False 911 calls in south Jeffco resolved

The problem causing the false 911 calls to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has been fixed. Qwest will continue to monitor to assure no further disruptions.

Meyer Ranch Fire Contained

The crews on the Meyer Ranch Fire achieved 100% containment yesterday evening as expected. Snowfall in the area, while a favorable change in the weather, raises some concern for the safety of crews as they navigate the slippery rock terrain inspecting the area for hot spots and beginning clean up of tools and fire hose.

The crews expect to finish mop-up today between noon and 2 p.m. At that time, the San Carlos crew will head back to Woodland Park, and Elk Creek Fire and Rescue will continue to monitor the area.

False 911 calls in south Jeffco

Jefferson County, Co. – April 22, 2011 - Due to a problem with the phone service, The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving false 911 calls in south Jeffco. The problem first occurred in the afternoon, and was addressed by Qwest. It has occurred again this evening, and the office has had over 50 false 911 calls to which deputies have responded.

The calls have been in the area bordered east and west by South Kipling Parkway and South Wadsworth Blvd, and north and south by West Bowles Avenue and West Coal Mine Avenue. The majority, but not all of the false 911 calls, have been in the Woodmar subdivision.

Qwest has been notified and is addressing the problem. In the meantime, if you need emergency services, and dialing 911 doesn’t work, please call the Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 303-277-0211.

Meyer Ranch Fire Update

As of 8:11 PM, full containment of the Meyer Ranch Fire was achieved. The fire will be monitored overnight. Elk Creek Fire, Jefferson County Type 6, and the San Carlos hand crew will debrief tomorrow at 7:30 am, and an additional press release will follow.

Meyer Ranch Fire Update - 5:00 P.M.

As of 5:00 p.m., full containment is still expected at approximately 8:00 PM this evening. In spite of high winds, crews continue to work effectively on the fire line. Jefferson County Sheriff will monitor the area through the evening. Elk Creek Fire, Jefferson County Type 6, and the San Carlos hand crew will continue to mop up tomorrow. No additional resources are needed for the Meyer Ranch Fire.

Meyer Ranch Evacuations Lifted

It is expected that the evacuation order for the Meyer Ranch residents will be lifted at 3:00 p.m. today.

Sheriff's Office Opening Tipline for Meyer Ranch Fire

The Meyer Ranch fire appears to be one of several started along Highway 285 in the area of Meyer Ranch, Parmalee Gulch and Richmond Hill. Sheriff’s investigators are urging citizens to contact the tipline at 303-271-5612 to provide information regarding unusual activity or suspicious persons in the area between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. The area of concern is Highway 285 between Parmalee Gulch and Richmond Hill.

Meyer Ranch Fire Update

Fire is now 50% contained. We expect 100% containment at 8:00 p.m. tonight. No additional resources are needed.

There is still active burning in forest litter and creeping fire through grass. The Type 2 hand crew will be on scene on Saturday for continued mop-up of the area.

Myer's Gulch Structure Fire

Another fire was reported in Myer's Gulch. A single-family, wood construction in Evergreen. Firefighters from Evergreen, Indian Hills and Inter-Canyon are on scene.

Fire did make an extension into the surrounding trees but firefighters were able to stop any wildland fire. Home appears to be a complete loss.

This fire in Myers Gulch is unrelated to Meyer Ranch Fire.

Meyer Ranch Fire update -- Friday morning

The fire remains at 40 acres with 20 percent containment.

Today, firefighters will focus on containment and putting out hotspots. Winds are expected to be high today.

Evacuations remain in place. Officials will be allowing evacuated residents to return to their homes at 9 a.m., briefly, with a deputy escort, to obtain medication and other necessities. Residents will be asked to present identification at the roadblock.

Meyer Ranch fire 20% contained

Fire at 40 acres, crews to stay on fire overnight.

Meyer Ranch Park fire at 20 acres

The fire burning near Meyer Ranch Open Space park is at 20 acres. It is 0% contained.

Fifty firefighters from seven agencies are on scene.

