Pinecam Blog Moving

The Pinecam Blog is moving to a new location so that we can have additonal functionality to the posts.

To get to the new blog, CLICK HERE: New PineBlog. The new URL is:
http://pinecam.com/pineblog/

(Blog, by the way is an Internet term that refers to Web Logs)
posted by Pinecamguy at 4:23 PM

Antero Reservoir Draining Under Way

The Denver Water Board began draining Antero Reservoir this morning, in an effort to re-fill Cheesman Reservoir further downstream.

Cheesman, in the middle of the Hayman Fire area, has been a low capacity as a result of the continuing drought and demands from Denver Water Users.

Denver Water Board officials feared runoff from the Hayman Fire would be too much for the partially-filled reservoir.

Antero is being drained at the rate of 299 cubic feet per second.

It will take two weeks to drain Antero to half capaicity. At that point, Division of Wildlife employees will move in and attempt to net and save fish in the reservoir, moving them to other reservoirs.
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:59 AM

HOMEOWNERS IN WILDFIRE IMPACTED AREAS ARE AT HIGHER RISK FOR FLOOD & MANY HAVE NO INSURANCE COVERAGE

July 23, 2002 -Now that wildfires have left behind thousands of acres of charred, barren land, the next major concerns for Colorado homeowners in those burned out areas are flooding and mudslides. Residents in these areas need to be aware that standard

homeowners and renters insurance policies don't cover flooding or damage resulting from mudslides. Since mountain communities are less likely to be in a flood plain, homeowners and renters may not have considered separate flood coverage in the past or even been

aware of the need to purchase a special flood policy. The good news is that residents not located in a flood plain are eligible for a Preferred Cost Policy that has the same coverages as a flood policy, but is less expensive.

Flood insurance can be purchased through your insurance agent or company representative, but must be in place 30 days in advance of the flood. So if you are concerned about the heightened risk, now is the time to check into flood insurance. "It's

estimated that 30% of flood claims are filed in low risk areas," says Carole Walker, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. "So, all homeowners need to at least consider purchasing additional flood coverage." Flood insurance

is funded federally through the National Flood Insurance Program and your community must participate for you to be eligible.

BEFORE THE FLOOD

-- Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby bodies of water. If your home is not on high ground, know where high ground is and how to get there quickly.

--Keep apprised of weather conditions both where you are and upstream. Distant rain or snowmelt can cause a raging torrent headed in your direction in minutes.

--Be aware of flood watches and warnings. If a flood watch or warning has been issued, move your family (and belongings, if there is time) to high ground. In some cases, flood insurance will reimburse the costs you incur for moving and temporarily storing the contents of your home.

--Remember: Your homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damage. If you decide to buy a flood insurance policy, which is the only type of policy that covers flood damage, consider insuring your home for 100 percent of replacement cost and buying insurance to cover the contents of your home, as well as the dwelling.

DURING THE FLOOD

-- Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot if the water is above your knees.

-- Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If the vehicle stalls, you and the vehicle may be swept away.

-- Abandon a stalled vehicle immediately.

-- Avoid traveling at night, when flood dangers are more difficult to recognize.

AFTER THE FLOOD

-- Contact your insurance professional immediately.

-- Stay away from disaster areas so you don't impede rescue efforts and other emergency operations.

-- Drink only boiled water, and discard any fresh food that may have been contaminated by floodwaters.

(Info from Rocky Mountain Insurance Information)
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:40 AM

Conifer Blood Drive this Friday at Conifer Medical Center

Conifer Medical Center-26659 Pleasant Park Road
Friday, July 26, 2002
2:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Bonfils Mobile Coach

Contact Laura James at 303-674-0605 for more info or to schedule an appointment.
posted by Jim Intriglia at 10:08 AM

Flying cigarettes worry residents near Pike forest

Paul Cohen and his 5-year-old son, Davis, collected a hefty pile of cigarette butts after Cohen noticed many of them on the streets he jogs near his Old Stage home. They are concerned mixing the drought and cigarette butts is a recipe for more fires:
gazette.com
posted by Pinecamguy at 11:22 AM

Candle Fires Are A Real Problem In Boulder, Apparently...

Next Week, Candle Safety Classes

Boulder Fire Department responds to candle fire at residence

Boulder firefighters extinguished an apartment fire in the 2300 block of 14th Street today, caused by a candle left burning unattended.

