Regional Wildfire News
Weber Fire Update - July 6, 2012 - 7:00amFinal Weber Fire Update
The current Type 3 incident management organization will transition command of the Weber Fire back to the Tres Rios Field Office on Saturday, July 7. A majority of the firefighters will return to their home unit or will report to other fires on Friday, July 6.
About one-tenth of an inch of precipitation on Wednesday night helped to further cool the few remaining hot spots inside the fire line. The majority of fire operations will be completed by the end of today's shift, including fire line rehabilitation. Firefighters continue to patrol for evidence of existing heat, although fire activity has been very minimal.
Agency-established standards require mop-up of at least 150 feet inside the line in the vicinity of structures and at least 75 feet elsewhere along the perimeter. These standards are expected to be met today. However, residents and visitors are reminded that smoke will continue to be visible inside the burn area for a while, where some isolated logs and stumps are still smoldering.
A public meeting was held Monday, July 2, to provide information to homeowners and the public about restoration and rehabilitation of lands. The BLM will continue restoration efforts on federal lands during the next several weeks. In addition, the Natural Resource Conservation District will plan additional informational sessions for private land owners. Questions regarding reforestation and restoration on private property should be directed to the Colorado State Forest Service at 970-247-5250 or NRCS at 970-565-9045, option 3.
Russ Reimers, Incident Commander of the Type 3 Incident Management Team, would like to express the Team's deep gratitude to the community and the cooperating agencies on this incident.
Regional Wildfire Update - July 5, 2012 - 9:30am
Rising humidity, lower temperatures and rain are helping firefighters cope with lightning strikes generated by recent storms in the area. Yesterday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., U.S. Forest Service and Durango Fire and Rescue crews responded to a small wildfire in Coal Canyon just west of Lightner Creek. The Coal Fire was called contained this morning at 8:16 a.m. at 0.3 acres.
Several lightning strikes on the Dolores Rim are in mop up status this morning, and Durango area crews are currently responding to the report of smoke in the San Juan National Forest in the vicinity of Wit’s End Ranch at Vallecito Reservoir.
Weber Fire Update - July 4, 2012 - 5:00pm
The Type 3 incident management team is now managing the Weber Fire, now estimated at 10,133 acres and 90% contained. The incident command post is at the public school in Mancos.
The fire received minimal precipitation yesterday on July 3rd. Firefighters completed mop-up of containment lines along the east, west and southern portions of the fire, while engine crews patrolled for smoke sightings. Hand lines continued to be reinforced. There was very little activity in those areas of the fire. The fire remains primarily in patrol status, with crews continuing to mop-up on the north and northeast perimeter at least 150 feet inside the line in the vicinity of structures and at least 75 feet elsewhere along the perimeter.
Crews are also performing various rehabilitation activities. They are removing unnecessary flagging, cleaning-up equipment drop points, rehabilitating unnecessary control lines, and installing water control structures, such as water bars, to reduce erosion potential. Smoke will continue to be visible well inside the lines, where some heat remains. Generally, these are isolated spots, like smoldering stumps and logs.
One 20-person hand crew and five engines remain assigned to the Weber Fire. Two helicopters remain staged at the Cortez Airport. Minimal fire activity is expected on the east, west and southern areas of the fire. On the north end, there is some potential for flare up of unburned fuels within the interior of the fire (not near the line).
Weber Fire Update - July 2, 2012 - 7:00pm
The Weber Fire is now 85 percent contained and has burned 10,133 acres.
The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C transferred command of the Weber Fire to a Type 3 organization at 6pm on Monday with Russ Reimers as the Incident Commander.
Patrol, mop up and rehabilitation operations are continuing with two helicopters available to assist hand crews. Evacuated homeowners were allowed to return home, and smoke is not as readily visible.
On Tuesday, July 3, the Incident Command Post was relocated from the Montezuma County Fairgrounds to the Mancos High School.
