The Integrated Social Media Strategy

During the Lower North Fork Fire the Jefferson County Type III Incident Management Team engaged the public using a fully integrated social media strategy. 

This blog post provides access to a number of resources, archives, and documents that explain how the integrated strategy worked. 

We are releasing these statistical and analytical documents in order to share with our local and global community the strategy's many successes and lessons learned.

If you have any questions about any of this material or how it was obtained please contact us at jeffcosheriff@gmail.com.

Report:

•  Executive Summary
•  @JeffcoSheriffCo: Integrated Social Media & Public Information Strategy

Powerpoint Presentation

• Integrated Social Media Strategy: Powerpoint

 Summary Sheets: 

• Twitter Fact Sheet
• Google Products Fact Sheet

Twitter (@jeffcosheriffco) Documentation and Analysis

• Each tweet from @JeffcoSheriffCo with statisistics via Crowdbooster.com
• Documentation of every Tweet sent via @jeffcosheriffco via Twitter
• Documentation of all Tweets containing @JeffcoSheriffCo as Produced by Rowfeeder.com:
• @JeffcoSheriffCo Statistics and Data as Produced by Rowfeeder.com
• Klout Statistics and Data as produced by Klout.com

#LowerNorthForkFire Hashtag Documentation and Analysis

• #LowerNorthForkFire Hashtag Statistics
• #LowerNorthForkFire Tweets (3/28/12-4/6/12)
• Notable #LowerNorthForkFire Tweets

Blog (www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com) Posts:

• Blog Post Day 1 (March 26th)
• Blog Post Day 2 (March 27th)
• Blog Post Day 3 (March 28th)
• Blog Post Day 4 (March 29th)
• Blog Post Day 5 (March 30th)
• Blog Posts Day 6 (March 31st)
• Blog Post Day 7 (April 1st)
• Blog Post Day 8 (April 2nd)
• Blog Statistics and Data as produced by Blogger

Google Maps, Picasa, Google Docs:

•  Google Products Statistics and Data as produced by Google

Feedback via Twitter and Email:

• Positive Feedback via Twitter
• Suggestions/Criticism of @JeffcoSheriffCo’s use of Social Media
• Social Media Feedback sent to jeffcosheriff@gmail.com

Lower North Fork Fire Final Update: 4/2/12 1720:

This will be the last Lower North Fork Fire update.

We will no longer be providing updates about the Lower North Fork Fire via this blog.

The purpose of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Emergency blog is to provide updates regarding an incident during its emergency and immediate response stages. The fire is now 100% contained and all evacuation orders have been lifted. With these announcements there is no need for the frequent updates provided by this blog.

We recognize that while the emergency and immediate response stages have passed the recovery stage is just beginning. Please visit http://www.jeffco.us/ to learn more about Jefferson County's ongoing recovery efforts.

The Mountain Resource Center will also continue to function as a resource center (see prior blog post).

The use of social media during an active emergency situation is an ongoing learning effort. We would love to hear back from the community about our use of this blog and our twitter account (@jeffcosheriffco). Please write your comments about our use of social media to jeffcosheriff@gmail.com.

During an emergency do not contact Jefferson County Sheriff's Office via social media. Always call 911 in an emergency and 303-271-0211 in a non-emergency.

Lower North Fork Fire Update: 4/2/12 1700:

The Lower North Fork Fire is now 100% contained!

Thank You Message from the Type 1 IMT

Click on link to see a message from the Type 1 Incident Management Team from the Great Basin:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_3vHjXvTmbCaklaSFZRSVdSaHVLNEhSSmxoYzRsdw

Additional Resources from Jeffco Public Health

Jefferson County Public Health has provided the following three resources. Residents moving back into the area affected by the Lower North Fork Fire are encouraged to read this information.

General information regarding moving back into an area affected by wildfire:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCdThoeGltZTRUNktocElqVURzR2YzZw/edit

Food Safety:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCbmhjT3pBd0NUbDZNZXk1Wm1TcERvQQ/edit

Information about safety around properties damaged by wildfires:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCSEw4YVZfTVNSLWFMZDhHdGtjcHN4dw/edit

Resources Available at the Mountain Resource Center:

On Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM the Mountain Resource Center (MRC) will be open to provide further assistance to those affected by the Lower North Fork Fire.

The Disaster Recovery Center that has been operating at West Jefferson Middle School will be closing at 7:00 PM this evening.

The Mountain Resource Center will be open M-F from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Those affected by the fire who need further assistance can come to this location. The MRC can also be reached at 303-838-7552 or via info@mrcco.org.

The address for the MRC is 11030 Kitty Drive, Conifer, CO 80433.

