heavy, firefighter weight wool socks
skivvies! (both male and female, all sizes)

Important Note: We will deliver the meat and cheese by 4 p.m. today, and can arrange for meals to be delivered through blockades. Please phone MRC first to assure that we still need these items before delivering them to MRC.

Assistance Available for Fire Evacuees and Victims:

St. Laurence Episcopal Church, through their state-wide diocese, is making funds available for evacuees through MRC. Additionally, funds donated by Sun Microsystems personnel (through the awesome efforts of people on Pinecam.com chat room) to Salvation Army are available for emergency assistance to people who lose their homes in the fire. Please contact MRC for information regarding victim assistance, including information about other sources of assistance for firefighters and victims.

Notice: We do not need any more donations of water or Gatorade.

Thank you for your support!

Janet Shown
Mountain Resource Center


--

Douglas County Standby Evacuation Update


RELEASE DATE: 06/18/02

WHAT: Hayman Fire, Evacuation "Stand by Alert" for Southern Douglas County


NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO - Due to yesterdays rapid southern fire expansion, residents living in the below areas, who are already on a "Stand by" evacuation status, are being alerted that a strong possibility exists that mandatory evacuations may occur as early as this afternoon, Tuesday, 06/18/02. Those areas that are advised to prepare for possible mandatory evacuation include:


Areas west of Hwy. 105, bounded by the current mandatory evacuation area of the Pike National Forest boundary on the west, Tomah Road on the north, and the El Paso County line on the south, including:


* Perry Park

* Indian Head

· Wauconoa Lakes

· Echo Hills

· Echo Village

· Douglas Park

· Hidden Valley

· Valley Park

· Vaux Ranchette

· Mountain Ranch

· Woodmoor Mountain subdivision

· Split Acres

* Emily Griffith Youth Center


This "Stand by alert" is announced because fire officials expect the fire to advance rapidly today, with winds blowing north/northeast, creating the opportunity for the fire to spread very quickly. Residents affected by this advisory are encouraged to be ready to evacuate immediately, should a mandatory evacuation be ordered. Deputies will be patrolling to provide security in those areas.


If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, emergency shelters will be activated at:


* Lewis Palmer High School

1300 W. Higby Rd.

Monument, CO


* Castle Rock Middle School

2575 Meadows Blvd.

Castle Rock, CO 80104


If an actual evacuation order is given, residents will be contacted at their homes by the Emergency Preparedness Network (E.P.N.) telephone notification system, and by deputies in their neighborhoods. Because many affected residents may be at work during a possible evacuation order period, residents should also monitor local radio and television media. In addition, information will be available on our web site at www.douglas.co.us/sheriff, and by calling our recorded information line at 303-660-7520.


Safety Note: Qwest customers who utilize certain call discriminating devices or privacy features will likely not receive information provided through the EPN system until these features or devices are disabled. This includes call-answering systems that require a caller to dial a number or menu after the call is answered by the answering system. Customers using these types of devices or services should take the following simple steps if they are using these types of devices or services and want the EPN information:


* Disable privacy features such as Caller ID With Privacy + (Caller ID Deluxe), Security Screen, Call Curfew with Do Not Disturb, and solicitor blocking service by dialing *78. After dialing they will be taken through a series of user-friendly prompts. Additionally, customer can disable these services remotely by calling 1-888-303-8052 and following the prompts.

* To deactivate Selective Call Acceptance, dial *84. TO reactivate the feature, they can dial *64.

* For more information, customers can call 1-800-573-1311.

* Customers using call discriminating devices such as a "telezapper" type device should temporarily discontinue use.


Residents in possible evacuation areas are encouraged to discontinue use of these devices or services until the fire danger has subsided. Answering machines and regular voice messaging systems that do not require the dialing of a secondary number or menu to direct calls, should receive EPN messages without problems. Customers who have requested their phone numbers be listed on the Colorado solicitor "do not call list" should also receive the EPN information without problems.


