Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Public Information: Royal Gorge Field Office

Phone: (719) 269-8500

Name: Media Inquiries: Brant Porter

Email: beporter@blm.gov

Phone: (719) 269-8553

BLM Enacts Fire Closure Order on BLM Lands in Boulder and Larimer Counties

CAÑON CITY, Colo. – Due to unseasonably dry conditions and extreme wildfire activity across the northern Front Range, all BLM-administered lands in Boulder and Larimer counties managed by the Royal Gorge Field Office will be temporarily closed to entry.

“This unusual step is being taken due to concerns for public safety and to aid ongoing fire suppression operations.” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger. “We hope that this action is short lived, and we intend to rescind these restrictions as soon as possible.”

The closure order prohibits anyone from entering BLM-administered lands in the Royal Gorge Field Office in Boulder and Larimer counties unless escorted by an authorized BLM official. The following persons are exempt from this order:

• Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
• Individuals conducting previously authorized operations under 43 CFR 3809
• Land Use Authorization Holders who are authorized to use public lands under an active BLM right-of-way grant, lease, or permit.
• Grazing Permittees who are authorized to conduct grazing administration under an active BLM grazing permit or lease.
• Persons conducting normal activities pertaining to operation, maintenance, and safety, related to continued operations and previously approved activities per 43 CFR 3160 and 43 CFR 3170 regulations.

The Fire Order will be in place until November 3, 2020 unless rescinded earlier. In addition to criminal penalties, those found responsible for starting wildfires may also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

The Royal Gorge Field Office is currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for lands not covered by this order. For more information about current fire restrictions in the Royal Gorge Field Office, please visit the Rocky Mountain District Fire Restrictions page or call the Royal Gorge Field Office at (719) 269-8500.

The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland also has fire restrictions and closures in place. Please visit their website or call the Forest Supervisor’s office at (970) 295-6600 for more information. 

Hunters impacted by these closures should visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

Cameron Peak Fire Operations Update 3 pm, Wednesday, October 21

Helicopters are continuing to support suppression operations with water and retardant drops from Cedar Park west and other areas as needed. Crews continue to prep around structures and are setting up additional pumps and hoselays in The Retreat and Storm Mountain communities. Firefighters are reporting that fire activity has moderated but continues backing down towards the North Fork trail near Bulwark Ridge.

Helicopters are up early this morning doing water and retardant drops near The Retreat and other areas as requested. The check line that was put in place near Storm Mountain held overnight. On the southeast corner where direct line construction has been occurring (from CR27 west towards Cedar Park), crews are currently continuing direct line construction by establishing dozer line from this area west towards Cedar Park. Last night there was a 5-acre spot fire south of the North Fork Trail. Crews are continuing to focus on keeping the fire north of the trail and are working to contain the spot fire. At this time, there are not expected to be any issues containing the spot fire.

Actualización de Cameron Peak Fire

Miércoles, 21 de Octubre 2020 – 9:00 am

Rocky Mountain Type 1 Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes

Dan Dallas, Comandante del Incidente

Oficina de Información: 970-541-1008

Horas de operación: 8 a.m. a 8 p.m.

Correo electrónico: 2020.cameronpeak@firenet.gov

Nota especial: Habrá una reunión pública virtual transmitida en vivo a las 7:30 p.m. ESTA NOCHE, miércoles 21 de octubre. Para participar, vaya al enlace de Facebook cerca del final de esta actualización. Una grabación de la reunión se publicará en el canal de YouTube de Cameron Peak Fire después del evento.

Situación Actual: Es probable que el comportamiento del fuego vuelva a ser activo y desafiante hoy, ya que los vientos continúan alineándose con los drenajes y arden en áreas que contienen combustibles críticamente secos. Se emite una advertencia de Red Flag Warning desde el mediodía de hoy hasta las 8 a.m. del jueves. Los recursos que fueron reasignados temporalmente para el ataque inicial en el condado de Boulder han regresado y ahora están asignados para ayudar a las fuerzas que aseguran el borde sur del incendio. Los bomberos continúan monitoreando y protegiendo las estructuras dentro del área quemada en caso de que se vuelva a quemar.