Hazardous Waste Material Disposal

Residents living in the area affected by the Lower North Fork Fire are advised not to remove any of the fire damaged debris from their property. A plan is being put into place to facilitate the removal of those debris.

Fire damaged debris must be discarded in accordance with appropriate hazardous material guidelines. Information will be dissiminated to affected property owners soon.

No Citizen Briefings Scheduled for 4/2/12

There are no citizen briefings scheduled for 4/2/12. Should a briefing be necessary we will send out a notification via this website and via our twitter account (@jeffcosheriffco).

Safety Precautions for Re-Entry and Clean Up after Fire

Here is a very informative flier provided by the Jefferson County Public Health and the Incident Management Team Safety Officer. This is a must read for anyone moving back into the areas affected by the Lower North Fork Fire.

You can view the flier here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCbko2NFc0NWpSa1NZWTdrVVB5M0JvZw/edit
Copy and paste link into your browser if the website link is note clickable.

No Media Briefing Scheduled for Monday, 4/2/12:

There are no media briefings scheduled for Monday, 4/2/12. Should a briefing be necessary a notification will be sent via this website and via twitter, @jeffcosheriffco.

No Media Tours of Kuehster Road

There will be no media tours of Kuehster Road today.

Kuehster Road remains open only to residents of the area.

Kuehster Road is closed to the media and general public in order to promote continued safety and privacy as residents move back in the area. Protecting the privacy of the home owners along Kuehster Road is a top priority.

Jefferson County Public Health Message:

Residents of areas affected by the Lower North Fork Fire region are encouraged to contact Jefferson County Public Health with questions regarding personal protection and health concerns. Anyone seeking health information associated with moving back into the fire area should call 303-271-5700.

You can also find more information by visiting the Jeffco Public Health wildfire page at: http://jeffco.us/health/health_T111_R298.htm

Lower North Fork Fire Update: 4/2/12 0945:

At approximately 9:30 AM the Intermountain Rural Electric Association along with insurance adjusters and the Red Cross will be given access into the Lower North Fork Fire region. The representatives of these agencies are being escorted by members of the Incident Management Team. This is part of the continued effort to assess damages and prepare plans to restore services to all areas affected by the fire.

Updated Map of Lower North Fork Fire Area: 4/2/12 at 0800:

View Lower North Fork Wildfire in a larger map

Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service

National Weather Service Forecast for the Lower North Fork Fire Area (Specifically for Conifer)

Today: wind between 15 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Blustery, with a north northeast wind between 15 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow likely before noon, then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a north wind between 12 and 15 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. East wind at 9 mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 16 mph.

Also available at:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Conifer&state=CO&site=BOU&textField1=39.52&textField2=-105.3&e=0

Lower North Fork Fire Safety Message

All residents planning to move back into the Lower North Fork Fire affected area should read the following Safety Message. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCeURvWlY5LWJRbE9VeEIzd2hVYTludw/edit

All Evacuation Orders Lifted Tomorrow (4/2/12) at 8:00 AM

Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink and Incident Commander Rich Harvey have announced that, effective at 8:00 AM Monday morning (4/2/12), all evacuation orders will be lifted.

All of the pre-evacuation notices that have been issued will also be lifted tomorrow at 8:00 AM.

All residents will be allowed to go home starting at 8:00 AM. All roads, with the exception of Kuehster Road, will be open to the public. Kuehster Road will remain open only to residents until further notice.

Containment around the Lower North Fork Fire is now at 97%.

Residents should continue to exercise personal responsibility and discretion as they move back into the area. Please read the following document to educate yourself about the various risks associated with moving back into an area affected by wildfire. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCeURvWlY5LWJRbE9VeEIzd2hVYTludw/edit

Citizen Briefing at 5PM at West Jefferson Middle School

Jefferson County Sheriff, Ted Mink, & Incident Comander, Rich Harvey, will be at the 5:00 PM citizen briefing at West Jefferson Middle School.

Want to Support Wildland Fire Fighters? Here is How You Can!

To those who have asked how they can support the firefighters who have worked on the Lower North Fork Fire:

All year long crews of highly trained firefighters travel all over the country to fight fires that threaten communities of which they are not even a part. The fight against wildfire usually begins with local resources. When a fire grows as the Lower North Fork Fire did, the call goes out to other resources from out of the immediate area.

All of these men and women put their lives on the line and sometimes incur injuries or even die in the line of duty.

There is an organization which serves the wildland firefighting community and their families in times of tragedy. A donation to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation will provide direct assistance to firefighters and their families when they need it most.

Go to their website: http://www.wffoundation.org/ to learn more about the organization and ways you can help.

Pictures from the Lower North Fork Fire:

These pictures were taken on the evening of March 26th, 2012

Photos taken by Tim Schlung

Message from Jefferson County Animal Response Team

The Jefferson County Animal Response Team (J-CART)has worked hard during the duration of the Lower North Fork Fire. J-CART has provided services for 351 animals.