Weber Fire Update - July 1, 2012, 7:30pm
Weber Fire Moves into Mop-up Stage
Regional Fires Update - July 1, 2012 7:00pm
Lightner Fire: The fire is burning on BLM and State lands 3.5 miles west of Durango. Estimated at 90 acres and 80% containment. Only a few interior smokes were observed today. One 20-person crew and one water tender are mopping up in from perimeter. It will probably be several more days before full containment is reached. Some light smoke coming from interior. Residents may use County Road 208 but are asked to drive slowly and watch for fire traffic. Updates and photos are posted at www.inciweb.org.
Weber Fire Update - June 30, 2012, 8:00pm
Weber Fire Burnout Operations Successfully Completed
Regional Fires Update - June 30, 2012 7:00pm
Escarpment Fire: Burning on Ute Mountain Ute lands south of Cortez on the northern flank of Mesa Verde. Fire is estimated at 50 acres and crews are working on containment and mop-up.
Weber Fire Update - June 30, 2012, 11:00am
The Weber Fire is now at 9,681 acres and 65 percent contained.
Weber Fire Update - June 29th, 2012 - 12:30pm
Active Day Expected at the Weber Fire
The blanket of cooler, more humid air that has dampened activity at the Weber Fire for the last three days has lifted. Fuels are drying, which resulted in an increase in fire activity overnight. The fire was actively burning on the slopes below the communication site on the north end of the fire. Overnight, firefighters monitored fire activity while they continued to prepare for burnout operations.
The fire acreage held steady yesterday at 9,279 acres, with 45 percent containment.
If weather conditions are favorable, firefighters will conduct a large-scale burnout operation on the north end of the fire, starting this afternoon. Incident Commander Joe Lowe asserts, "We need to fight this fire on our own terms." The goal is to clean up fuels between the indirect lines low on the slopes and the areas where the fire is currently burning in steep, broken terrain. Eliminating this fuel will be critical to stopping the Weber Fire from spreading further to the north, threatening Highway 160.
In preparation for burnout, indirect containment lines have been established and hoses have been laid along them. Fire meteorologists will be monitoring the weather to make sure conditions are appropriate for a successful burnout operation. During burnout, firefighters will take advantage of the drying fuels and the natural tendency of heat to rise up slopes. They will slowly ignite the fuels in a planned pattern to carry the flames toward the already-burned areas. Additional firefighters will be "holding" the lines, watching for any embers that cross the lines and extinguishing them.
These burnout operations are expected to generate large amounts of smoke, visible from Highway 160 and local communities. The smoke is expected to blow to the east.
If the burnout goes as planned today, fire managers hope to do another burnout tomorrow on the south end of the fire, near the junction of Weber Canyon and East Canyon. This is the last large area of fuel near the fire perimeter. Burning this area will make the Weber Fire much less likely to escape from the lines, bringing the fire much closer to full containment. Preparations for this burnout continue today.
For road closures and evacuation information, please contact the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office at (970) 564-4999 or (970) 564-4996.
The next community meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Mancos High School Performing Arts Auditorium.
Lightner Fire - June 29, 2012 7:00pm
Due to rugged terrain and high temperatures, firefighters were unable to get the Lightner Fire fully contained today. The 90-acre fire is estimated to be 75% contained. The fire will be turned over to a Type 4 Incident Commander on Saturday. One 20-person crew, one tactical water tender, and one safety officer will continue working on strengthening the containment line and extinguishing hot spots. Updates and photos can be found www.inciweb.org. Non-residents are asked not to use County Road 208 due to the fire traffic on the road. The pre-evacuation notice was lifted Thursday evening at 8:00 PM.
Weber Fire Update--Authorities ID Suspect
Regarding the Weber Canyon fire near Mancos Colorado, a joint investigation with the Bureau of Land Management Office of Law Enforcement and The Montezuma County Sheriff's Office have developed a potential suspect in the case.
The investigation has revealed a juvenile as a person of interest.
The investigation is ongoing at this time and no further information available. As the case evolves, further information will be made available that will not jeopardize the case.
Lightner Fire Update - June 29th, 8:00am
An additional two 20-person crews were on scene yesterday to help with building fire line on the Lightner Fire, bringing the total number of personnel to 90. The fire did become more active mid-afternoon and increased an additional five acres in size to 85 acres. The helicopter assisted firefighters throughout the day on Thursday with water drops as needed.Containment was estimated at 40%.
