Cameron Peak Fire Update for Saturday, October 10, 2020

Northwest Incident Management Team 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander
 Shane Theall, Deputy IC
 Ken Paul, Deputy IC

Firefighters Work Through Critical Weather to Protect Homes

Current Situation: Friday saw another day of critical fire weather and near Red Flag Warning conditions. Early morning activity pushed the fire out of the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area and toward the Colorado State University Mountain Campus. This prompted a mandatory evacuation for residents and business owners in the Monument Gulch, Pingree Park, and County Road 44H (the Buckhorn Road) to County Road 27 (Stove Prairie Road) before 8:00 a.m. A surge group of County and local firefighters and engines arrived early in the morning to assist with point protection and build firelines to slow fire spread, protecting the values at risk in the area. Extreme fire activity continued in this area throughout the day. Crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor fire behavior and extinguish any hotspots. Mop up, re-enforcing dozer lines, and structure protection continued on the north firelines with a heavy focus on the northwest area near Crystal Lakes, Red Feather Lakes, and Glacier View Meadows. County partners and firefighters continued to monitor and mop up the southwest lines near Long Draw Road, and along the Highway 14 corridor near Sleeping Elephant. Aerial operations continued in multiple areas of the fire to slow fire spread as conditions allowed.

Today will be another near critical fire weather day after a sixth night with little moisture recovery for vegetation. The primary focus for today will be in the CSU Mountain Campus and Pingree Park community where extreme fire behavior is expected once again. An additional surge group with local and regional crews arrived Friday afternoon to assist with point protection. Firefighters will continue to focus on the north perimeter mopping up and securing firelines to increase containment protect the values at risk on the northeast side of the fire.

Weather Conditions: Saturday will see cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Forecast calls for highs of 66-73°F. Relative humidity is expected to be medium at 15-20%. Winds will likely increase throughout the day a with gusts of 15-20 mph. A cold front is forecast to pass over the fire Sunday with highs expected to be around 60°F. Winds will likley be strongest Sunday with gusts up to 55 mph.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. 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 are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Statistics Summary:

 Size: 133,884 acres
 Containment: 44%
 Total Personnel: 913
 Location: 2 mi SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO   
 Reported: August 13
 Cause: Under investigation

 Fire Information: (970) 541-1008   7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 Media Inquiries: (970) 541-0563
 Joint Info Center: (970) 980-2500   8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire
 Interactive Story Map: https://arcg.is/1ayXeD0                       
 Smoke Update: https://tinyurl.com/y2duao6r 
 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/cameronpeakfire                  

Closures and Evacuations:
 Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org
 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887
 Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Fire Restrictions:
 Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Stage 2: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf
 Rocky Mountain National Park, no fires: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm
 Larimer County ban until October 31: https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy

Hunting Information:
 Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us

Actualización de Cameron Peak Fire
 Viernes, 9 de Octubre 2020

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Noroeste 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Comandante del Incidente
 Shane Theall,  Diputado Comandante del Incidente
 Ken Paul, Diputado Comandante del Incidente

El clima cálido y seco hace que los incendios de Cameron Peak crezcan

Cameron Peak Fire Update for Friday, October 9, 2020

Northwest Incident Management Team 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander
 Shane Theall, Deputy IC
 Ken Paul, Deputy IC

Hot, Dry Weather Causes Cameron Peak Fire to Grow

Current Situation: Thursday saw another day of record temperatures, low humidity, and active fire behavior, resulting in mandatory evacuations of Pingree Park, Monument Gulch, and Buckhorn Road to Stove Prairie Road this morning. The fire above Comanche Reservoir exhibited extreme behavior and is moving toward the east. A Red Flag Warning was in effect for the fire area from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Crews continued around the fire perimeter to secure the lines and increase containment, despite the difficult fire weather conditions. Engines and firefighters continued mop up, searching for and extinguishing heat in the Sleeping Elephant Mountain and Long Draw Road areas after successful aerial burnout operations on Wednesday. Work continued on the contingency line around the CSU Mountain Campus and neighboring homes. Fire activity picked up in several areas along the highway 14 corridor around 3:00 p.m. prompting firefighters to shift focus to structure protection. Crews remained in the area to monitor and defend areas at risk overnight. Aerial operations continued with water and retardant north of Kinikinik and near Comanche Reservoir.