The livestock shelter at the Fairgrounds now has a phone that will be staffed as much as possible between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM every day until all animals are picked up. The number is 303.279.7303.

The Fairgrounds has the National High School Rodeo at the facility next weekend and will need every stall we are now occupying. We hope to have all the livestock returned to the owners by mid week if at all possible

Here are the groups (all part of J-CART) who helped out this last week:
*****************************************************************************
Jefferson County Horse Council Emergency Evacuation Team
Jefferson County Fairgrounds Staff
Foothills Animal Shelter and Staff
Evergreen Animal Protective League
Jefferson County Mounted Search and Rescue
Front Range Animal Evacuation Team
Animal Evacuation Volunteers
Gilpin County Animal Response Team
Jeffco HEAT (Horse Evacuation and Assistance Team)
Colorado Livestock Inspectors
Animal Emergency Management Program of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section

******************************************************************************
Here is a flyer that gives contact information on all the volunteer groups that are part of J-CART: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCbkJWdFpjYWxRemF3dzNGNmh2bHdJZw/edit

******************************************************************************

The following are statistics available from animal rescue and support efforts.
******************************************************************************

Jefferson County Fairgrounds Livestock Shelter – run by Jefferson County Horse Council Emergency Evacuation Team (JCHC EET)

245 total animals – 140 horses, 2 cows, 39 alpaca, 16 goats, 41 llama, 3 donkeys, 1 dog, 1 mule, 2 yak
******************************************************************************

Red Cross Evacuation Sites (Conifer HS, West Jeff Middle School)
Temporary Pet Shelter – run by Evergreen Animal Protective League

41 animals taken in and cared for (unknown on the breakdown just yet)
******************************************************************************

Foothills Animal Shelter
No cost temporary sheltering for evacuated pet owners

65 total animals – 21 chickens, 5 geese, 4 salamanders, 9 koi, 12 cats, 13 dogs
*****************************************************************************

A volunteer group at the Fairgrounds and the Colorado Horsecare Foodbank are working to help displaced horse and livestock owners find hay and supplies and locations to temporarily board (for time frames beyond the middle of this week) their animals until they can be returned home. See the following flyer for more information:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCbW9TVTFBTnlSLVdwVWlrWkgyOUgzZw/edit

Updated Lower North Fork Fire Map

View Lower North Fork Wildfire in a larger map

Updated Lower North Fork Fire Map Showing Road Status: 4/1/12

Here are updated maps showing the revised evacuation area.

The road status on these maps is accurate as of this morning.

The fire perimeter and containment line data is accurate as of 3/31/12 at 4:00 PM.

Lower North Fork Fire Update: 4/1/12 0930:

Containment for the Lower North Fork Fire remains at 90%.

Homes located south of the intersection of Pleasant Park Road and Keuhster Road remain under the existing evacuation order.

As of 7:00 PM on Saturday (3/31/12) residents in the existing evacuation areas, to include Maxwell Hill and Critchell Road, were allowed to return to their homes.

The Red Flag Warning was issued by the National Weather Service yesterday from 1200 noon to 8:00 PM. The NWS has has issued the same Red Flag Warning today, to go into effect from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Due to the Red Flag Warning residents moving back into the repopulated area should remember to remain vigilant and prepared to leave should conditions change.

Lower North Fork Fire Horse Update 4/01/12 0925

Horse claim information

If Jefferson County Animal Control is still housing your horse, you may claim it during daylight hours at the Jeffco Animal Shelter. Please be prepared to present proof of ownership or some form or identification, such as a driver's license, with your address on it. If you have further questions, please call Jeffco Animal Control at 303-271-5071.

Citizen and Media Briefings for Sunday 4/01/12:

Citizen and Media Briefings for Sunday 4/01/12:
There are no media briefings scheduled for Sunday April, 1st, 2012 at Conifer High School. Should a briefing be necessary we will notify the media of the briefing time via this website and via our Twitter account (@jeffcosheriffco).

There will be a citizen briefing at the West Jefferson Middle School at 5:00 PM. There will not be any briefing at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM.

Social Media Information Outreach Strategy

The beginning of any incident is typically the busiest and most information filled period. As such our social media engagement during the last few days has been high. As the incident goes forward and becomes more stable the need for rapid updates will slow relative to our prior pace.

This means that the frequency of our posts and tweets will slowly decrease in proportion with the stability of the incident. Be assured that we will continue to post and tweet each new pertinent update in a timely fashion.

Ours is a digital age where Social Media must be fully engaged. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office realizes that our information sharing strategy has differed from traditional press release based ‘pad n paper’ media outreach.