Non-residents are asked not to drive down County Road 208 due to the fire traffic on the road.
Weber Fire Update - June 28th, 2012 - 11:00am
Firefighters continue to make progress on containing the Weber Fire near Mancos, Colorado. More mop-up has been completed along burned areas on the fire perimeter, bringing the containment up to 35 percent. The acreage has been revised to 9,279 acres due to more accurate mapping. There was minimal fire growth yesterday.
With the cooler, more humid weather the last two days, firefighters have been able to work on more of the indirect containment lines. These lines are forming a "box" for the expected growth of the fire. As the fire spreads down the steep, rugged slopes and firefighters burn out the fuels on the edges of the fire, the chance of the fire spreading beyond this box is greatly decreased.
One tool being used to help create containment lines is a masticator or hydro axe. This is a rubber tired machine that operates much like a big lawnmower, which grinds up vegetation, making it less likely to burn. It is being used to cut a swath through twenty-foot tall dense vegetation west of East Canyon, creating a fuel break. Firefighters can burn out safely from this line to clean up fuels and keep the fire from spreading further down the slope.
Today's forecast is calling for a shift toward warmer, drier weather with a chance of dry lightning in the afternoon. The extended forecast is for a warming and drying trend through the weekend.
The evacuation order has been lifted for homes on the east side of County Road 41, north of the County Road G junction, affecting about 30 residences. The mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for residences south of County Road G, south of Highway 160 north of the fire, and on the east side of the fire, including the Elk Spring Ranch and Elk Stream Subdivisions.
Highway 160 and Mesa Verde National Park are open. County Road 41 is open south to County Road G. The portion of County Road 41 south of County Road G is still closed.
The next community meeting is scheduled on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Mancos High School Performing Arts Auditorium
Weber Fire Update - June 29th, 2012 - 8:00am
Firefighters continued to make good progress yesterday in preparing containment lines around the Weber Fire. The masticator worked on creating a fuel break in a critical area west of East Creek. Crews and dozers continued to clear fuels in other areas of the fire perimeter. Firefighters made progress in mopping-up, including around structures and along the northwest edge of the fire. With firefighters' hard work the containment has increased up to 45%. Last night, firefighters worked on the containment lines, mop-up, and patrol the perimeter watching for flare-ups and other potential problems.
The cooler weather and higher humidity made the fire burn with less intensity. Although the smoke has laid down we still have uncontained fire line. The potential for fire spread is still in the extreme category. With the forecast of warmer, drier weather the next few days, some of the embers smoldering in large chunks of wood or underground in tree roots are likely to flare up. More smoke is likely to be visible, and some residual patches of vegetation in the fire interior are likely to burn.
Difficult and treacherous terrain on both the northern and southern ends of the fire has not allowed firefighters to safely construct hand lines directly on the fire perimeter. The northern location is downhill from the communication site, south of Highway 160. The other is on the south end of the fire, near the junction of Weber Canyon and East Canyon. Fire personnel have been closely monitoring the downhill spread of the fire in these areas while preparing the indirect containment lines.
Highway 160 and Mesa Verde National Park are open. County Road 41 is open south to County Road G. County Road 46 and the portion of County Road 41 south of County Road G are still closed.
The next community meeting is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Mancos High School Performing Arts Auditorium.
Lightner Fire Update - June 28th, 11:00am
A light wetting rain and higher humidity helped firefighters with containment efforts on the Lightner Fire last night. The fire is now estimated at 80 acres and 40% contained. The fire line is holding well on the south and west sides (which are the largest threats to private residences). Full containment is estimated by 8:00 PM Friday.
There are currently 50 fire personnel, 2 engines, 2 water tenders, one heavy helicopter and one air attack plane on scene. One, possible two, additional 20-person crews will support the firefighting efforts this afternoon.
The pre-evacuation notice for residents north and west of the junction of County Roads 207 and 208 will remain in effect until 8:00 PM tonight.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 AM until midnight today. Lightning strikes often smolder for several days and then flare up with warm temperatures and/or high winds.