The candle had been burning on a windowsill, after the occupant left her garden-level apartment. The flame from the candle melted the plastic blinds in the window, causing a large amount of smoke. Passersby saw the smoke and reported the fire at 2:35 p.m. The smoke alarm inside the apartment also sounded, although no one was inside the apartment at the time. The fire was contained to the living room/kitchen area.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw smoke coming from the window. The fire was extinguished within five minutes of their arrival. 2324 14th St., where the fire occurred, is a house remodeled into several apartments. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $500.

Fire Safety Educator Sherry Kenyon said, "Candles cause too many fires in Boulder." She advised, "Always double-check your candles! Make sure you have not left a candle burning before you leave a room. Candles are deceptive because people don't think of them as a fire."

The Fire Department begins an education campaign regarding candle safety next week targeted to property owners and managers for their tenants.

--Actual Boulder Press Release Sent Out Friday AFternoon
posted by Pinecamguy at 6:28 PM

Hayman Fire Declared Controlled

LAKE GEORGE…After firefighters from local, state and federal agencies from around the country fought the Hayman wildfire for nearly six weeks, the fire was finally declared “controlled” last night, Thursday, at 6 p.m.

The Hayman Fire, which started on June 8, gained national attention as the largest wildfire ever to occur in Colorado. Before it was declared contained on July 2, it had consumed 137,760 acres and destroyed 133 residences and 467 other structures.

In the days since, firefighters have worked vigorously to gain control of the interior of the fire, conduct mop-up activities and to ensure the fire’s perimeter remained secure. Concurrently, U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team personnel and fire teams worked quickly to evaluate and conduct emergency treatment of the burned areas to reduce the potential for damaging erosion, heavy sedimentation of watersheds and the potential for flash flooding.

More than 300 firefighters remain at the fire site to continue mop-up activities on the fire’s perimeter within the Lost Creek Wilderness and to conduct burned area rehabilitation efforts. Currently, emergency rehabilitation has been completed on more than 4,000 acres of the burned area, with the focus of this continuing work to be on ground-based scarification and seeding.

The fire area will continue to be monitored through aerial reconnaissance, while mop-up and rehabilitation activities continue. A Type II Incident Management Team from Florida will formally assume control of the mop-up and rehabilitation activities tomorrow (Saturday), relieving the Southern Area Type II Incident Management Blue Team that has worked the past three weeks to finally bring the fire under control.

Emergency rehabilitation efforts are expected to continue into September; however, longer-term rehabilitation and restoration efforts of both the burned and other areas impacted by the fire are expected to continue for three or more years.

On June 10, as a result of the extreme fire danger conditions and the intensity of the Hayman Fire, the entire Pike National Forest was closed to all recreational and other uses. Today (Friday), the forest was re-opened, except for areas either burned or directly threatened by the potential for flash flooding. Both the Pike and San Isabel National Forests remain under Stage II Fire Restrictions as a result of the continuing fire danger posed by the area’s extremely dry conditions.
posted by Pinecamguy at 5:19 PM

Slide Show Of Air Tanker Crash

The Channel 4 Web site has a slide show of the plane as it went down. WARNING: Do not view if you are easily disturbed.
NEWS4Colorado.Web Site

NOTE: The station apparently pulled the slide show from its Web site Friday afternoon for unknown reasons.

posted by Pinecamguy at 1:10 PM

Airtanker Crashes Fighting Big Elk Fire

Wayne Harrison and Kim Ngan Nguyen, Staff Writers
Updated: 7:33 p.m. MDT July 18, 2002

PINEWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. -- One of the three air tankers that was battling the Big Elk Fire has crashed.

The plane (pictured, left) went down about 6:30 p.m. near the Lyon Gulch trailhead, close to Highway 36, north of Lyons and north of the fire, 7NEWS reported.

According to eyewitnesses at the scene, both of the wings on the plane folded up and broke off and then the fuselage broke in half and crashed into the ground.

The Denver Channel - More Details

Dramatic photo of plane breaking up in mid-air

Previous picture of actual plane that crashed.
posted by Pinecamguy at 7:38 PM

Big Elk Fire Map - Day Two

posted by Pinecamguy at 11:53 AM

Pike National Forest To Re-Open

Unburned areas of the Pike National Forest are reopening Friday morning, more than a month after the 1-million-acre forest was closed because of the Hayman fire.
"That's awesome," said Luke Bever of fishing outfitter Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen. "We take half our clients to the South Platte. That's our bread and butter for sure."