As with any strategy, we are continuously assessing our impact and how we can improve what we have already accomplished. Our internal tracking and statistics show that there have been over 2 million hits on our Lower North Fork Fire map posted on the emergency blog. We have had 300,000+ hits on the emergency blog during the duration of this incident. The number of people following the @JeffcoSheriffCo twitter account has more than quadrupled during this incident. With these numbers we believe that our strategy is working but we certainly are fully dedicated to continuously trying to improve our interaction with the community.

We will continue to provide updates via the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Emergency blog (www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com). We will also continue to post updates via twitter using @JeffcoSheriffCo.

Don’t have a twitter account? Or don’t know how to use twitter? All you have to do is visit www.twitter.com/jeffcosheriffco . Click on the link and you will see all of our recent updates (tweets). You do not have to create an account to see the tweets.

Thank you for engaging with us during this incident. We look forward to completing our social media conversation as the incident begins to further stabilize.

Citizen and Media Briefings for Sunday 4/01/12:

There are no media briefings scheduled for Sunday April, 1st, 2012 at Conifer High School. Should a briefing be necessary we will notify the media of the briefing time via this website and via our Twitter account (@jeffcosheriffco).

There will be a citizen briefing at the West Jefferson Middle School at 5:00 PM. There will not be any briefing at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/31/12 1700:

Firefighters have worked hard today to establish and hold the containment line around the Lower North Fork Fire perimeter.

The containment number is 90%.

At 7:00 PM residents in the existing evacuation areas to include Maxwell Hill and Critchell Road will be allowed to return to their homes. All homes located south of the intersection of Pleasant Park Road and Keuhster Road remain under the evacuation order.

The Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service has not been lifted. As such residents moving back into area should remember to remain vigilant and prepared to leave should conditions change.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/31/12 1600:

Search for Missing Woman Suspended

Jefferson County, Co. – With the efforts of Colorado Task Force 1, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, possible human artifacts have been located within the Appel home located at 14141 Broadview Circle.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has assumed care of the artifacts and has begun a series of forensic tests. The results are not expected for several days.

Colorado Task Force 1, the Urban Search and Rescue Team, has suspended search efforts as of 2:30 PM today.

The Appel family has asked for privacy during this time of loss.

You can view the official press release here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_3vHjXvTmbCWWV4VkZ1d2hRTnVZeFNXazk0VksyUQ/edit

Citizen and Media Briefings are now Scheduled for Saturday 3/31/12:

A Media Briefing is Scheduled for 3/31/12 at 4:00 PM, at Conifer High School.

A Citizen Briefing will take place at 5:00 PM at the West Jefferson Middle School. This briefing will be attending by Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink and Incident Commander Rich Harvey.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/31/12 1355

Cooperators Meeting Held To Coordinate for Restoration of Service

A meeting was conducted this morning by the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management and the Incident Management Team to coordinate an effort for returning services to the areas affected by the Lower North Fork Fire. Attending were representatives from American Red Cross, Century Link, IMT personnel, IREA, Rocky Mtn. Insurance Group, JeffCo Building officials, JeffCo OEM, JeffCo Assessors, and local propane suppliers (Cooperators). It was determined a two phase process would be used.

The first phase will involve the cooperators visiting the involved area to assess damage and determine what they will need to restore services. This will include both insurance and utility assessments.

The second phase will be coordinated and scheduled efforts to restore services. The timing of each phase will be dependent on fire operational activity in the area where work will be performed. The public will be kept informed on the progress of this work as it is accomplished.

Plans in Place to Assess and Restore Services to Affected Areas:

Earlier today a meeting was held by various government agencies as well as public utility companies. Plans are in place to assess and restore services to areas affected by the Lower North Fork Fire.

Stay tuned to this website for an announcement regarding updates on the effort to restore public utilities to affected areas.

Food Safety after Power Outage:

News Release from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

Barbara Hruska, director of the Department of Public Health and Environment’s Consumer Protection Division, said, “The loss of electricity may cause perishable and frozen foods to become spoiled and cause illness if eaten, even if the food is thoroughly cooked. Do not trust your eyes or sense of smell. Food may be unsafe to eat, even if it doesn’t look or smell bad.”

Hruska provided these food safety tips to follow whenever the power goes out:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.



• The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours if it is unopened.



• A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.



• If the food stored in the refrigerator has been held above 41 F for more than four hours, throw it away.



• If food stored in the freezer has thawed but is still below 41 F, it can be refrozen. Although the quality of the food may be compromised, it still should be safe to eat.

More information about food and health safety can be found at: http://jeffco.us/health/health_T111_R298.htm

There is information on this website for health concerns related to smoke, health related information for properties affected by forest fire, fire ash clean up, as well as links to the CDC Wildfires and Safety webpage and the CDPHE Health Advisories webpage.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/31/12 0955

Updated Containment

The #Lowernorthforkfire is currently at 90% containment!

