Wildfire update: Medano Fire burning in steep terrain

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Bob Berwyn
Photo of the Medano Fire in Colorado

The Medano Fire is still burning intensely in thick timber on the slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Click on the picture to see more images from the Medano Fire. PHOTO COURTESY THE US FOREST SERVICE.

Get Summit County information on wildfire mitigation here.

SUMMIT COUNTY — After scorching more than 600 acres, the Parkdale Fire, burning near Royal Gorge, is about 85 percent contained, fire officials announced late Thursday evening, estimating the cost of fighting the fire at about $978,000. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Restrictions on boating access to the Arkansas River have been lifted and residents and business owners in the area are returning to their properties. Two structures were lost during the fire, when a home and a barn burned Tuesday, June 22.

“Despite reduced fire activity, residents and visitors to the area should remain cautious and alert to possible hot spots or smokes that may develop within the burned area, said incident commander Todd Pechota. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Read more about the Parkdale Fire here.

More fire info and photos after the break … (more…)

Filed under: forest fires, forests, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Fire danger in Summit County now ‘high’

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Smoke from the 3,500-acre Long Canyon Fire is visible four miles away, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.

In Summit County, the fire danger is currently rated as high, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Water Creek Fire, near Rifle, slows down; big wildfires still spreading in New Mexico, Arizona and Alaska

Get Summit County information on wildfire mitigation here.

SUMMIT COUNTY —The fire danger in Summit County has been bumped into the “high” range, meaning that fires will start from a lighted match and spread rapidly in dry grass, slower with moisture. Fires will continue to spread until extinguished.

The Water Creek Fire, burning on about 170 acres northwest of Rifle, is not spreading beyond its existing perimeter, with most of the activity in dense spruce-fir stands. The fire is not spreading into aspen groves or sage meadows in the area. Most of the firefighters will be sent home, fire officials said Tuesday morning. The Forest Service expects the fire to burn for several more weeks. Updated information here. (more…)

Filed under: forest fires, forests, public lands, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

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