The SEAT has made one drop and a type-2 helicopter is dropping water on the fire.

New Fire at Meyer Ranch Park

A fire is burning near Highway 285 at Meyer Ranch Open Space park. The fire is currently at approximately 12 acres.

Some homes in the area have been evacuated: homes on Hillview, Valley High Road, Bobsled Trail and Fairall Road. An e911 call went out to 62 phones (that does not necessarily mean 62 homes as some are likely mobile phones).

Evacuation point is Conifer High School. Large animals may be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

A single-engine air tanker is dropping retardant on the fire. More air support is en route.

Meyer Ranch Park info.

Squaw Pass Fire update

Fire crews expect 100% containment by 8 p.m. tonight. A crew will remain in the area overnight, monitoring the fire. Tomorrow fire crews will also be in the area patrolling and monitoring the fire. The fire did not grow today.

Saturday update: Fires reduced significantly

The fire near North Turkey Creek, also called the Danks Fire, is 100 percent contained this morning. A fire crew will remain on-site doing mop-up.

The Squaw Pass fire is 75 percent contained. Total size is 10 acres. Crews continue to work on this fire.

The small fire that burned near Maxwell Falls is out, there will also be a crew doing mop-up there today.

Squaw Pass Fire update

The fire is 70 percent contained.

As of 9 p.m. all evacuations are lifted, and all roads are open.

Residents should be prepared to evacuate if fire behavior changes. Crews will remain in the area throughout the night.

Via BlackBerry

CORRECTION on Squaw Pass evacuations, road closures

Residents who live on Deep Forest from Woodland Drive to Meadow Mountain Road (or Meadow Mountain Lane) will remain evacuated until further notice. Squaw Pass Road is closed until further notice. Three homes remain evacuated on Autumnwood Drive until further notice.

Fires update - No structures burned

As of 6:15 p.m. Friday, no structures have burned in any of the reported Jefferson County fires.

Squaw Pass Fire update

Three homes remain evacuated all night on Autumnwood Drive. Others may return home at this time. There will still be traffic control points and deputies/fire crews in the area.

Jefferson County Fires April 8

The Squaw Pass Fire is burning in the Soda Creek area of Evergreen near the 1400 block of Autumnwood. It has burned 40 acres. No structures have burned as of this time, but firefighters did active structure protection on several buildings.

• Reverse 911 went to 271 phones


• Buchanan Rec center at Evergreen Parkway & Squaw Pass is an evacuation site


• Large animals may be taken to the Evergreen Rodeo grounds on Stagecoach.


• Foothills Animal Shelter will accept small animals

A fire is now burning near 24400 Snow Valley Road near North Turkey Creek and 285. Air support has been ordered for this fire.

Fire 100 percent contained

The Indian Gulch Fire is 100 percent contained after burning 1570 acres.
Via BlackBerry

Agencies involved in Indian Gulch Fire response

Representatives from more than five dozen agencies from several states were working on Indian Gulch Fire response since Sunday. The list:

Arapahoe / Roosevelt National Forest
Adams County
AMR Ambulance
Angeles N.F. (Calif)
Arizona Phoenix District
Arvada Fire Protection District
Aurora FD
Basalt & Rural FPD
Berthoud FPD
Black Hills National Forest
Boulder Fire
Broomfield Police Department
Carbondale &Rural FPA
Caribu- Targhee National Forest
Chaffee County Fire Protection District
Colorado Division of Emergency Management
Colorado Springs Fire Department
Colorado State Forrest Service
Denver Fire
Eagle County Sheriff’s Office
Eagle River Fire Protection District
EL Paso Fire Department
Evergreen Fire Rescue
Fairmount Fire Protection District
Foothills Fire Protection District
Fort Carson Fire Department
Fountain FD
Genesee Fire Rescue
Golden Fire Department
Golden Gate Fire Protection District
Indian Hills Fire Rescue
Inter-Canyon fire Rescue
Jackson County
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Lake Dillon FPD
Larkspur Fire Protection District
Littleton Fire Department
Loveland Fire and Rescue Department
Manitou Springs Fire Department
Mountain View Fire Protection District
North Metro Fire Rescue
Payette Regulars (Idaho)
Pike and San Isabel, National Forest
Platte Canyon Fire Department
Pleasant View Fire Department
Poudre Fire Authority
Rapid City FD
Rio Grande National Forest
Rocky Mountain Fire
Royal Gorge
Rye Fire
San Berdadion, (Calif)
San Luis Valley
SD-Keystone FPD
South Metro Fire Rescue
South Park County FPD
Standing Rock North Dakota
Sugarloaf FPD
Sunshine Fire
Tallahassee Rural FPA
Timberline Fire Authority
Vail Police Department
West Metro Fire
Westminster Fire