Updated Lower North Fork Fire Map

Here is an updated map showing the fire perimeter and containment lines. The data on this map is accurate as of 3/30/12 at 2200.

The date and time stamp on the map is the date and time the map was printed.

Reverse 911 Pre-Evacuation Notice Sent to 500 Residences:

On Friday (3/30/12) the following Reverse 911 message was sent to approximately 500 residences near the the Lower North Fork Fire zone.

"This is an information message from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Please be vigilant to changing weather conditions and be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity which is in effect from noon to 8:00 p.m. Saturday.This notice includes areas in the current Lower North Fork Fire area. This message will be announced again about 10:00 am Saturday."

Preparation, Information, and Safety Message for Saturday 3/31/12:

Due to the National Weather Service forecast residents in the region near the fire are asked to remain prepared and vigilant.

You can view the announcement here: (http://jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com/2012/03/saturdays-33112-weather-forecast.html)

There is no new evacuation order going out at this time but residents around the fire perimeter should take the responsible steps to be prepared to leave the area if necessary.

Residents are also asked to avoid the area near the fire perimeter as much as possible in order to allow emergency vehicles clear and safe access to the fire region. Should fire conditions change first responders will need safe and rapid access to the fire area.

Safety is our top priority. Do your part to remain responsibly prepared, informed and safe.

The Incident Management Team will remain in close contact with the National Weather Service (NWS) and will be notified immediately should the weather forecast change. We will continue to use every avenue available to us to disperse any information that is pertinent to your safety.

Jefferson County Opening Fire Disaster Recovery Center

Jefferson County is opening the Lower North Fork Fire Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Conifer tomorrow to assist residents whose homes and property are damaged by the fire.

The Fire Disaster Recovery Center is a one-stop location for community members to go for assistance and recovery information regarding the Lower North Fork Wildfire.

There will be agencies, departments and organizations available to answer questions; and there will be written information for community members to take for future reference.

For more information, call 303-271-4919.

Times for the DRC:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 31, and Sunday, April 1
9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday, April 2

Location: West Jefferson Middle School, 9449 West Barnes Avenue, Conifer, Colorado

The Jefferson County Commissioners have invited several agencies, departments and organizations to participate. The following have confirmed that they will have representatives at the Disaster Recovery Center:

• American Red Cross


• Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Emergency Management and Division of Local Government


• Colorado Department of Natural Resources


• Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance and local insurance carriers


• Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (COVOAD)
  Jefferson Center for Mental Health


• Jefferson County Building Division


• Jefferson County Commissioners and County Administrator


• Jefferson County Human Services


• Jefferson County Public Health


• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control


• Mountain Resource Center


• Salvation Army

The Church of the Brethren will provide child care to community members while at the Disaster Recovery Center.

Sheriff Orders Fire Ban for all Areas of Unincorporated Jefferson County

Jefferson County, Co. – Effective on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 3 p.m., a fire ban will be implemented for all areas of unincorporated Jefferson County.

These restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human caused wildfires.

This temporary fire ban, dated and executed below, supersedes all previous fire restrictions and fire bans. This order applies to all lands in unincorporated Jefferson County, to include all federal lands.

Because of continuing high fire danger conditions in Jefferson County, the following activities are strictly prohibited:

1. Anything which produces an open flame or has the potential to create an uncontrolled fire.

2. Building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire to burn trash, debris, fence rows or vegetation, or any campfire or warming fire.

3. Use of charcoal or other open fires on any public or private lands.

4. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.

5. Operating a chain saw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arresting device properly installed and in effective working order, and having a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight (8) ounces capacity by weight, and possessing one large size pointed shovel with an overall length of at least thirty-six (36) inches. The extinguisher shall be with the chain saw operator. The shovel may be kept with the fueling supplies, but readily available for quick use.

6. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except within an area that is barren or cleared of all combustible material at least ten feet on all sides from the equipment.

7. Use of an explosive initiation system requiring a burning fuse line.

8. Permissible fireworks, as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-28-101.
Exemptions to this temporary fire ban are listed below:

1. Persons with a valid written permit from the Sheriff and/or the local fire department which specifically authorizes the prohibited act.

2. Any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Any fires contained within liquid fueled or gas fueled stoves.

NOTE: Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of this temporary fire
ban shall not be authorized unless one of the exemptions listed above applies.

Exemptions to this temporary fire ban shall be granted within non-federal land only by the Sheriff, and/or the local fire department only if the proposed action is deemed by the Sheriff and/or the local fire department or district to be safe and mitigable. Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are not limited to:

A. Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby.
B. Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby.
C. Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene or standby during the activity.