Weber Fire Update - June 29th, 2012 - 4:00pm
Firefighters are conducting a large-scale burnout operation on the north end of the Weber Fire fire today to eliminate heavy fuels in areas where the fire has been burning in steep, broken terrain, which is too rugged and dangerous for firefighters to work in directly. Eliminating this fuel is critical to stopping the Weber Fire from spreading farther to the north, threatening Highway 160. Motorists traveling Hwy 160 in that area are experiencing traffic delays.
Weber Fire Update - June 26, 2012, 7:50 a.m.
- Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C remains in command of the Weber Fire.
- Fire size is estimated at 8,930 acres, up from 8,300 last night. The fire is 10 percent contained.
- Personnel assigned to the fire is now estimated at 295
- The fire is on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Station
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect.
Evacuation advisories remain in place for Echo Basin, County Road L, County Road 44, and the south side of Mancos.
Road closures keep the area clear for incoming firefighting resources within the fire perimeter. The following road closures are in effect:
County Road G at County Road 41
County Road J at County Road 41
County Road 46 at Highway 160
Highway 160 between Cortez and Durango is open.
Conditions were calm overnight, and crews worked on burning out fuels around the AT&T and Verizon communication towers. Today, crews will continue building line, mopping up areas, and holding the fire. The plan is to prepare lines in the day and conduct burnout operations at night when the relative humidity is higher.
Today's weather is expected to be similar to yesterday's, with an increased chance of thunderstorms. There is a Red Flag Warning today from noon to 2100 hrs. The fire is most active on the north and south ends.
For further information contact the Montezuma County Sheriff's Department at 564-9999 or 564-4999.
Weber Fire Update - June 26th, 2012 - 8:00am
Weber Fire Crews Made Progress Overnight
Key Facts as of 8:00 a.m.
• Burn-out operations were successful last night around a vital communication site.
• Archeologists are working with fire personnel to ensure the protection of cultural resources.
• Fire size is estimated at 8,930 acres, with 15 percent containment. The ownership breakdown is 6,990 acres on BLM, 619 acres of state land, and 1,321 acres of private land.
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect for:
• Elk Spring Ranch Subdivision,
• Elk Stream Subdivision,
• Subdivision on County Road 41, located south and east of the Mancos Cemetery
• Subdivision located south of Highway 160 and east of County Road 41
Evacuation advisories remain in place for Echo Basin, County Road L, County Road 44, and the south side of Mancos.
Highway 160 remains open as well as Mesa Verde National Park. The following road closures are in effect:
• County Road G at County Road 41
• County Road J at County Road 41
• County Road 46 at Highway 160
These road closures keep the area clear for firefighting resources.
The San Juan National Forest, Dolores Ranger District has issued a forest closure for the area within Forest Road 316 to its terminus, then following the Montezuma County/La Plata County line Boundary west to its junction with the Mancos-Dolores/Columbine Ranger District Boundary, then south along the Mancos-Dolores/Columbine Ranger District Boundary to the San Juan National Forest Boundary and then east along the San Juan National Forest Boundary to its junction with Forest Road 316.
Last night crews were able to make good progress on the fire with the increased humidity and lower temperatures. Firefighters worked to clear and burn the fuels around a communication site on the north end of the fire to reduce the probability of the fire damaging these vital towers. Burn-out operations will continue through the next several nights. The night time hours are the most favorable to perform these operations.
Today's plan is to continue to protect and mop up around structures and construct and improve containment lines. Weather conditions will continue to be similar to yesterday's but with an increased chance of dry thunderstorms late in the day. Winds will continue to be generally out of the southwest. Fire management is preparing contingency plans as a precaution due to the predicted weather, difficult terrain, and abundant dry fuels.
The fire is on land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Office.
Weber Fire Update - June 27th, 2012 - 9:00am
The Weber Fire has so far burned 9,155 acres and is presently 30% contained.
County Road 41 has been reopened, but the evacuation orders for residents in the area are still in place. Montezuma County Sheriff's office will be conducting resident escorts into all mandatory evacuated areas between 10 am and 2 pm on Wednesday. Call 970-564-4996 or 970-564-4999 for information.
