Single Publication

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3

Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander 

Location: Three miles northwest of Beulah, CO

Date Reported: June 22, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Size: 787 acres

Containment: 0

Total Personnel: 266

The Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed management of the Oak Ridge Fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning. 

The Oak Ridge fire was detected on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Forest Service resources responded and began scouting locations where firefighters could safely access the fire. Air resources aggressively worked to slow down the fire’s progression until they could get resources on the ground. The number one priority is always and continues to be firefighter and public safety. 

Current Situation

Crews are working to construct both direct (along the fire’s edge) and indirect (away from the fire’s edge) fire line with a primary focus on structure protection. Firefighters went direct on the eastern edge of the fire perimeter to keep the fire from advancing toward the town of Beulah. They began structure protection measures and plan to set up hoselays and sprinkler systems to protect structures at risk. Firefighters are scouting the fire perimeter to determine where they can construct an indirect fire line that ensures firefighter safety while protecting the values at risk.

Fire activity may result in an increase of acres after the inversion lifts this morning. Some thunderstorms are predicted later this afternoon that will bring gusty winds. Air resources will assist firefighters on the grounds as weather permits.

Key values at risk include the local communities and the Middle Creek drainage.

Weather & Smoke Information: 

Moisture will return to southern Colorado today and linger through Thursday. Expect an increase in afternoon showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds in the range of 45-60 mph, and a possibility of small hail and brief heavy rain.

Inversions will cause smoke to settle in the lower elevations. To check the air quality in and around the Oak Ridge Fire go www.colorado.gov/airquality. For resources on how to mitigate the impacts of smoke go to www.airnow.gov/wildfires/.

Closures:

The Middle Creek Road is closed.

Evacuations:

Homes along the Middle Creek Canyon Road are under a mandatory evacuation. Go to www.puebloemergency.info for evacuation information The following are in a pre-evacuation status: Vine Mesa, Cascade Ave., Pine Ave., and Beulah Highlands Rd.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: 

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. If you FLY, we CAN’T. Do not fly or operate your own drones in this area, as it will impede firefighting efforts and ground our aircraft.

OAK RIDGE FIRE INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline:  719-315-1536      Time: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Facebook: @OakRidgeFire2024     Email: 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov   

InciWeb: www.inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-oak-ridge-fire