Pursuant to County Resolution CC 97-433, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.

This temporary fire ban becomes effective at 3 p.m. on March 30, 2012 and shall remain in effect until superseded or rescinded.

Saturday's (3/31/12) Weather Forecast

Saturday Weather Forecast as of 3/30/12 at 1500 Hours (3:00 PM)

The National Weather Service (NWS) has advised the Lower North Fork Fire Incident Management Team that a Red Flag warning will go into effect tomorrow, Saturday 3/31/12, at noon.

The following forecast was released by the NWS:

“Red Flag Warning in effect from noon to 8 PM MDT Saturday…An upper level ridge will cover Colorado now through Saturday. By Saturday night…southwesterly flow aloft will be on the increase…continuing into Sunday night. An upper trough will push across Colorado through mid day Monday. Winds are expected to increase over the Burn area on Saturday and continue fairly strong Saturday night and Sunday. With the upper trough approaching Sunday night…winds will decrease. Behind the trough on Monday…cooler…more moist weather is expected.”

Continue to follow www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com for additional information.

Citizen and Media Briefings For Saturday 3/31/12:

There are no scheduled media or citizen briefings set for Saturday morning. There will be briefings in the afternoon.

The time of those briefings will be determined after weather conditions are fully assessed.

An update regarding expected conditions will be posted on this website shortly.

Due to the potential change in weather conditions there will be no media tour of the fire zone on Saturday 3/31/12.

We will share (via this blog and via the our twitter account @jeffcosheriffco) the time and location of the afternoon briefings as soon as they have firmly been set.

Lower North Fork Firefighters Appreciate Donations

Over 100 firefighters will rest easier tonight with a new pillow.

Bed, Bath & Beyond donated 104 pillows to firefighters working the Lower North Fork Fire in Conifer, Colorado. The pillows were among many donations from the community.

The firefighters and Incident Management Team would like to thank the following business for the kind and generous donations:

· Angry Llama
· Starbucks
· JJ Madwells
· Conifer Chamber of Commerce
· Cabin Creek
· Beaver Ranch
· Chick-Fil-A
· InStar Restoration
· King Soopers
· Coffee Shack
· Bed, Bath & Beyond

These donations allowed the firefighters to focus on firefighting efforts, rest and preparation for renewed attack on the fireline. The firefighters appreciate these donations and the continued support of the community.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/30/12 1900:

Over 550 firefighters attacked the fire from the ground today. These responders worked hard to extend established containment lines. The fire is now 70% contained with only 3.5 miles of containment line left to build.

Today’s observed fire behavior was creeping ground fire with smoldering in the areas of heavier fuels.

Fire crews are still combating steep and rugged terrain. Low humidity and high quantities of unusually dry fuels continue to be a factor on the fire. Forecasts are indicating that Red Flag conditions may be present on Saturday and Sunday.

These conditions have contributed to the decision to not lift the evacuation orders for the 180 homes in the Kuehster, Critchell, and Maxwell Hill neighborhoods.

The planned fire fighting strategy for tomorrow will include continuing to construct and improve containment lines while also continuing mop up efforts. Evacuation zones will be reevaluated as conditions change.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/30/11 1600:

Major progress was made establishing containment lines around the fire today. The fire acreage remains at 4140 acres.

The containment line is now at 70%.

Evacuation orders for the 180 homes in the Kuehster, Critchell, and Maxwell Hill neighborhoods have not been lifted.

The Urban Search and Rescue team has continued the search for Ann Appel. They have covered 150 acres just today. The total number of acres which they have searched is 360 acres.

The Intermountain Rural Electric Association is continuing to repair damaged power lines. According to the IREA a total of 267 homes lost power as a result of the fire. They have managed to restore power to 211 homes and will continue to work to restore power to the remaining 56 homes as conditions allow.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has utilized 9 patrol vehicles for the specific purpose of temporarily escorting evacuees to their property. As of 3:00 PM Sheriff's Deputies had escorted evacuees back into 30 properties. The Sheriff’s Office will continue the escorts beginning at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Residents should call the following numbers to set up an appointment: 720-454-4968 & 303-271-4930. Residents must set up an appointment before they can be escorted beyond the fire perimeter. Appointments will be made on a first come first served basis.

Updated Maps Showing Perimeter and Containment Lines

The following are maps showing the Lower North Fork Fire perimeter and containment lines.

The date and time stamp on the upper right corner of each map is the date and time the map was printed.

The data shown on these maps is accurate as of 3/29/12 at 10:00 PM

Scheduled Media Tour Cancelled for Today, 3/30/12

Today's media tour of the Lower North Fork Fire has been cancelled due to limited resources and safety concerns.