Highway 6 to open at 2 p.m. Friday

Highway 6 will be open beginning at 2 p.m. Friday. There will be fire crews doing some work in Clear Creek Canyon, so please drive with caution.

A message to Golden area residents

Indian Gulch Fire operations are still ongoing, but fire activity is significantly reduced and the fire is 77% contained.

The men and women involved in the Indian Gulch Fire response would like to extend our thanks to local residents, for your patience and support. We know that the road closures and restrictions have been frustrating, and at times confusing. We’ve talked with many of you in person, by phone and via e-mail. We appreciate the patience and understanding you’ve shown throughout this long and stressful week.

Additionally, fire crews have enjoyed a wave of support. Citizens have dropped off food, beverages, personal hygiene items, socks, and other supplies, all of which have been put to good use. Local businesses have offered free food and coffee to the firefighters between shifts.

Investigators continue to follow up on leads regarding the origin of the fire. The Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to report any suspicious activity they may have witnessed on Sunday morning that may be related to the fire: 303-271-5612.

Climate experts predict a difficult fire season ahead. All Jefferson County residents are urged to sign up to receive e911 calls on their mobile and VOIP phones. The Sheriff’s Office uses the e911 system in an emergency to contact residents. Traditional land line phones are automatically registered. Please visit the Sheriff's Office website to learn more or register.

Now that fire activity is winding down, expect to see fewer updates on the sheriff’s emergency blog.

Indian Gulch Fire map, March 25

The fire is 77 percent contained.

Indian Gulch Fire update, 7:30 a.m. Friday

From the Incident Management Team:

Fire crews will continue to construct fire line and secure the entire fire perimeter. The Indian Gulch Fire continues to burn on slopes above US Highway 6, which will remain closed throughout the day. Crews will extend burnout operations to the east along US Highway 6. Air resources will support ground crews as needed.

Fire crews made significant progress in fighting the Indian Gulch Fire, which has burned 1,502 acres in unincorporated Jefferson County, west of the city of Golden (correction from last night's post of 1,700 acres). Crews extended existing fire lines along the southeast and eastern perimeters of the fire to include the northern and much of the western perimeters. Burnout operations were conducted along US Highway 6 to assist in securing the southern perimeter of the fire. The Indian Gulch Fire is estimated to be 77% contained. There are currently no structures threatened.

“Firefighting is a physically hard and psychologically demanding job,” said Incident Commander Rowdy Muir. “The firefighters on the Indian Gulch Fire have had to deal with steep slopes and unsure footing within a complex smoky environment. The success in containing the fire goes to them and we are proud of their efforts.”

At the request of Incident Commander Muir some air resources available on the Indian Gulch Fire were directed to support firefighting efforts in Douglas County, Colorado where the Franktown Fire has burned 1,600 acres.

A stage 2 fire ban is currently in place for all areas of unincorporated Jefferson County to include all federal lands.

Fire statistics:

Date started: March 20, 2011, 10:15 am
Acreage: 1,502
Structures Threatened: 0
Air Resources: 1 Type 1 Helicopter, 1 Type 2 Helicopter, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers, 1 Fixed Wing Heavy Tanker.
Containment: 77%
Incident Information is also available on Inciweb (http://www.inciweb.org).