In making evacuation arrangements, important items residents may wish to consider include: prescription medications, important papers, eyeglasses, cash and credit cards, baby supplies, extra clothing, food, water, and a battery-operated radio for information.


Residents in the above alerted areas are encouraged to consider the issue of large animal and pet evacuation. Residents are encourage to be prepared and make necessary arrangements as soon as possible, should a mandatory evacuation be ordered. Those residents needing assistance with large animal transportation or evacuation can call 720-733-6972, after 7:00 a.m.




--

smoke from Hayman fire over downtown Denver TuesdaySmoke from Hayman Fire over downtown Denver Tuesday morning. Looking north, up Lincoln, from Channel 7 at Speer.



--

Today's Story Links


The Denver Channel - Heat Is On: More Evacuations Expected

Text of Red Flag Warning

Denver Post.com - Hayman flares, jumps lines

Springs Gazette: Woodland Park on standby as more evacuate

Denver Post.com - Forest job sustained Barton as marriage faltered, kin say

Rocky Mountain News: Federal Investigators Don't Believe Barton's Story

(to add to the confusion about the Government's potential liability in this, since a governtment employee started the fire, The Denver Post Headline is: "Government May Be Liable" while the Rocky Mountain News headline is: "Even if employee sparked fire, government's liability unlikely"


--

Monday, June 17

courtesy: Patti Jury

Hayman Fire Sunset From Colorado Springs


Local resident Patti Jury shot this photo Monday evening in Colorado Springs, looking NE toward Woodland Park. We apologize for the wrong photo credit earlier.

--

More evacuations to add to the list....


in Teller County..

-Temple Hills Church Camp

-Lions Camp on North Hwy 67

-Private Residences in and around Temple Hills and Lions Camp

-Manchester Creek

-Forest Service Road 357

-Red Rocks Campground and Red Rocks Forest Service Road

-All residences in the private ranch East and North of East Red Rock Camp Ground


--

Ongoing Battle to Raise Funds for Local Fire Departments On South End


Looking at Thunder ButteThe Hayman Fire is taking its toll on local volunteer fire departments. Physically, emotionally and financially, the fire is draining the reserves of volunteer fire departments in Teller, Park, and Douglas counties.

Equipment is breaking down and wearing out as firefighters continue to battle the blaze. "We have a continuous need for chain saws and accessories, including bar oil, 2 cycle oil, chaps, 2 1/2 gallon gas cans, and chains (18" and 20")," states Fire Fighter Fund Coordinator Tracie Bennitt. "The trucks are also needing oil (5W40, SAE 30 and 15W40), washer fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and of course, gasoline."

A long list of needs stated by the volunteer fire departments includes the following: soda pop, electrical and duct tape, dish soap, binoculars, gold bond powder, suspenders, bandanas, chapstick, hand lotion, NuSkin, Simple Green and spray bottles, Windex, paper towels, heavy duty bungee cords, and 39 gallon trash bags. The list also includes ziploc bags, batteries, copy paper, leather gloves, clip boards, legal pads, post it notes, pens, hazard/caution tape, WetOnes, kleenex, 6' to 30+' fiberglass ladders, coolers, beef jerky, slim jim and sausage sticks. In addition generators, a washer and dryer (Lake George Fire Dept.), paper goods (including paper plates, napkins, cups, forks, knives and spoons), plastic tubs suitable for hauling baked goods, metal garden rakes, flat head axes, long handled round point shovels, and pots and pans.

"Money coming into the account is essential for the fundraising to continue," adds Bennitt. "We're spending the money as fast as it's coming in to meet our fire department needs."

A phone call from the director of FEMA this morning confirmed that volunteer fire departments will not be funded until the Governor contacts the President to have the area declared a national catastrophe. At that time funds will be available for the fire departments, and low income loans available for businesses affected by the fire. "The Governor can't move quick enough on this in my opinion," Bennitt states. FEMA indicated that they are in place ready to go when this happens. "Even then, it could take weeks or months for that money to appear and our fire fighters need it NOW!!!!!"

Cash donations may be made at any area Vectra Bank or at Java Junction located in Woodland Park. For additional information, call 719-687-6670.