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for:
- Elk Spring Ranch Subdivision
- Elk Stream Subdivision
- Subdivision located on County Road 41, south and east of the Mancos Cemetery
- Subdivision located south of Highway 160 and east of County Road 41
- At the intersection of J9 road and Highway 160
Pre-evacuation notifications remain in effect for:
- Echo Basin
- County Road L and County Road 44
- South side of Mancos
One community meeting will be held today at the Mancos High School Performing Arts Center, 7:30 pm, to talk about the current fire status, evacuation notices, road closures and progress being made on the fire.
The Mancos Community Center satellite information center (at 130 Grand Street) will be staffed from 10:30 am until 5:30 pm today.
Today's activity will include preparation for burn out operations, mop up, improve and hold constructed lines. Burn-out operations are planned for night firefighting crews due to lower temperatures and higher relative humidity in the fire area.
Regional Fire Update - June 29th 11:00am
The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center reports that several small fires started by lightning strikes in the past few days are now contained and/or controlled.
The Escarpment Fire on Ute Mountain Ute land near Cortez is 30 percent contained at 26 acres (better mapping has revised earlier acreage estimates). Thirty firefighters are building fire line and helicopters making water drops.
Three lightning strikes in the southern HD Mountains southeast of Bayfield are under control, and a small fire on Devil Mountain west of Pagosa Springs is reported out.
A Pagosa Ranger District initial attack crew is responding this morning to a smoke report north of Pagosa Springs on the San Juan National Forest.
Lightning strikes often smolder for several days and flare up with warm temperatures and/or high winds. Report smoke on private land by calling 911; report smoke on public lands to Durango Interagency Dispatch at 970-385-1324.
Weber Fire Update - June 26, 2012, 7:40pm
Firefighters were able to make progress on the Weber Fire Tuesday, which has increased to 20% containment.
Burnout operations around critical communication towers on the north end of the fire are proving successful. Firefighters will continue prepping the southern portion of the fire perimeter in preparation to complete burnout operations over the next few nights. The rough and steep rock faces on the southern line do not allow for direct attack on the fire perimeter by ground forces.
Residents and visitors should expect to see and smell smoke over the next several days. If health issues are experienced, residents are advised to stay indoors.
Mop-up and cold-trailing will continue as the containment lines are extended. Cold-trailing is a tactic by which firefighters actually remove their gloves and put their hands on ashes to test for heat.
Deputy Incident Commander Jay Esperance reports that possible thunder storms over the next couple of days could result in increased fire behavior due to strong gusty winds and lightening. Because of the weather forecast and dry fuels within the fire, potential for continued fire growth is high.
New phone numbers for the fire information call center will be (720) 425-5018 or (720) 219-8823. Fire information officers will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
A walk-in information center has opened at the Mancos Community Center at 130 Grand in Mancos between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Anyone wanting to view updated fire perimeter maps and meet with information personnel one-to-one are encouraged to stop by and visit.
Eleven a.m. community meetings are currently cancelled, although the evening meetings at 7:30 p.m. will continue at the Mancos High School Performing Arts Center.
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect, along with road closures. All inquires relating to the evacuations should be directed to the Montezuma County Sheriff's office at (970) 564-4996 or (970) 564-4999.
Weber Fire Update - June 28th, 2012 - 9:00am
Burnout operations by firefighters were successful in the effort to contain the 9,168 acre Weber Fire with containment holding at 30 percent.
Difficult and treacherous terrain on both the northern and southern ends of the fire have not allowed firefighters to construct hand lines directly on the fire perimeter.
Firefighters continued the construction and improvement of established containment lines. Structure protection around residences and communication towers is still in place. Firefighting efforts continue to be aided by air resources, including two Type 1 and two Type 3 helicopters. Mop-up operations continue along the western flank of the fire.
Residents and visitors have been experiencing ash in the air. This is associated with the thunderstorm activity causing micro-bursts of wind in and around the fire interior.
Highway 160 and County Road 41 are open to all traffic.
A change was made to the community meeting schedule. The next community meeting is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Mancos High School Performing Arts Auditorium.
Mesa Verde Escarpment Fire Update - June 28th, 9:00am
The Escarpment Fire, burning two miles west of the Mesa Verde National Park boundary on Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation lands south of Cortez, was estimated at 50 acres on Wednesday night. Firefighters were not on the fire last night, but approximately 30 firefighters will be on scene today (Thursday).
