Colorado: Worst-case fire scenario unfolding, with multiple starts across the state and rapidly growing fires

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

In the midst of the High Park burned area at the Buckhorn communications site. Photo courtesy USFS/InciWeb.org.

Dry lightning forecast Sunday could spark new blazes in tinder-dry fuels

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A worst-case fire scenario is unfolding in Colorado.

In addition to the 80,000-acre High Park Fire, several new starts are growing rapidly and may stretch firefighting resources across the state.

Updates on all the fires, along with contact information, evacuation notices and smoke-related health information are online at www.inciweb.org. (more…)

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

Colorado: Little Sand Fire continues to grow

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Red flag fire weather fanning Colorado wildfires

A towering smoke plume from the Little Sand Fire, burning near Pagosa Springs. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.

The Little Sand Fire builds June 18 in the Sand Creek drainage. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Dangerous fire weather fueled new growth at the Little Sand Fire, burning in rugged backcountry terrain northwest of Pagosa Springs. The Little Sand Fire was the fastest-growing blaze in Colorado Monday, expanding to more than 13,000 acres.

Firefighters have the fire about 30 percent contained but reported extreme fire behavior Monday, with tree-to-tree torching and crown runs at the head of the fire. With more high winds, hot temperatures and low humidity in the forecast, more of the same is expected Tuesday.

The lightning-sparked fire has been burning since May 13. Firefighters said activity increased Monday, with aerial observers reporting  an increase in the activity on both sides of Little Sand Creek.

Firefighters are in the area and continuing to focus on point protection. The smoke plume in the southwest area of the fire was visible as far away as Durango.

 

 

 

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Colorado: Little Sand Fire grows to 3,000 acres

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Bob Berwyn
Sunrise Mine Fire Colorado

A night view of the Sunrise Mine Fire, burning in SW Colorado.

Sunrise Mine Fire now 48 percent contained

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Firefighters in Colorado have made some progress in stemming the 6,000-acre Sunrise Mine Fire, near Paradox, which is about 48 percent contained.

A second blaze, the 3,000-acre, lightning-caused Little Sand Fire northwest of Pagosa Springs, is still burning out of control and still poses a threat to some cabins and other structures in the area. Firefighters on the Little Sand Fire haven’t reported any containment yet.

Due to the rugged nature of the terrain, firefighters are focusing on a “confine and contain” strategy at the Little Sand Fire, with structure protection assessment and indirect fire line construction along the Piedra River, Sand Creek and Forest Road 631. (more…)

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

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