Also, local businessman Richard Roop of Bottom Line Results is raising funds to distribute to evacuated families. Each family affected can sign up on the waiting list to receive $100 cash to help with expenses from the forced evacuation. Contact Bottom Line Results at 719-687-4472 to get your name on the list or to contribute to the fund.


--

New Evacuations Ordered In Teller County


looking southwest toward Little Scraggy (foreground) Wigwam (in distance)The Hayman Fire flared up Monday afternoon, sending new smoke plumes into the area, and forcing the evacuation of a number of areas in Teller County. (The picture shows Little Scraggy, Hwy 126 and the Wigwam drainage in the distance)

The following areas were put under mandatory evacuation, as the fire reached a trigger point several miles away: All homes along Painted Rock Road, Quinian Gulch sub-division, Ridgewood sub-division, Sky High Girl's Camp, Quaker Ridge Camp and all houses along Forest Service Road 339.


--

Jeffco Launches Wildfire Prevention Campaign


Given the extreme wildfire conditions and the disastrous fires to date, we must work to protect the "Gateway to the Rockies" this summer. The county is launching its first ever Wildfire prevention advertising campaign to remind citizens of the extreme fire danger. The county needs help from county and metro-area residents.


The "Jeffco Fire Minder" wildfire prevention campaign is based on the old Burma Shave roadside advertisements from the 1920-1960s. Six humorous red and white signs, placed in succession captivated highway travelers all over the country. In the 1930s, Burma Shave began sponsoring slogan-writing contests, which would garner 50,000 entries a year. For instance:


The blackened forest

Smolders yet

Because

He flipped

A cigarette.

Burma Shave


Slogan writers will not only help us preserve our natural resources, but county officials will recognize their efforts and prizes will be awarded.


Contest rules are:


Messages need to be about wildfire prevention
Each sign can have only 20 characters, including special characters and spaces between each word
There are five signs and a "tag" sign, "Jeffco Fire Minder"
Entries will be judged by the Jefferson County Commissioners, the Fire Safety Education Organization of Colorado, local media and a select group of staff
Humor, irony, relevance, impact and a creative touch may lead to your message being chosen

Winning signs will be placed along highways and other roadways in Jefferson County's fire prone areas during the current fire season.


Writers must enter the contest using the Jefferson Co unty Web site at http://jeffco.us. Deadline for contest entries is Monday, July 15. For more information about the advertising contest and campaign, please contact the Jefferson County Public Information Department at 303-271-8512.


--

HIGHWAY 285 FIRES


This info concerns the two fires believed to be started by a person along Highway 285. One was at 285 and N. Turkey Creek and the other at 285 and Surrey Rd.

Jefferson County has received several tips from citizens who saw the story on TV. Some of them appear to be pretty good leads. Two investigators have been assigned to the case and they're following up on the leads. Possible interviews are pending.

ELK CREEK CABIN FIRE

This info concerns a cabin fire on S. Elk Creek Road.

The fire is being called suspicious. There appears to multiple origins and it appears the fires were set intentionally. Jeffco is sending evidence to CBI for lab tests to determine if ignitable fuels were used.

Two juveniles and an adult male were arrested on charges NOT related to this fire. All three MAY be questioned about the fire. The two juveniles have been released and the man remains in custody.


--

Hwy 285 Scanner Now On The Web


Thanks for Computer Hounds and the Conifer Radio Shack (both in the Safeway shopping center), you can now hear local scanner traffic over the Internet. You'll need Winamp or RealPlayer..

Go to this URL: http://206.135.172.50:8000/ and click on LISTEN

So far, it appears to be mostly the Ham frequency supporting the firefighting effort.

Pinecam.com will have its own livestream scanner up shortly, with will include Jefferson and Park County frequencies, since the receiver is further west. We'll make an announcement when it is online.



--

Evacuation Information Upated


Current Evacuation Information


--

USFS News Release On Fire Cause


News Release
USDA Forest ServiceWashington, D.C.

