INCIDENT UPDATED 23 MIN. AGO
Approximate Location
38.233 latitude, -105.683 longitude
Fire activity increased yesterday along the Southwest flank adding approximately 100 acres to the fire's size. This morning, fire managers will be using aerial resources to slow the fire activity on that southwest flank where the control lines are not directly adjacent to the fire's edge. The increased firefighting activity should NOT be cause for alarm. These actions are simply keeping in line with the long term management strategies for the fire. As significant events happen, we will update this site accordingly.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday June 12th, 2011 approx. 03:00 PM
Location 8 miles NW of Westcliffe, Co
Incident Commander Jerry Drazinski
Current Situation
Total Personnel 148
Size 4,478 acres
Percent Contained 80%
Estimated Containment Date Tuesday June 28th, 2011 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved 2 Timber (grass and understory), Fire behavior models include fuel model 5,9,10.
Fire Behavior Smoldering in heavy dead and down fuels. Occassional active interior burning within islands.
Significant Events Increased fire activity was observed on Saturday. Evacuations remain in effect for the Rito Alta mine.
Outlook
Planned Actions Monitor uncontained fire perimeter and continue with repair work.
Incident Overview
Rains fell on the fire off and on yesterday keeping fire activity to a minimum. As a result there were no helicopter operations needed. Growth was limited to about one acre.
Crews are working on trail rehabilitation within the perimeter of the fire and have completed work on more than 5 miles of trail, cleaning up logs, snags and other hazards.
Residents of the Rito Alto subdivision as well as the Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp remain evacuated.
Due to the inaccessible terrain on the west flank, aerial attack will continue as the primary firefighting strategy when needed, and the fire will remain at 80% containment for some time.
Fire crews remain prepared to respond to initial attack on other fire starts in the area.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday June 12th, 2011 approx. 03:00 PM
Location 8 miles NW of Westcliffe, Co
Incident Commander Jerry Drazinski
Current Situation
Total Personnel 115
Size 4,650 acres
Percent Contained 80%
Fuels Involved 2 Timber (grass and understory) Fire models include fuel model 5, 9, 10.
Fire Behavior Creeping, moderate ground runs. Growth limited by helicopter bucket operations. Areas of growth are primarily limited to S. Lake Creek drainage.
Significant Events Resources returning from Mason Fire Initial Attack.
Outlook
Planned Actions Adhere to Long Term Management Plan (RMACC Type II Team Continue to subdue fire growth with heavy hellicopter bucket operations. Attempt to contain fire within M.A.P. 1 and M.A.P. 2. Support local district with initial attack.
Growth Potential High.
Terrain Difficulty Extreme
Remarks Salmon Heli-rapellers released. Their numbers are not reflected in report. Monument H-Tac still committed to Duckett, currently staffing Bear Fire, their numbers are included in report. Long Canyon Eng 662 reassigned to Mason Fire 7-05-11 1700 hrs.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 8-10 mph SE
Temperature 85 degrees
Humidity 14%
Continue to subdue fire growth with heavy hellicopter bucket operations. Attempt to contain fire within M.A.P. 1 and M.A.P. 2. Support local district with initial attack.