Today fire behavior is already very active after a fifth night with low humidity and little moisture recovery for vegetation. Crews will continue to focus on building and securing firelines, as well as mopping up around the perimeter. Firefighters face another day of extreme fire behavior in isolated areas. Fire activity will likely increase in the afternoon with the potential for increased smoke pushing to the south.

Weather Conditions: Friday’s weather should see increasing cloud coverage in the afternoon with highs of 63-73°F. Relative humidity is expected to be low at 8-12%. Winds will likely increase throughout the day with gusts of 20-25 mph. Saturday highs are expected to be around 60°F with breezy conditions ahead of a strong cold front set to move in Sunday. Elevated fire weather conditions are anticipated through Saturday.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. 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 are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
 

Statistics Summary:

 Size: 131,231 acres
 Containment: 44%
 Total Personnel: 987
 Location: 2 mi SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO   
 Reported: August 13
 Cause: Under investigation

 Fire Information: (970) 541-1008   7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 Media Inquiries: (970) 541-0563
 Joint Info Center: (970) 980-2500   8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire
 Interactive Story Map: https://arcg.is/1ayXeD0                       
 Smoke Update: https://tinyurl.com/y2duao6r 
 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/cameronpeakfire                  

Closures and Evacuations:
 Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org
 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887
 Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Fire Restrictions:
 Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Stage 2: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf
 Rocky Mountain National Park, no fires: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm
 Larimer County ban until October 31: https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy

Hunting Information: 
 Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us

LCSO – Cameron Peak Mandatory Evacuations Ordered
for County Road 44H to County Road 27

News Release, 7:02 am, October 9, 2020:

LCSO – Wildfire Mandatory Evacuations Ordered

for Pingree Park/Monument Gulch Area

News Release, 6:00 am, October 9, 2020:

This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Cameron Peak fire officials have ordered Mandatory Evacuations for Pingree Park/Monument Gulch area residents and business occupants due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business. Evacuating immediately not only supports your safety, but also allows emergency crews better access to the area. For updates, text the word LCEVAC to 888777 from your cell phone. We will communicate information to that key word as needed. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you are in danger. Thank you. 

Actualización de Cameron Peak Fire

Jueves, 8 de Octubre 2020

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Noroeste 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Comandante del Incidente
 Shane Theall,  Diputado Comandante del Incidente
 Ken Paul, Diputado Comandante del Incidente

Bomberos completan operación de quemado

Cameron Peak Fire Update for Thursday, October 8, 2020

Northwest Incident Management Team 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander
 Shane Theall, Deputy IC
 Ken Paul, Deputy IC

Firefighters Complete Burnouts

Current Situation: Wednesday firefighters continued containment work on the fire perimeter. This is a very large fire with over 240 miles of perimeter, so full containment will take time to complete and each new weather event will challenge portions of the line, requiring firefighters to revisit many areas. Mop up, searching for and extinguishing heat, was the primary activity for firefighters around the fire. A small spot fire was found outside the line in the northwest and was secured. To prevent increased fire activity from further threatening homes around Kinikinik, crews successfully completed a burnout operation on Sleeping Elephant Mountain using aerial ignition. Additional crews worked around the structures in the area to ensure no damage occurred from the burnout. Another burnout was performed at the southern end of Long Draw Road to create fireline that will be more easily defensible. This operation produced the very large column of smoke seen yesterday. On the northern edge crews worked on reinforcing the line west of Bellaire Lake. On the east side crews and engines continued mopping up around homes and structures at risk. More crews joined in the work on the contingency lines around the CSU Mountain Campus and area homes. Crews in Rocky Mountain National Park also worked on contingency lines there and monitoring the increased fire activity in the lower Cache La Poudre drainage near the northern park boundary.

Today a Local Red Flag Weather Warning is issued for the fire. Crews are prepared and have plans in place with the focus on holding and securing the lines. Vegetation remains critically dry with little overnight recovery of moisture for a fourth night in a row. Firefighters will likely face isolated areas of extreme fire behavior. Fire activity that gets established during the day may continue to be active overnight.