Statement by Dale Bosworth
Chief, U.S. Forest Service
Regarding the Investigation of the Hayman Fire in Colorado
June 16, 2002

Terry Lynn Barton"We regret to learn that one of our employees has admitted to starting this fire. The agency is committed to battling fires across this Nation and this isolated case should in no way affect the public’s trust and confidence in our fire prevention and firefighting efforts.

I am extremely proud of the thousands of federal, state and local employees who regularly risk their lives to fight wildland fires. They have our full support and confidence in their commitment and ability to meet these challenges.

We have cooperated fully with the USDA Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney in this investigation, and will continue to cooperate in any way needed."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman
Regarding the Investigation of the Hayman Fire in Colorado
June 16, 2002

"We are shocked and saddened that a Forest Service employee has admitted to starting the Hayman fire in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest.

Out thoughts are with the courageous firefighters battling fires across the west, as well as with those families with have lost their homes or whose homes are threatened because of the fires.

I commend the Forest Service and the USDA Office of Inspector General for their quick and through work in this investigation. I pledge the full cooperation of the department to bring this case to an end and to see that justice is served."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement by
Rick Cables
Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service
Regarding the Investigation of the Hayman Fire in Colorado

June 16, 2002

"I’m Rick Cables, Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S. Forest Service. I’m in charge of a five state region with over 14 million acres here in Colorado.

First of all, let me thank our Forest Service Law Enforcement people and the USDA Office of Inspector General for doing such a professional and through job on the investigation of the cause of the Hayman Fire. They were very diligent and worked with a lot of other agencies including the four sheriff’s department here, the U.S. Attorney’s office and many individuals to bring this part of the investigation to this point.

I want to begin by saying that this is one of the hardest announcements I’ve had to make in my career.

I’m shocked, and along with a lot of other people, in a state of disbelief.

I’m saddened to say that one of our employees has admitted to starting the Hayman Fire.

The Forest Service investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have details of the investigation.

Our first and greatest concern remains with the people of this area who have lost homes and property from this fire…with those people who are still not able to return to their homes and businesses this afternoon because of the fire…and for the safety and welfare of the thousands of firefighters who are here today on the fire line. I know this must be troubling news to them, as well as to everyone involved in this tragedy.

The U.S. Forest Service is a proud agency of men and women who are dedicated to managing and protecting public lands. We all feel horrible and this. And we know and trust that the American people will continue to support us as we move forward.

It’s tough for me to find the words to express how I’m feeling right now. It’s a tragic situation that we find ourselves in today.

We will continue to fight this fire safely and aggressively and try to get people back into their homes as quickly as we can.

I’m glad that the investigation has gone so well and the source of the fire has been found.

Both the Chief of the Forest Service and the Secretary of Agriculture are deeply concerned about this matter. I have statements from each of them to release to the media."


--

Sunday, June 16

Forest Service Employee Arrested For Starting Hayman Fire


For the story, click the link below:
The Denver Channel - Forest Service Employee Arrested For Hayman Fire


--

Hayman Fire Meeting Tonight


There will be a Hayman Fire Meeting tonight at Conifer High School at 7:00pm (June 16, 2002).
Everyone is welcome to attend.


--

Good Fire Links


Bookmark this link


--

June 15 Map


Perimeter Map June 15

ColoradoFire Weather Index Page


--

Fire Dept. Info

It occurs to me that many of you are unfamiliar with the fire station locations. Here's some info:

Platte Canyon VFD is in Bailey, which had a fire last month
North Fork VFD is outside of Buffalo Creek, which is is the evacuated area and has been through many fires. North Fork is actively involved in this fire.
Trumball VFD is outside of Deckers, in the heart of this fire. Trumball VFD is actively involved in this fire.
Intercanyon VFD has stations in Deer Creek Canyon and S. Turkey Creek off of Hwy. 285, and has assisted with many fires in the mountain area recently
Elk Creek VFD has several stations in the Hwy. 285 corridor and has also assisted with many fires recently

If we have been missing any fire depts. in this area, please let us know!!

