Single Publication

Oak Ridge Fire Update
Sunday July 14, 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: 54
 

Yesterday, the helicopter was used to complete sling load operations to remove equipment from the fire line. Firefighters are making great progress with chipping operations on the east side of the fire, despite the hot and dry weather. Heavy equipment continues with suppression repair to return the affected area to pre-existing condition to extent possible on the west side of the fire.
 

The Oak Ridge Fire is 89% contained and the remaining 11% of the fire perimeter has been confined to natural barriers with limited spread potential. These natural barriers combined with suppression efforts as well as recent precipitation have minimized fire spread and potential. The uncontained portion of the fire is also located in an area that is inaccessible due to the steep, rocky, and rough terrain. This area places a high risk to firefighters with a minimal risk to values along with current and expected fire behavior. Due to the extremely rugged terrain and minimal fire activity and potential, approximately 11% of the fire is being managed for confinement to reduce the risk to responders and utilize natural barriers to any potential fire spread in DIV M/K. Both containment and confinement are part of a full suppression strategy.
 

The Type 3 organization will transition to a Type 4 Incident Management organization on Sunday evening. The new organization will be comprised of a Type 4 Incident Commander and various fire resources. This will be the last daily update on InciWeb and Facebook unless significant changes occur. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team will arrive on Wednesday. A BAER team addresses post wildfire soil stabilization and other issues that may arise from a wildfire.
 

Weather & Smoke Information: Isolated to scattered high-based thunderstorms are possible again this afternoon with strong outflow winds and dry lightning. Monsoonal moisture will wrap into the region starting Monday, initiating a major weather change to colder and wetter conditions for at least the next week.
 

The US 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 Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was rescinded on July 13, 2024.
 

OAK RIDGE FIRE INFORMATION
Fire Information Phoneline: 719-299-5688 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Facebook: @OakRidgeFire2024 Email: 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov
InciWeb: www.inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-oak-ridge-fire