Weather Conditions: Thursday has a Local Red Flag Warning for the fire area from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Weather should be mostly sunny and warm with highs 70-75°F. Relative humidity is expected to be low at 7-11%. Winds are forecast to be shifting with gusts to 20 mph. Friday highs are expected to be around 70°F with increasing clouds. Elevated fire weather is anticipated through Friday.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. 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 are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Statistics Summary:

 Size: 129,055 acres
 Containment: 42%
 Total Personnel: 987
 Location: 2 mi SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO   
 Reported: August 13
 Cause: Under investigation

 Fire Information: (970) 541-1008   7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 Media Inquiries: (970) 541-0563
 Joint Info Center: (970) 980-2500   8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire
 Interactive Story Map: https://arcg.is/1ayXeD0                       
 Smoke Update: https://tinyurl.com/y2duao6r 
 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/cameronpeakfire                  

Closures and Evacuations:
 Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org
 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887
 Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Fire Restrictions:
 Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Stage 2: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf
 Rocky Mountain National Park, no fires: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm
 Larimer County ban until October 31: https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy

Hunting Information:
 Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us

LCSO - Cameron Peak Evacuation Status Change

for Glacier View

News Release, 2:04 pm, October 7, 2020:

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has updated evacuation information. Cameron Peak Fire officials have downgraded the evacuation status from mandatory to voluntary for Glacier View. Residents in the Glacier View filings may return home. Please be sure to have proper identification to show residency in those areas that were mandatory evacs, as only residents will be allowed to enter. We ask that you use caution when driving through the area, as emergency crews are still present. To view a map of these changes, please visit nocoalert.org. There will still be a significant amount of smoke and fire in the area, as firefighters continue their work. Please do not call 911 unless you are in danger. 

Actualización de Cameron Peak Fire

Miercoles, 7 de Octubre 2020

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Noroeste 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Comandante del Incidente
 Shane Theall,  Diputado Comandante del Incidente
 Ken Paul, Diputado Comandante del Incidente

Los bomberos mejoran las líneas de contención

Cameron Peak Fire Update for Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Northwest Incident Management Team 6
 Shawn Sheldon, Incident Commander
 Shane Theall, Deputy IC
 Ken Paul, Deputy IC

Firefighters Mop Up Containment Lines

Current Situation: Tuesday firefighters focused on securing containment lines after the wind event. Mop up was the primary activity around the perimeter of the fire, as firefighters searched for heat along the line and extinguished it. Where the spot fire crossed the northern line near the 333A road, firefighters mopped up to secure the mechanical line. In surveying the perimeter, firefighters found a new spot fire outside the line on the northwest side and worked to get line around it, stopping the growth at a couple of acres. Crews and engines continued mopping up around homes and structures at risk both inside the burned area and outside of it. Two big smoke columns developed as interior pockets of unburned fuel increased in activity. Holding actions were needed in the area between Beaver Creek and Comanche Reservoir. The Long Draw burnout in the southwest corner of the fire appeared to be holding the fire as hoped. Crews in Rocky Mountain National Park and at the CSU Mountain Campus worked on developing contingency lines.

Today fire crews will hold and secure lines. Where possible, they will also work on extending containment. The tricky areas above Comanche Reservoir will probably require air support again in addition to the fire crews. Air support has been a huge asset on this fire, quieting active sections and allowing firefighters to safely work in close to the perimeter. Power company crews will be working to replace poles and restore power. With the fuels remaining critically dry, firefighters will continue to experience active and possibly extreme fire behavior. Fire activity that gets established during the day will likely continue overnight due to low humidity recovery.

Weather Conditions: Wednesday should be mostly sunny and warm with highs 70-75°F. Relative humidity is expected to be low at 7-11%. Winds are forecast to be shifting with gusts to 20 mph. Thursday highs are expected to be 65-75°F with increasing clouds. Elevated fire weather is anticipated through Friday.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): It is illegal to operate a drone in the fire area. 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 are sure the drone is clear of the area. The use of drones is always prohibited in national parks. For more information please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

 Statistics Summary:

 Size: 128,149 acres
 Containment: 42%
 Total Personnel: 1,047
 Location: 2 mi SW of Red Feather Lakes, CO 
 Reported: August 13
 Cause: Under investigation

 Fire Information: (970) 541-1008   7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 Media Inquiries: (970) 541-0563
 Joint Info Center: (970) 980-2500   8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameronPeakFire
 Interactive Story Map: https://arcg.is/1ayXeD0                       
 Smoke Update: https://tinyurl.com/y2duao6r 
 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/cameronpeakfire                  

Closures and Evacuations:
 Larimer County evacuations and road closures: https://nocoalert.org
 Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests fire closure area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=60887
 Rocky Mountain National Park closures: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Fire Restrictions:
 Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Stage 2: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd801392.pdf
 Rocky Mountain National Park, no fires: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm
 Larimer County ban until October 31: https://tinyurl.com/y332jsoy

Hunting Information:
 Colorado Parks and Wildlife: cpw.state.co.us