Indian Gulch Fire update, continued

The Type 1 IMT will likely be released mid-day on Saturday, at which time control of fire operations will return to local officials.

Residents of the Mountain Ridge subdivision in the city of Golden were released from their evacuation standby order around 5:30 on Thursday via an e911 phone call.

Late Thursday afternoon, incident commanders sent one helicopter and two SEATs to Douglas County to help with the fast-growing fire burning there.

Roadways update

On Friday, crews will be doing more work along Highway 6 in Clear Creek Canyon. Fire and law enforcement officials will work with CDOT Friday morning to reassess the safety of the roadway. Highway 6 will remain closed overnight tonight.

Golden Gate Canyon Road remains closed to non-local traffic between Catamount and Crawford Gulch. Golden Gate Canyon Road is open to all canyon area residents between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Between 7 p.m. and midnight, local traffic will require a deputy escort to travel through the canyon.

Beginning at midnight tonight, Golden Gate Canyon Road will be opened completely to all traffic. Deputies will be conducting extra patrols in the canyon throughout the night. The road will stay open Friday barring unexpected fire activity.

Indian Gulch Fire update, 6 p.m. Thursday

The Indian Gulch Fire is 77% contained, and has burned 1,700 acres.

On Thursday, fire crews had great success on the north side of the fire, closest to Golden Gate Canyon Road.

Fire crews will remain on duty overnight, monitoring the fire. Ground and air resources will begin to de-mobilize starting Friday, depending on fire behavior.

No water or retardant was dropped on the fire today, although aircraft were supervising and observing ground operations.

Fire along Highway 6

These images were taken Thursday afternoon, showing firefighters working along Highway 6. Highway 6 remains closed.

Road closures

We will post an update regarding Friday's road closures around 6 p.m. today, following an incident commanders' meeting. Closures/restrictions are not expected to change significantly, but please check back for any updates.

Jeffco Sheriff opening tipline for Indian Gulch Fire

Jefferson County Sheriff’s investigators are seeking assistance from the public regarding the Indian Gulch Fire. The fire appears to have started along Indian Gulch north of Hwy 6. Investigators have ruled out all other viable ignition sources and have determined that the fire was human caused.

Sheriff’s investigators are urging citizens to contact the tipline at 303-271-5612 to provide information regarding unusual activity or suspicious persons in the area between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 20th. The area of concern is Hwy 6 between tunnel 1 and Hwy 58, or Golden Gate Canyon Rd. between Mount Galbraith Park and Hwy 93.

Golden Gate Canyon Road update, continued

Note: During times when motorists must be escorted through the canyon, you may see several cars waiting at each roadblock. This is because deputies may wait for several cars to assemble before escorting the group into the canyon. If you see a line of vehicles, please do not assume that the cars are being stopped and turned away.

Golden Gate Canyon Road access update

Golden Gate Canyon Road remains closed to non-local traffic between Catamount and Crawford Gulch. It is open to all canyon area residents between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and again between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. During times outside those windows, local traffic will require a deputy escort to travel through the canyon.

This change is effective now.

Earlier today, the road was not open to motorists who live outside of the Catamount/Crawford Gulch boundaries. Commuters and those who normally travel through the canyon were advised to find an alernate route, in order to minimize traffic between the roadblocks.

Please have ID available when traveling through.

Indian Gulch Fire air operations

- On Wednesday, two helicopters dropped a total of 30,020 gallons of water on the fire.

- Air operations continue today.

Indian Gulch Fire media briefing, 7:30 a.m.

- Crews plan to focus on the area along Highway 6 today. Highway 6 remains closed.

- Fire remains at 1,500 acres, 25 percent contained.

- About 400 people are working on this incident.

- As of now no homes are threatened.

- Golden Gate Canyon Road restrictions remain in place for the safety and maneuverability of fire crews.

- Incident commander Rowdy Muir says this is the earliest his team has been called out, in his career as an incident commander (early spring).


