Colorado: Some High Park Fire evacuation orders lifted

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

46,000-acre fire reaching flammable beetle-kill stands on west flank, with good containment on the north and east sides

Summit Voice contributor Mark Newby created this map using Google Earth and associated tools. To learn more about how to use these tools to get precise and up-to-date information, click on the image.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Emergency officials lifted evacuation orders in parts of the High Park Fire Wednesday, but warned that the fire is still burning actively and spreading in several areas. The fire may well remain active until monsoon rains arrive, or even into fall, incident commander Bill Hahnenberg said during the daily fire media briefing. Details on evacuations are online at InciWeb and at the Larimer County Sheriff website.

The lightning-caused fire was reported 10 percent contained, at 46,280 acres as of Wednesday evening, with more than 1,200 firefighters on scene. About 77 percent of the fire has burned on state and private land, and only 23 percent on national forest land.

An assessment team was still compiling information on the total number and exact locations of damaged homes and other structures, Hahnenberg said, adding that it’s still dangerous for firefighters to go into some of the burned areas.

One of the biggest challenges for firefighters is on the west flank, where the fire is still burning unchecked and moving into stands of beetle-killed pines, some of them still burdened with red, dead needles that render them particularly flammable. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Environment, forest fires | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Colorado: High Park Fire in Larimer County growing rapidly

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Bob Berwyn
High Park Fire seen from east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. on Twitpic

High Park Fire seen from east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. PHOTO COURTESY POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY.

Dangerous fire conditions prevail across much of Colorado, with a Red Flag fire warning in effect

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A new wildfire was reported in Larimer Country Saturday morning in the Paradise Park area, with evacuations already in effect for residences along Paradise Park Road, Moose Horn Lane, Magic Lane and Spencer Mountain Road.

Check the Larimer County Emergency Services website for updated information.

Larimer County emergency services said the 200-acre High Park Fire is growing rapidly. The cause of the fire, burning on both private and national forest land, is not yet known. You can also visit the National Weather Service High Park Fire briefing page for information and more links.

A NOAA?Google Earth view shows the approximate location of the High Park Fire. Click on the image to go to the NOAA page.

Firefighters have requested air support to fight the fire, including a single-engine air tanker, a Type 1 light helicopter, a Type 3 helicopter and Air Attack Command plane.

Real-time updates are streaming on Twitter at the #HighParkFire hashtag and from @LarimerSheriff.

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, forest fires, forests | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

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