Firefighters responded to 20 new fires on Wednesday across southwest Colorado. Many were just single trees burning after being hit by lightning, but several got larger like the Lake Nighthorse, Escarpment, and Lightner Fires.
Lightner Fire - June 27th, 7:30pm
As of 5:30 PM Wednesday evening, the Lightner Fire west of Durango was estimated at 60 acres. Retardant lines along the top and shoulders of Barnroof Mountain were holding well and the fire had not spread beyond the north side of Barnroof. A single-engine aircraft tanker and two helicopters worked the fire until about 7:30 PM. There were two 20-person crews building containment line along the lower portions of the fire but no estimate of containment is available. A light rain began falling around 7:00 and the humidity level was up to 45% which helped moderate fire behavior.
Though the immediate threat to homes has lessened greatly, Durango Fire & Rescue Authority notified residents in the area that they would remain under a pre-evacuation notice until 3:00 PM Thursday.
Weber Fire Update - June 25th, 2012, 8:10pm
Weber Fire is now 10% contained.
Key Facts as of 7:00 p.m.
· Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C, remains in command of the Weber Fire
· Fire size is estimated at 8,300 acres, with 10 percent containment.
· Personnel assigned to the fire is now estimated at 295
· The fire is on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect. For further information contact the Montezuma County Sheriff's Department at 564-9999 or 564-4999.
Evacuation advisories remain in place for Echo Basin, County Road L, County Road 44, and the south side of Mancos.
Road closures keep the area clear for incoming firefighting resources within the fire perimeter.
The following road closures are in effect:
· County Road G at County Road 41
· County Road J at County Road 41
· County Road 46 at Highway 160
Today fire activity remained high, although the winds were less than originally forecast. As a result, crews were able to achieve 10 percent containment today. The fire will be mapped tonight to determine the current acreage. Overnight, crews burned out the west perimeter of the fire. Today, in addition to protecting structures and communication sites, crews constructed, improved, and mopped-up line. Overnight, crews will continue constructing and improving line.
Weber Fire Update - June 25th, 2012, 1:00pm
Key Facts as of 10:30 a.m.
• Fire size is estimated at 8,300 acres, with no containment.
• Incident personnel assigned to the fire are now estimated at 164.
Mancos, CO-
San Juan District of the Bureau of Land Management has brought in Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C with Joe Lowe, Incident Commander. This Type II team assumed command of the Weber Fire as of 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 6/24/12. Montezuma County Sheriff's Office issued a mandatory evacuation for the County Road J49 and Highway 160 area on Sunday, 6/24/12 at about 6 p.m. Evacuation advisories have been issued for County Road 41 south and east of Mancos, the Elk Springs Ranch and Elk Stream subdivisions, and other residences south of Highway 160, east of Co. Rd. 41. Residents are strongly encouraged to leave for their own safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Road closures have been put in effect to keep the area clear for incoming firefighting resources within the fire perimeter.
The following road closures are in effect:
• County Road G at County Road 41
• County Road J at County Road 41
• County Road 46 at Highway 160
Today the Weber Fire is expected to continue actively burning. Residential areas and three communications sites continue to be threatened. Although the Red Flag Warning for high fire danger has been lifted, weather conditions continue to be favorable for very active fire behavior, with southwest winds forecasted. The fire will also be burning residual pockets of fuel within the fire perimeter.
With multiple large fires burning in the western United States, fire resources continue to be in short supply. Additional firefighters are on order and will be arriving, some from other regions of the country. Airplanes and helicopters are being shared with other fires, too. Helicopters are dropping water and single engine air tankers (SEATs) will apply retardant to protect structures and other resources, and to check the fire spread.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Weber Fire Update - June 25, 2012, 12:30 p.m.
At the 11:00 a.m. community briefing today at the Mancos Performing Arts Center Jay Esperance, Incident Commander, briefed about 200 community members stating that the number one strategic priority at the moment is to focus resources on stopping new start-up fires, with initial attacks. Esperance stated that while this is the No. 3 priority fire in the United States, they are short on resources because local fire crews need rest after fighting fire for 72 hours. The Type II incident team will provide relief white local teams rest, in order to be ready for new fires that are expected in the uncertain fire conditions that continue.