Surrounding Bureau of Land Management land in Park, Teller, El Paso, Douglas and Jefferson counties also is reopening. The forest and BLM land will officially reopen at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Open fires are still prohibited.

The 138,000-acre Hayman burn area remains closed out of concern for flash flooding. But hiking, biking, picnicking and camping in the rest of the forest are allowed unless posted as closed, said Terry McCann, U.S. Forest Service spokesman.

River corridors along the north and south forks of the South Platte River will be open for day use only from sunrise to sunset, as in the past, said McCann. Camping areas along the river will be closed, but camping areas in unburned areas will be open.

"The public has shown outstanding patience and compliance to the closure," said Roy Masinton, a BLM manager, in a written statement. "We understand the inconvenience and economic hardship that it caused and hope that with easing the fire restrictions, our public will continue to be vigilant with fire safety."

Some fee campgrounds and picnic areas may not be open immediately as concessionaires rehire employees and check water supplies. The national reservation system for fee campsites in the Pike also remains closed. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prohibited in the forest are camp fires and charcoal grills; smoking; fireworks and other explosives; welding or use of a torch with an open flame; chain saws, except between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m; and entering burned or other restricted areas.

Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices are allowed.

People living in the forest are concerned about the reopening. But McCann said, "While fire danger remains very high, the extreme fire conditions that existed last month have lessened. Humidity has increased, and spot rain showers and less severe wind conditions have made conditions somewhat more favorable."

___=

On the Net:

Pike National Forest

What is allowed?

Hiking, biking, picnicking, travel on roads and trails, and other recreational uses of the forest and BLM lands are reinstated unless specifically prohibited;
River corridors along the north and south forks of the South Platte River will be open for day use only, from sunrise to sunset, as they have been in the past. Camping areas along the river, however, will be closed;

All other camping areas in unburned areas of the forest will be open for use unless specifically indicated as closed or restricted. Fee area campgrounds will be on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some fee areas of the forest may not be open immediately while concessionaires complete necessary tasks to re-open each specific facility. Further, the reservation system for Pike National Forest facilities, which was suspended in conjunction with the forest’s closure, remains suspended for the time-being.

While fire in the forest is prohibited, individuals are permitted to use petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices providing such devices meet the underwriter’s specifications for safety;

Thru-travel on county, state and municipal roadways is permitted, though access to abutting closed forest areas is prohibited. Persons who reside in the restricted area continue to be allowed to travel to their residences.

Those individuals with permits specifically authorizing special needs access to the restricted areas or to perform acts normally prohibited by the fire restriction order are also exempt from those provisions of the orders;

Operation of a chainsaw in Pike National Forest is allowed between the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. For BLM restrictions which differ, check with BLM at 719-269-8500.

What is prohibited? The combined orders prohibit:

Going into or being on burned areas or in other areas designated as being restricted as a result of impacts of the Hayman or other fires;
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, coal or wood burning;

Smoking in the Pike National Forest, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. For BLM smoking restrictions, contact 719-269-8500;
Using an explosive;

Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame;

Operation of a chainsaw in Pike National Forest is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following day. For BLM restrictions which differ, contact 719-269-8500

posted by Pinecamguy at 8:34 AM

Big Elk Fire Map

posted by Pinecamguy at 9:06 PM

Wildfire Breaks Out Near Pinewood Springs

Fire now estimated at 200-300 acres between Estes Park and Lyons.
The Denver Channel Story
posted by Pinecamguy at 4:23 PM

OWENS SIGNS BILL TOUGHENING WILDFIRE LAWS; SAYS COLORADO "WILL NOT TOLERATE RECKLESSNESS"

(MONTROSE) - Governor Bill Owens today signed into law legislation toughening the penalties for violating fire bans and setting wildfires.

House Bill 1006, sponsored by Rep. Kay Alexander and Sen Norma Anderson, was passed during last week's special session of the state legislature.

"We are sending a clear message that Coloradans will not tolerate reckless behavior when the fire danger is extreme," Owens said. The Governor signed the bill in Montrose during a community meeting Wednesday morning.