Janet


--

Update on donations from Mountain Resource Center

The Trumball and North Fork fire districts have been so grateful for the community's support during this fire. They want you all to know that they use and appreciate what you've all worked so hard to gather and distribute to them. You're not only fulfilling their needs for food and water, but for equipment and supplies that they've desperately needed. I wish we could videotape their reactions to all the donations; they truly have been deeply touched. What they MOST appreciate is that the donations have been targeted to the needs they said they have, and that there have been few donated items that they can't use. There is surplus water and food right now for most stations we've talked to, but they're storing it because they know there will be more need later this summer. Salvation Army has been feeding folks at North Fork, and the dept. was thrilled about that. That has diminished the need for the community to supply lunches and dinners, but that can change again at any time. We'll keep you posted.

The federal officials have restricted deliveries to one time a day from MRC, and may restrict that further. Donations are also being delivered to the stations from Salvation Army and some other groups. Understandably, the feds want as few people as possible behind lines for safety reasons, so the number of groups coming in may be restricted, as well. If we're unable to deliver items that have been requested right to the fire stations, they've said they're willing to drive to the blockades to pick them up.

"Soozee" and "Ricardo" and many folks from Pinecam.com have been working tirelessly with MRC to get items and financial resources donated and delivered to the stations, and we are coordinating communication and delivery efforts to assure that the fire depts. see that the community is united in its effort to support them. It is astounding what folks from Pinecam.com have accomplished. You are true heroes!!

The fire stations report that they need only a few items now, including:

12 cots with mattresses. Please phone MRC to discuss this before donating them. They need ones that are easily moved and stored.

Long-term electricical help (an electrician or electrical contractor) for a new addition that North Fork is planning

A one ton truck for North Fork (a loaner truck was also supposed to be delivered Saturday, but had not been delivered by 5:30 p.m. Can anyone help?)

3" fire hose

Chlorox

Financial donations (this is the biggest need; Trumball, especially, has meager equipment and is in dire need of certain items that only financial donations can help)

Please phone MRC first about any of these items. We have specific information about them which we'll share with you.

Also, MRC is able to assist victims of the fire who have incurred financial or material problems. Generous donations from Sun Microsystems to the Salvation Army for a collaborative program with MRC can provide direct relief to families who have lost their home, and other donations are currently available for people who have evacuated and are in need.

Notice: Trumball Volunteer Fire Dept. is not a Fire District, so they have no tax base and no mill levy to rely on. They are a tiny station with few financial resources, and they have fought the last three major fires in this area with equipment that is in need of repair or replacement. They prevent dozens (hundreds??) of fires every summer by assuring that campfires are put out and that laws are followed. It is our understanding that the captain and his wife saved 5 homes the other day when the fire was blowing up badly, at great risk to their own well-being. They remained in Trumball when it was evacuated because they could not leave their community's homes undefended. They have had fire come as close as a few hundred yards from their station, and when Soozee and Ricardo arrived with donations the other day, Trumbal VFD had no electricity and all their food had spoiled. They continued to do an amazing job to save lives, homes, and the forests (and hence, the wildlife), all on a tiny budget. It will cost them $25,000 to become a fire district. They are pursuing this. If you would like to help in this effort, (and support the work that keeps the forests we all love green!), you can designate that on any financial donations you make. We are happy to deliver checks made out to Trumball Volunteer Fire Dept. (or to any particular fire dept.), or you may mail donations directly to the fire department of your choice. You're welcome to phone us for addresses and contact names.

MRC has set up separate accounts for Hayman fire victims and firefighters, and any money which is designated for either of those funds will go directly to the victims or the firefighters. Please be sure to designate your preference on any checks that you send. We are also happy to give you contact information about other local and federal sources who are assisting the firefighters and victims.

We have photos of the fire, including some homes that are still standing, firefighters using the supplies the community has donated, and the effects of the fire. We will get these posted on the web for everyone to see as soon as possible.

Thank you from MRC and the firefighters!!

Janet Shown


--