Via BlackBerry

Evening Indian Gulch Fire update

The following are updates to the Indian Gulch Fire as of Wednesday evening:

• The fire is 25% contained.
• Six additional fire crews arrived Wednesday. Fire managers do not anticipate the need for any additional fire crews.
• On Wednesday, crews launched a direct attack on the north side of the fire, meaning that they began digging fire line along the north side.
• A Type 1 helicopter was able to fly most of the day, and launched multiple successful air attacks on the fire (water drops). It dropped 1,000 - 1,200 gallons of water at a time. Ralston Reservoir was used for dipping.
• Some large rocks were dislodged on the south perimeter of the fire due to the large water drops. As a result, Highway 6 was closed as a precaution. No rocks fell on the road. Highway 6 will remain closed until further notice.
• Type 2 and Type 3 helicopters were also used today.
• No SEATs were used today due to erratic winds.
• The threat to homes on the east end of the fire has diminished greatly.
• None of the firefighters has been injured.

New map of Indian Gulch Fire area as of Wednesday evening

The multi-agency IMT has released this new map of the fire's area. The fire has grown to 1,500 acres.

Evacuation center to close; Red Cross will remain on standby

From The Red Cross: The Red Cross will close the evacuation center at the First United Methodist Church, 1500 Ford St. in Golden, at 3 p.m. today. The Red Cross will remain on standby to meet feeding and sheltering needs related to the Indian Gulch fire should conditions change. Residents affected by the Indian Gulch fire who have questions or disaster-related needs can contact the Red Cross Mile High Chapter at 303-722-7474.

Highway 6 temporarily closed from Hwy. 119 - Hwy 58

Highway 6 is temporarily closed from Highway 119 to Highway 58 pending a heavy water drop on the fire nearby. The closure is a precaution, in case the water drop causes a rockslide.

Update on fire as of 1:30 p.m.

Favorable weather conditions have aided fire crews as they continue to fight the Indian Gulch Fire burning less than a mile away from the Town of Golden. The fire is burning in steep, treacherous terrain amongst a mixed conifer forest where there is no road access. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft have resumed dropping water and fire retardant along the perimeter of the fire. The Indian Gulch Fire has burned a total of 1211 acres.

Access to Golden Gate Canyon Road remains restricted and residents are encouraged to maintain a heightened awareness should an evacuation be ordered. Fire crews are concentrating resources on the north, northwestern corridor of the fire. “While the fire remains a few miles away from Golden Gate Canyon Drive, this is an excellent opportunity for residents to prepare their homes by creating defensible space, and themselves by putting together kits with personal belongings,” said Incident Commander Rowdy Muir.

There are a total of 290 firefighters on the Indian Gulch Fire. Crews represent firefighters from local, state, and federal agencies within and outside the state of Colorado. A National Incident Management Team from the Great Basin assumed command of the Indian Gulch Fire at 0600 this morning.

FIRE STATISTICS
- Date started: March 20, 2011, 10:15 am
- Acreage: 1211
- Structures Threatened: 287
- Air Resources: 1 Type 1 Helicopter, 1 Type 2 Helicopter, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 2 single engine air tankers (SEAT), 1 fixed wing heavy tanker.
- Closures: Golden Gate Canyon Road.
- Containment: 25%

Air tactical resources active

Fire crews are being assisted by an air crew that is flying above the fire and observing any changes in fire behavior. The air crew can relay information about fire behavior to crews on the ground. These "eyes in the sky" are currently ensuring that commanders are aware of the fire's breadth and activity.

Golden Gate Canyon Road access UPDATE

Fire and law enforcement commanders are restricting Golden Gate Canyon Road access. The road is open to emergency vehicles only until 5:00 p.m.

It will be open for local residents from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at which time it will be closed once again. Thursday morning, the road is scheduled to be open to residents from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m, pending fire behavior. Residents requiring access outside of these hours of access must be escorted by deputies.

Fire map

Map of fire that crews used at briefing this morning.

Golden Gate Canyon Road access UPDATE

Fire and law enforcement commanders are restricting Golden Gate Canyon Road access. The road is open to emergency vehicles only until 5:00 p.m.