The bill increases the penalty for violating a fire ban from a petty offense to a class 2 misdemeanor with a mandatory fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. The bill also creates a new crime for intentionally setting a wildfire that threatens life or property, making it a class 3 felony. In addition, the bill increases the penalty for "recklessly" starting a wildfire during a fire ban to a class 6 felony.

posted by Pinecamguy at 11:41 AM

IRS ANNOUNCES RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF COLORADO WILDFIRES

DENVER - The Internal Revenue Service announced special tax relief for Colorado residents affected by the wildfires that began April 23, 2002.

For the purposes of this tax relief, affected taxpayers include individuals and businesses located in one of the 32 zip codes listed below, and those whose tax records are located there. Relief workers, firefighters and taxpayers outside these 32 zip codes who are significantly impacted by the fires also qualify for this relief. When filing amended tax returns or taking advantage of the additional time to file, taxpayers should mark their tax returns in red ink with "Disaster Relief - Colorado Fires" at the top of their tax forms.

Tax relief includes giving affected taxpayers the option of claiming disaster-related casualty losses on either their 2001 or 2002 federal income tax returns. Individuals may deduct personal property losses that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements, but must first subtract $100 for each casualty and then subtract ten percent of their adjusted gross income from their total casualty losses for the year. For more details, see IRS Publication 547, "Casualties, Disasters and Thefts."

In addition, affected taxpayers are granted the following relief:

Ø Affected taxpayers with tax returns originally due between April 23 and October 15, 2002, will have until October 15, 2002, to file without penalty. They may obtain additional time to file, not to exceed six months from the original due date, by filing an extension request by October 15, 2002.

Ø Affected taxpayers who requested an extension of time to file their 2001 individual income tax return to August 15, 2002, will have until October 15, 2002, to file without making an additional request. Fiscal year corporations that have obtained an automatic six-month extension of time to file with the extended due date falling between April 23 and October 15, 2002, will not be eligible for any further extensions under section 6081 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Ø The time for making deposits of employment and excise taxes is not extended. However, the IRS will consider requests for abatement of the failure to deposit penalty based on reasonable cause for deposits due between April 23, 2002, and October 15, 2002, on a case-by-case basis.

Ø Affected taxpayers will not owe interest or failure to pay penalties for overdue amounts from April 23, 2002 to October 15, 2002.

Ø Automatic extensions do not apply to Form 5500 series returns (certain pension returns) or to information returns.

Taxpayers who need copies of previously filed tax returns in order to apply for benefits or to file amended returns claiming casualty losses can have their requests expedited and will not be charged the usual photocopying fees. They should complete Form 4506, "Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form," label the top margin of the form, "Disaster Relief -- Colorado Fires," and submit it to the IRS.

Affected taxpayers in the disaster area can get tax information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sites. For locations and hours, contact FEMA at 800-621-3362; this line is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hearing- or speech-impaired taxpayers can call 800-462-7585.

General IRS help is available at 800-829-1040. IRS forms and publications can be ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM or downloaded from the IRS web site at www.irs.gov.

32 Colorado ZIP Codes with Significant Impact from Fires

(Taxpayers Granted Automatic Relief)

County Name ZIP Codes
Custer 81252, 81253

Douglas 80135

El Paso 80819, 80809

Garfield 81601, 81602, 81647

Gunnison 81230, 81231

Jefferson 80425, 80433, 80470

La Plata 81301, 81302, 81326, 81329

Las Animas 81091, 81082

Mesa 81523

Park 80820, 80827

Pitkin 81623

Rio Blanco 81641

Rio Grande 81132, 81137, 81154

San Miguel 81423

Saguache 81125

Teller 80814, 80816, 80863
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:35 AM

Hayman Fire Update

Status: 137,760 acres
Percent contained: 100%
Containment Date: July 2
Structures Lost: 600 (133 residences)
Personnel: 327 personnel, including 7 20-person firefighting crews.
Aircraft: 4 helicopters (I Type-1; 1 Type-2; and Type-3)
Other Resources: 2 engines, 4 water tenders, 1 evacuator, and a skidster

Mop-up continues on the perimeter within the Lost Creek Wilderness. Most divisions will have aerial reconnaissance today, 1,066 acres of burned area rehabilitation has been completed. Efforts continue with burned area rehabilitation, with focus on ground-based scarification and seeding.

Because soils in fire-scarred areas lack vegetation to help prevent erosion, fire crews and local residents need to remain on heightened alert for dangerous conditions. Some evacuations may be necessary in flood-prone areas.