According to Esperance, firefighters stopped a “slop-over” at 6:00 am this morning near the elk farm. They are holding the road on the North part of the fire, just South of rd 42.5 and much work is being put into preparatory work around structures that could burn.
In East Canyon on Rd. 46 just to the East of Mt Menefee the fire is secure and contained, according to Esperance; however “mop-up” is expected to be difficult because of a 6 inch forest floor duff of wood chips near the fire line which could easily be sparked by an ember.
Going forward, new resources are expected to be on the fire very soon. Currently there are 160 incident personnel working on the Weber Canyon Fire – that number is expected to grow later this week. Esperance stated that “the [Montezuma County] Fairground will soon look like a small city.”
Connie Clementson, BLM Incident Commander, thanked the community for its support of the firefighting personnel. She stated that the Bureau of Land Management is focused on protecting private property and life, and is working to push the fire onto BLM land.
Sheriff Dennis Spruell also addressed the crowd, stating that in the case of an evacuation, residents should remain calm and evacuate in an orderly fashion, adding that his office’s number one priority is to 1. Protect human life, and 2. Protect private property.
There is a new information number for Incident Command:
605-381-7232 is the number to call for updates on the Weber Canyon Fire.
The Red Cross has moved its evacuation center to the Cortez High School at 206 W. 7th Street.
The Bridge Emergency shelter is off-season right now, but open for evacuees who have been displaced from their homes due to smoke or fire.
Community updates are now being held daily at 11:00 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. for people affected by the Weber Canyon Fire. The NEW location for the meeting is the Performing Arts Center at Mancos High School.
Stay tuned to KSJD for continued updates on the Weber Canyon Fire.
Weber Fire Update - June 25, 2012, 9:51 am
Community updates are now being held daily at 11:00 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. for people affected by the Weber Canyon Fire. The NEW location for the meeting is the Performing Arts Center at Mancos High School.
The Weber Canyon Fire has burned over 8,000 acres. According to the Durango Herald, about 140 homes have been evacuated - and more could follow.
Weather conditions in Southwest Colorado are expected to remain hot and dry with a high in Mancos expected to hit 89 today. But according to this morning's fire briefing, the there is no Red Flag Warning in effect today.
Joe Lowe, Incident Commander for Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C, assumed command of the Weber Fire last night at 6:00pm. The Fire is currently at 0% containment and is estimated at 8,300 acres. The Type II team from South Dakota is larger and better equipped to wage a long-term and sophisticated attack on a complex wildland fire like Weber. It is believed the Type III team that had been handling the Weber Fire near Mancos will be moving to the State Line Fire.
A 20 percent chance of thunderstorms are in the forecast for Tuesday, which may cause a problem with dry-lightning strikes throughout Southwest Colorado.
As of last night, conditions were preventing the Weber Fire from advancing on U.S. Highway 160, but winds did push the 8,000-acre blaze northeast and closer to the town of Mancos.
The Bridge Emergency shelter is off-season right now, but open for evacuees who have been displaced from their homes due to smoke or fire.Call (970) 564-4999 for updated information on the fire and evacuation notices, and stay tuned to KSJD for continual updates on the Weber Canyon Fire throughout the day.
Weber Fire Update - June 24, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
The Weber Fire was relatively calm in East Canyon and in the southern parts of Weber Canyon today, but remained aggresive on the northwestern flanks of Menefee Mountain. The total fire acreage is currently near 7,000 acres.
Weber Fire Update - June 24, 2012, 5:00 p.m.
The Weber Fire continues to burn aggressively to the east and northeast of the town of Mancos. The fire is now well over 6,000 acres. Structures were observed in close proximity to the fire near CR 42.5 and the east end of the Highway 160 business loop, but it is unclear if they were damaged or destroyed.
Weber Fire Update - June 24, 2012, 11:30 a.m.
