There are no large emergencies in Archuleta County at this time

Final Coal Creek Fire Update 11/09/12 a.m.

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service w Bureau of Land Management w National Park Service

w Bureau of Indian Affairs w Colorado State Forest Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Coal Creek Fire Update

November, 9 2012   9:30 a.m.

Snow and rain that entered the area Friday evening helped dampen the Coal Creek Fire burning northeast of Pagosa Springs. 

As of yesterday evening, the fire had grown minimally and is not likely to grow any further with the moisture received yesterday evening.  Incident Commander Ryan Vincent described the conditions near the fire as “wet and soupy”. 

Temporary trail closure signs will be removed today and the trail will be opened. 

The Type 3 helicopter was released this morning, and more moisture is predicted through the weekend.  This will be the last and final update, pending no significant changes. 

Any future updates will be posted on the Archuleta County emergency information site www.acemergency.org

Brandy Richardson

Public Information Officer

(970) 264-1530

###

Coal Creek Fire Update 11/08/12 a.m.

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service w Bureau of Land Management w National Park Service

w Bureau of Indian Affairs w Colorado State Forest Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Coal Creek Fire Update

November, 8 2012   8:30 a.m.

The Coal Creek Fire burning northeast of Pagosa Springs, grew minimally, if at all, and is still estimated at around 127 acres. 

With the impending moisture, fire managers will continue to utilize helicopters today as needed and weather permitting. 

The moisture forecasted to enter the area late today and into the weekend is expected to help in suppression and containment efforts. 

For safety purposes, the Coal Creek Trail will be temporarily closed to recreation activity.

Check for fire updates on the Archuleta County Emergency information site www.acemergency.org

Brandy Richardson

Public Information Officer

(970) 264-1530

###

Coal Creek Fire Update 11/07/12 9 a.m.

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service w Bureau of Land Management w National Park Service

w Bureau of Indian Affairs w Colorado State Forest Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Coal Creek Fire Update

November, 7 2012   9 a.m.

The Coal Creek Fire, now at 127 acres, continues to burn in leaf litter within an aspen stand northeast of Pagosa Springs. The fire is low burning with 1-3 foot flame lengths.  Fire managers will continue utilizing helicopters as needed to suppress the fire.  There is still no threat to private property or structures. 

Winds are expected tomorrow in front of a system that is forecasted to bring moisture to the area Thursday evening through the end of the week. 

For safety purposes, the Coal Creek Trail will be temporarily closed to recreation activity.

Check for fire updates on the Archuleta County Emergency information site www.acemergency.org

Brandy Richardson

Public Information Officer

(970) 264-1530

Coal Creek Fire Update 11/06/12 9 a.m.

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service w Bureau of Land Management w National Park Service

w Bureau of Indian Affairs w Colorado State Forest Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Coal Creek Fire Update

November, 6 2012   9 a.m.

The Coal Creek Fire, discovered Sunday afternoon, continues to burn approximately 7 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs entirely on National Forest lands in leaf litter.  The cause of the fire is unknown, but is currently under investigation.   The fire is burning approximately 1.5 miles northeast of private property and no structures are threatened at this time. 

The Infrared flight Monday night estimates the fire at 66 acres. The fire continues to be monitored and suppressed by air support as needed.  Crews are being utilized to assess suppression tactics, but are not currently building line due the steep rugged nature and inaccessibility of the terrain. Due the limited access, no line has been built, and there is currently no containment on the fire.  

Some moisture is expected at the end of the week; however it is very important to remain cognizant of the hot dry conditions when utilizing fire in the backcountry. 

Check for fire updates on the Archuleta County Emergency information site www.acemergency.org

Brandy Richardson

Public Information Officer

(970) 264-1530

###

Coal Creek Fire

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service w Bureau of Land Management w National Park Service

w Bureau of Indian Affairs w Colorado State Forest Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Coal Creek Fire Update

November, 5 2012    3:30 p.m.

The Coal Creek Fire, discovered Sunday afternoon, is burning approximately 7 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs  entirely on National Forest land within an aspen and mixed conifer forest.  The cause of the fire is unknown, but is currently under investigation.  No structures are threatened at this time and the fire is approximately 1.5 miles northeast of private land. 

The fire, now estimated at 35 acres, is burning in an area with steep difficult terrain and limited access.  The Pagosa Ranger District will manage the fire for firefighter and public safety by implementing a confinement strategy, using suppression efforts where effective, efficient and safe.  Air support (helicopters) will be utilized as needed. 

Above normal temperatures and dry fuel conditions will be conducive to uncharacteristically active fire conditions at this time of year.  Some moisture is forecasted for the end of the week, but fire managers encourage recreationist using the forest to maintain situational awareness when using fire in the backcountry until significant moisture enters the area. 

For questions on the Coal Creek Fire, please contact the Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268. Check for fire updates on the Archuleta County Emergency Information site www.acemergency.org

Brandy Richardson

Public Information Officer

New Fire East of town

Up near the Coal Creek area the USFS has a new fire start.  They are guessing it is about 10 acres.  Due to inaccessibility they will using air support to fight the fire. The fire is surrounded by rock and shows no threat to Pagosa at this time. Please do not call 911 if you think you are seeing this fire.

Smoke in Pagosa from Vallecito Fire

Smoke can be seen in Pagosa from the Vallecito Fire.

- Forest Service officials are still managing several active wildfires on the Columbine Ranger District and want to remind forest visitors and hunters that the 2012 fire season is not yet over. Even with the change of seasons, the potential for wild land fires is still high, given the current and forecasted dry weather. Trees are turning dormant and dropping a fresh leaf cover on the ground that will readily carry fire quickly.

 

Vallecito Fire Information

·         Total acres to date: 459

·         Personnel:  18

·         Two Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines for Initial Attack

·         One medium Helicopter

·         One Air Attack (fixed wing aircraft)

This fire continues to creep around burning on the ground occasionally finding areas of concentrated heavy fuels. The fire remains within the Jack Creek Canyon and the Forest Service's strategy plan. A ten person Wildland Fire Module (crew) will arrive today to replace the Groveland Hot Shots. In addition, two Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines have also arrived for potential Initial Attack on any new fire starts on the Columbine Ranger District. One medium helicopter is still committed to this fire dropping water on hot spots next to the fire’s perimeter to keep the fire from additional spreading. A fixed wing aircraft (Air Attack) is also monitoring this incident. Forest Service managers are committed to staff this fire until a significant wet weather event arrives before disengaging all resources from this incident.  Fire Fighter safety is the Agency’s number one priority. Due to the high danger of falling dead trees there are no direct fire suppression activities. There is no current threat to the Vallecito community.