It will be open for local residents from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at which time it will be closed once again. Thursday morning, the road is scheduled to be open to residents from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m, pending fire behavior. Residents requiring access outside of these hours of access must be escorted by deputies.

Fire crews' progress, obstacles, priorities

During the night, the wind caused the fire to burn back onto itself in places, helping to keep the fire perimeter the same size overall.

The north flank of the fire is the greatest priority right now because there is no containment on the north side yet. (But the north perimeter of the fire has not moved significantly since yesterday.)

Over the course of two days, hand crews constructed a fire line from Highway 6 to Golden Gate Canyon Road (about a 2-mile stretch), on the east end of the fire.

The climb for fire crews working inside the canyon is between 1,800-2,000 foot elevation. The terrain is very sloped, wooded, and rugged.

Media briefing, continued

- Cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Via BlackBerry

Media briefing taking place

Public Information Officers are briefing the media at the Splash water park in Golden.

- Air resources may be able to fly longer today with reduced winds.

- No injuries, no structure damage.

- Expecting a type 1 helicopter, a type 2 and a type 3, as well as 2 SEATs to fly today if conditions are favorable.

- The Type 1 team's involvement allows some local resources to be released to handle other local community needs.

Via BlackBerry

Golden Gate Canyon Road status - Wednesday

Until further notice, the road will be open to local traffic only. Motorists may be asked to show ID by officials at roadblocks, to ensure that only local traffic passes through. Other motorists will be turned away. It is still important to minimize Golden Gate Canyon Road traffic for the safety and maneuverability of fire crews stationed inside the canyon.

Residents should remain on standby in the event of evacuations.

Fire command

The Type 1 incident management team (IMT) took over command of fire operations officially at 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. Local fire crews remain involved in fighting the fire.
Via BlackBerry

Fire officials are briefing

Fire remains at about 25 percent containment. No significant growth overnight despite gusts of 75 mph. There are 290 firefighters here in support.
Via BlackBerry

Golden Gate Canyon Road to open at 7:30 tonight

Evacuated residents of Golden Gate Canyon may return to their homes beginning at 7:30 p.m. The road will be open to local traffic only. Motorists may be asked to show ID by officials at roadblocks, to ensure that only local traffic passes through. Other motorists will be turned away. It is still important to minimize Golden Gate Canyon Road traffic for the safety and maneuverability of fire crews stationed inside the canyon.

Residents should remain on standby in the event of evacuations.

Winds push smoke over west metro area

The city of Golden and the nearby areas are experiencing significant smoke wafting over from the Indian Gulch Fire. Jeffco Public Health has advice for avoiding health problems caused by smoke exposure: http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/news/news_item_T3_R2132.htm

Large turnout of agencies for Indian Gulch Fire

The Incident Management Team has counted 37 agencies working on the Indian Gulch Fire in firefighting, EMS, law enforcement and support roles.

PIO has left 7-Eleven for the night

The PIO who was stationed at the 7-Eleven at 93/Washington is off that detail for the night. May be replaced in the morning; check back for more on this.

We will continue to post updates to this blog this evening.

Another image of smoldering near the fire's western edge

Via BlackBerry

Photo of area burned

This photo shows a burn area near the western end of the fire.

Via BlackBerry

Golden Gate Canyon Road

The road remains closed. Those who are familiar with the road know that it is very narrow in places. Fire crews need to be able to use the road and turn large vehicles around. Thank you for understanding. We will post information when the road is reopened.
Via BlackBerry

Air support update

Air crews dropped 9200 gallons of water and 7000 gallons of retardant today.
Via BlackBerry

Fire origin

The fire appears to have started on the top of Mt. Galbraith. This afternoon the fire has continued smoldering and in some spots has pushed back on itself.

Cost of fire to date is about $680,000.

Via BlackBerry

Road closure, east end Golden Gate Canyon

Via BlackBerry

Type 1 incident management team (IMT) en route

The Type 1 Incident Management Team arriving later today is the Great Basin Type 1 team. This team also worked the recent Fourmile and Reservoir Road fires in Colorado.