Los equipos de bomberos pudieron aprovechar las condiciones favorables en la tarde del martes para completar las operaciones de quemado (por contención) necesarias a lo largo de la 44H Buckhorn Road para asegurar la línea de fuego. Los equipos de bomberos avanzaron en las líneas de contención a lo largo de CR27, la esquina sureste cerca de Masonville y el incendio de Otter Road. El fuego permaneció activo durante la noche; Las operaciones nocturnas se centraron en la protección de estructuras y la construcción de líneas de fuego a lo largo de borde sur, CR27, y el incendio de Otter Road.

Los bomberos continúan con la protección de puntos y la preparación de estructuras en Storm Mountain, The Retreat, Glen Haven y Cedar Park. El fuego sigue activo en esta zona. Los recursos aéreos apoyarán a los bomberos según lo permita el clima. Las prioridades generales siguen siendo proteger los valores en riesgo y elegir opciones de control que proporcionen la mayor probabilidad de éxito dado el comportamiento esperado del fuego.

En Branch I en los lados oeste y norte del fuego, hay líneas sólidas de contención. Los equipos de la División A / D continúan monitoreando la línea de fuego y quitando el equipo que ya no se necesita. La remoción de árboles peligrosos se completa en la Carretera 14; la compañía eléctrica continúa reparando líneas y reemplazando postes dañados. La División F / L / R está en estado de patrulla. Los bomberos continúan con los esfuerzos de limpieza cerca del campamento de Bellaire Lake y monitorean y aseguran el borde del fuego.

El trabajo de los bomberos está demostrando ser efectivo en la Branch II en las carreteras 44H Buckhorn y CR27, donde las líneas de contención están casi completas. Los equipos de aviación y de mano de la División T siguen trabajando en la parte occidental de la 44H, construyendo una línea directa e indirecta cerca de Boogie Woogie Way. Las fuerzas de trabajo de bomberos en la División V continúan patrullando CR27 y están aprovechando combustibles más livianos en la esquina SE del incendio para asegurar las líneas de contención. Los bomberos de la División U completaron la línea alrededor del incendio de Otter Road, incluida la esquina NW. La contención del fuego puntual está casi completa y está representada por una línea negra adicional en el mapa. Los helicópteros apoyaron a los bomberos con gotas de agua en las Divisiones U y V.

El comportamiento activo del fuego persiste en la Branch III. Los grupos de protección de estructuras y los motores de sobretensión (clase de camioneta) brindan protección puntual a las estructuras. Los equipos de la División Y continúan construyendo líneas directas e indirectas desde la esquina suroeste hacia Cedar Park. Los fuertes vientos y las turbulencias sobre los drenajes cerca de Storm Mountain y The Retreat impidieron que los helicópteros suministraran gotas de agua de manera segura ayer. Los bomberos de la División X continúan enfocándose en la protección de estructuras y evaluando opciones para detener el fuego a lo largo del North Fork Trail. El equipo de gestión de incidentes continúa trabajando con los administradores de incendios del Rocky Mountain National Park para monitorear la actividad de los incendios en las Divisiones W y Z.

Condiciones meteorológicas y de combustible: El miércoles será seco y racheado, creando condiciones climáticas críticas para los incendios. Los vientos aumentarán durante el día a 40-50 mph, con ráfagas en la noche de hasta 60 mph. La baja humedad relativa puede aumentar el potencial de manchas de fuego y extender el período de quema hasta la noche.

Cierres y evacuaciones: Para actualizaciones, envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra LCEVAC al 888777 desde su teléfono celular. La información de emergencia se enviará según sea necesario. Ésta es la mejor manera de obtener información sobre la situación en su área. Llame a la Red Cross al 800-417-0495. Presione # 1 si ha sido evacuado y necesita refugio. También puede visitar http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/  para obtener actualizaciones.