Until there is a significant duration of rain, residents may see smoke and fire as unburned islands of fuel continue to burnout within the fire area. Firefighters will continue monitoring the area.
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:31 AM

Antero Reservoir To Be Drained?

Antero Reservoir could be the next victim of the state's continuing drought. Officials said it could be drained to move water to Cheesman Reservoir hit by the Hayman Fire.

The Denver Channel - State's Best Fishing Spot Could Be Drained
posted by Pinecamguy at 9:34 AM

Forest closes trails and campground due to fires

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (July 15, 2002) - Due to recent fires on the White River National Forest, Forest Supervisor Martha Ketelle issued two new orders closing trails and a campground.

The Lost Creek fire, 40 miles southwest of Steamboat, has resulted in the following trail closures:

East Williams Trail, #1119

Baldy Mountain Trail # 1200

Black Mountain Trail #1117

West Fork Trail #1116

Transfer Trail #1173

Picket Pin Trail, including the Lily Pond Loop, #1811

Ripple Creek Trail #1803

The decision to close these trails was made jointly with the Routt National Forest. The fire is burning in the Flattop Wilderness Area that is on both the Routt and White River National Forests. Extreme fire behavior and rapid rates of spread are present. The Forest Service is working with outfitters to remove camps in the Flattop Wilderness Area.

Meanwhile, east of the Spring Creek fire, a new fire known as the East Meadow Creek fire has resulted in closing of the Meadow Lake campground.

People visiting public lands in Colorado are encouraged to check current fire conditions. "The website is becoming our best tool to provide updated information," noted spokesperson Sue Froeschle. "All federal agencies are posting information to the website wildfires.nwcg.gov."

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posted by Pinecamguy at 2:22 PM

ATTORNEY GENERAL TAKES ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST 23 MORE TELEMARKETING COMPANIES

Denver-Attorney General Ken Salazar released information today on his office's continuing enforcement of the Colorado No-Call law. The new law became effective July 1.

"While most businesses are doing their best to comply with the new law, unsolicited calls and faxes are still being made to consumers who placed their numbers on the No-Call list. In response, my office has now issued a total of 30 cease-and-desist notices since July 1, to 21 out-of-state businesses and 9 Colorado businesses," Attorney General Salazar said.

A listing of the 23 telemarketer entities receiving cease-and-desist notices last week is attached.

The cease-and-desist notices advise each of the businesses that several complaints were made by Colorado residents against them for making calls or faxes in possible violation of the No-Call law. Attorney General Salazar's consumer protection office continues to review the complaints to determine which companies may be engaged in a pattern of violations to warrant State enforcement actions.

A total of 3153 consumer complaints were received by the No-Call program through July 12. The most complained about telemarketers have been those soliciting the sale of the following goods and services:

1) Consumer loans-686 complaints

2) Travel/timeshares-170 complaints

3) Home improvement-167 complaints

4) Credit card/credit card protection-165 complaints

5) Insurance-95 complaints

6) Bank services-88 complaints

7) Magazines/publications-81 complaints

8) Securities/investments-62 complaints

The vast majority of non-compliant businesses contacted by the Attorney General's office have indicated an intent to comply immediately with the new No-Call law. Lack of information about the law and technical difficulties in conforming their telephone calling lists with the official No-Call list are often cited as the reasons for non-compliance.

There are 707,202 numbers registered on the first quarterly No-Call list. An additional 112,100 telephone numbers have been registered since June 1. The No-Call law restrictions will not apply to the new registrants and any additional registration until November 1. According to the Public Utilities Commission, there are approximately 2 million residential telephone numbers in Colorado. There are now 1224 commercial telemarketing entities registered with the PUC vendor, e-InfoData.com, Inc.

Under the No-Call law, a state enforcement action may be brought against commercial telemarketers for three or more violations in a month. Citizens may, however, bring private lawsuits in small claims court for single violations of the law. Consumers may recover a minimum of $500 for a violation.

Consumers may file complaints about possible violations of the No-Call law by either calling toll free 1-888-600-5688, 1-888-249-9097 or by going on-line at www.coloradonocall.com.

Consumers are urged to try to record the date and time of any alleged unlawful calls, the business name, address, and telephone number, and type of goods or services offered for complaint purposes in order to properly pursue private enforcement actions or enable state enforcement actions.

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posted by Pinecamguy at 1:24 PM