Firefighting efforts on north end hampered by terrain

Air crews are reporting that the treacherous, steep terrain on the north side of the fire was hampering their efforts. Water and retardant drops in that particular area have been ineffective because the SEAT (single-engine air tanker) cannot fly low enough.

Note to residents seeking access

Residents who live above Crawford Gulch are advised to use Hwy 6 to Hwy 119 to Douglas Mountain Road. Golden Gate Canyon Road remains closed from Catamount Drive on the east to Crawford Gulch Road on the west.

Indian Gulch Fire Behavior Update

The Indian Gulch Fire has been creeping and smoldering throughout the day. It has not grown significantly in size. However, afternoon winds are expected to pick up -- which may increase fire activity, and may force air support to stay grounded.

Evacuations are still in place, and Golden Gate Canyon Road remains closed for safety during fire operations.

Fire and law enforcement officials will brief the media at 3 p.m.

SEATs and helicopters temporarily grounded

Air support is temporarily grounded due to wind conditions.

Fire Containment Update

Incident commanders are reporting that the Indian Gulch Fire is 20-25% contained as of this time.

In-person information for residents

A Jefferson County Incident Management Team public information officer is stationed at the 7-Eleven at Highway 93 and Washington in Golden for residents who are nearby and have questions.

Fire Ban Details

Reminder: Yesterday a fire ban was issued for Jefferson County. Many common tasks/tools are prohibited. Read a complete list here (PDF) http://jeffco.us/jeffco/news_uploads/hot_topics/sheriff_fire_ban.pdf

Map of fire area

This image is a map of the fire area (yellow) that firefighters used at briefing this morning. It provides a basic overview of the fire's area.

Click on the map to zoom in.

Air support is now active

Two single-engine air tankers have dropped fire retardant and are headed to reload.

One helicopter has dropped water, another is expected to be airborne soon.

High winds preventing air support

All helicopters and air tankers remain on standby; high winds are preventing them from flying. The Indian Gulch Fire has had no air support Tuesday, so far.

Two Buildings Threatened, Saved Overnight

Overnight, two homes near the west end of the fire were threatened, but firefighters were able to protect them through effective mitigation on-site. The buildings are in a remote area off Rens Run Road, and there were no other buildings threatened.

Golden Gate Canyon Road Closure details

Golden Gate Canyon Road is closed from Catamount Drive on the east to Crawford Gulch Road on the west.

Reminder re Animals

Residents are reminded that animals may be evacuated to one of two facilities:

Pets may be taken to the Foothills Animal Shelter.

Large animals may be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

There is no charge, and volunteers are available to care for the animals.

Golden Gate Canyon Road closed

Golden Gate Canyon Road is closed at the mouth of the canyon just west of Hwy. 93.

Via BlackBerry

Indian Gulch Fire Update

Fire updates:

• Nearly 1,200 acres have burned
• The fire is 15% contained
• Fire officials expect two single-engine air tankers and two helicopters to be available to fight the fire this morning.
• High winds are expected today, with gusts as high as 75 MPH
• 200 firefighters will be working the fire today, with hand crews arriving from out of state
  
• A Type 1 incident management team will arrive this evening to take over fire management
• Keep checking this blog for further updates
  

Indian Gulch Fire Update

As of March 21 at 7:00 p.m.:

• 850 acres have burned
• 15% containment
• 120 firefighters working the perimeter of the fire

The Jefferson County Incident Management Team has called for a Type I Incident Managment Team to assist with managing the fire. They are expected to arrive on the evening of Tuesday, March 22.

The Jefferson County Sheriff has issued a fire ban with specific activities strictly prohibited.

Evergreen Fire Update

As of 7:00 p.m: Crews expect 100% containment of this fire by midnight tonight. All evacuations from the Evergreen fire have been lifted. All residents have been cleared to return home. The evacuation center at Evergreen High School has been closed.

Jefferson County Sheriff Issues Fire Ban

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is implementing a fire ban for all lands in unicorporated Jefferson County, including all federal lands. Certain activities are strictly prohibited; see an inclusive list in the attached fire ban release.