Highlights from the 11am community briefing in Boyle Park in Mancos:
Unofficial number of acres burned: 6,100
No structures have been lost in either Weber Canyon or East Canyon
If you need help, please get in touch with the Southwest Colorado Red Cross at (970) 259-5383. However, the evacuation shelter will be moving from the Mancos School Performance Center to Cortez High School later today.
For updated information about the fire and evacuations, call the Weber Fire information line at (970) 564-4999 or go to montezumasheriff.org.
Weber Fire Update - June 23, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
The Weber fire exhibited extreme fire behavior today with rapid rates of spread. Due to this, the primary objectives were for public and firefighter safety. The secondary objective was to protect private property and infrastructure. Firefighters used defensive tactics to protect homes adjacent to the fire and communication sites on Menefee Mountain.
"Things went well on the Weber Fire today from a safety standpoint," according to Incident Commander Craig Goodell. "We had good communications between air and ground resources and we didn't lose any structures or have any injuries."
The fire is now estimated to be between 5,500 - 6,000 acres. An infrared flight is scheduled to occur tonight; an accurate acreage will be available in the morning.
The fire was active on all fronts today. Mid-afternoon the fire started backing downhill towards the town of Mancos. "This is actually a good thing, said Operations Chief Justin Kinkaid, as it will allow the fire to get to less-steep terrain where we can safely engage it." The fire activity is very visible from Mancos and surrounding areas.
In East Canyon, firefighters were kept busy extinguishing hot spots and providing structure protection. Though the fire came close to several homes, no homes were lost or damaged.
Airtankers and several helicopters were busy throughout the day making retardant and water drops as needed to assist the firefighters on the ground.
Montezuma County Sheriff's Officers have issued 110 mandatory evacuations and 350 pre-evacuation notices. The Town of Mancos is on a pre-evacuation notice as a precaution.
Weather and fire conditions on Sunday are expected to be very similar to today. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news and be prepared to evacuate on a moment's notice, though every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible.
Contact: Pam Wilson, Public Information Officer, 970-799-2926.
Weber Fire Update - June 23, 2012, 12:40 pm
The Weber Fire is now estimated at 2,500 acres. The Dolores Ranger District has closed Target Tree Campground on US Highway 160 as a precautionary measure.
Weber Fire Update - June 23, 2012, 12:30 p.m.
At noon, the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office issued additional mandatory evacuations for the following areas:
South of Hwy. 160 on County Road 42.5 east to the County line
East on County Road H from County Road 41 (from irrigated land east)
Pre-emptive notifications have occurred for:
The Echo Basin area (north of Hwy. 160)
Along Hwy. 160 from Echo Basin up to the county line
Next press/community briefing will occur at 6:30 PM at Boyle Park in Mancos.
Weber Fire Update - June 23, 2012, 8:30 a.m.
The Weber Fire burned actively throughout the night and early morning. A reconnaissance flight to assess the fire's location will occur this morning as soon as the smoke lifts. Structure protection crews, which were on scene throughout the night, reported that the fire had backed downhill into East Canyon.
At 8:15 AM, the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office ordered a mandatory evacuation of the Elk Springs and Elk Stream Ranch subdivisions in East Canyon. County Roads 46 and 41 south of County Road G remain closed due to heavy fire traffic. The Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter at the Mancos School Performing Arts Building. The La Plata County Humane Society has space for pets that are evacuated.
Fire managers expect another day of very active fire behavior. "We will be in defensive mode today," said Incident Commander Craig Goodell. "If the winds align just right, the fire could move rapidly up canyon."
Highest priorities for today will be establishing structure protection in East Canyon and protecting the communication sites on Menefee Mountain. Aircraft will be available to support firefighters; however, with three active fires occurring in Colorado, aircraft availability may change throughout the day. Approximately 131 fire personnel are currently working the fire.
A press briefing will be held in Boyle Park (behind Cox Cononco) in Mancos at 11 AM.
The fire, which began Friday afternoon about 4:25 PM, started in the 45,000 block of County Road 41 about 3 miles south of Mancos. By 8 PM, the fire was estimated at 700-800 acres; we anticipate having a more accurate acreage later this morning.
Contact: Pam Wilson, Public Information Officer, 970-799-2926.
