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

Fire contained

The fire is now 100 percent contained. Fire crews remain on scene to watch for hotspots.


via BlackBerry

Hotline shut down

The hotline that was established Tuesday afternoon for updates on the fire is now shut down (303-271-4930). Barring any major changes in fire activity, the hotline will be disabled for this fire.

Register your phone for e911 alerts

Residents who have VOIP phone service, or no land line, will miss e911 calls unless registered to receive them. Jeffco residents can sign up for e911 phone calls by visiting our Web site here.

Conifer Meadows aka Blackhawk Fire update

Sheriff's Office deputies and firefighters will remain in the area overnight and into Wednesday.

The Sheriff's Office will maintain traffic control points to allow residents access throughout the night. Non-residents will not be allowed in the area.

Evacuated residents will be allowed to return to their homes for the evening at 6 p.m. Many homes in the area are currently without power, and power may not be restored for some time. If you are a resident and are unable to stay in your home without power, and you have no alternative places to stay, you may call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency number to request assistance: 303-277-0211.

Fire officials have dubbed the fire the Blackhawk Fire for official reporting purposes.

Fire Update

The fire is 50 percent contained. It has burned 10-12 acres. No structure damage or injuries. Crews will be on the fire all night.

Hotline for Updates

Residents may call 303-271-4930 for fire updates.

Update

The fire is holding at 5-10 acres.

Crews are protecting the homes in the immediate area of the fire.

Conifer Meadows Fire Update

Firefighters are cutting a fire line on the fire's west flank.

Deputies are going door-to-door among the homes that received the e911 phone calls to ensure that no residents missed the call. They are also looking for those who may be unable to evacuate on their own.

Conifer Meadows Fire update

The fire is holding at 5-10 acres. Crews are stationed at the houses in the immediate area of the fire.

The fire is being fueled by grasses and bushes. About five trees have burned.

The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is available for large animal evacuations.

Conifer Meadows Fire continued

There are currenly more than 30 firefighters on site and more en route. Jeffco Animal Control is also on site to help with animal evacuations.

Students attending West Jefferson Middle School, West Jefferson Elementary School, Elk Creek Elementary School and Conifer High School who live in the fire area are being held at their schools. They will not be dropped off at home by bus as usual.