The current goal is to lift or modify the mandatory evac area later this evening. Emergency Access to #BlueBellFire Evac Area: Those w/ a critical need will be escorted in.
Next media briefing will take place in the afternoon. We will tweet time/location as soon as the info is confirmed.
Citizen Briefing is for residents only. PIOS, Incident Commander and Evergreen Fire Chief will be at the meeting. 1:30 PM at Conifer High School.
Animal Rescue/Shelter Stats: 37 horses, 6 alpacas were @ fairgrounds, 65 small animals @ foothills, 3 cats @ Conifer HS
@Jeffcosheriffco is working w/ @efr_co to initiate a fire cause & origin investigation. This will take a few days to complete
Estimated fire size is now 15 acres. This # will continue to change as more accurate numbers are obtained from the field.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
Last edit: 22 Nov 2017 16:25 by ScienceChic. Reason: fixed broken links
Bluebell Fire Communications: Weather Update
Easterly upslope winds to prevail during the day, 5-10mph, gusting to 15mph. Max temp 65-69. Minimum humidity. Slight chance for intrusions of westerly winds ~15mph. Haze index of 4=low.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
Update from the Incident Commander
The following is an update provided by the Incident Commander Bill Easterling.
Incident Commander Bill Easterling opened the meeting by stating that the community "Should be proud and thankful to have Chief Weege" working with Evergreen Fire. Yesterday and today 140 firefighters have been fighting the fire. As a result no homes or structures have been lost. There have also been no injuries to any of the fire fighters.
Easterling told the attendees that the goal is to get all homeowners back into their homes beginning at 8:00 PM. He did caution that this was a goal but not a promise. He stated that the decision to lift the mandatory evacuation will be made "if we feel it is safe enough for you to go home". The Incident Commander defined safe by stating, "if it safe enough for you to shut your eyes and go to sleep tonight without worrying".
Easterling took some time to explain the difference between a containment line and a control line. He stated that the fire is 100% contained but it is not controlled. A containment line is a small line that surrounds the fire to help prevent fire spread. A control line is a line that will prevent the fire from passing the line under any foreseeable circumstances. There continues to be burning fire within the perimeter therefore it is important the line be a control line before lifting any additional evacuations.
The best way for homeowners to know when they can return? Continue to follow on Twitter and on this blog. Residents can also call 303-271-4930 to obtain this information.
The estimated fire size remains at 15-20 acres. This number will be updated as accurate numbers come in from the field.
There are currently 360 homes without power. The goal is to restore power by 8:00 PM prior to lifting the mandatory evacuation notice. IREA does have a generator in the area to provide back up power to some homes.
The area supervisor for Century Link attended the meeting and stated that the infrastructure in the area is intact. He provided his contact information in case anyone should have any questions: Tim Vanni: 303-596-9178.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
Last edit: 22 Nov 2017 16:26 by ScienceChic. Reason: fixed a broken link
Today the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, along with Evergreen Fire, conducted a cause and origin investigation. The investigative team has determined that a 48 foot tree came into contact with two to three power lines. The tree acted as a ground wire. This caused a fire to burn at the base of the tree. The ending result was a two foot hole that was burned into the ground. The burned area at the base of the tree ignited the ground fire which became the Blue Bell Fire. The team's official report will be available for release in a few weeks.
The estimated size of the fire has been revised down to approximately 10 acres.
The current cost estimate for the fire fighting efforts is $80,000.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
CAUSE OF FIRE : [another reason to get those dead ones and trashy trees down!]
Today the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, along with Evergreen Fire, conducted a cause and origin investigation. The investigative team has determined that a 48 foot tree came into contact with two power lines. The tree acted as a ground wire, causing a fire to burn at the base of the tree. This resulted in a two foot hole that burned into the ground and ignited a ground fire. This fire became the Bluebell Fire. The team's official report will be available for release in a few weeks.
At our house, today was a scheduled tree thinning, slash piling day in preparation for slash day at Conifer High the weekend of the 15th. We cut down about 50 trees, all small pines that were crowding out others. most were about 15' tall. we cut all the big boys down the past few years with Splintered Forest on site, chipping them all up. I'd say when we are done (also dragging all the stuff that fell over or dropped limbs over the winter); we'll have 3-4 trips worth (and we have a trailer that is 7' x 20' or so)
we also have a power line running up the back ridge (our property line). We always walk that path and make sure nothing is looking out of whack.
With the fire in Evergreen, I'd say a timely reminder to get'er done!