Evacuaciones y cierres de carreteras del condado de Larimer:  https://nocoalert.org

Cierres de bosques nacionales Arapaho Roosevelt: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.htm

Restricciones temporales de vuelo (TFR): Es ilegal operar un dron en el área del incendio. Los incendios forestales son una zona prohibida para los drones. Si vuela, no podemos. Siempre que se detecta un dron cerca del fuego, todos los aviones están conectados a tierra hasta que estemos seguros de que el dron está fuera del área. El uso de drones siempre está prohibido en los parques nacionales. Para obtener más información, visite http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Estadísticas de Incendios de Cameron:

Tamaño: 206,009 acres

Contención: 52%

Personal total: 1591

Ubicación: 2 millas SW de Red Feather Lakes, CO

Fecha que Empezaron: 13 de agosto

Causa: Bajo investigación

Información sobre incendio:

Oficina de información: 970-541-1008; 8 am a 8 pm

  Correo electrónico: 2020.cameronpeak@firenet.gov

  InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire/

  Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNA6qSJC2UYKz68rp9etvA  

  Larimer County Joint Info Center: (970) 980-2500

Cameron Peak Fire Update

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 – 9:00 am

Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Office: 970-541-1008

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Email: 2020.cameronpeak@firenet.gov

Special Note: There will be a virtual public meeting livestreamed at 7:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, October 21. Please go to the Facebook link near the end of this update to participate. A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Cameron Peak Fire YouTube channel after the event.

Current Situation:

Fire behavior will likely be active and challenging again today as winds continue to align with drainages and burn in areas containing critically dry fuels. A Red Flag Warning is issued for noon today until 8 a.m. Thursday. Resources that were temporarily reassigned for initial attack in Boulder County have returned and are now assigned to assist forces securing the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters continue to monitor and protect structures within the burned area in the event of reburn.   

Crews were able to take advantage of favorable conditions in the early evening Tuesday to complete burnout operations needed along the 44H Buckhorn Road to secure the fireline. Crews made progress on containment lines along CR27, the southeast corner near Masonville, and the Otter Road spot fire.  The fire remained active overnight; night operations focused on structure protection and fireline construction along the southern boundary, CR27, and the Otter Road spot fire.

Firefighters are continuing with point protection and structure preparation in Storm Mountain, The Retreat, Glen Haven and Cedar Park. The fire continues to be active in this area. Air resources will support firefighters as weather permits. Overall priorities remain on protecting values at risk and choosing control options that provide for the highest probability of success given expected fire behavior.

In Branch I on the west and north sides of the fire, there are solid containment lines. Crews in Division A/D continue to monitor the fireline and remove equipment that is no longer needed. Hazardous tree removal is completed on Highway 14; the power company continues to repair lines and replace damaged poles. Division F/L/R is in patrol status. Firefighters continue mop-up efforts near Bellaire Lake Campground and monitoring and securing the fire’s edge.

Firefighters’ work is proving effective in Branch II on the 44H Buckhorn and CR27 roads, where containment lines are nearly complete. Aviation and hand crews in Division T remain working on the western portion of 44H, constructing direct and indirect line near Boogie Woogie Way. Division V forces continue to patrol CR27 and are taking advantage of lighter fuels in the SE corner of the fire to secure containment lines. Division U firefighters completed line around the Otter Road spot fire, including the NW corner. Containment of the spot fire is nearly complete and is represented by additional black line on the map. Helicopters supported firefighters with water drops in Divisions U and V.

Active fire behavior persists in Branch III. Structure Protection Groups and surge engines are providing point protection of structures. Division Y crews continue to build direct and indirect line from the southwest corner toward Cedar Park. High wind and turbulence above the drainages near Storm Mountain and The Retreat prevented helicopters from safely providing water drops yesterday. Firefighters in Division X continue to focus on structure protection and assessing options to hold the fire along the North Fork Trail. The Incident Management Team continues to work with Rocky Mountain National Park fire managers to monitor fire activity in Divisions W and Z.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Wednesday will be dry and gusty, creating critical fire weather conditions. Winds will increase throughout the day to 40-50 mph, with gusts in the evening up to 60 mph. The low relative humidity may increase spotting potential and extend the burn period into the evening. 

Evacuations and Closures: For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. Emergency information will be forwarded as needed. This is the best way to get information about the situation in your area. Call the Red Cross at 800-417-0495. Press #1 if you have been evacuated and need shelter.  You can also visit http://cowyredcrossblog.org/cpf/ for updates.

Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887

Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fireinformation-and-regulations.html

Temporary Flight Restriction (TRF): A TFR is in place over the Cameron Peak Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Cameron Peak Fire Statistics:

Size: 206,009 acres

Containment: 52%

Total Personnel: 1,591

Location: 2 miles SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO

Reported: August 13, 2020

Cause: Under investigation

For More Information:

 Fire Information Office: 970-541-1008    8 am to 8 pm

 Email: 2020.cameronpeak@firenet.gov

 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964

 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire/

 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPNA6qSJC2UYKz68rp9etvA                

Larimer County Joint Info Center: (970) 980-2500

Good morning. This morning Cameron Peak Fire is 206,009 acres and 52% contained. As our firefighters head to the firelines this morning, they are expecting a challenging weather day. High winds today may produce very active fire behavior and put a lot of smoke in the air. Crews will secure additional sections of the fire perimeter where possible, but the priorities for today will be public and firefighter safety first, and point protection of structures and other values at risk second.

Larimer County Government

We need your help!

You can help with the recovery efforts for the #cameronpeakfire today! Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3mamjlb

You can help by:
 Donating to the organizations helping Cameron Peak Fire Survivors https://bit.ly/3mamjlb
 Signing-up to volunteer with recovery projects https://bit.ly/3mamjlb
 Sharing this post!

Please don't:
 Just show up at the fire or other facilities to help or volunteer
 Collect supplies for the firefighters or fire survivors (we are unable to accept physical donations at this time)
 Donate to an organization without thoroughly researching their validity

Cameron Peak Evacuation Update Lory State Park

October 20, 2020 5:07 pm MDT

The Larimer County Sheriff has downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for Lory State Park. Please be sure to have proper identification to show residency in that area, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you keep yourselves informed of the fire activity and remain ready for a mandatory evacuation should it become necessary. To view maps of the evacuations, please visit nocoalert.org. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you.

Cameron Peak Fire Operations Update at 4:30 pm on Tue, 10/20/20

 Crews are going to take advantage of favorable conditions in Division T to begin a small firing operations as needed along the Buckhorn/ 44H Road to secure the fireline. Smoke may be visible along Buckhorn/ 44H Road, Paradise Park, and Lower Stove Prairie. Tomorrow's map will show additional containment along CR27 and the spot fire.

Crews are continuing with point protection, and structure prep in Storm Mountain and The Retreat. The fire continues to be active in this area.
 

Forest Supervisor closes three Front Range districts due to wildfire threat

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Oct. 20, 2020) – Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions, the USDA Forest Service’s Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests is announcing a temporary closure of all National Forest land in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Gilpin, Boulder, and Larimer counties, effective at midnight tonight (closure begins at 00:01 Oct. 21). This decision will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change.

The new starts and explosive growth of fires throughout the northern Colorado Front Range over the past week, including the Cameron Peak, CalWood and Lefthand Canyon fires, has led to this decision. The impacted counties are currently experiencing severe drought; extremely low fuel moisture conditions; a high occurrence of human-caused wildfires; limited capacity for response due to multiple wildfires; and persistent fire-danger weather conditions with no immediate relief in the forecast.

“The number of large fires and extreme fire behavior we are seeing on our Forests this year is historic," said Forest Supervisor Monte Williams. "These temporary closures are necessary to protect the public and our firefighters, and we will keep them in place until conditions improve and we are confident that the risk of new fire starts has decreased.I ask all of our local residents and visitors to take these closures and evacuations seriously to allow our firefighters to focus on the mission of safely suppressing the existing fires."

As of Tuesday morning, nearly 442,000 acres of land are currently affected by wildfire across north central Colorado and southern Wyoming, according to the Rocky Mountain Coordination Center. About 3,000 firefighters and fire support personnel are assigned to wildfire operations in the region.

These temporary closures are in place to support the suppression of the three fires currently burning in these counties and to prevent the potential for new fire starts, which impacts the resources available for existing fires. Orders restrict access to all but emergency personnel and persons with a permit authorizing their presence in the closure areas. Drivers authorized to be in the forest are urged to use caution, as many forest roads may be busy with firefighters, fire vehicles, and heavy equipment engaged in suppression and containment efforts.

Areas not included in this closure order have existing fire restrictions in place, including campfire bans, due to high and extreme fire danger levels. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, please use extreme caution with fire. One small spark can cause a large wildfire and add additional strain to firefighters and available resources.

The Forest Service thanks our partners and the public for their cooperation and understanding of this monumental fire threat. Citizens with specific questions within their area may call their local ranger district offices for more information. Hunters impacted by these closures should visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website and will be receiving direct communication from CPW via email.

See the closure order and a map. 

See a consolidated map of closures on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.