Sept 4 Cameron Peak Fire Update

Cameron Peak Fire Update

Friday, September 4, 2020 – 10:00 a.m.

Portland National Incident Management Organization

Bea Day, NIMO Incident Commander

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black

Troy Hagan, Team Black Incident Commander

Critical Fire Weather Watch – Fire Activity and Smoke to Increase

Current Situation: Fire activity intensified on Thursday under Red Flag Warning Conditions, increasing acreage to 23,903.  Containment remains at 6%. Residents and visitors to the area over the Labor Day weekend should expect to see considerable smoke from unburned fuels.

The fire was most active Thursday on Green Ridge in the Highway 14 corridor, along Peterson Lake on Long Draw Road, and on the northwestern perimeter of the fire in the Rawah Wilderness. Small-scale burn out operations were conducted along Green Ridge as part of ongoing structure protection. Air operations provided support to firefighters on the ground by making water drops on hot spots. Line construction and brush clearing continued on indirect line closer toward the fire with watershed protection and a reduced fire “footprint” in mind. Completion is now estimated at 50% on Killpecker line and 60% on the Comanche Wilderness line. Crews estimate two days left of work on the Neota Wilderness line. Resource Advisors provide guidance during line construction in Wilderness to protect natural, cultural, and other resources on wildland fires.

Active fire behavior and increased smoke is expected again today under warm temperatures, sunny skies, and low relative humidity. The fire is expected to make runs on Green Ridge, south of Sleeping Elephant Mountain, and the upper South Fork of the Poudre River areas. Crews will continue to monitor these areas and conduct burn out operations as needed under favorable conditions to protect structures. Chippers will work on the Manhattan Road and Pingree Park Road to reinforce line and remove fuels and debris using chippers and skidders. As crews complete indirect line, they will join structure protection efforts along Highway 14. Structure mitigation with landowner permission and defense planning will continue in Crystal Lakes, Redfeather Lakes, Glacier View and the surrounding areas.