Jeffco Commissioners Declare Disaster Emergency Due to Wild Fires

Because of three wildfires, which have affected areas west of Highway 6 near Golden; Evergreen’s Soda Creek Subdivision; and Conifer and Spring Creek, the Jefferson County Commissioners today issued a Disaster/Emergency Declaration. The fires are in areas where it is difficult for emergency services to respond and weather is under Red Flag conditions, which will increase the risk of additional fires. The need for outside resources to include air and ground resources will exceed Jefferson County’s capabilities.

The declaration will enable Jefferson County to access additional state and federal resources as well as seek recovery of some costs associated with the fires.

Elk Creek Fire (Conifer Area)

On March 21, 2011 at about 2:00 p.m., there was a fire in the area of Highway 285 and Kings Valley Road. The fire has been 100% contained after burning about 2 acres. One out-building was burned before it was contained. There were no reported injuries.

Evergreen Fire

There is a fire in Evergreen in the area of Soda Creek Drive and I-70. The fire started around 2:00 p.m., and is currently at 7 – 8 acres. A reverse 911 went out to 220 phone numbers in the impacted area, with the evacuation point as Evergreen High School. Structures are threatened, but none have been lost and there are no injuries reported.

Indian Gulch Fire evacuations

100 homes in the Golden Gate Canyon area have been issued an evacuation notice due to the Indian Gulch Fire. The evacuation Point is the Methodist Church located at 1500 Ford Street in Golden. The notice went out 2:45 p.m. via reverse 911.

Pre-Evacuation Notice For Golden Gate Canyon Area

Indian Gulch Fire Update

Jefferson County, Colo. -- A pre-evacuation notice has just been issued to 705 homes in the Golden Gate Canyon area. The notice was put out through the reverse 911 system at about 12:45 p.m.

Residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice, if the need arises. If you are directed to evacuate, you will receive another reverse 911 call.

People with disabilities who may need additional assistance should call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 303-271-0211 to make arrangements.

Residents with large animals are encouraged to move them now. Large animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Small animals can be dropped off at Foothills Animal Shelter.

Indian Gulch Fire Update

Indian Gulch Fire

Update as of March 21, 12:15 p.m.:

· Increased winds have been a challenge on the north flank of the fire, towards Golden Gate Canyon Road. Wind gusts of 35 mph forced crews to pull back into safety zones. The crews are re-engaging as conditions permit.
· Operations on the east end of the fire, toward the Mountain Ridge Subdivision, are going well.
· The fire is about 15 percent contained, along Hwy 6. Fire activity has been low along that south flank.
· The Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) that was supposed to fly today is continuing to have communications problems. A second SEAT has been ordered and is enroute from Idaho. It is anticipated both SEATs will be available by mid-afternoon.
· A Type 2 helicopter has been flying throughout the day. A second Type 2 helicopter is being ordered. Air support will be up as long as it is safe and effective.
· Relative humidity has dropped 17 percent in the past hour. Wind and weather conditions continue to be a concern.
· Animal evacuation teams are on standby, should they be needed.

Indian Gulch Fire at 700 acres

As of March 21, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., the latest update on the Indian Gulch Fire is:

*Approximately 700 acres burned. 15% containment on the southeast edge of the fire which is above Highway 6.

*A helicopter will be continuing water drops.

*A single engine air tanker (SEAT) has been ordered.

*There are approximately 90 firefighters working the fire.

*Highway 6 reopened at 8:45 a.m. today.

*No evacuations at this time. If there are evacuations, affected residents will receive a reverse 911 call.

*There is a red flag warning in effect with winds gusting to 35 mph. The temperatures are expected to be 70 - 74 degrees, with relative humidity at 3% to 7%.

*The firefighting efforts will be focused on the north and east sides of the fire.

Previous press releases:

March 20, 7:30 p.m.: http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/news/news_item_T3_R2117.htm

March 20, 3:15 p.m.: http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/news/news_item_T3_R2116.htm