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 »

Utah’s Dump Fire likely sparked by careless shooters

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Two western fires attributed to gunfire

The Dump Fire in Utah may have been started by recreational shooting.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A Utah wildfire that was likely started by recreational shooters has raced through more than 4,00o acres of grass, brush and timber near Saratoga Springs, resulting in the evacuation of more than a 1,000 residents. according to InciWeb.org.

The Dump Fire also threatens a dynamite manufacturing plant in the area. Officials have cordoned off an area about one to two miles around the plant to try and mitigate harm.

The fire is burning south of Salt Lake City and west of Provo, near the east shore of Utah Lake. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Drought, Environment, forest fires | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: FBI, ATF help investigate cause of Springer Fire

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Fire may be linked with recreational shooting activity

The Springer Fire, in Park County, Colorado, is about 39 percent contained at 1,145 acres.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Fire officials Thursday confirmed previous reports that the 1,145-acre Springer Fire in Park County, Colorado, was human-caused and possibly linked with recreational shooting activity in the area.

Local law enforcement agencies, along with the FBI and ATF continued to investigate the cause of the fire. It’s not clear whether the fire may have starting from the shooting activity itself (sparks from gun, or a bullet impact), or from related activities by the shooters (dropped cigarette, etc). (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Environment, forest fires, forests | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: Firefighters hold the line on Springer Fire

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Park County blaze partially contained at 1,100 acres

The Springer Fire was reported as 23 percent contained at 1,100 acres Tuesday evening.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Despite extreme fire weather conditions, firefighters were able to hold the line on Colorado’s newest wildfire, limiting growth of the 1,100-acre Springer Fire and achieving 23 percent containment.

The cause of the fire, burning about 3.5 miles southwest of Lake George in a popular summer recreation area, is still under investigation.

About 400 firefighters are battling the blaze which has threatened several residential areas. The fire is burning in timber and grasslands with fire conditions at exceptional levels. In some parts of Colorado, fuel moisture are at record low levels for this time of year and warm, dry conditions are expected to continue. (more…)

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

Colorado: Springer Fire at 1,100 acres

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Wildfire in Park County reported as 10 percent contained

Springer Fire map

The perimeter of the 1,100-acre Springer Fire in Park County, Colorado, based on an infrared-detecting overflight on the evening of June 18.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Concerted ground and aerial firefighting efforts paid off at the Springer Fire, burning in Park County, Colorado, as the fire only grew by about 200 acres in the past 24 hours. As of Tuesday morning (June 19) the fire was reported as 10 percent contained, with 320 firefighters at the scene. (more…)

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

Springer Fire grows to almost 1,000 acres

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

250 firefighters, two heavy air tankers battle Park County wildfire

The Springer Fire photographed Sunday (June 17) afternoon from Highway 24. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN WARNER.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY —The Springer Fire, burning near Lake George in Park County, has grown to almost a thousand acres in just 24 hours, and firefighters are throwing everything they have at the blaze to try and keep it from becoming established on the south side of Elevenmile Canyon.

Already, 250 firefighters are at the scene, with more arriving hourly. Ground crews and engines are being supported by two heavy air tankers and two helicopters, along with a lead plane to guide aerial operations. (more…)

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

Springer Fire in Park County burns 450 acres; much of Colorado to be under Red Flag fire warning on Monday

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Bob Berwyn
Springer Fire photo

Summit Voice reader John Warner sent in this view of the Springer Fire burning in Park County, Colorado. Photo taken along Highway 24.

Dangerous fire conditions are expected in Colorado again on Monday, June 18. Click for details on the Red Flag warning.

Park County fire triggers numerous evacuations

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The Springer Fire, burning since about 12 p.m., has passed 300 acres in size and triggered numerous evacuations in Park and Teller counties. According to InciWeb.org, the Park County evacuations cover the following subdivisions:

  • Wagon Tongue Subdivision
  • Echo Valley Subdivision
  • Circle C Ranch
  • Beaver Ranch
  • All of County Rd 98
  • Park County Rd 403

In Teller County, the following voluntary evacuations have been issued:

  • Wilson Lakes
  • Forest Glen
  • Blue Mountain

Speaking via phone from near the fire, spokesman Ralph Bellah said the color of the smoke has gone from black to gray in the past hour or so.

“It looks like it might have slowed down a little, but it’s hard to tell,” Bellah said, adding that a Type 2 incident management team has been ordered to the fire, burning in grasslands and ponderosa pines.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, Bellah said.

About three-quarters of Colorado is expected to be under a red flag warning for dangerous fire conditions Monday.

As so often these days, the most current updates are flowing via Twitter, under the #SpringerFire hashtag, from a variety of sources, including traditional news outlets, residents of the area and bystanders. All the links in the tweets are live, including links to photos.

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

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 5,561 other followers