A media briefing at Conifer High School is still scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Next Media Briefing Scheduled for 3/30/12 at 4:00 PM

The next media briefing will take place at Conifer High School at 4:00 PM.

Updated Map Showing Perimeter of Fire as of 3/29/12 at 2200

The Lower North Fork Fire map has been updated with an accurate perimeter line as of 3/29/12 at 2200 hrs. Click on the link below to see a larger map with greater detail.

Be advised that road open/closed status could change with little or no notice due to current conditions on the ground.

This map does not show which areas on the fire perimeter have been contained. We are working to provide that information as soon as possible


View Lower North Fork Wildfire in a larger map

Red Cross to Close Shelter, Transition to Recovery Operations

[Conifer, CO – March 30, 2012] – The American Red Cross will end sheltering operations at West Jefferson Middle School at noon today and will transition to helping residents affected by the Lower North Fork Fire with their recovery.

Two evacuated residents stayed at the shelter overnight last night, down from 14 the night of March 28. The Red Cross, through its partnership with Journey Christian Church, served breakfast this morning and will serve lunch today.

Red Cross caseworkers will be at West Jefferson Middle School from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Saturday to meet with any residents affected by the wildfire and start the process of planning for their recovery. Residents affected by the wildfire may also call (303) 722-7474, option 2, and request to speak with casework or leave a message for casework with their name, phone number and address, and the best time to reach them.

Resident briefings by the Incident Management Team will also continue to be given at the middle school at regular times, but will take place in the lobby instead of the cafeteria.

The Red Cross is prepared to return to sheltering operations if conditions change and residents are re-evacuated.
Lower North Fork Fire Red Cross Response by the numbers (3/26 through 3/29):
- 55 total overnight stays
- 1094 meals served
-1400 snacks served
- 20 clean-up kits distributed
- 50 volunteers & employees participated in response
- 40 Health Services contacts (helping with medications, oxygen, etc.)
- 300 firefighter comfort kits distributed

Posted with permission directly from the Red Cross Website: http://www.coloradoredcross.org/detalle_noticias.asp?id=11669&IdCapitulo=Q4Q26NY21N

Lower North Fork Fire Donation Update 3/30/12 1107

Specific donations are being requested to assist the families impacted by the Lower North Fork Fire. 100% of the items donated will go directly to the families impacted and displaced by the fire.

Mountain Resource Center, a local community center in Conifer, located at 11030 Kitty Dr., has agreed to accept the following items Monday-Friday 9-5 and this Saturday and Sunday from 9-2:

• Cash or checks- checks may be mailed to Mountain Resource Center, P.O. Box 425 Conifer, CO 80433

• Financial donations may be made at www.mrcco.org

• Gift cards in small denominations of $15-25.00 (Target, Wal-Mart, local grocery stores and gas stations)

• Pantry food items that are non-perishable

• Those wishing to donate furniture or appliances are asked to contact the center directly at 303-838-7552 or email info@mrcco.org. Mountain Resource Center is not able to accept furniture at this time but will coordinate requests with community members wishing to donate.

• Mountain Resource Center is not able to accept clothing items at this time.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/30/12 0940

Additional telephone number for affected residents

An additional telephone number for affected residents within the Lower North Fork Fire evacuation zone has been set up. If the original telephone number, 720-454-4968 is busy, please call 303-271-4930 to set up an appointment.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/30/12 0913

Firefighting crews continue to make strong progress containing the Lower North Fork Fire.

Today’s firefighting strategy will be focused on increasing the containment line as well as working on mopping up spot fires; specifically those located on the North East side of the fire.

Fire crews are working diligently to strengthen the fire containment line in order to prepare for increased winds that may begin to take shape Saturday evening going into Sunday. Contingency plans have been put in place in the event that those winds cause the fire to jump the existing and future containment lines.

A total of five other helicopters will continue to assist firefighters from the air. The four Blackhawk helicopters that were used yesterday are no longer needed and have returned back to Buckley Airforce Base. Over 500 firefighters continue to fight the fire from the ground.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team will continue to search for the missing person, Ann Appel. The USAR team will also be conducting a more intensive search of Appel's last known location. The team has already combed over 219 acres with today’s goal of searching an additional 80 acres. The Appel family has asked that the media respect their privacy and refrain from contacting them directly.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will continue escorting the remaining evacuees into their neighborhoods for a quick inspection of their homes. By appointment only, this will take place on a first come first served basis between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily until those who are interested in participating have done so. Affected resident may call 720-454-4968 to set up an appointment. The Sheriff's Office will attempt to try to escort in approximately 40 property owners per day.

The Red Cross Shelter at West Jefferson Middle School will be transitioning from an evacuation shelter to a disaster recovery center. This transition will take place at approximately 1200 today.

