Single Publication

Oak Ridge Fire Update

Friday, July 12, 2024

Type 3 Incident Management Organization

Pat Seekins, Incident Commander 

Location: Three miles northwest of Beulah, CO

Date Reported: June 22, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Size: 1,310 acres

Containment: 89%

Total Personnel: 123

Containment on the Oak Ridge Fire has increased to 85%. On Thursday, hand crews prepped for chipping on the east side of the perimeter. This consisted of firefighters setting aside brush to be more efficient during the process. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) drones with infrared detection continue to be used to detect and map areas of heat. Crews have also been removing any flagging materials, along with markings and signage in the fire area. Our goal is to leave the area in the best condition possible by removing anything that was used for previous suppression actions. Firefighters also burned a nearby slash pile on the west side of the Beulah Fire Department. The slash pile is where Beulah locals are disposing their cut vegetation from their fire mitigation work. 

Today, crews will be breaking down hose lays and portable water tanks in DIV K, on the southern end of the fire. Firefighters will be pre-positioning this equipment to be removed by vehicles and helicopter. Helicopter crewmembers will be packaging equipment into cargo nets to prepare for early morning helicopter operations to remove it off the hill on Saturday. Crews will continue chipping operations up the hill towards the fire perimeter in DIV K, which could last up to seven days. A resource advisor has been evaluating dozer lines on the west end of the fire to prepare for heavy equipment that will begin suppression repair on Saturday. Heavy equipment will be used to construct water bars, install natural barriers to prevent inappropriate vehicle access and to repair areas to the best extent feasible and necessary. 

Weather & Smoke Information: The chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms dwindles as the week advances, however, there is a 15-20% chance of rain this afternoon. Showers are not likely to produce much if any rain, but could produce wind gusts up to 30 mph. As high pressure strengthens across the region, temperatures will rise close to the lower 90’s.

The U.S. Interagency Fire Air Quality Response Program daily smoke outlook report specific to the fire area may be found at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d9fa3c77    

Closures: The San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests issued an area, trail and road closure effective June 26, 2024. Go to www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices for the entire order.   

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuations from county sheriff offices due to the Oak Ridge Fire. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: The is a 24-hour a day Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area remains in effect. The TFR includes restrictions against private drones and all air incursions will be reported to law enforcement.   

OAK RIDGE FIRE INFORMATION   

Fire Information Phoneline:  719-315-1536Time: 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