Second Fatality Confirmed Within the Fire Zone
A second fatality has been discovered within the fire zone near the location of the first. Both fatalities are being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire has grown to 4,500 acres. Sixteen structures have burned thus far; that number is subject to change. The Type 1 Incident Management Team from the Great Basin Area of Montana is expected to arrive this evening to assist in the management of the incident.
Colorado Lt. Governor Garcia is expected to visit the fire zone today.
The next press briefing will occur at 4:00 PM at Elk Creek Fire Statoin #1.
Continue to follow this blog site as well as @JeffcoSheriffCo on Twitter for more updates.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Animal Shelter Update
Jeffco Fairgrounds is currently housing 69 horses, 30 Alpacas and Llamas and 2 cows. In addition, 22 small animals were sheltered over night at Conifer High School.
Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/27/2012 0920
The Lower North Fork Fire is at 0% containment with no controlled fire line. However, current fire fighting strategy has changed from point protection to active fire suppression.
Grass, shrubs and “duff” are fueling the fire along with Ponderosa Pine Trees. The Ponderosa Pines will typically burn hot and continuous until they are nothing more than white ash. Heavy tree canopies combined with high temperatures and a lack of humidity are contributing to the volatile conditions as well.
Hot Shot Fire Crews are on the way from Utah, Arizona and South Dakota; upon arrival they will be immediately deployed to the fire zone.
Grass, shrubs and “duff” are fueling the fire along with Ponderosa Pine Trees. The Ponderosa Pines will typically burn hot and continuous until they are nothing more than white ash. Heavy tree canopies combined with high temperatures and a lack of humidity are contributing to the volatile conditions as well.
Hot Shot Fire Crews are on the way from Utah, Arizona and South Dakota; upon arrival they will be immediately deployed to the fire zone.
Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/27/12 0915
Be advised that the Chatfield High School evacuation point has been shut down. Primary evacuation point remains Conifer High School.
Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/27/11 0715
A media briefing was held at 0630. The following information was shared
25 people sheltered overnight at the Conifer High School Evacuation Point.
The fire is estimated to be over 3050 acres
Over 450 firefighters are expected to be working the fire by the end of the day.
A Lead Plane has been ordered from Ogden, Utah
A Heavy Tanker and a Heavy Heli-Tanker has been ordered. Deployment of air support is dependent on weather conditions.
The confirmed fatality is not an emergency response member but likely a resident or visitor to the area.
PIOs have been dispatched to the Conifer High School Evacuation Point. They will conduct a citizen briefing at approximately 0745 hours.
Somewhere between 15-25 structures and/or outbuildings have been lost due to the fire.
We are working to provide an up to date evacuation and fire area map. The release of this data has been delayed due to our desire to only share verified data.
25 people sheltered overnight at the Conifer High School Evacuation Point.
The fire is estimated to be over 3050 acres
Over 450 firefighters are expected to be working the fire by the end of the day.
A Lead Plane has been ordered from Ogden, Utah
A Heavy Tanker and a Heavy Heli-Tanker has been ordered. Deployment of air support is dependent on weather conditions.
The confirmed fatality is not an emergency response member but likely a resident or visitor to the area.
PIOs have been dispatched to the Conifer High School Evacuation Point. They will conduct a citizen briefing at approximately 0745 hours.
Somewhere between 15-25 structures and/or outbuildings have been lost due to the fire.
We are working to provide an up to date evacuation and fire area map. The release of this data has been delayed due to our desire to only share verified data.
Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/27/11 0615
A Media Briefing is scheduled for 0630. Command and General Staff meetings will be taking place at 0700. We will continue to use this blog to post pertinent information as it comes available. You can also follow the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter by following @JeffcoSheriffCo. We are posting updates to the #LowerNorthForkFire hashtag. Thank you to all for remaining diligent and safe during this effort.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Lower North Fork Fire Update
ONE FATALITY CONFIRMED WITHIN THE FIREZONE
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed one fatality within the Lower North Fork Fire zone. The fatality is being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire is predominantly burning on the ground with some fire in the tree canopies. Officials anticipate the fire to burn for an extended period of time. Current winds are at about 20 MPH – 30 MPH and are blowing in all directions. Homes have been lost in the Kuester Road area but there is no confirmation on the number of structures affected.
Fire crews will be out all night focusing on structure protection. This is a defensive mode because crews are unable to get in front of the fire. Spotting has been seen ½ - 1 mile ahead of the fire which indicates the fire is still active and moving.
A Type 1 Federal Incident Management Team has been ordered and should be on site in the next day or two. Air support is also on order but that will be purely dependant on the wind.
Tomorrow’s fire behavior is expected to be similar to that of today. Erratic fire behavior will most likely result due to swift and shifting winds that are expected into tomorrow.
The shelter at Conifer High School has 90 people and 65 dogs on site. The shelter at Chatfield High School is functioning as an information clearing house at present but is available for sheltering evacuees.
Due to extreme fire conditions, entrance into affected areas to rescue animals is prohibited. If you need help or have animals in need of evacuation, call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for assistance at 303-271-0211.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed one fatality within the Lower North Fork Fire zone. The fatality is being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire is predominantly burning on the ground with some fire in the tree canopies. Officials anticipate the fire to burn for an extended period of time. Current winds are at about 20 MPH – 30 MPH and are blowing in all directions. Homes have been lost in the Kuester Road area but there is no confirmation on the number of structures affected.
Fire crews will be out all night focusing on structure protection. This is a defensive mode because crews are unable to get in front of the fire. Spotting has been seen ½ - 1 mile ahead of the fire which indicates the fire is still active and moving.
A Type 1 Federal Incident Management Team has been ordered and should be on site in the next day or two. Air support is also on order but that will be purely dependant on the wind.
Tomorrow’s fire behavior is expected to be similar to that of today. Erratic fire behavior will most likely result due to swift and shifting winds that are expected into tomorrow.
The shelter at Conifer High School has 90 people and 65 dogs on site. The shelter at Chatfield High School is functioning as an information clearing house at present but is available for sheltering evacuees.
Due to extreme fire conditions, entrance into affected areas to rescue animals is prohibited. If you need help or have animals in need of evacuation, call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for assistance at 303-271-0211.
Lower North Fork Fire
The Lower North Fork Fire has grown to over 3,000 acres and reverse 911 calls have been made to over 900 homes, asking for those residents to evacuate.
All residents south of Highway 285 in the area of the fire are asked to be prepared to evacuate.
The evacuation points are Conifer High School and Chatfield High School.
Animal evacuations, both large and small, can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Subdivisions that received reverse 911 calls include Maxwell Hill, Sampson, Kuehster, Critchell, Silver Ranch Estates, Oehlman Park, and Conifer Meadows north of Foxton Road. This may not be an all-inclusive list.
Major road closures:
· Pleasant Park Road is closed from Highway 285 to Deer Creek Canyon.
· Foxton Road is closed from Highway 285 to River Road.
There are 100 firefighters working the fire, with more on the way. The firefighters have been in a defensive posture focusing on structure protection and evacuations.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, April 22, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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