The US Post Office in Aspen Park is holding mail for those residents with homes in the evacuation area. Evacuees, with appropriate identification, are welcome to pick up their mail during business hours.

Century Link and the Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) have had the opportunity to evaluate utility damage within the fire zone. They will continue to make repairs as rapidly as conditions allow.

Continue to follow www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com for further updates. You can also follow us on Twitter via @jeffcosheriffco.

Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service

Weather Forecast for the Lower North Fork Fire Region
As available at: http://www.weather.gov/

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. West wind between 3 and 8 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind between 7 and 13 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast. Winds could gust as high as 16 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Breezy, with a west southwest wind between 9 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 6 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Next Citizen Briefing is Scheduled for 9AM Friday Morning

Next citizen briefing is scheduled for 9AM Friday morning at the West Jefferson Middle School.

Media Briefing for Friday Morning 3/30/12: 7:30AM

Media Briefing for Friday morning, 3/30/12, is scheduled for 7:30 AM at Conifer High School.

Lower North Fork Fire Donation Request

Press Release on Behalf of the Mountain Resource Center

Specific donations are being requested to assist the families impacted by the Lower North Fork Fire. 100% of the items donated will go directly to the families impacted and displaced by the fire.

Mountain Resource Center, a local community center in Conifer, located at 11030 Kitty Dr. has agreed to accept the following items Monday-Friday 9-5 and this Saturday and Sunday from 9-2:

• Cash or checks- checks may be mailed to Mountain Resource Center, P.O. Box 425 Conifer, Co 80433


• Financial donations may also be done at http://www.mrcco.org/
  Gift cards in small denominations of $15-25.00 (Target, Wal-Mart, local grocery stores and gas stations)


• Pantry food items that are non-perishable


• Springtime seasonal new or near new clothing - folded and placed in boxes

Those wishing to donate furniture or appliances are asked to contact the center directly at 303-838-7552 or email info@mrcco.org. Mountain Resource Center is not able to accept furniture at this time but will coordinate requests with community members wishing to donate.

Resources for Families Returning to their Properties

Jefferson County Public Health has provided the following resources for the community as they return to their properties:

• After the Power - Food Concerns
• Properties Impacted by Fire Damage
• Coming Home After a Fire Evacuation
  

Message from the family of Ann Appel: 3/29/12 1815

The following is a statement that the family of Ann Appel has issued:

We are urgently searching for Ann, and appreciate your prayers for her safety. We are deeply grateful for all of those helping in the search. Thank you for your concern and for respecting our privacy during this difficult time.

Please continue to pray.

The Appel family

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/29/12 1800:

The Lower North Fork Fire is now 45% Contained.

A total of 3.5 miles of containment line was cut by fire crews today.

There was no perimeter growth today. The fire acreage is steady at 4,140.

The current standing evacuation includes 180 homes. These homes are located in the following neighborhoods: Kuehster, Critchell, and Maxwell Hill.

All local home owners with confirmed damaged properties have been escorted to their property by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. There are two homeowners who have not made it back to their property because they are coming from out of the area.

The Urban Search and Rescue Team has continued to search for the missing person, Ann Appel. They have covered over 219 acres during their search.

The fire behavior that was observed today was primarily creeping ground fire with some areas of smoldering in heavier fuels.

The challenge for the next 24 hours is managing the very technical and difficult terrain. The challenge for the coming weekend will be the potential for higher winds. Contingency plans are in place in the event that the wind pushes the fire over existing and future containment lines.

The Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) Power company has worked to reestablish power to previously evacuated homes.

Continue to follow www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com for additional updates.

Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/29/12 1600:

Current Verified list of Structures Damaged by the North Fork Fire

1. 17000 Elk Ridge Road
2. 13637 Kuehster Road
3. 13657 Kuehster Road
4. 13801 Kuehster Road
5. 13807 Kuehster Road
6. 14419 Eagle Vista Drive
7. 14409 Eagle Vista Drive
   
8. 16950 Elk Ridge Road
9. 17020 Elk Ridge Road
10. 17050 Elk Ridge Road
11. 17051 Elk Ridge Road
12. 13647 Kuehster Road
13. 18656 Rocky Top Trail
14. 18516 Rocky Top Trail
15. 18776 Rocky Top Trail
16. 18726 Rocky Top Trail
17. 18006 Rocky Top Trail
18. 13097 Arrowhead Springs Trail
19. 13697 Arrowhead Springs Trail
20. 13707 Arrowhead Springs Trail
21. 17254 Arrowhead Springs Trail
22. 17223 Arrowhead Springs Trail
23. 14141 Broadview Circle
24. 14201 Broadview Circle
25. 17986 Rocky Top Trail

Current Interactive Map

View Lower North Fork Wildfire in a larger map